Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Nava's Zen: Cultivating Green Living in Urban Zen

The passion for sustainable living (Cultivating Sustainable Living) seamlessly transitioned into the heart of my nature-inspired fitness zen, Nava's Zen. This time around, I expanded the concept to embrace the essence of green living. Bringing this vision to life required significant self-financing, involving a substantial portion of my savings and a contribution from my husband. The transformation began with the porch of our zen, nestled in a double-storey link house adjacent to our home. This space underwent a complete makeover, with the contractor's fee, soil addition, and various other necessities being covered to convert it into a haven of green living (Cultivating Convenient Gardening).

Monday, January 29, 2024

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.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

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.

Friday, January 26, 2024

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.

Monday, January 22, 2024

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.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

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.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

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!

Saturday, January 6, 2024

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.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

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.

The Best Pickled Fish/Fish Pickle Recipe

(Updated Version) At first glance, the list of ingredients may seem intimidating, but let Ms. Nava assure you: take a closer look, and you’...