Thursday, June 8, 2023

Lemongrass: Natural Aromatherapy & Holistic Wellness Drinks

Lemongrass has a soothing, fresh, and clean fragrance, blending bright citrus notes with subtle herbal undertones. The aroma is a delicate balance of lemony zest with earthy sweetness, enriched by a hint of green freshness. It’s an invigorating scent that calms the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Lemongrass is one of my favorite fragrances, and I often use it in my cooking (LEMONGRASS RICE). At Nava’s Zen, we grow lemongrass as part of our holistic wellness (CHINESE VEGETARIAN LONG BEANS STIR FRIED)approach, sharing it with our clients alongside urban gardening tips. For those interested in growing lemongrass, the process is simple: place a few stalks in water until roots appear, then plant them in soil. With time, the roots will take hold, and the plant will thrive.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight

Okra, known locally as "bendi" in Malay and sometimes referred to as lady’s finger, is a versatile ingredient in Malaysian cuisine. It’s often used in curries and stir-fries, which are popular dishes here. However, Ms. Nava not only grows okra but also highlights it in traditional Malay recipes (TOFU RENDANG). Growing okra can be a challenge, especially during heavy rains when the plants don’t survive, requiring her to regrow them. She leaves a couple of okras on the plant to dry naturally, later harvesting the seeds for replanting.

Now, let's talk about Malay Okra Salad, or Kerabu Bendi. One key ingredient is kerisik, which is grated coconut that's dry-fried or pan-fried and then pounded. Sometimes, I make it from scratch, but for convenience, I also buy it. I’ve also created Turmeric Kerisik (NASI KUNYIT/TURMERIC RICE), where turmeric powder is added while frying the coconut, and it can be sprinkled over salads or used in stir-fries.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene

As an avid food lover, I may not claim to be the world's top foodie, but I've had my fair share of dining experiences both within and outside my country. While traveling abroad, I've had the pleasure of indulging in various cuisines. I must confess, I'm not a picky eater and can enjoy a meal anywhere without following strict food rules. 

Unlike some self-proclaimed foodies, I embrace all sorts of culinary delights, except for beef due to my religious beliefs rooted in Hinduism. Although I cook regularly at home, I often take a break to explore the realm of dining out. Lately, I've found myself drawn to the fascinating world of street food, which offers a delightful array of flavors right here in Malaysia.

Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights

Ylang-Ylang, a cherished part of Nava's Zen, is a natural essence that perfectly aligns with our zen yoga-fitness-oriented nature therapy. As the gardener (Cultivating Convenient Gardening) I, Ms Nava, made sure to include this plant in my garden from the very beginning. Over time, it has grown to a substantial height, but I carefully trim it to maintain its size. 

The delightful aspect of ylang-ylang lies in its vibrant yellow flowers and their captivating scent. To enhance this aromatic experience, I even place some of the flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they gracefully float and infuse the water with their enchanting fragrance.

Friday, June 2, 2023

Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight and achieving your desired shape and size is a personal journey that requires careful consideration of various factors. While someone else's diet plan may have worked wonders for them, it's crucial to understand that one size does not fit all. We are unique individuals with different lifestyles, ages, professions, likes, and dislikes. This article aims to shed light on the importance of customized diet plans and the positive impact they can have on your weight loss journey.

Embrace Your Individuality

Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Cultivating Convenient Gardening: Welcoming Nature's Splendor

Join me on a journey through my personal gardening experiences, filled with mistakes, failures, and invaluable lessons (
Blossoming Passion: A Journey Of Gardening). Let me reveal the honest truths about home gardening and captivate you with the wonders it holds.

Home gardening should be a convenient endeavour, where simplicity reigns supreme. It's about finding an approach that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The essentials revolve around watering your plants according to their needs, providing fertilizers when necessary, and repotting those that have outgrown their containers. However, it's important to recognize that not all plants can be saved, and sometimes letting go is the only option. Consider replacing them with similar varieties or exploring new possibilities. Remember, the size of your garden matters. The larger it is, the more time you'll need to allocate for its care. Don't overlook the importance of keeping your surroundings clean, even if you're gardening in pots. Regular cleaning and sweeping will ensure a tidy and inviting atmosphere. The time you invest will depend on the number of plants you have.

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Revealing Radiant Skin: Inside My Daily Skincare Routine

Are you one of those people who are obsessed with their skin? Well, there's no shame in that. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and it deserves all the attention and care that we can give it (Embracing Eternal Youth With Yoga And Skincare Mantras). In this post, I want to focus specifically on the skin on our face because it is the most visible part of our body and it requires a different level of care than the rest of our skin. 

You might be wondering why I'm making a distinction between the skin on our face and the rest of our body. The reason is simple - the products that we use to take care of our skin are not all the same. For example, the lotion or cream that we use on our hands or legs might not be suitable for the delicate skin on our face. That's why it's important to use products that are specifically designed for the face.

Exploring Betong, Thailand: Hidden Gems and Local Flavors

By 7:00 am ( BETONG: WEEKEND TRIP OF DISCOVERIES ), freshly showered, I headed down to the lobby, ready for the day ahead. Joined by a frien...