Inner Peace or Happiness: A Personal Choice

In life, we often come across the decision between two special feelings: inner peace and happiness. Many like the idea of being at peace within themselves, staying calm and balanced no matter what's happening outside. For them, inner peace is like a steady ship in the stormy sea of life. Others, like me, prefer happiness. They believe it's possible to be happy even without a particular reason. For them, happiness is like a bright light that shines from within. It can affect not only them but also everyone around them. It's like a warm, glowing feeling.

Inner Peace: The Calm Harbor

People who like inner peace find it comforting. It's like an emotional anchor that keeps them steady. No matter how crazy the world gets, they feel stable inside. It's all about feeling relaxed and in harmony with themselves. Inner peace doesn't go away when things get tough. It's always there to lean on. It's like a friend who stays with you, even when times are hard (Intriguing Mindfulness).

Drumstick/Murungai Potato Curry - A Healthy and Flavorful Delight

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious meatless curry, look no further than the Drumstick/Murungai Potato Curry. Packed with essential nutrients and bursting with flavors, this dish is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a wholesome meal. Curries are known for their health benefits, thanks to the powerful spices they contain, including chili powder, which aids digestion and provides relief from constipation and gas. In addition to the spices, the star of this recipe, the murungai (drumsticks) from the moringa tree boasts a host of health benefits, making this curry a true wellness wonder. As part of our Zen life, the drumsticks from Nava's Zen come from our own moringa tree. Let's delve into the recipe and explore its delightful taste and goodness.

How To Design A Vegetarian Dinner Party Menu

Throwing a dinner party is the kind of thing you definitely want to get right, and it’s really something of an art because there’s so much planning and hard work to put into making sure everything goes off smoothly. However, when you get it right, and everyone has a good time, you’ll feel great and proud of what you’ve done, and your guests will have a positive and memorable experience. 

If you have a vegetarian guest, it isn’t always easy to make one dish just for them, and what could be an easier option is to design an entirely vegetarian menu. Not only does this make things easier for you, but it’s probably not something your veggie guest has ever experienced before, so they’ll love it. Plus, if you choose the right food and cook it well, your other guests will enjoy it too, and it might even show them what can be done when meat’s off the menu. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you design a vegetarian menu for your dinner party. 

        Photo by Rene Asmussen  

Intriguing Mindfulness: Ms.Nava's Unique Perspective

Mindfulness, a concept open to interpretation, holds a special place in the heart of Ms. Nava. It all starts with nurturing a healthy mind that accepts the uniqueness of every individual's perspective. While academic theories and findings on mindfulness offer a wealth of knowledge, they also invite discussion, disagreement, and debate. Yet, the ultimate choice is ours, shaped by the workings of our own minds. For a deeper dive into my version of mindfulness, let's explore it together  

Mindfulness (The Abundance Of Mindfulness), in my view, begins with an understanding of what transpires within and around us. It encompasses our thoughts, emotions, feelings, and how we perceive the world. This mental landscape  (Mental Health) is intimately connected to the heart, where we discover more about ourselves and our interpretations of the external world. In my perspective, the two are intertwined.

World Mental Health Day: Embrace Silence, Nurture Kindness

World Mental Health Day, yet every day should be dedicated to nurturing our mental well-being. Take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you'll quickly realize that each one of us, including myself, requires positive mental health. This awareness is essential because mental health can encompass both positive and negative aspects. Before delving into the subject of mental health, consider spending just one minute silencing your thoughts to listen to yourself. Only through self-listening can we truly assess our mental well-being. Otherwise, we may find ourselves preaching about mental health to others without addressing our own needs. It's paramount to start with self-awareness.

Sri Lankan Fish Curry/Malu Hodhi - A Modified and Creative Twist!

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Sri Lanka with a mouthwatering fish curry recipe? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a modified and creative twist on the traditional Malu Hodhi, featuring the delightful flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. While it may not be an exact replica of the authentic dish, this version is sure to impress with its fusion of spices, coconut milk, and a touch of creativity that makes cooking an artful expression.

Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening

In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential ingredient that adds a delightful kick to our dishes or serves as a zesty accompaniment. As Malaysians, we simply can't imagine our meals without that familiar spiciness. Whether it's a dash of sliced chillies mixed with lime juice and soy sauce or vinegar-soaked chillies, the craving for that distinct heat on our palates is insatiable. Join me as I share my experiences of seeking chilies abroad, the joys and challenges of gardening them, and the intrinsic connection between chilies and our well-being.

Indian Kachumber Salad: Tangy, Spicy, Crunchy

Are you craving a salad that bursts with tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors, without the hassle of cooking (Malay Style Okra Salad)? Look no further than the North Indian-style Kachumber Salad - a refreshing, no-cook delight (Turkish Cucumber Salad) that will elevate your dining experience. This zesty salad pairs perfectly with rice, complements burgers, and is a mouthwatering topping for hot dogs in soft buns. The best part? It requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests (Indonesian Water Spinach Salad) or enjoying a quick, healthy treat. Prepare this salad in advance, refrigerate it, and serve it chilled - a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Marriage and Culinary Exploration: Vietnamese Delights (Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant)

In the journey of marriage, we learn valuable lessons, and one of them is that you don't always have to compromise on your food preferences. Last Sunday, this lesson took me on a delightful food venture in Bandar Rimbayu. As my husband headed to a kopitiam for Indian cuisine (K2 Kopitiam), I found myself at Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant, craving Vietnamese flavors. This unassuming eatery, also serving Bak Kut Teh and Chinese dishes, offered a menu right on the table - a thoughtful touch.

Embracing Roses: Lessons in Resilience and Growth

Those who've been following my social media and blogosphere journey are likely aware of my deep passion for gardening (The Enchanting World Of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger). Gardening is not just a pastime for me; it's my pride, my joy, and the heart of my fitness sanctuary, Nava's Zen. I have a special affection for herbs, plants, fruit trees, and, more recently, roses. Initially, my attempts with roses were less than successful, but I dedicated myself to mastering the art of rose cultivation. Now, I take pride in the thriving blooms that grace my garden. Roses, with their exquisite beauty and enchanting fragrance, have found a special place in my heart.

The Delights of K2 Kopitiam: A Foodie's Paradise

To be known as a foodie is to embrace culinary adventures, exploring flavors from all corners, be it the streets or coffee shops. While high-end restaurants often steal the limelight, it's essential to remember that delicious food can be found in unexpected places, such as Chinese coffee shops that have reinvented themselves as Kopitiams (Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food). In this blog post, we revisit K2 Kopitiam, located in Bandar Rimbayu, a bustling end-lot coffee shop, where we sampled an array of tantalizing dishes from its diverse stalls.

Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem

Have you ever caught a whiff of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily? If you have, you'll know the thrill it brings. And if you haven't, you're in for a treat. Beyond its enchanting scent, growing this plant is like adding a vibrant burst of green to your garden. Its simple elegance truly lights up any space. And when those torch-like blooms start to emerge, it's like witnessing a whole new level of natural beauty unfold right before your eyes. As an urban gardener passionate about cultivating local scents, my first attempt at growing torch ginger didn't quite go as planned. But let me tell you, the journey is just as enchanting as the destination.

Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish

There's a common misconception that rice should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. However, that couldn't be further from the truth! With the right approach, you can still enjoy a small portion of rice and maintain a balanced diet (Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice). Today, I bring you a delicious and wholesome rice dish that combines the goodness of turmeric and black cumin. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds (Malay Style Turmeric Rice) but also contributes to your overall well-being (Blue Pea Rice). Let's dive into the delightful world of Turmeric Black Cumin Rice!

Delicious Homemade Pakistani Biryani: A Vegetarian Twist

Making biryani at home (Burmese Biryani) is not something that happens every day. It involves a bit of time and effort to gather all the ingredients, but thankfully, the cooking process is simplified with the use of a rice cooker (Vegetable Biryani). Occasionally, however, biryani becomes a special treat, especially when I have guests coming over. Entertaining is a rare occasion for me, considering the amount of work involved - from cooking to serving, and not to forget the cleaning up afterward. But this time, I was in the mood for something extraordinary (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani).

Mindfulness: Navigating the Modern World with Nava's Zen

In today's fast-paced world, mindfulness and its practice have become widely discussed and embraced by many. People from all walks of life are finding ways to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, recognizing its relevance amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. It's intriguing how life has evolved from a simpler time, where relaxation and navigating through life seemed more attainable. Now, there is an incessant pursuit of success and grand dreams, yet simultaneously, there is a call to slow down and care for our minds.

Rendang Minangkabau/Chicken Rendang

When it comes to rendang, the world of flavors opens up with various types to explore (Chicken Rendang). While the common rendang is widely known, let's embark on a flavorful adventure with Rendang Minangkabau, a true gem originating from Indonesia. During recent trip to Indonesia, I had the pleasure of savoring this exquisite dish that is often found alongside other delectable offerings in the Nasi Padang spread. While the cooking technique may resemble the traditional rendang, the ingredients used in Rendang Minangkabau possess their own unique twist. In the attached video, I shared my firsthand experience and knowledge of Rendang Minangkabau, but now let's delve into the tantalizing recipe. Gather these ingredients to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.