HEALTH FREAK MOMMY – Page 13 – The joys and throes of motherhood…

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 ~ Cass’ HPV Vaccination & Excursion At The Exchange TRX

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has been giving the HPV immunization for free for all girls in Form 1 (aged 13). However, the HPV vaccination program in schools was suspended since 2021 due to the lack of global vaccine supply. Thankfully this year, the supply has been replenished and the free vaccination program can be resumed.

The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.

Today I accompanied Cass to a government clinic for her first dose of government-sponsored HPV vaccination. Little did we know that what started as a walk-in medical appointment would turn into a memorable adventure exploring the newest lifestyle hub in Kuala Lumpur, The Exchange TRX.

Our journey to the government clinic at Jalan Hang Tuah was not without its hiccups. It took us almost an hour to reach the clinic, even though it wasn’t very far from us. After encountering a canceled Grab ride and a Grab driver who lost his way, we arrived just in time, breathing a sigh of relief as we beat the lunchtime rush.

At Klinik Ibu Dan Anak Hang Tuah for Cass’ free HPV vaccine.

Surprisingly, the vaccination process was super swift, with almost zilch wait time. Everything was done within 10 minutes, plus a 15-minute observation period post-vaccination. However, I couldn’t help but question the logic behind filling out a detailed form as a parent when it’s the child receiving the vaccine. The form required me to answer questions such as whether I have any diseases, allergies, depression and easily get upset. Shouldn’t it be the child who has to answer these questions instead of the parent? 😂

Post-vaccination, Cass eagerly suggested a trip to Petaling Street aka Chinatown, but my concerns about the scorching heat (as Cass had just taken a jab which I wasn’t sure would have any adverse reaction) led us to The Exchange TRX instead.

Our first stop was the food court, where Cass was drawn to a Yong Tau Fu stall displaying a wide assortment of fish balls, noodles, tofu, mushrooms, etc. Despite the hefty bill of RM42.40 for just the two of us and lackluster taste, we pressed on, determined to make the most of our outing. We didn’t finish the Yong Tau Fu as some of the items were sour and tasted funky.

Our RM42.40 bowl of Yong Tau Fu liu, which tasted MEH. The items that were supposed to be fried were not fried. They were just blanched and added into a bland tasting chicken soup.

Fortunately, our spirits were lifted by indulging in Hey Tea’s strawberry jasmine tea and All About Chew’s heavenly chocolate cookie. Despite the steep prices, the delectable treats made it worth every penny. The Big Ass Softy (BAS) dark chocolate cookie at RM15 per piece was so divine that despite the hefty price tag, I bought another piece to bring home for Alycia and Sherilyn to try. The Big Ass cookie was love at first bite for both Cass and me. It has everything that we look for in a cookie.

The Big Ass Softy (BAS) chocolate cookie (RM15/piece) was da bomb – soft chewy buttery cookie with bits of dark chocolate and walnuts.

We waited for almost half an hour for our jasmine tea strawberry drink. According to Alycia that night, Heytea (a China tea chain) is the newest tea craze amongst Gen Zs. Her friends waited for 1-2 hours for their tea.
Heytea opened its first store in Malaysia at the Exchange TRX shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur in late 2023.

Energized, we ventured to TRX City Park, a verdant oasis atop the mall, braving the sweltering heat for a glimpse of nature in the heart of the city. With its array of attractions including playgrounds, water features, cave play, and alfresco dining, clean walking treks, TRX City Park offers a welcome respite from the urban hustle. After exploring the park and satisfying Cass’s curiosity at Kinokuniya bookstore, we headed home, cherishing the memories made during our impromptu adventure.

The Exchange TRX is a blend of unexpected twists and delightful discoveries. While the mall itself offers a typical shopping experience, its rooftop park provides a refreshing escape.

SEIBU, the luxury department store from Japan, has made its debut in Malaysia for the first time at The Exchange TRX.

Zones at TRX City Park. Very nice park for people of all ages. Would be enjoyable to stroll at the park when the weather is cooler in the early mornings or evenings.

Many eateries, cafes and restaurants with alfresco dining at the park.

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Eve of CNY 2024 Dinner

It’s been aeons since we last had our CNY Eve dinner at a restaurant. In the years that we were back in Ipoh on CNY eve, dinners were always homecooked by my papa. And in years that we stayed put in KL, the MIL would cook. So this year’s CNY eve dinner was a breeze and stress-free at a Chinese restaurant. The best part is there’s no massive prep, washing and cleaning up after dinner. Totally my kind of reunion dinner 😜

As hubby booked the table only a week earlier, there were no more tables inside the air-conditioned restaurant for us and we had to accept sitting alfresco in the super hot and humid weather, which made the dinner a tad uncomfortable. After our meal, everyone was drenched in sweat 🥵

After dinner, hubby sent the mil and I home as we wanted to pack our bags for our trip to Ipoh. Hubby and his three girls then headed to Mid Valley Megamall for a super last minute shopping for new clothes.

Here’s our CNY Eve set menu dinner, which cost RM1k+. In fact, the restaurant dishes on Chor 1 and Chor 2 in Ipoh were 95% similar to the ones that we had on CNY Eve in KL and we started to get blasé of those dishes on the second day of CNY.

Braised lai park veggie in mock crab meat broth.

No. of times viewed = 46

Reviews of YNM Weighted Blankets

A weighted blanket offers several benefits regarding the quality of your sleep. This type of blanket provides a snug and calming embrace that helps you sleep better, similar to a tight hug.

It also reduces stress and anxiety and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing. This article reviews some of the best weighted blankets from YNM.

Chunky Knit Throw
The Chunky Knit Throw is a chic weighted blanket with an aesthetic hand-knit design. The throw is made from both natural and synthetic yarn and hollow fiber filler. It weighs between four and a half and seven and a half pounds, depending on the size. This makes the blanket a great choice if you like lighter-weight options.

Its beadless design ensures the throw’s weight is evenly distributed for optimal comfort. The blanket also boasts contour technology, which helps it adapt to your body’s shape. You can get the throw in small, medium, and large sizes, and a number of colors.

One thing to love about the Chunky Knit Throw is its attractive handcrafted design. You also have a variety of color options to choose from to complement any type of interior décor. The dense yarn it’s made from makes the blanket highly functional. This throw is naturally breathable and offers good ventilation thanks to its loose knit and moisture wicking textiles.

The Chunky Knit Throw is less likely to trap heat due to its beadless construction. As such, you’ll be very comfortable if you run warm when sleeping. The even weight distribution spreads pressure is across your body.
This helps eliminate the feeling of being crushed you may get with other weighted blankets. Its body shaping ability offers that soothing body-hugging feel. Also, you can machine wash and tumble dry the throw. The one-year warranty and customer support are great additions.

Exclusive Cotton Weighted Blanket

This is a best-in-class duvet-style weighted blanket made from high-quality cotton and synthetic fiber filler. The premium glass beads that give it its weight have been sewn in small pockets to ensure the weight is distributed evenly. The blanket features a seven-layer system and also conforms to your body’s curves to provide a cozy and snug feeling.

YNM’s cotton weighted blanket comes in weight ranges between 7 and 30 pounds. This means there are options for sleeper with different weight preferences. They are available in colors including dark grey, light grey, navy, green, and lavender.

The blanket has interior fasteners that enable you to tie protective duvet covers. This is a great addition if you want more variety in terms of style and colors. The blanket comes with a one-year warranty.

The premium stitching and neutral colors give the blanket an understated look that blends well with different décor styles. The cotton fabric is very comfortable and breathable. It also encourages air circulation and wicks moisture away from the user. A

The pocketed glass beads ensure the blanket exerts pressure evenly across your body. In addition, the fabric is machine washable and dryable. You don’t have to worry about beads coming loose.

Exclusive Dual-Sided Weighted Blanket

This is an all-season weighted blanket made from natural bamboo viscose and velvet. The naturally breathable bamboo and velvet sides are designed for warm and cool sleepers respectively. The blanket also features synthetic fiber filler.

The blanket’s weight is uniform since glass beads sit in small patches across its canvas. You can get the blanket in three sizes and weights between 12 and 30 pounds. It features two color combinations – dark and light gray and blue and grey. In addition, you can spruce up the colors through duvet covers you can attach via interior fasteners on the blanket.

This dual-sided weighted blanket is highly versatile, with a design and construct that’s suitable for different climates. If you get warm when sleeping, the bamboo viscose side provides optimal comfort. For people who get cold when asleep, you can simply switch over to the velvet side.

The blanket is exceptionally well made with quality fabrics that provide comfort, warmth, and breathability in one package. Maintenance is easy since you can you can machine wash and dry blanket. Finally, the weighted blanket offers a snug fit since it takes the form of your body’s outline.

Original Knitted Weighted Blanket

This is a stylish and functional hand-made blanket constructed from natural and synthetic yarn. The fabric is breathable and supports good ventilation to ensure you are cool and comfortable. It also has hollow fiber filler and comes with a one-year warranty.

All these aspects make the knitted weighted blanket the go-to option for sleepers who run warm. Further, the product is made out of recycled materials so it’s eco-friendly too. Since the blanket is beadless, its weight is spread uniformly. Also, contour technology ensures its blanket to drape snuggly over your silhouette.

You can get the Original Knitted Weighted Blanket in weight ranging from 10 to 25 pounds. There are three size options including twin, queen, and king. The blanket has an aesthetic design with many colors to complement your home’s theme. These include grey, blue, brown, white, lavender and more. The fabric allows easy maintenance and care since you can machine wash and tumble dry the blanket.

No. of times viewed = 46

Haru In Ipoh

Even though Haru’s carrier and bed were on our bedroom floor, she never slept on her bed for the two nights that we were in Ipoh for CNY. She only went inside her carrier to hide from my squealing and overzealous nieces and nephew from getting near her.

At night when we were in bed, Haru kept jumping up the bed to be with us. I kept pushing her away but she jumped up again and again until I gave up and let her be. Haru slept in between us 😆. She hardly did that in KL, except when she’s afraid of the thunderous fireworks and once when Cass stayed overnight in the hospital and Haru was looking everywhere for her sister.

Also, when we were asleep in the wee hours of the morning, this fella had her zoomies and zoomed up and down the bed, the room, and jumped up the dressing table. She also pooped at 3 a.m. on our last night. Because of this cat, I didn’t sleep well for more than a week – before and during her boarding as well as in Ipoh.

Alycia brought Haru out of the room to let her explore the stairs and to desensitize her phobia of seeing new faces.

Have I told you that Alycia is one of Haru’s favorite people? Besides her dad, Haru loves Alycia.

I am thankful that Haru did pretty well in the car on our road trip to and from Ipoh and did not cause us any major problem, besides meowing intermittently and trying to get out of her carrier to sit with us.

I can forget about boarding Haru again in future. If I have to travel in future, one of the girls has to be around to feed her and clean her litter. Haru is happiest when she’s in her home sweet home. When Haru’s happy, I’m happy 😻

No. of times viewed = 42

Failed Boarding For Haru

After 2 days of harrowing experience for Haru at the catsitter’s house, resulting in her going on a hunger strike and no peeing and pooping for 2 days, we (catsitter, hubby and I) decided that it’s best to bring her home. I sent Haru to the catsitter’s house on Wednesday and she was sent home to me on Friday morning. Our trip back to Ipoh was the next day, on a Saturday morning.

So Plan B was activated, which was to bring Haru with us to Ipoh. There was no time to think of another plan for Haru except for her to follow us.

To begin with, Haru has never liked car rides. Even a 5-minute car ride to the nearby vet would cause Haru to hyperventilate and pee in the car. What more a 2 to 4 hours journey to Ipoh. We had no idea of how bad the traffic would be on the highway on the first of Chinese New Year. We had no idea of how Haru would adapt in my parents’ house in Ipoh with so many new faces in a brand new environment.

We had to Just. Do. It. and prayed for the best.

Our trip from KL to Ipoh took three hours instead of the usual 1 hour 45 minutes. Haru was put in her carrier in between Alycia and me. We opened the flap on top of the carrier and Haru stuck her head out to enjoy the view. Having all her favorite humans in the car with her helped to calm her down, though she was shivering almost throughout the car ride.

After 2 hours of intermittent meowing in the car, we took Haru out of the carrier. She sat briefly on Sherilyn’s lap and then sat on my lap quietly for the remaining one hour journey. Sitting on my lap, Haru calmed down instantly and even fell asleep. For the first time in her life, she sat on my lap for an hour. Haru is not a lap cat and can never sit on our laps for more than 5 minutes. She even licked my hand, something which she has never done before. She must have felt so grateful that I didn’t abandon her 😄

I actually enjoyed having Haru with us in the car on a road trip. I’m now even thinking of going to Penang for a holiday and bringing Haru along with us. But we’ll need to look for a pet-friendly Air-BNB. Hotels usually do not allow pets in.

Thank God everything went pretty smoothly and now we’re back in KL.

Haru and I survived Ipoh during CNY! Praise the Lord!

To be continued….

No. of times viewed = 48

Tips for Ensuring Your Kids Are Healthy and Happy Every Day

Sending your children off to school each day can be filled with both excitement and anxiety. As a parent, you want your kids to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. While you can’t control everything that happens once they leave the house each morning, there are steps you can take to set them up for success.

Establish a Routine

Having a predictable morning and evening routine can go a long way in making kids feel secure and prepared. Try to stick to regular times for waking up, eating breakfast, and getting ready. Build in time for things like brushing teeth, getting dressed, packing backpacks, and double-checking homework. Clear routines take the guesswork out of the morning rush.

Prioritise Sleep

Make sure your children get enough high-quality sleep each night. Most sleep specialists recommend 9-12 hours for primary school-aged kids and 8-10 hours for secondary schoolers. Establish a regular bedtime and relaxing pre-bed routine. Limit screen time before bed, which can negatively impact sleep. With adequate rest, kids will be more focused and better behaved at school.

Offer a Healthy Breakfast

Fuel up kids with a nutritious breakfast every morning. This gives them the energy to tackle the day ahead. Quick, healthy breakfast ideas include yoghurt with fruit, whole grain cereal or porridge, toast with peanut butter, boiled eggs, and avocado on toast. You can prepare grab-and-go options like breakfast burritos, overnight oats, and smoothies. Offer balanced options from multiple food groups like protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Teach Organisational Skills

Help kids stay on top of schoolwork by teaching organisational skills. Make sure they have a system for keeping track of assignments and packing what they need the night before. Provide an easily accessible workspace for completing homework. Check agendas and online portals daily to stay up-to-date with schoolwork and activities. Celebrate when they show responsibility in keeping track of their obligations.

Foster Positive Communication

Maintain open communication with your kids about school. Ask them each day about what they learned, who they played with at lunch, and what they’re excited or nervous about. Listen attentively to both the ups and downs. Provide empathy when they struggle with a subject or have a disagreement with a friend. Share in their pride over achievements like a good test score or making the basketball team. Letting them share both worries and wins helps you guide them.

Ask Your School to Provide Canine Assisted Learning

Research shows that having dogs in schools provides a wealth of benefits for kids. Called canine assisted learning, this involves highly trained dogs, like the ones from The Dog Mentor, working with students under a teacher’s supervision. Interacting with dogs cultivates empathy, teaches responsibility, reduces stress and anxiety, and is thought to improve academic engagement. If your school doesn’t have a dog integration programme, ask them to consider it. Explain the well-documented advantages and offer to connect them with reputable training providers. Seeing the far-reaching positive impacts dogs can have will help them say yes to bringing these paw-some classroom companions on board!

The key to school success is supporting your kids’ overall health, well-being and organisational skills. Establishing routines, fostering communication, and keeping them active gives them the tools to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

No. of times viewed = 26

7 February 2024 – Haru’s Boarding (Day 1)

I managed to put Haru (who is usually terrified of the carrier) into her carrier while she was having a cat nap at 2pm today. I felt so bad for ‘betraying’ her.

The catsitter, who calls herself kaima (aka godma in Cantonese) came to pick us up. I paid her RM80 for a 1-way pet transport. Cass accompanied me.

At kaima’s house, all hell broke loose. I expected it.

Haru was hissing uncontrollably. The shell shocked and scared look on her face broke my heart. She was hissing at not only kaima, but at Cass and me. When Cass tried to comfort Haru, she almost got bitten. Kaima told us to leave Haru alone.

Haru was hyperventilating while hissing at anyone who tried to get near her. She was afraid that we may harm her.

I took out all her stuff and explained them to kaima. I put Haru’s bed and lined it with my worn pajamas. Haru sniffed it and immediately calmed down. She went to her bed and sat on it. The familiar smell of my worn pajamas did wonders in calming her.

I tried to feed Haru with a kibble but she was too scared to even notice a kibble on my hand. Haru is usually very food-motivated. After a while laying on her bed with my worn pajamas, she calmed down and ate that kibble. That was the last time she ate.

As of typing this post (it’s now 7.50 pm on 8 February 2024), it’s more than 24 hours since Haru last ate or drank. She wouldn’t want to eat anything. Though I brought along her usual bowl and food but all she did was just sniff it and turned away.

From the Tapo app (CCTV) on my phone, I could see Haru either sleeping or hiding under cabinets the whole day. Kaima tried to feed Haru three times but she just wouldn’t eat.

The room is equipped with Feliway diffuser to calm cats and calming music specially for cats is played 24 hours. I paid over RM100 separately for the Feliway diffuser.

I am crushed 😭. Watching Haru on the CCTV day and night rejecting food and hiding feels like watching my child die a slow and painful death. Ok, I may sound melodramatic but this is exactly how I feel now.

When will Haru ever eat, poo and pee?

Haru must have thought that I have abandoned her. I have prepared Haru for this boarding for over two months, telling her about my plans and that I am not abandoning her, but all the preparation seemed to be futile.

I told hubby and kaima that if Haru continues to go on a hunger strike tonight and tomorrow morning, I will have no choice but to bring her home. And take another drastic measure – lug her along in our car on a road trip back to Ipoh.

It’s a big risk that I will be taking as Haru is terrified of car rides and being in the car for 2 hours or more will stress her out even more. And when she reaches my parents’ house, it will be another traumatic time for her with another new place, new faces and new routine. When she’s stressed out, so will I.

I have been praying fervently that Haru will start to eat, poo and pee by tonight. I still think that leaving her at kaima’s house is a better option vs traveling as traffic on the highway will most likely be bad during the CNY period.

My greatest worry is Haru developing gastric, serious gut issues, UTI or organ failure from being dehydrated and malnourished. To begin with, Haru already has sensitive guts and is prone to diarrhea.

For cat parents, has this ever happened to your cat when you sent him/her to the cat boarder’s house or pet hotel? Would greatly appreciate advice. Thank you from a desperate cat mama.

To be continued…

My worn pajamas did wonders in calming Haru down.

Haru’s room. This room isn’t supposed to be her room. I had planned to book a room with cat trees and hanging toys for her but I was slightly late and it was booked by another customer. So kaima offered me her foyer, at a cheaper rate of RM120 per night. A proper solo cat room costs RM150 per night.

Screen shot of the CCTV. Haru is staring at her food here but doesn’t have the appetite to eat it. 😭

No. of times viewed = 31

Fruit and Veggie Lovers

Our girls have been trained to eat lots of vegetables and fruits since young. As such, they have no problem eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits every day. These are important to us, just as how water is to us. They’ve also been trained to eat raw greens and funnily though, they prefer their raw greens without any salad dressing, which is healthier.

Of the three girls, Cass is the most health conscious. She’s a fruit and veggie monster and can really scarf down a LOT of veggies and fruits every day, which hurts my wallet *ouch*.

Alycia is grazing on her plate of raw Mizuna leaves here. This semester (short semester), most of her classes are in the evening, so she joins us for lunch at home on most days.

Alycia chomping down her plate of Mizuna leaves sans any dressing. She loves it this way.

I get at least two punnets of Mizuna salad from the supermarket each week, on top of the regular veggies like cabbage, broccoli, spinach, cucumber, beans, etc.

This superstar green is high in nutrients yet low in calories and boasts a long list of benefits to your health. Mizuna provides a megadose of nutrients, including antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that work by neutralizing harmful free radicals, preventing damage to cells and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

No. of times viewed = 20

Counting Down To The Day

Eight more days to sending my baby cat to the catsitter’s house. Her catsitter calls herself ‘kaima’ (godma), aka kaima to fur babies. She rescues stray cats and does trap-neuter-return (TNR) and finds these cats furever homes.

Yesterday I dug out her carrier and left it in the living room. Haru hates the carrier coz going into the carrier means going to the vet. The carrier has never been a pleasant experience for her or for us. We had to catch her and force her into the carrier each time we brought her to the vet, something that I hate to do. Now I don’t bother to put her into the carrier anymore whenever we bring her to the vet. She will be carried in my arms or put inside a cloth bag, clutched under Sherilyn’s armpit.

Kaima advised me to bring the carrier out and try to get Haru used to the sight of the carrier, and to remove her phobia of the carrier so that on the actual day, it will be less traumatizing for her.

Haru went into the carrier for a brief 5 minutes and walked out again. She has been looking at the carrier skeptically ever since we left it in the living room 😹

No. of times viewed = 32

Embracing Comfort and Style With Oversized Fashion

Oversized fashion is adored by millions worldwide, by both genders, regardless of age or size. It has become more than just a wardrobe staple; it has earned its spot as a symbol of comfort, versatility, and individual expression. From classic oversized shirts to voluminous sweaters, baggy hoodies, and wide-leg pants, oversized fashion has stolen the spotlight in the fashion world, drawing both fashion enthusiasts and fashion designers. Whether it’s a casual outing or a formal event, there’s an oversized option for every occasion, adding a touch of effortless cool to any ensemble.

Here’s why oversized shirts and fashion are liked by many, delving into their sheer comfort, versatility, and adaptability to ever-changing fashion scenes.

1. Unparalleled Comfort

There may be no better explanation for the popularity of oversized clothing than comfort. The loose and baggy fit of these tops allows for ease of movement, making them the preferred choice for those who place priority on comfort over style. Whether you’re going to college, shopping, working from home, or enjoying a casual day out, oversized shirts and tees are the go-to tops to provide the comfort needed for every occasion.

2. Versatility

Whether you’re rocking a designer oversized t shirt or an oversized shirt womens, oversized fashion effortlessly adapts to various styles and preferences. The versatility of these oversized tops lies in their ability to be paired easily with a wide array of stylish bottoms, ranging from denim skinny jeans to cargo pants, pleated skirts, denim skirts, leggings, and smart trousers. Tucked-in, half-tucked, or untucked, oversized shirts are versatile and there are multiple ways to rock your shirt. This makes oversized shirts transition seamlessly from a casual day look to a more polished ensemble, without breaking the bank.

3. Expression of Personal Style

Wearers of oversized shirts can showcase their unique style with confidence by using them as a canvas for self-expression. Whether you choose a classic plain color oversize shirt, a graphic tee, or splurge on designer oversized shirts, the oversized trend allows you to make a statement and most importantly, be stylish.

4. Layering for Added Chic

Oversized shirts are great for layering, offering endless possibilities for creating dapper and sophisticated styles. When you pair an oversized shirt with a tailored jacket, the outfit is taken to another level. Alternatively, you can choose a fitted cardigan to elevate the overall style, demonstrating that oversized fashion effortlessly combines comfort and sophistication.

5. Designer Oversized Shirts

Designer oversized shirts have become coveted fashion pieces, combining high-quality craftsmanship with a casual fit. Luxury and comfort have combined to create an exciting trend where oversized shirts are not only a casual choice but a fashion statement supported by popular designers and celebrities.

6. Easy Maintenance

Most oversized shirts, like regular cotton shirts, can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a clothes dryer, without needing special care or dry cleaning. Some materials are wrinkle-free while some cotton t-shirts require light ironing.

Conclusion

Oversized shirts have won the hearts of both men and women of all ages, offering a winning combination of comfort, versatility, and style. From casual outings to glitzy fashion runways, oversized fashion shows no signs of petering out. It’s a timeless fashion and there’s no denying that embracing the oversized fashion revolution allows individuals to express themselves with unparalleled ease, comfort, and style.

No. of times viewed = 8

No-Pierce Ear-Cuffs (Earrings) For Those With Sensitive Skin

I’ve always loved wearing earrings but have not been able to wear any earrings (both pierce and clip-ons) since the pandemic started.

Ever since Covid entered our lives, anti-bacterial and anti-virus hand sanitizers had been a crucial part of our lives. At the start of the pandemic, everyone was so terrified of getting Covid that we all started applying hand sanitizers on our hands each time we went out. The sticky liquid became a steady fixture of our daily lives. And then the unimaginable happened. Our skin’s microbes were all destroyed by the hand sanitizer. Unfortunately, anti-bacterial hand sanitizers don’t discriminate bad from good and as a result, the good bacteria on our skin are killed too.

The human skin is home to about a thousand species of bacteria and other microbes, collectively called the skin microbiome. Many of these are important for health.

As a result, I was prone to various skin disorders from head to toe. Minor cuts and grazes on my hands didn’t heal well. Even my most trusted Melagel (tea tree oil balm) didn’t work in healing my wounds. Only antibiotic topical creams managed to treat the wounds.

When I told my gynae my issue with skin disorders, the first question that she asked me was “Did you use Dettol to bathe?”

When I said yes, she said “get rid of all the anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers in your house”.

Long story short, my ear lobes were easily inflamed whenever I slept on my sides. My ears were so badly inflamed with pus that I had to get steroid creams from the pharmacy to treat them. As a result, I could no longer wear any type of earrings – pure gold or not, pierce or clip-ons, anything that touched my ears irritated and inflamed my poor ear lobes.

Besides having a sudden super sensitive ears, I also developed ring worm on my waist area caused by excessive sweat after exercise and the elastic waist band on my shorts. It’s as if my skin was depleted of all the good bacteria and was easily attacked by bad bacteria. Ever since I stopped using anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, so did my skin condition improve.

I was excited when I discovered ear cuffs/ ear wraps on the Lazada shopping platform. I quickly ordered a pair a week ago and they arrived yesterday. I am so in love with these ear cuffs!

An ear cuff is a piece of jewellery that is worn around the outer edge of your ear. It simply slips over the cartilage and gives a similar look to that of a helix or snug piercing.

Very pretty ear cuffs with dangling tassels and bedazzled ‘diamonds’ and they only cost less than RM15 a pair. They’re comfy on my ears too with no piercing and painful clips on my ear lobes. The only snag is that the tassels on the ear cuffs get entangled easily, so you have to keep them in a specific way to prevent them from entangling.

If you want to buy these ear cuffs, please remind the seller to send the correct sides to you. The China seller sent 2 pieces of left ear cuffs to me. Though I can still wear the left ear cuff on my right ear, the diamond is on the back of my ear. But it’s not very noticeable as my hair can cover the diamond part.

I can’t wait to wear these ear cuffs during CNY. It’s been aeons since I last wore earrings. All my pure gold earrings and diamond earrings are now sitting inside the bank’s safe deposit box and I can only pray that my ears can wear them again one day without turning red, itchy and inflamed.

No. of times viewed = 18

What Is Y2K Fashion Trend?

Y2K is the abbreviation for the Year 2000. Y2K fashion simply means the fashion of the 2000s. If you’re a trendsetter or fashion victim aka someone who follows the fashion slavishly, you’d have seen Y2K baby tees, cargo pants and denim midi skirts back in vogue in recent years. My second daughter is a huge fan of Y2K fashion now and is always in super tiny tees and cargo pants 🤩.

Y2K fashion encapsulates the spirit of the turn of the millennium and is characterized by bold colors, futuristic elements, and a fusion of casual aesthetics.

Key Elements of Y2K Pieces:

1. Y2K Baby Tees: These cropped baby-size t-shirts are so tiny, they look like they have shrunken in the washer after being washed for 2 hours in 60C temperature followed by a 1200 spm spin. But they’re really cute. Pair baby tees Y2K with low-rise jeans, denim skirts, or cargo pants for the ultimate throwback look.

2. Low-Rise Jeans: A signature Y2K item, low-rise jeans sit below the natural waistline, showing off a hint of midriff. They pair effortlessly with baby tees or cropped tops, creating an iconic silhouette.

3. Velvet Track Pants:

The famed Juicy tracksuits were first released in 2001 and quickly became a Y2K phenomenon. These vibrant colored tracksuits were a pivotal moment in fashion history, embracing both comfort and style, merging sporty and chic aesthetics.

4. Graphic Tees: Y2K graphic tees feature bold designs, logos, and vibrant colors, capturing the essence of the 2000s’ carefree spirit. These graphic tees can be sourced from Y2K fashion online stores.

5. Cargo Pants: Baggy and super functional, cargo pants with multiple pockets were a Y2K staple, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and utility for both the guys and gals.

Y2K Accessories:

Tiny sunglasses, butterfly clips, chunky platform sandals, beaded jewelry and bedazzled bags are some of the accessories of the Y2K years, which add an edgy flair to any ensemble. These accessories are available from Cherry Kitten, a Y2K shop.

Is Y2K Fashion Still Trending?

Absolutely! This iconic fashion era will continue to inspire designers and fashionistas alike with its playful and daring elements.

Where to Get Your Y2K Pieces:

Explore Y2K stores like Cherry Kitten to browse a treasure trove of Y2K baby tees, graphic pieces, and accessories that capture the essence of the early 2000s. In summary, Y2K fashion is back, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and a fresh take on the iconic styles of the early noughties. Whether you’re a newbie to the trend or a die-hard fan to the trend, Y2K fashion seems timeless with its vibrant, stylish, and playful elements.

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Our Sunday, 21 January 2024

Can’t believe that today is the second last Sunday of January 2024. This means February and CNY are upon me very soon. And this means that Haru’s going to be separated from me soon. I have two months to prep myself mentally for Haru’s first ever boarding and I’ve been praying hard that all will go well for my precious kitty.

On a more positive note, I can’t wait to be back in Ipoh to have reunion meals with my family. My eldest brother’s family from Singapore will be back too. I’ve not seen his 3 kids since CNY 2020, the year the pandemic started. The last time we saw the twins, they were still toddlers. Now they’re in primary one, which means I won’t be able to carry them anymore. They’re no longer babies. Where did all the time go?

Today we had lunch at Seoul Korea again. This is our top favorite restaurant for authentic Korean food as the restaurant is run by a family of South Koreans. Dining at Seoul Korea always gives us 100% satisfaction, so much that we even buy their delicious banchan (appetizers) back.

Our favorite boiled pork. The pork has zero seasoning yet the natural taste of pork belly is very flavorful with melt-in-the-mouth flesh.

Someone rushing to complete her assignment. She’s drawing a building plan here.

So proud of this girl for earning a place on the Dean’s List in her first semester. Praying that she’ll do as well in her subsequent semester exams to earn a scholarship from the university.

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Thoughtful Teacher’s Appreciation Gifts and Ideas

As the end of the academic year is fast approaching, it’s time to get your child’s teachers a gift. I am a firm believer of expressing gratitude to a teacher through thoughtful gifts like a teacher t-shirt or personalized mug. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate a teacher’s hard work, dedication, time and patience . Some teachers even go all out to help students who are weak in their studies by offering free after-school guidance. When Cass was in primary school, she had a super dedicated Math teacher who would sacrifice his recess time to spend time with his students, making them recite the times table in Mandarin in front of him, one-on-one. I saw this with my own eyes when I went to school to bring food for Cass during recess. The teacher was eating bread and Cass stood in front of him, reciting the times table.

The gift for teacher does not necessarily have to be expensive. It can be an inexpensive yet meaningful gift. Let’s explore some thoughtful gifts for teachers to convey your appreciation without breaking the bank.

Personalized Items:

1. Mug or Water Tumbler: A personalized mug or water tumbler with a teacher’s name, a meaningful quote, or a special message is a simple yet thoughtful gift that your teacher can use every day.

2. Tote Bag: Customized tote bags or teacher bags bearing a teacher’s name or a fun design can be both practical, personal and versatile.

Personalized Cotton Tote Bag with Teacher’s Name

Wearable Appreciation:

1. Teacher T-Shirt: Gift your teacher a stylish and comfortable t-shirt teacher that reflects his or her passion for education. Shop for shirts with funny and humorous teacher-related slogans from shops like Teachers Gram.

2. Dress or Necktie: A personalized dress or a necktie can be a useful and appreciated gift for a teacher who enjoys dressing up and looking his/her best.

Sweet Treats:

1. Favorite Snacks or Fruit Basket: Find out your favorite teacher’s favorite snacks or treats and compile them into a lovely gift basket. It’s a delightful way to show you’ve paid attention to their preferences.

I love gifting fruits to my daughters’ teachers as fruits are healthy and delicious.

Customized Useful Accessories:

1. Lanyards: Teachers often use lanyards for access cards, whether in school or in their apartment. Choose a lanyard with a unique design or a personalized touch.

2. Stationery Set: A high-quality stationery set can be both functional and appreciated with items such as pens, book marks, notebooks, key chains, and sticky notes.

Floral Appreciation:

Flower Bouquet: A classic and timeless gift, a beautiful bouquet of flowers expresses appreciation and brightens up a teacher’s day. It does not have to be an expensive bouquet of flowers. It can be a stalk or two of your teacher’s favorite flowers or gather flowers from your garden, have them tied up with a pretty ribbon and complete it with a handwritten thoughtful note.

Conclusion:

Gifts like shirts for teachers, personalized mugs and fruit baskets to appreciate teachers are a great way to convey gratitude for the significant impact they have on their students’ lives. Whether it’s Teacher’s Day, the end of the school term, or a special occasion, a thoughtful gift goes a long way in showing appreciation for the dedication and hard work teachers put into nurturing children. Choose a gift that reflects your teacher’s personality and interests, and let them know how much their efforts are valued and cherished.

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Tuesday, 23 January 2024

A surprise awaited all the durian lovers in the house as hubby arrived home unusually early in the evening, bearing the king of fruits—durian, my absolute favorite. He bought the durians from a newly opened durian buffet shop, just a few doors away from his office.

Surprises continued as hubby proposed a trip to the supermarket, a routine part of his catering preparations. I love going grocery shopping with hubby as he’s usually very generous when we’re at the supermarket 😁. With groceries secured, hubby had a sudden craving for Japanese cuisine and he suggested a pitstop at a Japanese restaurant near the supermarket. Sushi, the epitome of culinary artistry, graced our table in the form of a platter of raw delights, along with a bowl of Chawan Mushi.

Having already eaten my evening meal earlier at 4 p.m, I opted to watch hubby relish the Japanese feast. As usual, I could resist the allure of my favorite food, even when it sat temptingly in front of me.

Amidst the muted colors of the restaurant, we engaged in heartfelt conversations, the ambient hum providing a backdrop to our tête-à-tête. After dinner, we went our separate ways – he went back to his office and I went home to finish off the remaining house chores for the day.

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Revamp Your Workout Wardrobe in 2024

Can you believe that the first month of 2024 is almost coming to an end and we’re soon welcoming the second month of 2024 and also the lunar new year? If you’ve set yourself New Year Resolutions or brought forward last year’s resolutions to this year, I hope you will set your mind on achieving these resolutions this year. I’m sure some of you are determined to embrace a healthier lifestyle, and for some, that means having the resolve to engage in regular exercise. If you’ve resolved to get fitter or to rid that muffin top and flabby arms, it’s time to revamp your workout wardrobe to get you started in your exercise journey. Let me discuss the importance of wearing comfortable gym clothes when you hit the gym or the pavement.

Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Gym Wardrobe

It’s more than just a fashion statement when you get proper gym clothes; it’s about comfort, motivation, and performance. The right workout gear can elevate your confidence, which in turn enhance your workout experience, and even motivate you to hit exercise more regularly.

Stretchable yoga shorts with two pockets. I love wearing this kind of pants when I run. Love the convenient pockets to put my phone, house key, and access card.

Pointers On Choosing the Right Gym Attire:

Comfort: Choose gym shirts that are made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. These materials help to keep you cool and dry during intense workouts, staving off discomfort caused by excessive sweating.
Fit: Opt for clothes that provide a comfortable yet form-fitting silhouette. Avoid overly tight or loose clothes. Clothes that are too tight can restrict movement or cause irritation to the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin while overly baggy clothes can easily get caught in machines, be in your way, or be tripped on.
Style and Touch of Motivation: Choose gym tops with motivational quotes to inspire you, or have stylish designs in your favorite colors. You should feel good about what you wear as this can be a powerful motivator to stick to your fitness regimen.

Sleeveless tank top with motivational quote.

Online Shopping Convenience

Shopping for workout clothes has never been easier, thanks to the emergence of online stores. One notable online platform to explore is IronPandaFit.com. This online store offers a wide range of gym shirts for men and women, tank tops, shorts, crop tops, jogger pants, hooded tanks, hoodies, and even exercise equipment. When shopping online, you can browse through the shop’s selection from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere you go.

Make 2024 Your Transformation Year

This year of the dragon, commit to transforming into a fitter, slimmer, and healthier version of yourself. I cannot stress enough the importance of regular exercise as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle to stave off illness, stress and excess fat. It does not matter if you’re a seasoned fitness buff or just beginning, investing in quality workout attire is a game-changer in your quest to a healthier you.

Conclusion

With the right mindset, determination, and the right workout gear, you can easily begin on your fitness journey. This year, resolve to upgrade your gym wardrobe, set realistic fitness goals, and stay committed to a healthier lifestyle. With the right men’s and women’s gym shirts, you’ll not only look good but also feel motivated to conquer your workout sessions in 2024. With all these said, are you now ready to unleash a fitter, healthier and more fabulous you? Trust me, once you’ve set your mind on leading an active lifestyle, there will be no turning back.

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