Uncategorized – HEALTH FREAK MOMMY

A Peek into My Annual Self-Care Routine – Mammogram

Today, my mammogram at Sunway Medical Centre went smoother than I had anticipated, although it gave me quite a scare. Midway through looking for lunch after the mammogram, I received an unexpected call from the nurse, asking me to return almost two hours earlier than planned to discuss the mammogram report with the doctor.

The Mammogram Experience

Of all the mammograms I’ve endured over the years, this year’s was the least painful, though it was still uncomfortable for someone like me with a low pain tolerance. The left breast, in particular, was sensitive. And as always, the part I detest most is the awkwardness of having my breasts squeezed —it feels as if my girls were being treated like bread dough. Despite this, the process was quick: the waiting time was under 30 minutes, and the procedure itself took less than 15 minutes.

A Lunch Interrupted by Anxiety

After the mammogram, the nurse informed me that the report would take about two hours and suggested I use the time to grab lunch. I walked across the Eco Walk overhead bridge to Sunway Geo, did some shopping at Mr DIY, and began looking for food. However, not even half an hour later, the nurse called me, urging me to return immediately to see the doctor.

Her tone sent chills down my spine. Normally, such urgency signals bad news, such as malignancies or suspicious findings on the scan. My heart raced as I hurried back to the hospital. When I was called into the doctor’s office, I could barely contain my worry. Thankfully, the doctor reassured me that everything was fine.

The Results

The mammogram report showed a BIRADS 2 score on both breasts, indicating benign findings. However, due to the dense tissue in my breasts, the report also included a BIRADS 0 score, suggesting that a mammogram alone might not provide a complete picture. As in previous years, I’ll need to undergo an ultrasound scan to ensure nothing is overlooked. Given the density of my breasts, I’ve been advised to have a mammogram annually instead of every two years.

Ticking Off the Self-Care List

With the mammogram checked off my 2025 Self-Care To-Do List, next up is my visit to the gynecologist for a yearly pap smear, along with ultrasound scans of my breasts and abdomen. Though these appointments bring another round of anxiety, I remind myself that this proactive care is essential for my health and peace of mind.

Self-care isn’t always relaxing or enjoyable, but it’s crucial for long-term well-being. Here’s to staying diligent, despite the discomfort and worry, for a healthier future.

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Farewell, 2024: Reflections and Hopes for the New Year

As the final hours of 2024 tick away, I find myself reflecting on the rollercoaster of a year it has been. While this year brought more challenges than I ever anticipated, it also reinforced the strength and resilience of our family. With 2025 on the horizon, I feel a renewed sense of hope for a better, more smooth-sailing year.

Looking back, 2024 was marked by significant hurdles, particularly in terms of health. Alycia and I became frequent visitors to the hospital. Alycia endured not one but two trips to the operating theatre due to a freak kitchen accident that severed her left ring finger. Meanwhile, I had to undergo laser surgery to remove a viral wart on my left foot. These experiences reminded us of the fragility of health and the importance of care and precaution.

Sherilyn’s health, too, has been a concern this year. Her grueling schedule as an architecture student, combined with late nights and insufficient rest, took a toll on her well-being. As a mother, it’s tough to watch, but I’m proud of her dedication and achievements. My prayer for 2025 is that she prioritizes her self-care and finds a better balance between work and rest.

Despite the trials, there were moments of joy that stood out this festive season. Our Christmas celebration began with a beautiful church service, followed by a delightful dim sum lunch at Ming Room @ BSC. Spending quality time together over good food reminded us of the blessings we still have to cherish.

We also celebrated hubby’s birthday early with a seafood feast at Unique Seafood Restaurant in PJ last Saturday. It’s been over five years since we last dined there, and the meal did not disappoint. From succulent crabs to BBQ fish, clams, and prawns, it was a delicious way to cap off the year. The laughter and warmth shared over the meal were a perfect reminder of the simple joys in life.

As I bid farewell to 2024, my heart is filled with gratitude—for the strength to navigate the challenges and for the small but meaningful moments of happiness along the way. I thank God for carrying us through this tumultuous year and pray for His continued protection and blessings in 2025.

Here’s wishing all my readers a very happy and blessed 2025! May the new year bring you good health, peace, and prosperity. Let’s welcome 2025 with open hearts and renewed hope.

Our dim sum lunch at Ming Room @ BSC.

Birthday dinner at Unique Seafood, PJ

Hubby ordered all his favorite seafood.

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Monday Morning Surprise at the ‘Chap Fan’ Shop

Today, I decided to walk to the “chap fan” (economy rice) shop to buy some dishes. As l I walked into the shop, I spotted a familiar face – MC, the ‘friendly’ guy I always seem to bump into there. As soon as I stepped in, he was at his usual spot, facing the entrance with a playful grin, almost as if he’d been waiting for me.

MC is one of those colorful characters who’s always been open about his interest in me, even though he knows I’m married. We’ve known each other for about ten years, and he never misses a chance to crack a few jokes or make small talk. We met at the gym at my condo and used to chat every morning when he came to our gym to workout. He doesn’t live in our condo but owns a unit there. He lives in a bungalow in our hood.

True to form, the moment he saw me, MC started with his usual banter, mentioning that he hadn’t seen me around for two weeks and teasingly asked where I’d been. After paying for my food, he invited me again to have lunch with him sometime. As I was about to head out, he asked for my phone number since I’d changed it a few years back and hadn’t given him the new one. Out of respect for our long-standing friendship, I shared it with him and quickly made my exit.

Since my hubby has taken my car for the past month, I have been walking to the shops to buy food and groceries in the mornings. He recently sold his old 9-seater MPV, which had become a bit of a mechanical headache, especially since the pandemic. With one issue after another, costing him tens of thousands of bucks to repair his car, he finally let it go, and he’s now eagerly waiting for his new car to arrive 🏎️. I am so glad to have my car back finally!

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The Future of Skincare: Trends and Tips for Aspiring Estheticians

Table of Contents:

Importance of Skincare
Latest Skincare Trends
Essential Techniques for Estheticians
Sustainable Practices in Skincare
Career Opportunities and Growth
Tips for Success in the Beauty Industry
Continuing Education and Certifications

Importance of Skincare

Skincare is not just about looking good; it’s about maintaining the health of your body’s largest organ—your skin. Healthy skin can prevent various conditions and boost your confidence. Regular skin care routines help maintain an even skin tone, reduce acne breakouts, and delay signs of aging. For those looking to enter the beauty industry, taking an advanced esthetics class Denver can provide essential skills to thrive in this field. Understanding the science behind skincare allows estheticians to offer customized and effective treatments to their clients, enhancing overall skin health.

Latest Skincare Trends

The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is crucial. Keeping up with such trends can help estheticians offer their clients the most current and effective treatments. Personalized skincare, which tailors products and treatments to an individual’s specific skin type and concerns, is becoming increasingly popular. Another significant trend is the use of natural and organic ingredients. Both trends reflect a shift towards more holistic and individualized approaches to skincare.

Essential Techniques for Estheticians

Aspiring estheticians should be proficient in various techniques such as facial treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. These techniques are fundamental in providing clients with effective skincare solutions. Facial treatments help cleanse foliate, creating a transparent and well-hydrated complexion. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin. Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates and eventually peels off, allowing new, regenerated skin to appear. Additional training and certifications can further enhance an esthetician’s skill set, helping them stand out in a competitive market.

Sustainable Practices in Skincare

As consumers become more eco-conscious, the demand for sustainable skincare practices grows. To cater to this eco-friendly shift, aestheticians should adopt methods that minimize waste and use organic products. Implementing sustainable practices helps the environment and attracts a growing segment of eco-conscious clients. Recyclable packaging, cruelty-free products, and reducing water usage during treatments are a few ways to incorporate sustainability into skincare routines. Emphasizing sustainability can also enhance a brand’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Career Opportunities and Growth

The beauty industry offers many opportunities, from spa management to skincare consultation. The field is expected to grow substantially in the coming decade, making it an opportune time to enter the profession. Estheticians with specialized skills or advanced certifications often find higher-paying and more prestigious positions. Career paths include roles such as makeup artists, beauty bloggers, or educators in esthetic schools. The industry’s growth indicates an increasing acceptance and demand for professional skincare services globally.

Tips for Success in the Beauty Industry

Success in the beauty industry requires more than just technical skills. Networking, continuous learning, and having a passion for helping people are crucial elements for a thriving career. Building a robust professional network can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Continuous learning can involve attending industry conferences, enrolling in advanced training courses, and staying updated through professional journals. Demonstrating a genuine passion for skincare and client well-being can also set you apart and ensure long-term success. Building solid client relationships through excellent service and personalized care can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Continuing Education and Certifications

The beauty industry is dynamic, and continuing education is essential. Certifications in specialized areas like laser treatments or advanced esthetics can set you apart from the competition. Continuing education ensures that an esthetician’s skills are up-to-date and relevant. Additionally, many states require continuing education as part of license renewal for estheticians, emphasizing the importance of staying knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and techniques. Additional certifications also open up new career opportunities and can lead to higher earnings. It’s an investment in personal and professional growth that delivers long-term benefits.

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Why Do Some Christians Wear Christian Clothing and Accessories?

The cross is a strong symbol of love, protection, and sacrifice for Christians as Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to save us from our sins. Many Christians believe that wearing a cross necklace epitomizes the meaning of the cross and may protect them from evil.

Just as wearing a cross necklace, some believers wear Christian clothing and carry Christian-inspired fashion accessories to express their faith and spirituality, spread the word, and are proud to do so. Christian apparel and fashion accessories have always been popular and there are specialty stores that sell such items. Here are some of the reasons why the trend in Christian-inspired clothing and accessories is still popular among believers.

1. Expression of Faith

Wearing Christian t-shirts and accessories that represent our faith reminds us to be conscious of our actions and behavior and to live in a manner that reflects the love, grace, and compassion of Christ. It helps believers to stay grounded in their beliefs and to stay true to their relationship with God.

2. To Reflect Christ’s Grace

When believers wear Christian graphic tee shirts or use Christian-inspired accessories such as bags, hats, keychains, and phone casings, it prompts them to be mindful of how to behave and to treat others with love, kindness, and forgiveness, just as how Jesus has shown us.

3. Spreading the Word

For many believers, Christian clothing and Christian bags that they carry are more than just clothing and fashion accessories. They are instruments for spreading the word of God. They become walking billboards, promoting love and hope.

4. Building Community

Christian apparel serves as a great instrument for expression within the Christian community, allowing believers to showcase their faith and belief.

5. Supporting Christian-Based Businesses

Purchasing from Christian-based stores is a way to support businesses that align with the values of believers. Many of these stores donate a portion of their profit to the community or charitable causes.

In A Nutshell

Believers wear Christian clothing and use Christian-inspired accessories to express their faith and love for God. It promotes positivity, kindness, love, and hope and supports faith-based businesses. Clothing that contains an influential message is a great way to deliver your message and showcase your passion.

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Good Riddance

A week after our suspicious next-door neighbors, whom we suspect were involved in scamming or illegal activities, moved out, they finally had all their belongings removed. Interestingly, they didn’t even return to the unit themselves. Instead, they hired movers from Lalamove (I saw the truck with the Lalamove logo) to pack, seal, and transport their clothes and other possessions. They vacated not just their unit, but also two other units from a different block in our condo.

I can’t help but wonder where these suspicious Chinese nationals are relocating. With such a large group of people, it’s inevitable that they’ll draw attention wherever they go—especially from vigilant neighbors like me!

Yesterday, cleaners arrived to tidy up their unit, and, oh my goodness, the place was a complete mess! There was an overwhelming amount of trash, and the unit reeked of what I can only describe as rotting garbage. I had to spray a generous amount of disinfectant to cover up the stench, but even today, traces of the foul odor still linger. It’s unsettling, to say the least.

I hope my new neighbors will be someone decent. The two previous tenants were Japanese and they were all very friendly and nice folks. The first tenant, an elderly couple returned to Japan. The second tenant moved to another neighborhood nearer to their kids’ school.

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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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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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Nurturing Individuality in Three Remarkable Daughters

As a mother, watching my three daughters evolve into distinct individuals with unique characters and aspirations has been a remarkable journey. Each one sails their seas, braving the waves of challenges, embracing growth, and steering towards their dreams.

Alycia: The Party Maven: Our eldest, Alycia, has transformed from a once shy, super quiet, and non-sociable girl into a vibrant socialite. Balancing her studies and work, she embraces the party scene with enthusiasm, morphing into a party animal. Thank God she totally can’t drink, not even a mouthful of booz, or she will throw up. As she journeys into adulthood, turning 21 in December this year, maturity has graced her thinking, infusing tact into her interactions. Her determination to work hard and play hard exemplifies the modern woman she is becoming, embodying the essence of balance and responsibility.

Sherilyn: Dance Enthusiast: Middle child Sherilyn, once the preschool and primary school chatterbox, has evolved into a discerning individual when it comes to friendships. She was once jokingly named ‘7-11’ by a relative because of her mouth yakking non-stop. As she matures, she’s now mellowed down and is more of a quiet girl. Immersed in the world of dance, she channels her energy into dance classes, competitions, and video shoots during her free time. She also works part-time at two cafes (one in her uni and one nearer to home), whenever she has an off day from uni. She has to work to pay her dance classes, costumes and makeup. She also attended several barista and coffee art courses, on her own accord and money, to equip herself with an added skill which has now proven to be extremely helpful in the cafes that she works at. Her dedication to her craft is palpable, and every step she takes reflects her commitment to self-expression and personal growth.

Cassandra: Fitness Junkie: The youngest, Cass, navigates the tumultuous seas of teenage hormones with a dash of moodiness. She’s the toughest for me to handle now. However, her heart beats for figure skating, a passion that absorbs all her free time and savings. Beyond the ice rink, she embraces a holistic approach to fitness—running and gym workouts every day, bouldering, hiking, and badminton—a testament to her love for an active lifestyle.

As a mother, my aspirations intertwine with theirs. My deepest wish is for my three daughters to thrive, and to lead lives filled with comfort, good health, and boundless happiness.

As my daughters embark on their journeys, I harbor dreams of my own—to traverse the world. Before I start planning my travels to my dream countries (Norway is one of them!), I made a promise to my girls that I would treat them each to a holiday where I would travel with only one daughter each time to an overseas country. Now, I have to work on making this promise I made to them materialize.

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Navigating the New Year: Catsitting For Haru and School Beginnings

As our family steps into the realm of 2024, the days unfold with a mix of anticipation, adjustments, and a fervent hope for a kinder, gentler year. The beginning of the new year marks not just the start of school for my youngest daughter, Cass, but also the countdown to a significant event in the life of my pandemic cat, Haru—the first time she ventures into a catsitter’s realm. The boarding will commence on 7 February 2024, for 7 days, which is the minimum number of days set by most exclusive cat boarders.

For Haru, the timid feline presence that has become an inseparable part of my daily life, the prospect of spending seven days away from her familiar home is met with a mix of trepidation and hope. Haru’s exclusive boarding promises a private haven with a window to the outside world and a CCTV connection for our virtual interactions. Yet, my heart is filled with prayers that this catsitting venture unfolds seamlessly, ensuring Haru’s comfort and well-being. My greatest wish is for Haru to accept the catsitter without turning aggressive towards her, without turning into a nervous cat, without falling sick, and for Haru to eat and drink well, poo, and pee well.

Meanwhile, the echoes of the school bell signal not just the start of a new year but a fresh chapter in Cass’s academic journey. Senior High One (Form 4) places her in the top class of her chosen stream—Commerce. While academic achievements are part of the journey, my deepest wish for Cass extends beyond grades. It is a hope for her happiness, the forging of meaningful friendships that last a lifetime, and good health that remains free from the shadows of urinary tract infections and kidney infections.

As the calendar flips its pages, the specter of Cass’s urinary tract issues loom on the horizon. Yet, for now, our focus is for her to complete her high school first, as any surgery (which, most likely will be major) will be very disruptive to her studies. The pursuit of intensive medical investigations will wait until after her SPM, a pivotal examination that lies two years ahead. A gap year post-SPM will then provide the space to seek a skilled surgeon (most likely private and will cost a lot) who can unravel the mysteries behind her health concerns and guide her toward a successful resolution, conclusively.

The dawn of January brings not just resolutions but also a familiar dance with finances as school, college, and university fees beckon. The first two weeks of the year always witness a significant outflow from the bank account—a reminder that financial hurdles accompany the pursuit of education. In this dance, my heartfelt plea to 2024 is for a better and stronger financial journey for both my hubby and me.

Here’s to hoping that the new year unfolds with grace, resilience, and a generous sprinkling of kindness and good health for my family and yours too.

Drunk cat found outside hubby’s kitchen. Just kidding 😸. We found a new cat outside hubby’s kitchen, a cat that we’ve not seen before. There are many stray cats around his shop and many of them are Haru’s sibling and relatives. Each time I stumble upon these cats, I’m very tempted to bring them home but I know that this will not happen. One cat is enough for me.

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Ah Ma Jia Café: A Taste of Grandma’s Cooking

Our usual Sunday routine involves Cass going to Pavillion Bukit Jalil early in the morning for figure skating practice. Her classes are on Friday but she goes to the skating rink on Sunday to practise. We then fetch her back at noon. Next, hubs will go on a food hunt to explore new cafes and restaurants. This past Sunday, we discovered a hidden gem that left our taste buds dancing with delight – Ah Ma Jia Café.

Nestled next to Pavillion Bukit Jalil, Ah Ma Jia, which translates to “grandma’s house” in Mandarin, promises to serve up traditional dishes reminiscent of the comforting meals your grandma would lovingly prepare.

Ah Ma Jia is a new cafe with double-decked seats, similar to Lhong Tou Café in Yaowarat, Bangkok that’s famed for their double-decker seating.

One of the things that immediately won us over was the extensive menu. From the moment we perused the choices, we knew we were in for a treat. The dishes spanned a wide array of flavors, each with a hint of nostalgia and a dash of authenticity. And the best part was the prices were all very reasonable.

For our Sunday lunch, we decided to indulge in a feast of our favorite dishes:

Bubur Cha Cha: This delightful dessert, made with thick coconut milk and a variety of sweet potatoes and tapioca, was an absolute hit. It was a bowl of creamy heaven that left me craving for more; I ordered two bowls! This is my favorite ‘tong sui’ as I am a sucker for anything with coconut milk.

Curry Laksa: Ah Ma Jia’s curry laksa was a flavor explosion. The curry broth was rich and intense, and each bite was a symphony of spices and flavors.

Chinese Sausage and Pork Lard Rice: Topped with a perfectly fried egg, this dish offered a tantalizing combination of yumminess from the fried Chinese sausage and crispy pork lard. A must-have dish for pork lovers.

Siam Laksa: The Siam laksa was a fragrant and spicy delight with lip-smacking thick broth.

Yam Cake: The yam cake was a savory indulgence, with a generous amount of aromatic ingredients within.

The adults shared a pot of refreshing flower tea, which comprised of chrysanthemum flowers, lemon and stalks of lemongrass.

Stir-fried Rolled Up Chee Cheong Fun: This dish is a unique twist to the traditional CCF, where the chef stir-fried the rolled noodles with cabbage, eggs, carrots, etc. It was very flavorful and surprisingly, we finished the entire plate.

Cantonese Fried Mee Sua: Cass chose this noodle dish. It’s a comforting noodle dish with smooth egg sauce and a variety of ingredients such as prawns, fish cake, ham slices, cabbage and carrot strips.

Coconut Milk Shake: Cassandra’s choice, this refreshing drink was a delightful blend of creamy coconut goodness, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Snow Fungus Tong Sui: Hubby’s choice. A sweet and soothing dessert that provided a sweet ending to his meal.

While Alycia and Sherilyn couldn’t join us for lunch, we got them takeaway spaghetti with grilled chicken and braised pork belly rice, ensuring that they too could savor the delicious food of Ah Ma Jia. The braised pork belly dish was superb, just the way I like it with tender pork in a flavorful sauce. The spaghetti noodles were a tad dry though, according to Alycia but the grilled chicken was delicious.

Ah Ma Jia Café truly captures the essence of home-cooked nostalgia. The affordable prices and prompt service were the icing on the cake. This café is a culinary gem that we will cherish and definitely revisit to explore the rest of the menu. I’ll order Bubur Cha Cha again, for sure 😋

Ah Ma Jia

Address:
* within walking distance from Pavilion Bukit Jalil
N-13-1 , Jalan Persiaran Jalil 3 , Bukit Jalil City,
Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM (closed on Mondays)

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A Luxurious Elegance of Velvet Bridesmaid Dresses

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses that exude elegance and timeless beauty, velvet has emerged as one of the top choices for modern brides. The allure of velvet bridesmaid dresses is undeniable, with their rich, soft, shiny texture and versatility that complements various wedding themes.

Let’s explore why velvet dresses are a go-to choice for bridesmaids.

1. Elegance Personified

Velvet is synonymous with opulence and sophistication. The lush, soft texture of velvet bridesmaid dresses instantly elevates the entire bridal party’s look, making a statement of refined elegance. Whether you’re planning a classic, vintage, or modern wedding, velvet seamlessly fits into any theme, enhancing the overall ambiance with its regal charm.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Yelure-Velvet-Dress-2-768x1024.jpg — Sleeveless V-neck Long Velvet Bridesmaid Dress With Side Slit

2. Shiny and Glamorous

Velvet’s natural sheen adds a touch of glamour to bridesmaid attire. The fabric beautifully catches and reflects light, creating a stunning effect that complements the bride’s gown while allowing bridesmaids to shine in their own right. Velvet bridesmaid dresses are especially breathtaking in evening and winter weddings when they catch the warm glow of candles and fairy lights.

Spaghetti Strap Plunging V Neckline Long Velvet Dress

3. Timeless Appeal

One of the most significant advantages of choosing velvet bridesmaid dresses is their timeless appeal. Unlike trendy fabrics that may lose their charm over time, velvet remains a classic choice that transcends seasons and fashion eras. Your bridesmaids will look back on your wedding photos and still appreciate the elegance of their beautiful velvet gowns.

Cowl Neck Velvet Bridesmaid Dress With Crisscross Back

The Yelure.com Collection

For brides seeking beautiful and affordable velvet bridesmaid dresses, look no further than Yelure.com. Yelure offers a wide range of exquisite velvet dresses that cater to various preferences and budgets. What sets Yelure.com apart is its commitment to customization. Bridesmaid dresses at Yelure.com are available in any size and can even be custom-sized to ensure a perfect fit for every member of your bridal party.

At Yelure.com, you’ll find velvet bridesmaid dresses in a plethora of sweet colors, allowing you to choose the shade that best complements your wedding color palette. Whether you envision deep burgundy, regal navy, or romantic blush, Yelure.com has a spectrum of options to match your style.

When it comes to selecting bridesmaid dresses that epitomize elegance, shine with glamour, stand the test of time, and fit within your budget, velvet is the way to go. Discover the stunning collection of velvet bridesmaid dresses available at Yelure.com and make your bridal party shine with luxurious elegance on your special day. Elevate your wedding with the regal allure of Velvet Bridesmaid Dresses from Yelure.com.

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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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Last Week In Photos – Food, Family & Pet Cat

Last week started off with my darn right eyelid twitching non-stop. If you’ve read my blog long enough, you’d have read that I have a creepy relationship with my eyelids. When they twitch, I have to be wary of misfortunes or sickness coming soon to me or my loved ones. Scary, eh?

True enough, I received bad news from my mom early last week that she was down with Covid. And she’s still in pain and recuperating from a broken arm 😭. Mom has very weak lungs and suffers from asthma too. It’s a triple whammy!

I really wish I could be back in Ipoh to care for mom. But I can’t leave KL until 14th March. Fortunately papa is taking very good care of mom. He has been cooking, baking and cleaning up the house for the past 2 months since mom’s fall which resulted in a fractured right arm and shoulder. Papa’s dishes are not simple, mind you, and very yummy. He cooks with love. He also bathes and dresses up mom, on top of doing all the marketing. Papa will be 80 this August. God bless them both, please 🙏

Last Saturday, there was a small celebration at hubby’s uncle’s house to commemorate the death of hubby’s grandparents. They were perished in a helicopter crash while on a flight to Genting Highlands on 25 February 1982. They would have turned 100 years old this year.

There was a whole roast pig, with the butcher on site to serve us. Apologies to my dear Muslim friends as this is non-halal 🙏.

In case you’re wondering how much the whole roast pig costs, it’s RM1,700 and the price is weight-based.

Stir-fried assorted veggies by hubby’s aunt Wendy.

Fried rice, fried mee and fried meehoon.

Everyone had bags of fried siew yoke to bring home too, bliss!

We had fried siew yoke for dinner two days later.

I think the mil is going to cook the siew yoke with veggies, noodles, porridge and everything else when she comes back from Penang at the end of this week.

My sweet girl Haru on my lap as she was terrified of the roaring thunder. Never a lap cat, but she will remain still on my lap just for a few minutes when she’s afraid of the thunder.

That’s me sitting on the bench at 7.30 a.m. at our house entrance, and waiting for TRH princess aka the SPM girl to find her books and stuff at the eleventh hour. The exam starts at 8.15 a.m.
I’m the one who always has to wait for her and everyone else in the house but when they have to wait for a few seconds for me, I am made to feel like a criminal, WTF 🤨

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Friday, 23 December 2022

Hubs had some free time in the morning today and took us to The Gardens Mall for a quick lunch.

We ambled around the mall and were undecided on what to eat, as usual. We went the Isetan to check out the Japanese restaurants but they were not ready to serve lunch yet. We were there at around 11.30 a.m. Finally we settled for Vietnamese food at An Viet.

Cass ordered this bun set (Vietnamese rice vermicelli) that comes with delicious meat balls and pork ribs in a rich, flavorful broth.

My low-carb dish of grilled lemongrass chicken and fried egg. This is by far the tastiest grilled lemongrass chicken with very strong aroma of lemongrass. This is the dish that I will always order whenever I dine at An Viet.

Hubs had only vegetarian spring rolls as he was already stuffed with all the food tasting at his central kitchen. He has a big event later in the afternoon and was at his kitchen in the morning to test taste the food that his chefs cooked.
The hot lemongrass + ginger tea @ RM13.90 per jug is superb with strong aroma of lemongrass. This is another favorite of mine at An Viet.

My yearly Christmas treat to Cass – a large cup of limited-time only Christmas-themed smoothie from Boost Juice. This year I got a large cup of smoothie for free as I’d accumulated enough stamps to claim a free large drink.

Sherilyn chose to stay at home to bake a wheat flour-free + gluten-free orange cake for her grandparents in Ipoh. The cake is composed of almond meal, 2 whole oranges, eggs, butter and reduced sugar. It’s the MIL’s and my favorite cake.

Low-carb almond flour orange cake. Sherilyn made 2 loafs – one for her grandparents in Ipoh and another loaf for her favorite grandaunt.

Sherilyn also made this divine chocolate cake for her friend’s birthday today, using Royce chocolate, Royce Nama chocolate Au-Lait and Whittaker’s Gingerbread chocolate for the decor. Looks like a few hundred dollars and I’m sure it tastes like one too!

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Simple Tips To Save Money

According to a recent statement by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief strategy officer, Malaysians looking to retire in 20 to 30 years will need to have at least RM900,000 to RM1 million in their retirement savings. And this amount is the “bare minimum” to live in an expensive city like Kuala Lumpur.

For people retiring sooner, they would need about RM600,000 in savings to live a fairly comfortable life in Kuala Lumpur. These estimates were projected after taking into account inflation and medical bills, and have not even considered major medical expenses.

As per data from the Ministry of Finance, as of 30 June 2022, over 6.6 million EPF members (or 52%) aged under 55 have savings of less than RM10,000 whereas 3.2 million (or 27%) of members under 55 have very critical savings of less than RM1,000.

Many members do not even achieve the official EPF basic savings target of RM240,000 by the age of 55 – a number set assuming that Malaysians will only need a bare minimum of RM1,000 per month for 20 years upon retirement. These statistics project a very worrying outlook given that Malaysia is a rapidly aging society.

But fret not, there are always ways to increase your retirement funds if you start to implement some cost-cutting strategies right now. Here are some simple ways to save money.

Cut down on non-essential monthly payments, automatic subscriptions, and memberships.
Switch to buying generics for medicines, food items, clothing, and everything else.
Plan money-saving meals.
Pack lunch to the office and eat at home more.
Skip the fancy coffee and tea shops. Brew it yourself!
Shop online and use cashback, free shipping, and discount vouchers.
Sell everything that doesn’t spark joy anymore.
Trim your grocery budget.
Set a budget and STICK TO IT.
Have a side hustle or freelance job on top of a full-time job.

If you are always procrastinating when it comes to growing your nest egg, it’s never going to happen. Whether you earn RM2,000 or RM10,000 a month, you will always find that your salary is not enough to put aside for savings. The best time to start building your reserves is right now, even if it’s just saving RM50 a month. Your small sum of RM50 saved per month will snowball into RM600 a year and multiply to over RM6000 in 10 years, thanks to the power of compound interest.

You can use an online savings calculator to help you instantly calculate how much you’ll need to save each month for your retirement, children’s college, and savings goals.

Conclusion

All of us must have retirement planning the moment we start to work upon graduation. It’s never too early to plan and start. The sooner you start the better as you’ll save more and have a more comfortable retirement in your golden years.

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