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.

Radiant Aging: Dignity Through Holistic Wellness

As an ardent advocate for anti-aging, let me unveil the true essence  - it's not about chasing fleeting youth or cosmetic fixes. Instead, it's an artful practice of presenting your best self at every age through self-care. Imagine yoga as the enchanting melody in this anti-aging masterpiece, harmonizing mind, body, and soul for a resonant aging journey.

For me personally, yoga has been a profound mentor of mindfulness - revealing my identity, strengths, and weaknesses. It has guided me in recognizing my tribe, influencing how I conduct yoga sessions with mindfulness as a vital component. This heightened awareness has expanded my thinking, becoming an integral part of my journey as I age with dignity.

Versatile Mixed Vegetable Korma: 3 Irresistible Recipes

(Updated Version)

Curious about kurma or korma? Well, you're in for a treat! This rich, creamy curry, made with vegetables or meat and simmered in a fragrant sauce of yogurt, cream, or coconut milk, is a culinary delight. 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. Each version brings its own regional flair, creating a dish that's both aromatic and universally loved.

Cultivating Sustainable Living in Urban Spaces: A Personal Journey

We take immense pride in our contribution to sustainable living as the founder of Nava's Zen. It is not merely a business concept for us but a core philosophy embedded in our ethos. Our commitment to nature-inspired fitness and zen living extends beyond our business - it's a reflection of our unwavering love for the environment. Before Nava's Zen evolved into a sustainable fitness zen, my passion for gardening spanned two decades (Cultivating Convenient Garden). 

It all began in my home, where I dedicatedly invested in creating a therapeutic space for breath, body, mind, and soul. The journey started with the installation of a pergola and substantial investments in plants, soil, and all essentials for sustainable living.

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.

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.

Easy Savory Pumpkin Stir-Fry Recipes: Spicy and Aromatic

(Updated Version)

We’ve gotten to know pumpkin, haven’t we? Yes, we have. (INDIAN PUMPKIN CURRIES). But there’s more to pumpkin than just its culinary uses. Have you ever stopped to consider the zen wellness benefits pumpkin offers? Beyond its versatility in the kitchen, pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse with a range of Zen benefits:

 

Rich in Nutrients

Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune function, skin health, and vision.

Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes

(Updated Version)

Pumpkin lovers, rejoice. If you're like me, you can't get enough of this versatile vegetable. I have a soft spot for our local Malaysian pumpkins, which are not only budget-friendly but also pack a punch in flavor. I once made the mistake of splurging on a tiny Japanese pumpkin, lured in by its exotic allure, only to be shocked at the checkout when it cost me around $15.00. After cooking it, I realized our local pumpkins are just as delightful, if not better. The lesson? Appreciate and savor local produce - it’s often more affordable and just as delicious.

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.

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.

Easy Potato Sambal: Vegetarian Potato Sambal Recipes

(Updated Version) 

Looking back, I’m amazed at the number of vegetarian potato sambal recipes I’ve managed to retrieve. (DRUMSTICK/MURUNGAI POTATO CURRY). Different styles of cooking vary, but the core ingredients are:

Chili Paste: Made from dried chillies, red chillies, or a combination of both, blended.
Shallots or Onions
Garlic
Lime Juice (or tamarind juice; I always prefer lime juice for potato sambal)
Salt
Oil

Chinese Pork Chops: Spicy, Oriental & Sausage Recipes

(Updated Version)

Hi Pork Lovers,
Ms. Nava is back with more pork recipes (PORK BELLY WITH SALTED FISH). Many of my clients often ask if pork is a healthy meat, and here’s my reply: Pork can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. However, it's important to choose lean cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin and prepare them using healthier methods like grilling or baking to reduce fat and calorie intake. Be cautious with processed pork products like bacon and sausages, which are often high in sodium and saturated fats. Moderation is key, and balancing pork consumption with a variety of other protein sources, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is essential for overall health.

Of course, not everyone eats pork due to religious reasons, lack of exposure, or personal preferences. And that’s perfectly fine - our goal isn’t to change others but to share our love for cooking (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY). 

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).

Murungai (Moringa) Potato Curry: Vegetarian Recipe

Murungai, known as drumstick in English and moringa in health contexts, is highly valued for both its fruits and leaves. In North India, it's often called sahjan, and in some English-speaking regions, it's referred to as moringa pods. My love for cooking with murungai is boundless, whether simmering its fruits in a spicy curry or stir-frying the leaves with dried red chilies, black mustard seeds, and grated coconut, each dish bursts with flavor and nutrition.

 

Moringa is a powerhouse of health benefits. Its leaves are packed with essential vitamins A, C, E, calcium, and iron, while its pods are nutrient-dense, supporting bone health and providing a good source of protein. The incorporation of powerful spices in today's recipe not only elevates the dish's taste but also enhances digestion, making it an excellent remedy for digestive discomfort.