When Your Dad Treats Cockroaches Like Nothing Happened

I have a confession to make. At 53, I still have katsaridaphobia — yes, a full-on fear of cockroaches.

I will scream the moment I see one… even in front of my daughters. No shame, no control, just pure panic 😅

Just now after we came back from dinner, I walked into the kitchen and there it was — right in the middle, staring at me like it owned the place.

Dad was around, so I shouted for help.

Dad, being his usual nonchalant self, just said, “Never mind lah, let it be, k*ll it for what.”

I immediately replied, “NO. Just k*ll it!”

He calmly walked over, picked up his kitchen slipper, and smacked it.

And then—this is the part that nearly ended me—he used his fingers to pick the smashed thing up and threw it into the bin.

I almost fainted on the spot.

Then, as if nothing happened, he wore the same slipper again and casually walked around the kitchen.

I was still recovering from trauma.

The moment he went into the bathroom, I went full cleaning mode—sprayed antibacterial spray everywhere, scrubbed his slippers, and sprayed the kitchen again for good measure.

For someone with OCD and cockroach phobia… this is basically my worst nightmare combo.

So tell me honestly… who’s also a real cockroach phobic here? 😂

Photos below - my simple dinner tonight at IP Eastern Steamed Fish Restaurant, Ipoh with my parents and younger brother who's back from KL to spend the long weekend. 

Strength Training With a Personal Trainer - Session #2 | My 80-Year-Old Mum & Me (53)

 Our second strength training session with Sharon, our personal trainer, was both fun and very rewarding 💪

This time, we focused on strengthening both our lower and upper body using different weight machines. Sharon patiently guided us step by step, making sure we used the correct posture and technique to avoid injury and get the most out of each movement.

We also learned how to do squats using dumbbells—something that looks simple but actually requires proper form and balance. It was a great exercise for building leg strength and stability, especially important as we age.

One of the most valuable things Sharon emphasized again was proper breathing during weight training. Knowing when to inhale and exhale may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in improving performance, maintaining control, and ensuring safety during each exercise.

What I really appreciate is how the training is tailored to suit both Mum and me, taking into account her age and condition while still allowing us to progress at our own pace.

We’re both enjoying this journey so much, and it’s really encouraging to see Mum staying active and committed. Can’t wait for our next session (even if it comes with a little muscle soreness 😄)

You can watch the video here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/2013641946211005

Muzi Matcha Cafe @ Tambun, Ipoh

Tucked away in the peaceful neighbourhood of Tambun, Ipoh, Muzi Matcha Café is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a serene Japanese retreat. Housed in a charming bungalow, this café has quickly gained popularity for its Instagram-worthy aesthetics, calming ambiance, and of course—its dedication to all things matcha.

From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere was soothing and inviting. The minimalist Japanese-inspired design, combined with soft natural lighting and greenery, made it the perfect spot to unwind after a meal. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you just want to sit back and savour every sip and bite.

We visited the café after lunch, looking for somewhere cozy to enjoy some light desserts and drinks—and Muzi did not disappoint.

🍵 What We Tried

Being a family of matcha lovers we couldn’t resist sampling a variety of their signature items.

• Matcha Cheesecake – Rich, creamy, and beautifully balanced. It reminded me very much of the ones from The Tokyo Restaurant at Lot 10 in KL—definitely a compliment!
• Strawberry Daifuku (Mochi) – A clear favourite among my girls. Soft, chewy, and filled with a delightful combination of fresh strawberry and sweet filling.
• Matcha Latte & Green Tea – As someone who is quite particular about matcha, I must say I was genuinely impressed. The green tea was smooth, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.

In fact, I loved their green tea so much that I was tempted to buy some home. Unfortunately, they don’t sell their green tea bags —but they do offer Muzi matcha powder (RM88 for 50g), which I already happen to have at home (thanks to a thoughtful birthday gift from Alycia’s friend).

💚 The Verdict

Muzi Matcha Café is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful café to relax in, this spot ticks all the boxes.

The desserts are thoughtfully crafted, the drinks are top-notch, and the ambiance makes you want to linger just a little longer.

We truly enjoyed our time there and are already looking forward to our next visit—especially when my girls are back in Ipoh again to visit me.

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📍 Muzi Matcha Café Locations

• Tambun Main Branch
  333, Jalan Tambun
  🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Kitchen closes at 10:00 PM)
• Pop-Up Kiosk
  Concubine Lane, Ipoh
  🕚 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Ipoh Stable Market (PISM)
  (Check operating hours locally)

You can watch the video of our visit to Muzi Matcha cafe on my Facebook page.

Strength Training At 53

Today, my 80-year-old mum and I attended our very first strength training session with a personal trainer 💪

Before we even started, our trainer Sharon (IFC Gym, Ipoh) —such a warm and friendly lady—sat down with us to understand our health conditions, daily habits, and diet. I really appreciated this part, because it made the session feel very personalised and thoughtful, rather than just a “one size fits all” workout. She also shared some simple nutrition tips to support our training.

One of the most important things she taught us was proper breathing technique—when to inhale and exhale during each exercise, whether we were using weights or not. It sounds basic, but it actually makes a big difference in how effectively and safely we exercise.

We were then guided step by step on how to use the different weight machines correctly (no more guessing at the gym 😄), followed by a short floor exercise session.

Since Mum has been dealing with sciatica, Sharon also showed us specific exercises to help relieve the pain and loosen tight muscles. It was very reassuring to know that these movements can be done safely and consistently to improve her condition over time.

Overall, it was such a positive and encouraging experience. Mum and I really enjoyed the session, and more importantly, we feel confident and motivated to continue.

Can’t wait for our next class… even if it means a bit more muscle soreness tomorrow 😆

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️

Sam Poh Tong Temple Visit With Cass

When Cass was in Ipoh early this month, we visited Sam Poh Tong Temple, a beautiful limestone cave temple nestled in Gunung Rapat, Ipoh. It wasn't our first visit - many times for me, and second time for Cass. She visited this place moons ago when she was a tiny little girl and has little recollection of it😊

Carved within a majestic limestone hill, this unique temple blends nature and spirituality in the most peaceful way. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a cool, tranquil cave setting, along with a charming garden and a pond filled with tortoises, surrounded by stunning limestone formations.

We made our way up to the highest level inside the cave, curious to see what was waiting for us… and at the top, we found serene Buddha statues quietly watching over the space.

The best part? There’s no entrance fee. It’s a wonderful place for Buddhists to pray, and for non-Buddhists like us, it’s a lovely spot to explore and admire the natural beauty of a limestone cave.

Just outside the cave, there’s also a beautifully landscaped garden with a fish pond — perfect for a relaxing stroll and some photography.

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️

Stronger Together: Mum and I Start Our Strength Training Journey

Yesterday, Mum and I attended a strength training workshop at IFC Gym—currently the only gym in Ipoh that offers specialised programmes for senior citizens.

We first heard about it through Mum’s 88-year-old friend, who has been training there and has seen noticeable improvements in her mobility. That was encouraging, especially since Mum has been dealing with persistent joint and limb pain every morning. She was advised that strength training could help improve her mobility and potentially ease those aches by strengthening both muscles and bones.

We attended the theory session last month, and this time, it was all about hands-on practice.

The workshop was divided into three parts: lower body strength training, upper body strength training, and bodyweight exercises using free weights and resistance bands. There was also a complimentary antioxidant test, which measured our body’s antioxidant levels—quite an interesting addition to the session.

Having lived in a condo with gym facilities for 17 years, I have to admit I barely used most of the equipment beyond the treadmill, air walker, and rowing machine. It felt a little ironic that we are now paying to properly learn how to use these machines—but honestly, it’s worth it. The personal trainers were incredibly patient, friendly, and attentive, guiding us step by step.

Most participants were senior citizens, and I think I was among the youngest there—which made the experience even more heartwarming.

The antioxidant test results were a pleasant surprise. Mine came back very high (in a good way!), and I suspect my daily matcha, green tea, and “an orange a day” habit might have something to do with it.

By the end of the workshop, Mum and I were so convinced that we signed up for a personal training package (10 sessions) along with a gym membership. As a bonus, the lifetime membership fee was waived since we signed up on the spot.

We genuinely enjoyed the session and are looking forward to our first personal training class.

The only “downside”—or maybe a good sign—is that my arms were aching throughout the night, similar to that post-vaccine soreness. But I can already feel my muscles waking up… even the little flab under my arms is starting to feel firmer 😄

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️

Stadium Food Court, Ipoh

Whenever I’m back in Ipoh, one place I must visit is Stadium Food Court — or simply “Stadium” as the locals call it. It’s my favourite spot because you can find almost everything here: famous Ipoh nga choi kai (bean sprout chicken), char koay teow, popiah, sotong kangkung, fruit rojak, pasembur, claypot noodles, claypot chicken rice, hor hee, Indian rice, Malay rice, porridge, Hong Kong CCF, fried fish head noodles, ice kacang, cendol, the famous Ipoh tau foo far and so much more! 😋

Now that I’m back in Ipoh permanently, we come here even more often — especially when my daughters return from KL. It’s truly a place filled with good food and family memories ❤️

📍 Stadium Food Court

Jalan Kompleks Sukan,

Taman Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak

You can watch the full video on my YouTube channel  ❤️

Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau Restaurant, Ipoh

Whenever people talk about Ipoh’s famous nga choi gai (bean sprout chicken), a few well-known names always come up, such as Lou Wong and Onn Kee. But for many Ipohites—especially those who grew up here decades ago—one name quietly stands above the rest:

Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau Restaurant.

Recently, we made a return visit to this legendary stall that has been serving its signature bean sprout chicken for more than 50 years. The owner himself is now around 70 to 80 years old, yet the taste that built its reputation is still very much alive.

This visit brought back many memories.

When we were still pre-teens, Dad used to bring us here to eat. Back then, there wasn’t even a proper shop yet—the stall operated as a humble open-air hawker setup. We sat under the evening sky, enjoying bowls of steaming hot hor fun and tender poached chicken.

Fast forward more than 40 years later, and here we were again—returning to the same place, tasting the same flavours that shaped our childhood.

These days, we hardly come to this part of Ipoh anymore. The area has become quite touristy, parking can be very difficult, and the crowd is often overwhelming. But this time, we made the trip because a visitor from KL specifically wanted to try one of Ipoh’s most popular nga choi gai spots—and Cowan Street was the obvious choice.

What Makes Cowan Street Different?

Across Ipoh, many shops serve bean sprout chicken that looks quite similar at first glance.

You get:

smooth poached chicken

crunchy, juicy Ipoh bean sprouts

silky hor fun

But what truly sets Cowan Street apart is something else entirely—their secret sauce (in my opinion as an Ipoh girl who has tasted their competitors' offerings).

The sauce here is incredibly addictive. It adds a deep layer of umami that transforms the chicken and bean sprouts from something simple into something memorable. It’s the kind of flavour that makes you keep reaching back for “just one more bite”… until suddenly the plate is empty.

And then there’s the soup.

Personally, what I love most about Cowan Street’s bean sprout chicken is the chicken soup served with hor fun. It’s rich, hearty, and comforting—the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out. Combined with their signature smooth hor fun, it’s easily one of the highlights of the meal.

Don’t Miss the Braised Chicken Feet

If you enjoy chicken feet, their braised chicken feet is another must-try.They are slowly braised in a fragrant broth of soy sauce, herbs, and spices until tender and flavourful. Every bite is infused with savoury richness that makes it hard to stop at just one piece.

Definitely worth ordering alongside the classic bean sprout chicken.

Worth the Queue:

Yes, the parking is still challenging.

Yes, the crowds can still be intense.

And yes, you may need to wait.

But once that bowl of hot chicken soup arrives, together with silky hor fun, smooth poached chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and that unforgettable sauce—you’ll understand why generations of Ipoh families keep coming back.

If you’ve never tried Cowan Street’s nga choi gai before, it’s absolutely worth making the trip.

Some flavours don’t just fill your stomach—they bring you home again. ❤️

Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau

44 Jalan Raja Ekram

31350 Ipoh

You can watch the full video on my YouTube channel and if you like my videos, do follow and subscribe❤️

Mum's Health Scare

Earlier this week, my mum gave us quite a health scare.

It started with her having a tummy ache that lasted for more than two weeks. Late last week, she went to the clinic for a checkup and had her stool tested. On Monday, she returned to see the doctor and the results showed there was blood in her stool.

Naturally, we were very worried. Dad quickly brought her to see her usual surgeon to arrange for a colonoscopy the very next day.

On Tuesday, the three of us went together for her procedure. It was a very anxious wait for all of us, because blood in the stool is never something to take lightly.

Thank God, after more than an hour of waiting, the doctor reassured us that the colonoscopy showed no signs of malignancy. We even got to see the video of her colon — it was clean and clear, with no lumps or obstruction. We were so relieved and thankful.

After the procedure, we went for a simple meal together. Mum had fish porridge, while Dad and I shared roast duck and roast pork wantan mee. Somehow, food always tastes extra comforting after a scare like this.

Moments like these remind us not to take our health for granted. I’m truly grateful for this piece of good news, and I pray we won’t have to go through another scare like this again — for my parents or for myself. 🙏

You can watch the full video on my Facebook page — do follow me there for more little updates and moments from our family life ❤️

Haru's Own Facebook Page

Because Haru is so loved on TikTok, I’ve created a special Facebook page just for my little princess Haru 🐱💕

If you enjoy her cute moments, sleepy poses, and cheeky personality, please come and like & follow Haru's page to support her journey. Every follow means a lot to us!

Thank you so much for your love and support for Haru 💖

Canning Dim Sum (Halal) @ Canning Garden, Ipoh

When Alycia came back to Ipoh to surprise me for my birthday, we decided to celebrate with brunch at Canning Dim Sum — a popular halal dim sum spot in Canning Garden.

The restaurant offers more than 100 varieties of halal-certified dim sum in a spacious, family-friendly environment. One thing that immediately caught our attention was the beautifully designed garden-style façade — it’s very photogenic and perfect for taking pictures 📸

There’s a wide selection of both steamed and fried dim sum to choose from. Overall, the food was good, and I especially enjoyed the chicken siew mai. Surprisingly, it didn’t have the strong “porky” smell that you sometimes get from non-halal siew mai, which made it extra pleasant to eat.

Prices start from about RM3.20 per basket. Our total bill came to RM144.20 for five adults — slightly on the higher side, but still reasonable for the variety and experience. Since Ipoh is famously known for its many non-halal dim sum options, this was actually our first time trying halal dim sum here, and it was a nice change.

After brunch, we spent some time taking photos at their colourful outdoor garden area, which made the visit even more memorable 🌿✨

Canning Dim Sum (Halal)

1 Lebuh Cecil Rae, Taman Canning

31400 Ipoh, Perak

Opens daily from 6:30 AM

016-268 0535

Hop over to my YouTube channel to watch the video! 😊

Lady's Finger Flower

Have you seen a lady’s finger flower before? 🌼 My 83-year-old dad planted this in a small pot from seeds… and now it keeps giving us fresh lady’s fingers! 💚 Simple joys from dad’s garden.

Follow my Facebook page for more updates, and videos 🌿

Cassandra Turns 18 — A Sweet Celebration in Ipoh and Beyond

Cassandra turned 18 this year — such a special milestone for our youngest girl, and one that felt especially meaningful to celebrate as a family.

On 31st March, Cass took the ETS train from KL back to Ipoh right after collecting her SPM results. We were so happy she came to Ipoh straight away, and we celebrated her good results together on her very first evening back. It was the perfect way to begin a week filled with love and celebrations.

The next day, we had an early birthday celebration for her here in Ipoh with just the four of us — her grandparents and me. It was simple, cosy, and very heartwarming.

This year, Cass had a very specific birthday request: a Pochacco-themed birthday cake in pandan flavour. A week earlier, she sent me a photo of Pochacco, and we arranged to custom-make the cake at JJ Cakes & Swissrolls. The cake turned out adorable and delicious — exactly what she hoped for!

For dinner, she chose Western food, so we brought her to Hayloft. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it felt like such a meaningful little family celebration — just the way she likes it.

Her actual birthday fell on 9th April, and she celebrated again in KL with her dad, her sisters, and grandma at Butcher's Table. It makes me happy that she could celebrate with different parts of the family across a few days.

She also managed to celebrate with a friend at Sunway Pyramid after collecting her brand-new skating boots — which cost over RM5,000! A jaw-dropping price, but necessary as she progresses to higher levels in figure skating. She has worked incredibly hard for this step forward.

Another exciting milestone is that Cass has now started shadow-coaching, and very soon she’ll be able to coach beginners officially. Watching her grow in confidence and independence through skating has been such a proud journey for us as parents.

Looking back, it feels especially emotional to see her turn 18. She has come such a long, long way since her baby days, when she faced so many health challenges. Today, she stands strong, determined, and passionate about what she loves.

We are so proud of the young lady she is becoming. 💖

You can watch the video of the celebration on my Facebook page.

First Class Honours, Fully Exempted PTPTN — What a Blessing!

Today I am a very, very happy mama again!

My eldest daughter, Alycia, just shared wonderful news with me — her application for PTPTN loan repayment exemption has been approved! This means her PTPTN loan has now been fully converted into a scholarship because she graduated with First Class Honours. What a blessing!

I am so proud of her hard work and perseverance, and so thankful that God has been so kind to our family.

For parents whose children are studying at a local university (public and private), do consider applying for a PTPTN loan if needed. Encourage them to aim for First Class Honours — they can then apply for a loan repayment exemption. A truly meaningful reward for their effort and dedication. So worth it!

Strength Training In The Gym With my 80-Year Old Mum

Two weeks ago, my 80-year old mum and I attended a strength training workshop at IFC Gym Ipoh — the only gym in Ipoh that currently offers strength training classes specially designed for senior citizens.

Since last year, my mum has been experiencing chronic aches and pains throughout her body, especially in the mornings when she first wakes up. It has been worrying to see her discomfort become part of her daily routine. Determined to improve her mobility and overall strength, she decided to take a proactive step by exploring strength training to build up her muscles and bones.

One of her close friends, who is already 88 years old, has been attending classes at this gym and has become noticeably more mobile and active. Seeing that progress gave my mum the confidence to give it a try herself. She then asked if I would accompany her to the workshop — and later join her for the training sessions. Of course, I said yes. It felt like something meaningful we could do together.

The workshop turned out to be very insightful. There was even a scientist who gave a talk on nutrition, cellular health, and how these relate to muscle development and ageing. He also helped interpret our InBody analysis results. Yes, we both did the analysis — and now we have a clearer idea of where we need to improve our muscle strength.

Mum and I will be attending a hands-on strength training practical workshop at the end of April, after which we plan to sign up for regular classes at the gym. Given that Mum’s condition involves chronic pain, we will most likely start with personal training sessions, and I’ll be there alongside her for support.

Honestly, I can’t wait to become a gym regular again after such a long hiatus — and this time, sharing the journey with my mum makes it even more special. 💪✨

Keying in my details into the InBody BMI measurement machine.

The Journey of Wellnes Spa @ Sojourn Spa Hotel, Greentown Ipoh - Step 4 to 7

Continuing My Journey of Wellness Experience

The next few steps of the Journey of Wellness session at Sojourn Spa Hotel felt especially luxurious and thoughtfully designed to help the body relax deeper with each stage.

Step 4: Rock Salt Therapy Chamber

Step 4 was the rock salt therapy chamber, a warm room constructed with solid rock salt walls. In the centre of the room sat a box filled with sparkling rock salt that looked almost like glowing gold.

The room felt gently warm and very calming. Sitting inside this quiet space gave me a peaceful moment to simply rest and breathe. It was a very soothing experience.

Step 5: Body Scrub and Rain Shower Therapy

Next came the body scrub with essential oil, which left my skin feeling refreshed and smooth. After the scrub, I experienced rain shower therapy over my back and body — something that felt very luxurious and relaxing.

One small tip for anyone trying this: the treatment bed is made of PVC and can be slippery during the rain shower, so do be careful when adjusting your position or getting down from the bed.

After that, I moved to the next room to enjoy a relaxing dip in the jacuzzi, followed by a full shower from head to toe with shampoo provided. Hair dryer and body lotion were also available, which made everything very convenient and comfortable.

Step 6: Neck, Head and Shoulder Massage

Then came a neck, head and shoulder massage, which helped release a lot of built-up tension. By this stage of the session, my body already felt noticeably lighter and more relaxed.

Step 7: Foot Mask and Foot Therapy

The session ended beautifully with a foot mask and foot therapy using a machine, while I enjoyed a warm cup of red dates ginger tea together with a coconut biscuit.

It was such a comforting way to close the wellness journey.

Overall, this spa session was truly a luxurious experience to pamper both body and soul — a much-needed time to destress, slow down, and recharge.

Thank you to Alycia, my eldest daughter, for this thoughtful birthday treat. It meant so much to me 💛
✨

You can watch the video of my spa experience for Step 1, Step 2 & 3, and Step 4 to 7 on my Facebook page.

Pre-Birthday Celebration

A week before my birthday, my younger brother Roy came back to Ipoh to celebrate with me. We had a really lovely dinner together at Hanz & Jane.

The café has such pretty, dreamy décor — very Insta-worthy — and they were playing Norah Jones–style jazz in the background, which made the whole place feel calm and relaxing. It was the perfect setting for a quiet pre-birthday celebration with family.

The food was great, and we also ordered their specialty Chocolate Bomb Cake, which is house-made by the café and quite a unique experience. The cake comes as a chocolate sphere, and you’re supposed to tap the chocolate casing gently with a small hammer to reveal a wedge of moist chocolate cake inside — complete with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate surprise. All of us enjoyed it very much!

It was a simple but very meaningful pre-birthday celebration with my parents and my younger brother — lovingly treated by my thoughtful brother Roy. I truly appreciated the time together. 💛

You can watch the video of the dinner on my Facebook page.

Cass Did It — A Proud Mum’s Day

Today I am a very proud mum.

After 17+ years of waiting for this day, Cass did it.

With zero tuition since Form 1 — because she chose to let me channel the tuition funds into her figure skating instead — and even having a UTI attack on the last day of SPM, and me moving back to Ipoh in the middle of her SPM exam, she still managed to do very well.

7As may not sound “perfect” to some people, but to me, it is more than good enough. Considering everything she has gone through — her existing congenital medical condition, studying without tuition support, balancing training and competitions, and still pushing through revision like everyone else — this achievement means so much more.

I am so proud of you, Cassandra. 💛

Tonight, we celebrate in Ipoh. 🎉

And after that… we look forward to the next step of your journey together. ✨

Cass the puzzle-crazed girl.