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!

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.

Never Waste Ingredients: Mathanga Thoran/Kerala Style Pumpkin Stir Fry

In my kitchen, I follow a golden rule - never waste ingredients. Every component in my pantry, fridge, and garden has a purpose, and I believe in making the most of every resource. This philosophy leads to creative culinary adventures, like the Mathanga Thoran, a Kerala (Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry) Style Pumpkin Stir Fry. The pumpkin used in this dish is what remained after preparing a delightful Pumpkin Fish Curry. Along with some curry leaves and green chilies from our urban garden at Nava's Zen.

The WhatsApp Dilemma: Unmasking the Modern Social Disease

I mentioned WhatsApp in my previous article "Startup Lessons: The Unvarnished Truth." In this article, I'll be completely candid. WhatsApp has become a modern-day ailment, much like a contagious disease, and perhaps even worse. People now dedicate a significant chunk of their time to WhatsApp for various reasons. Let's dissect them.................

The Competition: It's quite peculiar. Whenever I post a picture of myself on my WhatsApp status, someone is quick to send me a photo in an attempt to prove that they look fantastic for their age. Did I inquire? Similarly, if I share a travel photo, they promptly forward me their travel pictures, complete with detailed travel plans. Did I request their input? The conclusion is either they're in competition with you or fervently desire to keep you informed about their life.

Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes

(Updated Version)

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.

Radiant Resilience: Ms. Nava's Journey Through Personal Branding Triumphs

Let's talk about branding today, focusing on personal branding and business branding. When it comes to business branding, it's about the identity associated with your products or services. This branding is often linked to the founder's philosophy, values, or beliefs. However, a business brand can exist independently of the founder, representing the brand itself, and that's perfectly acceptable. As I ventured into the business world with the establishment of Nava's Zen, I discovered the significance of personal branding, intricately connected to my business identity. Despite neglecting personal branding over the years, my role as a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship & Small Business at Curtin University Twinning Program (via back then known as Metropolitan College) compelled me to share knowledge on business branding with my students.

Introducing Yoga Dance at Nava's Zen!

Exciting news! We're thrilled to share that we're not just another yoga center; we're a green living Zen of tranquility, setting us apart from the rest. Our unique selling proposition? We're the only ones in Kota Kemuning offering a green living yoga zen experience – Nava's Zen: Nature Oasis. But wait, there's more! We're also the exclusive provider of Yoga Dance in the area, stretching all the way to Shah Alam.

 

What's Yoga Dance, you ask? It's our brilliant fusion of yoga and dance rhythms, a delightful blend born from our own experimentation and client feedback. While our Yoga Dance community is growing, we know many are still unaware of this magical combination.

Easy Potato Sambal: Vegetarian Potato Sambal Recipes

(Updated Version) 

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