August 2023 – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

A Heartwarming Celebration in Ipoh with Family

There’s a certain magic in revisiting your hometown – a place woven with memories of your past, where every street corner whispers stories of your upbringing. This sentiment came alive as I took a short trip to Ipoh, my hometown, with my youngest daughter, Cass, to celebrate the birthdays of two of the most important people in our lives – my dad and mom. Our journey was filled with cherished moments, delicious treats, and a delightful blend of nostalgia and new experiences.

On Monday, 28 August 2023, Cass and I hopped onto the 3pm ETS train and we arrived just in time for dinner with my parents, setting the tone for a heartwarming reunion.

After dinner, Cass’s craving for ice cream led us to an impromptu decision that turned out to be pure joy. We found ourselves at Inside Scoop, a haven for ice cream enthusiasts like Cass and my papa. It was the perfect way to kick off our celebratory journey.

Cass and I shared this super yummeh Valrhona chocolate ice-cream on cone.

Cass and papa choosing their ice-cream flavors.

Our second day began with the promise of exploration and new memories. Breakfast at a coffee shop near my parents’ house set the stage, offering a range of sumptuous dishes that satisfied both our taste buds and our souls. Cass’s fancy fizzy drink and my jelly on shaved ice were the cherry on top of a fulfilling meal.

Cass had a hard time choosing a drink as there were too many choices.

Our simple yet enjoyable breakfast. The roti tisu and tosei tisu were healthier versions as they were made without sugar and reduced margarin, as per my request to the seller. And they tasted even better as they’re not as cloy as sugar and margarin laden ones.

Our next stop was at Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village. The village’s charm unfolded before us as we stepped into a world where history and nature intertwined seamlessly.

For a nominal entry fee of RM12, we were transported to a place of wonder and serenity. Tandem bicycles, rickshaws, and trishaws awaited, ready to be ridden through the village’s vast expanse. Every corner seemed to hold an Instagram-worthy backdrop, inviting us to capture the essence of this magical place. A journey uphill took us to a street by the hills that mirrored the vintage stores of old Ipoh, evoking nostalgia and a sense of homecoming. I shall write a separate post on our visit to Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village.

As the sun set, we gathered to celebrate my dad’s 80th and mom’s 77th birthdays. Sushi Zento, our favorite Japanese restaurant, hosted this joyful occasion. The table was adorned with a lavish spread, a testament to the love and care we hold for one another. The food was as usual very delish and satisfying. The service was very prompt and top-notch too. Most importantly, the price is very affordable.

Our favorite avocado salad with goma dressing.

The truffle fried rice was superb and the truffle adds a very umami flavor to the rice.

After the scrumptious feast, Inside Scoop once again became the highlight of our celebration. A waffle adorned with three scoops of ice cream took center stage, crowned by a cake topper and candles. With smiles that radiated love and happiness, my parents blew out the candles, marking a joint birthday celebration etched in our hearts forever.

May God bless my parents with many more happy birthdays.

As Cass and I departed from Ipoh on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, I held onto the hope of celebrating many more birthdays and creating countless new memories with my parents.

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My Super Panic Attack: Navigating the Abyss of Super Power Saving Mode on My Oppo F11 Android Phone

In today’s digital age, our smartphones are like extensions of ourselves. They hold our memories, our contacts, our work, and even our finances. So, imagine the heart-stopping moment when you inadvertently activate a feature that sends your phone into a tailspin, causing a rush of panic and dread. That’s exactly what happened to me when I pressed the “Super Power Saving Mode” on my trusty Oppo Android phone early this morning.

It all started innocently enough. While seated on the throne, I scrolled through my phone settings, looking for ways to optimize its performance as my phone’s battery has been draining out very quickly lately. That’s when I came across the intriguing option of “Super Power Saving Mode.” The name itself sounded promising – who wouldn’t want a super-powered phone that can save energy? Little did I know, this seemingly innocuous button would lead me to a panic-stricken odyssey.

As soon as I pressed the button, my phone’s screen underwent a rapid transformation. Icons disappeared, and my once-familiar home screen morphed into an alien landscape with only a few select apps remaining. Panic surged through me as I wondered if I had inadvertently triggered a factory reset – the stuff of nightmares for any smartphone user. My mind raced as I frantically tried turning the phone off and on again, hoping for a quick fix. But the apps remained elusive, and my heart raced even faster.

Determined to reclaim my digital life, I attempted various solutions. I tried restoring apps, restarting the phone multiple times, and even attempting to reconnect to my house WiFi. Yet, fate seemed determined to keep me in a state of technological limbo. The WiFi connection remained elusive, and my anxiety continued to skyrocket.

Time was running out too. I had to get out of the loo and send Sherilyn to her friend’s house. She’s been getting a ride from her classmate to go to college for orientation this week.

With my last shred of composure, I considered seeking professional help from the phone shop. The prospect of investing in a new phone, with the hope of retrieving my apps and data, loomed large. Just as I was about to surrender to defeat, a glimmer of hope emerged from the depths of despair – the “Reboot phone” button option.

Summoning all the courage I had left, I initiated the reboot. And there it was, like a beacon of salvation in the darkness – the option to disable the “Super Power Saving Mode.” With trembling fingers, I clicked on it, and before my eyes, the chaos of vanished apps began to recede. Within seconds, all the apps returned to their rightful places, as if by magic. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

Once you’ve turned on the Super Power Saving Mode on an Oppo android phone, you can only use a few applications that you choose to have on your home screen.

Blindly pressing buttons can lead to unexpected consequences and trigger panic-inducing scenarios. So, let this be a cautionary tale for all – before you venture into the uncharted territories of your smartphone’s settings, take the time to understand what each feature entails. Your digital sanity might just depend on it.

I can now reflect on this experience with a mix of amusement and relief, grateful that all my e-wallet accounts remained intact amidst the chaos. As I navigate the sea of technology in the future, I’ll be sure to remember the day when I was thrust into a super panic mode, all thanks to a seemingly innocent Super Power Saving button on my Oppo Android phone.

No. of times viewed = 26

Excessive Hair Shedding

Haru gave us all a big scare yesterday when she suddenly shed clumps of fur on her head.

It happened a day after a bath, which Sherilyn gave her. I thought that it must be caused by the shampoo that Sherilyn used on Haru. I used to bathe Haru with Koala Pals body shampoo from Melaleuca and there were no issues with her fur shedding excessively. Koala Pals are meant for human babies and kids. This time Sherilyn used a different brand of kids body shampoo.

Haru does not always get a bath. She only gets a bath twice or thrice a year, whenever Sherilyn or I have the time. However, I wipe Haru down with chemical free wet wipes (dry big wipes, wet with tap water) everyday.

I had a big shock when I saw this bald patch with exposed bloody skin on Haru’s head. This photo was taken last night.

When Cass saw the trail of fur last night, she was shocked.

The excessive fur shedding got worse this morning and from one bald patch, there were three patches, like alopecia 😭 My heart is crushed.

This morning, hubs took us to the vet. The vet was not really certain what caused the shedding as the affected part is only on the head. He said it’s not caused by dust mite or ticks. He gave us a topical anti-fungal cream, to be applied on the affected parts once a day. The vet didn’t charge me for the cream, though I insisted that I had to pay. He also gave Haru her second deworming pill for this year and didn’t charge me for it. After I persistently insisted on paying, he said I could pay him RM10. Bless his heart.

The cause of the excessive fur shedding on the head could be caused by the new shampoo, by a new scratch board that I got Haru (she was obsessed with the scratch board and kept scratching and biting it) or it could be caused by her accidentally knocking her head somewhere. Haru has been having episodes of crazy zoomies the past few days, zooming like a lunatic around the house, and even head bumped my leg and onto a cupboard.

No. of times viewed = 41

Top Benefits of Booking an Eye Exam Online

Whether it’s an online vision test, a new prescription, or a renewal of your existing one – these services are convenient and useful tools. However, they are not a replacement for regular comprehensive eye exams.

An online eye exam allows wearers of contacts and glasses to renew their prescription from the comfort of their home or office even after their most recent in-person exam prescription has expired.

Convenience

Online eye exams can be a lifesaver for those with busy schedules or limited appointment availability. In addition, they can be helpful for people who live in rural or underserved areas that don’t have local optometrists or ophthalmologists.

However, despite their convenience, online eye exams should only be considered part-fledged comprehensive eye exams. Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect eye diseases early and can even alert doctors to other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that may be developing.

Most online eye exams focus only on the refraction part of the eye exam, which determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. They don’t include tests that would help diagnose glaucoma or cataracts, such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography, which require the dilation of your pupils and provide a more thorough analysis of your retina, optic nerve and cornea. This is why it’s important to book eye exam online and regular in-person eye exams.

Time-Saving

Online eye tests can be quick, convenient and cheap, but they shouldn’t replace in-person eye exams with your optometrist. Those exams check more than how well you see—they can also detect signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. In addition, they can detect cancerous and pre-cancerous growths in your body, such as melanoma or certain types of eye tumors.

You need an up-to-date vision test to get a new prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. An online eye exam can provide this service in a matter of minutes. Patients can schedule their exams in a few clicks from home or work using an online appointment booking system.

One of the pros of online eye exams is that they can be used to renew a current prescription. But it’s important to note that these online tests do not offer a full eye exam and are only meant to renew a previous prescription.

Save Money

In addition to saving on the cost of an eye exam, booking your eye appointment online allows you to shop for glasses or contacts at low prices. Whether you have a prescription, you can use your vision insurance or FSA money to purchase affordable lenses, frames and accessories.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person comprehensive eye exams conducted by optometrists and ophthalmologists are still recommended to detect serious medical concerns like glaucoma or macular degeneration. While telehealth options are growing, these ocular tests typically cost more than in-person appointments.

Investing in your vision health is worth it—corrective prescriptions can lead to headaches and eye strain, while untreated conditions can progress and pose more serious risks. To help keep your vision healthy, consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. You can even save on the cost of your eyecare with an affordable two-pair offer and a one-year Product Protection Plan.

Availability

Online eye exams and vision screenings supplement regular, in-person visits with an optometrist. They’re convenient tools for renewing a prescription or identifying a few potential issues, but they need to evaluate an individual’s health and eyesight fully.

An online eye exam allows customers to verify their prescription for glasses and contact lenses without needing an appointment. The online refraction is designed to mimic an eye chart and can determine if you need to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism.

Customers can also sort the list of available appointments to find the earliest available time slot. Customers are not obligated to purchase their contacts through Lensabl but can choose from various options. Those who want to keep their prescription on file with Lensabl can even do so for free!

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A Week of Culinary Celebrations

The past week has been a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and above all, scrumptious food. With hubby’s relatives (two families) visiting from the UK and celebratory occasions filling the calendar, our home has transformed into a hub of feasting.

Our week of culinary delight commenced with a visit to the renowned Makoto restaurant again. Nestled in Sri Hartamas, Makoto’s unagi (grilled eel) has become somewhat of a tradition for our family gatherings. Makoto is my UK SIL’s favorite unagi restaurant in KL. When she came back to KL in May this year and December last year, she treated us to a sumptuous unagi dinner at Makoto. With this visit, she again treated us to a delectable unagi lunch at Makoto. As we savored every bite of the tender, flavorful fresh eel, the cozy ambiance and lively conversations only added to the experience.

Fresh Hamachi (Yellow Tail) sashimi. I like Hamachi more than salmon.

Our first time trying these super crispy and flavorful charcoal roasted Unagi bones. It has a slight hint of the Fear Factor but I enjoy crunching on them!

*RM88 for half a whole eel without rice for me.*

Alycia’s Hitsumabushi set @ RM153. It comes with instructions on how to eat it.

Ayu Shioyaki. We call it the “R U Sure” fish coz when the waitress introduced this fish to us, we kept hearing her say “You want R U Sure??” and we all had a good laugh over this 😆

After our unagi lunch, we segued a few doors away to a waffles and ice-cream cafe to have desserts. While everyone had a lcohol infused ice-creams, I had a taro ice-cream which was a delight.

Saturday arrived with excitement as we gathered at hubby’s UK uncle’s brand-new luxury condo in Mont Kiara for a BBQ party. Hubby, a skilled caterer, took charge of the grill, turning an array of meats into mouthwatering masterpieces. The luxury condo’s setting provided a splendid backdrop, making this BBQ party a memory to treasure.

Everyone had a fun time at the games room.

Hubs playing a game of Pool with his UK cousin.

Sunday marked a special day as we all came together at the Oversea Restaurant to celebrate the 100th day of hubby’s aunt’s first granddaughter. This momentous occasion was about more than just food – it was a testament to family bonds and unity. As we enjoyed the delectable dishes, the shared stories, a session of karaoke, and lots of laughter reminded us of the importance of coming together to celebrate life’s milestones.

Four Seasons platter – my all-time favorite Chinese restaurant dish. I’m usually 50% full after having this dish.

Red eggs, a customary gift to celebrate a baby’s full moon or 100th day.

Roast Spanish ribs with a very refreshing salad with Calamansi juice dressing.

Steamed village chicken with minced ginger dip.

Stir-fried assorted veggies with macadamia nuts.

Red bean tong sui (not in pic) and Wo Paeng (lotus pancake)

Alycia alongside her second cousin (they’re the same age) who’s back in Malaysia for summer break. She’s currently studying in the US.

Alycia, Sherilyn and Cass went for another session of bouldering with their cousin from the UK and second cousins (hubby’s cousins) on Sunday. It’s the girls’ second time bouldering with hubby’s cousins. Bouldering is a form of free climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. Unfortunately this time, Sherilyn slipped from the wall and landed on her ankle. She ended up with a badly swollen and painful foot. The next day she went to our regular acupuncturist for a session of acupuncture and bloodletting. Thankfully this treatment managed to relieve the pain and pressure on her ankle.

Alycia in action. It looks easy but it’s no easy feat.

My SIL, her son, MIL, and Alycia are currently on vacation in Penang and then to Ipoh. When they return on Friday, there’s bound to be a new round or two of dinners at restaurants. These upcoming dining experiences will undoubtedly add another layer of richness to our week-long eating marathon.

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Tips For Ordering the Perfect Pizza at a Restaurant

If you’re planning on ordering pizza for a group of friends, it’s important to remember that everyone has different preferences and dietary restrictions. So, here are a few tips to help you order the perfect pizza.

When it comes to pizza, the order in which ingredients are layered on the crust makes all the difference. Lifehacker recommends asking for your pizza to be uncut so you can cut it into slices yourself.

Choose your toppings wisely.

Many believe that more toppings equals a better pizza, but this is not necessarily true. According to a former employee, more toppings decrease the overall quality of your pie.

Consider how the ingredients will react to the oven’s heat when choosing your toppings. Toppings likely to dry out, or burn should be buried underneath the cheese, while those that will benefit from the heat should be placed on top of the pizza.

Peppers are an excellent choice for pizza because they add a delicious crunch that complements the soft and melted texture of cheese and sauce. The natural sugars in peppers caramelize during the cooking process, which gives them a delectable sweetness. The peppers’ rich red and deep green colors make for a visually appealing pizza.

Order your pizza by the slice.

Most pizza restaurants in Baltimore, OH, have loyalty programs that reward customers for ordering certain foods. As reported, these programs can boost revenue by encouraging repeat business.

When a group of friends is hanging out at a restaurant, they may want to order pizza by the slice rather than an entire pie. This will allow them to try a few different pizzas without feeling too full. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on food.

Typically, pizzas are cut into small, medium, and giant slices. However, you can also request a double cut or strips of pizza. This is especially useful when feeding children, as smaller slices are more straightforward for their hands to manage. It can also help prevent topping slippages, like cheese and meat rolling off the sides of a piece and onto the floor or lap.

This method of slicing can even be used for delivery orders. Preheating a baking sheet in your oven before tossing the pie on top can help keep the crust crispy during transport.

Order your pizza ahead of time.

Call ahead and place your order if you’re ordering pizza for delivery or pickup. It’s also a good idea to calculate your tip before ordering. This way, you can ensure you have the correct cash to pay for your pizza and any other extras.

Generally, pizza restaurants like Creno’s Pizza Company are happy to accommodate special requests. However, they may require more time to prepare. Ask about the estimated wait time when placing your order, and remember that a delay is sometimes unavoidable.

If you’re ordering for a large group, try to poll your guests about their preferences. This will help you avoid over-ordering and throwing away a pizza that nobody will eat. Moreover, it’ll help you ensure that everybody has a slice of the pie they want. Adding more toppings can help you improve the quality of your pizza. They will add more flavor and texture to the food.

Don’t forget the crust.

The perfect pizza crust is subjective because each person has a different sense of texture and flavor. But the basics of a great pizza dough include:

An airy, light consistency.
A crisp edge.
A flavorful center that stands on its own without additional toppings.

To prep the dough, gently rub the surface with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking. Then gently (without overhandling the dough) roll it into a rough oval or circle shape and gingerly stretch it onto a prepared pizza peel.

Creating a perfect pizza crust can be complex because it requires specific temperature, proofing, baking time, and other variables that are not always easy to master, especially in a busy restaurant. Plus, providing too many choices can confuse staff and lead to inconsistent results from one shift to the next.

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My Friday Fright ~ A Case of Misunderstanding and Missteps

4 August 2023 ~ The morning started with my washing machine technician suddenly turning up at my door to fix an unresolved issue that was reported to him a month back but he only came to fix it today. While waiting for him to check on my washer, I reached for my phone, expecting the usual barrage of notifications. Among them, one message stood out like a red flag. An SMS informed me of an amount for a RM682 order on GoLive Asia, with the first installment billed to my credit card via Atome. My heart raced, and my mind immediately jumped to the dreaded conclusion: I was a victim of credit card fraud.

Barely catching my breath, I opened my email to find an official confirmation from Atome, detailing a $2,046 transaction to be split across three installments. Panic coursed through my veins as I connected the dots – I was under attack by a fraudster. The scam that had befallen Alycia just several days ago loomed large in my memory, intensifying my fear and disbelief.

With my heart pounding, I dialed my bank’s customer service number, eager to block my credit card and prevent further unauthorized transactions. Unfortunately, fate seemed to conspire against me as I was put on hold due to the high call volume. The clock ticked away, and every passing minute increased the risk of more fraudulent charges being made.

Nearly 40 minutes later, a real person’s voice finally graced my ears. Frustration mingled with anger as I chastised the bank representative for the seemingly endless wait. I hurriedly explained my predicament – a victim of online credit card fraud – and demanded the immediate cancellation of my card.

Just as I was engrossed in my heated conversation with the bank, another call disrupted the chaos – Sherilyn (who was at work) was on the line. Her voice carried a mix of concern and urgency as she had just read my Whatsapp message to our family chat group on my supposed online credit card fraud. It was then that the bombshell dropped – Sherilyn was the one responsible for the seemingly fraudulent transactions.

Stunned, my anger turned from external forces to a more personal target – my own daughter. The realization that my daughter had used my credit card without my knowledge left me feeling deceived, and scammed by the very person I trusted. Amidst scolding Sherilyn and continuing my conversation with the bank, I grappled with an array of emotions, from disappointment to fury.

As Sherilyn explained her side of the story, a clearer picture emerged. She had purchased concert tickets for herself and her friends, opting to pay through Atome. Unbeknownst to her, my credit card details were still linked to her Atome account from a past transaction I had helped her with. Her recent attempt to update her payment method had not overridden the default setting, leading to the unintended use of my card. Sherilyn had to choose which card (my credit card or her debit card) to make payment with and she failed to check this area. Corroded by guilt for being careless, Sherilyn immediately transferred the full amount of RM2046 to my bank account even though only RM682 was charged to my credit card.

In the end, what initially seemed like a horrifying case of fraud turned out to be a series of unfortunate events and miscommunication. As the dust settled, I realized the importance of open communication and maintaining awareness of our digital footprints. My anger subsided, replaced by a mix of relief, understanding, and a commitment to prevent similar incidents in the future.

I continued with the cancellation of my current credit card and am now awaiting a new card from the bank. Thankfully no charges are incurred for the new card. I have also withdrawn the report on the fraud case. The customer service staff who was on the line with me heard my heated conversation with Sherilyn on another phone and I think she must be shaking her head in disbelief, thinking that I was really scammed by my own daughter 😂

My Friday fright, while initially a tale of fraud and panic, transformed into a lesson in family communication, digital vigilance, and the unpredictability of life’s twists. As the weekend dawned, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all – a frightening ordeal that ended with a big sigh of relief and an important lesson that Sherilyn and I have learned.

No. of times viewed = 36

Random Updates

With my car temporarily out of commission, the mundane task of grocery shopping and buying food became a good workout. Walking to the supermarket and eateries each day not only fulfilled my practical needs but also allowed me to soak up the sun’s rays. As a result, my limbs and face sport a charming bronze tan, a testament to the resilience and determination that led me through the unforgiving heat. The daily walks to the shops also had an unexpected benefit – my arms grew firmer from lugging bags of groceries back to my condo, a feat that left me feeling stronger and more accomplished.

Hubby’s central kitchen had an abundance of delectable dishes from the daily catering events, sparing MIL and me from the usual cooking routine. From delicious chicken rendang to chicken Kuzi and an array of cakes and kuih, each meal was a celebration of flavors. And a celebration of being spared from cooking and cleaning up a greasy kitchen 😄

My favorite chicken Kuzi from Catermate.

From top clockwise: Bakwan (Indonesia fried veggie fritters, very yummy!), curry puffs, fried Singapore meehoon and fried chicken. All from hubby’s kitchen.

Pan-fried assam big prawns and kuih, from hubby’s kitchen.

Just as I had adjusted to my car-less routine, Sunday brought a welcome surprise – the return of my trusty vehicle. The sense of freedom and convenience it provided was a stark reminder of the role it plays in my daily life. With my car back in action, I could once again navigate the city’s roads with ease and embrace the comfort of my familiar ride. However, I still walk to the shops in the mornings or evenings instead of driving the car, just to soak up some Vitamin D, have a good sweat out, and fulfill my daily minimum of 10,000 steps.

Amidst the everyday adventures, there were also moments of personal milestones. A visit to Cass’ high school on Saturday morning to collect her report card revealed her impressive academic progress, while also highlighting areas for growth.

The weekend took an extravagant turn with a birthday dinner at The Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre on Saturday night, where we gathered to honor hubby’s aunt on her 70th birthday. The opulent spread featured delicacies like double-boiled whole abalone soup with fish maw, roast Iberico pork ribs, steamed Soon Hock fish, and longevity birthday noodles with prawns, a feast that tantalized the taste buds and created lasting memories.

Starter: fried lobster ball and ice plant salad, individually plated.

A bowl of double boiled abalone and fish maw soup for everyone.

Chilled lime juice to accompany the Iberico pork ribs. The two young chaps here are hubby’s teenage cousins from England.

Steamed Soon Hock fish with meat floss and ‘choy po’

Sauteed ‘lai park’ veggie with Chinese sausage.

A birthday celebration for the seniors often ends in a sweet note with a sweet dessert and ‘shao tou baos’ or longevity peach buns, a symbol of longevity and good health.

Inside the huge peach bun are many smaller peach buns, signifying many children, grand children and great grand children.

From daily walks under the sun and lugging heavy groceries to indulgent feasts and collecting report card, the past week has been a whirlwind of diverse adventures.

No. of times viewed = 58