Our country will go into a total lockdown for the second time effective 1 June 2021. All business sectors will be closed except for 17 essential sectors. It looks like Sherilyn and Cass will continue to have online learning for at least 2 or 3 more months. And hubby’s catering business will continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic and lockdown đ. He’s suffocating. We’re suffocating. I pray that this pandemic will die out. I miss our carefree pre-Covid19 days. Though the days were tiring and hectic, at least our lives were not affected financially.
Ever since the PM announced another lockdown, I’ve been in a dilemma. As the pandemic does not seem to have a near end in sight, I’ve been pondering if I should postpone registering Alycia for the September 2021 intake in college and delay it to January 2022 instead. Hubs has been telling me that it’s pointless for Alycia to start college this year as studies will only be done online and it’s highly unlikely that she can step foot into college yet. Her friends who were registered for the March 2021 intakes have not gone to college yet. But Alycia is raring to start her Foundation program in September this year as she doesn’t want to waste time lollygagging at home. What say everyone? This is such a tough decision to make.
Cass has been working out and running quite a bit lately. Her latest interest is yoga mat exercises with Haru next to her cheering her on and gnawing on the mat.Our lunch from hubby’s central kitchen, Catermate today. I brought my own tiffin carrier to takeaway Mee Siam and Ayam Penyet (Malay style fried chicken). He cooked the dried shrimps sambal today!
My long-awaited Lalafranc Eau Nerolia hand cream arrived early this week after a 2-week wait. All the way from South Korea! This has got to be one of the best hand creams I’ve had! It’s ultra moisturizing, emollient, luxurious and smells pleasant. The moment I received the hand cream, I applied a thin layer on my hands and moments later, went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. After I was done with the chore, I was pleasantly surprised that my hands still felt ‘protected’ and not dry. I was sold!
At RM82.50 for a 30ml tube, it may seem expensive. But what goes into the hand cream makes it justifiable and makes for a good investment for the health of your skin. Made in Korean, this hand cream is paraben-free and is composed of mild ingredients such as cornflower extract, shea butter, Eoseongcho (Houttuynia cordata) and a long list of skin-loving plant ingredients. It’s scented with Eau Nerolia, Lalafrancâs refreshing fragrance for men and women.
How do you tell a woman’s age? I always look at her face, neck and hands. She may be slim, modish and have her face plastered with powder, concealer and makeup but the skin on the hands are always the giveaway! Thus, for years I’ve been investing heavily on hand creams to nurture my hands. Lalafranc Eau Nerolia Hand Cream has an anti-aging component called adenosine that makes hands supple and wrinkle-free.
Quick absorbing, antibacterial and non-sticky formula makes it a joy each time I apply the cream on my hands. Scented with Eau Neroli, a niche scent from Seoul, loved by men and women. My 18-year old K-pop and everything K-craze girl loves the hand cream đ
Lalafranc Eau Nerolia hand cream is available at Lazada with a minimal shipping fee of only RM2. It will be shipped from South Korea. Check it out if you’re hunting for a good quality hand cream to repair your chapped hands (and even cracked heels).
My third chemical and pesticide-free veggie box from Farm To Home Delivery arrived! I always look forward to our weekly veggie box and the mil is even more excited that I am đ
I ordered the usual favorites — Napa cabbage, siew pak choy, choy sum, ice plant, broccoli, French beans, cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, radish and Coral lettuce. They were all very fresh, just like the past few batches. The seller will inform me if the veggie that I’ve chosen is not fresh, which can be replaced with another type of veggie.Japanese sweet potatoes are always a staple in our home. They’re highly nutritious and are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes support healthy eyes, promote gut health, may support immune system, brain health and may reduce the risk of cancer.
In case you’re wondering if we managed to finish so much veggies in a week, yes we did! Thus, it’s a breeze to order online from Farm To Home Delivery. You can choose to pay monthly, quarterly and 6-monthly and don’t have to worry about buying vegetables anymore for the rest of the month(s). I select our favorite veggies online and the veggie box will be delivered to me weekly. It’s so easy, fuss-free and safer than going to the market and supermarket in light of the surging Covid cases and the veggies are pesticide and chemical free. Win-win for us.
This week, besides stir-frying and blanching the green veggies, our in-house chef served the veggies to us in a variety of appetizing ways.
Soul satisfying salad composed of coral lettuce, ice plant and sweet juicy cherry tomatoes, topped with perfectly creamy julienned crab sticks, carrots and cucumbers in Japanese mayo. Perfectly crisp and juicy ice plant. Fresh coral lettuce with no black edges. It’s hard to say no to a bowl of the deliciousness no matter how much you dislike raw veggies, isn’t it?Pan grilled chicken breast bulgogi and onions wrapped with cool, crisp and super fresh coral lettuce that’s pesticide and chemical-free. I’m training our girls to eat chicken breast, which has lower calories and it’s been great so far, with Sherilyn’s superb cooking. We use chicken breast for making char siu, Bulgogi, making soups and pan/deep-frying.Breakfast of egg omelette oozing with melted cheese, served with juicy and cool ice plant and sweet cherry toms.
We used the radish for making pork bone soup, Napa cabbage for ‘luo hon jai’ and had boiled + grilled sweet potatoes for lunch earlier this week. I’m looking forward to receiving my next veggie box from Farm To Home Delivery next week!
Stay safe and stay at home my dear friends. We must break the chain of infection and infectivity rate from further surging. Today’s cases surpassed 8k!! If we don’t do our part by staying safe at home, the cases will even surpass 10k by next month!
Alycia left home at 7 a.m. today to sit for an online Undang-Undang (traffic laws) test at the driving academy in Puchong and armed with double face masks, goggles, disinfecting wipes (with claims that it can kill Coronavirus) and sanitizer đ.
She passed the test. Everything was done in under 3 hours and she was home by 10am. Next will be practical driving lessons and exciting days ahead for her! đ
Look carefully at her eyes and you’ll see grumpy eyes. She wasn’t happy with her paparazzi mom snapping pix away đ
It is an unfortunate truth that kids donât play outside as much as they used to. Who can blame them when they have endless YouTube videos, streaming services, social media, and video games to consume? Itâs not healthy to spend all your time inside, though, especially when you are still developing. So, if you have a kid who spends far too long with a headset on or watching an iPad, hereâs how to get them outside more.
Make the Most Out of Sunny Weather
When the weather is warm, make plans to get outside as a family. It doesnât even have to be anywhere special â the local park or a walk around the town will suffice! Sunshine boosts the mood and will give you and your family some much-needed vitamin D. Remember to bring vegan sunscreen for toddlers from Toddle, as this will ensure your little one doesnât burn while out in the sun.Â
Buy Kidâs Garden Furniture
Encourage your child to make the most of the garden by purchasing some kidâs furniture. That way, theyâll feel like they have their own special part of the outdoors and will be more likely to spend time out there. You should invest in some outdoor play equipment, too, like a kidâs paddling pool or a swing set.
Discover Local Nature Together
There is nature to be found everywhere. While you might have explored all the local fields and parks, there is likely to be more out there for you to explore, so head out as a family and find new places to walk and have picnics.
Sign Them Up for a Sport
Give your kid a hobby that involves being outside more by signing them up for a sport. There are plenty of outdoor sports for kids, so you are sure to find one that they enjoy, whether that is football, tennis, running, or horseback riding. Not only will they naturally get more fresh air, but theyâll become more active and social, too.
Book a Camping Trip
The next time you plan for a family getaway, why not choose camping instead of a hotel? In a hotel, your little one has the option to lie in bed and play on their iPad, whereas in a tent, they are forced to soak up the nature surrounding them. Thereâs also the bonus that itâs cheaper, so not only will you enjoy an adventurous trip, but youâll also save money on accommodation.Â
Start an Outside Project Together
Starting an outdoor project together means you both have the opportunity to work as a team while soaking up the sun. You could grow a vegetable patch, create a wildlife scrapbook, build a pond, or anything else that involves being outside. Itâs a great way to make them want to get outside, as it involves a goal, and goals are excellent motivators.
Taking away your kidâs phone or switching off the WIFI isnât always the best way to encourage your kid to go outside, as this often results in moodiness and anger. By making the outdoors seem more fun, youâll soon have a kid who loves playing in nature.
With cases shooting up to over 6,000 yesterday and today, I have been left with a tough decision to make. Alycia is due to sit for an online traffic laws theory exam (Undang-Undang) this Saturday at the HQ of the driving academy in Puchong. A van will fetch her at our Taman to bring her to the center, along with other candidates. I asked for a deferment of the exam date, citing high Covid cases but a penalty of RM53 has to be paid to MYEG. Yet, there’s no guarantee that the Covid situation will improve in time to come. Alycia’s friends have been attending practical driving lessons the past week.
The question that I’ve been asking myself the past one week is should I let Alycia sit for the test or wait till the Covid situation abates? I’ve consulted my wise mom (she’s always been my go-to consultant) and she told me to go ahead with it, with Alycia taking extra precaution of wearing double masks (and changing to clean ones at the center), frequent hand sanitizing and social distancing. There’s not much of a difference with sitting for the exam at the driving academy and working at a pre-school and daycare center, right? Right? đ. I am sure that the driving academy will ensure strict SOPs đ
So yeah, Alycia will go ahead with the online exam at the driving academy this Saturday. I’m going to send her Whatsapp messages every hourly to remind her to sanitize her hands and practise social distancing! I’ve bought packs of multi-purpose disinfecting wipes (with one brand claiming that their new wipes can kill Coronavirus) and our OCD girl will bring a pack with her this Saturday.
We’re going to have to live with Covid-19 forever and there is a high likelihood that Covid-19 will become an endemic disease. New variants of the virus will most likely emerge and scientists will have to produce new vaccines to fight them.
We just have to remember to mask up (with double masks) and change them regularly when in crowded / high risk places, practise self hygiene and keep our distance from the next human. Stay healthy with getting sufficient sleep, pop our Vitamin C and multivits, get some sunlight and exercise and pray đ
Haru hiding under the couch to avoid being sent back home đ¸
Motherhood, oh the joys! It is certainly a difficult task, but one that is undoubtedly rewarding đĽ°. If you are a mother, then this article is for you. Read on to learn what must-have items you should probably be carrying in your bag, especially if you have children on the younger side.
Wipes
If your children are still young, this item is a must-have. Children, especially when they are young, can be extremely messy! Whether it be from eating, drinking or even going to the potty, babies will make a mess. So, wipes are essential items that will help you keep your child nice and clean. To be honest, even if you do not have a baby, you should still be carrying them because even young, pre-school kids still make messes too. So, there are many reasons as to why as a mum, you should carry wipes. For example, your kid may have stepped in mud, gotten a bloody nose or even spilt an ice lolly on themselves. So, having a wet wipe readily available is always handy.
First aid kit
Another essential item to carry around with you at all times is a first aid kit. First aid kits come in all shapes and sizes, so you do not have to be carrying a massive one in your bag as this would be impractical, unless of course, you feel the need to. Carrying a few vital items within the kit (e.g., plasters, bandages, ointments etc.) will be more than enough. You can purchase affordable first aid kits from medical-supermarket.com if you are unsure on where to go to get your hands on one.Â
There are many reasons why getting a first aid kit is important, especially if you are a mother. One reason being that kids can be extremely reckless and wild. If your kid loves to play outside then the chances that they will at some point, fall, trip and bump into other kids or objects are very high. It is very common for accidents to occur leading to cuts or scrapes. This is perfectly normal and, hopefully, the injuries will be only very minor. So, having a first aid kit at hand will be great for you and your child. For you, as youâll feel reassured in your preparedness and for your child as their injury can be attended to by you.
Hand sanitiser
Since the emergence of the pandemic this item has become even more essential. Whenever you leave the house make sure you bring your hand sanitiser with you. Before your kid (and yourself of course) places their hands near the face e.g., to eat, drink, wipe their eyes, always put a little sanitiser on to keep them protected from germs and bacteria. As they say, it is better to be safe than sorry. Considering the world that we currently live in, there is no such thing as being too safe or precautious. Keep clean and hygienic and use your sanitiser regularly.
Haru is the first to check all our parcels when we bring them in from the lobby after delivery. She sniffs them and then gets another new ‘toy’. Her favorite toys are always boxes, bubble wraps, plastic bags and strings. Last week I ordered a scratch post toy for her from Shopee but that did not hold her interest for long. After a few days, the scratch post is now left outside her cage, untouched.
Something as simple as an unwanted tie string left on the floor can be a great toy for her. New scratch post toy untouched after just a few days.Strings and more strings for her to chase, flick, swipe and chew on.The best free toy that never fails to amuse her every morning is the shadow from the morning sun! She goes berserk watching and chasing the shadows. She gets so absorbed watching the shadows that she does not even realize that I’m behind her making shadow puppets with my hands  đš
All of this time spent at home over the last year has got you thinking that youâd quite like to try the homesteader lifestyle, right?
Well, thereâs no better way to see if homesteading is a good option for you than to get started on your vegetable garden and to install a nice new chicken coop for your first batch of livestock!
Chicken Dreams
Raising chickens is often the first livestock animal people take on, mainly because they are relatively easy and cheap to take care of, as well as fun to look at and watch running around your yard.
Here are five things you should consider before you go out to get your new hens.
Feed the Right Diet
Chickens are like mini dinosaurs; in fact, theyâre one of the closest living relatives we have to dinosaurs, and you can see this by looking at their feet!
Dinosaurs they may be, but if you want to get a good and regular supply of eggs from your chooks, youâll need to feed the right diet to keep them digesting easily.
Other than that, chickens can eat most kitchen scraps as supplemental food.
Pest-Proofing Their Food Stores
It will come as no surprise that chicken feed attracts rodents such as rats and mice. Unfortunately, while mice are cute and fairly harmless, rats are not so much fun in your garden.
Keep all chicken feed in sealed drums, and mix in some chili flakes to deter rats (chickens canât taste chili). If you have a pest problem, search for a local pest control service near you, such as pest control Kidderminster, to get a handle on the problem before it gets too bad.
Chickens CAN Fly
Not very far, and not very well, but chickens can fly, and they can fly faster than you can run!
Clip chickensâ flight feathers on both wings, but leave 2-3 feathers on the wingtips to help them glide when they do end up getting into something they shouldnât have because chickens can jump too!
Fence Them Away From Your Plants
Not only can chickens jump incredible heights and then flap enough to get some lift, but they can also burrow and dig pretty well too!
Thereâs nothing wrong with keeping your chickens near your vegetable garden in the âworking endâ of your yard, but you best be sure you fence off your growing area from your chickens if youâre letting them free-range because they will destroy any seedling they get their beaks onto.
Broody Hens Can Be Violent
Just like any mother, broody hens can be very protective over their eggs and newly hatched chicks.
Youâll need to keep an eye out for a broody hen and be sure that she has her own little private coop and run when she is sitting on fertilized eggs.
Hens will take an hour or so off of egg sitting every day for food and water, but other than that, they will peck, hiss, and growl at you if you try to move them or their eggs while theyâre sitting.
Itâs always nice to make some changes to your living space, whether itâs getting some fancy new appliances for your kitchen, a gorgeous new bathroom suite, or converting your attic into a spare bedroom or home office. There are plenty of home improvements that can help to add value to your property, but if youâre working with a limited budget and still want to make a bit of a change to your living space, here are five stylish updates that are much more affordable.
1. New Drapes – Itâs easy to forget about the drapes or blinds on your windows. They arenât exactly the first thing that catches your eye when you walk into a room (unless there is some interesting or hideous pattern on them!) However, never underestimate the power of stylish drapes and how they can alter the feel of the room. They frame your windows and can help to keep out the cold, as well as providing you with some much-needed privacy. Thick drapes are best for the latter two points, but some lighter material can help inspire an airier feel to a room. You can also use your drapes as a way to add some color if your living room is painted in more neutral tones.
2. Fresh Artwork – Bare walls always feel cold and clinical, so brighten up any room of the house with some carefully selected artwork. Again, this can be a great way to add some color to rooms that have neutral tones or can add even more fun to an already vibrant space. Whether itâs some cool photography, a stunning landscape, or a modern minimalist piece, you should be able to find some artistic design that suits your style. Adding some fresh indoor plants can also help to spruce up any living space; just remember to water them!
3. New Floors – Another affordable way to breathe new life into your home is by changing your flooring. Whether you want to put down tiles, carpets, laminate, or hardwood floors, it could dramatically change the appearance of a room. You might even want to get a stair runner for something a bit different if you like the way they look. Just visit flooring specialists like Aflooringboutique.co.uk if you want to see some examples and to get further advice.
4. New Kitchen or Bathroom Tiles – Beautiful kitchen or bathroom tiles are another little-known desirable feature in properties. Hand-painted tiles, in particular, are gorgeous to look at and add some personality to your home. They fit in best with period properties or Mediterranean style dĂŠcor. This is also a job you might be able to do yourself if you are good at DIY, but if in doubt, always call a professional to do it for you for the best results.
5. New Bedroom Furniture – Your bedroom is a private haven where you can hide away from the world. There is nothing more satisfying than getting into a bed with fresh sheets after a long day, snuggling down to get some well-earned rest. This is why your bedroom should always feel luxurious, whether you have the budget for it or not. If you want to revamp this space but canât afford to redecorate entirely, invest in a new furniture suite to make a change instead.
If you want to refresh your living space without breaking the bank, consider these five stylish and affordable updates to make a bit of a change.
Nowadays, parents struggle to keep their kids busy and engaged without sitting them down in front of a television or putting a smartphone in their hands. While some forms of electronic media can be enriching, too much screen time can negatively affect children. Here are four ways to keep your child entertained the old-fashioned, screen-free way.
1. Games Galore
Interactive board games are a great way to entertain children while teaching them valuable life skills. Through low-stakes, friendly competition, your child can learn how to win and lose with sportsmanship and grace. Additionally, board games can be used as fun tools to teach children how to follow rules and directions.
2. Bring Out the Books
Reading stimulates brain development and promotes future academic and financial success. Help your child master the art of reading by providing them with books that align with their interests. Take at least twenty minutes out of your day to sit down and take turns reading aloud with your child.
3. Outdoor Adventures
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children aged between 6 and 17 years get at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. Playing outside allows children to freely run, jump, and tumble. Being in the outdoors may also get them interested in nature, which could lead to a passion for science in the future. A little mud and dirt never hurt anyone.
4. Arts, Crafts, and More
A pile of scrap paper, a box of crayons, and some glue sticks can go a long way. Crafting encourages creativity in young people, especially since they are still figuring out what they like, what they dislike, and how they see the world. Let your child get wild with their creations. Rather than toss out used items like bottle caps, spare cardboard, or bent paperclips, recycle them into craft supplies.
Childrenâs entertainment should be engaging, enriching, and educationalâand, of course, fun. Donât let your child become fixated on screens. Encourage them to use their imagination, play pretend, and explore their surroundings.
Your home can impact your physical health and affect your emotional wellbeing. An unclean living environment can lead to illness or injury, while a clean and hygienic home will promote good health and wellness. Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve and maintain a healthy home. Here are four tips for a healthy living environment:Â
1. Follow a cleaning schedule
Cleaning your home regularly is a fundamental part of keeping it healthy. You should follow a consistent cleaning schedule and keep your living environment hygienic and sanitized. Daily cleaning tasks should involve making your bed, putting rubbish in the bin, wiping down kitchen surfaces, and washing up dishes. According to bobvilla.com, you should do the following cleaning chores every week: disinfect your sink, clean your microwave, and sweep your floors. Â
You can also purchase innovative products to help keep your home clean and risk-free. For example, granitetransformations.co.uk offers innovative kitchen worktop covers that are mold and mildew resistant and come with built-in MicrobanÂŽ antibacterial technology. This reduces the growth of bacteria 24/7 and helps you keep your kitchen surfaces hygienic between cleans. The bonus of replacing your worktops with these is that your kitchen gets a mini makeover too!
2. Keep your home pest-free
Pests problems are extremely common, and surveys reveal that 84% of homeowners experienced pests in the past 12 months. Many pests like rats and cockroaches carry diseases that can harm your health. This is why you must act quickly if you notice signs of a pest problem in your home.
Common signs of a pest infestation include droppings, scratch marks, and evidence of nesting. Contact a professional pest removal company if you suspect that pests have invaded your home. You can reduce your risk of pests by sealing gaps, keeping your home tidy, and avoiding leaving food out.Â
3. Open your windowsÂ
You should ventilate your home to reduce the number of contaminants and bacteria in your living environment. Open your windows and doors regularly to eliminate odors and supply your rooms with fresh air.
You should invest in a quality air purifier if you are unable to open your windows regularly e.g., because you live in a cold climate. An air purifier will remove pollutants, allergens, and odors from your home and improve indoor air quality.Â
4. Use natural cleanersÂ
Most conventional household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health. Limit your exposure to toxic ingredients by using natural household cleaners. You can make your own cleaning products using household staples like cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and lemon juice. For instance, mix baking soda and water to create an effective oven cleaner. DIY natural cleaning solutions will keep your living environment hygienic and minimize health risks for you and your family.
SummaryÂ
Your home can contain potentially harmful elements like dust, chemicals, and bacteria. You must keep your home clean and maintain good hygiene standards to minimize the risk of illness or infections. Follow these tips to keep your home healthy and create a safe living environment for your family.
Alycia has finally tendered her resignation from the international pre-school and after-school care center. Her last day of work will be 31 May 2021. She’ll spend her time working on her You Tube channel and most probably find another temp job before starting college in September 2021. In between, she’ll be having driving lessons. She’ll be sitting for her online ‘undang-undang’ test this Saturday at the driving school’s head office in Puchong.
Lovely well-thought of Teacher’s Day gifts from the mothers of the two boys whom Alycia’s currently tutoring at the center. The mothers of the two boys are very appreciative and thankful that their sons have shown marked improvement in their studies. On the left is a cookies and cream scented hand sanitizer and the gadget on the right is a Pocket Angel self-defense personal alarm. I think these are such wonderful gifts. Our dinner of Mee Siam and sambal sotong from hubby’s central kitchen, Catermate, yesterday.We also had pan-grilled pre-marinated chicken chop. The chickens that I ordered from freshayamking.com were sent to us yesterday; the chickens are free from antibiotics and growth hormones.Sides of pan-grilled king oyster mushrooms, onions and aubergine. Haru with her new scratch post toy. She’s now almost 5 months old, weighs 2kg and looks like a grown cat. She’s still playful but has mellowed down a wee bit. I miss our 2-month old Haru’s baby face. Her face has changed completely in just 3 months!Big girl already but still cute in our eyes.
Today is the 2nd day of Hari Raya. Whether it’s a public holiday or regular day, it doesn’t feel any different. The only difference is that on public holidays, Cass and Sherilyn have no online classes. They have 1 more month of distance learning before going back to school, provided the number of Covid cases decline. I have this hunch again that school’s going to be out for months on end again this year đ
As forewarned by our Health DG, the number of cases might reach 9000 cases by June if the R0 was 1.2 and there was no compliance to the standard operating procedures. Today’s cases are still hovering above 4,000. The RO has to be reduced to 0.5 to break the chain of infection in our country. Let’s all band together to break the chain of infection.
I’m going to get some KN95 5-layer masks from Shopee/Lazada for better protection as regular 3-ply masks may not be as effective. In a recent press conference, our Health DG was seen donning on double face masks with goggles. This is how dire the pandemic situation is in our country now. Everyone at home has been checking their oxygen levels on the oximeter everyday ever since Alycia was flagged as a casual contact by the My Sejahtera app two weeks ago. She needn’t need to self-isolate herself and went about with her daily activities. She had to submit a health report on her symptoms (if any) via the My Sejahtera app for 10 days.
Whenever there’s silence in the house when Haru is let out of the cage, we know trouble is brewing. Yesterday she was let out and no one supervised her whereabouts. When all was so calm and quiet, we went looking for her everywhere and Cass found her comfortably resting under her comforter đ¸Look at that smug look on her face!
I’ve always looked forward to to the month of June ever since our girls started going to school many years ago. It’s the mid-term school holidays and our yearly routine would involve making a road trip or ETS train ride back to my parents in Ipoh. The girls and I would don on our cute dresses to do sight-seeing, camwhoring and coffee-shop hopping in Ipoh. Sometimes we would make day trips to nearby towns. It’s one of the happiest times of the year. But the past one year has been nothing short of the longest school holidays for us; a holiday that doesn’t seem to end; a holiday that involves being stuck at home with no where to go; a holiday where we all live our days worrying whether we’ll be the next to get infected! I often wonder how long more we have to endure this pandemic; how long more we have to wait before we can reunite with my parents and brothers for a reunion. This whole pandemic is making me stir-crazy.
Life for the past one year in and out of lockdown has been a humdrum. With no where exciting to go, my main source of excitement comes from online shopping đ. The thrill of successfully claiming free shipping on my lucky days, playing games and earning coins on my favorite online shopping platform, shopping for things that make me happy and waiting for my orders to arrive is my simple pleasures in life. Thankfully I’m a simple girl and I don’t need expensive bags, branded clothes and expensive holidays to find myself living in the Elysian Fields. If online shopping and getting new clothes makes you happy too, check out Berrylook, an online store for fashionistas who are always on the lookout for cheap clothes and fashionable items.
Getting a cheap and simple dress like this halter neck A-line dress for my trips to the supermarket would make me super happy now! đOr this airy V-neck sleeveless top. The only place that I can hang out these days is at the supermarket or pharmacy and I take the opportunity to dress up and mask upâşď¸
There is only so long you can run a full marathon without your body giving way, and especially with a constantly-shifting finish line, like we have during the seemingly never-ending pandemic. But we have to persevere and continue to fight the virus with self-discipline and vigorous SOP. Meanwhile, continue to find the simple pleasures in life to stay sane in this difficult time. My simple joys in life is finding the best deals via online shopping.
What are your simple joys in life? Regardless of our financial situation, these simple joys can make us feel wealthy beyond measure.
My second chemical and pesticide-free veggie box from Farm To Home Delivery arrived! As with the first box, I’m very pleased with this one as well as the veggies are very fresh and clean. The veggies are pre-washed with Biolux ozone water. This is why I like getting my veggies from Farm To Home Delivery vs. from the market or roadside stalls. The veggies are free from soil and I can just store them in the fridge without having to clean them up first.
Leeks, plump and sweet cherry tomatoes, purple sweet potatoes, spinach, Siew Pak Choy, French beans, broccoli, ice plant, yau mak, Purslane and Choy Sum.The two packets of green veggies with tiny leaves are Purslane, a juicy veggie chock-full of vitamins A and C and antioxidants. It’s also beneficial for heart and bone health. We used it for salad.My favorite tuber – purple sweet potato! We usually steam / boil the sweet potatoes. We sometimes add them into the porridge. Did you know that purple sweet potatoes are a good source of beta-carotene but are an even richer source of anthocyanin pigments, which act as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system? Purple sweet potatoes have about three times more anthocyanins than the average blueberry.Some of you may be anal about the leaves of your vegetables and only choose flawless ones. I get attracted to those with holes coz it tells a lot about how the veggies are grown. If worms can graze on the leaves, they’re probably also safe for human consumption đ
With so much fresh and crisp vegetables, we’ve been grazing on them everyday, from fresh salad to seared, blanched and stir-fried.
Sesame crusted pan-seared salmon with seared Siew Pak Choy. I love how Sherilyn decorated the salmon top with cute tiny Purslane leaves and thinly sliced cherry tomatoes.Dashi and kombu broth poured over the salmon.Crispy skin pan-fried salmon with juicy ice plant, purslane and cherry tomatoes.Mother’s Day salad which Sherilyn made.A salad with all my favorite veggies — ice plant, thinly julienned Japanese cucumbers, purslane and cherry tomatoes, topped with mozzarella cheese and a piquant balsamic vinaigrette dressing.A healthy cheese on toast with tomatoes and cucumbers.
We’ve already finished all the veggies from our second veggie box and I’m getting ready to order my 3rd box from Farm to Home Delivery for next week delivery.
Stay safe and stay at home folks. Our Health DG has made a clarion call for all and sundry to stay at home to break the chain of infection. Our country is in a dire Covid-19 state of pandemic now and if we don’t do our part by staying at home and practise vigorous SOPs, this pandemic will spiral out of control just like India. Are you not scared? I shudder to think of it. Just do all your shopping online and duduk diam-diam di rumah for the next two weeks. I’m sure we can all do it, just like how we did it in MCO 1.0 last year đŞ
