12 September 2024 ~ Random Updates

Apologies for the lack of updates over the past week! As usual, I've been swamped with writing assignments and running errands, and things have been even more hectic since Maria, our part-time helper, is expecting and hasn't been feeling well. She hasn't come in the past week, and with my mother-in-law back from England, there's been a hive of activities in the kitchen again. She loves cooking, which means even more work for me.  She cooks, and I clean up.

Unfortunately, all this extra workload isn’t doing my right hand any favors, as the pain from my Tennis Elbow has gotten worse. I first developed it back in April, after my trip to Bangkok with Alycia. It's been five months now with no sign of improvement. Every movement with my right-hand hurts so much that even lifting a blanket to fold it is a challenge. Getting out of bed is pure torture, and I've had to rely on my stomach muscles just to sit up. My bed for the past five months has been unkempt with an unfolded blanket. Even brushing my teeth a little harder hurts my right hand.

Alycia and Sherilyn, on the other hand, are thoroughly enjoying their semester breaks. Alycia just returned from Taiwan on Tuesday, and in a month, she’ll be off to South Korea with another friend. Sherilyn has been keeping herself busy with dancing and just finished competing in the Get The Beat dance competition yesterday, where she won gold in the Hip Hop category for her age group and Double Platinum in the Contemporary category. This Saturday, she’ll be competing in the Asia Open Dance Championship. She’s a bundle of energy, always on the go and thriving in competitions. I’m amazed by how much joy she finds in staying active and pushing herself.

Sherilyn at the Get The Beat dance competition on 11 Sept 2024. 

As for Cass, her school holidays begin this Saturday, which, to be honest, is a bit of bad news for me. She’s another one who can’t stay at home with nothing to do, so I expect she’ll be spending most of her week-long holiday at the skating rink, which I’m perfectly fine with. At least I’ll get some very, very much-needed peace at home!

Here are some of the pix that Alycia sent to me that she took in Taiwan with her university mates.

Traveling on the train from Taipei to Tainan.

Some of the streets in Taiwan look similar to those in Japan.

In Tainan

Two Heart-Stopping Scares, Courtesy of Haru!

Today, Haru, my mischievous fur baby, gave me not one but two heart-stopping scares! She’s not usually mischievous, but today, she took things to a whole new level. It was like she decided to put my patience and nerves to the ultimate test. Here’s what happened:

The first scare happened in the kitchen when Cass got home from school. We were reheating her lunch, and I had left a glass container with chicken on the counter. Little did I know that Haru was stealthily plotting her next move. As I turned my back to put the food in the microwave, Haru struck. With her ninja-like agility, she jumped up to the counter and snatched a big piece of chicken—bones and all!

Before I could even react, Haru darted under the island table, growling like a feral dog with her prize in her mouth. I panicked. Chicken bones can be dangerous for cats, and I was terrified she might swallow a sharp piece and hurt herself. I shouted at Haru, but she was determined to hold on to her stolen treasure and growled away simultaneously.

Cass wanted to pull Haru out from under the table, but I quickly stopped her. Haru, in her possessive state, might lash out, and the last thing I wanted was for her to bite Cass. While I was desperately trying to coax Haru out, I could hear the ominous sound of crackling bones as she began to chew on the chicken. My heart sank.

Thinking fast, I grabbed some chicken breast (her absolute favorite) and placed it in her bowl, hoping it would lure her out. Thankfully, it worked! Haru came out, and I swiftly took the dangerous chicken away and discarded it. Crisis averted! She eagerly gulped down the chicken breast, completely unaware of the chaos she had just caused. Honestly, Haru is crazy about chicken breasts. I had already given her some earlier, but when it comes to her favorite food, she doesn’t seem to know when to stop.

Later in the day, the second scare happened. I couldn’t find Haru anywhere in the house. Maria, our part-time maid, had stepped out briefly to throw the garbage in the refuse chamber, and I panicked, thinking Haru might have run out. Maria and I searched frantically, calling for her, shaking her can of kibbles, and knocking her bowl, all the usual tricks that would bring Haru running. But this time, there was no response.

For about five minutes, we were searching everywhere, and I was convinced Haru had either escaped or worse. My mind went wild with thoughts—had she climbed into the washing machine without me noticing and I had started the washing machine? Or could she have crawled into the garbage bag in search of chicken and been thrown out by Maria? My imagination was running in overdrive.

Just as I was about to lose hope, Haru finally emerged from her hiding place. Relief washed over me, but I couldn’t help but scold her for giving me such a fright. It’s a wonder how such a small creature can cause so much stress in a single day!

In one day, Haru gave me two massive scares. I truly hope these heart-stopping incidents won’t become a regular occurrence!

Naughty baby. Alycia bought this cat cap for Haru.  Did I tell you that Alycia is one of Haru's favorite humans besides her dad?  From someone terrified of cats and furry animals, Alycia has now overcome her phobia of cats. She loves Haru 💓

Sunday Feasts: A Meaty Lunch and a Family Reunion

Last Sunday was a day filled with delicious food and family gatherings. For lunch, we decided to try out a new spot called Meat Attic. The menu was packed with hearty, meaty options, so we went all out and ordered their house-made sausages, a ciabatta beef sandwich, premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth (which came with a hefty RM168 price tag), and roast pork fried rice. It was a truly indulgent, porky feast—definitely not the cheapest lunch, but worth every bite.

Later that evening, we gathered with hubby's relatives for dinner at Buddies Restaurant in Cheras. His uncle's family, who were visiting from England, were the guests of honor, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together. The entire Sunday was filled with great food and even better company, making it a day to remember.

Meat Attic - Roast premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth alongside sauerkraut and fries (RM168). It looks like a small portion in the photo but the ribs were pretty chunky. We couldn't finish it and doggy-bagged the leftovers.

Meat Attic - roast pork fried rice.

Meat Attic - Ciabatta sandwich with full-bodied and flaky thick-cut salt beef.

Meat Attic - housemade garlic sausage with sauerkraut. 

Meat Attic - scallop pasta.

Meat Attic - mashed potato

Meat Attic housemade sausages. Their sausages are nitrate-free and filler-free, from plumply juicy pork bratwursts to aromatic lamb merguez.

Buddies Restaurant - pan-fried prawns, sauteed assorted vegetables, braised eggplant with minced pork, clay pot braised pork belly with salted fish.

Steamed fish, fried rice, sauteed kangkung with belacan, and pork ribs.

Claypot lamb, cha siu, and another portion of claypot pork belly with salted fish for the boys.

Hubby with his cousins from England and another cousin who just returned from the USA.

My First Attempt at Cooking Rice in a Pressure Cooker: A Lesson Learned

Not too long ago, I decided to try cooking rice in my Philips pressure cooker for the first time. I chose black rice and added two sweet potatoes to the pot, thinking it would make a nutritious and delicious meal. I selected the “Rice” setting on the pressure cooker and waited for the cycle to complete.

When the cycle was done, I eagerly removed the lid, only to be greeted by an unexpected sight—a sticky, doughy paste instead of the fluffy rice I had envisioned. It was completely inedible. I realized I had likely added too much water, which caused the rice to overcook and turn into a mushy mess. That wasn’t the first time I cooked black rice with sweet potato together. It always turned out well in the rice cooker.

Determined not to waste the food, I decided to cook it for another cycle, hoping to salvage the rice. Unfortunately, the result was even worse than before. In the end, I had no choice but to discard the sticky rice. Since the girls were in a hurry to eat, they ended up having the dishes without any rice.

After this mishap, I’ve learned my lesson: I don’t think I’ll be using the pressure cooker to cook rice again. From now on, I’ll stick to a proper rice cooker for perfect, fluffy rice every time.

Looks disgusting but tastes like some kind of sweet potato kuih.  I actually ate quite a bit of it 😁

Celebrating Papa’s 81st Birthday at Grand Imperial Restaurant @ BSC

After more than five years, our family gathered once again to celebrate Papa’s 81st birthday. The last time we were all together for his birthday was back in 2019, or maybe 2018. I can't remember. This year, we decided to mark the occasion with a memorable dinner at the Grand Imperial Restaurant @ BSC, a choice that turned out to be perfect in every way.

A Joyous Reunion

The night was filled with excitement as we came together to honor Papa on his special day.  Seeing all of Papa’s children and grandchildren in one place was truly heartwarming, a moment we had all been looking forward to.

A Feast Fit for a King

The menu for the evening was carefully chosen to include some of Papa’s favorite dishes, and the Grand Imperial Restaurant did not disappoint. The meal began with a 3-season platter, featuring a delightful assortment of especial appetizers that whetted our appetites for what was to come.

Next came the highlight of the evening, the suckling pig. This wasn’t just any suckling pig; it came with a playful twist. The pig was adorned with sunglasses and a cigarette, and when the waiter lit up the pebbles on the plate, there was fire which created a dramatic cloud of smoke, making it look like the pig was puffing the ciggie. It was a fun and unique presentation that brought smiles and laughter to the table. I didn't manage to snap a photo of the pig on fire as everyone was too mesmerized watching the 30-second spectacle.

We were then treated to a luxurious dish of braised abalone with sea cucumber and mushrooms. The abalone was tender and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the rich sauce and the earthy mushrooms. 

The steamed New Zealand orange roughy fish that followed was cooked to perfection, its delicate flavor enhanced by the light soy sauce and fragrant herbs. The fish was so fresh that it practically melted in our mouths.

No birthday celebration is complete without longevity noodles, and ours were served with a generous helping of seafood. The noodles were long and unbroken, symbolizing a wish for a long and healthy life for Papa.

Sweet Endings

For dessert, we enjoyed a traditional red bean tong sui and crispy Chinese pancake. The warm, sweet red bean soup was comforting, while the pancake added a delightful crunch to the end of our meal. Of course, there were also the customary longevity peach buns, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

Papa’s birthday cake was a moist chocolate cake from Alexis Bistro, his favorite. Papa has always been a fan of chocolate cakes, and this one was no exception. The rich, velvety chocolate was a hit with everyone. In addition to the chocolate cake, hubby surprised us with a jelly cake featuring auspicious dolls of the God of Longevity, gold ingot, and longevity peaches made of jelly. The intricate design and vibrant colors of the jelly cake were impressive, and it tasted as good as it looked.

A Night to Remember

The food at the Grand Imperial Restaurant was fantastic, each dish was prepared to perfection and served with impeccable timing. The service was outstanding, with the staff attentive to our every need. They played a significant role in making the evening special, ensuring that everything went smoothly.

But more than the food and the setting, what made the night truly special was the company of family. We laughed, shared stories, and created new memories together. 

As we sang “Happy Birthday” and watched Papa blow out the candles on his cake, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment. Celebrating Papa’s 81st birthday was a beautiful experience, one that will be cherished for years to come.

We are already looking forward to the next family gathering and hope it won’t be another five years before we all come together again. Here’s to many more birthdays, celebrations, and moments of happiness with Papa and the entire family.

Photos were taken from my mum's Facebook page:

Sharkfins soup served individually.

Chocolate birthday cake from Alexis Bistro, Jelly cake, and longevity peach buns.

Yummy jelly cake.

Birthday boy feeding his darling.

Papa gave out ang pows to everyone at the dinner, including my mil. 
Second photo on the top right - papa and Mum shared a piece of cake with their mouths 😍

Self-Care – 5 Simple Ways To Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Self-care is a conscious act that you take to keep yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually healthy.  Self-care includes a multitude of practices and activities that you enjoy that can promote your physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental health. It can be as simple as taking care of your hygiene, prioritizing skincare and nutrition, and engaging in sports and leisure activities to doing things that bring you joy such as baking, going to a spa, and shopping.

When self-care is present in your life, you will be able to manage stress better, thus you will be a happier and healthier person. Practicing self-care can be hard as many of us are busy with our jobs, taking care of our family, or are too consumed with technology to make time for ourselves. Getting started with self-care can be challenging and the key is to take the time and effort to get started and stick to the routine.

 Here are 5 simple ways to get started with your self-care routine.

 1.  Prioritize Sleep

Good sleep hygiene is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. Getting sufficient sleep every day can put you in a better mood, and make you a happier person, and your immune system will reap this benefit.  Sleep services all aspects of our body in one way or another, so try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  A well-rested body and mind are better prepared to handle life’s stressors and challenges.

 

2.  Skincare For Self-Care

Prioritizing skincare is self-care for better mental health & holistic wellness.  When you have great skin, you feel happier and more confident. Develop a skincare regimen twice a day. De-stress your skin and take care of your eyes.  After a long and stressful day at work, let your walls down and mask up. Incorporating a heated eye mask into your bedtime routine can help you unwind and fall into slumber faster.  Ditoi steam eye masks are infused with tranquilizing scents like rose and lavender to enhance the relaxation experience that lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. This steam eye mask can fix puffy eyes or dark undereye circles and put a sparkle back in your eyes.

 

 

3.  Exercise

Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can be a transformative act of self-care for which your mind and body will be thankful. Exercises like jogging, running, swimming, strength training, and yoga contribute to better overall physical health, better weight, and reduced risk of getting diseases.

 

4.  Eat Right and Clean

One of the best self-care things you can do is eat healthy. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from all the major food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Load your plate with self-care foods such as fatty fish, berries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potato, pumpkin, and oats.

 

5. Get Outside

Sometimes when you're too overwhelmed with work and caring for your family, all you need to do is to get outside and be alone, for at least an hour.  Research has shown that being outside and experiencing nature can improve our mental health and increase our ability to focus. Nature's scenes can calm your nerves and help you overcome symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

Self-care is not selfish.  Focusing on what makes you feel nourished and happy is part of mitigating stress, misery, and anxiety. Whether it is through exercise, splurging on a meal, winding down the day with a luxurious steam eye mask, or watching a romantic comedy, know that self-care is loving yourself and no one can help you with it except yourself.

Do You Need To Pack A Travel Towel?

It may sound quite silly and impractical to pack a towel when you travel as it takes up quite a bit of precious space in your luggage bag. After all, most hotels provide towels, unless you’re booking a cheap Air BNB or budget hotel and for the price, towels are not provided. Some people still like having their own towels when they travel because hotel towels may be harsh and not 100% clean. Imagine using a towel that was previously been used by hundreds of people and you wouldn’t even want to know what they used the towel to wipe besides their bodies!

The best solution that balances comfort with practicality is to bring disposable travel face towels and lightweight travel towels. Or you could pack an old medium-sized terry towel and discard the towel when you check out from the hotel at the end of your holiday.

So what are the best towels to pack when you travel?

1.  Microfiber travel towel

Microfiber towels are made of soft polyester and nylon microfiber. Some microfiber towels are treated with an antimicrobial chemical to reduce odor retention. They dry very quickly and are extremely resistant.

A microfiber travel towel takes up less than 1/3 the space of a regular towel and will fit into even a small backpack. Get a good quality microfiber travel towel that dries out completely in as little as 30 minutes.

Cheap microfiber towels are not very absorbent and even though they wipe off water from your hair and body, they don’t completely absorb the moisture, thus making you feel like you are still damp from head to toe. If you travel often, get a good quality lint-free, and lightweight microfiber towel, designed for traveling.

2.  Disposable travel face towels

Disposable travel face towels are great for traveling as they can be used to dry your face after washing, excellent for wiping sweat and dirt off your face and body, and general cleaning throughout the travel.

Disposable travel face towels from Ditoi Beauty are made with 100% biodegradable natural fibers that will not irritate the delicate skin on your face. These soft and durable cleaning towelettes with no fragrance and no added chemical or fluorescent dye are suitable for all skin types, especially for people with sensitive skin who may find regular towels too harsh. Regular towels can also leave behind lint and fibers on your skin after wash, which can clog pores and cause skin issues. 

 

3.  Linen towel

Linen travel towels are just as good as microfiber towels. They absorb water well, dry quickly, and are not as bulky as regular terry towels, making them ideal for travel.

Conclusion

It is entirely up to you whether you want to pack a travel towel or use hotel towels when you’re on holiday.  Pack a lightweight microfiber travel towel if you feel more comfortable using your own towel or pack an old medium-sized terry towel that you could leave behind when you check out from the hotel. Don’t forget to pack some disposable travel face towels as they’re so versatile they can be used to wipe anything.

Pre-Birthday Celebration For Dad

Thursday, 8 August 2024

This past week, my family gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a special occasion: my dad’s 81st birthday. It was a rare opportunity for our family to come together, with my parents traveling from Ipoh and my older brother’s family joining us from Singapore. They arrived on Thursday, ready for a few days of celebration, great food, and cherished memories.

For our first dinner together, we went to Fatty Chun Restaurant at Old Klang Road. Known for its “tai chow” style cooking, this semi-al fresco restaurant never failed to deliver delicious dishes. The ambiance might be casual, but the food tasted like it came from a high-end eatery.

We ordered eight different dishes:

1. Steamed Village Chicken 

2. Steamed Egg 

3. Deep-Fried Yam Basket 

4. Stir-Fried Stinky Beans 

5. Steamed 

6. Stir-Fried Green Vegetables 

7. Stir-Fried Lala 

8. Braised Egg with Prawn Meat and Broccoli 

To top off the meal, we had a unique dessert of deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds. The dessert was not only unique but also incredibly delicious, providing a sweet and crunchy finish to our meal. This dessert came on the house.

Our favorite steamed village chicken with ginger paste dipping sauce.

Deep-fried yam basket with koo lo yoke (sweet and sour pork).

Steamed chicken egg + century egg.

Stir-fried stinky beans

Stir-fried lala

My favorite braised egg white with prawn and crab meat alongside broccoli.

Steamed fish.

On the house dessert - deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds.

Friday, 9 August 2024

The next morning, we headed to Bread & Brew Café for breakfast. This newly opened café in Taman Desa has a sprawling layout and a menu that caters to various tastes. We indulged in a range of breakfast items:

• Sourdough Toasts with Caramel Kaya and Butter – The caramel kaya was rich and aromatic, a delightful way to start the morning.

• Scrambled Egg with Sourdough Toasts – Classic and comforting, this dish was a crowd-pleaser.

• House-made Mushroom Soup – Creamy and flavorful with plenty of chopped mushrooms in every spoon, perfect for the slightly cooler morning.

• Caesar Salad with fried chicken breast – Fresh, crisp, and flavorful, a light option among the heavier dishes.

• Cinnamon French Toast with Raspberry Puree and Bacon Served with Pistachio Cream – A unique mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory.

• Avocado Toast – Toast served with pureed avocado, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese.

• Coffee – Rich and aromatic, a perfect accompaniment to our breakfast spread.

We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the relaxed atmosphere at Bread & Brew Café. It was the perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast with my loved ones. 

Our dinner was at Haidilao hotpot in Bangsar. Hubby chose Haidilao as he wanted my parents to experience the top-notch service of the waiting staff with an element of surprise each time, something that Haidilao is famous for. Their crew singing and dancing for the birthday boy or girl with a slice of complimentary chocolate cake is also why many people choose Haidilao to celebrate their birthdays. 

Sourdough toast with avocado puree, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese

Crispy sourdough toast with caramel kaya and butter. Simple and satisfying.

Sawadeekap omelette with sourdough toast. This is a Thai-style omelette. 

Caesar salad with crispy fried chicken breast.

Cinnamon French toast with raspberry puree and bacon with pistachio cream.

House-made mushroom soup with croutons

My younger brother treated us!

Simple Tips To Keep Your Face Free From Acne and Breakouts

Adhering to a good skin care ritual can keep your skin healthy, blemish-free, and glowing.  If you do not have the time for intensive skin care, you can still pamper your skin by acing the basics. Get started with these six simple and no-nonsense tips.

1.  Wash your face twice daily, and again after sweating

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people wash their face twice daily and wash again after sweating.

Sweat left on the skin and left to dry can worsen acne as the combination of sweat, oil, and bacteria may increase your risk of developing acne and lead to more severe breakouts. Thus, it’s best to wash your face as soon as possible after sweating.

2. Do not touch your face with dirty hands

Dirt, oil, and pathogens can be deposited on the face with your hands, leading to breakouts, so it’s best to avoid touching your face, especially when your hands are dirty. Do not prick and pop zits even though it's tempting, and do not rest your hands on your face.

3  Never go to bed with makeup on

Going to bed with a face full of makeup can clog the pores on your face leading to bacterial growth, acne breakouts, and inflammation. Use a makeup removal towel to wipe off the makeup on your face before washing it with a gentle cleanser and rinsing it clean with water.  The Ditoi disposable makeup removal towel is a great choice for cleaning your face as these paper towels are soft, gentle, and made from 100% biodegradable natural fibers to help leave skin feeling soft and smooth. These cleaning cloths towelettes with no fragrance and no added chemical or fluorescent dye are suitable for all skin types.

4.  Watch what you eat

What you eat can affect hormones which in turn, could worsen acne.  For instance, dairy products and foods high in sugar can spike insulin levels, altering other hormones that can impact your skin. Some studies have linked milk and whey protein with acne.  Fast food, deep-fried food, ultra processed foods, greasy food, and junk food may trigger and exacerbate acne in some people.

5.  Shampoo regularly

The oil and dirt from your hair can cause acne on your forehead and the sides of your face.  If you are prone to acne breakouts, shampoo your hair daily and keep your hair away from your face.

6.  Use a clean, soft towel to wipe and dry your face

Towels can harbor bacteria, which may transfer to the skin and cause breakouts or exacerbate acne if you already have acne. Using the same unwashed towel repeatedly can cause breakouts on your face.  The rubbing motion can also irritate already problematic skin and may contribute to further breakouts. Using a clean, soft cloth or disposable face towels from Ditoi Beauty and patting your face gently, rather than rubbing, can mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Having a clear complexion and maintaining it is not impossible. It takes practice, time, effort, discipline, and persistence to achieve smooth and clear skin. If you do not see any improvement, consider switching to a new skincare product or visiting a dermatologist for professional advice.