Domino's New Pizza Puff – A Tasty Grab-and-Go Meal for Only RM9.90

Yesterday I received some complimentary samples from Domino's Pizza to try their brand-new Pizza Puff range.

Wrapped in a golden, flaky crust and folded into a half-moon shape, the Pizza Puff locks in the heat and its generous fillings, giving you a warm, satisfying bite from start to finish. Unlike a traditional pizza, everything is neatly sealed inside, making it easy to enjoy on the go without the mess.

At only RM9.90 each, it's a great grab-and-go option for lunch, dinner, or whenever you're short on time but still want something hot and filling.

The Pizza Puff comes in three delicious flavours:

🍕 Loaded Beef – Ground beef, beef pepperoni, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted mozzarella.

🍕 Loaded Chicken – Chicken potpourri sausages, chicken pepperoni, tomato pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella.

🧀 Loaded Cheese – Perfect for cheese lovers, with a rich molten cheese centre, melted mozzarella, and tomato pizza sauce.

My personal favourite is the Loaded Cheese. If you're a cheese lover like me, you'll probably enjoy this one the most! The moment I received the Pizza Puffs, they were still piping hot and I immediately dug in. The crust was very crispy, while the inside was soft, hot, and generously filled with gooey melted cheese and savoury fillings in every bite.

For just RM9.90, I think it's very reasonably priced and surprisingly filling. If you're looking for a quick, convenient meal or snack that's easy to eat on the move, Domino's Pizza Puff is definitely worth a try.

For more information, visit www.dominos.com.my or follow @dominosmy on Facebook and Instagram.

Forest Bathing: My Free Therapy for the Mind and Soul

One of the activities I make time for almost every day is brisk walking in nature.

My fitness journey began many years ago after I was diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal condition that's often linked to insulin resistance and metabolic issues. Before I became a mum, I used to jog twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening—at the park.

After becoming a mother, my routine changed. The twice-daily runs became a single run at 5:30 every morning before heading to work. Later, when I left the corporate world to become a work-from-home mum, I continued my daily runs faithfully, rain or shine - with an umbrella on rainy days.

Then age gradually caught up with me. My knees started to protest, so I swapped running for swimming and brisk walking. Today, I still brisk walk five to six times a week, on top of my strength training sessions at the gym.

Now that I'm back in Ipoh, I'm blessed to live in a neighbourhood surrounded by majestic limestone hills and lush greenery. Being immersed in nature has become one of the most therapeutic parts of my day.

Worry and emotional stress have always been my greatest enemies. They can affect my mental well-being, sleep, mood, and overall health. Whenever life feels overwhelming, my favourite way to clear my mind is simply to step outdoors.

Unlike hiking or exercising for fitness, forest bathing isn't about burning calories, reaching a destination, or hitting a distance goal. It's about slowing down, being fully present, and allowing nature to soothe your mind.

On days when I'm tired, I stroll at a leisurely pace. When I'm feeling energetic, I brisk walk or even break into a run. Either way, just 30 minutes surrounded by trees and hills leaves me feeling calmer, clearer, and happier.

I don't bring my phone with me. I don't wear headphones or earphones. Instead, I listen to the birds singing, monkeys calling in the distance, dogs barking, and the gentle rustling of leaves as the wind moves through the trees.

For me, this is the best prescription for a calmer nervous system. It helps quiet anxiety, ease worry, clear brain fog, and restore my emotional balance.

Nature is my reset button. It asks for nothing, gives so much, and best of all—it's completely free.

Protein, Fiber, And The King of Fruit – My Perfect Morning Combo

Wow... ChatGPT just blew my mind! 🤯

I simply described what I had for breakfast today, and ChatGPT generated this beautiful poster for me! 😍 I didn't upload a food photo or give it any design instructions. All I did was describe my breakfast, and it created this magazine-style image complete with the food, layout, colours and text.

Below the AI-generated poster is the actual photo of the breakfast I ate today. I think it did an amazing job!

AI technology is improving at an incredible pace. Every time I use it, I'm amazed by what it can do. It really feels like we're living in the future now! 😊

Have you tried using AI to create images or help with your work? I'd love to hear what you've used it for.

Poster generated by ChatGPT

Actual photo of what I ate

My Simple Nightly Habit for Keeping Sore Throats Away

One of the simplest health habits I've kept for decades is gargling with warm salt water every night before bed.

As a child, I was very prone to sore throats and inflamed tonsils. I dreaded those episodes because the antibiotics (that yucky bright pink liquid) prescribed back then often made me vomit.

One day, Mum brought me to a doctor in Ipoh who suggested something surprisingly simple: gargle with warm salt water every day to help reduce the chances of getting a sore throat. I decided to give it a try, and it soon became part of my nightly routine.

For decades now, I've been gargling with a mixture of warm water, Himalayan pink salt, a few drops of Melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil, and peppermint essential oil. I do this every single night before going to bed, even when I'm travelling. I also enjoy the fresh, clean feeling it leaves in my mouth before sleep.

Whenever I catch a cold or a viral throat infection, I would increase the salt water gargling to several times a day, throughout the day and night. While gargling doesn't kill viruses throughout the body or guarantee that I'll avoid illness, I personally find that it helps soothe my throat, ease discomfort, and has become one of the simple self-care habits that works well for me.

A commonly recommended salt-water gargle is about ½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup (about 240 ml) of warm water. Be careful not to make the solution too salty, as a highly concentrated mixture can irritate or dry out the delicate tissues in your mouth and throat, potentially making discomfort worse instead of better.

I usually prep the solution enough to last for a week. I store it in a glass jar in my bathroom.

If you choose to add essential oils, remember that less is more. I only use a few drops in the gargle, and I always spit the mixture out after gargling—never swallow it. Tea tree (Melaleuca) essential oil is not meant to be ingested, and some people may find essential oils irritating or may be allergic to them. If you're trying this for the first time, it's always wise to start with plain salt water first or check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

This little habit has been part of my life for many years, and it's one of those simple, inexpensive wellness practices that I don't leave home without.

Cold Pressed Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - The Most Versatile Oil in My Room and Kitchen

I have been using organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil for more than 10 years, and it has become one of the most versatile products in my home.

I use it as a face moisturiser before applying sunscreen every single morning, as a lip balm for chapped lips, and as a moisturiser for my entire body. I also use coconut oil to clean my teeth.

One of my daily routines is massaging my breasts with coconut oil three times a day. My acupuncturist and gynaecologist both encouraged me to massage my breasts regularly. I don't know whether it was the massage itself or simply changes in my hormones over time, but I personally noticed that I developed fewer breast cysts after making it part of my daily routine for almost 10 years. This is just my own experience and not medical advice, as there isn't strong scientific evidence that breast massage prevents breast cysts.

In the kitchen, we use coconut oil for cooking and baking too. Mum adds a little to cook rice and for making keto breads/cakes, and if I run out of coconut milk, I sometimes use it in tong sui as an alternative.

I also rub a few drops onto the ends of my hair to help tame frizz and detangle knots.

For health and skincare purposes, I only use organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil because it undergoes minimal processing and retains more of its natural compounds.

And no, I don't go around smelling like a walking coconut! The scent doesn't linger for long. Sometimes I mix in a few drops of essential oils such as geranium, sweet orange or mandarin for a lovely fragrance. However, citrus essential oils like sweet orange and mandarin can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so I only use those blends when I'm staying indoors.

Some of the benefits of organic extra virgin coconut oil include:

Helps moisturise dry skin and chapped lips.

Works well as a gentle massage oil.

Can help reduce moisture loss from the skin.

Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Suitable for hair to help reduce frizz and improve manageability.

Heat-stable for many everyday cooking methods because it is high in saturated fats.

Minimally processed, so it retains more of its naturally occurring compounds compared with refined coconut oil.

This is the brand that I have been buying from Shopee and it smells and tastes really good : https://s.shopee.com.my/AKYypHDjby

Simple Meals, Precious Moments

Our meals in Ipoh are generally very simple. We usually eat at home unless my brothers and my daughters come to visit, then we eat out every day.

For my parents, who are both in their 80s, and me, lunch is usually either mixed rice (tapau) or one of Mum's simple, healthy home-cooked meals on days when we don't go to the gym.

Dinner is usually Dad's department. At 83, he's an amazing self-taught cook who can whip up several dishes with ease. He takes his own sweet time in the kitchen, and that's exactly how it should be. Mum and I never rush him, so by the time dinner is ready, it's usually around 7.00–7.30pm. And this is considered supper for me 😅

Back in KL, my youngest daughter came home from school around 4–5pm, so we would have our last meal of the day together. I kept that routine for many years, which naturally gave me about 12–14 hours of intermittent fasting overnight.

Here in Ipoh, however, my last meal is usually between 7.30 and almost 8.00pm and I don't have the 12-13  hours of IF anymore. I often tell Mum I'm not hungry and could easily skip dinner, but she insists I eat. She says I'm too skinny, worries that I'm not getting enough nutrition because I have low BP, and is determined to fatten me up! 😂 So, to make her happy, I sit down and eat with my parents—just a tiny portion, about the amount a two-year-old would eat. 😄

At my parents' age, being able to share three meals a day with them is something I don't take for granted. It's a blessing, and these are moments I truly cherish.

In this photo, Mum cooked Beacon chicken wanton in Beacon chicken soup. The lady's fingers, Malabar spinach and water spinach were freshly picked from our garden. A simple, nutritious and delicious lunch, made even more special because it was shared together. ❤️ 

My Favourite Budget Deodorant Hack

For me, the best and most affordable deodorant isn't an organic or aluminium-free deodorant. I've tried quite a few, but unfortunately, none of them worked well for me.

The one thing that has consistently worked is plain baking soda.

Since I exercise regularly and spend quite a bit of time at the gym, I feel it's important to be considerate of the people around me. Nobody wants to be the person with body odour in a shared workout space!

I bought my baking soda from an organic store on Shopee. Every morning, I simply apply a tiny pinch to each underarm, and it does an amazing job of neutralising odour throughout the day.

Of course, everyone's body chemistry is different, so what works for me may not work for everyone. But if you've been struggling to find an effective deodorant, baking soda is inexpensive and definitely worth trying. It has outperformed every expensive deodorant I've ever used.

Caveat: some people with sensitive skin may find baking soda irritating if used daily, so it's a good idea to test it on a small area first or stop using it if irritation develops. Otherwise, if it suits your skin like it does mine, it's a wonderfully simple and budget-friendly solution.

I got my baking soda here >> https://s.shopee.com.my/2g9Suad1dA

The Girl Who Hated Tuition

My three daughters had the same Mandarin tutor, Ms. M, who came to our house every week from the time they were seven years old. She wasn't the strictest or most outstanding tutor academically, but she had something equally valuable—an incredible amount of patience. She was always respectful towards me and tried her best to accommodate whatever I requested. Over the years, she became part of our family's life for almost a decade.

Cass, however, was a different story.

She didn't dislike Ms. M but she simply hated tuition.

I made her attend Mandarin tuition throughout all six years of primary school because her Mandarin wasn't strong. Well, what could I expect when she was raised by two "yellow banana" parents? 😄 Looking back, I know those six years felt miserable for her.

My attempts didn't stop there. In Form 1, I enrolled her in BM tuition, but she resisted, always had ‘stomach ache’ on tuition days, and quit after a few months. In Form 2, I signed her up for online Add Math tuition. That lasted only a few months too before she stopped.

Cass hated tuition so much that she finally made me a promise. She told me, "I'll study on my own. I'll ask my teachers and classmates if I don't understand something. Just don't make me go for tuition anymore. I will prove to you that I will do well"

I decided to trust her.

From Form 2 until she completed her SPM, she had almost no tuition at all. She became an independent learner, had the courage to stay back after class to ask her teachers questions, and worked hard on her own. In the end, she did quite well in her SPM.

Today, for some reason, I suddenly thought of Ms. M.

I remembered the times Cass would grumble, complain, and sometimes even say very unkind things whenever she was given tuition homework. She even fell asleep on the table during tuition, not once, not twice, but every single time. Thinking back, I felt sorry that Ms. M had to put up with my difficult girl all those years.

So today, I sent Ms. M a message. I updated her on what Cass is doing now and thanked her for the patience, kindness and understanding she had shown Cass throughout those six years.

She was so happy to hear from me and was delighted to know how Cass is doing today.

Despite six years of listening to Cass protest about tuition and complain about the homework Ms. M gave her, I have always been grateful for Ms. M's patience and perseverance. Looking back, I believe those six years of Mandarin tuition gave Cass a solid enough foundation to survive the demanding Chinese Independent High School that she later attended. While she may not have appreciated it then, I know those lessons played a part in helping her get through those challenging school years.

Photo below - Ms M with my 3 girls in 2014. Alycia was 11, Sherilyn was 9 and Cass 6.

What Are the Odds? Preschool Best Friends Reunited at University

When my youngest daughter was in preschool, she had a best friend named M. The two of them were inseparable and shared a love for Rainbow Loom. I remember hoping they would go to the same primary school, but fate had other plans.

As the months turned into years, we gradually lost touch with M. My daughter and I would occasionally talk about another classmate, E, a cute boy who was always protective of her. Because of Cass' health issue, I was the mum who was constantly at school—tagging along during field trips, attending concert rehearsals, and being around whenever she needed me. As a result, I got to know all of her classmates and, surprisingly, I still remember many of their names and faces.

So imagine my surprise when Cass messaged me this morning and asked, "Mum, do you remember M from preschool? We're in the same Foundation class"

I was completely stunned and instantly got goosebumps.

What are the chances that two little girls who were best friends in preschool, separated for 12 years, would end up in the very same university class? Of all the universities!

Life has a beautiful way of bringing people back together when the time is right. I hope they slowly reconnect, get to know each other again as young adults, and perhaps become the close friends they once were. ❤️

Photo below - taken in Sept 2014, Cass and M during a Mooncake festival walk around our neighborhood, organized by their preschool. Cass is in blue Hello Kitty top.

Do You Leave Reviews After Shopping Online?

I love online shopping—maybe a little too much! 😆 I'm always ordering something from Lazada or Shopee every other day, whether it's toiletries, groceries, cat food, snacks, tea, clothes, or household essentials.

I shop on Shein too, although not as often. Since I'm not exactly a social butterfly, I don't need that many new clothes. 😄

One thing I genuinely enjoy is writing product reviews. Most shopping platforms reward buyers with coins or points that can be redeemed to offset future purchases. To earn the rewards, you usually need to leave a proper review with a write-up, photos, and a video. Sometimes I earn a couple of Ringgit from a single review on Lazada or Shein—not a huge amount, but every little bit adds up.

I also rely heavily on other people's reviews before buying anything. I like seeing real-life photos and videos of the product, especially clothes, not just the polished promotional images. Honest reviews have saved me from making quite a few regrettable purchases.

Do you usually leave reviews after buying something online? If you do, do you include photos and videos, or just a short comment?

Here's a photo of me in my new one-shoulder top, which I'll be uploading as part of my review on the shopping platform.

Delicious Curry Noodles and Lam Mee at Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt, Ipoh Garden South

After the gym today, Mum and I headed to our favourite kopitiam for brunch. ❤️

Mum ordered her favourite Lam Mee again, while I had curry "noodles" without the noodles. 😄 My keto version was loaded with chicken, roast pork, char siu and extra crunchy bean sprouts.

I paired my meal with a warm, unsweetened barley drink. 

There was a time when milk tea was my absolute favourite. I loved it iced, unsweetened and with lots of evaporated milk! But as I've gotten older, my body doesn't seem to tolerate it anymore. These days, milk tea from outside stalls often leaves me with heart palpitations, insomnia, phlegm and even dizziness, from the caffeine.

I've also stopped drinking iced beverages and now prefer warm drinks most of the time. It's one of the small lifestyle changes I've made in the hope of ageing as healthily as possible.

Before heading home, I also picked up some lean roast pork and roast chicken breast for dinner.

Getting enough protein is important at every stage of life, especially after a workout, as our muscles need protein to repair and grow stronger.

I've been eating a low-carb diet since 2000 because of PCOS, so rice and noodles have been off my menu for over 25 years. It has become a way of life for me now.

Very nice curry from New Weng Fatt, Ipoh Garden South.

Very delish lam mee & kai si hor fun soup from New Weng Fatt, Ipoh Garden South.

Skinny roast pork @ only RM10 for a generous portion at New Weng Fatt.

Cheapest roast chicken breast in Ipoh - only RM5 for a portion, sans rice, at New Weng Fatt. My favourite lean protein.  I share it with Haru 😆

A Little Help From AI: Solving My Overseas Payment Problem After 19 Years of Blogging

I have been creating content and accepting sponsored posts from overseas clients since 2007 — that’s already 19 years of this journey.

For many years, my clients paid me through my PayPal accounts without any issues. It became part of my normal workflow, so I never really thought about needing an alternative.

Recently, one of my clients from Cyprus informed me that they were no longer able to use PayPal for payments. Suddenly, I found myself stuck and needed to find another way to receive my overseas payments.

After doing some research and getting guidance from AI, I decided to try Wise. Setting up the account was a little unfamiliar at first, but with step-by-step guidance, I managed to get everything done.

To make sure everything worked, I first transferred USD10 from my Wise account to my Malaysian bank account as a test. When the money arrived successfully, I was so relieved and excited!

After that, I transferred the remaining balance from my Wise account to my bank account — and everything went smoothly. The money was transferred into my M'sia bank account within seconds.

I’m truly grateful to have AI as a helpful tool in my work journey. Whether it’s figuring out unfamiliar platforms, troubleshooting problems, or guiding me through new processes like how to create and edit videos, or even in personal matters,  AI has made many challenges much easier to overcome.

Cassandra's Orientation at University

Yesterday was Cass's first day of Orientation at Universiti Malaya.  She spent the whole day at the Dewan Tuanku Canselor, taking her first steps into this exciting new chapter of life.

Today will be an even longer day, with Orientation only ending at 10.30pm. The students have already received their class timetables all the way until next year.

I'm so excited for her, yet at the same time, I can't help but worry. I remember feeling exactly the same when she and her sisters started Primary 1 in a Chinese primary school (Kuen Cheng 2), doubting whether they can cope in a Chinese school. I worried again when Cass entered a Chinese Independent High School (Kuen Cheng High School), with the same doubts. Now, here I am, worrying all over again as she begins university. 

I suppose that's just what being a mum is. No matter how old our children become, a part of us will always worry about them.

My greatest wish is that Cass will be happy at UM, meet kind and genuine people, make wonderful friends, and enjoy every moment of this new journey.

What’s your best budget-friendly hack for surviving this heat?

It’s been absolutely sizzling in Ipoh lately!  Afternoon temperatures have been hitting 33–35°C, and every day I’m so tempted to switch on the air conditioner, hide in my room, and hibernate until sunset.

BUT… knowing that electricity tariffs are at their highest during the daytime, I’ve been trying to survive the heat without giving our wallets a heatstroke too. . Our electricity bill is already running into the RM300 p.m. region now.

My current strategy? Taking four to five cold showers a day, then stay in my room in my birthday suit (with the curtains and door closed! ) while two fans blast me at full speed. It’s surprisingly effective!

Anyone else refusing to turn on the aircond until absolutely necessary? 

This is a refreshing drink that I made this afternoon to cool down – organic roselle tea with organic lemon juice and a pinch of organic stevia.

I got my organic roselle tea from Zenxin Organic shop on Shopee here – https://s.shopee.com.my/80ApbCLiL7

My Favorite Dessert That Loves My Gut Back

One of my favorite healthy desserts is plain yogurt with chia seeds, coconut cream, and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup. 🥥🥣

It tastes surprisingly similar to a bowl of creamy sago pudding—but it's a much healthier version that's packed with nutrients.

I usually use either mum's homemade yogurt or store-bought plain, unsweetened yogurt. Then I add about 3–5 tablespoons of soaked chia seeds, which develop a lovely soft, gel-like texture that reminds me of sago pearls. Next comes a generous squeeze of Kara coconut cream, followed by just a tiny drizzle of palm sugar syrup for a touch of sweetness.

The result? Creamy, rich, lightly sweet, and absolutely delicious!

Chia seeds may be tiny, but they're nutritional powerhouses. They're naturally rich in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), antioxidants, and important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Health benefits of eating chia seeds regularly:

🌱 High in fiber – Supports healthy digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps keep you feeling full longer.

💪 Good source of protein – Helps maintain muscle mass and increases satiety, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

❤️ Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) – Supports heart health and helps reduce inflammation.

🦴 Excellent for bone health – Provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for strong bones and teeth.

🩸 May help stabilize blood sugar – The soluble fiber in chia seeds slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals.

🛡️ Packed with antioxidants – Helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

⚖️ Supports healthy weight management – The combination of fiber and protein can help curb hunger and reduce unnecessary snacking.

A quick tip: Always soak chia seeds before eating them, especially if you're using larger amounts. They absorb many times their weight in water, becoming soft and easier to digest while also helping with hydration.

Try this combo if you love coconut cream and yogurt and want to add more fiber and protein to your diet. It's really delicious and super easy to prep. 

I always get my chia seeds from this seller - https://s.shopee.com.my/AKYim1Vx8G

Mum's homemade yogurt (made using fresh milk, coconut cream and a few tablespoons of yogurt) is pressure cooked on low heat for at least 8 hours.

Cheapest Roast Chicken & Roast Duck in Ipoh at Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt

I think I've found the cheapest roast chicken and roast duck in Ipoh!

I discovered this hidden gem at Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt, Ipoh Garden South, after my 80-year-old mum and I finished our gym session nearby.

For just RM5 (without rice), you get a generous serving of beautifully roasted chicken breast with a lovely charred aroma. Even the roast duck breast is only RM5 per portion without rice! Great value, and the meat is tender and delicious with herb sauce.

The chicken rice seller was also incredibly friendly. I asked for extra cucumber, and he happily gave me more with a smile—no complaints or excuses, unlike some places.

Right next to the chicken rice stall is another stall selling Ipoh-style kai si hor fun (shredded chicken noodles), lam mee, and curry noodles. Mum ordered the Lam Mee (RM9), and we were pleasantly surprised. The rich chicken broth was excellent—honestly, I'd put it on par with the famous kai si hor fun soup at Lou Wong and Thean Chun in Ipoh Old Town.

I'll definitely be back to try their curry noodles and kai si hor fun to see how they rank among Ipoh's best. Have you been here before?

Restoran & Kafe New Weng Fatt

1 Lebuh Raya Taman Ipoh

Ipoh Garden South

31400 Ipoh, Perak

You can watch the video on my YouTube channel.

Mum's Lam Mee in rich, flavorful chicken + prawn broth, RM9

My no-carb lunch - roast chicken breast with cucumber at only RM5, what a steal!

Cass Starts University

 Finally, it's official!

Cass, my youngest daughter, finally received her Offer Letter from Universiti Malaya today—but not before giving me a little scare!

Earlier, she checked the UM application portal and the search result showed that her application was unsuccessful. My heart nearly skipped a beat. I asked her to check the Maya Portal (under UM) instead, as her application was made via this portal. After what felt like the longest hour ever, her Offer Letter finally appeared. What a huge relief for both of us!

From tomorrow onwards, life is going to get very busy for her. She has a stack of documents to print and prepare before her physical registration at UM this Saturday. Orientation follows on Monday and Tuesday, and official classes begin next Wednesday.

How time flies! It feels like only yesterday she finished SPM, and now she's about to begin a brand new chapter at university. Her long holiday since December is officially coming to an end.

From next week onwards, she'll be juggling university classes, her part-time figure skating coaching job, figure skating classes, training and rehearsals, and in August, she'll be competing in Skate Asia. It's going to be a hectic few months ahead.

As her mum, my only wish is simple—that she stays healthy, safe, and happy as she begins this exciting new journey. Work hard, enjoy every moment, and make lots of wonderful memories.

Congratulations, Cass! I'm so proud of you.

PS - in this photo, it was Cass's first day of Primary 1 at SJKC Kuen Cheng 2. Seated opposite her is Sherilyn.

The Weights Don't Get Lighter — You Get Stronger

A friend recently asked me if lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands is easy because, in my workout videos, it looks effortless.

The truth is, it isn't easy at all.

Even lifting a pair of 3kg dumbbells (6kg in total) while doing lunges, squats, shoulder presses, or arm raises takes a surprising amount of effort. After every strength training session, I go home with sore arms, shoulders, and legs. 

My hands—especially my right arm—are not particularly strong to begin with. I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow, so lifting weights requires even more effort and determination on my part. Some exercises that may seem easy for others can be quite challenging for me, especially on days when the pain flares up. Yet I continue to show up, do what I can, and gradually build strength over time.

What you see in videos—whether it's me or seasoned gym-goers lifting weights without wincing—is the result of many hours of consistent practice and hard work. The exercises may look effortless, but they certainly don't feel that way, especially when you're starting out.

The good news is that consistency, persistence, and patience do pay off. I can feel my core muscles getting stronger, and exercises that I struggled with when I first began now feel much easier and more manageable.

Strength and resistance training become increasingly important as we age. They help maintain muscle mass, improve balance, strengthen bones, and make everyday activities easier.

The best part is that you don't need a gym membership to get started.  Investing in a few sets of dumbbells in different weights and some good YouTube tutorials are enough to begin building strength at home. If your budget allows, investing in a few sessions with a personal trainer can be worthwhile too. Learning the correct techniques and form from the start helps prevent injuries and gives you the confidence to continue exercising on your own in the future.

The weights may never feel light while you're lifting them, but over time, you'll become stronger—and that's one of the most rewarding feelings of all.

The video is available on my Facebook page.

Another Trophy for My Girl! 🏆

This morning, I woke up to the wonderful news that my second daughter, Sherilyn, and her dance team had won 2nd place at the recently concluded Repz Your Style (RYS) dance competition!

RYS is Malaysia's biggest street dance competition, and this year's event was held at Mitsui Shopping Park at LaLaport Kuala Lumpur. Besides the trophy and the honour, her team also took home RM3,000 in prize money.

Lately, this girl has been juggling a highly demanding schedule—university assignments, late-night dance classes, endless rehearsals, competitions, and even part-time jobs. I honestly don't know where she finds the energy, but she's always been a fighter with an incredibly strong competitive spirit.

That competitive streak definitely didn't come from me or her dad! 😂 But I'm grateful that both Sherilyn and my youngest daughter have the courage to chase big dreams, embrace challenges, and love performing on the world stage.

As for me? You'll find me running as far away from the stage as possible! 🤣

I'm so proud of my "drama queen"—that's what I used to call her when she was little. ❤️ She has grown into a determined, hardworking young woman who never stops pushing herself to become better.

Here's another trophy to add to your ever-growing collection. I'm so proud of you, Sherilyn! ❤️ Keep chasing your dreams, and never stop dancing.

My High Protein Breakfast

My breakfast today. 😊

Two soft-boiled eggs topped with crispy meat floss, chickpeas with melted butter, and half a steamed sweet potato with grass-fed butter.

A simple breakfast that's high in protein, packed with nutrients, and keeps me feeling full and satisfied for longer. Lately, I've been trying to cut back on bread, refined carbs, and other UPF, while focusing more on whole, nutrient-dense foods that help support steadier blood sugar levels and overall health.

It's not about cutting out carbs completely—it's about making healthier choices, one meal at a time. Here's hoping these small, consistent changes will help bring my HbA1c down over the coming months! 💪😊