Enter Ms. Nava, the founder of Nava's Zen, a true enthusiast of urban gardening. Today, she introduces us to the enchanting bread flower, also known as Kesidang, Kerak Nasi, Tikar Seladang, or Vallaris Glabra (Ylang Ylang). These white, star-shaped blossoms have a scent that evokes pandan leaves or the aroma of cooked fragrant jasmine rice. Whenever they bloom, Ms. Nava takes a moment to stand in Nava's Zen and inhale their delightful fragrance. It's her natural way to calm her senses and enjoy a bit of tranquility (Rangoon Creeper).
Friday, May 31, 2024
Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Nyonya Cuisine: Rediscovering Heritage Through Home Cooking
Additionally, Eurasian cuisine, which blends European and local flavors, has also influenced Nyonya food, adding to its rich and diverse taste. Dishes like Devil’s Curry (MUTTON DEVIL CURRY) show how Nyonya food has mixed different cultural flavors to create something special and tasty.
Buns & Noodles (Bukit Rimau): Niche Excellence
As a culinary enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new dining experiences. This time, I decided to try out Buns & Noodles in Bukit Rimau. Beforehand, I made sure to inform them of my visit, which is important in case they have any limitations or special arrangements, as I mentioned earlier (SAFAA)
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Fremantle, Perth: A Fulfilling Day of Exploration
Fremantle, often seen as the jewel in Perth's crown, teased me with promises of captivating maritime tales, striking Victorian buildings, and echoes of Australia's past as a British penal colony. Stories whispered through time hinted at a city steeped in history, with secrets hidden in its streets dating back to the 1850s.
Thai Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Fried Rice/Nasi Goreng Medley: Mouthwatering Varieties
Friday, May 17, 2024
Bra-vo! The Power of Sports Bras in Yoga
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)
Chinese Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions
(Updated Version) Its not the conventional style Chinese steamed fish, its actually elevated to another level or higher up style ( TAMARIND/...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...