The First Service and a Frightening First Fill-Up

My new car had its first service last week, and it was quite an experience. Despite the odometer not even hitting 100km, the dealership staff were persistent with calls and messages. It's part of their standard procedure to get the car in, even before the 1,000km mark. I finally caved and went in, only to wait for nearly an hour for a "service" that was little more than a quick check-up lasting less than 30 minutes.

So far, I'm pretty happy with my new sedan. The security features are a big plus, and it handles beautifully on my neighborhood drives. However, the keyless feature has already proven to be a bit of a challenge.

Today, after my very first time filling the tank, the car refused to start. My heart sank. I feared I had overfilled it. I kept pressing the "start engine" button, but nothing happened. Panic began to set in. After five long minutes of trying and a silent prayer, the engine finally roared to life. What a relief!

My husband later explained that with these keyless systems, you can't just keep mashing the button. A quick, single press is all it takes. It was a funny moment after the fact, but it certainly gave me a good scare. It just goes to show there’s a bit of a learning curve with new technology, and sometimes a simple press is all it takes.

Me waiting for my car, in my Uniqlo bra dress with matching Nike sneakers 💃

One Month to SPM Trials — A Mother's Heartfelt Observations

Exactly one more month to go before Cass sits for her SPM Trials. The countdown has begun, and the pressure is clearly mounting, but Cass continues to push herself with an admirable sense of discipline and determination.

She studies late into the night, often at odd corners of the house — at the dining table, in the kitchen, and sometimes even just outside the bathroom. There have been nights when I’ve woken up to check on her, only to find her fast asleep at the table, her notes still open and highlighters scattered around her.

Despite her intense study schedule, she still makes time to exercise daily — her willpower is unshakeable. Her passion for figure skating remains strong too, although she has started to scale back on her practice sessions to focus more on the looming exams.

The actual SPM begins in early November and ends on 23 December 2025 — a long and grueling period. All I can do now is to support her in every way I can. Nutritious meals, moral support, and little comforts here and there — if her requests are not too pricey or overboard, they’re my command.

I often remind her to sleep more, to take breaks and care for her health, but like most teens, she just brushes me off with a pissed-off "I know what I'm doing" look 😒

As her mother, I can only hope and pray that she stays physically strong and mentally resilient throughout this crucial time. She’s given her all — and no matter what the outcome, I’m already so proud of the incredible discipline and drive she’s shown.

Hang in there, Cass. You're almost there. ❤️

Cass's school lunch box - often fruits, cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs, last night's soup or a flask of thick coffee. Sometimes she adds matcha powder to her thick coffee to have a double-caffeine effect to stay awake in class 😔.  

Cass sits next to the school’s Head Prefect in class — so dozing off might just earn her a gentle nudge or a polite reminder?  When you're seated beside the top role model of the school, you’ve got to stay sharp and be on your best behaviour too, right?

Cass's lunner - air-fried shimeji mushrooms with black pepper, garlic and olive oil.

Air-fried chicken chop, tomatoes, shimeji, and salad.

Miso soup with napa cabbage, shimeji mushrooms, big onions, and foo pei.

Air-fried saba fish, roast chicken breast and salad.

Life Lately – A Whirlwind of Assignments, Skates, Soul-Searching and My Silent Therapist

Life lately has been… full. Everyone in the family seems to be moving in different directions, each immersed in their own responsibilities, stress, and goals. While the house isn’t as noisy these days, it certainly hasn’t been quiet in my heart and mind.

Alycia has been caught up with her final semester — the last lap of her university life. She’s barely home these days, staying over at her coursemate’s dorm so they can work on group assignments late into the night. Recently, she hurt her hand, possibly from overusing it. We suspect it might be due to the heavy lifting and movements during her part-time gig with Astro’s Xiao Tai Yang road show last month, which took her all over Malaysia. She went for a tit tar treatment last week, and on her dad’s advice, she’s now going for physiotherapy too. I just hope she recovers soon — physically and mentally. Final year stress is no joke.

Sherilyn is just as swamped. Her days are a blur of architectural drawings, model-building and dance rehearsals. Her commitment to both her studies and her passion for dance amazes me. She’ll be heading to Singapore next month for the Finals of a dance competition. I know how much this means to her and I’m praying everything goes smoothly. She's worked so hard for it.

Cass is hunkered down with her books, prepping for her upcoming SPM Trials in early September. At the same time, she’s squeezing in practice at the skating rink to gear up for next year’s Skate Asia. Her plate is full, but she’s handling it with her usual quiet determination. SPM will be held in early November, only 3 months left to D-Day!!

As for me, my mind has been heavy. Lately, I’ve found myself doing a lot of soul-searching, thinking deeply about life and what lies ahead. There are days when the weight of my thoughts feels overwhelming, but I’m grateful I can still talk to my parents, especially my mum.  She will turn 79 in September, and has been my sounding board — my best confidante for as long as I can remember. Her calm, grounded wisdom helps me see things more clearly when everything feels like a storm.

And then there’s my fur baby. She doesn’t say a word, but somehow her presence is healing — a soft reminder that love doesn't always need words.

So that’s us — navigating assignments, dance dreams, exams, self-healing, and everything in between. Life lately may be hectic, uncertain, even emotional at times, but I know we’ll get through it, one step — and one purr — at a time.

This is what happens whenever we eat roast chicken from our usual chicken rice stall. Haru is a big fan of roast chicken breast and she gets her treat almost every day 😸

Goodbye Pinkie, Hello New Ride: A Bittersweet Car Farewell After 11 Years

After 11 faithful years, I finally said goodbye to my beloved hot pink Hyundai i10. This little hatchback had been with me through thick and thin — school runs, market trips, errands, and countless everyday journeys with my daughters. It wasn’t just a car; it was part of our family, holding memories of laughter, school chatter, and occasional drama in traffic jams.

Last week, two second-hand car dealers came to our condo to valuate Pinkie, and eventually, I let her go. She was sold at a painfully low price — but that’s the reality of car ownership. Resale value is a myth for most cars, which is why hubby and I never splurge on fancy models. Cars depreciate, and we’d rather be practical.

My new ride is a local full-spec sedan — sleek, comfortable, keyless, plenty of security features, and powered by a Toyota-engineered engine despite being locally assembled. After more than a decade of driving a compact hatchback, switching to a sedan felt like a big change. It took me a few days to get used to the size — especially the longer rear — and I’ve had to be extra mindful when parking. Thankfully, the reverse camera and on-screen guide make things much easier.

I’m already thinking a year ahead — if Alycia, our eldest, can manage the monthly instalment after she starts working, I might just pass this car on to her. And that would mean me going car shopping all over again! Maybe next time, I can finally go green and get an electric car… though our condo doesn’t have charging stations yet. One can dream, right?

For now, I’m just grateful for the memories Pinkie gave us — and excited for the new adventures this sedan will bring.

Yummy bak kut teh lunch with hubby last Friday at Tua Bak Kia Bak Kut Teh. This bak kut teh is slightly different from the usual BKT as the broth is more 'kaw' (thicker) and the flavor is more intense.

As usual, hubby tapau-ed a big pot of BKT for his girls and mum at home. I even brought along my tall stainless steel soup container carrier for the takeaway.

My BKT lunch the next day, sans rice. I added quail eggs and shimeji mushrooms to the pot of BKT.

From Blogger to Vlogger?

Lately, there’s been some gentle (and persistent!) nudging from my hubby and eldest daughter, Alycia. Both of them seem to think I should step out of my comfort zone and become a vlogger — a TikTokker or YouTuber. “No one reads blogs anymore,” they said. “People only watch videos these days.”

And they’re not entirely wrong.

I, too, enjoy watching videos — especially ones of cats doing silly things or folks living simple lives in the countryside, cooking over open fires with breathtaking mountain views or a waterfall in the background. These videos calm me and inspire me.  But the thought of me being the one behind the camera, let alone in front of it? That’s a whole different story.

I told them my honest concerns.

First: I have absolutely no clue how to shoot or edit videos. All those jump cuts, background music, captions, transitions — it all seems so technical and overwhelming.

Second: Who would want to watch an “old lady” like me talk nonsense or film mundane things? I don’t have the glowing skin, polished background, pretty face, or influencer vibes going on.

Third: I haven’t found my niche. What would I focus on? What kind of videos could I make consistently without running out of ideas?

Fourth: Our home isn’t exactly “Pinterest-worthy.” It’s lived-in, cluttered, filled with memories, random things, and… more things. Not exactly a minimalist aesthetic.

And the biggest hurdle of all — I feel super awkward about showing my face or talking on camera.

But Alycia wasn’t having any of it. She showed me videos of aunties and uncles in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s cooking bizarre and “crappy” (in her words!) food, and they’ve got hundreds of thousands of followers! She reassured me that I don’t have to show my face or even talk — many creators film only their hands cooking or their cats lounging, and they still manage to draw an audience.

So what could I do?

I could start by filming my cooking — healthy meals, oil-free air frying, Cass’s figure skater diet, and my newfound obsession with arugula salads. I could film Haru being Haru — our adorable pandemic cat with a sixth sense for family tension. I could capture snippets of my everyday life — the chaos, the calm, and the unfiltered in-between.

But the question is — how long could I keep it up? Content fatigue is real. I’ve followed plenty of creators whose content grew stale or repetitive. Some recycle old footage just to keep the algorithm happy. Would I fall into that trap too?

Still… I must admit I’m tempted. There’s a part of me that’s curious. Maybe even excited. Could I really start a little channel, document my days, and earn some side income while doing it?

First things first — I’ll need to learn the basics of shooting and editing. I’ll need to brave the world of hashtags and captions and maybe even record a voiceover or two (without cringing at my own voice).

Alycia and my hubby keep saying, “It’s simple.” But I say — “Wait till you try it yourself!”

So tell me, dear readers (if there are still any blog readers out there!) — would you be interested in watching my videos if I started a channel? 😄

Let me know. And who knows… maybe the next time you see me, it won’t be in words, but in video.

Cass’s Public Transport Adventure and a Mother’s Reflection

Today was a school holiday for Cass’s high school, given that Parents’ Day fell on a Sunday yesterday. Since she didn’t get to skate at all last week due to the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine breaking down at her usual rink, Cass finally got her wish — to skate at the Olympic-sized Icescape Ice Rink at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.

She planned the entire journey herself, taking a Grab to KL Sentral, followed by the KLIA Express train to Putrajaya, and then hopping on a bus to IOI City Mall. I’m proud of how much she’s improved at navigating public transport, something not many teenagers are used to doing these days, especially in a sprawling place like the Klang Valley.  According to Cass, most of her classmates have taken public transport to school since they were in Form 1. 

I couldn’t help but reflect on how much public transportation has evolved since my own younger days. Back in the 1990s in the Klang Valley, we had mini buses and Len Seng buses with no air-conditioning. I still remember wearing long-sleeved tops to work during heatwave season, and by the time I reached the office, I’d be drenched in sweat and needed to freshen up with a bidet shower in a squat toilet — thankfully clean ones!

If you had gone through those hellish rides on sardine-packed mini buses back in the 1990s, you would know how torturous it was to hop onto one during peak hours. You could forget about getting a seat and even when standing, you didn't need to hold on to anything. The buses were so packed that you wouldn't be thrown off the ground even during emergency brakes. Have you experienced hopping onto a jam-packed bus and standing just on the step of the bus door? I had gone through all these and survived! 😅😆

Things became a little more bearable after I bought my first car in 1997 — a red Kancil. My daily routine back then was a feat of endurance: driving to the Seputeh Komuter station in the dark before it turned 7 am, taking the train to Bank Negara, crossing the long overhead bridge (which was an exhausting long walk due to the slope), hopping onto an LRT opposite Sogo Mall, alighting at the Masjid Jamek station, and finally walking 15 minutes to my workplace at Southern Bank on Jalan Hang Lekiu. I was in my 20s — full of energy and hustle.

So seeing Cass navigating her way around the city with so much courage fills me with pride. While things have changed so much, one thing remains: the value of earning independence, understanding the city's landscape, and managing money wisely.

I believe it’s important for my daughters to experience public transport before they learn to drive or own a car. They’ll appreciate the freedom of having a vehicle so much more and be more aware of the costs and trade-offs between driving, public transport, and e-hailing services.

Public transport today is a far cry from what it used to be. Air-conditioned buses, LRTs, MRTs, and shuttle services have made getting around more comfortable, accessible, and safer — a great step forward for urban mobility in Malaysia.

And for Cass, today wasn’t just about skating — it was also a day of growing up, gaining confidence, and slowly learning to stand on her own two feet, both on the ice and in life. She’ll be 18 in less than a year, and I can’t believe how fast time has flown past us.

Cass prepped this tuna pasta salad with kimchi, cherry tomatoes, and butterhead lettuce, and brought it along with her to the skating rink this morning. 

Alycia’s Foodie Adventures in Ho Chi Minh – Now I Want to Go Too!

Alycia’s recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam turned out to be such a wonderful and delicious getaway. She and her university mates had a fantastic time digging into authentic Vietnamese food — and from the daily photos she sent me, I could tell they were truly enjoying every bite!

What amazed me most was how affordable the food is in Vietnam, especially when compared to KL. From beef pho to banh mi and other street food, the dishes looked not only mouthwatering but also generously portioned and beautifully presented.

Honestly, with every photo Alycia sent — some showing hearty bowls of pho, others featuring crusty banh mi bursting with fillings, and the prettiest Vietnamese jelly desserts — I found myself saying the same thing over and over again:

“I need to go to Vietnam soon!”

Our family has always been big fans of Vietnamese cuisine. We often dine at Vietnamese restaurants and order our favourites through ShopeeFood online delivery.  Our usuals include banh mi, lemongrass grilled chicken noodle salad, and of course, a comforting bowl of beef pho from Pho Viet.

But there’s something about enjoying these dishes right at the source, where the flavours are bold, fresh, and authentic — and the prices are a steal!

Alycia and her friends each spent less than RM2k on this trip, which included flight tickets, hotel, food, and souvenirs. The Maison Marou (Vietnam's famous artisan chocolate) dried coconut coated in dark chocolate that Alycia got for us from Vietnam was very delicious.

So for now, I’ll let Alycia’s food photos do the talking in this post. I’m pretty sure they’ll make you salivate and perhaps even inspire you to book your own food-filled trip to Vietnam soon!

Vietnam, you’re officially on my foodie travel bucket list!

Supper of chilli crabs in the hotel.

This delicious crab salad came loaded with crab meat and cost around RM30+ a plate. The four girls ordered two plates.

Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette) loaded with meat from a street vendor.

Wagyu pho at a Michelin restaurant on the first day.

Delicious Viet jelly ice dessert.

On the second last day, they visited Tan Dinh Church, an over-150-year-old pink church in Saigon.

Butter Lovers in the House – And My Handy Hack for Hard Butter

It’s no surprise that Cass is a butter lover — the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Hubby absolutely loves butter, and so does his mother. Clearly, the love for good butter runs strong on that side of the family.

Just the other day, hubby came home from Lee’s Frozen with a giant 500g block of La Belle D’Andiane Salted Butter — a premium butter made from grass-fed cows. It looked luxurious, but the problem? It was so huge and heavy it didn’t fit into the butter box!

Now here’s the thing: I have zero patience scraping hard butter, especially when I’m in a rush to make breakfast. That’s why I always buy spreadable butter, and Lurpak is my go-to. But my MIL? She only likes the real deal — good quality block butter.

So, in the spirit of keeping everyone happy (and to save our wrists from butter scraping agony), I decided to come up with a solution. I left the butter at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then used a serrated knife to slice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Now, each time we want some butter for our bread or toast, we just take 2 or 3 pieces — no scraping, no struggle.

This little butter hack has been a game changer in our kitchen! Everyone gets to enjoy their butter fix hassle-free, and we still get to savour the richness of premium grass-fed butter.

Do you do this too with your block butter? If not, try it — your mornings might just get a whole lot smoother (and softer)!

Quiet Sundays at Pavilion Damansara Heights

Lately, hubby has developed a new favourite weekend hangout spot — Pavilion Damansara Heights. This fairly new mall, which opened its doors in October 2023, is a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle and bustle of Mid Valley Megamall, Pavillion Bukit Jalil, or 1 Utama. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and surprisingly relaxing, even on Sundays.

That’s precisely why he loves it.

Free parking on Sundays, minimal crowds, no waiting in line at eateries — it’s becoming our little Sunday sanctuary. In fact, we were there two Sundays in a row!

Sunday #1: Goose, Pork & Prawn Wantans

Last Sunday, hubby decided to bring us (MIL and I) to try Hong Kong Roasted Goose King, the only restaurant in the mall that was fully packed while most other eateries were calm and quiet. I’m not a fan of duck, goose, or anything with webbed feet, but hubby and MIL absolutely love them.

Hubby ordered a quarter roasted goose, along with cha siu, siew yoke (roast pork), wanton mee with plump prawn wantons, double-boiled choy kon tong (dried veggie soup), and pork porridge. I must say, the food was impressive. My favourite was definitely the rich, flavourful double-boiled soup — loaded with ingredients and full of depth. The wanton noodles were springy and smooth, and the prawn wantons were fresh and juicy. It was a well-balanced, satisfying lunch for the three of us.

Sunday #2: Ramen, Shopping & Cake

This Sunday, the trio was slightly different — it was Sherilyn, hubby, and me. Deciding on where to eat took longer than expected. We walked around the mall for a good 15–20 minutes, checking out menus and discussing options. In the end, Sherilyn chose Aori Ramen, a Japanese restaurant specialising in ramen.

The menu was simple, with limited but focused ramen options. We each ordered a bowl, priced at RM38 per bowl, and added a few sides. While the ramen was tasty, we all agreed that Bankara Ramen (which has an outlet at Pavilion KL) is still our favourite. Thankfully, we spotted a sign — Bankara Ramen will be opening soon at Phase II of Pavilion Damansara Heights! Something to look forward to in future.

After lunch, Sherilyn and I dropped by Guardian Pharmacy to stock up on toiletries. Hubby, on the other hand, had his eye on dessert. He led us to Artelier Coffee, where he enjoyed his usual latte and a slice of Basque burnt cheesecake — the perfect end to a satisfying meal.

As usual, Cass couldn’t join us as she was still at Sunway Pyramid, cheering on her teammates and attending the closing ceremony of Skate Malaysia 2025. Alycia was also busy, working her weekend at her part-time café job.

Even though the whole family couldn’t be together, I still cherish these little moments of food, family, and calm amidst the chaos of daily life. Pavilion Damansara Heights is slowly becoming our go-to spot — and with Bankara Ramen coming soon, I suspect we’ll be spending even more Sundays there!

Lunch at Aori Ramen today.

Coffee and Basque burnt cheese cake at Artelier Coffee after lunch today.

Last Sunday's lunch at Hong Kong Roosted Goose King - very delicious wantan noodles and superb double boiled 'choy kon' soup.

Roast goose

Cha siu and siew yoke.

Simple Meals, Simple Joys – Eating Clean in a House of Fussy Eaters

When it comes to food, my girls and I definitely prefer light, clean meals — no excessive oil, no overpowering salt, sugar, and seasoning, just simple goodness. Cass, in particular, is very particular about what she eats. She loves her vegetables raw or blanched in plain water, without any seasoning. Because of that, I rarely buy ‘chap fan’ (economy rice dishes) for her anymore. Instead, I prepare very basic home-cooked meals, usually involving air-fried or roasted chicken breast or drumsticks — no char siu or siew yoke for her, as those are too oily for her liking.

As for me, I sometimes crave something warm and soupy, so I’ll get takeaway bitter gourd and minced pork soup, or pan mee soup (minus the noodles!) with minced pork, black fungus, and green veggies. I usually skip the noodles and rice. I've been avoiding these carbs ever since I was diagnosed with PCOS (an insulin-resistant and hormonal disorder in the year 2001). 

One of my favourite lunches this week was just that: a hearty pan mee soup without noodles and a slice of sprouted wheat bread topped with cream cheese and Lurpak Light butter. Simple, satisfying, and just the way I like it.

Honestly, I could happily eat steamed dishes every day -- steamed chicken, pumpkin, sweet potato, fish, anything.  I’m not fussy at all when it comes to food. But the same can’t be said for everyone else in the house — I live with some very fussy eaters, and catering to all their different preferences can be quite the daily stress!

Still, I try my best to find a balance — keeping meals clean and healthy while still feeding everyone something they can enjoy. It’s not always easy, but that’s mum (wife and daughter-in-law) life!

My lunch two days ago - pan mee soup sans the noodle and sprouted wheat bread.

A Stressful Tuesday, a Determined Skater

This past Tuesday was one of the most stressful days I’ve experienced in a while — not for myself, but for my youngest, Cass. And when your child is stressed to the point of tears, it’s almost impossible not to absorb that stress as a mother.

Cass had a full-dress rehearsal for Skate Malaysia (which will be held next week), and the skaters were required to arrive at Pavilion Bukit Jalil by 6PM, already dressed in their costumes with full makeup on. The timing couldn’t have been worse — Tuesdays happen to be her co-curricular day, and school only dismisses at 4.45PM.

It was chaos trying to work things out. There were tears, some tension, and a lot of rushing. In the end, her dad stepped in to save the day — driving through the peak hour madness to pick Cass up from school. But before that, he had to swing by home to collect her big luggage bag filled with her skates, costume, makeup, and everything else she needed. I prepared her dinner in a lunchbox and handed it to my husband to pass to her on the go.

Everything was happening at breakneck speed, and amidst it all, Cass still had to revise for her upcoming tests. That night, she only managed less than 3 hours of sleep — not that it was unusual. Lately, with SPM Trials looming, she’s only been sleeping about 3–4 hours a night.

I constantly nag her to go to bed earlier, but like most teenagers, mothers’ advice often falls on deaf ears. As much as I wish I could take the burden off her shoulders, I know this is a path she’s chosen and worked so hard for — balancing her academic responsibilities and her passion for figure skating.

Last year, Cass proudly won Gold in her category at Skate Malaysia. This year, with the added weight of SPM stress, I honestly don’t know what the outcome will be — but that doesn't matter as much. What matters is that she’s giving it her all. Whether she comes home with a gold, silver, bronze, or just the satisfaction of having done her best, I hope she will be happy and proud of herself.

To my dear Cass — I’m so proud of your grit, your strength, and your determination. I pray you’ll stay healthy, calm, and focused through this challenging season. Good luck next Thursday at Skate Malaysia — I’ll be cheering for you with all my heart.

My Bangkok salad was very good.

On the last day of the mid-year school holidays, I took Cass to La Juiceria to dig into something healthy. Both of us love the food at La Juiceria, it's our kind of healthy food with lots of greens, superfoods, and healthy chicken breast on our plates.   We don't mind eating this kind of food every day, but the cost is my main turn-off!

Cass's high protein plate with a big portion of grilled chicken breast and surprisingly, the chicken breast was very tender, juicy, and flavorful.  

Gold Medals, Matcha Lattes & Midnight Assignments

Yesterday marked another proud moment for Sherilyn — she and her dance team clinched a Gold Medal in the Contemporary Dance category at the 12th Malaysia Dance Competition, organized by CSTD (the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing). It’s yet another glittering win to add to their growing list of accomplishments, and I couldn’t be prouder of these hardworking, passionate dancers!

But Sherilyn’s life isn’t just about competitions and choreography. She’s currently juggling the intense demands of her university degree in architecture — a field known for its relentless stream of assignments and projects. Her days (and nights!) are packed, leaving her very little room to breathe, let alone relax.

Yet, in true Sherilyn style, she still finds ways to carve out small moments of joy. This week, during a short break from her hectic schedule, she whipped up a delicious cucumber and tomato salsa to pair with air-fried salmon belly — her version of a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal. And of course, no Sherilyn meal is complete without her signature café-style matcha latte, which she prepares with all the finesse of a trained barista.

Speaking of barista skills, she also went to work at her part-time Saturday café job today — yes, even after competing and dancing the entire day before! Her energy and drive never cease to amaze me.

As I type this, Sherilyn is getting ready to join us for dinner at Mid Valley Megamall — a rare treat, as her packed schedule usually keeps her too busy to dine out with us.  After dinner, she and Cass are off to the cinema to watch  “How To Train Your Dragon”.  It’s these little family moments that I treasure so much, even more so when she manages to make time for them.

Another gold medal to her collection.

Sherilyn's wholesome lunch - air fried salmon belly, salsa and creamy scrambled eggs.

Sherilyn's matcha latte with homemade mango syrup.

When One Word Nearly Gave Me a Heart Attack

Yesterday afternoon, just as I was expecting Cass to be home from school, I saw a missed WhatsApp call from her. Naturally, I tried calling her back immediately, but the call didn’t go through. A little worried, I waited, thinking maybe she was on the way home and would call again soon.

Then came a single WhatsApp message from her: "Accident."

My heart literally dropped to my stomach.

I froze. What accident? Was it the school van? Was it her? My mind raced through every possible horrible scenario in a matter of seconds. I called her back again — no answer. I messaged her, asking whether it was her school van or she who got into an accident. But no reply.

That short window of waiting felt like an eternity.

Finally, after what felt like forever (but was probably just a few more nerve-wracking minutes), she messaged back. Guess what she meant?

She accidentally called me.

Yes. Accident = accidentally. That’s it. She shortened the word “accidentally” because she was too lazy to type the whole thing. Just like we always do when we’re texting – abbreviating, cutting words, and assuming the other person will know what we mean.

Well, this one-word shortcut nearly gave her mother a heart attack!

Of course, I was immensely relieved. My heart gradually climbed back to its proper place. But the emotional rollercoaster that little word sent me on? Not something I want to repeat anytime soon.

I know teenagers like Cass are always in a rush and type fast, but I told her that next time she must be clearer — especially when it comes to sensitive words like "accident". Don’t just assume your mum will decode it correctly, especially when I’m waiting for her to get home safely.

We all shorten our messages out of habit – LOLs, BRBs, TTYLs – but sometimes, a few extra letters can save someone else a whole lot of unnecessary panic.

Lesson of the day: next time you mean “accidentally,” please just say “oops” instead.

Haru’s Love Language: Bites Over Pats

Haru, my four-legged furry housemate, is not your typical clingy lap cat. She’s fiercely independent and aloof—and very selective with her affections. While I long for those sweet moments of her rubbing up against me like she does to my hubby and Alycia, Haru makes it crystal clear that I’m not her preferred leg-rubbing human. Apparently, she gravitates toward those who are not head over heels for her, like me and Sherilyn are (guilty as charged!).

I recently read that some cats actually prefer showing affection to the humans who don’t smother them with attention. That explains why she rarely showers me with a leg rub. But make no mistake—Haru has her own unique way of showing love to me: biting. When I give her too many pats or interrupt her royal nap, she responds with a gentle (sometimes not-so-gentle) nip. And during her crazy zoomie episodes? Watch your ankles! She’s quick to sink her teeth in for no apparent reason.

My allergy to her fur and saliva has reduced significantly over the past four years since we rescued her off the street. I like to think my body has started to recognize her as family too. Though I still have to wash my hands after every love bite and patting, I wouldn’t trade her quirky cat love for anything in the world.

Painful love bite on my ankle, by Haru!

Melting in KL

The weather in KL has been absolutely brutal for the past month — and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been showering 4 to 5 times a day just to stay sane and comfortable. And not warm showers, mind you — cold showers. Though honestly, even the cold water feels warm these days!

At night, we don’t even need a blanket in our air-conditioned rooms. It’s that hot. Even Haru, our poor cat, is feeling the heat. This clever girl now sleeps flat on the floor right in front of the stand fan, abandoning her bed entirely because she knows the floor is cooler.

Running errands in the morning feels like stepping into an oven, and I come home drenched in sweat, immediately tossing everything — underwear included! — into the laundry basket before hitting the shower again.

According to the weatherman, some states (KL & Selangor included) are under Level 1 Heatwave alert, and the heat is here to stay… until September. Apparently, July to September will be even hotter. Oh God — help us all. 🥵

A Level 1 warning is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35 deg C and 37 deg C for three consecutive days.

How are you all coping with this heat?

Haru lazing on the cool floor, right in front of the stand fan. Smart kitty!

🎉 Trailblazers Indeed! Alycia and Team Win First Prize in National Marketing Competition

Today marks a proud moment for Alycia and her two coursemates from Sunway University! The trio participated in a thrilling marketing competition — Trailblazers: The Ad-venture Challenge — and emerged as champions, clinching the first prize of RM3,000 cash! 🎊

Organized by the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), this high-stakes competition isn't your typical university challenge. Designed to mimic the pace and pressure of a reality TV competition, Trailblazers tests real-world marketing skills through intense, fast-paced tasks that demand creativity, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the market.

Despite being undergraduates, Alycia’s team outshone many other groups — including participants from the corporate world — proving that passion, teamwork, and sharp minds can trump even experience. I nearly jumped with joy when Alycia messaged me with the incredible news. What a phenomenal achievement!

Sunway University fully sponsored their participation, and this victory will undoubtedly be a glittering highlight on Alycia’s resume as she prepares to enter the working world next year.

To Alycia and her amazing teammates — congratulations on your well-deserved win! Her team is the only all-women team, and the first and second runner-up teams comprise a mix of men and women. Talk about GIRL POWER! 💐 

Thank God for this blessing, and here’s to more victories and growth in your bright future ahead. May this be the first of many career milestones to come! 🚀

You can read and view pics of the competition here.

Scratches, Supercars, and Spooky Coincidences — Our Unlucky Encounters with Luxury Cars

This evening, my hubby and I went on a simple grocery run to our neighborhood supermarket to restock our essentials — mainly yogurt and eggs. It was supposed to be just another routine outing, but something unexpected happened on the way there.

As we were driving along the narrow road leading to the supermarket, a bright yellow Ferrari was double-parked at the side. Just as we were passing by, the right-side door of the Ferrari suddenly swung open — and grazed the left side of my hubby’s car. The timing was so sudden, neither side had a chance to react.

Hubby quickly pulled over to check for any damage. He then walked over to the two men standing near the Ferrari to talk to them. At that moment, I felt a wave of worry wash over me. One of the men was wearing a body-hugging singlet with the word Muay Thai emblazoned across his chest — and to be honest, he gave off serious “tai kor” (gangster big brother) vibes. I couldn’t help but feel tense, fearing the situation might escalate, even though the accident clearly wasn’t our fault.

But to my relief, everything was civil. The man in the Muay Thai singlet gave hubby his handphone number, and there was no confrontation whatsoever. Upon inspection, the damage was minimal — just a faint scratch on the plastic cap above the tire. No dents, no drama. Still, it left us shaken for a bit.

Strangely, this is the second minor accident involving hubby’s new car — and it’s only three months old! About two months ago, the boom gate barrier at our condo malfunctioned and came down unexpectedly, hitting the top of his car and leaving a shallow dent near the bonnet.

Even stranger? We seem to have a history with mishaps involving luxury cars. A few years back, on Sherilyn’s birthday of all days, she opened my car door without checking her surroundings. Bad luck struck — a BMW’s side mirror was cleanly yanked off when it passed by. The damage? A hefty RM500 to replace just the mirror! That incident left a lasting dent on hubby’s wallet and a permanent cautionary tale for all of us.

 While these accidents were minor, they were still frustrating. A new car always holds that special glow, and it’s disheartening to see it marked so soon. But all things considered, we’re grateful that both incidents were harmless in the bigger picture — no injuries, no real conflict, and repairable surface-level damages.

If there’s one lesson here, it’s that bad luck doesn’t care whether you drive a Ferrari, BMW, or a humble family car. But we’re just hoping our streak of unfortunate encounters ends here. Enough dents, dings, and scrapes for a long, long time, please!

Here's to smoother drives ahead and zero run-ins with flashy vehicles. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻.

A Sweet Gesture at the Candy Shop: Kindness is Still Alive

Last Sunday, after her figure skating class, Cass—who often spends almost the entire day at the skating rink training diligently—helped me with our weekly grocery run. It's something I’ve asked her to help with since last year, as the supermarket at the mall where the rink is often has good deals on blueberries and pre-washed salad, both of which are staples in our fridge.

As she made her way to the supermarket in the mall, something colourful caught her attention—the newly opened Sticky candy shop. She popped in for a quick peek and decided to treat herself. I had given her an extra RM3 for the groceries, and she used part of it to buy just two pieces of gummies. Yes, only two pieces—costing RM1.40 in total, as they were sold by weight.

What happened next was a little moment of sweetness—not just from the candy, but from a stranger’s heart. The shop assistant, seeing this teenage girl carefully pick out only two pieces, must have been moved by her thoughtfulness and restraint. Instead of letting her leave with just those, the kind assistant gifted Cass a generous handful of all the sample Sticky candies they had.

When Cass came home and told me the story, I couldn’t help but smile and feel genuinely grateful. In that brief encounter, a stranger showed that kindness and empathy still exist in the most unexpected places. The simple act of giving a few candies—without expecting anything in return—brightened Cass’s day and mine.

These small moments are reminders that humanity is not lost. That in a busy world where people often rush past one another, there are still those who pause to show compassion, even in the smallest ways. A kind gesture from a shop assistant at a candy store may not make headlines, but to us, it meant a lot.

So to that thoughtful shop assistant at Sticky, thank you. You didn’t just give out candies—you gave us a story of kindness to carry with us. Bless your heart for making a teenager’s Sunday that much sweeter 😊

The packet of free sample sticky rock candy that was gifted to Cass. This is the remainder of what she had already eaten. It was quite a big packet.

When Your Fridge Starts "Crying" — Time to Say Goodbye?

For almost half a year, our trusted Sharp fridge has been acting up. Water droplets started forming on the ceiling of the top shelf, so much so that all our food containers placed there were constantly wet. It became a daily frustration to wipe down the shelf and dry off the containers. I finally had the time to call in a fridge technician, hoping to solve the problem once and for all.

The first technician diagnosed the issue as a loose gasket (rubber seal on the doors) and replaced it. While that initially seemed promising—no more water droplets—the fridge suddenly stopped cooling properly on the same day. Our food was no longer staying cold, which led to an even bigger headache. We had to discard a lot of food from our fridge and freezer. What followed was a long-drawn drama involving five visits from two different technicians, and replacing a faulty defrost sensor in the freezer. Despite all the tinkering and replacement parts, our fridge still isn’t performing at 100%.  The repairs set us back RM800.

The second technician kindly left us a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Apparently, the ideal fridge temperature should be around 4°C. After the fifth repair attempt, the temperature started to drop again, but it’s still inconsistent. During the day, with frequent door openings, the fridge struggles to stay at the optimal temperature. At night, when left undisturbed, it managed to hit the sweet spot of 4°C—just once. And now, the dreaded water droplets are making a comeback on the top shelf ceiling. It’s like a bad cycle we can’t seem to break.

Our fridge will turn 17 this November. That’s a pretty long life by modern standards, I suppose. Electrical appliances nowadays don’t seem to last the way they used to. I remember our old fridge and washing machine at my parents’ house easily lasted over 20 years with barely any issues. Back then, manufacturers took pride in making things durable. Now, it feels like planned obsolescence is the name of the game—if things don’t break, how will they keep selling?

I think it’s finally time to say goodbye to our hardworking fridge and start scouting for a new one. Hopefully, this new investment will last at least one and a half decades.

How old is your fridge? Is it still running well, or is it starting to "cry" like ours?

On 3rd May, our fridge temperature had been hovering above 15 degrees Celsius. All our dairy produce and perishables had to be transferred to the other fridge in the wet kitchen. That fridge has been stuffed full to the brim ever since. Hope it won't conk out too!

Best Gemstones for Earrings to Pair with a Pink Dress

When it comes to fashion, few combinations are as graceful and romantic as a well-paired gemstone earring with a pink dress. Whether you're attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or simply going out for a sophisticated dinner, your earrings play a vital role in completing your look. Pink dresses can range from blush to hot pink, and the gemstone you choose should enhance both the tone of the dress and your personal style.

This guide explores the best gemstones for earrings that pair beautifully with pink dresses, considering factors like color harmony, contrast, occasion, skin tone, and personal flair. From classic diamonds to the playful glow of opals, let’s dive into the top choices that elevate your pink-dress ensemble from pretty to perfect.

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Why Choosing the Right Gemstone Matters

Before we get into the list, it’s important to understand why the choice of gemstone makes such a difference. Earrings are close to your face—they draw attention to your eyes, hair, and skin. When you're wearing a pink dress, the right gemstone can:

• Enhance or complement the tone of your outfit

• Balance your skin undertone

• Make your look cohesive or add intentional contrast

• Set the mood (e.g., soft and romantic or bold and dramatic)

Pink is a color of softness, femininity, and charm—but depending on the shade, it can also be powerful and edgy. A dusty rose dress calls for different accessories than a neon fuchsia one. Now, let’s discover which gemstones best suit this versatile color.

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1. Diamond – Timeless Elegance That Works Every Time

There’s a reason diamonds are a girl's best friend—they go with absolutely everything. Pink and diamond is a match made in heaven. The clarity and sparkle of diamonds accentuate the softness of pink while adding a hint of sophistication.

Why They Work:

• Diamonds reflect light and bring glow to the face.

• Perfect for formal events or bridal wear.

• Ideal for both pale and vibrant pinks.

Best Styles:

• Solitaire diamond studs for minimalism.

• Diamond halos with pink sapphires for more glam.

• Chandelier diamond earrings for black-tie occasions.

Diamonds are especially effective if your pink dress has embellishments or is made of silky fabric—both shimmer beautifully under diamonds’ sparkle.

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2. Pink Sapphire – Harmonizing with a Twist

For a more coordinated look, pink sapphire earrings echo the hue of your dress without getting lost in it. Sapphires come in varying shades of pink—from pale peach to hot magenta—so you can match or complement your specific shade of dress with ease.

Why They Work:

• Enhance pink tones with a deeper or contrasting variation.

• Symbolize love, loyalty, and elegance.

• Offer a modern yet romantic touch.

Best Styles:

• Pink sapphire drops with gold settings for soft pink gowns.

• Deep pink studs for dusty rose or neutral-pink outfits.

• Mixed pink sapphire and diamond hoops for fun, youthful looks.

Pink sapphires work especially well with pastel or muted pinks, where they add just the right touch of depth and complexity.

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3. Morganite – The Romantic Dream

Morganite is a peachy-pink gemstone that oozes femininity and elegance. Its subtle shimmer and soft hue make it a dreamy match for any pink dress, especially blush tones and champagne-pink shades.

Why They Work:

• They blend beautifully without being overly matchy.

• Ideal for vintage or bohemian looks.

• Often paired with rose gold, which complements pink garments.

Best Styles:

• Teardrop morganite earrings with halo diamonds.

• Morganite studs in rose gold for casual or semi-formal wear.

• Boho-inspired morganite danglers for outdoor weddings.

Morganite gives you a warm, glowy look and works across a wide range of pink dress shades—from barely-there baby pink to deep rosewood.

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4. Pearls – Classic and Understated

Pearls and pink dresses? Absolutely. Whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn or creating a soft, beachy look, pearls are eternally elegant. Their soft luster contrasts beautifully with pink hues.

Why They Work:

• Add purity and softness to the overall ensemble.

• Perfect for both casual and formal settings.

• Work well with light pinks, rose, and coral tones.

Best Styles:

• Simple pearl studs for clean elegance.

• Pearl drop earrings with gold or diamond accents.

• Baroque pearls for a more contemporary twist.

White, cream, or blush pearls all look fantastic, and freshwater pearls add texture and personality to more minimal pink outfits.

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5. Rose Quartz – Feminine and Flirty

If you're aiming for a soft, romantic, and delicate vibe, rose quartz is a top pick. This pale pink gemstone adds a tender and youthful element to your ensemble.

Why They Work:

• Harmonize naturally with pink fabric tones.

• Great for daytime events and spring/summer looks.

• Offer a soft, loving energy often associated with self-love.

Best Styles:

• Polished rose quartz studs for soft pink sundresses.

• Long rose quartz earrings with rose gold for boho dresses.

• Geometric rose quartz and gold statement pieces for fashion-forward looks.

Rose quartz is more affordable than many gemstones and is ideal for semi-casual or artistic outfits.

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6. Amethyst – A Bold Contrast for Bright Pinks

Pairing your pink dress with amethyst earrings creates a stunning color contrast. The violet tones of amethyst make it ideal for hot pink or fuchsia dresses, providing an edgy and artistic flair.

Why They Work:

• Offer a sophisticated yet unexpected contrast.

• Work well with cool undertones in pink dresses.

• Ideal for evening looks and cocktail attire.

Best Styles:

• Amethyst studs in silver or white gold settings.

• Mixed gemstone earrings (amethyst and diamonds) for sparkle and pop.

• Long purple crystal chandeliers for an artistic fashion statement.

Amethyst is especially bold when your pink dress is vivid or patterned and you want a color-blocked or standout accessory.

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7. Opal – Playful Iridescence for Day or Night

Opals are known for their magical iridescence, often shifting between pink, blue, green, and gold. This means they can subtly reflect the tones in your pink dress, no matter the hue.

Why They Work:

• Their milky base pairs well with blush and nude pinks.

• Iridescent reflections add personality and uniqueness.

• Ideal for whimsical, creative, or artistic looks.

Best Styles:

• White opal studs for minimal elegance.

• Opal drops with diamond or moonstone accents.

• Fire opals (more orange-pink) for deeper pink dresses.

Opals are ideal for pink dresses made of tulle, chiffon, or other dreamy fabrics, giving you an ethereal and artistic vibe.

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8. Ruby – Passion and Drama for Bold Pinks

If you're wearing a deep rose, hot pink, or magenta dress, ruby earrings can help you turn heads. Rich and intense, rubies create an elegant yet passionate statement when paired with darker or jewel-toned pinks.

Why They Work:

• Contrast with light pinks and intensify dark pinks.

• Evoke energy, confidence, and bold femininity.

• Work well for evening or formal events.

Best Styles:

• Ruby studs in gold for timeless glamour.

• Dangling rubies with diamonds for red carpet-level drama.

• Clustered ruby and gemstone floral designs for a romantic punch.

Rubies bring depth and intensity to your look and are best worn when you're aiming for a confident and striking outfit.

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9. Tanzanite – Cool-Toned Sophistication

For cooler-toned pinks like rose or bubblegum, tanzanite earrings offer a chic and unexpected pairing. This blue-violet gem is rare, luxurious, and instantly elevates your look.

Why They Work:

• Complement cool pinks without clashing.

• Ideal for winter weddings or formal occasions.

• Pair well with silver, platinum, or white gold.

Best Styles:

• Simple tanzanite and diamond studs.

• Long tanzanite teardrops for evening gowns.

• Geometric tanzanite shapes for modern flair.

Tanzanite brings mystery and depth to your outfit and offers a nice departure from the more traditional color pairings.

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10. Citrine – A Golden Pop for Warm Pinks

Want to add a sunny twist to your pink outfit? Citrine is a golden-yellow gemstone that brings warmth, joy, and a touch of modern glamour. It works particularly well with coral-pinks or salmon-toned dresses.

Why They Work:

• Add radiant contrast without overwhelming the look.

• Bright and cheerful—perfect for daytime events.

• Offer a playful energy that suits modern or boho aesthetics.

Best Styles:

• Minimal citrine studs with gold backing.

• Mixed citrine and garnet earrings for fall color vibes.

• Statement citrine danglers with pink enamel details.

Citrine works best when you want your earrings to pop and you're not afraid to experiment with color combinations.

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How to Choose the Right Gemstone Based on Dress Shade

Not all pinks are created equal, and the shade of your dress can influence the best gemstone choice. Here’s a quick guide:

• Light Blush Pink: Morganite, Rose Quartz, Pearls, Diamonds

• Soft Dusty Pink: Pink Sapphire, Pearls, Rose Quartz, Amethyst

• Hot Pink / Fuchsia: Amethyst, Ruby, Tanzanite, Diamonds

• Coral Pink / Salmon: Citrine, Morganite, Opal, Rose Quartz

• Magenta / Deep Rose: Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Diamond

Always consider your skin undertone too—cool undertones benefit from gems like amethyst and tanzanite, while warm undertones shine with morganite, citrine, or rose gold settings.

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Final Tips for Pairing Earrings with a Pink Dress

• Consider the neckline: For high necklines, opt for studs or short drops; for off-shoulder or V-neck, go bolder with chandeliers or statement pieces.

• Metal color matters: Silver, platinum, or white gold enhances cool pinks; yellow or rose gold works best with warm pinks.

• Match the mood: Romantic date? Try rose quartz. Corporate gala? Diamonds or pink sapphires. Beach wedding? Pearls or opals.

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Conclusion

Pink dresses are as versatile as they are stunning, and the right gemstone earrings can elevate your look from lovely to unforgettable. Whether you prefer the sparkle of diamonds, the romance of morganite, or the drama of ruby, there’s a perfect gemstone for every shade and style of pink. Use this guide to match your earrings with your pink dress not just by color, but by energy, mood, and occasion. You'll walk into any room radiating confidence, harmony, and beauty.