2026 Chinese New Year

CNY felt different this year — in the best way. For the first time in years, I’m celebrating the entire 2 weeks of CNY back in my hometown, and with that came something I didn’t realise I had been missing so deeply: family reunions.

For so long, I missed gatherings with my dad’s siblings — my uncles, aunties, and cousins. Life in KL made those moments rare. But this year, I had it all again. I saw relatives I hadn’t met in years, and there was something incredibly heartwarming about picking up conversations as if no time had passed.

On the 2nd day of CNY, my girls suggested Korean food for dinner. Alycia did a quick Google search and found Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant, which is just a short drive from my parents’ house. I later learned that Daorae is the largest Korean restaurant chain in Malaysia, with 11 outlets nationwide. Dinner was fantastic — sizzling meats, warm soups, ginseng chicken soup, endless side dishes — but what made it truly special was having all three of my girls around the table with me. Moments like that feel extra precious these days. They returned to KL with their dad the very next day, and the house felt noticeably quieter.

On the 4th day of CNY, my cousin from Cameron Highlands treated us to a sumptuous lunch at San Poh Restaurant in Pasir Pinji. The food was wonderful, but what made it memorable was the laughter and the endless catching up with cousins I hadn’t seen in years.

Growing up, until my early twenties, my dad would take us up to Cameron Highlands every CNY. I used to dread those trips — the winding mountain roads gave me terrible motion sickness, and I often ended up throwing up. When I moved to KL, I was honestly relieved that those trips stopped.

But funny how life comes full circle.

Now, I find myself missing those journeys — the reunion dinners, the noisy gatherings, the simple joy of being surrounded by cousins, uncles, and aunties. The things we once took for granted often become the memories we cherish most.

This CNY reminded me that while traditions may change, what truly matters is being present — whether around a steamboat table in Cameron Highlands, a Korean BBQ grill near my childhood home, or a round table filled with relatives and stories.

What’s a CNY tradition you once had that you now miss? 💛

Watch the video of the celebration here > https://www.facebook.com/reel/1423764812345001

A New Chapter, Same Traditions — Celebrating CNY and Sherilyn at 21

This year’s Chinese New Year felt a little different, yet beautifully familiar in its own way.

On the 1st day of CNY, the three girls and their dad came back to Ipoh. For many years, we would make the annual trip from KL to visit my parents here. But this time, life has come full circle — I’m now the one staying in Ipoh, and it was them who made the journey back home. It felt both surreal and comforting, like watching a tradition quietly evolve.

What made this reunion even more meaningful is that we were once again celebrating Sherilyn’s birthday. Born on the 8th day of Chinese New Year, her birthday has always been intertwined with festive joy. This year, however, carried extra weight — Sherilyn turned 21 on 16 February 2026, marking a beautiful milestone into adulthood.

We had our reunion dinner at Kok Thai Chinese Restaurant. As always, the celebration began with the sweetest moments first — cake cutting and family photos before the main meal. There’s something about pausing before dinner to celebrate life that makes the occasion feel even more intentional and heartfelt.

True to tradition, Sherilyn received double ang pows again — one for Chinese New Year and another for her birthday. It’s a little privilege she has enjoyed since childhood, and one that makes this season especially magical for her. Chinese New Year will always hold a special place in her heart, simply because it almost always arrives hand in hand with her birthday.

This year, Sherilyn chose her own cake from Ferment Boulangerie in Canning Garden — a strawberry shortcake that was as beautiful as it was indulgent. Light, fragrant, and decadently layered, it was the perfect centrepiece for the evening.

As I sat there watching everyone laugh, eat, and celebrate, I realised that while circumstances may change, the essence of family remains constant. Traditions don’t disappear — they reshape themselves around new seasons of life.

And perhaps that’s the true meaning of reunion: not just gathering in the same place, but carrying the same love forward, year after year. 

You can watch the video here > https://www.facebook.com/reel/1424737755721445

Reunion Season, A House Full of Joy

The house has been unusually lively these past few days — the kind of liveliness that fills the air with warmth and reminds you what home really feels like.

My younger brother is back in Ipoh from KL, and my eldest brother returned from Singapore with his family. Almost everyone is home for Chinese New Year. The past few days have been filled with restaurant meals, long conversations, and the comforting noise of family all around.

With my brother’s 9-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) running about, the house feels even more alive. Their laughter and endless energy bring a kind of joyful chaos I haven’t heard in a long time — loud, messy, but deeply comforting.

And in just a day and a half, my three girls will finally be home.

I can already imagine Haru’s excitement when she sees her three sisters again. This time, all four of my girls will camp in my room — something we’ve never done before.

My heart feels full just thinking about it.

I really can’t wait to see my girls again.

Watch the video here > https://www.facebook.com/reel/1388099185971991

How I Calm My Mind When Anxiety Hits

The six months before I moved back home from KL…

my panic and anxiety attacks were at their worst.

Some nights, I would wake up gasping for air.
Even in the daytime, my heart just wouldn’t rest —
constant fear… constant palpitations.

I was exhausted.
And honestly… I was scared.
I kept thinking, I can't go on living like this.

So I decided to take back control.
I stepped away from the things that were triggering me.
Moving home was my first step toward healing.

When a panic attack hits,
I slow down and breathe deeply.
I turn on my favourite songs — Bee Gees, Air Supply, Chicago, Cliff Richard —
and sing along until my chest feels lighter.
Then I remind myself,
this is temporary… it will pass.

After that, I gently ask, what caused this?
If I can remove it, I remove it.... even if it meant removing toxic people from my life.
If I can reduce it, I take action.
Less stress. Less toxic energy. More peace.

And I talk to someone I trust.
Because we’re not meant to carry everything alone.

Little by little…
I’m learning to choose calm.
And life feels lighter now.

Watch my video here > https://www.facebook.com/reel/1312062110697502

How My 83-Year-Old Dad Cooks Our Childhood Whole Winter Melon Stew | Traditional Family Recipe

This double boiled whole winter melon is more than just a dish in our home — it’s a family tradition.

My 83-year-old dad is cooking a recipe that was passed down from my late maternal grandmother over 50 years ago. We grew up eating this comforting, old-school Chinese home dish, and every time it’s on the table, it feels like childhood all over again.

Winter melon is considered a yin food in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its cooling and alkaline properties that help balance and neutralize heat in the body. It’s nourishing, light, and perfect for the whole family.

We start by washing the whole winter melon thoroughly, cutting off the top, and removing the seeds. Then we stir-fry garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, dried cuttlefish, and other ingredients until fragrant. Seasoned with soy sauce and oyster sauce, the savory filling is stuffed into the melon before slow-cooking for 3–4 hours until everything becomes tender and flavorful.

The result? A unique, hearty, and deeply comforting dish that tastes like home.

Simple ingredients. Old memories. Timeless flavors. ❤️

Watch the video on how my dad cooks this dish here > https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ej94AiBcP4c?feature=share

Nana Vietnam Kitchen at Festival Walk, Jalan Medan Ipoh

Yesterday my parents and I tried Nana Vietnam Kitchen at Festival Walk, Jalan Medan Ipoh, and it turned out to be such a satisfying dinner.

Opened by a lovely couple (with the lady boss from Vietnam), this cosy little spot serves authentic Vietnamese street food favourites like banh mi, beef pho, Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), plus a variety of Vietnamese-style rice and noodle sets.

My parents and I ordered their classic beef pho, lemongrass & chilli chicken rice set, and spring rolls to share. The portions were surprisingly big — so big we couldn’t even finish everything and had to tapau the leftovers (no regrets though 😆).

The food was flavourful, comforting, and tasted really homemade. Service was friendly, the restaurant was clean, and the prices were super reasonable too. For 3 adults including tea, the total bill was only RM57.90. Honestly such good value.

Definitely coming back to try more dishes next time. If you’re in Ipoh and craving Vietnamese food, this place is worth checking out!

Watch the video of our dinner at Nana Vietnam Kitchen here > https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j8Xw3ZRtV2g?feature=share

 Follow my journey and get more family stories and updates by liking my Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/HealthFreakMommy52

Food for the 3 of us.

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.

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.

Health Freak Mommy Facebook Page

 As promised, I’m really happy to finally invite you over to my Facebook page 😊

This blog has always been a place where I share my thoughts, stories, and little moments of life, and I’m so grateful you’re here reading along. To make things more personal and interactive, I’ve also created a Facebook page where I’ll be sharing more photos, short videos, and day-to-day updates that don’t always make it onto the blog.

Over on Facebook, I get to chat with you more casually — comment, reply, and interact like friends rather than just writer and reader. It’s a space where we can connect in real time, exchange thoughts, and enjoy the journey together.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my blog, I’d love for you to head over to my Facebook page, give it a like, and follow along. Your support truly means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to see you there 💛

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See you on Facebook!