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belief of being a step ahead or part of an exclusive class in news sharing - even if, at times, the news happens to be outdated or fake.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.

Creative Cooking: Pumpkin Fish Curry

Have you ever considered adding pumpkin (Vegan Pumpkin Soup) to your fish curry? It might sound unusual, even outlandish, but trust me, it's a culinary experiment that's worth trying (). I ventured into uncharted territory with my first attempt at Pumpkin Fish Curry, and the results were nothing short of fabulous (Pumpkin Salted Fish Curry). The inspiration for this dish? Well, it simply popped into my mind during one of my culinary musings.

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.

Curry Leaf Chutney - A Delightful Accompaniment

Growing and caring for my curry leaf plant has been quite a challenge. Despite its lush growth, pesky black bugs often take shelter between the leaves, causing damage. I've tried various methods to get rid of them, but with limited success. So, I resort to pruning the affected parts and allowing the plant to regrow. During one of these pruning sessions, I decided to utilize the bug-free leaves to make some delicious curry leaf chutney.

Curry leaves offer numerous benefits and their delightful aroma is simply irresistible. They are a favorite ingredient in Indian dishes (Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry, Turmeric Cumin Rice & Spinach Lentil). Creating this chutney is surprisingly easy and straightforward. It pairs perfectly as an accompaniment with rice dishes, or as a dipping sauce for idli and dosa. You can enjoy this flavorful curry leaf chutney right away or store the leftovers in the freezer for later use.

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.

Effortless and Flavorful: Easy Potato Sambal/Sambal Kentang Senang

Let's talk about potatoes - a versatile ingredient that offers countless cooking possibilities. Potatoes hold a special place in my household. Whether they're added to curries (Drumstick Potato Curry), stir-fried (Indonesian Potato Tauchu), or prepared as the beloved Potato Sambal, they are always a top favorite, especially on our meatless or vegetarian days. Today, I'm offering this simple this delicious vegetarian dish, designed for minimalists like me who prefer using pantry-friendly ingredients.

Life Coaching for Personal and Business Branding Excellence

Reflecting on our earlier discussion (The Essence Of Coaching) about the rush to adopt the coach title, it's apparent that more individuals are associating themselves with coaching without credible credentials - a disconcerting trend. From fitness instructors adopting the term wellness coaches, to individuals in direct selling labeling themselves as wellness coaches, and even those qualified as mental health responders embracing the title of mental health coaches, the situation is disheartening. This misuse extends to various fields, including consultancy, event management, and marketing, where individuals assume the coach title without authentic coaching credentials.

Startup Lessons: The Unvarnished Truth

Starting and growing a business is a journey filled with invaluable lessons (Business Lessons: Linkedln), often learned the hard way. In my 1 3/4 years of entrepreneurship, I've encountered a multitude of these lessons (Challengers Faced By Indian Woman Entrepreneur). None were anticipated, and all taking me by surprise. The true significance of these "hard-knock" lessons is that they don't hit you all at once but rather over time, gradually instilling wisdom (Social Entrepreneurship: Pull Factors) I'll begin by sharing insights on friends and family.

Malaysian-Inspired Pork Chop Delight

Today's culinary delight features pork, a personal favorite of mine. Despite my affinity for all things porky, I've noticed a peculiar trend among my Indian acquaintances - they tend to shy away from pork, with many having never even tasted it. The prevailing perception seems to be that pork is a "dirty" meat, although its place in Hinduism, or lack thereof, remains largely unexplored.

In my observation, the reluctance to try pork stems from a preference for familiar foods among Indians - the cuisine they grew up with holds a special place in their hearts. Even my husband, for instance, abstains from pork without being able to articulate a specific reason why. It's a curious quirk of human behavior, isn't it?

Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry (Kurumulaku Kozhi Curry)

I mostly travel solo, (JAIPUR MAGIC & TAJ MAHAL AGRA) though there have been times I've joined tours with familiar faces or traveled with a married couple who are older than me. I prefer solo adventures, whether it's joining group tours in countries with language barriers or when safety is a concern. I also always sleep alone, even on tours with people I know or don’t know. This approach has taken me to a good number of countries, driven by a passion for visiting legendary sites and tasting diverse foods. 

I’m comfortable eating anywhere, from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants, thanks to a stomach well-acclimated to street food and having taken my hepatitis vaccinations. My experiences have included falling in love with Kerala’s cuisine (VALAIPOO/BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY), where I learned to make Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry, which perfectly captures the essence of my travels (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM UNEXPECTED & KOCHI EXPERIENCES). 

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.