Embracing Simplicity By Spending Lesser Time in the Kitchen

Over the past year, my kitchen has seen a transformation. What was once a hub of daily culinary creations has evolved into a place of simplicity and ease.  I used to place priority on home-cooked food when our three girls were younger.

With my two older daughters immersed in their university and college life, and the MIL temporarily away in New Zealand, my household has experienced a significant shift in mealtime dynamics. This change has led me to spend less time in the kitchen, preparing meals that cater to the smaller family unit I now have. Because of this shift, I even have time to exercise in the evening *beaming with joy* 😁🏃🏃🏃

As Alycia and Sherilyn have ventured into their academic journeys, they've naturally gravitated towards having most of their meals on campus with their classmates. This shift has freed up my daily cooking responsibilities significantly. I now find myself cooking for just one person—my youngest daughter, Cass.  

Cass, being simple and undemanding when it comes to food, has made this transition smoother. She's content with whatever dish I place on the dining table. This newfound simplicity has allowed me to cook on alternate days, as there's no pressure to prepare elaborate meals every day.

My own eating habits have slightly evolved as well. I've embraced a more streamlined approach to my meals, focusing on balance and nutrition without the need for complex cooking and cleanup. Here's a glimpse into my daily eating routine:

Breakfast: A nutritious start to the day with fruits, nuts, seeds, raw honey with apple cider vinegar, and a cup of organic almond milk with oats. Of course, my morning ritual of decaf coffee with milk is non-negotiable.

Lunch: My main meal of the day occurs at noon, consisting primarily of vegetables, some meat, and an egg. Almost zero carbs.  It's a balanced and hearty meal that keeps me fueled throughout the day. I don’t eat rice but buy a small packet of vegetarian vermicelli buried with heaps of vegetables and mushrooms once or twice a week.

Dinner: For dinner, I opt for simplicity. A bowl of low-fat yogurt with nuts and seeds, accompanied by fruits, veggies, sweet corn or sweet potato, or a comforting soup, satisfies my evening hunger.

What about snacks? Yes, I still eat them – crackers, biscuits, chips (non-salty and non-oily ones) and cakes but not every day and I limit the portion that I eat. My favorite chips are the Original Tortilla chips from Mission. These chips are not salty and not oily with no flavorings and no MSG.

Intermittent Fasting: I've incorporated intermittent fasting into my routine for several years now, with a fasting window of 12-13 hours. This allows me to reset my body and prepare for the day ahead.

Despite the streamlined approach, I make room for variety and the occasional treat. For instance, today and yesterday, I indulged in the delightful Black Thorn variety of durian for breakfast—a rare and delectable treat that hubs got me. 

Droolicious Black Thorn durian, yummeh!

Yesterday, I cooked a nourishing radish soup with frozen Beacon chicken soup and an assortment of veggies stuffed with fish paste—a meal that Cass and I savored for two days.  Beacon chickens are free from growth hormones and antibiotics.

Beacon chicken soup. It tastes exactly like homemade chicken soup. And it's SO convenient to make soups of any kind using this ready-made soup. 

Low-fat and sugar-free yogurt with a piece of Ipoh peanut cookie.
Chris, thanks for the tip. This combo is yummy 🤤

In embracing this shift towards simplicity in my kitchen and eating habits, I've found a sense of contentment and balance. I'm grateful for the flexibility and simplicity that have entered my life. It's a reminder that our eating habits and kitchen routines can evolve, just as we do.

Sunday Food Indulgences

24 September 2023 ~ Brunch at O&S Restaurant, Paramount Garden, PJ

After we dropped off Cass at Sunway Pyramid today, we headed to O&S Restaurant in Paramount Garden for our hawkers' food fix.  Cass had to get her new skates fixed at the skates shop and then for figure skating practice.  The blades on her almost RM3k skates started to rust after less than a month of purchase and she freaked out. So she went back to the seller to seek a remedy as well as to get the remaining 5 screws inserted into the skates.  Alycia didn't have to work at the cafe today, so she joined us for brunch.  Sherilyn stayed home to complete her never-ending assignments.  Life as an architecture student is tough with lots of assignments to complete.

Yummy Yong Tau Foo, fried wanton and foo pei, prawn paste CCF and Char Koay Teow.

We waited for almost half an hour for these super crispy and yummy Apam Balik. It was well worth the wait.

 

A table full of our favorite food.

Alycia's in her 3rd year of uni now. Thank God she still has a partial scholarship from the uni for her 3rd year 🙏

After our hawker's food fix, we segued into Broom for desserts and coffee, as well as to get takeaway for Sherilyn and Cass. 

Lemon meringue tart.

Scone and coffee.

Mint and watermelon juice for Alycia.

Last Sunday, 17 September 2023 ~ Dinner at Red Kettle

Hubs decided to have dinner after all despite a heavy lunch at Ah Ma Jia at Bukit Jalil. He felt hungry after his basketball match and pestered us to join him for dinner at Red Kettle at 7:30 pm.  Cass and I don't eat after 5pm but when she heard that it was at Red Kettle, she changed her mind.  She had a juicy yummylicious burger and I pinched a bit of chicken chop from hubs and a bite of Cass' burger.

Best-in-the-world Portuguese egg tart from Red Kettle. This is my kryptonite and no matter how late or full I am, I can't say NO to it. I had a quarter of the tart.

Sherilyn's Fregola soup, a delicious homemade tomato soup with Sardinian fregola sarda pasta, prawns, scallops, mussels, and slices of herb & grilled bread.

Minus 4 Rum & Raisin ice-cream

Sherilyn joined us much later as she came after a dance video shoot at Pavillion KL.

Ever since Sherilyn started her Foundation in Natural & Built Environments early this month, she's been busy completing assignments and she often eats and works on her assignments simultaneously at the dining table.

Even I'm busy. Sherilyn enlisted me to help her look for plants around the neighborhood for her assignment. I took this pic and Whatsapped her but she said it's not what she wanted!

Haru Our Lizard Hunter

My beloved Haru has always had a few quirks that make her an unpredictable and entertaining furry companion. One morning, Haru decided to add a new chapter to her list of surprises. Little did I know that I was in for quite the unexpected and blood-curdling wake-up call.

It started like any other morning. I woke up at 5.30 and the first thing that I did was to look for Haru. She always finds her cozy spot on my chair during the night. However, on this particular morning, she was nowhere to be found.

A mild sense of curiosity gave way to growing concern as I realized that Haru's usual morning perch was conspicuously empty. Wondering where she had gone, I began searching the house. It wasn't until I entered the kitchen that I discovered the source of her disappearance.

There, on the cold kitchen floor, sat Haru, a portrait of feline nonchalance. But it wasn't her presence that startled me; it was the lifeless body beside her. She had killed a lizard, and the poor creature had met an untimely end.

The sight was enough to send shivers down my spine. The lizard lay there, flattened and bloodied, a testament to Haru's hunting prowess. Though I had always been grateful for her skills in keeping pests at bay, this unexpected gift was not exactly the pleasant surprise I had hoped for.

Next was the dreaded clean-up and there was no escaping it—I had to face the daunting task of removing the lizard's lifeless body and its detached tail from the floor. Armed with disposable plastic gloves and several layers of toilet paper, I gingerly picked up the limp remains. It was a task I had never envisioned myself doing, but there I was, cleaning up the aftermath of Haru's morning adventure in the kitchen with disinfectant. I think she must have had a whale of a time throughout the night playing and eventually killing the lizard. Thank goodness she didn't chomp down the lizard.  

Despite my initial shock and discomfort, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Haru's unintended act of pest control. Lizards and insects had long been a common sight in our home, much to my chagrin. However, ever since Haru joined our household, their numbers have dwindled significantly.

Haru is a true predator, a fierce and relentless hunter who takes her job seriously. She has become our guardian against these unwanted guests, and for that, I owe her a debt of gratitude.

Proud look on her face.

Replacing Haru's scratchboard with a new one is a bimestrial routine. She can get really rough with the scratchboard and totally wreck it when she's having the zoomies.  In my storeroom is a stash of replacement boards, which I usually purchase from Lazada.

Naughty (and very smart) fella and we all love her to bits. 

New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant

Last Saturday, my family and I went to New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant, a place my husband used to frequent with his friends. For the rest of us, it was our first time dining at this establishment, and we were in for a delightful surprise.

The restaurant's ambiance was inviting. It's semi-outdoor with strategically placed ceiling fans that provide a welcome breeze, ensuring that even on a warm evening, we remain comfortable.  

What impressed us the most, besides the pleasant ambiance, was the speed at which our food arrived. Despite the bustling crowd, the dishes were served promptly, a testament to the restaurant's efficiency.

New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its crab dishes, and while we had heard raving reviews about their claypot coconut cream crab, we decided to explore other options on this visit. Our table quickly filled with an array of dishes that had our taste buds tingling with anticipation as we were all famished.

Here's a glimpse of our sumptuous meal:

1. Smoked Chicken: The smoked chicken was a revelation. Its lovely smoked aroma paired with tender meat made it an instant favorite at our table.

2. Sauteed French Beans with Salted Egg: A delightful combination of crunch and creaminess, my all-time favorite dish.

3. BBQ Pork Ribs: The succulent BBQ pork ribs were a hit with everyone, with a finger-licking glaze that left us craving for more as the portion was pretty small.

4. Steamed Fish:  Slices of fresh fish perfectly steamed, the fish was light and flaky, with a delicate sauce that enhanced its natural flavors.

5. Spinach in Superior Soup with Salted Egg and Century Egg: A comforting and flavorful soup. This is another favorite veggie dish of mine.

6. Stir Fried Pork Intestines: An adventurous choice that paid off; the stir-fried pork intestines were surprisingly delicious, tender, and well-seasoned. However, it’s not my choice as I don’t eat animal innards. 

7. Shark’s Fins Omelette: A traditional Chinese dish that delighted with its unique texture and taste. This is another all-time favorite of mine.

8. Braised Pork Knuckles: A hearty dish that showcased the restaurant's prowess in slow-cooked perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

9. Emperor Fried Noodles: The perfect way to end our feast, the Emperor fried noodles offered a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Though it looked unimpressive, the taste was surprisingly impressive, befitting an emperor.

While we didn't dive into the famous crab dishes on this visit, we left New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant with satisfied palates and eager hearts.  We will definitely return and explore their signature crab offerings on our next visit.

WEBSITE	New Kai Seng Seafood’s Facebook
ADDRESS	Jalan Kenanga, 50, Jalan Merlimau, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

The Timeless Appeal of Bracelets

Bracelets have adorned the wrists of women and girls for centuries, and their enduring popularity is no accident. From delicate chains to bejeweled wonders, bracelets hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Let me delve into why women like myself, and many others universally, love wearing bracelets and how these simple adornments can make a profound impact on one's look and self-confidence.

 

1. Elegance and Femininity

Bracelets are synonymous with grace and femininity. They wrap around the delicate wrist, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or simply going about your day, a bracelet can elevate your entire look, making you feel more elegant and put together. Bracelets can be expensive but one can find cheap bracelets from online wholesale bracelets sellers.

 

2. A Statement of Style

Bracelets are more than just accessories; they're statements of personal style. Each bracelet tells a unique story, reflecting the wearer's personality, interests, and values. Whether it's a dainty chain link bracelet or a vibrant beaded masterpiece, your choice of bracelet can convey a lot about who you are.

 

3. Affordable Luxury with Wholesale Bracelets

While some bracelets can be expensive, it's worth noting that there are cost-effective options available. Thanks to online wholesale bracelet sellers, you can find high-quality bracelets at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking for wholesale chain link bracelets or wholesale beaded bracelets, these options make stylish accessorizing accessible to all.

 

 

4. Completing the Ensemble

Just as a wafer completes a sundae, a bracelet completes an outfit. It's that finishing touch that can tie your entire look together, turning a plain dress or jeans into a fashionable ensemble. The right bracelet can transform your appearance, leaving you feeling polished and ready to conquer the day.

 

5. Variety of Shapes, Sizes, and Materials

Bracelets come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, designs, and materials. From sleek chain link bracelets that exude modernity to colorful beaded bracelets with a bohemian vibe, there's something for everyone's taste. This diversity allows you to express your unique style and creativity.

 

6. Boosting Confidence and Happiness

The act of wearing a bracelet can be empowering. It's a reminder of your style and individuality, which can boost your confidence and happiness. When you look good, you feel good, and bracelets play a significant role in achieving that positive mindset.

 

In conclusion, bracelets are more than just accessories; they are a reflection of one's personality, a source of confidence and happiness, and a symbol of elegance and femininity. With the variety of styles, materials, and affordable options offered by wholesale beaded bracelets sellers, there's no reason not to indulge in the timeless allure of bracelets. So go ahead, adorn your wrists, and let your unique style shine through.

Visit To Hai Kah Lang's Latest Branch in Imbi (Hai Kah Lang TRX)

Hai Kah Lang, a Michelin-approved fresh seafood noodles restaurant, has been making waves in our country ever since it received the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2022. As we celebrated our country's Independence Day on 31 August 2023, my family and I decided to visit Hai Kah Lang again to indulge in some fresh seafood and this time to try their latest branch in Imbi (opposite TRX, KL’s new social heart).  

We visited Hai Kah Lang's main branch in Cheras early this year and enjoyed the seafood noodles very much.

Hai Kah Lang is a pet-friendly restaurant and there were patrons who brought their pooches along to the restaurant. 

Hai Kah Lang's ascent to culinary stardom began when it earned the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. The judges were captivated by the restaurant's commitment to serving only the freshest catch, primarily sourced from northern Borneo. What sets Hai Kah Lang apart is its owner, who also runs a seafood stall just across the street in Cheras. This direct connection to the seafood source ensures that every dish served on the restaurant's tables boasts unparalleled freshness and quality.

We arrived at Hai Kah Lang TRX around 11 a.m., filled with eager anticipation. As expected, there was already a vibrant queue snaking its way outside the restaurant. Chairs were thoughtfully placed for waiting patrons, while others, like us, stood under the warm embrace of the Malaysian sun. Thankfully, huge commercial fans strategically positioned provided a much-needed respite from the heat. After approximately 30 minutes, our number was finally called, and we eagerly made our way inside. Thankfully, our food arrived pretty quickly as the staff had earlier taken our order on an iPad whilst we were queueing up.

The large kitchen crew, busy at work.

A very spacious restaurant. This is just indoor. There are also tables outdoors and patrons who bring their pets with them can dine al fresco. 

Our family has diverse tastes, and Hai Kah Lang's menu caters to all. Hubs and MIL opted for the clear soup noodles, featuring a delectable assortment of fresh seafood. Meanwhile, Cass couldn't resist the allure of crab porridge. Personally, I went for a carb-free option, selecting a bowl of mixed seafood to savor the pure essence of the ocean. Each dish was an explosion of fresh seafood flavors, showcasing the incredible culinary expertise that earned Hai Kah Lang its Michelin accolade.

One standout was the crab porridge, a fragrant delight brimming with the rich aroma of crab meat. Hubs also indulged in a unique appetizer – jellyfish prepared in the style of Malaysian fruit rojak, adorned with rojak sauce and crushed peanuts. To elevate our seafood adventure, he ordered a bowl of Emperor clams (giant lala) and blanched fresh oysters, each bite transporting us to the seaside.

Blanched Emperor Clams.

Blanched fresh oysters.

Fish balls.

Crab porridge.

My bowl of mixed seafood in clear soup with no carbs.

Delectable jellyfish in rojak sauce.

My personal highlight was the Hai Kah Lang sea bird's nest drink. A refreshing concoction of fresh coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut flesh, it was the perfect complement to our seafood feast. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want to share a single sip.  The drink has a slight blueish hue (from blue pea flowers, I guess), giving it a delightful aesthetic.

Sea bird's nest drink - a super refreshing and delightful drink for coconut lovers like myself.

After a satisfying brunch at Hai Kah Lang, we explored more culinary gems in the vicinity since hubs was quite free. We headed to Florentine La Bisteccheria in Chow Kit, known for its exquisite Italian pastries, cakes, and coffee. Sipping on our coffee and indulging in decadent desserts was a sweet way to conclude our meal.

Cass is a coffee lover too and her favorite is Piccolo. 

As we strolled through the area, we discovered trendy cafes lining the streets. Our mission was to find a suitable café for takeaway meals for Alycia and Sherilyn, who couldn't join us due to their part-time job at a café. We stumbled upon Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar, where we ordered fried rice with ayam percik for them before heading home. 

Hai Kah Lang TRX

Address:

32, Jalan Utara,

Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM