June 2023 – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

Sunday, 25 June 2023

This past Sunday, our family had a unique and eventful day with each member engaged in their own activities. While Cass immersed herself in the thrilling world of anime at an anime fest in IOI City Mall at Putrajaya, Alycia, dedicated her time to her weekend part-time work. Meanwhile, my MIL embarked on an exciting trip to Ipoh with her erstwhile schoolmates. Amidst these diverse activities, Sherilyn, hubs and I enjoyed a delightful lunch experience at Haidilao.

After recalling our enjoyable visit to Haidilao in April, where we celebrated Cass’s birthday, hubs and I decided to revisit this delightful establishment for a satisfying hotpot lunch.

Sherilyn ordering the ingredients for the hotpot using the restaurant’s iPad.

Our order delivered to us in a robot server.

Haidilao’s reputation for excellent service and mouth-watering hotpot options made it an obvious choice. As we settled into our cozy table, reminiscing about our previous experience, we couldn’t help but wished that Alycia and Cass could join us.

Assorted thinly sliced meats. The pale colored meat on the right is pig’s aorta 😲. Not my kind of meat 🤐

With bubbling pots in front of us, we immersed various ingredients, ranging from thinly sliced meats to an assortment of seafood and vegetables, into the flavorful broth. We ordered the yellow fish maw and Japanese dashi broth. Both the broths were very flavorful and thick, especially the yellow fish maw. Each morsel was carefully cooked to perfection, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalized our taste buds.

Cooked garoupa fish slice and baby octopus.

Fish maw from the yellow fish maw soup. Yummeh!

Thinly sliced rib eye. All you need is about 5 seconds of immersing the meat into the hot soup to get super tender meat that melts in the mouth.

Very yummy fried mochi dessert with Gula Melaka filling.

The iconic HDL’s Noodle Dancing Man churning out fresh noodles for our hotpot.

While we were savoring our hotpot lunch, Cass, embarked on her own adventure at IOI City Mall for half a day. She and her high school classmates attended an anime fest, immersing themselves in the vibrant and imaginative world of Japanese animation. Even though we couldn’t physically be there with her, the Life360 app provided me with a sense of reassurance and peace of mind as I tracked her whereabouts throughout the time she was away.

The bill. I only realized today that condiments and sauces are chargeable at RM8 per pax and flavored drinks at RM5 per pax when the waiting staff informed us when she took our orders after we were seated. All these while, I thought they were complimentary. However, the condiments and flavored drinks are refillable.

Tracking Cass’s whereabouts using the Life360 app on my android phone. In order for this to work efficiently, there must be Wifi / mobile data and strong signal from both sides.

No. of times viewed = 38

Tracking Cass With Life360

As a parent, ensuring the safety of our children is always a top priority. With the rapid advancement of technology, we now have access to innovative solutions that can provide us with peace of mind even when our children are out and about. One such tool is the Life360 app, which my friend Barb introduced to me recently. She uses this app to track her daughter’s whereabouts too.

When Cass recently expressed her desire to go to the skating rink alone as her figure skating classes and practices are getting more frequent now, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement for her independence and concern for her safety. However, instead of forbidding her from going, I decided to leverage the power of technology to keep an eye on her without intruding on her freedom.

The Life360 app, which is a comprehensive family locator tool designed to enhance safety and communication among family members seems like the perfect solution to alleviate my concerns and allow Cass to explore her newfound independence while still providing me with real-time updates on her whereabouts.

Tracking Cass on the Life360 app on my android phone.

Yesterday was the first time that Cass embarked on her solo trip to the skating rink. After she got into the Grab car, which she booked using the app on her phone, she shared the ride details with me. I immediately started tracking her journey through the Life360 app on my phone. Simultaneously, I could also view the car’s location through the Grab life tracking system, giving me an additional layer of security. Being able to monitor her route and progress in real time offered me reassurance, as I knew I could quickly respond in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Tracking the Grab car that Cass was in using the Grab app real-time updates on my desktop PC. It was pouring heavily at that time.

The Grab app showing me that Cass was dropped off at her destination. Once she arrived at the skating rink, she sent me a photo of herself in the location, which is my requirement.

The combination of Life360 and the Grab life tracking system provided me with unparalleled peace of mind. I could view Cass’s location, estimated arrival time, and even get notified when she arrived safely at her destination. The sense of security that came from knowing her exact whereabouts was incredibly comforting, especially during those few hours when she was out of my direct supervision.

While tracking Cass’s movements may seem like an overbearing act, I firmly believe that it is crucial to balance our children’s freedom with their safety. By using Life360 and the Grab life tracking system, I was able to strike this balance. Cass felt empowered to explore the world on her own, knowing that I was just a click away if she needed me. This experience allowed her to build a sense of responsibility while giving me the confidence to gradually expand her boundaries.

Tracking our children should never replace open communication and trust. It is essential to have conversations with them about safety, independence, and responsible decision-making. The Life360 app and similar tracking tools serve as a supplement to these conversations, providing an additional layer of security and facilitating open dialogue about our concerns and their experiences.

The Life360 app, combined with the Grab life tracking system, has become an invaluable tool for me as a parent. It allows me to give my teenage daughter more freedom while still keeping a watchful eye on her well-being. By embracing technology responsibly, we can foster independence, responsibility, and trust, all while maintaining the peace of mind that comes with knowing our loved ones are safe.

No. of times viewed = 74

5 Advantages of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery You Need to Know

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, also known as VATS (Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery), performs lung surgeries without making large incisions or spreading apart the ribs. This approach results in less pain and faster recovery from lung surgery.

During the procedure, doctors insert long instruments with cameras attached to them through small incisions in your chest wall. This allows them to perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Less Risk of Complications

Your provider will move you to a regular hospital room after the operation. As you recover, your provider will instruct you to take care of your incisions and do breathing exercises to re-expand your lungs.

Unlike traditional surgery involving cutting through your breastbone or between your ribs, minimally invasive thoracic surgeries such as VATS or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (Uni-VATS) result in significantly less postoperative pain and a shorter hospital stay. Talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for this procedure. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your medical history and the type of lung cancer.

Less Pain

Before the development of minimally invasive techniques in recent decades, lung and esophageal cancer surgery required open surgeries. These procedures involve making large incisions and spreading the ribs using retractors.

In contrast, during a minimally invasive surgery such as VATS, thoracic surgeons like Armen Parajian make small incisions in the chest, insert a camera, and wrists surgical instruments through these cuts. This results in less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery.

This approach is also associated with fewer complications like swelling in the lung (pulmonary edema), less postoperative pain, earlier weaning from a chest tube and shorter hospital length of stay. Patients generally spend just three or four days in the hospital, significantly less than the week typically spent recovering from a thoracotomy.

Faster Recovery

In addition to less pain, patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery have a shorter hospital stay and recover more quickly. They also experience fewer complications and less stress on their body’s immune system.

However, it is important to remember that recovery after thoracic surgery takes time. It is crucial to get adequate rest and eat well to stay healthy. Regular exercise, such as walking up and down stairs, can help you regain strength and energy.

Your thoracic surgeon will use long instruments inserted through small incisions in your chest to perform the procedure. These instruments include a thin tube with a video camera, called a thoracoscope, that shows the area being worked on. The video monitor helps the surgeon guide the thoracoscope to the correct location.

Less Scarring

Depending on the procedure, minimally invasive surgery may not leave any scars, or at least the spots will be less noticeable. This is due to the small incisions compared to those needed for traditional surgery.

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery is available for patients with lung cancer, pneumonia and other serious health issues. However, it’s important to note that this type of surgery is only suitable for some. Surgeons will decide whether you’re eligible for minimally invasive thoracic surgery on a case-by-case basis.

Traditionally, surgeons would need to make a large chest incision and spread or cut your ribs to access the thoracic cavity. With VATS, surgeons can now perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic thoracic surgeries without needing a thoracotomy.

More Accurate Results

Unlike traditional surgery, which requires large incisions to access the chest cavity, minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to work through small incisions. Known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS, this technique uses a camera on the end of a tube to help visualize inside the chest and either specialized long instruments or a surgical robot to perform the procedure.

The key to a successful operation lies in the skill of the surgeon and the quality of the technology used. World-class thoracic surgeons have extensive experience with minimally invasive techniques and can provide patients with the most effective, advanced care.

Additionally, less-invasive techniques leave the patient with more normal anatomy and make it easier to perform any future procedures that may be necessary. This ease of surgery helps ensure better outcomes and a faster recovery.

No. of times viewed = 155

My Life In Photos The Past Week

This past week has been an eventful one in our household as we rallied around our youngest daughter, Cass, who has been tirelessly preparing for her mid-year exam. Her commitment to her studies was unparalleled as she immersed herself in rigorous preparation. Late nights became a norm as she burned the midnight oil, going above and beyond to revise every topic thoroughly.

Witnessing her unwavering dedication was truly inspiring. One of my sacrifices was to ensure that the house was silent as Cass is one who finds it hard to focus when there’s noise. Her sisters and I had to talk softly 🙄 and I had to turn off the radio the entire day. Music is life to me and being in silence throughout the day was hard on me.

The intensity of Cass’s exam preparation led to sacrifices that were both humbling and heartwarming. We had planned a pre-Father’s Day dinner on Saturday, but Cass chose to stay home and prioritize her studies instead. It was a selfless act that showcased her determination and the seriousness she attached to her academic goals.

On Friday night, Alycia accompanied Cass to the skating rink at Pavillion Bukit Jalil for her class. While Cass practiced her movements, Alycia diligently worked on her own assignments on her laptop at Starbucks.

Studying for hours on end can be mentally exhausting, and Cass understood the importance of taking short breaks to rejuvenate. During these breaks, she would engage in her passion for figure skating, practicing her movements with precision. Additionally, she would play her favorite pieces on the piano and found solace and relaxation in the company of Haru, our lockdown cat. These moments of respite allowed Cass to unwind, destress, and return to her studies with renewed focus.

As Cass’s mid-year exam journey unfolded, it became apparent that her perseverance and commitment were unwavering. From her late-night study sessions to her sacrifices showcased the strength and determination of a young student driven to succeed. I am sure Cass’ hard work will pay off.

Not one who would eat breakfast before going to school, today Cass requested to have oats with milk, a banana, and chicken essence at 6.30 in the morning. She believes in a satiated tummy for the brain power to unleash. In her lunchbox for recess today were four pieces of Auntie Anne’s cheese-stuffed nuggets / pretzels.

Sunday lunch with hubby at Chatterbox @ Bangsar Village. Just the both of us as everyone else had their own activities and Alycia was at her weekend part-time job.

After lunch at Chatterbox, we went to Tan Boon Meng (lower ground floor of Bangsar Village) to shop. Hubs bought an air conditioner and stand fan for his office and kitchen. And I got a new toy too – a juice extractor!

I used to have this classic Panasonic juice extractor more than two decades ago and loved how it served me for many years. The new model comes with slightly enhanced features and only costs a little more than RM200. I bought this juicer so that I can make my own carrot milk at home.

A recent incident I witnessed while ordering carrot juice with milk left me deeply concerned and compelled me to reevaluate the importance of personal food preparation.

As I approached the drinks counter at the coffee shop to order my usual carrot juice with milk, I couldn’t help but notice the foreign worker handling the preparation. It quickly became evident that hygiene was not a top priority. To my disbelief, she retrieved two carrots from the fridge, gave them a cursory rinse in a large basin of water without bothering to remove the carrot skin, and proceeded to feed them into the juice extractor.

My concern heightened when one of the carrots slipped from her hand and landed on the dirty and wet floor. To my astonishment, instead of washing the carrot thoroughly, she nonchalantly retrieved it, dipped it back into the same basin of dirty water, and then proceeded to add it to the juicer. This blatant disregard for hygiene shocked me to the core.

Witnessing this incident left me feeling deeply disgusted and concerned about the lack of hygiene standards at coffee shops. It was a wakeup call, prompting me to reflect on the potential risks associated with consuming food prepared in unsanitary conditions. With this experience fresh in my mind, I made a vow to prepare my carrot juice with milk at home, ensuring cleanliness and safety in every step of the process.

Thus, I got a cheap and good fruit extractor, just to prep carrot milk and beet root juice 😁. I still prefer to eat fruits like apple and orange as it is or made into smoothie using our Blendtec where the fiber is eaten as well.

No. of times viewed = 54

Dinner at Makoto Unagi Restaurant, Desa Sri Hartamas

Two Sundays ago, we had the pleasure of indulging in a remarkable dinner at Makoto Unagi Restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas. The occasion was made even more special as my eldest sister-in-law from England was visiting us and treated our family to a sumptuous meal at Makoto.

Makoto, renowned for its expertise in charcoal-grilled eel, is helmed remotely by executive chef Mr. Otani Shinichiro, who also manages a family-owned authentic unagi omakase restaurant in Tokyo.

Makoto takes pride in sourcing its eels directly from Shizuoka Prefecture, the birthplace of unagi breeding. This attention to detail ensures that only the finest and freshest eels are served at the restaurant. As we savored the perfectly grilled unagi, we were captivated by the delicate balance of flavors and the melt-in-your-mouth texture that the dish offered. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s mastery and expertise.

This is our second time savoring Unaju from Makoto. When my SIL came to KL in December last year but couldn’t visit us during her first few days in KL as everyone was down with Covid, she ordered two Unaju sets and had them Grab-ed to our house.

Makoto Unaju Special (RM183) – this set showcases eel cooked in two styles- half served kabayaki-style and the other half shirayaki-style (seasoned only with salt, without tare sauce, perfect for unagi purists). The set comes with an umami-rich soup of eel liver with a lovely earthiness, as well as Makoto’s own pickles.
We ordered three sets of this and the other two sets came with a clear soup.

RM88 for half a whole eel without rice for me.

While Makoto specializes in grilled eel, we also explored other offerings on the menu. One standout dish was the hamachi head—a magnificent yellowtail head grilled to perfection. The dish was a visual feast, with the cheeks and collar beautifully charred, and the bones filled with succulent, tender meat. The flavors were unparalleled, making it the most delectable grilled fish head we had ever tasted.

Hamachi head (RM138) – the huge yellowtail head has plenty of succulent meat on its bone and is by far the best grilled fish head I’ve tasted.

Our dinner at Makoto went beyond grilled eel and hamachi head. We embarked on a gastronomic adventure, sampling a range of dishes that showcased the restaurant’s expertise. The tempura was flawlessly executed, featuring a light and crispy batter that complemented the freshness of the ingredients. The chawan mushi, a silky steamed egg custard, delighted our taste buds with its delicate flavors and velvety texture.

Kaisen Futomaki. We ordered two plates of this.

For sushi lovers, Makoto’s maki rolls were a revelation. The soft-shell crab maki combined the briny flavors of the crab with the creaminess of avocado, resulting in a delightful combination of textures. The kaisen futomaki showcased an assortment of fresh seafood, artfully rolled into a substantial and satisfying bite. And the tiger prawn maki delighted us with its succulent deep fried prawn filling, perfectly balanced with the vinegared rice.

Tiger prawn maki (RM38) and soft shell crab maki (RM38).

While the food at Makoto was undeniably remarkable, the true essence of the evening lay in the joyful company we shared. Also, the attentive and knowledgeable staff at Makoto added to the warm and welcoming ambiance, ensuring that our dining experience was as enjoyable as it was delicious.

No. of times viewed = 202

Sunday Brunch at Baristart Coffee @ Bangsar Shopping Centre

Recently, the hubs had a pleasant dining experience at Baristart Coffee and wanted to share the culinary delight with us. Eager to explore the menu, we ventured to the café to sample their famous food offerings.

Baristart Coffee, a renowned Hokkaido-born establishment, has found its way to Malaysian shores with its first outpost in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Since opening its doors in 2022, this coffee haven has been captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its delectable food and beverages infused with Hokkaido milk.

Our brunch spread consisted of an enticing assortment of dishes, each prepared with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.

Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs: This classic combination was elevated to new heights at Baristart Coffee. The creamy avocado paired perfectly with fluffy scrambled eggs, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ocean Trout with Salsa and Brown Butter: A true treat for fish lovers, this dish featured succulent ocean trout with crispy skin adorned with vibrant salsa, brussels sprout, and brown butter. The flavors danced on our taste buds, leaving us wanting more.
Beef Sukiyaki Sando on Hokkaido Bread: A true standout, the beef sukiyaki sando was sandwiched between incredibly soft and fluffy Hokkaido bread. The tender beef, combined with the rich flavors of sukiyaki sauce, made for a delightful culinary experience.
Mixed Tempura Bowl: A medley of perfectly fried tempura showcased the chef’s expertise in capturing the essence of Japanese cuisine. The crispness of the tempura paired flawlessly with the accompanying dipping sauce, raw cabbage, and rice, making it a satisfying choice.
Cinnamon Rolls: These warm, fluffy rolls were generously dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious glaze. Each bite was a burst of comforting flavors, making it a perfect companion for our coffee. The mil liked it so much that she ordered one more for takeaway for her breakfast the next day.
Strawberry Cream Puff: A delicate choux pastry filled with velvety strawberry cream, this dessert was a refreshing and light option to satisfy our sweet cravings.
Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream: True to their roots, Baristart Coffee showcased the creaminess and richness of Hokkaido milk in their delightful ice cream.
Milk Cake Nutella: This unique creation resembled a tiramisu but without alcohol. The combination of Nutella and the creamy milk cake base made for a decadent treat that delighted our taste buds.

While our experience at Baristart Coffee was overwhelmingly positive, we found the bombolini to be slightly too sweet and cloying for our liking. However, this small hiccup did not overshadow the overall culinary journey we embarked on during our Sunday brunch.

Despite our delightful brunch experience, we left with an eagerness to return and explore more of Baristart Coffee’s offerings. We are particularly excited to try their range of sandos, known for their delectable fillings and usage of Hokkaido bread. Additionally, the cute Shiro Kuma bear-shaped shaved ice bowl with milk syrup has piqued our curiosity and eagerness to try it on our next visit.

My pick – Ocean Trout with Salsa and Brown Butter

Sukiyaki beef sando with fluffy Hokkaido milk bread

Latte and flat white; signature Hokkaido milk ice-cream which was very creamy and smooth.

Ovomaltine Bombolini on the foreground. This Italian doughnut has a gooey center with creamy chocolately filling and sugary, soft dough.

No. of times viewed = 98

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