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Saturday, January 17, 2026

My 82-Year Old Dad's Homemade Strawberry Jam

My 82-year-old dad makes the tastiest homemade strawberry jam, cooked the traditional way over low fire for about 45 minutes.

Using only fresh strawberries, the juice of two limes, and reduced sugar, 1kg of strawberries yields three medium-sized bottles of jam. There are no preservatives, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial ingredients — just simple, natural goodness.

This is the kind of jam I grew up with — patiently made, beautifully balanced, and full of heart. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most meaningful.

Watch how my dad makes the jam here > 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PcgHgFdZQDw?feature=share


Do like and follow my Facebook page for more videos, food finds and everyday life in Ipoh > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52


1kg of strawberries yield 3 bottles of jam.




Strawberries were on sale at Lotus's yesterday. My dad bought 5 punnets.





Friday, January 16, 2026

K10 Claypot Chicken Rice @ Bercham, Ipoh

Earlier this week, my 82-year-old dad brought my mum and me to his favourite claypot chicken rice spot in Bercham New Village — K10 Claypot Chicken Rice.

Food in Bercham is incredibly affordable because it’s a new village. A portion of roast chicken breast is just RM5, and roast chicken costs only RM3 — by far the cheapest I’ve ever seen in Ipoh or KL. In KL, it would easily cost double.

Back to K10. The claypot chicken rice was delicious — not overly salty, dark, or oily. Even with salted fish, the rice was well balanced. The chicken pieces were tender and juicy. I also ordered a freshly made ambra juice with preserved plum (no sugar), which was super refreshing on a hot day paired with a piping-hot claypot of rice.

The total bill for a big pot of claypot chicken rice and a plate of blanched lettuce? Only RM30.

📽️ Check out the video here: 👇





Very big pot of claypot chicken rice - too much for the 3 of us.


Super refreshing fresh ambra juice (no sugar) with preserved plum.



















Sunday, January 11, 2026

A Little Life Update: My Three Girls, My Constant Prayers

It’s been a while since I last shared an update about my three daughters, and so much has happened in their lives — the kind of moments that quietly remind me how fast time flies and how deeply a mother’s heart stretches, no matter the distance.

In just ten days, my eldest, Alycia, will be attending her convocation. It still feels surreal to write this. My parents and I will be making a trip to KL to celebrate her big day — and yes, Haru will be coming along too, as always. This milestone carries so much meaning for me. Pride, gratitude, relief, and a touch of nostalgia all rolled into one.

Sherilyn, my second daughter, is currently in her second year of an architecture course — a field well known for its intense workload, long hours, and relentless demands. Over time, the lack of sleep and rest has taken a toll on her health. She’s been falling sick repeatedly, and as a mother, watching this from afar breaks my heart.

Last week, she called me and we had a long, honest conversation. She shared that she wants to switch to Interior Architecture. Truth be told, I had foreseen this and quietly hoped for it. Architecture consistently ranks among the most challenging university majors, and I’ve seen how much it has drained her physically and emotionally. She is now in the midst of submitting the necessary forms for the switch. I can only hope the transition will be smooth — and that the cost won’t be too heavy.

Then there’s my youngest, Cass.

She attended her high school prom just yesterday. Although I wasn’t physically there to shop for her gown and accessories, she video-called me while she was out shopping. Together, we weighed the pros and cons, laughed, debated, and finally chose a beautiful gown that truly made her look like a princess.

After the prom, she barely had time to rest — waking up early this morning to head straight to the skating rink for her figure skating test. I’m incredibly thankful that she passed. This year will be especially hectic for her. She has signed up for two figure skating competitions and will also be starting her Pre-U/Foundation course in April.

Of all three girls, I worry about Cass the most because of her ongoing urinary tract medical condition. As much as I want to shield her from every hardship, all I can do is place my trust in God and pray daily for His protection over all three of them.

Even though I’m not staying with my daughters, we remain closely connected. We chat on WhatsApp every single day. Distance may separate us physically, but a mother’s heart knows no such boundaries.

Every day, I carry them in my prayers — grateful for who they are, hopeful for who they are becoming, and trusting that they are always watched over.  💛




Thursday, January 8, 2026

Homecooked Fried Meehoon By My 82-Year Old Dad

My 82-year old dad has never learned cooking formally, but his fried meehoon always tastes like home 🤍. 

Simple ingredients, familiar movements, and a lot of love in every step.

Watch how he makes it on my YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-A_Fx9nu31c?feature=share

Monday, January 5, 2026

Adopting a Stray Cat During Covid Changed My Life | My Soul Cat Turns 5

Celebrating my soul cat’s 5th birthday with cake and roast chicken 🎂🐔

She came into my life in early January 2021, during the darkest days of Covid lockdown, when everyone at home was struggling. Saving her from the streets and adopting her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She doesn’t need to do much — her presence alone eases my sadness and brings a smile to my face. An angel in the shape of a cat, truly God-sent 🤍🐱

You can watch the video of her birthday celebration here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/C3R7afWRY0U?feature=share

My mum baked the Castella mocha cake but of course Haru couldn't eat it. Dad bought roast chicken for Haru 💓



Why Polo Is Emerging as One of the Most Complete Sports for Young Girls and Boys

For many parents, choosing a sport for their children has become a thoughtful decision rather than a routine one. Beyond keeping kids active, families increasingly look for activities that shape character, confidence, and long-term skills. In that search, polo—often perceived as an elite or niche discipline—is quietly gaining recognition as one of the most complete sports for young girls and boys.

A Sport That Trains the Body From the Ground Up

At first glance, polo looks fast and demanding—and it is. But beneath the speed lies a sport that develops physical abilities in a remarkably balanced way. Young players learn to ride, control, and synchronize with a horse while simultaneously handling a mallet and tracking a moving ball.

The result is a natural improvement in balance, coordination, posture, and reflexes. Unlike many youth sports that emphasize repetitive movements, polo challenges the entire body and encourages symmetrical development from an early age.

Where Gender Is Not a Limitation

Polo is one of the few sports where mixed-gender play is the norm, not the exception. Girls and boys compete together under the same rules, and success depends on technique, awareness, and teamwork rather than brute strength.

This structure creates an environment where young girls grow up confident in their abilities, and boys learn respect and collaboration as fundamental values. In a sporting world still largely divided by gender, polo offers a rare model of equality in practice.

Learning Responsibility Through the Horse

What truly sets polo apart is the presence of the horse—not as a tool, but as a partner. Children are introduced early to the responsibility that comes with caring for an animal. Grooming, preparation, and understanding the horse’s behavior become part of daily training.

This relationship fosters discipline, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Coaches often note that young players mature faster, developing patience and a sense of accountability that extends beyond the field.

A Game of Strategy Disguised as Speed

Often described as “chess on horseback,” polo is as much a mental game as a physical one. Young players learn to read the play, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make decisions in real time—all while moving at speed.

These cognitive demands sharpen concentration, spatial awareness, and communication skills. For children, this translates into improved problem-solving abilities and teamwork, both on and off the field.

Outdoor Sport in a Digital Age

In an era dominated by screens, polo offers something increasingly rare: extended time outdoors. Training sessions and matches immerse children in open spaces, fresh air, and a natural rhythm dictated by animals rather than technology.

Parents often highlight this aspect as one of polo’s greatest benefits—an activity that reconnects children with nature while providing structure and purpose.

Learning Polo in the Heart of the Sport

Argentina has long been considered the global reference point for polo, and learning the sport in this context carries a unique weight. Argentina Polo School has positioned itself as a place where young beginners are introduced to polo through a structured, safe, and educational approach.

With experienced instructors, well-trained horses, and programs designed specifically for children, the school focuses on fundamentals, confidence-building, and enjoyment. The goal is not only to teach polo, but to cultivate respect for the sport, the horses, and the values that define it.

More Than a Sport

For young girls and boys, polo is not simply an athletic activity—it is an education. It teaches balance, equality, responsibility, and strategic thinking in a way few sports can replicate. As more families look beyond conventional options, polo is emerging not as an exclusive pastime, but as a powerful developmental experience.

And for those discovering it in Argentina, at institutions like Argentina Polo School, the journey begins at the very source of the game.

Friday, January 2, 2026

Our 1st Day of 2026

Starting 2026 the best way I know how — with my mum. Breakfast at the coffee shop, a DIY cupboard she ordered online and proudly assembled on her own, and her looking for a cake recipe just because I was craving cake. Love looks like this. She's a supermum 💕

Check out my video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/_mMQeaR6190?feature=share

The popiah is only RM7




Char Koay Teow (less noodles, more bean sprouts, without cockles and prawns) only cost RM5. This would have cost RM10 in KL.




Chicken stew that my papa cooked.