Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili

(Updated Version)

Soul food nourishes both the body and the spirit, and what could embody this better than steamed fish? In our home, we adore steamed fish (CHINESE STEAMED FISH WITH GINGER AND SCALLION), and it often graces our dining table, lovingly prepared by Ms. Nava. Today, we’re sharing another beloved style of steamed fish known worldwide: Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili.

 

Thai cuisine is a delightful revelation of flavors, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed indulging in its diverse offerings throughout my travels in Thailand. Wouldn’t you agree that the quintessential tastes of Thai food - spiciness, tanginess, and aromatic herbs - are truly captivating for the soul (TOM YAM SOUP)? This Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili encapsulates all of that deliciousness and comes together effortlessly.

Monday, May 27, 2024

Overcoming Weight Loss Roadblocks


Admitting we're overweight is tough, right? It's a struggle to face the truth. But once we do, we can start figuring out why. Here's the raw truth - honesty hurts, and it's not popular these days. People don't like hearing the truth about their shape and size (RECOGNISING OVERWEIGHT). 

But we need to dig deep and uncover the real reasons behind our weight.

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Fermented soybeans, known as tempeh or tempe, are a fantastic meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans. Packed with health benefits, tempeh is a staple in local Malay and Indonesian dishes. I'm a huge fan of tempeh and use it all the time in my cooking, especially because I love Malay and Indonesian food. You’ll often find me at Malay stalls, loading up on their delicious offerings. During my time in Indonesia, I indulged in plenty of tempeh and was particularly fond of sambal terasi and sambal ijo. 

 

Today, I'm featuring a tempeh dish - an Indonesian recipe that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Let me share my passion for tempeh and show you how to incorporate it into your savory dishes.

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Perth, Australia: Cruises, Parks, and Culinary Experiences


Perth (PERTH PART 1).  My journey wasn't over yet. Eager for more, I decided to explore some sights. I checked online and picked a few spots at random - no set plan, just ready for whatever came my way. Besides sightseeing, I was keen to try the food. Ah, the foodie in me couldn't wait! Let's get started.

Cruising Adventures in Mandurah

By mid-morning, I found myself in Mandurah, just an hour's drive from Perth. Getting there wasn't without its little bumps, but hey, I made it in one piece. Opting for the Dolphin Lunch Cruise turned out to be a fantastic idea. I've always had a thing for being near water, and this cruise didn't disappoint. The views were mesmerizing, and the Fish and Chips they served up were just perfect - crispy on the outside, tender inside. Dining against such a picturesque backdrop really took the whole experience up a notch.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Facing the Facts: Recognizing Overweight


The world's giving a round of applause for overweight folks, isn't it? Just take a quick scroll through social media, and you'll see what I mean. It's like being overweight is the latest trend. But for those of us who keep ourselves fit, it's like we're the odd ones out (Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms). Ever noticed that?

Why am I bringing this up? Well, because if you even mention someone's weight, especially if they're carrying a bit extra, suddenly you're labeled as a body shamer. It's like walking on eggshells.

Mutton Rendang Recipes: Easy Classic & Easy Traditional

I have deep respect for the traditional kampung (village) rendang, typically made with beef and simmered for hours. These rendang dishes remain a proud heritage of Malay culture. But what if we switch things up and make Mutton Rendang, while keeping it classic and traditional, minus the long cooking time? Sounds amazing, right? Of course!

Interestingly, mutton rendang isn’t as common in Indian households, which makes you wonder why, given the universal love for rendang (EASY MUTTON CURRY WITH TURMERIC CABBAGE & CUMIN RICE). However, you might spot mutton rendang at some Nasi Lemak stalls, though pork rendang has recently caught on too. Despite these variations, let me assure you that Ms. Nava’s mutton rendang stays true to its classic roots, offering you the best of tradition without the long hours.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Fitness Bra Buying: Handy Tips


Let's get to the part of shopping for the appropriate fitness or sports bra (The Power of Sports Bra in Yoga) for your yoga sessions. Even if you've bought one before, there's always something new to discover. I've been there myself, so trust me, you're in good hands.

Budget

First things first, let's talk money. How much are you willing to spend? We don't want to splurge and regret it later, right? Fitness bras can range from around $15 to several hundred dollars. So, set your budget and decide how many bras you want to get within that range.

Monday, May 20, 2024

5 Easy Vegetarian Recipes: Japanese Inspired


For me, traveling (KYOTO: ONSEN BARENESS) is about discovering recipes and adding my own touch to create easy meals at home. During my trips to Japan (HOKKAIDO WINTERLUST), I learned that Japanese cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes. However, replicating them exactly proved challenging, as I didn’t want to buy specific Japanese ingredients. Over the course of three months, I successfully prepared four vegetarian dishes using whatever ingredients were available at home and those I could buy without breaking the budget (OSAKA: SACRED DEER TO SKY-HIGH SUNSETS).

Perth, Australia: Where Culture, Wildlife, and Sky-high Views Collide


Perth, nestled in the sunny corner of Australia, wears the crown as the vibrant capital of Western Australia. It's not just a city; it's a buzzing hive of activity. Especially for students looking to spread their wings, Perth is a top-notch destination, thanks in part to Curtin University, which is like a beacon of learning excellence.

Speaking of Curtin University, it holds a special place in my heart. That's where I honed my skills through their degree twinning program, collaborating with Metropolitan College, where I had lectured for a good 15 years. It's incredible how time flies, yet memories of lecturing Small Business 200 and Entrepreneurship 300 to eager students remain vivid, even though almost a decade has passed. Notably, I also underwent a week-long training at Curtin University Australia, acquiring essential lecturing skills and earning certification.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Hanoi, Vietnam: Unveiling Urban Wonders and Timeless Culture

From HA LONG BAY to Hanoi, our journey unfolded with anticipation (HO CHI MINH CITY) culminating in our arrival in the bustling city by 8.00 pm. Dinner was in a local fast food joint, known for its renowned Pho. However, as a vegetarian, I had to pass on the beef Pho that seemed to delight my fellow travelers. Instead, I savored a different dish, catered to meet the dietary preferences of myself and the other vegetarians in our group. The Beef Pho received widespread praise, with many enthusiastically approving of its flavor. For those Indians abstaining from beef, the Chicken Pho failed to impress. After dinner, some opted for night shopping, while I chose to unwind in my room before calling it a night (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY & KOTA KINABALU UNMASKING).

Easiest Egg Fried Rice Recipe with Few Ingredients

(Updated Version)

Growing up in a family with modest means, I remember how my mum put her heart into every meal she made for us. Eggs were a rare treat—hard-boiled and halved to share or stretched across scrambled eggs for the five of us. Yet, nothing could beat her simple, three-ingredient egg fried rice made with chopped garlic, eggs, and day-old rice. It's a classic that I still cherish today. (EASIEST MALAYSIAN VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK). The memory of all of us gathered around, enjoying this humble dish, remains close to my heart. Thank you, Mum, who’s now watching from above. I love you forever.

Now, to the recipe. I’ll also share a few easy ways to elevate this fried rice with ingredients you may already have on hand. Check your fridge and pantry, and see if there’s anything you’d like to add to this easiest egg fried rice recipe. And remember, some of the best meals come from using what’s left in the kitchen (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

Friday, May 17, 2024

Bra-vo! The Power of Sports Bras in Yoga


Ever wondered why sports bras are a game-changer (Two-Piece Yoga Outfits) for your yoga practice? Especially for Zen Yoga, where we offer Corporate Yoga, Yoga Dance, and Prop Yoga, among other specialties, a sports bra is essential. Whether you're into these or any other activities involving stretching and toning, the support of a good sports bra is crucial. Just like a regular bra is part of your daily outfit, a sports bra is a must for your yoga routine. 

Hey guys, listen up as well. It's important to be aware of sports bras too. While they may not be a staple in your wardrobe, understanding their significance can help you support and encourage your fellow female yoga practitioners (Zen Yoga Style)

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Ha Long Bay Escapade: Nature's Splendor and Culinary Delights

The morning started with an unusually early wake-up call at 6.00am. We grabbed breakfast before embarking on the long drive to Ha Long Bay, setting off promptly at 8:00 am. Throughout the day, we made a few comfort stops and enjoyed lunch, but for the most part, we were seated on the coach, trying to shake off the fatigue that had accumulated from days of non-stop sightseeing. Did I manage to catch some shut-eye? You bet I did. Exhaustion from constant walking and exploring during this trip through Vietnam and Cambodia ( Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & HCMH) had taken its toll. 

As we journeyed towards Ha Long Bay, heavy rain slowed us down, prolonging our travel time. Finally, we arrived at our hotel around 9:00 pm, had dinner, and retreated to our rooms for some well-deserved rest. Amidst it all, some curious fellow travelers couldn't help but wonder why I was traveling alone and where my husband was, with a few even attempting to uncover my marital status. But honestly, I paid little attention to their inquiries - after all, Malaysians have a reputation for being quite inquisitive.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Nasi Kerabu Kelantan: Culinary Marvel


What makes this Nasi Kerabu Kelantan so special? Well, all the herbs used in it, which give it that distinctive Kelantanese flavor, are grown by Ms. Nava herself. And here's the kicker - they're all organic. So, this dish isn't just tasty, it's a testament to Nava's passion to her urban garden. Can you believe it? At 60 years old, while managing her Zen, being the yoga instructor as well, and not neglecting her home affairs, she's out there in the dirt, making sure her herbs are top-notch. That's why this Nasi Kerabu Kelantan is truly one-of-a-kind and deserves all the praise it gets.

Besides the flavorful rice, the condiments served with this Malaysian dish are truly exceptional, all thanks to Ms. Nava's creativity. If you're expecting the same old Nasi Kerabu Kelantan you've had before, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate culinary innovation (BUNGA KANTAN/GINGER TORCH RAW SALAD), you'll be applauding Ms. Nava's version.

Safaa (Taipan, Subang Jaya): Middle Eastern Cuisine


It's fascinating how much attention people give to food. Some folks are really particular about what they eat, unlike Ms. Nava, who's pretty laid-back about it. She might not fancy herself a food expert, but her choices speak for themselves. While some claim to be culinary adventurers, they still stick to their preferences most of the time. Sure, some people have dietary restrictions due to health reasons, but for others, it's simply a matter of being picky. They stick to what they know and love, avoiding adventurous new dishes. They frequent the same restaurants, order the same meals, yet still consider themselves food enthusiasts. Could Indians be included in this group? Let me know if I'm mistaken.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Resepi Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis Petai

(Updated Version)

Petai, or stink beans, has long been a superfood in Malaysia (MEE REBUS VEGETARIAN) and other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Singapore. I’m one of those who absolutely love petai and can never get enough of it! Over the years, petai prices have shot up, as even those who once disliked it are now embracing it for its many health benefits. The easiest and most-loved way to cook petai is with ikan bilis, or anchovies - a dish I’ve made countless times. Oh-yum! Just writing about it now makes my mouth water.

Yoga Benefits for Everyone: The Flow of Yoga Dance

The Ancient Practice of Yoga: A Path to Holistic Wellness The ancient practice of yoga is here to stay. In fact, it’s more important now tha...