Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Gongura/Roselle Recipes: A Nutritional Powerhouse in Culinary Delights

Gongura, also known as roselle or sorrel, stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a spectrum of health benefits that cater to various aspects of well-being. Renowned for its digestive properties, gongura aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting optimal gut function.

Moreover, this versatile plant contributes to heart health, assisting in managing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable addition for those seeking natural ways to alleviate inflammation within the body.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Senior Entrepreneur Ms. Nava's Holistic Journey

Starting a business is like stepping into a world where people are ready to help, showing how kind they can be. Kindness is free, but let's be clear. Hearing from those who began their business from scratch, funding it themselves, gives you real insight.

I'm Ms. Nava, your "Senior Entrepreneur," and I started all this at 58. I prefer calling my hair color "light brown" instead of gray. Over the past two years, I've smoothly navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Mandarin Orange Recipes: Reviving Leftover Sustainable Eats

The festival season and our current Chinese New Year, marked by communal meals and expressions of love, often leave us with delightful leftovers. Even the fruits, integral to these celebrations, like mandarin oranges and others, may find their way into the surplus. So, what do you do with these remnants?

Before delving into creative recipes, let's take a moment to consider those around the world who may not have enough to eat. This reminder prompts us to embrace sustainable living, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. As a first step, consider freezing or storing both the leftover dishes and fruits, as I'm about to guide you through some fantastic recipes to make the most of them.

Friday, February 9, 2024

Kalyana Virundhu Cafe - Dining Experience

On this particular Sunday, the delightful quest for a dining spot led us to Kalyana Virundhu Cafe (10G, Jalan Kemuning Prima F33/F, Kemuning Utama Shah Alam, 40400 Selangor), an addition to the Indian food scene and conveniently situated not far from our residence in Kemuning Greenville, Shah Alam. As always, my husband's unwavering love for Indian cuisine (The Grand Mapillai) contrasts with my enthusiasm for exploring diverse culinary experiences (Exploring A Kopitiam), making the decision a harmonious one in our culinary journey.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

"Sustainable Elegance: Pandan Leaves as Culinary and Decorative Wonders"

Over time, the evolution in my home has been a conscious departure from plastic flowers and decorations. Cleaning them posed a constant hassle, and they merely accumulated dust. As an advocate for sustainable development, with a deep commitment to preserving the Earth and nurturing nature (Cultivating Green Living), I firmly believe in relinquishing old habits tied to plastic, a material contributing to pollution and waste.

Monday, February 5, 2024

Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: Noodle Adventures

My fondness for noodles, especially the Chinese-style variety, is beyond dispute, and my preference leans towards the comforting soup-based options rather than their dried counterparts. In my quest for diverse broth and soup-based noodle experiences, it was fortuitous that my other half-half stumbled upon the Asian Fusion Seafood Curry House: U31, U, 25, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam (Manjoe Taiwanese Dumpling & The Charcoal Grill), 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor), proposing it as our next culinary expedition. His love for seafood and the mere whisper of the word "Curry" were reason enough, influenced by his inherent appreciation for the flavors ingrained in his Indian genes. He persuaded me to try the curry house, and I willingly agreed, anticipating noodle creations.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Moringa Stir Fry Magic: Enjoying the Superfood Blend

Nature, with its gentle touch, generously shares treasures, cradling those who marvel at its wonders. A testament to the perpetual dance of growth and care emerged when a robust moringa tree replaced one lost to strong winds. Beyond its abundant fruits, moringa unfolds leaves brimming with the nutritional richness bestowed by nature (Cultivating Green Living).

Wrapped in antioxidants, these leaves act as guardians against life's subtle stresses, providing essential nutrients crucial for orchestrating our bodies' balance. Promising to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, moringa extends a friendly hand to health-conscious individuals.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Nava's Zen: Cultivating Green Living in Urban Zen

The passion for sustainable living (Cultivating Sustainable Living) seamlessly transitioned into the heart of my nature-inspired fitness zen, Nava's Zen. This time around, I expanded the concept to embrace the essence of green living. Bringing this vision to life required significant self-financing, involving a substantial portion of my savings and a contribution from my husband. The transformation began with the porch of our zen, nestled in a double-storey link house adjacent to our home. This space underwent a complete makeover, with the contractor's fee, soil addition, and various other necessities being covered to convert it into a haven of green living (Cultivating Convenient Gardening).

Monday, January 29, 2024

Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings (Kota Kemuning): A Rainbow of Colors

A few days ago, while in the midst of grocery shopping for our home, I stumbled upon Manjoe Taiwanese Dumplings in Kota Kemuning. The Rainbow Dumpling immediately caught my attention with its vibrant colors:

Earthy Green Spinach/Chives 

Bright Yellow Pumpkin/Signature 
Soft Red Beetroot/Spicy Kimchi 
Vibrant Blue Butterfly Peas Flowers/Fresh Prawns 
Original/Fresh Fish 
Mellow Black Charcoal/Cabbage  ...........all crafting a holistic wellness color allure on my palate.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Turmeric Wrapped Grilled Fish Platter: An Experience in Culinary Mindfulness

Mindful eating is all about savoring each bite as an expression of love for food. While the saying "we are what we eat" holds true, it doesn't mean settling for bland meals. Indulge in delightful, mind-loving, and delicious food with just a touch of mindful thinking. Crafting wonderful meals becomes part of your mindful eating journey.

Consider this Malaysian platter: 

A modest portion of steamed basmati rice 

Grilled aubergine mixed with raw shallots, chillies, and lime juice

Turmeric-wrapped fish marinated with fresh turmeric juice, a dash of salt, a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick

Our local Malaysian herb, Ulam Raja, also known as King Salad. 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Radiant Aging: Dignity Through Holistic Wellness

As an ardent advocate for anti-aging, let me unveil the true essence  - it's not about chasing fleeting youth or cosmetic fixes. Instead, it's an artful practice of presenting your best self at every age through self-care. Imagine yoga as the enchanting melody in this anti-aging masterpiece, harmonizing mind, body, and soul for a resonant aging journey.

For me personally, yoga has been a profound mentor of mindfulness - revealing my identity, strengths, and weaknesses. It has guided me in recognizing my tribe, influencing how I conduct yoga sessions with mindfulness as a vital component. This heightened awareness has expanded my thinking, becoming an integral part of my journey as I age with dignity.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Malaysian Vegetarian Korma Curry: A Culinary Harmony of Homegrown Flavors

Can I express how the aromatic wafts of Korma Curry permeate my home with a delightful warmth? Well, it's not merely about preference; it's a culinary delight, especially for my significant other, who has an insatiable craving for curry. Thus, approximately every two months, I embark on crafting a Korma dish, each time experimenting with a different twist (Muglai Style Vegetarian Korma). The variety comes not from drastic changes but subtle tweaks to the ingredients, creating a unique Korma experience on every occasion.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Cultivating Sustainable Living in Urban Spaces: A Personal Journey

We take immense pride in our contribution to sustainable living as the founder of Nava's Zen. It is not merely a business concept for us but a core philosophy embedded in our ethos. Our commitment to nature-inspired fitness and zen living extends beyond our business - it's a reflection of our unwavering love for the environment. Before Nava's Zen evolved into a sustainable fitness zen, my passion for gardening spanned two decades (
Cultivating Convenient Garden). 

It all began in my home, where I dedicatedly invested in creating a therapeutic space for breath, body, mind, and soul. The journey started with the installation of a pergola and substantial investments in plants, soil, and all essentials for sustainable living.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Making the Right Choice: Smart Strategies in Buying a Car on a Budget

Cars have definitely changed our lives forever. After all, it allows us to travel anytime and anywhere we want! However, you also can't deny that buying your own car can significantly affect your budget. After all, it's expensive!

Image Credit: ThomasScott | Unslplash.com

But did you know that you can still have your own car even if you're on a budget?

 

How? It's simple - make smart choices!

Saturday, January 6, 2024

The Charcoal Grill: An Entrepreneurial Triumph

Embarking on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that began as a humble stall in a Kota Kemuning coffee shop in 2017, The Charcoal Grill has undergone a remarkable transformation, now standing as a full-fledged restaurant located at 28-1, Jln Anggerik Vanilla BE 31/BE, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. As one of their patrons from the early stall days, I have always appreciated their grilled platters, particularly the succulent lamb chops. Recently, together with my other half-half, we dined in to experience their expanded offerings and revamped ambiance.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Vegetarian Nasi Ulam/Herbs Rice: Three Unique Twists

Hey there! Have you noticed more people ditching meat and going for vegetarian diets? Are you wondering why? Well, folks are doing it for all sorts of reasons – from wanting to be kinder to the planet to boosting their health. A simple diet change can make you feel better and do good for the world at the same time. But, on the flip side, have you noticed people seem to be getting nastier, all in the name of success, fame, and fortune? Sorry for being blunt, but it's the harsh reality.

 

Here's a little secret: while a vegetarian diet might be great for your body, it’s your mind and soul that really count. Are you being true to yourself and others? Ouch! I won't dive deeper into how some humans are getting uglier inside, but let’s get to the fun part: a tasty recipe!

Sujee Cake Elegance

Baking isn't exactly my superpower, but hey, diving into it is a fun ride. It’s all about the experience, right? Let me tell you, ba...