Friday, June 14, 2024

Mango Salad Recipe: Vegetarian & Nyonya Style

Vegetarian mango salad with sliced green mango, sliced red chili, fried shallots, roasted sesame seeds, and coriander leaves
The love for mango salad doesn’t need words to express. It’s all about a dish that bursts with flavor and excites your taste buds - don’t you agree? This vegetarian, Nyonya-style mango salad is a perfect choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Minimalist and easy to prepare, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal.

 

Just one tip: mango salad is best consumed immediately after it’s made. This helps retain its freshness and prevents it from becoming soggy over time.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Easy Tips for Healthy Eating Habits

Woman smiling to represent easy healthy eating habits
We’ve discussed how what we eat affects our health. But staying healthy isn’t just about eating salads all day. It's about cultivating healthy eating habits that contribute to a balanced lifestyle - not just for weight loss, but for overall well-being (LOSE WEIGHT FAST: THE HEALTHY WAY). Wouldn’t you be interested in discovering healthy eating habits that are simple, sustainable, and effective?

Mastering Meal Planning

Meal planning is the cornerstone of mindful eating. It’s about making decisions ahead of time, rather than acting on impulse. Whether you plan for a day or a week, having a meal plan keeps you aware of what, when, and where you eat. This practice also helps you organize your grocery list, ensuring you have the right ingredients on hand.

Oslo, Norway: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Malaysian Indian woman tourist happily posing with the two kids naked stone sculptures in Frogner Park Norway
Akershus Fortress: A Glimpse into Oslo’s Pas
Our first stop (COPENHAGEN: KRONBORG CASTLE) was Akershus Fortress, a historical gem dating back to 1290, originally constructed to defend Oslo from invasions. This impressive stone structure has served various roles over the centuries, including a royal residence and a military base. Walking through the grounds, we admired the views over the harbor and Oslofjord, along with the beautiful rose garden. Though we couldn’t enter the Armed Forces Museum, it’s a must-visit for military history enthusiasts. Akershus offers a unique mix of history, beauty, and tranquility - a perfect way to start our day (PERTH, AUSTRALIA: ATTRACTIONS & DINING).

Monday, June 10, 2024

Lamb Keema Recipe - Spiced Minced Lamb

A plate of spiced minced lamb, cooked with spices, and potato, garnished with coriander leaves
Ms. Nava presents lamb keema, a savory and versatile dish that varies across different regions, each with its unique twist (MUTTON RENDANG: CLASSIC AND TRADITIONAL). This flavorful preparation typically features minced lamb, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices. Depending on personal preference, you can incorporate ingredients such as potatoes and green peas for added texture and taste. The process of making keema is straightforward and accessible, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal (EASY MUTTON CURRY). Additionally, I will share creative ways to repurpose any leftover keema into lighter dishes for future enjoyment.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Frederiksborg and Kronborg Castle

Malaysian Indian lady tourist posing in front of Danish Frederiksborg Slot, Copenhagen, Denmark
After a hotel breakfast (COPENHAGEN: BEST PLACES TO VISIT), we embarked on an exciting journey to explore two of Denmark’s most magnificent castles. Frederiksborg and Kronborg are more than just historic sites—they’re stunning symbols of Danish heritage.

Frederiksborg Castle

Our adventure began with Frederiksborg Castle, also known as Frederiksborg Slot. Situated on three small islands surrounded by a tranquil lake, this Renaissance marvel stands as the largest of its kind in Scandinavia. The castle’s red-brick towers, lush gardens, and scenic lake views took my breath away the moment we arrived.

Saturday, June 8, 2024

Tom Yum Soup Recipes: 3 Delicious Variations

A bowl of fiery and spicy seafood tom yum soup, garnished with Thai basil leaves
(Updated Version)
Life without Tom Yam feels like a story missing its climax- a culinary journey left unfinished. Imagine vibrant Thai flavors awakening your taste buds with each spoonful of this iconic soup. My love for Tom Yam deepened during my adventures in Thailand, especially in Krabi and Phuket, where I couldn’t resist its tempting allure. While some bowls packed a spicy punch that left me reaching for tissues, the truly delicious ones warmed both my mouth and soul. Now, I’m excited to share how you can bring the flavors of Tom Yam into your home.

Tom Yam Paste: A Shortcut to Flavor
For an easy cooking journey, you can use ready-made Tom Yam paste from Thailand or local Malaysian brands. It’s a convenient option for achieving authentic flavor effortlessly.

Best Yoga Benefits: Overcoming The Fear

Yoga instructor taking a selfie in front of the mirror after a yoga session
(UPDATED VERSION)

Holistic wellness is here to stay and will lead the way for the 21st century. At Nava’s Zen, we are guided by sustainable zenness - a balanced, enduring state of mental clarity and peace achieved through mindful living practices. 

This approach emphasizes small, consistent habits like meditation, self-awareness, and eco-conscious choices integrated into daily life. By aligning with inner harmony and the environment, sustainable zenness fosters long-term well-being and a deeper connection to the world (BREATHWORK: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE).

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Copenhagen, Denmark: Best Places to Visit

Copenhagen is a city that feels like a mix of old and new. From beautiful palaces to cozy streets and lively harbors, this Danish capital has it all. Whether you're a history lover or just looking to explore, Copenhagen offers plenty of spots to make your visit unforgettable (EXPLORING KRABI & PHUKET). Let me take you through some of the best places in the city, each with its own charm and story to tell.

Christiansborg Palace

Our journey through Copenhagen began with a glimpse of the majestic Christiansborg Palace. Once the residence of Danish royalty, the palace now serves as the seat of Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister's office. Although we only viewed it from the outside, the palace’s grandeur and historical significance left a lasting impression on all of us.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Things To Do in Krabi and Phuket

Malaysian Indian lady tourist holding the hands of a small monkey during the Monkey Show in Krabi, Thailand
Humans are funny creatures indeed. Despite the increasing number of women traveling solo for various reasons (BANGKOK SOLO TRIP) like business, work-related trips, or simply holidays, people still seem puzzled and ask the same old question - why am I traveling alone (? When this question comes from Asians, I can understand their curiosity, as it might be uncommon to see an Indian woman of my age, in my late 50s, traveling solo (HANOI CULTURE). 

However, it's quite alarming when I receive the same inquiry from Westerners, especially considering the thousands of Western women venturing out alone. What could be behind this universal curiosity about solo female travelers? It's a question that leaves me intrigued. While pondering over this, let me share my solo adventure, a short and sassy trip to Krabi and Phuket, which are considered paradises for Westerners (PRETORIA MOMENTS & CAPE TOWN STEALER).

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

(Updated Version) The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for you...