Pressure-Cooked 12345 Pork Ribs – Easy, Yummy & No-Fuss!

One of the easiest and yummiest pork rib recipes is 12345 Pork Ribs! The best part? This easy version requires no frying and creates hardly any mess. Just throw everything into the pressure cooker and let it do its magic. Perfect for lazy days or when you don't feel like spending too much time in the kitchen! 

Why is it called 12345 Pork Ribs?

Because the sauce uses five simple measurements:

🥄 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)

🥄 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

🥄 3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar

🥄 4 tablespoons sugar

🥄 5 tablespoons water

You can also add a few slices of ginger for extra fragrance and flavour.

I used to cook this dish very frequently back in KL when my daughters were younger. They absolutely loved it!  The meat falls off the bone too.  It's so easy that even a kitchen noob can pull it off successfully as long as you follow the recipe. 😆

You can also try this recipe with chicken or pork shoulder / pork belly.

My usual method is to lightly brown the ginger and pork first, add all the sauce ingredients, then pressure cook for 15–20 minutes. But if you're short of time or simply feeling lazy, you can skip the browning and sautéing altogether. Just dump everything into the pressure cooker and you're good to go!

Recently, I introduced this recipe to my dad, and he's already cooked it twice. Everyone loves it! ❤️ Dad also reduced the amount of sugar to suit our taste.

For this batch, we used around 680–700g of pork ribs.

Simple ingredients, minimal fuss and a delicious dish that the whole family enjoys. This is definitely one of those recipes worth keeping! 

You can watch the video of how this dish was prepared on my Facebook page.

Pressure-cooked pork ribs are always tender and falls off the bone. Only 20 minutes in the PPC.

My parents had steamed rice with blue pea flowers and I had steamed sweet potato - only one and the other one for breakfast the next day.

Mum Is Back At Zumba With Me

Mum followed me to Zumba class yesterday evening, and I’m really glad she did. ❤️

She had originally planned to stop going to the gym for a few months because of the chronic aches and pains in her legs and back. But gradually, she started following me to strength training classes, and yesterday, she decided she was ready to return to our Friday evening Zumba class too.

Her friends at the gym were so happy to see her again! 🥰

Mum used to be an avid line dancer and praise dancer just a few years ago, until she had a fall and fractured her right shoulder and wrist. She has always been a social butterfly who loves being around people and taking part in social activities, so getting back to Zumba has brought her a little bit of joy again.

I reminded her that she doesn’t have to follow the Zumba instructor 100%. In fact, even doing 10% is better than doing nothing at all. She can move at her own pace, modify the movements, and step outside to rest whenever she feels tired.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Something is better than nothing.

At her age, I think staying active and connected with people is just as important as the exercise itself. As long as she keeps moving, socialising and doing things that bring her joy, that’s good for her mind, body and soul as she grows older. ❤️

And honestly, seeing my 80-year-old mum get back out there and enjoy herself makes me very happy too. 🥰

You can watch our video here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/2712543289215766

A Trip to EPF With Dad - Fixing Our i-Akaun Problems

I have been having an issue receiving a TAC number required for EPF's 2-factor authentication when trying to access my EPF account through both the phone app and the EPF website for the past few days.

So today, I decided to go to the EPF office in Greentown to get it sorted.

Dad, who had forgotten his EPF membership number and also couldn't log into his EPF account, decided to tag along because he had his own EPF problem to solve. 😆

Since parking around the EPF office is pretty insane, I told Dad we'd better just take Grab. It cost us RM9 to get there and RM11 to come home. Cheaper than the stress of finding parking!

When we arrived at the EPF office, we were told to first update our personal information at the kiosk. You need your MyKad and fingerprint for this. Once you scan your MyKad and thumbprint, the system pulls up your information and you can update your details at the kiosk.

There are staff members stationed around the kiosks to assist, so you won't be standing there wondering what you're supposed to press. 

Thankfully, I managed to resolve my TAC issue almost immediately at the kiosk, so I didn't even need to see an EPF officer.

Dad, however, needed to reset his password and get his EPF statement printed, so after completing the kiosk process, he had to take a number and wait.

We waited about 30 minutes before it was his turn. The female officer who attended to us was very patient, and Dad's issues were sorted out and his statement printed in less than 30 minutes.

Overall, I was actually quite impressed with the whole experience. There are plenty of staff around to assist members, so you won't feel lost or clueless about what to do. The system is pretty efficient, and the staff were helpful and patient.

And for anyone wondering — there's no need to dress up in long sleeves and long pants just because it's a government office. 😂 There's no strict dress code, but do dress up decently.  Just come as you are, with your MyKad!

So, EPF office visit: less painful than expected. 😂

You can watch the video here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/1757542651993772

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine @ Sunway Pyramid

A quick lunch at Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine @ Sunway Pyramid 🌶️🥢

Last month, when I went to Sunway Pyramid for my youngest daughter Cass's figure skating competition at Skate Asia, we stopped by Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine for lunch.

I only had about 30 minutes to eat because my taxi was coming at 3.30pm to drive me all the way back to Ipoh. So this was definitely a case of eat first, chew later. 😂

Cass's dad ordered three dishes for the three of us — dry pot shredded spicy cabbage, stir-fried silky tomato omelette and stir-fried free-range chicken with tea oil.

Everything was really good, but my favourite was the tomato omelette. 🍅. I honestly didn't expect a simple-looking tomato-and-egg dish to be the star of the meal, but it was SO good.

The bill came up to RM120.50 for three dishes, which I thought was pretty reasonable for a restaurant in Sunway Pyramid. And the portions were quite generous too. Because I was rushing and could only eat a little, there was still quite a lot of food left. Cass happily tapau-ed the leftovers for her lunch the next day. 😂

There was even free ice cream for diners, but sadly, yours truly had zero time to investigate the ice cream situation. 😭🍦

I also really liked the ambience. The waiting staff were dressed in traditional Hunan-style costumes, which added a nice touch to the whole dining experience.

Nong Geng Ji is a China-origin Hunan restaurant chain that came to Malaysia in 2024, and the Sunway Pyramid outlet opened in 2025. It has also received pretty good reviews from diners.

The next time I'm at Sunway Pyramid, I'll definitely go back — hopefully with more than 30 minutes to eat this time! 😂

If you're at Sunway Pyramid and in the mood for something a little different from the usual Chinese fare, Nong Geng Ji is definitely one place you can consider trying. 🌶️🥢

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜

📍 Sunway Pyramid, LG1.42

💰 Our lunch: RM120.50 for 3 dishes / 3 people

You can watch a short video of our lunch at Nong Geng Ji on my Facebook Page.

A Week of Family, Food and Feasting

When my brothers are in Ipoh, one thing is almost guaranteed — we eat! 😂

With everyone home, we went on our little family food tour around Ipoh, revisiting some of our favourite restaurants and discovering a few new ones along the way.

Sushi Zento is everyone’s top favourite for celebration dinners, so of course we had to go there. Then there was Sam Poh Restaurant for Chinese dishes, Igu Igu for its unique and refreshing cold desserts, Stadium Food Court for some of Ipoh’s famous street food, and Dim Sum Paradise for yummy, piping-hot dim sum.

We also tried Dong Tai for the first time. This is one of those restaurants that seems to be perpetually swamped with customers, with a long queue of people waiting to get in. When a restaurant has a bee line like that, you can’t help wondering, “What’s so good inside?” 😂 So naturally, we had to find out for ourselves.

Then one day, we stumbled upon a very pretty restaurant painted in baby blue in Ipoh Garden South. We went in just to have a look, but the menu immediately caught our attention. The dishes looked so interesting that we decided to stay and eat — and I’m glad we did!

It was Yanzhi Sichu, a newly opened Chinese restaurant. The owner is from China, and the menu features popular delicacies from China. It was something quite different from the usual Chinese food we eat, and we really enjoyed trying the dishes.

So yes, when the brothers come home, our kitchen gets a little neglected and our eating-out schedule gets very busy. 😂

But now everyone has gone back to KL and Singapore, and Dad, Mum and I are back to our normal routine of simple home-cooked food.

Back to pumpkin soup, steamed vegetables & fish, and chicken breast. 😂

Until the end of next month, when my younger brother comes home again.

Which means… the Ipoh food tour will resume! 😆🍜🥟

There are lots more photos of the food we ate 😋 Watch our video on my Facebook page for more of our food adventure. 💙

My brother's kids love the unique desserts at Igu Igu, and so do I 😆

My 4-Day-a-Week Strength Training Routine

Mum and I go to the gym twice a week. Wednesday mornings are for our group strength training class, while Friday evenings are for Zumba. 💃🏻

On the days when we don't go to the gym, I do dumbbell workouts at home using free YouTube tutorials. I just randomly search for workouts that look good, are easy to follow and, most importantly, aren't too tough for me. I usually do these 3 times a week, which means I'm doing some form of weight/resistance training 4 days a week.

I've learned that our muscles need time to recover after a challenging strength-training session, especially as we get older. More isn't necessarily better. Exercise stimulates the muscles, but recovery is when the muscles repair and grow stronger. So there's really no need to do hard weight training every single day.

Besides strength training, Zumba and my dumbbell workouts at home, I also do 30–40 minutes of brisk walking about 5 times a week. 🚶🏻‍♀️

I can't say that I can visibly see bigger muscles on my arms or legs, or suddenly have six-pack abs 😂, but I can definitely feel myself getting stronger. That's actually what matters most to me.

One thing I have noticed is that I get hungry really quickly after every weight-training session. I've been eating more protein to support my muscles, but my weight has remained pretty much the same.

Everyone keeps telling me I should gain some weight, but the problem is I'm naturally small-built, a small eater, and eating more than my usual amount makes my stomach feel so uncomfortable. So... I'm trying, okay? 😂

For now, I'm happy just to be getting stronger, staying active and keeping my muscles working. 💪🏻❤️

You can watch our video on my Facebook Page.

Flourless Orange Cake — My Favourite Low-Carb Treat!

Mum recently baked this absolutely delicious flourless orange cake for me because she knows how much I love keto and low-carb cakes. ❤️

This is actually one of our family’s favourite cakes back in KL too.  We used to get our flourless orange cake from Nutmeg @ Bangsar Village.  My second daughter, Sherilyn, used to love baking this  cake for us, so it brings back lots of lovely memories. 

What makes this cake so special is that it uses whole oranges — skin, pulp and all! 🍊 The oranges are blended and briefly boiled before being mixed with almond flour/almond meal, eggs and Lakanto sweetener, a sugar alternative that is popular among people following low-carb or sugar-conscious diets.

And the best part? Despite being dairy-free, oil-free, butter-free and gluten-free, this cake tastes absolutely superb! It is incredibly orangey, fragrant, moist and so, so delicious. 😋🍊

This is one of those cakes I know I will never get bored of. I could honestly eat a slice or two of it every single day!

Best of all, it satisfies my cake cravings while fitting into my low-carb way of eating, so I can enjoy it without feeling guilty. ❤️

Thank you, Mum, for baking my favourite cake for me! 🥰🍊🍰 

You can watch the video on how the cake is made on my Facebook page.

Flourless Whole Orange Cake, baked in the oven.

This is the mug cake version, microwaved and easier to make. I love both versions.

She Stepped Onto the Ice and Made Mum Proud

Today, I took a 7am private taxi from Ipoh to Sunway Pyramid to watch my youngest compete in Skate Asia. ❤️⛸️

About an hour before her event, I started getting nervous and really kan cheong. I think I was more nervous than she was! 😂 I actually dared not watch her skate because I was so afraid she might flip and fall. Many of the contestants fell, and some even cried. My heart really ached for them. They may have practised and performed their routines beautifully during training, but once they step onto the ice for competition, nervousness can get the better of them and cause mistakes and falls.

Thank God Cass did pretty well. I was literally shaking while videoing her from the 3rd floor above the skating rink! 😂

The moment her event ended, I rushed down to the rink to congratulate her. At that point, it really didn't matter to me whether she won a medal or not. To me, being able to stay calm, not fall and execute your routine smoothly is already a huge achievement.

Then she showed me her gold medal, and we hugged. 🥹❤️

Suddenly, her skates that cost as much as a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, the costume that cost as much as a Melinda Looi gown, and all the competition and training fees over the past 3 years that could have paid for a brand new car… were all worth it. 😂

And what makes me even prouder is that Cass paid for most of these herself — through her part-time job as a figure skating coach and her own savings. She worked for it, saved for it and invested in something she loves.

I am SO proud of you, Cass. ❤️

You have proved your critics wrong. Despite having so many odds stacked against you, you persevered, stepped onto that ice and did it.

Well done, my girl. You are already my champion, but today, you brought home the gold too. 🥇❤️

Super proud of you!! ⛸️🥹❤️

You can watch the video of her performance on my Facebook page.

Too Old for Late Nights, Never Too Old for Zumba!

As I’ve entered my 50s, I find that I don’t really enjoy going out at night anymore. I’ve come to prefer a “boring” life that revolves around daytime activities. 😂

I’m usually in bed by 10.30pm, whether I can actually fall asleep or not. Sleep has been elusive for me for the past two years, no thanks to perimenopause. And I’m usually up by 5 or 5.30am, thanks to my fur kid. 🐱

So when it’s time to attend Zumba class with Mum at 6.30pm, I sometimes feel so lazy to dress up, get in the car and drive to the gym. Honestly, I’d rather be forest bathing in my neighbourhood. 🌳😂

But after every Zumba class, I always tell myself: No regrets! I enjoy every single session 101%! ❤️

One whole hour of non-stop, no-break fitness Zumba feels like someone has put an oxygen mask over my face. 😂 Every part of my body gets moved, stretched and worked. I leave the class feeling so much more alive.

The coach’s moves are super-duper fast, sometimes complicated and definitely high intensity. There are moments when I’m thinking, “Wait… what are we doing now?!” 🤣 But somehow, I just keep moving and trying my best to follow.

So, will I continue going to evening Zumba?

A resounding YES! 😆💪

Sometimes, getting myself out the door is the hardest part. Once I’m there, I’m always glad I went. 

You can watch the video on YouTube or Facebook 😊

Our First Zumba Class

This evening, Mum and I attended our very first 6.30pm Zumba fitness class at the gym, led by our group strength fitness coach @ IFC Gym Ipoh.

The moment the class started, my first thought was, "WOW... I can't keep up!" 🤣 The music was fast, the choreography was even faster, and since I was standing towards the side of the class, I couldn't see the coach very clearly.

But after a while, I slowly got the hang of it and ended up enjoying it so much! The energy was amazing, the music was infectious, and before I knew it, we had been dancing our way through a full hour without a single break.

I'm absolutely exhausted now, but it's the good kind of tired 😅 I'm secretly hoping this high-intensity workout will tame my insomnia tonight and let me sleep like a baby. 🤞😂

I never imagined I'd enjoy Zumba this much, and I already can't wait for next week's class! 💃

You can watch our video on my Facebook page.

Strength Training At 53, With My 80-Year Old Mum

Mum and I have now completed 8 strength training classes at the gym. Each package comes with 10 lessons, and we’ve already decided to renew for another round.

Mum suffers from severe sciatica and pinched nerve pain. Every morning, when she first wakes up, the pain is at its worst. But despite the discomfort, she perseveres and pushes herself to attend our twice-weekly strength training sessions. On top of that, she has also started joining a group strength training class for seniors, which I happily accompany her to.

Our personal trainer has been incredibly patient and thoughtful, guiding Mum through exercises specifically targeted to help improve her sciatica and mobility.

As for me, I can feel myself getting stronger with every class and on every machine. Little by little, I’m improving. Strength training requires discipline, determination and consistency, but knowing that it can help delay age-related sarcopenia, weakness, aches and pains gives me even more motivation to keep going.

Growing older is inevitable, but becoming weak and fragile doesn’t have to be.

You can watch the video of our workout here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/1886872391984061

Group Strength Training Class For Seniors

This morning, I accompanied Mum to a group strength training class for seniors at the gym. The class was from 8.30 - 9.30 a.m.

To our surprise, the class turned out to be incredibly lively thanks to Coach Faisal — a fun, energetic and slightly “crazy” instructor in the best possible way. He had everyone doing hilarious things like making gorilla sounds while breathing and lifting dumbbells. At one point, the whole class was chanting “Stay young, long life!” while swinging our weights.

Believe me, lifting heavy dumbbells while chanting, laughing and trying not to lose your breath is no easy task! But that was exactly his point — to get us breathing deeply, laughing more, staying happy and keeping active at the same time.

Although it was a class for senior citizens, everyone was surprisingly strong and flexible. Mum was the oldest in the class at 80 years old, while I was the second youngest at 53. Coach Faisal himself is the youngest at 51.

Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the session. The gym was filled with laughter, noise and so much positive energy. Next on our list — Zumba classes!

You can watch the video here >>  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1393578992609638

Strength Training with My 80-Year-Old Mum – Session 4 & 5

There is something very motivating about learning and growing stronger together with my 80-year-old mum. In our recent strength training sessions, our personal trainer, Sharon, introduced us to a variety of exercises designed to strengthen our upper body, lower body, and core muscles.

Every session feels different and exciting. We get to try various equipment and training methods — from weight machines and dumbbells to kettlebells and resistance bands. The elastic band exercises may look simple, but they are surprisingly challenging and really work our legs, arms, hands, and core muscles.

The first few sets are usually the toughest. Our muscles feel tired quickly, and sometimes we wonder how many more repetitions we can manage. But interestingly, after a while, the movements begin to feel smoother and lighter, almost as if the body is slowly adapting and becoming stronger.

Strength training is definitely hard work, especially at our age differences, but it is also very rewarding. Day by day, we can feel improvements in our strength, balance, and endurance. It is not just about lifting weights — it is about building confidence, staying active, and taking care of our health together.

Most importantly, these training sessions have become precious bonding moments for my mum and me. Growing stronger together is truly a wonderful journey.

You can watch the video of our strength training sessions on my Facebook page.

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.

---

📍 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.

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.

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.

53 and Feeling So Loved — My Most Surprising Birthday Yet

In my 53 years on this earth, I don’t think I’ve ever had so many birthday surprises in one year. And the surprises just kept coming.

On the eve of the eve of my birthday (Friday night), Alycia gave me the first big surprise. Shortly after midnight, she suddenly appeared in Ipoh! Her best friend WY drove them up after both of them finished work. I was already asleep when my mum knocked on my bedroom door. The joy of seeing my eldest daughter standing there was simply priceless. As it turned out, Alycia had secretly planned this trip together with my mum!

Adding to the surprise, Alycia’s best friend WY also brought me a thoughtful birthday gift — a canister of Muzi Matcha, knowing that I love matcha. Such a lovely and unexpected gesture that truly touched me.

Then on Saturday, another unexpected surprise — the girls’ dad also suddenly turned up in Ipoh.

If only Sherilyn and Cass had been around to celebrate together with us, it would have been absolutely perfect. Both of them were busy with their own commitments, but I’ll be seeing Cass very soon. After she collects her SPM results on Tuesday (gasp… anxiety!), she’ll be taking the ETS from KL to Ipoh. We’ll celebrate her 18th birthday here together.

On the eve of my birthday, we had dinner at Pusing Public Restaurant (better known as the ever-popular Mun Choong). There happened to be a wedding dinner going on, and our table was placed right among the bride and groom’s guests! We felt like accidental wedding guests — we didn’t know anyone there, but we even joined in the yum seng with the happy couple when everyone did the 'yum seng' toast. It was such a hilarious experience.

Alycia also bought me 10 slices of cake in different flavours from August Healing, a lovely café in Ipoh New Town. The cakes were simply delicious — not overly sweet or cloying. My favourites were the bubur cha cha crepe cake and the matcha cheesecake with corn. I wanted to try more flavours, but honestly, I had already been eating far too much since Alycia arrived! I asked her to bring the remaining slices back to KL today for Sherilyn and Cass, since both of them are such cake enthusiasts.

On my birthday itself, we went for a dim sum brunch at Canning Dim Sum, a halal dim sum restaurant with beautiful outdoor décor.

My parents also surprised me with their own birthday gifts. They gave me an ang pow, and my mum bought me a new air cooler for my room as well as a bathroom wall cabinet. I felt very pampered and very loved.

Shortly after Alycia and her friend left Ipoh, she messaged me to say they had ordered four healthy bowls from Tummy Bowl Ipoh for us, scheduled for delivery at 4.30pm. Another sweet surprise!

And that wasn’t all.

Alycia also booked a “Journey of Wellness” spa session for me at Sojourn Spa Hotel for Monday (today). I’m really looking forward to that little treat.

The final surprise of the day came from Sherilyn. She ordered two tau fu fah bingsu topped with boba, yam balls, herbal jelly, red beans and yam paste, together with a comforting bowl of foo chuk yimai tong sui for us to enjoy.

I keep wondering why this year’s birthday feels especially meaningful.

Maybe distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Sometimes it is only when people aren’t physically around us every day that we begin to see more clearly how much we mean to one another. Whatever the reason, I am deeply thankful to the Lord for blessing me with so much love — and another year of life.

Stay tuned for more photos and videos from my birthday celebrations… and my spa day tomorrow!

My birthday wish this year is simple:

for myself, my daughters, my parents, my family members — and each and every one of you — to be blessed with good health and happiness. 💛

You can watch the video on my Facebook page and follow me here >> https://www.facebook.com/reel/929515246364211

Indulgent & yummy slice cakes from August Healing, Ipoh.

Birthday dinner at Mun Choong Restaurant, Ipoh.

Alycia & her friend surprised us with 4 healthy bowls from Tummy Bowl Ipoh, delivered to our house by Grab on my birthday.

Next surprise from Sherilyn - refreshing tau fu far bingsu and foo chuk yimai tong sui from Yam Meet, Ipoh, delivered by Grab.

Alycia booked a “Journey of Wellness” spa for me at Sojourn Spa Hotel today. Love it!

Healthy, Crunchy & Perimenopause-Friendly: My Favourite Seed Snacks

I recently received a parcel from Lazada filled with some of the simplest yet most nourishing snacks — lightly roasted melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. No heavy seasoning, no added sugar — just clean, wholesome crunch.

As someone navigating perimenopause and trying to reduce sugar intake, finding snacks that are both satisfying and nutritious can be a challenge. These seeds tick all the boxes: they’re convenient, naturally delicious, and packed with essential nutrients that support overall well-being.

What I love most is how versatile they are. You can snack on them straight from the pack, sprinkle them over salads, or even add them into your yogurt for an extra crunch.

🌱 Health Benefits of These Seeds

🍈 Melon Seeds

Melon seeds are often overlooked, but they are surprisingly nutritious.

Rich in protein, helping with muscle maintenance and satiety

High in magnesium, which supports nerve function and better sleep

Contains healthy fats that support heart health

Helps boost energy levels, especially important during hormonal changes

🎃 Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse, especially for women in perimenopause.

Excellent source of zinc, supporting immunity and hormone balance

High in magnesium, which may help reduce stress and improve sleep quality

Contains phytoestrogens, which may support hormonal balance

Supports heart health and may help regulate blood pressure

🌻 Sunflower Seeds

These tiny seeds are full of essential nutrients for daily wellness.

Rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant for skin and cell protection

Contains selenium, which supports thyroid function

Helps reduce inflammation in the body

Provides healthy fats that keep you full longer and reduce sugar cravings

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest foods — like a handful of seeds — can make the biggest difference.

If you’re trying to cut down on sugar or support your body through perimenopause, these lightly roasted seeds are a smart and satisfying choice. Crunchy, nourishing, and easy to enjoy anytime — this is one snack I’ll definitely be keeping stocked in my kitchen.

Watch the unboxing of the parcel here - https://www.facebook.com/reel/1625523805536056

Follow my Facebook page Health Freak Mommy for more stories and videos 💛

The 10th Day of CNY: Health Checks & Family Lunch In Menglembu

Today is the 10th day of Chinese New Year, and was my scheduled yearly medical check-up and Pap smear.

This year, instead of visiting my usual gynae in KL, I did it at Pantai Hospital Ipoh. After Googling for female health screening packages, I found that Pantai was offering one of the best deals. I chose the Ruby package at RM380, which includes a Pap smear, blood and urine tests, abdominal ultrasound, lung function test, eye test, dental check, and ECG. I also added an ultrasound of the breasts for RM87.

The whole process was surprisingly quick. By 11am, everything was done. I couldn’t see the doctor today as she had to attend a meeting, so I’ll be reviewing the results with her next week. The medical report was WhatsApped to me by noon.

There was complimentary breakfast too. I had to scan a barcode to choose my meal, and after finishing the scans, I headed to the café. The set was quite a big breakfast — sausage, ham, baked beans with bell pepper, scrambled eggs, a slice of wholemeal toast, hash brown and watermelon. The latte was pretty good too. Not the healthiest, but it was tasty and not overly salty. I haven’t eaten something like that in a long time.

My dad fetched me home, and after a quick shower, I drove us to Menglembu for lunch with my dad’s siblings. The drive there took about an hour, but the return trip was much faster. It was my first time driving to Menglembu using Waze — something I’d probably never do in KL. The traffic in Klang Valley is just too horrendous, and I hate wasting time stuck in jams.

Lunch with the relatives was lovely. But after being away from my fur baby almost the entire day, I realised how much I missed her. It made me wonder how I’ll cope if I ever go back to working full-time and have to leave Haru alone in my room for the whole day. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

All in all, it was a busy and fruitful day. As for my medical report — that’s a story for another day, if I feel like sharing. Not too bad, yet not perfect either. But that’s life, right?

Watch the video here and follow for more updates here> https://www.facebook.com/reel/1944200619507868

I drove an hour to Menglembu to have this lovely lunch with my dad's siblings at Best View Restaurant.