December 2024 – Page 2 – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

My New Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Experience

Earlier this week, my hubby surprised me with a brand-new Android phone. Last Saturday we stopped by the Celcom Digi shop in The Gardens Mall to explore data packages and test out the latest phones. Both our phones, nearing five years of service, had become increasingly frustrating—lagging, shutting down randomly, and struggling to keep up with our daily needs.

After testing various options, hubby chose the newly launched Oppo Find X8 Pro, while I decided on the Samsung S24 Ultra. For me, the most important feature of a phone is the camera, and I’m thrilled with my choice. Having previously used phones from Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo, I can confidently say that Samsung’s camera quality is unparalleled.

The Samsung S24 Ultra’s camera is a game-changer! Its night scene mode produces sharp, vibrant photos, and the blurred background feature adds a professional touch to my snapshots like they were taken using a DSLR camera. With five lenses, it’s a far cry from my old Oppo phone, which only had one lens and delivered lackluster photos. I can’t wait to use it for taking food photos!

Getting a new (and often more advanced) phone is often exciting but with it comes a fair share of headaches. Transferring data, re-registering shopping apps, reactivating bank apps and biometrics, and reregistering 2FA were tedious tasks that took almost two days for me. The most troublesome part was reactivating Secure2U for my banking apps which required going to the banks.

Friday morning saw me at my bank’s counter to activate the phone touch screen secure feature, and later that evening, I visited another bank’s ATM for Secure2U activation. After completing the process, I still had to wait 18 hours before I could make any transactions. It reminded me of the hassle of getting a new phone number—everything has to start afresh.

Amidst all the chaos, my smarty pants Cass stepped in. For RM35 (her way of earning extra pocket money for skating fees), she transferred all my data, including apps from the old phone to the new phone seamlessly with a little help from Google. Thanks to her, I had more time to focus on my work while she earned her well-deserved reward.

Despite the initial inconveniences, I couldn’t be happier with my Samsung S24 Ultra. The stunning photo quality with AI technology, paired with the phone’s sleek design in violet titanium, makes it a worthy investment.

Taken with Galaxy S24 Ultra – night scene unfiltered, unedited.

Another unfiltered and unedited photo. I love the blurred background feature.

I went to the phone accessories shop to get a screen protector for my phone. I was hoping to get the cheapo ones that costs a few Ringgit but this shop only sells high quality fiber glass and ceramic glass screen protectors. As I was busy with work and had no time to drive to another shop, I chose the cheapest one, which is the HD fiber glass at RM49 and bargained my way to a RM39 price tag 🤑. According to the shop owner, this fiber glass protector will not break or crack if I dropped my phone. I’ll see…
I still need to get a phone cover for my phone.

The screen protector was cut using a laser cutter to custom-fit my phone.

The lady owner checking the dimensions of my phone using her phone before the cutting process. She took more than 5 minutes to meticulously stick the fiber glass protector onto my phone’s screen, ensuring that there’re no air trapped between.

Another lesson learned – after sticking the fiber glass screen protector onto my phone, my finger print was no longer recognized by all my eWallet accounts and bank apps! And I had to re-do everything again. More time wasted.

Note to self for future – stick the screen protector on the phone BEFORE registering for finger print login on my shopping and banking apps!

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Why Japanese Style Clothing Captivates the World

When visiting the Land Of the Rising Sun, you’ll see a unique blend of traditional and modern fashion styles. Japanese designers express themselves by creating visually striking and thought-provoking fashion. Whether you’re a fan of Harajuku (Japanese street fashion), Japanese t-shirts featuring kanji characters, the famous ‘beckoning cat’, or striking Japanese tank tops with unique designs, Japanese-style clothing is funky and offers something for people of all ages.

Minimalism Meets Creativity

Japanese people have a league of their own and are some of the most creative when it comes to fashion. For widespread everyday Japanese-style clothing that you’ll find on the streets, subways, malls, and restaurants, you’ll notice a minimalist trend yet with a creative approach to it. Japanese-style t-shirts, for example, often feature clean designs, such as the famous ‘beckoning cat’, meaningful text in kanji, or illustrations inspired by Japanese cultures, icons, or famous places , such as cherry blossoms, samurai, sake, swords, or anime characters, making them sought after by people who are attracted to everything Japanese.

Comfort and Versatility

Japanese-style clothing is well-known for its comfort, quality materials, and versatility. Japanese t-shirts and tank tops, for example, are usually made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, making them suitable for warm weather or layering when the mercury dips. Japanese style hoodies with prints of Japanese culture are also popular because of their versatility as they can effortlessly be paired with any bottom for a relaxed look.

Connection With Japanese Cultural

One of the reasons people are attracted to Japanese-style clothing is it allows them to feel connected to Japan’s rich heritage, beautiful sceneries, and foods. Japanese tank tops featuring geishas and cherry blossoms or Japanese t-shirts adorned with delicious-looking sushi are great conversation starters and showcase an appreciation for Japanese culture and art.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why people love Japanese-style clothing, from their interest in Japan’s fascinating culture to the delicious food and breathtaking scenery. The allure of Japan t-shirts and Japanese-style clothing is its ability to merge simplicity with artistic elements. The blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern influences creates unique styles that continue to attract people around the world to embrace this style.

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Why I Love Bitter Gourd Soup with Minced Pork and Egg

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfying warmth of Fu Kwa Fun (bitter gourd noodles with minced pork). In my case, I customize this classic hawker noodle dish to align with my keto lifestyle. I ask the seller to skip the noodles and load my bowl with minced pork, a perfectly poached egg, crispy pork lard, and a generous helping of thinly sliced bitter gourd, all in a steaming hot pork broth. So yummy! I omit the innards though, as I’m no fan of them.

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a nourishing, heartwarming bowl of goodness that ticks all the boxes for taste and health. Just don’t lap up all the soup, which can be quite salty and sometimes added with MSG.

What makes this dish so irresistible to me is its incredible nutritional value:

Bitter Gourd: This often-overlooked fruity vegetable is a treasure trove of vitamins and antioxidants. Known for its ability to lower blood sugar, bitter gourd is also a natural blood purifier that supports overall health.

Minced Pork and Egg: Rich in protein and iron, these ingredients are essential for energy, and muscle repair and great for building red blood cells. Eat more of these if you’re anemic.

Pork Lard: Surprisingly, pork lard isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. In fact, a 2018 BBC report ranked pork fat among the top 10 most nutritious foods, alongside superfoods like chia seeds and almonds. While I’m not ready to call it a daily dietary staple or accept its superfood status, I love its rich flavor and occasional indulgence in moderation.

What I love most about this dish is how it warms both the heart and the tummy. The bitterness of the gourd is balanced perfectly by the savory broth, tender pork, and the richness of the egg and lard. Each spoonful feels like a comforting hug, especially on a cool day.

I must admit, there was a period when I avoided Fu Kwa Fun. My genetic predisposition to high cholesterol made me wary of indulgent dishes and red meat, but since starting statin medication, I’ve allowed myself to savor it again. Moderation, of course, remains key.

Whether you’re a fan of bitter gourd or not, this dish might just win you over with its comforting warmth, delicious porky flavor, and undeniable goodness.

My favorite bitter gourd soup with minced pork, a poached egg and lard. It costs RM11 a bowl at a hawker stall in my hood, pretty reasonably priced I’d say.

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It’s Time To Celebrate Christmas With Faithful Fashion

Ever since I first heard the song ‘Holiday’ by Jimmy Fallon and Jonas Brothers a few days ago, I can’t get the lyrics and jingle out of my head. I love this Christmas song.

Listening to Christmas songs makes me feel like I’m on a holiday. I used to go on a holiday during the Christmas season, whether locally or overseas. Each time we went on a holiday, Christmas songs were played everywhere that we went. I remember Mariah Carey’s ever-so-popular “All I Want For Christmas” song blasting away everywhere in Langkawi when hubby and I went there for a holiday with our good friend, Alan Y. Till this day, listening to this song brings me back to our holiday in Langkawi in the year 2001.

This is why Christmas songs have the magical power of making me feel holiday-ish and happy. It makes me want to put on some Christian Christmas shirts and book myself a holiday somewhere to soak in the Christmas vibes.

Christian t-shirt with one of my favorite Bible verses.

Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, one way of expressing our faith is through fashion, like wearing a necklace with a cross pendant or wearing a Christian hoodie or shirt. These pieces are a statement of belief, and even a conversation starter, as well as a great way to express your faith wherever you go. As Christmas is approaching, items like Christian shirts make great gifts for believers.

Christian Christmas hoodies for him and her.

Christian hoodies and shirts have become a popular choice for Christians to wear their faith proudly. Whether for daily wear, to the church, or during Christmas, these garments often feature meaningful Bible verses, uplifting messages, artistic crosses, or Christian-themed graphics.

The beauty of faithful fashion is its versatility. Whether it’s Christian t-shirts or Christian Christmas clothing, there is surely something for every believer and every occasion. A cozy Christian hoodie or Christmas sweater becomes your best ally on chilly days or for church events. These fashion pieces are adorned with biblical messages to remind believers to stay grounded and connected to their beliefs.

Christian Christmas t-shirt with a verse from the Bible

For Christians, there’s something comforting about wearing Christian clothing and accessories like a cross. These fashion items help them stay stylish and warm while wrapping them in a message of hope. This festive season, why not get some Christmas Christian t-shirts or hoodies for yourself or your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to celebrate the birth of Christ? This season, let your wardrobe reflect the love, forgiveness, and inspiration of Christ while adding a touch of festive cheer. Merry Christmas & happy holidays!

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Geeky Holiday Fashion at Its Best

December is the most exciting time of the year. It’s the holiday season which means upcoming festive celebrations with friends and family. From funny t shirts to hilarious ugly Christmas sweaters, it’s time to let your wardrobe shine as brightly as your Christmas tree lights. There will surely be no shortage of ways to bring humor to your holiday outfit while putting a smile on everyone’s faces during the holiday season.

Whether you’re a true geek or simply love geek fashion, a geek shirt is witty and is a great way to spread holiday cheer. If you’re a geek who are proud of your identity, a geek shirt is a must-have. Whether for gifting to a fellow geek or wearing it yourself, these quirky shirts show off your smarts and keep things fun.

Over the last two decades or so, the ugly Christmas sweater has embedded itself in Christmas culture as a way for people to embrace the festive spirit with a touch of humor. This obnoxious and tacky garment has become an essential part of the holidays, but they radiated yule. People wear them to office parties and on Christmas day. Imagine sporting an ugly Christmas sweater with the caption, “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal” or “Holiday Cheer By Obligation”. These sweaters are great conversation starters at parties.

Ugly Christmas Sweater with snowflakes for techie geeks.

A nerd shirt is a must-have garment for fans of witty fashion. Some geeky nerds like flaunting their intellect in a fun, humorous way. Imagine wearing a nerd shirt with a witty caption under a festive ugly Christmas sweater. That’s holiday humor right there while being thought-provoking

Imagine singing the super catchy Feliz Navidad Christmas song while wearing this cute t-shirt!

This holiday season, wear some geeky, nerdy or ugly Christmas fashion to nail the festive yet funny look. Whether it’s a geek t-shirt or an ugly Christmas sweater, let these quirky outfits make people laugh. It’s a great way to embrace the nerdy, funny side of life and forget about being too serious.

No. of times viewed = 11

Supporting Sherilyn Through the Tough Journey of Architecture School

A little over a year ago when Sherilyn told me she wanted to pursue a degree in architecture, I knew exactly what she was signing up for. Architecture is famously rigorous, demanding not only creativity but also immense dedication and resilience. I was fully aware that this path would mean countless sleepless nights, unrelenting deadlines, and a lifestyle centered around her assignments. Despite my concerns, Sherilyn was resolute in her decision, and I resolved to support her every step of the way.

Now in her second year, Sherilyn is in the thick of it—immersed in a whirlwind of assignments across multiple modules. Just as I had envisioned, her days are filled with lectures, group projects, and countless hours in her university’s work studio. Her nights are often spent catching a few winks on the couch, the floor, or sometimes not at all. On some nights, she and her coursemates would sleep at the university’s work studio. Me, hubby and the MIL would be calling her on her phone and would get worried when she didn’t answer our calls, in the wee hours of the morning.

It’s not just physical exhaustion; the mental toll is significant too. From designing intricate models to meeting demanding critiques, she’s constantly pushed to her limits. It reminds me of the stories I’ve heard about medical students, where the intensity of their studies often feels unrelenting. Architecture, I’ve come to realize, is no less grueling.

With two more years to go, I know things will only get tougher for Sherilyn. The projects will become more complex, and the stakes will get higher. But knowing her determination and passion, I believe she will persevere.

I often remind myself that this is her dream, and while the journey is challenging, it’s also deeply fulfilling for her. I see glimpses of pride and satisfaction in her eyes when she completes a project, no matter how sleep-deprived she may be.

As a parent, it’s not easy to watch Sherilyn go through such intense challenges. My instinct is to step in and shield her from the struggles, but I know that this is her path to walk. All I can do is be there for her – making sure she eats healthily even if it means washing and peeling fruits for her and brewing green tea for her. The moment my daughters came into my world, I knew I had signed up to be their maid for life. I am still like a maid to my eldest who will turn 21 in two days! I think being their slave sounds more appropriate as maids are paid and I am not! 😒

Above all, I pray. I pray for God to guide and protect Sherilyn and my other daughters, to give them strength and perseverance, and to bless them with good health as they navigate their university and high school lives.

A common sight in our home when I wake up at 5.30 in the morning. My. Poor. Sherilyn.

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Celebrate the Year End Festivities with Matching Family Christmas Outfits

December is one of the most exciting months of the year. From Christmas to the Year End Countdown and New Year celebrations, it’s the perfect time for gatherings, lots of good food, and camwhoring. One great way of embracing the festive spirit is with family Christmas shirts and cozy family matching clothes. These matching outfits have become a must-have item for cherished tradition for many people, creating beautiful memories and photos for keepsakes and bragging rights.

Why People Love Matching Christmas Shirts

Matching clothes is a fun way to celebrate special occasions and holidays with family or friends. These shirts are available in various designs, colors, themes, and sizes. They can be customized and personalized with graphics, prints, quotes, and names from stores like BeePumpkin. For those with a newborn baby, a personalized newborn outfit is a great addition to the ensemble, making your little bundle of joy the star of your holiday celebration. Matching clothes for the family or besties is a perfect way to showcase your holiday cheer while taking lots of photos and videos to capture the happy moments.

Family Matching Christmas Pajamas For The Ultimate Comfort

Some make it a tradition for the whole family to slip into family matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Whether it’s snuggling up and watching a movie together, singing Christmas carols together or sitting around the Christmas tree to open presents, wearing family matching pajamas is so much fun for the entire family as it creates a sense of unity and joy. They make beautiful family photos for sharing on social media.

Personalized Touches for an Even More Fun Celebration

Your Christmas will be extra special when everyone in the family slips into family Christmas t-shirts that feature personalized designs. Adding your name or custom graphics to your t-shirt or wearing a personalized matching embroidered Santa Christmas hat is sure to elevate your celebration up a notch.

Conclusion

This Christmas, do something different and unique with matching Christmas shirts or family matching Christmas pajamas. Whether it’s visiting friends or an evening of party with relatives, these eye-catching outfits will add a punchy cheer to your celebrations. Let your coordinated outfits tell the story of your family’s love and unity to the world! Celebrate this joyous occasion in style and make great memories.

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Rediscovering the Magic of Physical Books in a Digital World

In today’s fast-paced, digital-centric world, physical books often seem like a relic of the past. E-books and audiobooks have become the go-to options for many, including university students. My two older girls, Alycia and Sherilyn, don’t even have physical textbooks for their courses—everything they need is in digital format.

Yet, amidst this shift, I’m proud and grateful that my daughters, especially Cass and Alycia, still cherish the joy of holding a physical book in their hands.

Alycia has always been one to take her love for books wherever she goes. No matter the destination, she ensures there’s room in her luggage for a novel or two. She reads them at the airport and on the plane.

Cass’s journey with books started at a young age. Petite as she was back then, she always insisted on carrying thick novels (Harry Potter was her favorite) with her whenever we went out. Her love for stories made her a voracious reader early on.

For a time, her interest in physical books waned, perhaps due to the allure of digital distractions or a busy schedule. But recently, her passion for flipping through pages has been reignited. Her current read? The Lord of the Rings. I marvel at her patience and determination as she dives into a book with such a tiny font that it would make my head spin and eyes turn blurry!

In a world where screens dominate, seeing my daughters choose physical books over their phones brings me so much joy. Holding a book encourages mindfulness, allowing the reader to truly immerse themselves in the story without the distractions of notifications or blue light. Reading is an essential activity for personal growth and development. It unlocks new ideas and perspectives, and improves your cognitive abilities.

Do you and your children still read physical books? I don’t because of my old age sight (‘old flower’) but I subscribe to online news and read them every day on my large screen PC 😁

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The Appeal of Christian Clothing

Christmas is almost upon us and one of the best gifts to give your Christian friends is Christian clothing and accessories. These Christian-themed clothing will be perfect for Christmas, Sunday service, cell meetings, and church gatherings. These pieces are the perfect way to let Christians share their faith while looking chic.

Why Choose Christian Clothing?

For a strong believer, Christian clothing is not just fashion, it’s a form of self-expression and affirmation. Christian t-shirts and accessories allow you to share your beliefs and inspire others. The designs of these fashion items often feature Bible verses, Christian symbols, and inspiring quotes. They’re the perfect gifts for family and friends, especially during Christmas when Jesus and Christianity is at the forefront of celebrations.

Christian Hoodies: Style Meets Comfort

Christian hoodies are fashionable and believers from all age groups love this fashionable fashion piece. Hoodies are versatile and comfy and those featuring bold scriptures from the bible or intricate artwork are perfect for a church event such as a youth group meeting or bible study class. They’re perfect for layering when the temperature drops and can be worn as a standalone piece in church with an air-conditioner.

Share Your Christmas Spirit with Christian Christmas Shirts

The first thing that comes to our mind about Christmas is joy, love, and the birth of Jesus. Christian Christmas shirts are one great way of spreading Christmas cheer. Popular adornments include sayings such as “Jesus is the reason for the season” or humorous Christmas-themed Bible verses.

Christian Christmas shirt makes for great family gatherings, church events, or caroling nights. They also make great gifts that embody the true spirit of Christmas. Pair your Christian Christmas shirt or Christian hoodie with denim pants or a skirt and accessorize your ensemble with a Christmas headgear for a festive look.

Finding the Right Christian Clothing

Whether buying Christian clothing or accessories, remember to shop for high-quality materials and meaningful designs that reflect your faith. There are several online stores focused on Christian wear for men, women and kids. Find ethical brands that complement Christian beliefs and offer long-lasting products.

Guiding Cross offers Christian Christmas shirts in various colors, designs, and sizes, and there’s something for everyone.

Conclusion

Christian apparel is more than just clothes but is a way to wear your faith everywhere you go. From Christian-themed t-shirts to fun hoodies to holiday-themed Christian Christmas apparel, these unique pieces help you make a statement without saying a word. Let your attire reflect your beliefs this season by wearing your faith proudly and sharing the gospel and message of hope with every step you take.

No. of times viewed = 14