May 2024 – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

Life The Past Week

This past week has been particularly rough for me as I continue to battle a painful callus on my left foot and a persistent tennis elbow on my right arm. Both issues have been a constant source of discomfort, making daily tasks more challenging. Every step I take has also been painful. Despite the pain, I am still taking time off to do my daily evening walks, which helps me to destress.

Ongoing Struggles with the Callus
I started using a corn patch on the callus yesterday, and today marks the second day of treatment. I’m praying that the callus will peel off soon, as I hope to avoid surgery on my left foot. The process is slow and painful, but I remain hopeful for a non-surgical solution.

Sherilyn’s Health Woes
Sherilyn has also had a tough week. She’s been unwell, suffering from the flu due to weeks of lost sleep while completing back-to-back assignments. Today, she visited the doctor and received medication, including antibiotics, to help her recover. It’s been challenging seeing her so run down, but I’m glad she’s getting the medical care she needs. After seeing the doctor, she went to the dentist to get her retainers which costs me a frigging RM600 and another RM180 for scaling (to be done next week) 🥴

Cass’s Intense Training
Cass has been busy training hard in figure skating at the rink, preparing for an upcoming competition. Her dedication and effort are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see her perform. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains very focused and determined. She also eats clean and healthy and is very disciplined when it comes to nutrition and fitness.

Alycia’s Academic Commitments
Meanwhile, Alycia has been occupied with a presentation at university. She’s been putting in a lot of effort to ensure her presentation is perfect. It’s been a hectic time for her, but I’m confident she’ll do an excellent job.

A Shorter Week and Looking Forward to the Weekend
This week felt shorter than usual due to a public holiday in the middle of the week. As we welcome the weekend again, it’s a relief to have another public holiday on Monday, giving us a long weekend to rest and recharge.

Despite the challenges, I’m looking forward to the weekend and the chance to relax a bit. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and restful long weekend. Let’s make the most of the extra time off and take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

Stay safe and enjoy the break!

Healthy breakfast that Cass prepped for herself yesterday – sauteed red pepper with tuna, creamy scrambled eggs with black pepper, half an avocado and plain tortilla chips (salt and oil reduced; only four ingredients used to produce these chips).

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5 Strategies to Protect Your Entire Family from Sunburn

The sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to unprotected skin. Getting sunburnt even once can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. That’s why it’s so important to protect your entire family from sunburn whenever you are outside during the summer. Follow these proven strategies to keep your family safe while still having fun in the sun.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

One of the best lines of defence against the sun’s harmful UV rays is wearing clothing that covers and protects your skin. Seek out clothes for UV protection. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics labelled as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). UPF clothing is designed to block both UVA and UVB rays and will have a UPF rating of 30 or higher. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection from the sun.

Do your research before purchasing SPF protection clothes, like the UV ray blocking clothing at Lifejacket. Specialist retailers, like the one just mentioned, offer a wide selection of UV ray blocking clothing perfect for the whole family. This includes long-sleeved rashguards or swim shirts, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and lightweight trousers or long skirts. Covering up doesn’t mean baking in the heat. With so many lightweight, moisture-wicking UV protection clothing options, you can stay protected and comfortable at the same time.

Use Suncream Liberally

In addition to protective clothing, properly applied suncream is a must. Choose a broad-spectrum sun cream with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Apply liberally to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. Pay special attention to vulnerable areas like noses, ears, cheeks, and shoulders. Reapply suncream every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.

Seek Shade

Whenever possible, avoid direct sunlight during peak intensity hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Plan activities in shaded areas like under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. Take frequent breaks from the sun by going indoors or resting in the shade. If shade isn’t available, create your own with portable cabanas or tents. Remember that clouds do not block UV rays, so sun protection is still essential on cloudy days.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during and after sun exposure. Getting dehydrated can reduce your body’s ability to cool itself, leading to an increased risk of overheating and heat stroke. Kids especially are prone to dehydration. Make sure they take regular water and juice breaks. Avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages, which can speed dehydration.

Monitor UV Levels

Keep an eye on UV levels to plan outdoor activities safely. In the UK, UV levels are highest between mid-April and September. Check the daily UV forecast in your area and avoid prolonged sun exposure on days with moderate or high UV ratings. Apps like SunSmart provide current UV levels right on your phone. Use the UV index to determine how much skin needs to be covered and how often to reapply sunscreen.

Don’t let sunburn spoil your family fun this summer. Follow these tried-and-true sun protection strategies to keep your whole family’s skin safe and healthy. Making sun safety a priority now will pay off with a lifetime of healthy summers ahead.

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Battling a Painful Callus On My Foot

For over two months, I’ve been grappling with a painful callus on the side of my left foot. This stubborn callus has been a constant source of discomfort, particularly when I’ve walked too much. Despite my best efforts using Duofilm solution nightly, the callus has refused to shrink or wither away.

The Frustration of Ineffective Treatments

My journey with Duofilm began a few months ago when I successfully used it to treat a corn on my toe. The solution worked wonders, eventually causing the corn to peel off. Encouraged by this success, I hoped for similar results with my callus. However, this time around, the callus remained as hard as ever, defying my nightly applications of Duofilm.

Seeking Medical Help

Realizing that my efforts were in vain, I decided to consult our family GP yesterday. As expected, the doctor reiterated much of what I had already learned through extensive Googling. According to online instructions, I needed to soak my foot in warm water before using a pumice stone to file the callus. Admittedly, I had been skipping the warm water soak, thinking it was an unnecessary step.

My doctor emphasized the importance of soaking my foot in warm water and mentioned that if this method failed, the next step would be surgery or laser under local anesthesia. He told me that a few LA jabs would be administered on the area surrounding the callus before removal via laser or knife 😱😨😰. The mere thought of surgery filled me with dread, prompting me to redouble my efforts to avoid such an outcome.

A Renewed Approach

Determined to avoid surgery, I started soaking my foot in warm water twice a day since yesterday. The warm water soak seemed to help, causing the surrounding skin to peel off more easily. However, the core of the callus remained firm and unyielding. During my showers, I used a pumice stone brush to gently file the callus, hoping to see progress.

Unfortunately, my efforts took a painful turn this evening when the callus bled badly during my shower. I quickly applied antibiotic cream to the wound, hoping to prevent infection and further complications. Despite this setback, I remain hopeful that the callus will eventually peel off without the need for surgery.

Encouragement and Advice

Both Sherilyn and Alycia have dealt with similar calluses on their feet in the past. They managed to treat their calluses successfully without resorting to surgery, and they’ve been offering me advice based on their experiences. Their encouragement, along with my persistent efforts, keeps me optimistic.

Hope for Healing

The path to healing this callus has been longer and more painful than I anticipated, but I remain committed to the non-surgical treatments. With continued warm water soaks and gentle filing, I hope to see progress soon. Tomorrow I will go to the pharmacy to get some corn patch/stickers. Sherilyn told me that she had used it previously and it was very effective in removing a callus on her foot.

Mr. Google may not have all the answers, but with persistence and the right care, I am hopeful that I can finally bid farewell to this troublesome callus. Here’s to healing and walking and running pain-free once again!

Warning! Graphic and Gory Photos Below. Please Scroll Away if You Have a Weak Stomach

Photo taken this afternoon, after soaking in warm water. Skin surrounding the callus peeled off.

Photo taken late this evening. The callus finally ‘exploded’ and there was blood everywhere on the bathroom floor. For a moment, I thought it was menstrual blood but I took a look at my foot and OMG, I went weak!

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Still Getting The Jitters

The one-week school holidays have just started for Cass. On Friday, instead of taking the school van back, she requested for me to fetch her home because she has to go for her figure skating class and doesn’t want to waste one hour in school waiting for the driver.

Since Alycia was home that day, I told her to drive to Cass’ school to allow her to drive on a route that she has not driven before. Since our house to the school is quite a distance with heavy traffic, it will be a great route for her to pick up new skills with me guiding her. Alycia is hardly at home and she only gets to drive during the weekends when she drives to her part-time job, which is just a 5-minute drive from home. I still get the jitters sitting next to Alycia when she drives, though she has improved from the first few times that she drove when she just got her driver’s license. She still has a lot of improvements to make before I can allow her to drive to university on her own, which is quite far from where we stay (KL to Sunway).

I still step on the imaginary brake sitting next to Alycia when she drives 😅

I wish I can be like my friends who have no worries letting their kids drive the car everywhere (even outstation) on their own right after they get their driver’s license.

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My Tumultuous Relationship with the Month of May

The month of May has always been a challenging time for me. Though I’m not superstitious, the coincidences surrounding this month are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Each May seems to bring a new set of difficulties, and this year has been no exception.

The Nightmare of 2009

The saga began in May 2009 when my youngest daughter Cass who was 13 months old then underwent major surgery on her urinary tract to treat a Grade 3 Kidney Reflux and duplex kidney issue. What should have been a straightforward recovery turned into a nightmare. On the second day post-surgery, a power failure happened. Then, Cass kept throwing up green stuff the moment she drank anything. Two harrowing weeks later and after a battery of invasive and non-invasive scans that couldn’t show where the problem was, her surgeon pushed her into the OT and opened up her abdomen to perform an emergency surgery. There was a kink at the end of her intestines, that was causing all the vomiting, a post-surgery complication that is not unusual for an abdomen surgery. My three-week nightmarish stay at Gleneagles Medical Centre in Penang with Cass was one of the most harrowing experiences of my life. The constant anxiety and the emotional toll of watching my daughter suffer were unbearable.

My Own Health Struggles

May continues to be a challenging month for me in subsequent years. In May 2017, I underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove a fibroid in my uterus. The following year, also in the month of May, I faced another medical issue when I had to have a tooth removed, which came with its own set of complications.

This May, I’m battling a painful callus on the side of my left foot. Despite using topical medication for over two months, the pain persists, and I may have to see a doctor if it doesn’t improve soon. The discomfort it causes while walking is a constant reminder of my tumultuous relationship with this month.

The PC Cable Incident

Just last week, as if to add to my woes, the cable connecting my PC snapped unexpectedly, with sparks of fire flying. This incident left me unable to use my PC for a day. Thankfully, the damage was limited to the cable, and the internal electrical parts of my motherboard were unharmed. But the suddenness of the event was a stark reminder of how unpredictable May can be.

The part circled in red is where sparks of fire flew off all of a sudden. A similar issue happened last May. Can you believe how creepy this is?!

A Shocking Email from Alycia’s University

Today, I was jolted awake at 5:45 AM by an alarming email from Alycia’s university titled “Unsatisfactory Attendance Report.” The email stated that Alycia’s attendance had fallen below the minimum requirement and that an Unsatisfactory Attendance Report (UAR) had been issued. It mentioned that the university is required to report its activities to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM), validating partners, and professional bodies that accredit its programs and graduates. The tone of the email made it sound as if my daughter had committed a serious offense.

Knowing Alycia to be an obedient and diligent student since young, I was deeply concerned. My first thought was whether the university might rescind her scholarship. I quickly forwarded the email to Alycia, seeking an explanation. Alycia was as shocked as I was and assured me that she had not missed any classes. She also mentioned that a friend of hers had received a similar email yesterday despite having perfect attendance. This led me to suspect a technical glitch.

Indeed, the information in the email was contradictory. It stated that Alycia had been absent from class, yet the provided table showed zero sessions missed. Finally, after a tense morning, Alycia received a message from her university informing her of a technical glitch in the system. I also received an apology email from the university, confirming the error. What a relief!

Hoping for Brighter Days Ahead

As I navigate through the challenges that May brings, I can’t help but hope for better days ahead. Despite the rocky start, I remain optimistic that the remainder of the month will bring peace and positive experiences for me and my family.

Here’s to turning the tide and making the rest of May a month of resilience and triumph.

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How to Transform a Conservatory into a Children’s Playroom

Converting your conservatory into a children’s playroom is a great way to create a fun space for kids to play and learn. With some creative planning and child-friendly decor, the conservatory can become a whimsical play zone. Follow these key steps to transform the space safely and functionally.

Assess the Space

The first step in transforming your conservatory into a children’s playroom is to assess the space. Take measurements of the room and sketch out a floor plan. Consider which areas will be best for different types of play like building/construction, imaginative play, arts and crafts, etc. Think about the flow of the space and where you might place furniture like storage, a table, chairs, and shelving. Also, assess the flooring, wall colours, lighting, and heating/cooling requirements to make the space child-friendly.

Make It Safe

Safety should be a top priority when creating a playroom for children. Check for any potential hazards like sharp edges on furniture or fixtures, exposed plug sockets, cords, or unsafe window coverings. Use safety products like corner guards, edge bumpers, outlet covers, cord tidies, and window blind cord cleats as needed. Also, consider installing impact-resistant laminate flooring or plush carpeting to cushion falls. Proper lighting is key – make sure the playroom is well-lit with no dark corners or shadows.

Add Storage

Children’s playrooms inevitably end up with lots of toys, games, art supplies, dress-up clothes and more, so ample storage is a must. Add shelving units, baskets, storage ottomans, toy boxes and cabinets to neatly organise all the playroom paraphernalia when not in use. Label storage containers so kids can put toys away properly. Mount storage up high to keep floors clear and make the most of vertical space. If you have blank walls, use hanging fabric cubbies for storage too.

Furnish Appropriately

Furnish the playroom with pieces suitable for children. Look for furniture with rounded edges and made from durable, easy-to-clean materials. Plastic tables and chairs that can be wiped clean are ideal. Washable rugs are better than carpets. Have a mix of seating options like beanbags, cushions and small chairs or sofas at child height. Sturdy shelving will hold books, games and toys. An art/craft table or easel encourages creativity.

Add Play Areas

Designate specific areas for different types of play. For example, use foam mats and soft climbing blocks in an active play area. Set up a reading nook with a comfy kid-sized chair or beanbag and accessible book storage. Create a ‘stage’ area with play curtains and dress-up clothes for pretend play. Build in plenty of floor space for building blocks, train tracks or playing with toy cars. You could also dedicate part of the room to arts, crafts and sensory play if space allows.

Look at conservatories in Yorkshire if your old one isn’t big enough or is dated. Energy-efficient conservatories in Yorkshire make great playrooms for all-year-round use.

With some strategic planning and child-centred design choices, your conservatory can be magically transformed into a playful kids’ domain. Just be prepared for the playroom to become a second home for your little ones!

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The Essential Tool Kit: 7 Must-Haves for Managing IBS Flare-Ups

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. IBS flare-ups can be frustrating and disrupt daily life. Having the right tools on hand can help you better manage symptoms when they occur. This article outlines 7 must-have items for your IBS flare-up toolkit. Being prepared is key to handling flare-ups when they strike.

Monitor Your Diet

Diet plays a big role in IBS. Certain foods like dairy, beans, cabbage, and broccoli contain FODMAPs that can trigger IBS symptoms. Keeping a food diary during a flare-up helps identify problem foods. Eliminating those foods through a gluten free diet plan for IBS can provide relief. Pay attention to how your body responds after eating and make note of any foods that seem to make your symptoms worse.

Try Digestive Teas

Sipping on tea for IBS can help ease abdominal cramping during an IBS flare up due to its antispasmodic properties. Peppermint, ginger, and fennel teas are soothing choices. Drink these teas 30 minutes before or after meals for best results. Keep a variety on hand so you can choose a flavour you enjoy when a flare-up occurs.

Take Probiotics

Probiotics help restore balance to the gut microbiome, which often gets disrupted in IBS. Look for a multi-strain probiotic with at least 10 billion CFUs. Take one capsule daily, even when symptoms subside, to maintain digestive health. Talk to your doctor to determine which specific strains might help your IBS symptoms.

Use Heating Pads

A heating pad can provide relief when IBS pain strikes. The gentle heat helps relax abdominal muscles and alleviate cramping, bloating, and gas. Use a heating pad on your abdomen for 15-20 minutes as needed to soothe discomfort. Placing a heating pad on the area of pain can provide quick, soothing relief during a flare-up.

Try Antispasmodics

Over-the-counter antispasmodics like hyoscyamine can prevent or reduce intestinal spasms. These medications relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract. Take them as soon as cramps start for fast-acting relief. Discuss with your doctor if prescription antispasmodics could also help manage your symptoms.

Reduce Stress

Stress significantly exacerbates IBS symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi helps lower stress so the mind-gut connection isn’t amplified during a flare-up. Even 10 minutes per day can make a difference. Identify healthy stress management habits you can turn to when you feel a flare-up coming on.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Making healthy lifestyle changes can improve gut health over time. Follow a regular sleep schedule, exercise moderately, drink plenty of water, and use body recomposition strategies to achieve a healthy weight. These habits support the digestive system. Developing an exercise routine you enjoy can help improve gut function over time.

IBS flare-ups can be managed with the right treatments on hand. These essential tools will help you minimise the frequency and severity of flare-ups. With a properly equipped toolkit, you can gain more control over IBS symptoms.

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A Week in Our Humble Abode

The past week has been an intense period of dedication and sacrifice in our household. For nearly two weeks, the lights and fans in our home have been working overtime, as they haven’t been turned off at all. This might sound unusual, but there’s a perfectly good reason behind it.

Cass has been burning the midnight oil in preparation for her mid-year exams. She has been studying way past midnight and then rising again at 5 AM to make herself breakfast and continue her revision. Her commitment and drive to excel in her studies are truly commendable. The lights and fans stayed on throughout her study sessions to ensure she had the perfect environment to focus and work efficiently.

Alongside Cass was Sherilyn, who had also been pulling all-nighters, but for a different reason. She has been working tirelessly on back-to-back assignments for her Foundation in Natural and Built Environments course. The sheer volume of work and tight deadlines have been relentless, leading to many sleepless nights for her. Sherilyn’s determination to complete her assignments on time, despite the lack of sleep, her dance classes and part-time job, speaks volumes about her dedication to her studies. However, I’m worried about her health as she’s been losing sleep very regularly ever since she started her Foundation course in September last year. It’s only going to get tougher as she proceeds to the degree in architecture soon.

While the lights and fans have been on 24/7, creating a constant hum of activity, my beloved radio had to be turned off. Cass is the type who cannot focus when there’s background noise, be it music or chatter, which meant that my usual companion—the radio—had to take a break. As someone who thrives on the constant company of the radio, this was a significant sacrifice, but one I was more than willing to make to support my daughter in her academic endeavors.

Amidst all this, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain from my tennis elbow, which has little progress in healing, making it challenging to perform household chores and lift heavy items. Consequently, our cooking routines have been simplified. I’ve primarily relied on the air fryer and toaster oven for meal preparations. Thankfully, we’ve had a steady supply of food from hubby’s central kitchen, which has been a lifesaver, reducing the need for extensive cooking.

Despite the challenges and the seemingly endless nights, there is a sense of achievement in the air. The hard work put in by Cass and Sherilyn is bound to pay off, and I am proud of their dedication. As we wrap up this hectic period, we are all looking forward to a much-needed and well-deserved restful weekend.
Here’s to a great and restful weekend for everyone! May it be filled with relaxation, good food, and the joy of knowing that hard work always paves the way for success. Cheers!

Sherilyn’s model is finally ready, after pulling off an all-nighter for several nights.

Below was our lunch at Li Restaurant at Damansara Jaya two Sundays ago, just the three of us – hubby, Cass and I. Alycia was at her weekend part-time work and Sherilyn stayed home to complete her assignment.

Pork shoulder rice bowl, with perfectly cooked melt-in-the-mouth and flavorful pork shoulder.

Chicken chop, which tasted excellent with crispy seared skin.

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Mother’s Day 2024

Saturday, 11 May 2024: The Eve of Mother’s Day

The celebration kicked off on the eve of Mother’s Day with a delightful family dinner. Following our meal, we made our way to Encore, a charming café known for its exquisite tarts and cakes. We savored decadent desserts and tea and captured precious memories with photographs.

Tarts, Éclair, and Black Forest cake at Encore on the eve of Mother’s Day.

In a heartfelt gesture, Alycia whipped up flour-free pancakes for my breakfast. Made with just bananas and eggs, seasoned with vanilla and cinnamon, these pancakes were a delicious and thoughtful treat reminiscent of my favorite Penang apom. It’s a tradition that my thoughtful eldest does every year for me on Mother’s Day – pancakes or French toast along with a handmade card or origami. It’s better than a material gift, coming from someone who doesn’t like cooking but makes an effort to prepare something special for me.

Delicious flour-free banana pancakes pan-fried using reduced-fat Lurpak butter, dished out by Alycia.

Sunday, 12 May 2024: Mother’s Day

On Mother’s Day itself, we went to Man Kee Hong Kong Beef Noodle in Bangsar for brunch. Renowned for its Wagyu beef brisket noodles, we indulged in a gastronomic delight unlike any other. The rich flavors of the beef with melt-in-the-mouth fats, paired with perfectly cooked noodles in a bowl of umami beef broth, left us craving for more. Additionally, we relished half a steamed village chicken, accompanied by tantalizing dipping sauces and bouncy squid balls made with real squid meat.

After our sumptuous lunch, we strolled over to Jaslyn Cakes to satisfy our sweet cravings. Indulging in butter cake, pistachio cake, and chocolate chip cookies, we enjoyed a cozy moment over cups of coffee and lattes. While hubby and Cass sipped on Piccolo latte and matcha latte respectively, I opted to skip caffeine to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Sherilyn was unable to join us for the celebrations as she had to complete back-to-back assignments and on Sunday, she had an event to attend at her dance studio.

RM60 for half a steamed village chicken. The dipping sauces were da bomb.

Very yummy squid balls at RM4 a ball. Pretty expensive but worth spending on as every bite has real squid meat in it.

Man Kee HK Beef Noodle at Telawi Square, Bangsar. The setting of the eatery is evocative of a typical Hong Kong char chaan teng.

RM160.05 for just two bowls of beef noodles and half a steamed chicken is pretty steep. But you’ll be assured of high quality ingredients.

Take this escalator to the first floor where Man Kee HK Beef Noodle is.

Butter cake, matcha latte for Cass and Piccolo latte for hubby at Jaslyn Cakes.

Yummeh chocolate chip cookie for our cookie lover.

Our busy bee’s latest assignment. She’s been having back-to-back assignments with short deadlines the past week and has been sleep-deprived. She’s currently in the final semester of the Foundation In Natural & Built Environments. She’ll be commencing her first year of BA of Science in Architecture in Sept this year.

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The Most Innovative Features in Feelingirl Seamless Shapewear

Shapewear has been developing at quite a pace over the past few years. When it comes to seamless shapewear, Feelingirl is always at the spearhead of innovation, especially in design. Their unique features not only make the shapewear more comfortable but also give the body an effective slimming effect. Let’s delve into the most notable advancements in Feelingirl slimming bodysuit:

Seamless Design:

Shapewear by Feelingirl which is made using seamless knitting is available even for the most demanding athletes and customers. The design technique which is seamless is comfortable and appears as a single piece without any visible lines under clothes. The smooth construction also helps the body to be more flexible, which is an advantage since it allows for natural movements.

Targeted Compression Zones:

Armed with a Feelingirl shapewear, you will get into a better shape with a firm body thanks to the special compression zones that are tactically placed in order to shape and support specific parts of your body. Take the example of waist cinchers that compress the midsection tightly, the effect is to sculpt and define the waist. The leggings which employ compression in the line from the thighs to the buttocks results in a gorgeous shape of the legs being lifted and toned.

Breathable Fabrics:

The breathable fabrics is the fundamental element of the Feelingirl seamless shapewear that provides a seamless fit. The use of novel materials provides ventilation, thus preventing excessive heating and as discomfort. As air can enter between the shapewear and body, daily comfort is ensured, especially for people in warmer climates or during the activities.

Seamless Edge Technology:

Feelingirl utilizes edgeless technology to make the edges of the tape totally invisible, thus no rolling or digging into the skin occurs. This innovation ensures that the shapewear is created to be inconspicuous and comfortable, hiding the flaws of the body, while at the same time looks smooth in every style of clothing.

Moisture-Wicking Properties:

The tummy control thong bodysuit is tailored in such a way to make the skin feel fresh and dry; thanks to the moisture-wicking properties. This feature is very useful during workouts or in hot weather, making it comfortable for the wearer.

Eco-Friendly Materials:

Eco friendly seamless shapewear is a common feature adopted by Feelingirl. The range of environmental-friendly products by Feelingirl is in line with the values of people who are looking for eco-friendly products.

No. of times viewed = 21

Camera Crumbs

A dump of my camera crumbs to document the joyful moments here.

There’s Pang Cha everywhere in Bangkok but mind you, their signature shaved ice dessert is pretty steep (around RM30+ after conversion). I don’t mind paying just to try the delicious-looking cold dessert from this MICHELIN-recommended tea boutique but it looks really sweet too, which made me reluctant to buy.
I told myself that I must try their milk tea or dessert but alas, I had to give it a miss as we didn’t have enough time. Another reason is there’s no one to share it with me. Alycia is lactose-intolerant and I couldn’t finish the entire bowl of dessert or entire cup of tea myself. The serving is huge.
This photo was taken at the airport on the day of our departure.

Throughout our 3 nights in Bangkok, Alycia had late night supper of junk food in the hotel room while playing with her phone while I was in lalaland. This is what holidays and happy memories are made of – fun and junk food, all rolled up into one happy ball!

Next to go on a holiday with me will be Sherilyn!

I love the buffet breakfast at Novotel Platinum hotel. They have a good spread of quality healthy foods for health freaks like me. Every morning, I went to the coffee house to have breakfast at 8am while Alycia was still asleep. I started my day with some fresh fruits, cold pressed fruit juice, and a bowl of plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh acai berries, cut fruits, seeds, and nuts. This would be followed by the mains of eggs, greens, meat and some desserts. And not forgetting my must-have cuppa coffee. I tried their pulled Thai milk tea but it was too sweet for my liking.

Coconut balls (onde-onde) are one of my favorite desserts at Novotel.

Mushroom pasta with caviar, by chef Sherilyn during her semester break.

Carrot cupcakes made by Sherilyn for Cass’ 16th birthday on 9 April 2024. The orange color on the carrots was made from real carrot juice while the green color was from matcha powder.

Happy Sweet 16, Cassandra! May all your birthday wishes come true.

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The Past Week In Photos

When it comes to passion, people often find the time and energy to pursue their interests, even amidst busy schedules and fatigue. Take cooking and baking, for instance. Despite her hectic lifestyle being an architecture undergraduate and dance student pursuing dance courses (with exams over a period of several years) and lessons in two dance studios, Sherilyn, who has a love for culinary arts, always makes time to indulge in her passion for cooking and baking.

Last week was no exception. Despite arriving home late at 7 pm after a long day, Sherilyn immediately set to work in the kitchen. Opting for pan-fried wagyu beef, Sherilyn prepped two distinct styles – one with caramelized onions and the other featuring marinated beef. To complement the savory main course, she whipped up a delectable salad and added a touch of flavor with Korean spicy instant noodles.

Although famished from her busy day, Sherilyn’s dedication to her passion led her to cook up a storm in the kitchen. Despite her best efforts, the generous portion of steaks proved too much for a single sitting, leaving leftovers for the following day, which were eagerly enjoyed by Cass and me. Sherilyn’s unwavering commitment to her passion for cooking serves as a testament to the enduring power of pursuing what brings us joy, even amidst life’s challenges.

Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied Oven Grilled Prawns with pasta.

These prawns were gifted to us by my parents. Roy, my younger brother recently made a trip back to Ipoh and brought these prawns back.

My papa lovingly made us a bottle of pandan kaya. In less than 5 days, some rats in our house quietly gobbled it up. When I took the bottle out from the fridge to enjoy papa’s kaya, all that was left was only an empty bottle with 1/4 teaspoon of kaya left. The cheek someone did that!😠
Papa must be really happy that we all enjoyed his best-in-the-world pandan kaya. It truly is good till the last lick😆

As the pandemic is now behind us and hardly anyone wears masks anymore, Cass and Sherilyn still wear them. Cass diligently wears them to high school (recommended by her high school) and to the skating rink. And these face masks are dirt cheap now. I paid RM32 for 200 pieces of KN94 mask in white color, with free shipping. These would have cost me double or even triple the amount four years ago at the height of the pandemic.

No. of times viewed = 16

8 Proven Tips for Maintaining Optimal Dental Health

A bright, healthy smile is important for everyone – kids and adults alike. Good dental hygiene not only makes your teeth look their best but also protects your overall health. Poor oral health can lead to issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and even heart disease down the road. The good news is there are simple habits people of all ages can form to take great care of their teeth and gums. This article will provide eight tips to help you and your family achieve excellent dental health.

Get Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

See your dentist every six months for exams to catch issues early and professional cleanings to remove hardened plaque. Take kids starting around age one or when first teeth arrive. Good oral hygiene is a team effort with your dentist. This prevents more invasive procedures later on like root canal treatment.

Brush Teeth Thoroughly Twice a Day

Brushing twice daily is the most basic habit for good dental hygiene. Take at least two minutes each time to brush all tooth surfaces – front, back, top, and bottom. Use gentle circular motions. Adults should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and kids should use a child-sized brush with soft bristles. Don’t forget to also brush tongues to remove bacteria.

Floss Once a Day

Flossing removes plaque and food from between teeth and just below the gumline, where brushing can’t reach. Doing this daily prevents buildup, leading to cavities and gum disease. Gently insert floss between teeth and rub against both sides of each tooth in a C-shape. Supervise kids while flossing until they can do it properly on their own.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Mouthwash provides extra bacteria-killing power to your oral hygiene routine. Adults and older kids can swish for 30 seconds once or twice a day after brushing. Look for rinses with cetylpyridinium chloride, which research shows is most effective.

Rinse After Eating

After meals or snacks, rinse away food particles by drinking water or chewing sugarless gum. This neutralizes plaque acids and clears debris before your next brushing. If you can’t brush right after eating, this buys you some time.

Ask About Fluoride Products

Fluoride strengthens enamel against decay by fighting plaque acids. Discuss fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste options with your dentist, especially if you or your child has a dry mouth or is at high cavity risk. Fluoride is safe and recommended for protection against tooth decay.

Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods

Some wholesome foods promote oral health. Cheese raises pH, helping prevent cavities. Fruits and crunchy veggies like apples, carrots, and celery scrub teeth. Dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and lean protein provide enamel-strengthening calcium and vitamins.

Limit Sugary, Acidic Foods and Drinks

Frequent snacking or sipping highly acidic and sugary items wears down tooth enamel over time. Limit candy, cookies, soda, sports drinks, juice and coffee. When kids do have these treats, serve them alongside a meal and have them rinse their mouth with water after.

Excellent dental health comes down to developing consistent, thorough hygiene habits and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Follow these tips as a family, and you’ll all be flashing bright, beautiful smiles for years to come!

No. of times viewed = 18

Cooking With Tennis Elbow

With a right hand that’s not 100% functional as I cannot lift heavy things, cooking has to be reduced to the bare minimum. Maria can only come to help me once or max twice a week now as she has other houses to go to, on top of her full-time job as a cleaner. She’s also going back to Indonesia for a 3-week holiday in June.

Carrying a heavy stainless steel wok and using a spatula would kill my right hand and only delay the healing. Thus, I’m using the air fryer and oven for most of my cooking. I still make quick veggie soups in a medium pot that’s not too heavy.

Today I cooked grilled cabbage in the oven and air-fried shimeji mushrooms. For the proteins, I bought roast chicken breast. There’s also food from hubby’s kitchen – green curry mutton, butter milk chicken, vegetables, and fried rice.

My lunch – grilled cabbage, air-fried shimeji and roast chicken breast. I can eat this every day.

Cabbage seasoned with olive oil, all-purpose seasoning blend, black pepper, minced garlic and onions and grilled in the oven for 15 minutes.

Shimeji seasoned with cajun seasoning, olive oil, black pepper, minced garlic and onions and air-fried for 15 minutes.

No. of times viewed = 26

Tennis Elbow

A week after I came back from Bangkok, I was down with sore throat and a cold. And in the middle of battling the flu, I had a very painful elbow, with pain concentrated on the elbow bone, making it painful to lift my right hand and do chores, especially mopping and lifting heavy things.

I told mum and she said that the symptoms of the painful elbow sounded like Tennis Elbow as she had it before.

So here I am at the physiotherapist’s centre undergoing ultrasound and electromagnetic field therapy.

The ultrasound rub was very painful on my elbow and entire right arm as I also have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The therapist told me that it will take months for my hand to heal and I have to rest my hand more, avoid doing certain actions with the hand and hopefully the pain will subside.

I bought an elbow guard from Lazada but wearing it is uncomfortable – it’s rigid, hurts my arm and very hot!

So I’ve stopped wearing the elbow guard and instead apply Perskindol cream and Acustop and Salon Pas plasters on the elbow twice a day.

No. of times viewed = 32

Embracing Comfort and Style With The Timeless Appeal of Oversized Clothing

Fashion trends come and go in the ever-evolving fashion world but one style that has stood the test of time is oversized clothing. From international runways to everyday street style, oversized pieces like oversized shirts continue to capture the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and celebrities around the world. But what is it about oversized clothing that makes it still enduringly popular in 2024?

Comfort and Confidence:

One of the primary reasons why oversized clothing remains a staple in wardrobes everywhere is the unparalleled comfort it provides. The loose and relaxed fit of men’s and women’s oversized t shirts, sweaters, and dresses offers a sense of freedom and comfort that is hard to say no to. Whether you’re hanging out with some friends, running errands around town, or on holiday, oversized clothes exude a sense of comfort and laid-back coolness that is unmatched by other styles.

Effortless Chic:

The oversized trend offers a unique and effortless look that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A plus size oversized t-shirt, in particular, offers every body size the ability to embrace this sartorial freedom, allowing individuals to express their personal style with confidence. Oversized tees and shirts can be paired effortlessly with shorts, leggings, skinny jeans, or cargo pants.

Fashion Statement:

What started as a trend among fashion-savvy individuals has now become a fashion statement in its own right. From stealing their oversized boyfriend’s or father’s shirts to embracing the oversized aesthetic on international runways, the fashion industry has fully embraced the oversized trend. My oldest daughter, for instance, loves to steal her dad’s oversized t-shirts and singlets. And her main reason for stealing her dad’s oversized clothes – she said they are super comfy and stylish!

Versatility:

Oversized clothing offers endless styling possibilities, making it a versatile choice for anyone. An oversized shirt women’s can be worn with cool shorts, parachute pants, leggings, or skinny jeans, while oversized dresses and skirts exude elegance when accessorized with chunky necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Plus, oversized sweaters and hoodies provide warmth and coziness during the colder months and can be effortlessly paired with a variety of bottoms and gorgeous boots for a chic look.

Body Positivity:

In a world where body positivity is increasingly celebrated, oversized clothing has emerged as a symbol of self-expression and acceptance. Plus size oversized t-shirts allow individuals to embrace their bodies and feel confident in their skin, no matter the shape or size. It’s a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that fashion should be inclusive and empowering for everyone.

In conclusion, oversized clothing continues to reign supreme in the world of fashion, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and versatility. The oversized fashion trend has taken over the runways and our closets. Designers and fashion influencers have found a way to supersize these fashion items from clothes to sunglasses and shoes, and 2024 looks to follow the same pattern.

No. of times viewed = 10