Christmas 2023 unfolded as a day of joy, reflection, and, of course, indulgence in the finest festive feasts. From morning church service to a heartwarming family dinner, the day was a celebration of love, togetherness, and a culinary feast that left taste buds tingling.
The day kicked off with a Christmas service at 9 a.m. at the Trinity Methodist church. Post-service, our stomachs were treated to a Malaysian classic – catered food by our church comprising of Nasi Lemak and coffee from Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock Kopitiam. Sherilyn and Cass couldn’t resist digging into a plateful of Nasi Lemak crowned with a generously portioned whole fried chicken leg. I opted for a cup of instant 3-in-1 coffee (less sugar) just to try this particular brew from Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock.
Christmas service in churchNasi Lemak and coffee from Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock.
Following the church festivities, we (our family and two of hubby’s aunts) ventured to our favorite haunt, Red Kettle Café, for a sumptuous lunch where we waited for over half-hour wait for a table. Hubby, true to tradition, ordered an array of our preferred dishes, including chicken chop, pork burger, three spaghetti styles, and a special Christmas grilled pork rib dish. Everyone enjoyed the sumptuous lunch at Red Kettle.
Sumptuous lunch at Red Kettle.Lunch at Red Kettle
Dinner was once more at Aunty Wendy’s house for our annual Christmas dinner party. The table was a spectacle of homemade festive indulgence, boasting roast chicken, baked ham, prawn salad, roast potatoes, roast veggies, roast lamb leg, piggy in a blanket, minced pies, Stollen, Panettone, fruit cake, and a delightful addition—Sherilyn’s masterpiece, a Charcuterie board.
Christmas dinnerWe’ve not been able to find frozen turkeys for the last two Christmas, so had to make do with roast chicken.DessertsChristmas dessertsCharcuterie board assembled by Sherilyn.
With so many rich and delectable treats gracing our table throughout the day, the joy of Christmas feasting was undeniable. With Chinese New Year just less than two months away and the excess calories consumed in December, I now have a renewed commitment to exercise even harder 🏃♀️🏃♀️
Christmas dinner came early for us this year. Hubby roasted turkey at his kitchen for us and his staff on 22nd December, on Winter Solstice Festival.
There was a delish accompanying sauce for the roast turkey, made from the turkey oil and innards. My thoughtful hubby even deboned the meat for me to bring home for his girls.I boiled a ginger + pandan leaves + purple sweet potato tong sui to go with the tong yuen.The girls are crazy over this store-bought tong yuen with black sesame filling. I boiled two packets but still there wasn’t enough for everyone. Next time I have to boil three packets.A few days ago, Alycia and her course mates were invited by their Thai classmate to his house for dinner. All the food on the dining table here was cooked by the boy’s Thai mum. Amazing!
The girls were all busy today – Alycia was at her weekend part-time job, Sherilyn was at a dance competition and Cass was out the entire day, so I took over the Christmas gift-wrapping task this year. When Alycia got home from work, she helped a bit. Hubby wasn’t pleased with the gifts that I bought earlier and we made an impromptu plan to shop for new gifts this afternoon 🤨.
Tomorrow will be a long and busy day for me. I’ll be up very early to complete some chores, then leave the house by 8.30am for Christmas service in church. Then we’ll be having lunch, followed by the annual Christmas party at hubby’s aunt Wendy’s house in the evening.
I’d like to wish all my amazing blog readers, friends and loved ones a season of warmth, joy, and happy moments. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for being a part of my journey ❤️🤟🎄🎅
When it comes to footwear, one brand has consistently stood out for me, transcending mere utility to become a vital part of my daily life—Nike running shoes. The unparalleled comfort, exceptional quality, and a touch of personal history make Nike my go-to choice, transforming my daily strides and contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
My love for Nike running shoes lies in their remarkable comfort and unwavering quality. Ever since I made the switch from sandals to Nike, I’ve noticed a significant uptick in my daily step count. I can also walk so much faster in running shoes vs. sandals, even for activities such as running errands and mall shopping. The comfort they provide encourages me to walk more, inadvertently aiding in shedding some extra weight. In addition, covered shoes protect my feet and they are not exposed to dirt from the streets. Nike’s commitment to quality ensures that each step is cushioned, making my daily activities from running errands to exercise a joy.
It was during the start of the pandemic in 2020 that I made a switch to wearing only running shoes each time I left the house. The pandemic prompted a re-evaluation of not just our lifestyles but also our choice of footwear. Gone were the days of slipping on sandals for a quick errand or a shopping spree. Instead, I embraced the protective embrace of Nike running shoes. The shift was not only about comfort but also about safety, as covered shoes offered better protection for my feet in the age of heightened hygiene concerns.
Before the pandemic, Christmas meant a special tradition in our family—new Nike shoes for everyone, courtesy of my hubby. However, with lockdowns and restrictions keeping us confined at home, the tradition took a brief hiatus for three years. This year, as a heartwarming surprise, my husband bought me three pairs of Nike running shoes, symbolizing the missed years and marking a return to the cherished tradition.
Among the trio of Nike running shoes that now graces my collection, one pair holds a special place—the Pink Nike Free RN NN Women’s Road Running Shoes. Spotted at JD last month, these shoes captured my attention with their vibrant hue (pink is my all-time favorite color!) and sustainable materials. Priced at RM439, these Nike Free shoes are not just a fashion statement but a conscious choice for environmentally friendly footwear. I didn’t immediately buy it from JD when I saw them at Mid Valley Megamall. Instead, I went to the official Nike Malaysia website and showed them to the hubby. When there was a sale going on much later, he bought a pair of Nike shoes for himself and also the Pink Nike Free RN NN Women’s Road Running shoes for me.
Pink Nike Free RN NN Women’s Road Running Shoes
Each step in my Nike shoes is not just a stride; it’s a celebration of the love for quality, the joy of movement, and the vibrant hues that make every walk an adventure.
In the intricate dance of life, our approach to health often falls into two distinct categories: proactive and reactive. Some individuals, like myself, lean towards the proactive side, diligently attending yearly check-ups and routine medical scans. However, there exists a minority who, feeling healthy and in tune with their bodies, dismiss the idea of regular medical examinations. In this exploration of perspectives, there’s been an ongoing debate: Is it necessary to undergo annual medical check-ups, routine scans, and blood tests?
The Proactive Path: As a self-proclaimed health enthusiast or, as some might playfully call me, a hypochondriac, my journey towards proactive health began two decades ago after the birth of my first child. Annual pap smears, ultrasound scans of reproductive organs, and in recent years, mammograms have become steadfast rituals. Any inkling that something wasn’t quite right prompted a swift visit to the doctor. For many, this approach is seen as a vital means of early detection—a proactive stance aimed at safeguarding well-being. After all, any malignancy, when detected at an early stage, gives you a good chance of full recovery and a higher survival rate.
The Minority Opinion: Contrary to the proactive crowd, there are individuals who resist the annual ritual of medical check-ups. They argue that as long as they feel good, there’s no necessity for scans, blood tests, or routine check-ups. My older brother, approaching 53, and my insurance agent, in her mid-50s, both fall into this minority. Their stance hinges on the belief that an attuned awareness of one’s body can obviate the need for regular medical examinations.
The Dilemma: To Test or Not to Test? The question of whether to undergo annual medical check-ups and blood tests sparks varied opinions. The belief in early detection as a lifesaving measure propels many toward the examination table. However, some argue that our bodies often signal distress through symptoms, rendering routine check-ups redundant.
My Conversation with the Skeptics: Yesterday, I engaged in a conversation with my insurance agent about the advisability of a colonoscopy, given that I’m now 50 years old. Her response was a resolute refusal. Feeling good about her body, she dismissed the necessity for any medical tests or check-ups. She has never done any sort of medical check-ups before. I wish that I could be as healthy, assured, and optimistic as her.
Your Opinion: So, where do you stand on the spectrum of proactive vs. reactive health? Do you believe in the power of early detection through routine medical examinations, or do you align with those who prefer to rely on their body’s signals? The debate is open, and perspectives are as diverse as the individuals navigating the labyrinth of health and wellness.
The question lingers: Is the annual medical check-up a necessary ritual, or can a keen awareness of one’s body suffice? As the debate continues, the choice remains deeply personal, guided by individual beliefs, experiences, and a quest for holistic well-being.
My kind of meal – colorful, rich in fiber and high in protein. So yummy. I could eat this everyday.A simple fruit and veggie salad for Cass’ lunner.Cass’ request for Fridays – sandwich and salad as she wants something that’s easy and quick to eat. After she comes home from school at around 3.30pm, she has a quick lunner, then rushes to the skating rink for figure skating practice followed by class. She comes home at around 10.45pm on Fridays. Such a hectic and exhausting day but she has no complaints.
The past week has been a busy week for our family – busy with celebrations, eating and late nights.
2 December 2023 ~ we attended the wedding of our very good friend’s daughter at Noble Mansion.
7 December 2023 ~ we had an early birthday celebration for the MIL at Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Centre. MIL’s birthday falls on 9th December but we have a relative’s wedding to attend, thus we celebrated her birthday earlier. My SIL from Hong Kong came back for the celebrations.
8 December 2023 ~ pre-wedding dinner at the groom’s house and the menu’s theme was Hakka dishes. I indulged in all my favorite Hakka dishes from black vinegar pig trotters to rice wine chicken, Hakka braised pork and much more.
The couple registered their marriage in 2020 and the wedding banquet was booked for 2020, but had to be called off for 3 years before it finally materialized, no thanks to Covid. The entire family from New Zealand came back for the wedding banquet. The groom and bride and their super cute 2-YO baby girl flew back from the USA for the celebration.
9 December 2023 ~ We got up early to attend the tea ceremony at the groom’s house. In the evening, we were all dressed up to the nines to attend the grand wedding at the EQ Hotel (previously Equatorial). By the time we got home and showered, we only got into bed at 2 a.m.
10 December 2023 ~ with only 4 hours of sleep, I got up at 6-ish a.m. to do the usual house chores before sending Alycia to the cafe for her weekend part-time job. Before I could even have a short nap, we headed to Ming Room @ BSC again for dim sum lunch with hubby’s cousins from NZ, Taiwan, England and KL. I conked out at 9.30 p.m. and had a good 7 hours of sleep.
Wedding lunch at Noble Mansion on 2 December 2023:
Iberico pork ribs – everyone’s favorite dish. We were given disposable gloves to savor the ribs.Fried fresh prawns noodles. This was so delish but everyone was so stuffed that the dish was hardly touched. We doggy-bagged this home for our lunch the next day 😀Desserts.
MIL’s 78th birthday dinner at Ming Room, BSC on 7 December 2023:
Clockwise from top left: Yakitori, Steamed Soon Hock fish, London style roast duck, and steamed village chicken with minced ginger dipping.Clockwise from top left: Deep fried pumpkin balls with steamed pumpkin and assorted veggies, longevity noodles, pork belly and salted fish in claypot and braised Chinese spinach ‘watt tarn’ style.MIL and her childhood bff of over 70 years. At 78, Aunty Jackie is a super capable lady who still runs a car repair and service workshop. She drives her besties in an MPV to Ipoh regularly.Steamed piggy bun with lotus paste and duck’s egg.The groom is back at his parents’ house for the tea ceremony after the Wedding Gate Crash to receive the bride.
The next gathering of the Yaps will be on Christmas Day for the yearly Xmas dinner at aunty Wendy’s house (just a few floors below ours) for another feast! I’m already 1.5kg heavier! 🤪
In the mesmerizing realm of collectibles, action hero figurines rise above the rest like towering miniatures, despite their short stature in reality, fascinating collectors with their captivating tales. The irresistible appeal of these pint-sized heroes often takes root in childhood, nurtured by the enthralling stories of action-hero cartoons and movies gracing television screens and magazines. As enthusiasts embark on their collecting journeys, the reasons behind their passion become as diverse as the figurines themselves.
The adventure into the world of action hero figurines is a walk down memory lane for many collectors. Some collectors have nostalgic feelings associated with childhood experiences when they were passionate about watching their favorite heroic cartoons and movies like Captain America, Superman and Iron Man, creating a sentimental link between the collector and the characters that once fueled their imagination.
Every action figurine collector has a unique story to share. It may be the thrill of finally finding a rare piece or the joy of completing a cherished set. Some collectors are drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate details of the figures, while others find solace in the nostalgia of having possession of their favorite childhood Marvel Legends Action Figure and Superman figure.
Not all action figurine enthusiasts build vast personal collections. Some of them embrace the art of buying and selling. These business-savvy collectors navigate the market to acquire sought-after pieces and sell them at a premium, turning their childhood passion into a lucrative endeavor. Websites like actionfigurenow provide a platform for both enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, offering a diverse array of action figures to suit every taste and strategy.
A haven for action hero figurine lovers, ActionFigureNow specializes in an extensive assortment of action figurines, from Marvel Legends to iconic characters like Captain America and Hulk. The site takes pride in capturing the essence of beloved heroes with a commitment to offering a wide range from vintage classics that evoke nostalgia to modern heroes. ActionFigureNow becomes the go-to destination for collectors seeking to enrich their collections, one character at a time.
Whether you’re a passionate collector, an entrepreneur in the making, or simply someone seeking to relive the carefree happy days of childhood, the world of action hero figurines welcomes all with open arms. So, let the collecting journey begin!
Saturday, 2 December 2023 ~ We had a wedding lunch to attend today at Noble Mansion, PJ. Hubs had to send finger food to the restaurant for the pre-lunch cocktail, then return to his shop to do preparation for another catering event, and then pick us up to go to the restaurant. But his car battery went flat and all his plans went haywire. I had to take a Grab car with the girls to the restaurant.
At the restaurant, Alycia realized that the strap of one side of her heels snapped! And minutes later, the strap of the other side of the heels snapped too! It was a pair of Alain Delon heels that I bought for her in December 2019 for a wedding dinner. Then came the pandemic and the pair of heels were not worn for 4 years. The heels that were only worn once still looked 99.9% brand new.
Before the 2nd December wedding lunch, I took out all our heels to inspect them thoroughly and walked around in them. I was very worried that the heels would break apart as this had happened to me many times when I wore heels that were not worn for a period of time. The pair of AD heels seemingly looked sturdy and I told Alycia that she didn’t need new heels. And as luck would have it, my greatest worry eventuated.
The beautiful bride and handsome groom.
The Hydrolysis of the heels didn’t end there. The devil’s own job next targeted me! As I was walking to the washroom, I felt air on one side of my heels. To my horror, the outer sole was detached from the shoe and flapping away as I walked. From the washroom, I walked slowly back to my table and to my ultimate horror, the sole was already gone! My pair of heels were also bought in December 2019 for a wedding and also only worn once.
Fortunately I could still walk without the outer sole. Alycia and I had a good laugh throughout lunch over our misfortune and somehow, we managed to walk back to the car with our shoes on, which was right outside the building.
After we got home from the restaurant, the girls and I went to Mid Valley Megamall to shop for new heels and clothes as we have another wedding dinner to attend on 9th December. We only got home late in the evening. What a tiring day for me!
My advice to those who plan to wear old shoes to an important function is to keep an extra pair of shoes in your car. Alternatively, before the day of the function, bring your pair of heels to the cobbler to have the soles sewn for reinforcement. If your budget permits, it’s always nice to buy a pair of new shoes.
Monday, 4 December 2023 ~ It was another ordinary morning and I was in the kitchen. There was 5 more minutes on my washer’s cycle when I got jolted by an extremely loud ‘explosion’. After the ‘explosion’, the spinning on my washer got out of control. The washer was spinning uncontrollably with deafening cacophonous sounds.
Minutes later, the smell of plastic/rubber burning filled the kitchen. As I opened the washer’s door, smoke emanated from inside the tub. I was shocked and I knew that my 6-year old Teka’s life was coming to an end. I had just spent RM500+ to repair and clean the washer in August this year and now another serious issue cropped up.
Long story short, hubby and I decided that we should not repair the washer anymore.
Tuesday, 5 December 2023 ~ Today is Alycia’s 20th birthday! But I wasn’t in the right mood to celebrate as I had to organize the huge pile of dirty laundry and go to TBM to shop for a new washer.
After spending 2 hours at TBM contemplating between LG and Electrolux, I ended up with a Panasonic instead. It’s a 10kg front-load washer with touch screen panel and AI-powered at almost RM2,600. We’ll be receiving the new washer tomorrow.
I settled for this Panasonic washer.
According to the store assistant who attended to me, washers and electrical appliances these days are built to last for 5-6 years, unlike older models that can last up to 10 years and beyond. Older appliances were made to be repaired but newer ones are made to be replaced.
At TBM, there was a husband and wife couple who were also shopping for a washing machine as their washer also conked out yesterday.
We had a late birthday lunch at around 1.30 p.m. at a Japanese restaurant, after which we segued into LDG for the cake cutting ceremony.
Today is my mum’s cataract surgery of her other eye. The surgery on the first eye was performed one week ago.
My apologies for not completing this post with photos of all the food from the wedding dinner and Alycia’s birthday lunch. I’m rushing to end this post to video call my mum to check on her after her surgery today.
