Homecooked Stuffed Bell Peppers — A Labor of Love from My Clever Home Chef

One of the little joys I’ve come to appreciate is having my daughters home more often, especially when their university schedule gives them a short break from the usual madness.

For the past two months, Sherilyn has been on her short semester, which means she hasn’t been as swamped with classes and assignments as she usually is during her long semesters. With the extra time at home, she’s finally been sleeping properly on her bed (though her old habit of dozing off on the couch still happens whenever she's too tired after a long day out).

A few days ago, we found some red bell peppers sitting in the fridge, still fresh and vibrant, and in true Sherilyn style — she wasted no time whipping up something creative. My clever home chef decided to make Stuffed Bell Peppers for the family!

🍽️ How She Made Her Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sherilyn started by preparing a hearty stuffing mixture using:
✔️ Berkcious minced pork (I bought two packets)
✔️ Chopped carrots for sweetness and texture
✔️ Chopped big onions for flavor
✔️ A blend of herbs and spices to season the pork mixture perfectly

Once the stuffing was ready, the more tedious part began — prepping the bell peppers and sauce.

 

🔥 A Slight Disagreement Over Grilling!

Sherilyn wanted the bell peppers to have a slightly smoky, charred flavor, so she grilled them directly over the gas stove flame. While I must say the flavor turned out great, I wasn’t too happy with this method. Cooking anything directly on an open gas flame isn't exactly the healthiest practice, so I made a mental note to suggest skipping this step next time.

 

🍅 Homemade Bell Pepper Tomato Sauce

She didn't just stop at stuffing the bell peppers! Sherilyn went the extra mile and blended some bell peppers together, added a jar of tomato puree, and simmered it into a rich, luscious sauce.

The sauce paired beautifully with the stuffed bell peppers, making the dish extra hearty and satisfying.

 

⭐️ Final Verdict: 10/10!

I must say — the end result was absolutely delicious. The stuffed bell peppers were juicy and flavorful, and the sauce elevated the whole dish. I gave it a solid 10/10 and told her she could definitely make it again, though I hope she’ll skip the part about grilling directly over the gas next round.

Cooked in our old trusty Le Creuset pot. 

Making the Most of a Rainy Day – My Clever Balcony Cleaning Hack

Ever since Maria, our beloved part-time helper, became pregnant and went back to Indonesia to give birth, I’ve been flying solo in the house chores department. I haven’t hired another part-time helper since then, mostly to save some money—and maybe also because no one quite does it like Maria.

I’m really hoping she returns to Malaysia this August as planned, because truth be told, I miss her help—especially with the heavy-duty chores like washing the balcony. The balcony has no water faucet, which makes things a bit of a hassle. When Maria was around, she’d take this task off my hands, bless her heart. But now? It’s back to carrying heavy pails of water from the kitchen or bathroom to scrub the floor, wash the water fountain, and water the plants. Not ideal—especially with my tennis elbow acting up on my right hand.

Then, the other day, after a heavy downpour, I had a little light bulb moment 💡. I thought, why not let Mother Nature lend a hand? Instead of breaking my back hauling water, I grabbed my bathroom broom, stepped out into the rain-soaked balcony, and began scrubbing the floor using the free rainwater.

Yes, I got a little wet—but it was actually fun and oddly therapeutic! No buckets, no strain, just me, the rain, and a cleaner balcony by the time I was done.

This little experience reminded me that sometimes, we just have to think outside the box and look for simple, creative solutions—whether at home or in the office. It’s about working smarter, not harder. And if it saves a few ringgit and an aching back? Even better!

Until Maria returns (fingers crossed!), I’ll keep embracing these little hacks to make life a tad easier—and a lot more interesting 😁

The Joy of Nitrile Gloves: My Must-Have for House Chores

Ever since Maria, my part-time helper, became pregnant in July last year and stopped working for us, I’ve had to take on all the household chores myself. Without a helper, my hands have suffered tremendously—dryness, chapped skin, blisters, and even eczema started appearing between my fingers. That’s when I decided to invest in disposable nitrile gloves, and honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without them!

I’ve never liked wearing gloves for washing dishes or doing housework because reusable rubber gloves felt too thick, and I couldn’t get a good grip on the dishes. But with disposable nitrile gloves, the grip is excellent, and they’re much thinner, allowing me to feel the texture of the dishes while still protecting my hands. Now, I use at least two pairs daily.

After trying out several brands, I found that the best disposable nitrile gloves are from Top Glove and Glovzone on Lazada. These gloves are more durable and offer a better fit. I also made the mistake of buying cheap nitrile gloves from another seller, and the quality was awful—some already had holes even before I used them! They looked like they had been recycled, which was a big disappointment. So if you have sensitive hands like mine, my advice is to invest in high-quality disposable nitrile gloves. They provide a firm grip and prevent water from leaking inside, which could further irritate the skin. 

To maximize their use, I reuse my gloves within the same day. To keep them from sticking together, I sprinkle a bit of talcum powder or organic arrowroot powder inside before hanging them on a hanger out to dry. Over time, I’ve built up quite a collection of disposable nitrile gloves in various pastel shades—green, pink, baby blue, purple, and bright orange. My absolute favorite? The orange disposable nitrile gloves! They are sandblast textured, super durable, and thick enough to be washed and reused several times, making them well worth the slightly higher price.

Honestly, I never thought I’d say this, but I absolutely love my nitrile gloves. They’ve made my most dreaded chore—washing dishes—a much easier and more comfortable task. If you’re struggling with sensitive hands and daily housework, do yourself a favor and get some quality disposable nitrile gloves. You won’t regret it!

My just-arrived stash of disposable nitrile gloves from Top Glove, purchased on the Lazada platform. I bought them during the Lazada pay-day sale.

These are only RM8 for 100 pieces. The quality is good and I can reuse them and wear them several times a day.  I have tried sizes M, L, and XL and conclude that size XL is the most comfortable - they can be worn and removed easily.
I usually apply a layer of hand lotion on my hands before I wear the gloves and sprinkle talcum powder or organic arrowroot powder into the gloves and leave them to dry outside after using.  They will be discarded at the end of the day.

I so love the pastel pink color of these disposable gloves!

The orange nitrile gloves (RM8.10 per box of 20s) are of excellent quality and can be reused several times. I ensure that my hands are clean, dry, and moisturized with hand lotion before I wear the gloves. I need to be extra clean as my hands are now very prone to painful and itchy blisters / eczema patches caused by dishwashing liquid.

My Brother’s Encounter with an Earthquake in Bangkok

Today, my younger brother Roy had the shock of his life when he experienced his first-ever earthquake. He was in the middle of a meeting on the 24th floor of Bhiraj Tower, Bangkok, when suddenly, the entire building started swaying. The earthquake, which originated in central Myanmar, sent tremors across Southeast Asia, and Bangkok was not spared.

Minutes after evacuating the building, Roy sent a panicked message to our family WhatsApp chat group: "OMG, earthquake in Bangkok!" He described how the skyscraper swayed from left to right, and people rushed in a frenzy to the emergency exits. As they descended the stairwell, the building continued to shake, adding to the fear and chaos.

To make matters worse, some emergency doors were locked, causing even more panic. He said people were crying, screaming, and desperate to get out. 

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time someone in our family has gone through an earthquake. Last year, my older brother Raymond was in Japan on a business trip when an earthquake struck. He was inside a train when the tremors hit, and the train came to an emergency stop. He was stuck inside for several hours, unsure of what was happening outside.

Have you ever experienced an earthquake before? If so, how did you react? Let me know in the comments!

The chaos minutes after the earthquake in Bangkok. Photo taken by Roy.

Collapsed bathroom ceiling in Roy's room's bathroom at Hilton Sukhumvit after the earthquake. The Management gave the guests two options - to be transferred to another hotel or to continue staying at the Hilton. For the latter option, the stay will be free but stay at your own risk!  Roy chose option 2.

Our Love for Grilled Saba

When it comes to grilled fish, nothing beats the flavorful, juicy goodness of Saba (Japanese mackerel). Every time we dine at Japanese restaurants, grilled saba and salmon are a must-order for my family. However, instead of splurging on restaurant prices, I’ve recently started air-frying saba at home—and let me tell you, we are hooked!

Restaurant vs. Homemade Grilled Saba

For years, I used to buy grilled saba from our neighborhood Japanese takeout restaurant at least once a week. But after experimenting with frozen wild-caught saba from the supermarket, I realized that making it at home is not only cheaper but also tastier! Even Cass, my picky eater, says that the ones I air-fry at home are juicier and more flavorful compared to restaurant versions, which can sometimes be a little dry and tough.

Super Easy Saba Recipe – Just 3 Ingredients!

One of the best things about grilling or air-frying saba at home is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Here’s my simple foolproof recipe:

Ingredients:

✔ 1 frozen wild-caught saba fish (thawed). The ones I usually buy are already halved.
✔ 2 to 3 tbsp Kikkoman teriyaki sauce
✔ Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Marinate the saba fish with teriyaki sauce and black pepper for about 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Place it in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.

• Cook 10 minutes on one side.
• Flip and cook for 5 more minutes on the other side.
  3️⃣ Serve immediately with a bowl of steaming rice or salad.

That’s it—super easy, minimal effort, and absolutely delicious!

If you love saba, I highly recommend trying this recipe—you might just get hooked like us! 😍🐟🔥

Keto lunch - Mango salad and air-fried teriyaki saba.

Top Online Business Ideas to Start in 2025: A Complete Guide

As the digital world continues to expand, more individuals are embracing the opportunity to launch online businesses that provide flexibility, financial potential, and creative freedom. The shift toward remote work, digital marketplaces, and global accessibility has made 2025 an ideal time to dive into entrepreneurship. Whether you’re aiming to start a side hustle or build a full-time enterprise, there are countless online business ideas that aligned with a wide variety of skills and interests. The Nakase Law Firm notes that an increasing number of professionals are leveraging online businesses as an entry point into entrepreneurship due to their flexibility and scalability.

Some of the top online business ideas for 2025 include ecommerce stores, content creation, affiliate marketing, online education, digital services, and subscription-based models. This comprehensive guide explores profitable online ventures, discusses emerging trends, and offers practical tips for getting started—helping you choose the right business idea and move from inspiration to action.

The Rise of Online Business in 2025

The digital economy is thriving. As of 2025, nearly every consumer segment engages with online platforms to shop, learn, work, and connect. Global eCommerce sales are projected to exceed $6.9 trillion, while virtual education is forecasted to top $7.9 trillion in the next few years. Meanwhile, social platforms, remote services, and digital content are reaching unprecedented levels of consumption.

This boom is fueled by several key factors:

• Widespread access to high-speed internet

• Advancements in AI and automation

• The flexibility of remote services

• The rise of independent work and freelancing

• Consumer demand for convenience, customization, and instant access

For aspiring entrepreneurs, this translates into endless possibilities for building scalable businesses that don’t require massive startup capital.

Profitable Online Business Models to Explore

Let’s dive into some of the most promising business models and niches for 2025. Whether you’re an artist, teacher, tech enthusiast, or strategist, there’s something here for you.

1. Launching an Online Store

Selling products through a digital storefront remains one of the most reliable and scalable online business models. You can offer anything from handmade crafts and print-on-demand apparel to software tools and digital downloads.

Your profit margin depends on how efficiently you source, create, and ship your products. Many entrepreneurs also use online marketplaces and storefront platforms that simplify logistics like payments and customer service.

To get started, you’ll need:

• A domain and e-commerce platform

• A niche product selection

• Payment processing tools

• A marketing plan including SEO and social media

2. Dropshipping: Sell Without Inventory

For those who want to sell physical products without managing inventory or warehousing, dropshipping is a low-risk option. You partner with suppliers who fulfill orders on your behalf, while you focus on promotion and customer support.

This business model lets you experiment with different products and niches without upfront inventory costs. Your income comes from the markup between the wholesale price and the retail price.

Requirements include:

• A reliable supplier

• An ecommerce website

• Integrated dropshipping software

• Ads and influencer outreach

3. Print-on-Demand (POD)

Similar to dropshipping, POD businesses let you sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or journals. The printing and shipping are handled by third-party providers after a customer places an order.

This is a great fit for creative entrepreneurs, designers, and influencers. It’s scalable and has low startup risk, making it one of the most beginner-friendly ecommerce models.

What you’ll need:

• Original artwork or slogans

• POD service integration

• A website or marketplace listing

• Social and email marketing

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a hands-off method of earning money by promoting other businesses’ products or services. You earn a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.

You can monetize content like blogs, YouTube videos, email newsletters, or TikToks by embedding affiliate links. This model is especially effective if you already have an audience or can build a niche community.

Start with:

• A content platform (blog, YouTube, social media)

• Partner affiliate programs

• Email campaigns

• Organic and paid traffic strategies

5. Creating and Selling Online Courses

If you have deep knowledge or skills in a particular subject—whether it’s cooking, software development, or personal finance—you can monetize that knowledge by creating online courses. Courses can be hosted on your website or platforms like Teachable or Udemy.

Your earnings grow as more students enroll. Many course creators supplement income through upsells, consulting, or exclusive memberships.

To get started:

• Define a niche topic

• Create structured, high-value lessons

• Develop quizzes and downloads

• Market through SEO and social ads

6. Writing and Selling eBooks

Self-publishing has opened doors for authors and experts to earn income by writing and selling eBooks on topics they’re passionate about. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make this easy to launch.

This business model is ideal for those who want to build passive income through a one-time effort that continues to generate revenue.

What you need:

• An in-demand topic

• Well-formatted, high-quality content

• A distribution channel like Amazon or Gumroad

• Promotion via blogs, podcasts, and reviews

7. Content Creation Across Platforms

Content creation remains one of the most lucrative online ventures, especially for those who enjoy storytelling, education, or entertainment. Successful creators often publish across multiple platforms—such as YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, blogs, and Instagram—to maximize reach and revenue streams.

Content can be monetized through:

• Ad revenue (YouTube Partner Program)

• Brand sponsorships

• Merchandising (POD)

• Memberships (Patreon, channel subscriptions)

• Affiliate links

To grow your presence:

• Pick a specific niche

• Maintain consistency and quality

• Use SEO and hashtags

• Engage with your audience

8. Podcasting

Audio content is becoming increasingly popular for its accessibility and intimacy. Podcasts can cover virtually any topic and are monetized through ads, sponsorships, listener donations, or merchandise.

Launching a successful podcast requires:

• A defined niche and audience

• Quality recording equipment

• Distribution platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts

• Social promotion and partnerships with guests or other podcasters

9. Blogging for Revenue

Blogging continues to be a long-term, content-driven business that can yield strong returns when paired with smart SEO and monetization strategies. Many bloggers focus on niches like travel, parenting, tech, health, or investing.

Profits come from ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.

To succeed:

• Choose a focused topic

• Publish valuable, keyword-optimized content

• Grow email subscribers

• Collaborate with brands or guest bloggers

10. Freelance Services and Consulting

Freelancing remains one of the most direct ways to earn money online. Popular niches include writing, editing, graphic design, web development, social media, and virtual assistance. Specialized services like grant writing, resume writing, and copywriting are also in high demand.

As a freelancer, you can charge hourly, per project, or through retainer models. As your reputation grows, you may scale into an agency or consulting business.

Tools to support your journey:

• Freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn)

• Online portfolio or website

• Invoicing and time-tracking software

• A specialization or niche

11. Virtual Assistance (VA)

VA businesses support entrepreneurs and companies with administrative or creative tasks. Services can include scheduling, inbox management, data entry, or social media posting. The beauty of being a VA is that you can serve multiple clients at once and work from anywhere.

To get started:

• Define your service offerings

• Create a professional profile

• Promote via freelance job boards

• Offer discounted packages for your first clients

12. Subscription Box Businesses

Subscription boxes deliver curated products to customers on a regular basis—typically monthly. They can focus on any niche: snacks, fitness gear, beauty products, hobbies, or pet treats.

You earn from recurring subscriptions, with higher profits as you scale and buy in bulk. Engaging packaging and branding helps boost customer retention.

To launch:

• Identify a target niche

• Build relationships with suppliers

• Set up subscription management software

• Promote through influencers and paid campaigns

13. Social Media Consulting

Businesses of all sizes need help creating compelling social content, running paid ads, and analyzing engagement. Social media consultants craft strategies that help brands grow visibility, build engagement, and convert followers into customers.

To stand out:

• Build your own active social presence

• Offer free assessments or content samples

• Stay current with platform trends

• Package your services clearly

14. Digital Marketing Agencies

From SEO and PPC to email campaigns and funnel design, digital marketing services are essential to online growth. Starting your own agency lets you serve clients on a larger scale, with the potential to build a full team of experts.

This model is suited for professionals who can lead strategy and manage client relationships.

Initial steps:

• Define your core services

• Build case studies and testimonials

• Hire specialists or use contractors

• Focus on client results and retention

15. Selling Digital Products

Digital products—such as templates, music, printables, stock photos, or software—are a powerful source of recurring income. They don’t require shipping, inventory, or manufacturing, making them scalable and cost-effective.

Your job is to create value once, then sell it repeatedly.

Success tips:

• Focus on problem-solving products

• Use marketplaces like Etsy or your website

• Bundle items or offer upsells

• Use email campaigns and paid ads

16. Website Flipping

If you’re savvy with SEO and analytics, website flipping can be a highly profitable venture. The model involves purchasing undervalued websites, improving their design and traffic, and reselling for a higher price.

Return on investment can range from 30% to over 150%.

To begin:

• Research niche websites with growth potential

• Improve content and monetization

• Use platforms like Flippa to buy and sell

• Leverage analytics tools to show site performance

17. Tech and Developer Services

Businesses need websites, apps, and SaaS tools. If you’re a developer, designer, or UX expert, you can build a strong business by creating custom digital solutions.

In-demand services include:

• Web development

• App creation

• SaaS platforms

• UI/UX design

• Bug testing and tech support

These services can be sold through freelance work, or bundled into full-service agencies.

18. Creative Arts and Media

If you’re creatively inclined, you can profit from your talents by offering:

• Graphic design

• Photography

• Video editing

• Audio production

• Music licensing

• Voice acting

These services are used by content creators, ad agencies, businesses, and media firms worldwide.

19. Translation and Language Instruction

For multilingual entrepreneurs, translation services are in high demand—especially in legal, medical, and international business sectors. Similarly, language teaching is booming due to globalization and remote learning.

Whether you use video conferencing or digital courses, both models provide flexible income opportunities.

20. Financial and Legal Services

Finance-focused professionals can offer services such as:

• Bookkeeping

• Tax consulting

• Financial planning

• Trading mentorship

• Business budgeting

These roles are ideal for those with accounting, law, or investment backgrounds. Many platforms exist to promote your services and manage client work.

How to Choose the Right Online Business for You

With so many options available, it’s essential to choose a business idea that aligns with your skills, goals, and resources. Here’s how to narrow it down:

1. Assess your strengths: Choose a model that leverages your existing skills or passions.

2. Consider market demand: Is there a problem you can solve or a growing niche you can serve?

3. Start with minimal costs: Look for ideas that require low investment or use tools you already own.

4. Think long-term: Will this business model support your desired lifestyle and income goals?

Getting Started: Practical Steps to Launch

Once you’ve picked your business idea, here’s how to bring it to life:

• Create a business plan outlining your goals, audience, pricing, and marketing strategies

• Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)

• Register your business name and secure a domain

• Build your online presence through a website and social platforms

• Use tools like Whop, Shopify, WordPress, or Teachable to streamline operations

• Promote using SEO, paid ads, social content, and partnerships

Final Thoughts: Is 2025 the Year You Launch?

Starting an online business in 2025 is more accessible than ever. Many ventures require little to no upfront capital, and you can begin on a part-time basis while testing your market.

Whether your goal is to quit your 9-to-5 job or supplement your income, there’s an idea on this list that can work for you. The key lies in taking action—pick a business model, start small, and learn as you go.

The tools, platforms, and communities are already out there. All you have to do is begin.