No Cook Canned Sardine Salad - Thai Style

(Updated Version)

Canned sardines are a staple in my weekly or monthly provisions - always ready to save the day during those moments when there’s no time to shop for fresh ingredients. And let me tell you, we’re big fans of canned sardines, no matter how they’re cooked. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy them without cooking? Intrigued?

 

Introducing the No-Cook Canned Sardine Salad! Known as Yam Pl Krapong in Thai language. Not just any salad, though - this is a Thai-style authentic and classic salad. Bursting with quintessential Thai flavors, it’s elevated by a medley of aromatic herbs that bring a refreshing twist to the dish.

Roselle: Exploring Health Benefits and Uses

(Updated Version)

Roselle, a variety of the hibiscus family (Hibiscus sabdariffa), is known by many names worldwide, including Sorelle, Gongura, Karkadeh, and Bissap. Its glossy, bright red bloom is truly eye-catching, but there’s more to Roselle than its looks. This plant is packed with incredible health benefits that make it a popular choice in both traditional and modern wellness practices. Let’s dive into some of Roselle’s top health benefits and versatile uses.

Health Benefits of Roselle

Rich in Antioxidants
Roselle is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, promoting skin health and overall wellness.

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 (MANDARIN ORANGE PLEASURES: WELLNESS CAKE, SORBET & MARMALADE). 

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.

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.

Moringa/Drumstick Leaves Stir-Fry Recipe

(Updated Version)

Packed with nutrients, the moringa tree - along with its flowers and drumsticks—is a true blessing for humankind. In the 21st century, where the race for success and wealth often takes a toll on our health, moringa leaves offer a powerful Zen solution. Although cleaning the leaves by pulling them from the stems can be time-consuming, the effort is absolutely worth it, as moringa leaves are celebrated as a Zen superfood. I’ve made this moringa and drumstick leaves stir-fry countless times, both in vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. The only difference lies in one ingredient: you can choose to add dried shrimps or dried anchovies, or simply leave them out.

The Beginner's Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs

(Updated Version)

Gardening is a fulfilling practice that contributes to your overall sustainable zen. It’s also about preserving our eco-world, not just for today but for future generations. Having equipped ourselves with the basic and essential tips on gardening, let’s now move on to the art of growing herbs (ESSENTIAL GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS).

Take it from Ms. Nava, who has been gardening for over 20 years - a journey filled with its share of mishaps. While some gardening challenges are inevitable, let me share with you my guide to growing herbs.

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

(Updated Version)

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.

Mixed Vegetable Korma Recipes

(Updated Version)

Curious about kurma or korma? The creamy curry, made with vegetables or meat and simmered in a fragrant sauce of yogurt, cream, or coconut milk. 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. 

Essential Gardening Tips for Beginners

(Updated Version)

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.