Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses

Nature is truly captivating. It fills our lives with joy and peace. But nature also needs our help. As climate change makes the weather hotter and more unpredictable, we depend more on air conditioners, even for our babies. Yet, people miss the benefits of urban gardening. It can cool our homes and naturally relieve stress (Bay Leaves Healing Therapy). Urban gardening helps the environment and fills the air with the soothing scent of flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the stress that harms us.

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).

Nyonya Cuisine: Rediscovering Heritage Through Home Cooking

Nyonya food in Malaysia is a unique and flavorful cuisine that combines Chinese and Malay cooking (MALACCA'S FOOD FIESTA) styles, with extra influences from Portuguese and Eurasian foods in Melaka. This delicious blend comes from the Peranakan community, where Chinese immigrants married local Malays. Nyonya dishes use lots of spices like lemongrass and turmeric, along with coconut milk and pandan leaves. When the Portuguese (PORTUGUESE VEGETABLE PICKLE) ruled Melaka in the 16th century, they introduced new cooking methods and ingredients like vinegar and more spices, which became part of Nyonya cooking (PETAI SAMBAL).

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

Saying goodbye to loyal clients who have been strong supporters of our brand, especially when they're leaving due to moving away, brings mixed feelings. It's important to show gratitude for their support, even though it's tough to see them go. In business, clients come and go, so it's crucial to stay focused on our passion rather than getting too emotional. As a gesture of appreciation, I recently organized a heartfelt farewell for departing clients, recognizing their contributions to our business. And what better way for us Malaysians to bond than over a meal together?

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)

Fremantle, Perth: A Fulfilling Day of Exploration

Venturing out into the fresh air of Sunday, I took a leisurely walk from my hotel to Perth Station, feeling a bubbling excitement in my chest (PERTH WILDLIFE & PERTH PARKS). Today was the day I had earmarked for discovering Fremantle, the port city nestled in Western Australia. As I bought my ticket for the day's adventure, a grin crept onto my face as I pondered the adventures that awaited me (KOCHI KERALA KALEISCOPE, NEW  DELHI REVELATION & COLOMBO DISCOVERY). 

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

(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.

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.

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. 

(SURAKARTA: HEARTBEAT OF CENTRAL JAVA)

(YOGYAKARTA TEMPLES & TASTES)

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Fried Rice/Nasi Goreng Medley: Mouthwatering Varieties

Its fried rice, also known as Nasi Goreng for us Malaysians. Doesn't it ring a familiar bell? Of course, it does, as we Malaysians can't go wrong with our cooking, oh-well, fried rice is always our savior. It's a cooking moment where you can toss in just about anything - seriously, the possibilities are endless! 

Got some leftover cooked rice hanging around from last night? Perfect! Day-old rice is the secret ingredient that gives your fried rice that unbeatable texture and brings out the flavors of all the other goodies you toss in there. And guess what? You can stash that leftover rice in the freezer too! Just pop it into a zip-lock bag or a sealed container. As and when needed, thaw it out and give it a quick steam or a sprinkle of water before microwaving -  easy peasy.

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)