April 2023 – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

Sherilyn’s Sourdough Bread Creations: A Journey of Flavor and Creativity

Sourdough bread has been around for centuries, and its popularity has only grown in recent years. For some, sourdough bread is more than just a loaf of bread; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. This is true for Sherilyn, who has found a passion in experimenting with sourdough bread recipes and creating new and exciting dishes. Sherilyn doesn’t bake sourdough bread though due to time constraints, but she loves to create quick dishes to pair with the sourdough bread.

Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Sourdough Bread

One of Sherilyn’s favorite creations is pan-fried sourdough bread with butter paired with a super creamy scrambled egg dish, which she can whip up in a jiffy. She usually preps this for breakfast if she has to go out and needs something that can fill her up for at least half a day.

Tomato Salsa and Avocado with Sourdough Bread

Another of Sherilyn’s favorite creations is pan-fried sourdough bread with butter paired with tomato salsa, avocado, cheese, and salad.

Grated Cheese and Avocado with Sourdough Bread

Today she prepped pan-fried sourdough bread with grated cheese and avocado for lunch. To make this dish, she simply pan-fries a slice of sourdough bread in a little bit of butter until it’s golden brown on both sides. She then tops the bread with grated parmesan cheese and slices of avocado for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cilbir (Turkish Eggs) with Sourdough Bread

Turkish Çılbır, pronouned chil-bir, is basically poached eggs served over a bed of thick, garlicky yogurt and finished with a generous drizzle of warmed butter.

Sherilyn cooked this for dinner yesterday. Turkish eggs are a popular breakfast dish in Turkey. For the yogurt spread, she used Farmers Union 50% lower-fat Greek-style yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne pepper, melted warm butter, and dill for the yogurt spread. The yogurt spread also goes well with crackers, toasted bread, and tortilla chips.

Sherilyn served her Turkish eggs with pan-fried sourdough bread for a hearty and delicious dinner.

On another note, our latest love is Farmers Union 50% lower-fat Greek-style yogurt. It’s very creamy and tastes like cream cheese, yet not overly cloy and starchy like other brands of Greek yogurt. We use this yogurt as salad dressing, for smoothies and mango lassi.

Sourdough bread is more than just a loaf of bread; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Sherilyn has found a passion in experimenting with sourdough bread recipes and creating new and exciting dishes. Her pan-fried sourdough bread with cheese and avocado and Turkish eggs with sourdough bread are just two examples of her culinary creativity.

Pan-fried sourdough bread with Turkish Eggs. This tastes as good as it looks.

Pan-fried sourdough bread topped with grated parmesan cheese and avocado; Grilled mixed veggies (zucchini, Japanese pumpkin, mushrooms, onions and a bulb of garlic)

Today’s hearty lunch. I’m glad that my girls are more of a veggie person than a meat person. They love colorful veggies, green veggies, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and a wide variety of raw veggies.

Keeping this for Cass for her breakfast tomorrow.

No. of times viewed = 47

Why Do People With Allergic Rhinitis Have Dark Circles Under The Eyes (Allergic Shiners)?

That’s me alright and I’ve lived with dark circles or Allergic Shiners under my eyes all my life because I have Allergic Rhinitis. Even when I get enough of shut eye, those darn dark circles on the undereye are still present, like permanent tattooed eye liner.

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is where your nose gets irritated by something you’re allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms. For most people it’s easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist. But I am not keen on taking drugs, so I let it be and deal with the symptoms whenever I get an attack. This is one of the reasons why I am OCD and clean the house floor a hundred times a day as I have a nasty allergy to dust and pet fur.

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and include:

sneezing
an itchy nose
a runny or blocked nose
itchy, red and watery eyes
a cough
the roof of your mouth being itchy

This usually happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you’re allergic to.

Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction.

Common allergies include:

pollen from trees, grass and weeds (hay fever)
house dust mites
animals such as dogs and cats
mould
wood dust, flour dust and latex
smoke
perfumes

Allergic rhinitis can cause dark circles under the eyes due to a few reasons.

Firstly, allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, which can cause fluid buildup and congestion. This can lead to puffiness and swelling around the eyes, making the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible and causing dark circles to appear.

Secondly, allergic rhinitis can cause the release of histamines, which are chemicals that the body produces in response to allergens. Histamines can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate and become more visible, contributing to the appearance of dark circles.

Lastly, allergic rhinitis can cause disruptions in sleep, as symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and coughing can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Sleep deprivation can lead to paler skin, making the dark circles under the eyes more noticeable.

Overall, the combination of inflammation, histamine release, and disrupted sleep can all contribute to the development of dark circles under the eyes in people with allergic rhinitis.

No. of times viewed = 64

The Joy and Laughter of My Lockdown Cat, Haru

Haru, our lockdown cat is not a very affectionate cat. She doesn’t like hugs or belly rubs. She doesn’t jump onto my lap to snuggle up or to ask for a chin rub. But strangely, she has a calming presence in my life.

Whenever I’m seething with anger or feel sad, the presence of this fur ball seems to melt my stress away. She doesn’t judge, argue, answer back rudely or complain. And she’s easily satisfied. Haru is more than just a pet, she’s my therapy cat. Just stroking her soft fur and hearing her purr can help me feel more grounded.

Last Friday no one was home at night and Haru waited for us to come home. Hubs was in Kota Kinabalu, Alycia had gone for supper with a friend, Sherilyn was at her dance class, and I was at the skating rink with Cass. When Cass and I got home at around 11 p.m., Haru was beside the main door, waiting for us. With droopy sleepy eyes, she was trying hard not to fall asleep. My heart melted when I saw her loafing next to the door, waiting for us to be home ❤️.

Haru looking for Alycia in her sister’s room this morning. Alycia had gone to Melaka for a one-night stay.

My silly girl trying to catch sun reflections from the morning sun, every single morning.

Cass and I gave Haru a bath last week. It was our first time bathing Haru. Sherilyn usually does the job.

Haru has been an important part of my mental health toolkit. She’s given me a reason to smile and laugh on the toughest days.

No. of times viewed = 46

Saturday Night Dinner

Hubs is in Kota Kinabalu for 3 nights. Since it’s a Saturday night and we’re too lazy to go out, Shopee Food it is!

After waiting for 40 minutes with no update that a driver has been assigned, I knew that the order would be cancelled. It’s the first day of Hari Raya and as the majority of the delivery riders are Malays, this means that there would be an acute shortage of delivery riders.

True enough, an hour later I received a notification from Shopee Food that my order had been cancelled and they’d refunded me immediately.

With our dinner cancelled by Shopee Food, our teenage chef sprang into action. She said she can prep something yummy that’s easy and fast.

But this dawdler dilly dallied and by the time the Vietnamese spring rolls were ready, it was already 8-ish p.m. My last meal of the day is at 5pm and I don’t usually eat anything by 6pm.

The end result was a plateful of beautifully wrapped Vietnamese spring rolls that tasted as good as they looked. The combination of flavors and textures was amazing, with the freshness of the prawns, the crunchiness of the vegetables, and the tenderness of the chicken and mushrooms. And the dipping sauce was the perfect complement, adding a sweet, salty, and tangy kick to the rolls.

Since the Viet spring rolls looked too pretty to give them a miss, I tried half a roll. The fillings comprised of air-fried chicken breast, air-fried prawns, air-fried baby oyster mushrooms, salad leaves, and cucumbers.

Sherilyn also made a tangy dipping sauce for the spring rolls.
Sauce ingredients (simplified version) – fish sauce, chopped raw garlic, chilies, lemon juice, sugar and water.

No. of times viewed = 31

My Week In Photos

The mil has extended her stay in Hong Kong until mid May. This means that I have to continue with the extra chore of cooking dinner.

These days, I am not as finicky as I used to be with food served to the girls. Back in the days when the girls were younger, we used to cook 5-7 times a week, twice a day. Those were the days when we had live- in maids and a part-time helper who came consistently almost every day. I really appreciate having the extra help with cleaning up after cooking an elaborate dinner every day.

Now that we have no more live-in maids but only a part-time helper who comes in inconsistently (only when she feels like coming), we cook twice or thrice a week and for the rest of the days, I get takeaway or order from Shopee Food or Grab Food 😬. Sometimes we’ll just eat the excess food from hubby’s kitchen, which are mostly spicy food such as chicken rendang, beef rendang, curry fish, fried chicken and other spicy Malay dishes. As long as we don’t have to cook and clean up a greasy kitchen, I’m happy with any food given to me.

I’m pretty much easily contented with eating humble and simple foods. I can even buy a pack of vegetarian food and eat it for lunch and dinner, or fix a simple sandwich without any meat. I can even eat steamed sweet corns, sweet potatoes and pumpkin for dinner. But sadly, not everyone at home can eat the way I do. And this often creates a lot of unnecessary stress in me! You see, the people in the house who love cooking are not bothered with cleaning up the mess they create and this is driving me potty! Because I have to clean up.

This is my ‘cincai’ cooked dinner for Cass ~ steamed salt-baked chicken from Ipoh, steamed minced pork with egg (leftover from yesterday), blanched celery (seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, and fried garlic), air fried chicken breast and black rice with sweet potato.

And this is what Sherilyn prepped for her work lunch box ~ salad, air fried baby oyster mushrooms, steamed sweet potatoes, and air fried Beacon chicken chop.

My order of Lee Kum Kee sauces from Lazada arrived ~ 2 bottles organic soy sauce, 1 bottle chicken marinate sauce and free gift of apple cider vinegar and oyster sauce. Love the way LKK wrapped the bottles with super thick inflatable bubble wrap and came in a super huge box, which I initially thought wasn’t my parcel.

My ‘customary’ selfie in the washroom @ Pavillion Bukit Jalil after sending Cass for her figure skating class.
With 2 hours to kill and nothing to buy, I usually amble and dawdle in the mall, and always end up buying unnecessary stuff. This time I bought two eyebrow pencils from Guardian Pharmacy as they were on offer as well as some veggies and blueberries from Food Merchant.

My usual coconut milk drink from Go Coconuts. At RM9.90 for less than 10 sips, I think it’s overpriced. It’s just packet coconut milk with coconut water. I can prep this at home too, which will cost me way cheaper than RM9.90 😬

No. of times viewed = 18

My Life In Photos The Past Week

Alycia is having a one month semester break and classes will only resume on 25th April. As she hardly goes out to exercise under the sun, I dragged her out to walk with me to the nearby kopitiam to have breakfast last Saturday morning.

And here we are at the open air kopitiam, sweating buckets with no fan and no air conditioner, and the both of us slurped down a bowl of hot noodles, which made us sweat even more profusely. This kind of sweating is even more intense than working out. I felt like I was being baked inside a sauna. We walked under the blistering 11-ish sun, and then chomped down noodles in piping hot soup, alfresco style with only trees above us as shade in temperatures ranging from 37-40C 🥵.

Darn the milk tea. After downing the glass of milk tea, I had insomnia the entire night. Again, albeit drinking it before 12 noon. As I age, my body can’t tolerate the caffeine in tea as much as I could previously.

After we were done eating, we walked to the supermarket to get some veggies and then walked home in the searing afternoon sun, ouch! But it feels good to soak in the glorious sunlight, get our dose of vitamin D and serotonin (aka the feel-good hormone).

And I always slather sun block lotion on every part of my exposed skin before going out in the sun.

Cass who doesn’t like to walk and sweat under the sun didn’t join us. She asked me to snap photos of the Western food stall menu and text her the menu for her to choose 🙄

After eating food at the Aeon supermarket for 2 weeks, Sherilyn started to get bored of the food. So she cooked food for her lunch box the night before and brought this with her to work. She cooked Chicken Breast Sous Vide (using the Thermomix), cooked black rice + 10-grain rice and sliced up half an avocado. She only works twice a week at Barcook Bakery @ The Gardens Mall.

With the current heatwave in our country, I find myself dreading the thought of stepping into a hot kitchen to cook. So I opt for simpler meals that require minimal preparation and don’t involve stir-frying or requiring me to stand next to the hot stove for a long time.

Even cooking this simple dish of steamed egg with minced pork made me sweat buckets, though I just took a shower before cooking. After cooking, I had to shower again, which was my 4th shower of the day.

Lunner for Cass when she came home from school at 3.40pm ~ steamed egg with minced pork, blanched siew pak choy with olive oil, soy sauce + fried garlic, black rice with sweet potato and dim sum items from brunch with hubs this morning. The olive oil is only drizzled onto the veggies after they’re removed from the pot, so that we reap the full health benefits of it.

Brunch of dim sum and curry noodles with hubs in the morning

Dim Sum @ Jin Xuan Hong Kong Restaurant, Kuchai Lama.

Curry noodles ordered from a coffee shop a few shops away from the dim sum restaurant.

No. of times viewed = 37

Sisterly Bonding: Alycia and Sherilyn’s Staycation at Four Seasons Hotel

As teenage sisters, our three girls rarely get time to spend together without the distractions of school and uni, extracurricular activities, and their own individual social lives.

Since Alycia is having a semester break and Sherilyn has several days off before she works part-time again next week, the timing was right for the two girls to have a sisterly staycation. Sherilyn works hard and plays hard too. She works for two days at Barcook Bakery and another two days at our neighborhood cafe (with awesome bosses) each week. And for the remaining 3 days a week, she either goes to her dance studio or goes out with her friends. This will be her routine until her SPM results are out and decides on what course to pursue.

Alycia and Sherilyn decided to plan a sisters-only staycation at Four Seasons hotel to catch up on each other’s lives and bond over fun activities. They have a one-night complimentary junior suite room from their aunt who came back from the UK to KL for a visit last December. Cass had to skip the staycation as she had to go to school.

Tea-time at the Executive Lounge @ Four Seasons Hotel on 12 April 2023.

Breakfast at the hotel’s coffee house on 13 April 2023.

They brought some snacks to the hotel for late night snacking.

Movie binging while binging on Korean noodles with kimchi and popcorn. Sherilyn drank so much coffee till she had insomnia and couldn’t sleep 🤣

It’s so fun to have sisters, right? Growing up with two brothers, I always wished for a sister or two to do all the sisterly things with me. With sisters, you have a built-in bosom friend, confidante, and a support system right at home.

No. of times viewed = 55

Bröom Artisan Bakery & Kitchen, Taman Paramount PJ

Throwback food snaps – 2 April 2023

This is our typical Sunday now, after hubs sends Cass to the skating rink for figure skating practice on Sunday morning – we have brunch together. Sometimes Alycia and Sherilyn join us, sometimes only the mil joins us, sometimes it’s the five of us, sometimes it’s only the two of us and sometimes we have full attendance at the dining table, which is rare now as the girls have their own activities respectively.

Two Sundays ago, hubs and I had brunch at the famous O&S Restaurant (coffee shop) at Paramount Garden PJ. We tucked into our favorite Yong Tau Fu, char koay teow, crispy apam balik, prawn paste Chee Cheong Fun, and prawn noodles.

Getting a table is always a daunting task as the coffee shop is perpetually packed with patrons, no matter what time you’re there. To get a table, you have to stand shamelessly next to tables where people are still eating but look like they’re about to finish their meal.

When you stand next to a table with people still enjoying their food, it’s a non-verbal sign to tell them “hey, I’m waiting for your table. Pretty please hurry up” 😆. But so far, we’ve met only kind and really nice people. They hurriedly gobbled down their food so that they can let us have the table. Likewise, we do the same when we see people standing next to our table when we’re still eating. At this coffee shop, you cannot sit and enjoy your milk tea for hours on end. Everyone is considerate and we eat and leave. And adjourned to a cafe for dessert and coffee and chit chat.

A couple of times, when there were one or two available seats at a table that was already occupied, the strangers offered us the available seats. They then chatted up with us while they quickly finished their food. One time, when hubs didn’t have coins to pay a server, the stranger seated next to us offered to pay for us. Eating at O&S is always heartwarming as we always chance upon really nice strangers.

Ok, coming back to our brunch two Sundays ago.

After our heartwarming breakkie at O&S, we segued into Bröom Artisan Bakery & Kitchen for coffee and desserts and to get something for Cass and Sherilyn. Actually the main reason why we went to the cafe was because I had to pee and I didn’t want to use the wet and stinky loos at O&S coffee shop, thus hubs brought me to Bröom 🤭

We love the wide inventory of artisan sourdough breads at Bröom. This time I chose a loaf of jalapeno and cheese for Sherilyn & Cass who both know how to appreciate sourdough bread. Sourdough bread and products are a tad sour and to be able to appreciate this unique flavor and texture often requires an acquired taste.

I also chose a Portobello Cheese Croissant for Cass’ lunch.

Artisan lemon meringue tart and latte.
The lemon meringue tart has a very buttery, firm and crisply crust that crumbles in my mouth creating a perfect foundation for the tangy lemon filling. The filling itself is bursting with bright and zesty lemon flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out.
The meringue topping is light and airy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the lemon filling.

Bröom Artisan Bakery & Kitchen

27, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Phone: 018-231 2823

No. of times viewed = 296

Amazing Dresses With Built-In Shapewear

Dressing up is like art, and for women, it is a form of self-expression. However, at times it can be daunting, especially when you have to worry about the right undergarments to wear to create a flawless silhouette. However, with the advent of built-in shapewear lounge maxi dresses and women apparels, women can now dress up to the nines with ease, a more attractive silhouette, and renewed confidence.

A dress with built-in shapewear, also known as a shapewear dress, has revolutionized the way women dress, eliminating the need for separate pieces of shapewear, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. With dresses that come with built-in shapewear and bra, women can enjoy the benefits of both in one garment.

These dresses come in various styles, ranging from bodycon to A-line and from sleeveless to long sleeves to short sleeves. They are made of high-quality buttery fabrics that offer support and compression in all the right places. The shapewear in these dresses is designed to smooth out any bumps or bulges, creating a sleek and streamlined silhouette. The built-in bra, on the other hand, offer support and lift, ensuring that women feel comfortable and confident all day long.

One of the benefits of a shapewear dress is that it is versatile and can be worn to various occasions. Whether you are attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or a business meeting, there is a shapewear dress that will suit the occasion. These dresses come in various colors and patterns, ensuring that women can express their individuality while still feeling comfortable and confident.

Built-In Shapewear Modal Lounge Dresses – how it looks beneath the dress

Another benefit of dresses with built-in shapewear is that they save time and effort. Instead of spending time and money buying separate shapewear and bras, women can invest in a dress that rocks both. This is especially useful for women who lead busy lives and do not have the time to fuss over their undergarments.

The other life-saving apparel for women is the short sleeve thong bodysuit which features a fitted crew neckline giving you that neat tucked-in t-shirt look and ensures no visible panty lines on your sheer tight skirt or pants.

In conclusion, dresses with built-in shapewear are a game-changer for women’s fashion. They offer the perfect combination of support, comfort, and style, allowing women to look and feel their best at all times. With these dresses, women no longer have to worry about uncomfortable undergarments or unsightly bulges ruining their pretty outfits. Instead, they can confidently showcase their unique style and beauty, knowing that they are dressed up immaculately.

No. of times viewed = 49

Cassandra’s 15th Birthday

9 April 2023

Cass turns 15 today! This girl has come a long way to where she is today. Cass’ journey has not been easy from day 1, as she’s born with a rare congenital disorder in her urinary tract but she has persevered through countless hurdles along her way. I credit her strength, resilience and stubbornness to her unwavering determination, optimism, and unbreakable spirit.

Hubs surprised both the birthday girl and me with a hotpot dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot @ Bangsar Village 3 today, just the three of us – hubs, Cass and me. Alycia and Sherilyn are in Ipoh with my parents and the mil is currently in Hong Kong.

As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the friendly staff who welcomed us and led us to our table. The ambiance of the restaurant was warm and inviting, with cozy seating arrangements and tasteful decor. The menu offered a wide selection of hotpot ingredients, including meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, all of which were fresh and of high quality. While patrons wait for their tables, packet snacks, titbits and drinks are available in abundance at the entrance of the restaurant for patrons to munch.

Our dining experience began with a selection of dipping sauces and condiments, including peanut sauce, sesame sauce, and spicy sauce and a wide selection of condiments such as spring onions, parsley, chopped raw garlic, fried minced beef, etc, These sauces added an extra dimension of flavor to our yummy meal and were the perfect accompaniment to the hotpot ingredients.

As we waited for our hotpot to arrive, we enjoyed a variety of appetizers, such as wakame seaweed and fried peanuts. For the two choices of soup for our hotpot, hubs chose golden fish maw soup (RM47) and peppery pig stomach + chicken soup (RM20).

Part way through the meal was show-time for us (and for every table as well). A noodle performer came to our table and showcased his skill in the art of noodle-making while dancing. A minute into throwing the flying noodles, a part of the dough touched the floor and the performer quickly went into the kitchen and brought out a new wedge of dough and started the performance again. After the noodles were churned out by hand, the staff gently placed them into our hotpot of two variety of soups.

What really came as a big surprise to Cass and me was when the Haidilao staff came out with a slice of birthday cake, along with a birthday banner and lo and behold, sang ‘Happy Birthday’, vociferously with clappings and all!

Cass who doesn’t like to be in the limelight, have her photos taken, or people singing birthday song to her in public was gobsmacked, stunned, embarrassed, and yet happy all at once 🤣

The delicious food, exceptional service, warm atmosphere and loads of freebies made for a perfect evening of enjoyment and birthday celebration.

Golden fish maw soup and peppery pig stomach + chicken soup.

Counter for sauces, condiments and desserts.

Appetite whetting appetizers – pickled turnip and carrot, wakame seaweed and fried peanuts.

My glorious bowl of condiments for the hotpot, composed of dry fried minced beef, loads of raw minced garlic, spring onions, coriander, toasted sesame seeds and peanut sauce.

Trays of hotpot ingredients were brought to our table by robots.

Potato strings. We were too stuffed to eat this and doggy-bagged this home.

Freshly made noodles gently placed into the soups.

Soy pudding for dessert. There was red bean sweet dessert as well but I forgot all about taking it from the counter.

Free to take from the drawer at our table – wet wipes for lenses (for phones & eye glasses), hair ties, disposable gloves, sweets and chopsticks. Chopsticks are for dining use only, yeah.

More freebies in the washroom – lens wet wipes, hair combs and cotton buds. You can even dry your hair with a hair dryer here and clean your eye glasses in a special glasses cleaning box.

I have no freaking idea how to use this thingy. I suppose it’s to disinfect your eye glasses.

Cass was super awkward coz a troupe of staffers came over and sang her a birthday song vociferously with clappings and all. All eyes were on us 🤣. It was hilarious to see the mixed reaction on her face.

As there was still a LOT of soup left in both the pots, we had the soup doggy-bagged home, which the staff gladly helped us to pack and seal in thick plastic bags. We also doggy-bagged several plates of unfinished food. We can now have 1 more round of hot pot at home, when Sherilyn comes back to KL!

To cap off the meal, we were given complimentary chilled Roselle drinks, which was very refreshing and soothing for the throat after a hot meal.

Luckily we went early as when we left the restaurant, there was a long queue outside.

After our hotpot dinner, hubs brought the birthday girl to get Häagen-Dazs ice-cream for dessert.

Then we went to Sports Direct @ Bangsar Village 3 for Cass to get her birthday pressie from her dad, which is a hoodie sweater for her to wear at the skating rink.

No. of times viewed = 71

Why A Geeky Person Needs To Wear Geeky Clothes

In recent years, geek culture has become increasingly mainstream, with many people proudly identifying as geeks and embracing their interests in technology, gaming, science fiction, and more. As a result, there has been a rise in the popularity of geeky clothing, which allows individuals to express their geekiness through their fashion choices.

However, for those who identify as “geeky,” there is something special about wearing clothes that reflect their interests and passions. Here are a few reasons why geeky people shop for geek clothings at a Geek Shop:

1. It’s a form of self-expression

Wearing geeky clothes is a way for individuals to express themselves and their interests. Whether it’s a tee with their favorite character or a piece of jewelry inspired by a beloved franchise, geeky clothing can communicate something about who you are and what your passions are. It’s a way to showcase your personality and individuality in a fun and creative way.

I Play Video Games Periodically funny gamer t-shirt

2. It fosters a sense of community

Wearing geeky t-shirts and accessories can also help you connect with others who share your interests. When you wear a shirt with a favorite video game or comic book characters, you may find that fellow fans approach you and strike up a conversation. This can lead to new camaraderie, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging within a larger community.

3. Confidence Booster

For many geeky individuals, wearing clothes that reflect their interests can be a confidence booster. It’s a way to feel comfortable in their own skin and showcase their passions with pride and joy. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it can positively impact your mood, attitude, and overall sense of well-being.

4. To stand out

Wearing geeky clothes can be a way to stand out from the crowd. In a world where fashion trends can be predictable and homogeneous, geeksoutfit can be a way to express your unique personality and interests. It can also be fun to wear something that others might find quirky or unusual.

Retro style arcade video game geeky drawstring shorts

5. It’s just plain fun

At the end of the day, shopping at a Geeky store and flaunting your geeky clothes is just plain fun. It allows you to show off your love for your favorite things in a playful and creative way. Whether it’s a subtle reference or a bold statement piece, geeky clothing can add a sense of whimsy and joy to your wardrobe.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why a geeky person needs to wear geeky clothes. It’s a form of self-expression, fosters a sense of community, can boost confidence, and is just plain fun. So embrace your inner geek and wear your fandom with pride and joy!

No. of times viewed = 56

Tips On Choosing The Best Clothes For Your Young Child

Choosing the best clothes for your baby and children can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time parent with no clue. You want to make sure that the clothes you choose are not only stylish but also safe and comfortable for your child. Here are some tips to help you choose the best clothes for your little ones:

1) Choose Clothes Made from Soft and Breathable Fabrics

Babies and young children have sensitive skin, and clothes made from rough fabrics can irritate their delicate skin. Find a baby clothing store that sells clothing made from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or organic materials. These fabrics are gentle on your child’s skin and allow air to circulate, preventing overheating.

2) Look for Clothes with Snap Closures or Zippers

Clothes with snap closures or zippers make dressing your child easier and quicker. They also prevent your child from accidentally undoing buttons, which can be a choking hazard.

Personalized Monogrammed Baby Girl Coming Home Outfit Pink 2 Piece Set

3) Consider the Weather

When choosing toddler and kids t-shirts, it’s important to consider the weather. In colder months, you’ll need warm and cozy clothes like jackets, sweaters, and hats to keep your child warm. In warmer months, lightweight and breathable clothes like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses are more appropriate.

4) Check for Safety Features

Clothes with drawstrings, long ties, or loose buttons can pose a choking hazard for young children. Make sure to check for safety features like sewn-on buttons and snaps that are securely fastened to prevent choking hazards.

Light Blue Embroidery Romper (Monogrammed)

5) Choose Clothes that are Easy to Clean

Babies and young children are prone to spills, stains and accidents, so it’s very important to choose clothes that are easy to clean. Clothes that are machine washable and made from durable materials are ideal for busy parents. Choose a kids clothing store that carry these kind of clothing.

Matching Baby & Father Bodysuit & Shirt (Ctrl C & Ctrl V)

6) Consider Your Child’s Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to choosing clothes for your child. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and irritation. It’s best to choose clothes that fit well and allow your child to move freely.

7) Choose the Right Size

It’s important to choose clothes that fit your child well. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. When buying clothes for your child, pay attention to the size charts provided by the manufacturer and measure your child’s height and weight to ensure a good fit. Beepumpkin has a range of stylish and comfy clothes for your little ones.

By following the above tips, you can choose the best clothes for your baby and children that are not only stylish but also safe, comfortable, and practical.

No. of times viewed = 29

Friday, 7 April 2023

Cass gave me a scare yesterday when she told me that she had a cold and headache. I told her to do a Covid self-test. The first time she did the Covid test, a faint line appeared on the ‘T’ window and seconds later the line went up and disappeared! I told her to do another test several hours later and it was a negative.

This morning she felt better but she did another Covid self-test just before leaving the house for school. Negative. Phew!

When she came home from school today, she told me that one of her classmates is down with Covid!

As of coming back from school today, Cass is feeling good with no more headache. She’ll be going for her figure skating class later.

Had this been the scenario two years ago, Cass and all of us at home would be ‘doomed’. We would be categorized as close contact and none of us could get out of the house for 14 days 🤪. I’m so glad that we don’t have to live those pandemic days anymore, with endless MCO, CMCO and RMCO and yet the number of cases were in the region of tens of thousands everyday.

Lunner for Cass today: air-fried turmeric Beacon chicken drummets and blanched broccoli. I also bought steamed pork, cauliflower and fried cabbage from our regular economy rice stall in the morning. Cass walloped six chicken drummets.

Of all the kitchen gadgets that we have, I find the air fryer the most useful. We use it every day, to toast bread, to reheat food and to grill chicken or fish. But I find my current air fryer a tad small for our family. I’m now eyeing a 2-basket air fryer so that more dishes can be whomped up simultaneously.

*With rice added. Today I cooked a mix of organic wild black rice and 10-grain rice with Japanese sweet potato added. I love the glorious kaleidoscope of colours and textures in this meal.*

Alycia and Sherilyn’s bonding time with granny in Ipoh today. Pix taken on my mum’s phone.

Mum treated them to a lavish lunch at V Life Cafe, a restaurant that serves healthy vegetarian food.
Alycia discovered this restaurant while cycling in the neighborhood this morning.
Yesterday they had dinner at Sushi Zento and lunch at Ipoh YMCA. Wish I was there to join them too!

The dish on the top right is my kind of meal – colorful, loaded with fiber and meatless.

For Ipoh standard, with a lower cost of living than KL, the prices are considered on the high side

But everyone enjoyed the food, with the people whom they love and that’s the most important part. The experience and the memories that the girls create with their grandparents are more valuable than any material possession or amount of money. Cherishing these moments and making the most out of them is what truly matters in life.

No. of times viewed = 45

Gift Ideas For Teachers’ Day 2023

As Teachers’ Day approaches, it is time to think about ways to show appreciation to the teachers who have made a great impact in our lives. Teachers play a significant role in shaping our future and guiding us towards success. They not only impart knowledge to us, but they also instill values, inspire creativity, and nurture talents.

While words of thanks are always appreciated, a thoughtful gift like some teacher t-shirts or mugs can go a long way in conveying your gratitude. Here are some other interesting gift ideas to consider for Teachers’ Day.

A cute teacher t-shirt for your favorite teacher.

Personalized Stationery: Teachers need to use stationery, and personalized items such as pens and notebooks are always appreciated
Gift Cards: Gift cards are an excellent option if you’re not sure what to get your teacher. You can buy a gift card from their favorite store, restaurant, or online retailer. This way, they can choose something that they truly need or want.
Plants: Plants are a great way to add a breath of life to any space, and they also have health benefits. You can gift a potted plant or a small succulent that is easy to care for. A plant can brighten up their classroom and remind them of your thoughtfulness every day.
A Personalized Gift Basket: You can create a gift basket filled with your teacher’s favorite items such as chocolates, teacher supplies, tea or coffee and bathroom essentials like scented hand lotion and shower gel. You can also add a personalized note to express your gratitude.
Teacher’s Tote Bag: Teachers often carry a lot of items to and from school. A tote bag with a teacher-related design can be a thoughtful gift. It will also help them stay organized and carry everything they need. You can find tote bag inspo from a teacher store to get your favorite teacher a cute bag.

Personalized keychain for teacher

Proud of You rainbow stamp.

Personalized tote bag for teacher.

In conclusion, a thoughtful gift is a great way to show your appreciation for your teacher on Teacher’s Day. You can choose something personalized or opt for a practical item from teachergive that they can use every day. While there are many gift options available, it’s important to remember that the thought and effort behind the gift are what truly counts.

No. of times viewed = 49

Mitsui Outlet Park @ KLIA, Sepang

Monday, 3 April 2023

The entire family made a trip to KLIA early this morning to send off the mil who had a flight to catch. She’ll be away in Hong Kong for two weeks. Sherilyn couldn’t follow us as it was her first day of work as part-time cashier at Barcook Bakery @ Mid Valley.

We stayed with the mil for about an hour and had some light snacks at Costa Coffee. Cass was appalled at the prices of the food at the airport. Hubs paid RM21.60 for a simple tuna croissant and RM6 for a small bottle of drinking water. A bottle of Coke was selling at RM16. She couldn’t believe the price tags she saw. Cass was only 6 and 7 when we travelled to New Zealand and Hong Kong. Now that she’s a grown girl, she checks out everything that she sees at the airport.

After we left the airport, we went to Mitsui Outlet Park to shop for sports shoes. It’s been four years since everyone bought Nike shoes. Hubs used to bring us to the Nike outlet at Pavillion KL to shop for Nike shoes and clothes every Christmas but the pandemic put this yearly practice into a halt. I recently bought a pair of Adidas running shoes but I still find Nike shoes more comfy.

Alycia helping her grandma check in at the Cathay Pacific counter.

Mitsui Outlet Park (MOP) is a factory outlet shopping mall located 60km from KL and 6km from KLIA and klia2. Advocating a factory outlet concept, MOP offers a myriad of upper-middle to high-end off seasoned brands and products at attractive discounts and not forgetting a Japanese Specialty Store (Japan Avenue), introducing Japanese Art, Culture, Music and Culinary Delights.

Very spacious mall with plenty of brand outlets, ranging from Nike to Adidas, Padini, Cotton On, Bata, Body Glove, Skechers, Elle, Esprit, Bally, Bonia, Clarks, and many, many more.

Not crowded on a weekday but there were many people at the Nike outlet.

I LOVE the Nike outlet at MOP. We spent over an hour here slowly trying and browsing the shoes, which are sold at a cost of at least 30% cheaper than the recommended retail price at Nike outlets in shopping malls.

Nike React Escape Run White Leopard – love at first sight and try for me. So comfy. And it went home with me 😍

I’ve been window shopping for Nike shoes for the past few months at Nike and JD outlets and something similar came with a price tag of RM489 upwards.

In addition to a 30% discount, customers are entitled to an additional 10% discount when they download the Nike app onto their phones.

At the Nike outlet @ MOP. There’s a wide inventory for you to choose from.

Adidas outlet @ MOP KLIA Sepang is the brand’s largest factory outlet in Southeast Asia.

Cass’ Nike AirMax. This only costs a little above RM200 after a 40% discount. What a steal!

After a 40% discount, this pair of black Nike is only about RM100. Alycia got this pair of black shoes for hikes with her friends.

Another pair of black shoes, Adidas, for Alycia. After discount, this pair is about RM300+.

Happy girls with what they wanted. Hubs also bought a Nike shirt and basketball pants, also at marked down prices.

Our very late lunch at Bari-Uma Japanese restaurant.

Sherilyn was obviously very sore that she was left out in this shopping trip and was in a foul mood when she came back from work. But her doting dad promised to bring her to shop for Nike shoes at MOP in two weeks when he fetches her grandma back from the airport!

If you and your family or friends have some branded items to buy, in particular branded sports shoes, I highly recommend making a trip to MOP @ KLIA. It’s also a great place to kill time while waiting for your flight. There are free shuttle buses from KLIA / KLIA2 to MOP. You don’t ever have to wait for seasonal sales to enjoy great discounts anymore as all the stores here boast year-long generous deals. We saved several hundreds of Ringgit on Nike and Adidas shoes.

No. of times viewed = 204

Celebration of Half A Decade Young

Wednesday, 29 March 2023

Congratulations to myself on reaching the milestone of being half a decade young! This is certainly an occasion worth celebrating and reflecting upon.

Turning fifty marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. It’s truly a significant moment in my life. I think I have gained a great deal of wisdom and experience over the course of my life thus far.

For the next few decades to come, I hope I can start to travel, take up a new hobby (yoga, here I come!) and eat an even healthier diet. Without having to cook for the girls that often, I can start to cook my kind of simple and healthy meals, which would be a lot of one-pot meals and steamed veggies kind of meal.

The moment the littlest brat turns 18, I will let go of her even more. Being the youngest and born with some health issues which are still unresolved, I’ve not been able to let go of her like how I’d to, like how I’d let go of Alycia and Sherilyn when they were Cass’ age years ago.

Turning 50 is just a number. I still have many years ahead of me to make the most of my life and pursue my dreams. On my 50th birthday, I took some time to celebrate this milestone with my loved ones and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Alycia and Sherilyn treated me to a sumptuous lunch at Red Kettle, my favorite fusion restaurant. Too bad Cass couldn’t join us as she was in school.