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).

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.

Turmeric Fish Recipes: Healthy Fried, Grilled & Wrapped Creations

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Turmeric, often referred to as the "golden goddess" of the kitchen, is a staple ingredient in mine. How about you? Is this vibrant, golden-yellow spice a regular in your cooking? If not, it's worth considering. I personally use both dried Indian turmeric powder for curries (INDIAN FISH AND SALTED FISH PUMPKIN CURRY), stir-fries, and more, as well as fresh turmeric, known as kunyit hidup in Malay. At Nava's Zen, we even grow fresh turmeric in a large pot. Although some advice me to dry and grind it, I prefer using it fresh, along with its leaves, especially in my Malay dishes, which I prepare frequently.

Simple Healthy Tips for Women Above 50

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Reaching your 50s is a significant milestone - a moment to reflect on the half-century behind you and look forward to the many years ahead. If you’re in your late 40s, you’ve probably already wondered what it will be like to step into the world of 50. By the time you reach this age, you might already be navigating the perimenopause or menopause stages (MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW). I’ve attached videos on this topic for further insight, but for now, let’s dive into some simple tips that can make a big difference in your life.

Versatile Mixed Vegetable Korma: 3 Irresistible Recipes

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Curious about kurma or korma? Well, you're in for a treat! This rich, creamy curry, made with vegetables or meat and simmered in a fragrant sauce of yogurt, cream, or coconut milk, is a culinary delight. While "kurma" is beloved in South India and Sri Lanka, "korma" has a global fanbase, spanning North India (SHIMLA HIMALAYAN GEM & CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS), Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even the UK and Middle East. Each version brings its own regional flair, creating a dish that's both aromatic and universally loved.

Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners

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Congrats on taking the first step toward gardening (GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS). Whether you're working with a small patch or a larger plot, it’s always exciting to start your own garden. After cleaning up your plot, it’s time to dive into some essential gardening tips for beginners. Let’s get started.

 

Define Your Garden's Concept

It’s helpful to have a rough idea of the concept or theme for your garden. If you’re still deciding, don’t worry. A clear concept will give you direction as you begin. For instance, my garden’s theme is Zen, which led me to incorporate bamboo plants, stones, and pebbles. You could also choose a modern, traditional, or minimalistic theme. Without a clear concept, you may be planting without direction, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about what resonates with you.

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!

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.

Nasi Ulam: 3 Easy Malaysian Herbs Rice Recipes

What’s not to love about Nasi Ulam, or our Malaysian herbs rice? I have three delicious variations to share with you. What makes these variations special? All the herbs are grown in Nava’s Zen. There’s nothing quite like using your own harvest in these Nasi Ulam dishes! Oh, before I forget, these variations are all vegetarian and vegan as well (EASY POTATO SAMBAL/SAMBAL KENTANG).

 

If you can’t find all the herbs, that’s okay - just use what’s available. Cooking is about making do with what you have and creating your own version of Nasi Ulam. The key is to take a moment to enjoy the dish, embracing mindfulness for the breath, body, mind, and soul.

6 Key Components to Enhance Your Home Office Space

Creating an effective and comfortable home office requires careful consideration of several key components. With the rise of remote working, your home office has become more than just a temporary workspace; it's a place where productivity, comfort, and technology intersect. Here are six essential elements to consider for enhancing your home office space. 

Photoby Tima Miroshnichenko

Ergonomic Furniture

The cornerstone of any efficient home office is ergonomic furniture. This includes a chair that supports your back and promotes good posture, and a desk that is the right height to prevent strain. An ergonomic setup reduces the risk of work-related injuries and increases comfort, which can significantly boost productivity. For those long hours at the desk, consider a chair with adjustable lumbar support and a desk that allows for both sitting and standing positions. Remember, comfort in your workspace directly affects your work performance and overall health.

Summerset Cafe: Love-Bonding with the Influence of Digital Marketing

Occasionally, if not every weekend, "Nava's Cooking" is set aside for our love-marriage food bonding escapades (K2 Kopitiam, Teluk Panglima Garang). In this culinary journey, I proudly wear the badge of the passionate foodie, leading to explore eateries through the dynamic realm of social media platforms, where the power of digital marketing unfolds its possibilities. Otherwise, my other half-half tends to steer us towards Indian cuisine (The Grand Mapillai, Sec 23, Shah Alam), relying on recommendations from his "Teh-Tarik Gang." Interestingly, my other half-half, not very immersed in social media, leans towards the simplicity of a WhatsApp family group. I see this preference as a generational choice for sharing information from social media and digital newsprints, fostering a belief of being a step ahead or part of an exclusive class in news sharing - even if, at times, the news happens to be outdated or fake.

The Grand Mapillai Restaurant Culinary Adventure

My other half-half has joined me in the exciting pursuit of discovering new eateries, a refreshing departure from his usual routine of sticking to familiar places and dishes. The news of his enthusiasm for suggesting novel dining spots was particularly thrilling, considering his previous tendency to opt for the same old eateries and stick to familiar dishes, playing it safe rather than venturing into culinary exploration. I've noticed that people's dining preferences are often influenced by those they choose to share meals with. Some tend to shy away from trying new eateries or exploring unfamiliar dishes unless compelled to by more adventurous companions (Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh). I've made it a point to avoid dining with those who limit themselves to predictable and mundane food choices.

Easy Savory Pumpkin Stir-Fry Recipes: Spicy and Aromatic

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We’ve gotten to know pumpkin, haven’t we? Yes, we have. (INDIAN PUMPKIN CURRIES). But there’s more to pumpkin than just its culinary uses. Have you ever stopped to consider the zen wellness benefits pumpkin offers? Beyond its versatility in the kitchen, pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse with a range of Zen benefits:

 

Rich in Nutrients

Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune function, skin health, and vision.

Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes

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Pumpkin lovers, rejoice. If you're like me, you can't get enough of this versatile vegetable. I have a soft spot for our local Malaysian pumpkins, which are not only budget-friendly but also pack a punch in flavor. I once made the mistake of splurging on a tiny Japanese pumpkin, lured in by its exotic allure, only to be shocked at the checkout when it cost me around $15.00. After cooking it, I realized our local pumpkins are just as delightful, if not better. The lesson? Appreciate and savor local produce - it’s often more affordable and just as delicious.

Easy Potato Sambal: Vegetarian Potato Sambal Recipes

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Looking back, I’m amazed at the number of vegetarian potato sambal recipes I’ve managed to retrieve. (DRUMSTICK/MURUNGAI POTATO CURRY). Different styles of cooking vary, but the core ingredients are:

Chili Paste: Made from dried chillies, red chillies, or a combination of both, blended.
Shallots or Onions
Garlic
Lime Juice (or tamarind juice; I always prefer lime juice for potato sambal)
Salt
Oil

Chinese Pork Chops: Spicy, Oriental & Sausage Recipes

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Hi Pork Lovers,
Ms. Nava is back with more pork recipes (PORK BELLY WITH SALTED FISH). Many of my clients often ask if pork is a healthy meat, and here’s my reply: Pork can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. However, it's important to choose lean cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin and prepare them using healthier methods like grilling or baking to reduce fat and calorie intake. Be cautious with processed pork products like bacon and sausages, which are often high in sodium and saturated fats. Moderation is key, and balancing pork consumption with a variety of other protein sources, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is essential for overall health.

Of course, not everyone eats pork due to religious reasons, lack of exposure, or personal preferences. And that’s perfectly fine - our goal isn’t to change others but to share our love for cooking (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY).