Being Veggie

Sensitive skin

2011-09-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

3 days after I started my juicing, the bumps on my face started to fade.
It might also be the passion fruit vinegar I just started as well.

My skin has been more sensitive during the start from my 4th month pregnancy, skin has been drier, from a combination skin, suddenly I have extremely sensitive and dry skin.

My sister also commented I look more energized today.

So I guess this will keep me motivated on juicing.

22 weeks- My official juicing week

2011-09-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

Mom in Law (MIL) just bought an awesome juicer, you can check out the cool machine here, hence my plans to frequently have juices for the baby started.

Previously, I have to rely on visiting organic outlets to get my fixes as I was too lazy to do it with our previous juices. I would rather snack on fruits to get the enzymes and nutrients.

Some fruits I was constantly snacked on were oranges (for its folate), apples, plums (thirst quencher) and cherries (MIL loves buying these for my niece, and I got lucky have these and plums as regular in our fridge.

As for juices, we just started a day ago, so yesterday I was having green apples and carrots while hubby and in laws they get to enjoy semi ripe papayas with papayas.

Today, we all had guavas juices, yummy.

As I was reading up on fruits for juicing, semi ripe papayas are not recommended for pregnant women as it softens the cervix which will induce labour.

Some fruits I am really itching to try but would not dare are like pineapples (recommended in certain books but seems to have the same effects as semi ripe papayas)and watermelons as the Chinese claims these are cooling fruits. But in various
western publications, these 2 fruits seemed to be encouraged.

Some fruits and vegetables I am looking forward for juicing are (apples and carrots will be the staples):

1. spinach: to juice with apples and carrots. Of course it can drunk by itself, the spinach is rich in various minerals such as Calcium, phosphorus etc, vitamins ( Bs, C, K, A, amino acids and irons.

2. Beets: also to juice with apples and carrots. Beets are rich in calcium, potassium, iron, copper, and folic acid. Its also a sweet vegetables to sweeten your juice. We frequently boiled beets with corn, carrots and various herbs for soups as well.

3. oranges: for its folate, folate folate and Vit C. It also tastes good la with its sweet sourish taste, its a favourite amongst many pregnant women.

4. Kiwis- and lemons. Vitamin C!

5. Guavas- The fact is a local fruit, easily available and it helps with constipation.

I would love to add more berries to my juices but the prices aren't that affordable in this side of the world. Strawberries are also one of the plants that have more pesticides.

Just a little note, if you are diabetic, you have to avoid more fruit juices even carrots as juices though naturally juiced, contain high concentrate of sugar. For enzymes and fibre, top your diet with salads.

I AM BACK!

2011-08-10T05:14:00.001-07:00

I have been away from my this blog for too long.

Updates!

I got married last September and currently expecting my first baby.

2010 was really a hectic year for me, long story short, I was a bridezilla who
took over all the planning for my wedding. Good thing was, I melted lots of fat naturally while stressing over wedding details. So I ended up looking quite a looker on pictures and of course on the actual day :).

As for 2011, my husband and I were not planning for a baby for another year or two, but things get happenend :P for a reason and we are now expecting our baby eagerly.

For the past few weeks, my mind has been slowly lingering back to this blog. Many friends are curious on what kind of food or supplements I take for my pregnancy, and one of the main question they ask is always " Where do you get the proteins?"

Even before I told my chinese herbal doctor that I am vegetarian, he suggested I should stuffed myself with meats.....lots of it!

A friend also suggested I keep a blog as well as she would like to know more my pregnancy, the classes I attend, and the things I do. Apprently to her, I come across as those who do lots of research and she can just take notes from what I do.
Unbeknownst to her, I have a walking baby information encyclopedia, my best friend, Lisa.

Lisa has a 2 year old boy and a 6 months old baby boy. For my dear Lisa, I feel there should a separate post of her.

So dear blog and friends (let me assume I do have a few people reading my blog), I
will update more informations on my pregnancy, a peak into what a vegetarian eats and do to have a healthy bouncing baby.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE- Book Review

2010-05-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

My latest edition to my little library, went crazy to get it after I seen its trailer with Julia Roberts in it. Ok, I am a Julia fan. After reading its synopsis on wikipedia, I knew I had to get it.

A non fiction work which I actually enjoy.

One of my secret dream is to travel around(who doesn't? Duh and not so secret anymore). It can be any country or continent, I would be happy to explore the country.

So this book kinda click with my secret dream. Except the writer seems to have it all but she goes into a soul searching trip, by divorcing her husband, living in a small apartment while paying for a vacant beautiful suburbs house she used to share with her husband and also decided to give herself a year holiday visiting Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Bali (Love). The travel is possible because she received an advance for a travel book. Too good to be true?!

I do not even mind if its a fiction, this book make me feel I am human, and its ok to feel certain ways even when things appear to cheery.

A positive read.

Here, a trailer on Eat,Pray, Love in case you are wondering what I just wrote or you are too lazy to read the book.

Marion Cotillard for Lady Dior

2010-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she look like a young Susan Sarandon in this ad?

For those who do not know her, Marion is a French actress who won an Ocsar/ BAFTA for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose. Recently, she received a Golden Globe nomination for the musical Nine.

Vegetarian soup

2010-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

My 2nd maternal aunt always blow me away with her vegetarian soup. Clear, without the need of adding mock meats and with just basic seasoning, I could just have her soup for a meal. Maybe it just me thinking too much or too romantically. I always feel I will get extra glow from drinking her soup, very nourishing. My aunt's soups also impressed the meat eaters who swear by meat or bones in their soup, I even have customers asking my aunt whether she uses sugar in the soup!!!?

Above is a picture where I decided to capture her soup ingredients in case I might need it someday ^^
The soup should be modified from ABC soup minus the salty vege and onion. I see my aunt added beetroot, turnip, potatoes, carrots and corns. Don't underestimate these ingredients, it beat some of the better vegetarian restaurants' soup. No picture of soup broth as I drank it greedily when I got the tiffin. The colour is light red due to the beets.

One more secret to great soups, my aunt uses organic ingredients and am generous with the ingredients all the time!!

Anyone tried, please share with me the result ya.

Wedding Food Review: Putrajaya Marriott

2010-01-12T07:30:00.001-08:00

Bf and I were invited to a wedding dinner at the Putrajaya Marriot hotel a few days after the New Year. I have been making mental note to note down all the vegetarian dishes I have in different restaurants that I have been to for wedding, none was really materialized until now. Till date, the best Chinese Vegetarian meal I had for wedding dinners was the one I had at my best friend Lisa's wedding almost 2 years ago at the Noble Banquet. They got brownies points by serving me unexpected vegetarian dishes. For vegetarians out there, you know what I mean when a restaurant really took the effort in preparing the dish for you. The dish can be simple but the thoughts of cooking something else other than mock meats are much appreciated. Since then I have been amazed by some non-vegetarians restaurants and hotels such as The Westin Hotel, Langkawi where they created a beautiful tempura dish for me and my other vegetarian friends.

The dishes in Putrajaya Marriot, are surprisingly tasty as the food presentations are not really appealing. I could feel my food was simply extracted from the vegetarian table and served to me. Another complaint was the food was a little of the salty side. Perhaps it is only to me who prefer healthier cooking.

For dessert (not in correct order, sigh) I took a bowl of black sesame paste soup as my ginkgo nut soup was really unappealing. The waiter warned me that it might not be vegetarian.Huh, first time I hear that black sesame paste might not be vegetarian.

By the time the last few dishes were out, the other guests from our table left. Leaving only my bf to finish up all the food, my heart was really heavy seeing all these wastage that made me asked the server for my table on what they would do with the excess food if we do not eat it.

She simply replied " We have to throw it, even if its untouched and we are not allowed to take the food home". With that answer, it sort of reinforce my bf and my decision to forgo a wedding dinner and have a simple one instead.

We have seen far too much wastage during wedding dinners.

Christmas Eve Dinner

2009-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree with Yuan soap slices.

My happy happy guy's sister made us some nice Christmas dinner, thought it was a close family affair with only a few people, she took so much effort in cooking a great large dinner and I am sure she must have taken several trips to different supermarket and places just to get everything done. I really appreciate it when she incorporates food I can eat, and very nice and creative dishes too. As usual I will post vegetarian pictures here:

Potatoes in Trio Colours. I didn't know that there are purple potatoes but this dish is definitely my favourite as I love potato salads. Apparently, this recipe is also simple, just some salt, pepper and hard cream on the boiled potatoes. The rosemary twigs were decor, I guess it could be sprinkle on the potatoes for extra taste.

Saute Mushrooms.Lovely to go with some bread

Fresh salad with toasted cashew nuts and avocados. Alway like rocket salads that provide the tangy spice to ordinary salad. This simple salad also tasted great with avacados, and the balsamic and olive oil dressings.

Pesto Penettee.My happy guy's sis made the pesto from scratch, yummy with the saute mushroom. I had fun poking my forks over the pennes. heehee

Mushroom again, but of different species. In chinese you call it "chicken mushroom", my mum would braised these during Chinese New Year as a replacement for abalone for our loh sang. We also use this for our vegetarian bak kut teh.

Another great thought from Happy Guy's sis, light dessert instead of the usual cake. The light custard with mint leaves simply accentuate the berries' taste. The strawberries are not sour either. Definitely glad its a pastry puff, if this is Pavlova probably I would be struggling to finish this. But I ate two slices of this.

Sangria.What is a party without some alcohol? We also had some Bailey's like drinks which my Happy Guy happily pretend its milo ais ping.

Another reason I alway happy to join Happy Guy's sis and bro in law for dinner at their place is the great coffee they make. A nice latte is always a great end to a dinner.

ps: pictures are courtesy of Happy Guy's sister which I nicked from her facebook!

Random

2009-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have been naughty.

I am been eating at non-vegetarian outlets.Of course no meat for me as usual but I realized my choice of restaurants actually encourage my guy eating more meats. Not a very good vegetarian by example right?

We have been visiting this shabu shabu buffet place in Bandar Puteri Puchong, not revealing the name unless you know the place yourself.

I get to choose the vegetables/mushrooms/century eggs (sinful, sinful, sinful, I will clog my arteries with these)/konnyaku slices/soft tofu and lots of vegetables rather than eating whatever they have in a set. After my 3rd visit to the buffet with my own vegetarian tomyam paste, they have decided to come out with an option of vegetarian soup and dipping sauce. To feed my ego, I would assume it is done because I kept coming back with my tomyam paste to make a statement (or gluttony).

Anyway, my happy guy brought his vegetarian barbecue sauce (sachar) from this famed brand "Niutou pai" Bull Head brand. When mixed with the dipping sauce provided, I swear we were eating the sauce with the food and not the way around.

（The vegetarian version comes with green lid）

My 2nd place which I would not also reveal the place as well its a little udon shop I found nearby my house. It serves very limited menu of udon noodles with some side dishes. But the dishes are simple and authentic with reasonable price tags. I also like the homemade mochi, which simply melts in my mouth because its fresh. Simply a no frill option for lunch/dinner.

My 3rd, its a banana leaf joint which my BFF and I stumbled into it as I was lemming for some rice with dhal.I also brought my happy happy guy there, he ordered some rendang chicken and he was hooked. He even ate the dried chili which usually he would declined when offered. Anyway, we went today again, and in honour of the Winter's solstice festival I forbade to order any meat. LOL. To my defense, we went to a vegetarian and it was not open then before adjourning to the nearest eatery I know he would eat.

I could go on, but someone would probably throw something on me with me ranting on non-vegetarian joints.

Happy Winter's Solstice!

Avatar-Movie review

2009-12-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

After almost a year of hiatus from GSC Premiere Screen at The Gardens, Mid Valley. This film actually brought us back to this cinema especially after I read some friends' reviews giving this movie at least 4 stars out of 5 stars for the movie. The other reason for going back to Premier class is having at least 50"% rebate from GSC EON Bank card. Our almost RM50 damage is brought to half.

We bought the 3D tickets and went in with high expectation.

Half way through the movie, I was bored.Fine, the graphic is fantastic especially if you looking though the 3D glasses. But the story is a tad long and I wish the main character would hurry up and fight his human friends. Anyway, this is the synopsis of the movie.

Fast forward 100 years later, some large corporation is mining precious minerals in a planet named Pandora. 1kg for this mineral is worth USD 20mil, hence mining and destroying the rich bio diversity of this planet is meant nothing to them even if this planet boasts floating mountains and blue tailed natives.

Jake Sully, a retired marine, with his legs paralyzed took over his twin brother's mission to Pandora. Long story short, Jake gets his own avatar which he could actually walk and run in it and meet the princess of the Navi'an tribe,Neytiri. Neytiri shows him the wonder (James Cameron also shows us what he can do with 3D especially at this part) of Pandora with " the way of of Ethwa" which is akin to Mother Earth for us except they get to download and upload memories.

From suppose to be trying to negotiate for the humans (the abundance of the valuable minerals are found to be under a giant (really big) tree which house the Navi'an tribe to move, Jake finds himself fighting for the cause instead.

Go watch this film to immerse yourself to the wonderful things James Cameron has done about the 3D effect. Seems like everyone is doing it, why not you?

Beauty Tips: Olive Oil as Makeup Remover

2009-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

It started with me reading mywomenstuff.com' s post on using olive oil to remove makeup, even though PB the blogger reported an increase of spots after using the olive oil for a week, it still interest me enough to actually use the oil on my face.

As most of you might know olive oil is rich in anti- oxidant properties such as Vitamin E and from what I googled online you should use the best olive oil you could afford. Mine was an extra virgin olive oil and plan to upgrade to organic olive oil once I finish this bottle, well, it could be sometime before I finish the bottle though.

Back to my report on olive oil, been using it for than 10 days, my skin has never felt softer. The first day I used the oil, I was so amazed at how clean and clear my skin, I could not stop touching my face. The 2nd day I spotted 2 light brown spots on my left cheek, I began to panic and took note I should add on whitening serum to my regime. On the 3rd day, after massaging my face with olive oil, I use a little teaspoon of sugar to ex foliate before I wash the oil off from a recommendation I found in an article online.

I was stunned to find the 2 brown spots I found the day before lightened to the point they almost vanished!

The subsequent days I did find 2 to 3 spots emerging but I kept on the regime and the spots faded fast as well. I also incorporated Yuan Cypress soap to calm down the spots and to wash off the oil.

After 10 days, I think I would still continue to use the oil as long as possible as I intend to keep my beauty regime as natural as possible.Besides, some other natural tips i read include using fruit pulps as mask which I think it's too much hassle.

Post amalgam fillings extraction 1

2009-08-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

I woke up late or not as early I would like but I definately feel more energy. Could it be the Yomeishu I started 2 days ago? I still have dreams as usual, very drama this time, which was from the era in the of 1920s Shanghai.

I did not crave for coffee this morning, but I took 2 packets of Shaklee Energy Cinch tea since I am trying to lose weight as well. But I definately feel more energy, no more feeling helplessness and life draining away from me.

I think I made the right choice to extract my amalgam fillings, and looking forward to the final extractions. Will keep on updating on any changes.

My AMALGAM FILLINGS

2009-08-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

Finally.

After prosractinating for so long and insufficient fund to cover expenses, I finally went over to Dr Rajamani's clinic today and got rid of amalgam fillings in 3 of my teeths. My next appointment will be for the remaining 2 teeths and I will be mercury free!

Dr Rajamani was professional enough to check with me the reasons for me to go amalgam free as she found my fillings were not exactly " Chernobyl" to actually remove the fillings. So I filled in some details to her and she agreed to extract all my amalgams out. I was given a charcoal tablet before the extract begins.

After the " wet" and " noisy" affair (it was like a fountain in my mouth), the doctor gave me a recipe for a heavy metals detox. Friends and books have told me to expect supplements like selenium, vit c, chorella etc. I was surprised when she only recommended 1000mg for Vit C, I was expecting at least 2000mg in case I might be down for fever from the mercury vapour. I been on more than 2000mg of Vita c each day so it could be the reason I am feeling well enough to write on this blog.

The more interesting natural recipe which she asked me to try to expel heavy metals from my body is this, in some websites, some might say is delicious enough to eat with potatoes jackets and pasta.

Cilantro(yim sai) Chelation Pesto

3 cups packed fresh cilantro (vit A), NEVER USED DRIED CILANTRO

2/3 cups flaxseed oil (omega 3 and omega 6)

1/3 brazil nut (selenium)

1/3 sunflower seed (cysteine)

1/3 pumpkin seed (zinc and magnesium)

2 tbs lemon juice (vita C)

2 tbs Dulse powder (magnesium)

2 cloves of garlic

Seasalt to taste

Blend to a paste. Store in dark glass jar if possible. Cilantro has been proven to chelate toxic metals from our bodies in a relative short period of time. Combined with the benefit of other ingredients, this recipe is a powerful tissue cleanser.

Her notes also recommends to take this paste 2 tbsp of this pesto daily for 3 weeks. We can consider doing to this cleanse for 3 weeks at least once a year.

Read more on cilantro how it can help reduce toxic metals from our bodies.

I am going to start the pesto as soon as I get my hands on the cilantro. Unfortunately, organic cilantro are available seasonal in Malaysia. I might just use the ones found in supermarkets.

I will update this post once I finish the pesto in 3 weeks.

Green Bamboo Organic

2009-01-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

For those who wants to find out more on my other blog:-

you can check out

greenbambooorganic.blogspot.com

Auspicous dates to start work

2009-01-27T00:54:00.000-08:00

I came across this post by Joey Yap in search of auspicious dates to start work, it took me quite a while to realize that he posted on his blog rather than his website. For those who hasn't check it out, below it is the list.

28th January 2009 (3rd Day of Chinese New Year)

Auspicious Time: From 11 AM to 1 PM

Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Rabbit

Secondary Animal Sign That
Will Not Benefit: Goat, Pig

Animal Sign That Will Benefit: Dragon, Snake, Rooster, Ox

Most Beneficial Sectors: East

Secondary Beneficial Sectors: Southeast

Industries that Will Benefit: Water Element Industries
(Tourism, Hotel, Entertainment, Transportation)

30th January 2009 (5th Day of Chinese New Year)

Auspicious Time: From 7 AM to 9 AM

Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Snake

Secondary Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Rooster, Ox

Animal Sign That Will Benefit: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat, Pig

Most Beneficial Sectors: North

Secondary Beneficial Sectors: Southwest

Industries that Will Benefit: Wood Element Industries
(Printing, Education, Construction, Medical, Agriculture)

2nd February 2009 (8th Day of Chinese New Year)

Auspicious Time: From 7 AM to 9 AM

Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Monkey

Secondary Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Rat, Dragon, Ox

Animal Sign That Will Benefit: Pig, Dog, Horse

Most Beneficial Sectors: West

Secondary Beneficial Sectors: Northeast

Industries that Will Benefit: Fire Element Industries
(Metaphysics, Broadcast, Telecommunication, Mass Media)

Earth Element Industries (Pottery, Real Estate)

6th February 2009 (12th Day of Chinese New Year)

Auspicious Time: From 9 AM to 11 AM

Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Rat

Secondary Animal Sign That Will Not Benefit: Monkey, Dragon

Animal Sign That Will Benefit: Tiger, Horse, Goat, Dog

Most Beneficial Sectors: East

Secondary Beneficial Sectors: Southeast

Industries that Will Benefit: Water Element Industries
(Tourism, Hotel, Entertainment, Transportation)

Fire Element Industries
(Metaphysics, Broadcast, Telecommunication, Mass Media)

PATTY BELLE

2009-01-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

Ever since I got in touch with a beauty blogger to do a review on Yuan soaps, I got known to some friends through the blog http://www.mywomenstuff.com/. One of the friends I got known of is Patricia of pattybelle.com who sells handmade jewelleries and cute pouches online.

a piece i bought from Patty Belle

Patty is actually a full timer banker but her passion for business and handmade products is so great I am actually amazed with her spirit! She joined different bazaars and flea markets to promote her website and sometimes I feel she puts more efforts promoting my soaps than me.
He happy go lucky mind set and attitude also inspired me to stay positive in business and life.

Also don't miss out Patty Belle'sattractive giveaways in partnership with mywomenstuff.com starting first week of February. Knowing Patty's generous trait, you guys will be running for some great prizes.

This is a message I plucked from Patty's website:

“I’m a beauty maniac, constantly searching for the best way to share my interest in art and my beauty secrets with everyone. I love to try new beauty products and I appreciate art and exquisitely handmade products,
Patty Belle was born out of a passion for beauty & art, a craving for all things beautiful and the love of being a lady.

You may think this is just another online store. In fact there are lots out there that feature famous brands but take a closer look at what we have as what we offer are only exclusively found at this site. Our skincare, health and beauty products have been tried and tested to be effective and safe. Patty Belle commits to continually research for improvements and for more innovative labels.

Patty Belle offers a wide range of labels, both modern and vintage in outlook. It’s here that you will find skincare that works for you and quality, handmade, unique and beautiful fashion accessories. Our products are not those that are mass produced and commonly found in the shopping mall! And much more, here, we will also feature the latest designs in season for ladies today.

Snip snap pic

2009-01-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

Its nice when you hear a friend is learning the ropes of becoming a vegetarian of trying to cut down on meats. Yoke Sze was one of my close friends from Methodist College, and when I found out she goes to the same temple that I do, we sort of have a whole new topic to chat about including eating more vegetables.

Few days back, I asked her help to take some pictures for my mum's confinement food. I have a talent of spotting who's with the talent ;). So here you are some gorgeous pictures taken by Yoke Sze

Review: Mizi Shabu Shabu, Puchong

2009-01-21T02:18:00.000-08:00

Since my wonderful meal at Nagomi, when my friend suggested another popular Shabu shabu place in Puchong, I have to jump to the opportunity.

Unfortunately, that was one of the worst steamboat experience I ever had. Maybe because I am vegetarian and could not choose from soup choices such as a. ABC soup (the one with potatoes, tomatoes and onions), b. herbal soup c. ginseng soup d. tomyam soup. As a vegetarian I can only choose between herbal and ginseng soup. I love spiciness in my soup thus having to choose between something blandish did not stir my appetite. But I tried to be optimist since I had non spicy soup in Nagomi.

For vegetarians, there is a vegetarian platter with vegetables pickles and peanut with sesame sauce with small chillies thrown in. In your plate, you get canned button mushrooms, konyoku, egg tofu, chinese cabbages, cabbages, noodle/tongfun, tofupok, enoki mushrooms, corn and carrot slices.

Ok and maybe I am a spoiled eater who have eaten natural organic food, so I am not so happy with canned mushrooms, and rough tofupok inside my plate. Friends know how much I adore fresh mushrooms and I am started complaing about the price - RM17 for a set within my mind.

Would I go back?

Yes, and I would bring a small jar of Tomyam paste if I had to. The ginseng and herbal soup come in sachet! and not boiled soup.

Conclusion: Maybe the meat eaters would enjoy it better since many blogs were raving about this place, but I don't see happy and satisfied faces from my 3 companions.

Address:Address: No 17, Jln Puteri 2/5 Bdr Puteri, 47100 Puchong

Star with the diapers?

2009-01-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

One of my soul sisters just gave birth to a healthy baby boy this afternoon, another good friend will give birth to hers this summer. What do you give as gifts to them? Yes, cute baby outfits are irresistible (i'm in love with those from mothercare), and baby hampers sure its the safest and most cliche gift of them all.

Well, to do my bit to the earth, I am planning to get my friend a set of biodegradable and chemical free detergent, softener, multipurpose cleaner, and dish washing liquid. If I have more budget I would definitely get her eco babies diapers as well. For my part to the environment as well, I will usually encourage friends who are planning to children or pregnant the importance of good nutrition and the "greatness" we will achieve by going cloth diaper and Eco friendly diapers. Most of our diapers from birth are still around, as they live around 500 years, so do your maths. My mum has 6 children and if each of us used 50 pieces, there will be at least 300 disposable diapers out there and that is just 6 children with 50 diapers each.

Sites like Tiny Tapir ,Baby Loft and Green Bebe Worldwide have great natural products selections that you can choose from, remember your next generation's world is on your choices.

Oh, congrats Jak Ling and Frank on your new family member!!
Not bad looking for something "green".

Yuan's studio here I come

2009-01-15T02:16:00.000-08:00

Guess what!? I am going to Taipei this coming February!!!!! To vist Yuan soap's studio and workshop. My dream of me standing over a cliff watching the sea is about to come true. I could smell the herbs permeating my senses.

The other thing I am overjoyed is I am going to meet my sis!!! Almost a year of not meeting her, this is the ultimate Chinese New Year trip!! (I'm sorry I keep using the exclaimation marks!!)

Bitterness might not be a bad thing

2009-01-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

I like what it means. Soap is soap but messages are profound when they are interpreted correctly.

Shabu shabu!

2009-01-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

I love steamboats! Great and easy meals for gatherings and the ways it helps with bantering and laughter amongst friends and families.

It does not have to be with a big group people, I also enjoy two three persons steamboat, slowly chatting away and enjoying the great soup and dishes.

Why the sudden urge of me blogging away about steamboat is because I just came back from a great one! Shabu shabu!! Yum yum....enjoyed it so much until I did not complain about the prices...heehehehe. I just spent over RM80 for a 2 persons shabu shabu at Nagomi at the Plaza Damas. Being a vegetarian and to find a steamboat restaurant catering to your needs is beyond comprehension, and this one comes with a great soup base to boot!

For more hygienic purposes and personal choices, each person will have their own pot with three different soup bases to choose.

a. Nagomi soup, their signature in house soup. I had to take this soup because the other two were meat based.
b. Chicken soup
c. Kimchi spicy soup, bf chose this with the Ribeye set.

Other than ribeye and the vegetarian set, one can also choose from maguro, salmon, chicken, duck and the kobe beef.

We were also given 3 different sauces to complement our soup, the tahini (white seame) sauce, chilies and vinegar.

And boy I was having a great yummy time mixing the tahini and chilies into the soup, the vinegar I used sparingly like the way soy sauce is used. The results was fanstatic , even bf abandoned his own soup few times and digged into my pot. Towards the end, we poured the rice given with the set and let it simmer for a while before eating it like congee. The flavour from the soup gave the rice an earthy taste but sweet taste from all the vegetables and white sesame. The whole experiences reminded me of one of my best trip which was in Taiwan, June 2007, where I had a great steamboat on top of a cool hill.

I would be back to Nagomi especially for special occasions!

Body Bar

2009-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Recently I was introduced to an organic and natural skincare store, from my knowledge this could be the first of its kind in Malaysia.

We know that most health food stores do carry a small selection of natural skincare and from my days in a health food store, I am beginning to feel a need for a range of skincare that really live up to hype other commercial brands are offering but I want them to be safe and affordable!

I first read them in www.mywomenstuff.com, got intrigued and contacted the owner Michelle. I was running low on my face lotion and just lost 2 tubes of eye cream so I could not wait to pick up something from them. As the writer in the blog mentioned brands like Mukti and Remedica, I did a quick search on them, Mukti is a fully organic certified product and when the I saw the balancing facial creme only retails at RM78 for 30ml, I have to grab a bottle. However when I saw the price for the eye balam retails at RM98 for 15g, I was hesitating, I never paid more than RM50 for eye cream/balm. However since its a balm, it will last me for some time and I was in the mood of celebrating an emergence of such shop heheee. So far I have gotten a tube of cleansing milk from them yesterday by Biguine Bio from France, and I am happy using it with my Yuan soap, Wild Patchouli and I think my skin is pretty happy currently.

So far I am loving the products I got, from the smell and textures. I will slowly convert all my currrent products (even though they serve me really well) to everything from Bodybar.

For those who want to check Body bar out, its time to do so cause parking is currently free and no hassle, their salegirls are really helpful and knowledgeable. Right now they are running a promo where you get a lucky dip if you purchase RM50 and above( I got a RM20 voucher!!)

Body Bar is located at Lot 31, 1st Floor at the newly opened Tropicana Mall in Petaling Jaya beside SS2 and opposite Wisma Dijaya (map). Since I would drive from Old Klang Road , I would the Sprint highway and cut into the into the lane to the mall.

Wishes for 2009

2009-01-10T17:00:00.001-08:00

當時並沒有發覺雙腳是踩在岩石邊緣

　　　　一路上的山巒風景我也視若無睹

　　　風吹過，往事都不復返了

　　　　　不安與錯過的全部再見

　　　　　　看著2009，讓我們微笑

　　　　　　　因為所有的ㄧ切終將

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　苦盡甘來...

I know I have not been writing. I tried, many times but all my post have been left in the draft folder.

I realized I lost my "voice" during year 2008 and usually for each year I would have an aim, a motivation or a direction to pursue. I could not pin point what I want for year 2009.

So I went deep, and searched and found the only thing I wanted is to be happy. Do simple things like with the heart you know...appreciating little things in life. Its an easy and straightforward resolution.

I sleep late most night and I don't sleep well. So, for the past few days I have been trying to make a point to sleep earlier, remember to take my vitamins and enzyme, stopped for a moment for a massage from a person who really want to give me one , and lastly pray. I feel calmer, and floored by the kindness from people surrounding me.

I have not laugh from the heart yet. I wish I could, I'm trying everyday by learning to put a smile back.

From 2008, we learn life is full of uncertainties and vulnerable.

I give up...the facade to be strong, and maybe then I will find my voice back.

The organic shop that launched me into the health scene

2008-12-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

Almost 7 years ago, when I was still in college I was already working part time in a popular organic retail shop in Kuala Lumpur. Business was so good, I had to spend most of my time packing vegetables that come in crates and not in pretty plastic bags like today you see in most stores, then I had to even weight and price tagged them. I still remember fresh vegetables arrived on Tuesday and Thursday. That was when the shop will be crowded by health aficionadoes choosing the best looking vegetables and other groceries.

Once of the job I dreaded in the shop was juicing, easy you may say, but all organic vegetables and juices cannot be cut beforehand like what you see in shopping malls, customers usually select their choices and we (me usually), would have to scrub, wash and slow juice it all in front of them! And there was this customer who will buy at least 3 kg of carrot once every week, and we have to juice and rejuiced the pulp in front of her. That was certainly a great arm and shoulder exercise! For those who are not in this line, I will attached a picture of the juicer where you will realise that to clean the machine, its no easy feat, imagine doing the same thing after each juicing.

This shop is also the place I picked up coffee enemas. I did my 7 days fasting here and did all my own juicing.

I relish my moments in that shop, even though that shop still exists but its heydays are over with more shop sprouting every where.

International Long Life Health Exhitbition 2008

2008-10-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

If you are always on the prowl for new health products or whatever that is related to it, you can check out the upcoming health fair in PWTC from November 21 to 23.

As Longlife is magazine owned by the Nanyang press, be assured of seeing it and hearing about this fair soon. Some of my customers have already submitted thier leaves just to visit the fair. Usually, I wouldn't go and visit it and most of the new products would have previewed by the respective sales person visiting me before the fair. At the same time, I do not like patroning crowded places.

However, since I am involved in this fair, i found most of the people I know would be travelling from other states just to visit it, to exchange the latest in the organic and health industry and to visit old friends.

Some of the booth worth checking out:

1. Yuan soap (new booths, yuan will be there himself,)

2 BMS/ Green Image booth (They are one of the most competitive in the market, and since the milk issue from China, great to look for affordable milk alternatives here)

3. Bonlife (organic milk for options)

4. Okamizu ( if you can go fully organic or meatless, this is a musthave machine for your kitchen)

5.Nguan Seng Sdn Bhd (check out their burdock tea and vegetables tea)

and so forth

There will be also a healthy breakfast cooking session which your children aged 10 to 15 can participate on Sunday, November 23 from 1pm to 3pm. If you are keen , you can get the participation form found in Longlife November issue pg 155. Details are all included within the page.

Hope to see you there. Admission is free and its starts from 10am to 8pm.

Liver and gallstones detox programme

2008-10-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

The liver and gallstones detox in currently all rage amongst the health aficionadoes in Malaysia. I have myself has been asked for the recipes so many times and sold 10s of cartons of organic apple juice since.

Friends who finally done after delaying for some times are now feeling and looking better than before.

This is a great detox for those who has gallstones, or constantly feeling tired due to an overwork liver, stomach bloatiness etc. I have done the cheaper alternative traditional alternative using molasses, lemon juice and all, as well as using a premix package that omitted lots of liver oil which I had(eew!)

Ok, below is the recipe for those who are interested:

排肝毒和排膽石的療程 Liver detox & gallstones flush

This is a combination of both liver detox and gallstones flush programmes.
排肝毒和排膽石的療程分別為10天和6天，但建議一次過同時進行，也就是在排肝毒療程進行到第5天時，加入排膽石的療程。

排肝毒 Liver Detox 10 days（10天療程）

第一至十天準備飲料
溫開水──3/4杯 Warm water 3/4 glass‧
糖蜜（molasses）──1湯匙 tablespoon
檸檬汁 Organic pure lemon juice──2湯匙 tablespoon
紅椒粉（cayenne pepper）──1/4茶匙 teaspoon
橄欖油（olive oil）──1茶匙tablespoon
持續10天，在早上5點至7點之間，將以上的材料加在一起攪拌均勻，然後空腹喝下。

On the 10th day, mixed the above ingredients and drink it between 5- 7am on an empty stomach.

排膽石 Gallstones flush 6 days（6天療程）
從第五天開始每天飲用1公斤的蘋果汁（每次一杯），直到第10天
Start drinking 1 liter/1 kg of organic apple juice from the 5th day till the 10th day.

第十天 10th day請注意：
Note‧在下午4點前喝完最後一杯蘋果汁。Drink your last apple juice before 4pm.
‧5pm：晚餐 Dinner
‧6pm：喝一杯溫開水+一茶匙瀉鹽 Drink 1 glass of warm water + 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts
‧8pm：喝一杯溫開水+一茶匙瀉鹽Drink 1 glass of warm water + 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts.
‧10pm：喝半杯（100ml）檸檬汁+半杯（100ml）橄欖油 Drink half glass(100ml) lemon juice+ 100ml olive oil. You may mix with Organic Lemonade juice for better taste.
‧上床睡覺（向著右側）Try to sleep on your right side after your drink.
第十天半夜或第十一天早上 Middle of the night till next morning.
‧排便。Flushing begins.
‧排便時用篩子裝起糞便，然後用水沖掉糞便。若有膽石排出，就可以看見一顆顆的固體留在篩子裡。You may sieve or use chopsticks after flushing each time, and may find green/black stones.

排毒配合健康養生輕食餐 Detox diet programme

在排毒期間，建議你配合健康養生輕食餐的時間表，令整個排毒過程更完善。
It advisable to follow through the programme with proper diet.

Throughout this programme, try to eliminate coffee/alcohol/cigarettes/white bread/confectionary/red meat and fried foods.

起床時魚腥草茶300-500ml Drink 300-500ml houttuynia tea once awake

早餐 breakfast
1.三宝 ENERGIZING SOY PROTEIN 1 scoop／MEAL SHAKES 1 scoop/ PERFORMANCE 1 scoop or
薏仁綠豆燕麥粥 Rolled oats+ jobs tears+ mung bean porridge
2.兩顆深海魚油 2 cap x Omega 3／兩湯匙亞麻子油 2 tablespoons Flax seed Oil
3.生食蕃茄、黃瓜 eat some raw cucumber and tomantoes

早上10點 10am 魚腥草茶 drink another 300ml houttuynia tea

午餐 lunch

1三宝 ENERGIZING SOY PROTEIN／MEAL SHAKES / PERFORMANCE
2.香椿豆腐 tofu with vegemix sauce
3.雜錦菜 lightly steamed green vege
4.涼拌三色泡菜／開胃裙帶菜 cabbage pickle/organic sauerkraut juice/ lactovida (probiotic juice)

下午3-4點魚腥草茶∕水果 Tea time . houttuynia tea 300ml/1 ripe fruit

晚餐 dinner

養生手卷 seaweed vege rolls∕精力湯 mixed vege &fruit juice∕沙拉 salad / Flaxseed meal or fiber unflavoured 1 teaspoon with 150ml water

晚上8點 8pm fruit platter 水果拼盤

睡覺前 ALFAFA tablet 5粒 take with魚腥草茶houttuynia tea

Natural makeup and facial products

2008-10-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Paul Penders are actually made in Langkawi island Malaysia but sold to worldwide!

Great range from New Zealand

For my advertising and marketing research for Yuan soap, I was drawn to a few forums and whimsical sites which holds beauty and fashion commentaries. Eventually I became a member of malaysianbabes.net, and suscribe to the feeds for http://www.mywomenstuff.com/. The latter caught my attention more as the writer "Paris B" writing is effortlessly easy to follow and her reviews are genuinely expressed even with sponsored reviews.

However from reading blogs, and forums I found the topic that most people avoid or leave no comments are those concerning environment and natural products in Malaysia. For those who are interested in natural and organic cosmetics and facial products available in Malaysia, you can check out

1. Paul Penders (great range of makeups and facial products, price wise I think RM50 for a natural lipstick is not that much, don't you think?)

2. Living Nature by Justlife

3. Alive

4. Avalon Organics
5. Reborn Organics

Most of these range can be found i most organic shops though some shops only carry one or two brands only. I myself only carry a bit of the Alive and some Reborn organics range.

Probably, I will review some of the products. Will let you guys know soon.

Chain of order

2008-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

While the whole world is hyperventilating over China made products, I am actually quite sad with what is happening. The whole consumer markets brought this to themselves. In economics, we were taught, whenever there is demand, there should be a supply, and whenever demands exceed supply, the price soars.

My lecturer in advertising told me there is no such thing that comes with a low price, great quality and eye catching (in chinese we say its cheap, beautiful and nice!), its either 2 of the qualities or a single quality exist.

However with globalisation and with the Chinese market booming calling for luxuries which was once only the West and developing countries could enjoy, this market turned greedy. Each of one segment of the marketing sector pushing the prices lowers for greater profits while at the end chain, the farmers or other raw materials producers are the ones that suffered. So don't blame China alone for this milk crisis. Each of us has a role to play, we demand for quality products yet refused to pay a measurable price for it. In this milk case, the milk prodcuers only know that by mixing melamanine their milk will be accepted. Cows eating poor quality food to not churn out grade A full cream milk.

I am sure there are more products containing various chemicals which are time bombs waiting to unveil itself.

I am sad because I know there are many genuine Organic producers all around the world, Japan, Australia, Taiwan etc have invested in China for their astonishing fertile and unspoiled land. But as customers started to stay away from products made in China, it will dwindle their efforts in creating better quality organic producst for the rest of the world.

Probably we should be the ones who should learn to choose quality food and not only great tasting food. You know luncheon meat and instant noodles are not good for health, but may of us still take it and even prepare it for our children. Go figure!

Organic lifestyle

2008-10-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

While you see many organic shops sprouting like mushrooms in Malaysia, many including some customers of mine have this perception that the organic and natural business is highly lucrative. I cannot deny it because the health supplements industry cost about RM300 billion a year (taken while I was working in the PR line under the MADSA Malaysia Dietary Supplement Asociation). But ask people on the street, they either do not what is the heck is organic food (I still get highly educated people asked me what exactly is my shop selling when I told them organic) or they would think organic food is expensive.

Why is our industry still struggling? One of the main reasons are the prices. Not because they are more expensive than conventional food but they are certain shops who dropped prices more than they can earn, throwing all other organic shop effort in educating customers the drain. Many times have I encountered customers walking in or calling us just to check on the prices. I just had a customer walking in exclaiming how expensive we sell our products when I realised she has been buying products by some retailers at half of their profit.

We retailers do not get more than 6o or 50 or even 40% off products. The most we get is 30%. Now that part has to cover our rental, salary (my mum and i never had one since 4 years ago)and other expenses .

Unless the market matures with the help of consumers which ironically comes with education. I do not think organic retailers will be compensated enough to remain long or to provide the best service we can. Of course, I understand consumers want to buy the cheapest best available products, but sadly, it will only kill the industry at the end, with opportunists labelling food organic in order to sell better, which is already rampant nowadays.

Organic life starts with your heart and mind. If you buy according to trends probably you will never know what is organic lifestyle.

Just want to express how delicious my lunch was...

2008-09-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Look at the left side, don't let the plain boring cabbage look fool you, its crunchy and sweet. When I ate it with the pumpkin cubes below, imagine putting some nice soft mushy salty pumpkin with crunchy vegetables. Oh my, my mouth go watery again...

Organically grown produce does make a difference!

The thing that make everything go ooh ahh! And the rice today....absolutely lovely!

After a few weeks of stuffing myself with unhealthy food, I feel I have a subconscious mind that ensure that I go healthy for some time then I would gorge myself with ice creams, pies, cakes, lots of coffee etc. Then a mere comment of me gaining weight would put a stop to those routine.

Ok, my aunt's cooking today totally floored me. Her luicha vegetables are fantastic and paired with pumpkin cubes with black beans and then I sprinkled some mixed seaweedvegetables powder (for those who been to camp with me, remember I brought those bottles of powder which turned everything from ooohh to aaahhhh!) the result was heavenly, I was and still am spiritually satisfied, my body must be grateful I gave them something worthwhile to work on.

Not only I have to been good, I have obediently crunching my multivitamins and b complex (low blood count). Not that I feel better, less depressed and am reading up my unfinished Jane Austen's book from eon months.

Finally, taking more effort in brushing up my literary knowlegde..

My temporary pet

2008-09-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

Look at the kitten who obviously knew I was snapping her picture. Blackie was a temporary guest at my house before her mummy took her away. She stayed in a makeshift house I created using a water pail and used one of my younger sister dirty socks as comfort blanket.

Thought I could keep her, but then again, mummy cat is more important.

Delicious homemade pizza

2008-09-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

It was intended for Vivienne my 3rd sis. Fresh rolled wholemeal bread with generous amount of quality mozzarella cheese, pineapples and mock sausage meat, my aunt handed us a wonderful and mouth watering pizza rivaling any pizza house. (my weight gain contributor!)

Pasar malam traders?

2008-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

People who knows us were obliged to buy a piece or two from us and we did not hesitate to call them if they were to miss us!!!

Who wears office wear to sell stuff at pasar malam? Looking gaudy as well, serious yogaing and pilates needed!

Poh at our initial stall which was at very busy road, we sold most of our cupcakes here before we were evacuated to a much quieter spot.

240 rice cupcakes arrived unannounced in my shop this morning. Not a big number, but I don't think the delicious yellow and purple sweet potatoes rice cupcakes are that sellable when the 15th day of Chinese calendar is still 2 days away, and when most of my customers do not know that we were selling these.

Lunch were great, we sold almost 90 of them, I sold some to a friend over my webcam, and I was still worried over the rest of them. Shall I feign ignorance and think these are only small losses? I could handle that. But why can't I do something I could have more control of?

I did what I would not do a year or 2 years ago. Sell at a pasar malam. Did it with Poh, my great friend! At the end, even though we were scolded(for using some traders' usual spots), and endured the setting sun heat, both of us enjoyed our little rendezvous.

Looking into the mirror

2008-09-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today is is one of those days I feel I achieved something out of the box. Some 'great' things I will not hesitate and shared it with my friends.

Being a 'thick face' person, when found facing obstacles and challenges regarding your own business, I finally understand the importance of humbleness in personality and attitude. These qualities are often mentioned and praised but hardly practiced by many. By realizing it, I also found out my arrogance was actually a facade to hide my lack of business acumen and experiences. It could not command respect, probably many would have sympathies me or laughed at my ignorance. But I felt blessed, I was given many chances to redeem myself, to have mentors guiding me along the way, I only have to nod and tag along. By doing that, I am giving myself to learn and grow and for the past two years, it has not been a bed of any flowers, but then again, I am still sowing seeds

The importance of relaxation

2008-09-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, after being miserable for almost 3 weeks, got cracks on two corners of my mouth (sign of body acidity/mineral deficiency), ears blocked, and on advice from my nutritionist, I finally went back to yoga this morning.

Right now, I feel lighter, more relaxed, happier and most importantly gained back my appetite.

ZAI JIAN BEIJING 2008!

2008-08-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

Now I am blogging and watching the Beijing Olympic 2008 at the same time, there's one part where hundred of dancers in metallic silver and red gear climbed up to a tower and literally bloomed into flowers!.

Amazing closing ceremony but the part where David Beckham appeared and just did his part kicking a football to a group of Chinese volunteers got me and bf going "huh?", but I like the part where a group of "Londoners" dancing while waiting for the double decker bus.

Definitely a memorable year for Beijing after so much controversy and with its opening subject to scrutiny from fake little girl singing and fireworks to underage athlete.

All the best to London and thank you Beijing for bringing the Olympic Games to Asia.

Oh do check out London almost detachable stadium for 2012, apparently they are trying to make it as eco friendly as possible.

trend vs living it

2008-08-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

I have got lots of respects for young entrepreneurs who make it big in the big bad business world. Like many people would said, I wish I have done it or thought of it first, some ideas just stared at you at your face waiting to be explored or discovered.

I was browsing through treehugger.com, I came across Factory Green, a new online eco-store, run by pre-med college students Jack Short and Daniel Lyons at the University of Missouri in their “free time.” Both of them stumbled upon this idea while studying in Europe where most people were living the solutions rather than talking about the problems. They started by employing fellow students and now a hit in countries such as Germany (of course!) Sweden and others.

I wonder if we do it in Malaysia, people would catch up they way they do in western countries? One of my customers remark still ringing in my ears, exclaiming to me not to expect her to bring eco bags as we Malaysian are not that civic minded enough. All this happened in front of her young son.

Some bragged how many bags they accumulated in Australia or in other countries and yet failing to use the bags in Malaysia.

Clearly the environment sets the pace.

i think i want butter because my body is low on EFAs

2008-08-23T03:35:00.000-07:00

People buy organic butter for the same reason they drink organic milk.

Nowadays I stop slathering my bread with butter for the reason I could not find the right reason or taste to do it. You think by being in the organic line its easy for you to find one. So far, I have never had the chance to do so. The organic butter was order 18 months, and I never saw the it.

I am sure with price of organic butter you would not probably use it for cooking, it actually healthier than normal vegetable oil thus you know all the renowned chefs are doing it correctly when they use only butter and sea salt.

If you are not convince its healthy for us to 'butter up", try this recipe,

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Some dried italian herbs

Some seasalt

Use more coconut oil than olive oil for your container and they will freeze beautifully.

Durian season

2008-08-21T03:30:00.000-07:00

Durian season kinda ending nowadays. Mom has been going ga ga over durian for the past one month, travelling through and fro to Batang Kali, to pick up durians from my grandfather or granduncles' orhards.

Her little escapade each time filled the shop with durians and the never ending smells actually frowned by some customers.

One particular gwei lo was complaning (he was complaining in a nice way) and when I took out my airfilter he was like "Put it on full blast!" pointing to the portable machine.

Another memorable one was this Singaporean guy who came with his wife and daughter practically interrogated my sister Vivenne to have all wild /natural durians, " I 'll take as much as you can bring me!", with my mum nodding and agreeing over the phone. The next wee morning, mum was out and back by noon came back with sackful of durians with my 4th gand uncle. Our guests had their lunch there and then and pack the rest in one big box. Mind you...he came on a taxi.

Of course with wild durians, you can never guess what will greet your taste bud, some bitter, some sweet and some "dunno what taste but nice" by some customers.

One general comment was after consuming these durians, you would not feel heaty and after one month I don't see my mum, my aunt and whoever was consuming these durian this whole month lost their voice.

Can't wait for next year, probably will gather all my durian lovers friend to the orchard and just have it there. One was gushing that she can't wait to go after one bite~!

Yes Jiaying, we will go there, have our durians bath in cool bukit water or hot spring in ulu tamu and might as well get some Ulu Yam loh mee (they do have vegetarian version)

Buckwheat Rice

2008-08-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Another healthy option: buckwheat, barley and rice

I have customers and friends gushing how effective this recipe is in combating sugar level, cholesterol levels and uric acids by just using Mongolian buckwheat. My friend actually taught me this recipe but I was this recipe as well in one particular book. According to this book, this is also great for combating aging.

Mongolian Buckwheat Tea Rice 苦荞茶饭（抗老化的最佳伙伴）

Ingredient (for 4 person) 材料（4 人份）

white rice/白米。。。。量迷杯cup 360oz

mongolian buckwheat/苦荞麦。。。。。。。。2大匙tablespoons

(Add after washing the white rice)

water/水。。。。。。。。。。430 oz

Prepare rice as usual, adding buckwheat before there you start cooking.

I always subsitute the white rice with brown rice, some even see their sugar level drop/cholesterol level drop by eating brown rice with buckwheat and drinking the buckwheat as tea.

Yishensu Restaurant

2008-08-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

Nice interior

Xiang Choon Rice

Claypot Mushroom Rice

Salted "fish" with mung bean and pea sprouts

Signature dish- Emperor Tofu

On my Birthday, my best girl pal treated me to a nice vegetarian restaurant in One Utama. We were greeted by its clean and warm interior as we entered, as it was passed lunch time (after 3pm), we were the only guests. Staffs were warm and polite and mentally I was making notes to bring bf to the restaurant one day.

We went after a streneous rock climbing workshop thus we ended order 1 fried rice, 1 claypot rice, 1 tofu dish and 1 vegetables. Each dish was fine except for the claypot rice which I felt was too bland, lacking in sesame oil, and dark soy sauce.

They will be opening soon in Old Klang Road 3rd mile square where currently a popular Old Town cafe is operating. However, being situated at a premium shopping mall in town cost us more than RM 60 for our little lunch.

i dream of yong tao foo

2008-07-24T03:20:00.000-07:00

Yong tao foos made by the Culinary team from Holistic Health care group for their health camp recently. Instead of the usual flour, they mashed up assorted vegetables with oats and stuffed it into organic brinjals, sliced organic bittergourds, tofupoks and organic white tofu.

The camp ran from 4th to 6th June and I still can taste some of the food in my mouth. Unless I start to learn to make them, I can only dream about the food taunting me with their delicious images.

Oh, I was asked to help facilitate the kitchen for the year end camp = unlimited access to organic, vegetarian and health food= great group of hardworking and fun people)

Local premium yoghurt

2008-07-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Just got this from Ms Lean of Lean Food Enterprise. As some of you probably know I am a yogurt lover, so when Ms Lean came with 3 varieties of fruit yogurts excluding 1 natural flavour.
I am half sold with the atrractive packaging and with the fact the yogurts came with fruits paste topping.

Mum and I felt in love with the blueberry flavour and with its reasonably priced at RM6.50, it might just be a favourite among the health conscious crowd.

time stands still

2008-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

When I stop and ponder.....

everything would be alright. i love you, because everything happens so fast, because the world spins without care, i want to tell you i love you because the time would not stop for me.

yuan

2008-07-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

My new baby - Yuan soap!
Finally its here!

www.taiwansoap.com.tw

Organic and natural food bentos.

2008-07-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

We have been receiving orders to cater for weddings, organic farm trip, and health food company training.

Even though we might be in our infancy to do large events but we have done up to 500 bentos at one time.

Maybe you can consider us yeah...

spending times

2008-07-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

I know. The first that you might want to reach and make cut in your wallet in your maybe your usual indulgences. And in most of the people cases, organic food is considered a luxury to have nowadays. Business in the short has been slower than usual, I do not say business was robust in the shop but we were reaching a point where we can enjoy more flexibiltity in the bank. The rise of of global crude oil made a dent in almost every economy in the world and in every businesses I know of.

The first rule I learn from my secondary economy teacher Pn Mahani, is to spend during when the economy is low and save during when the economy is bullish. To be honest, I have tried to engage the act of spending, but being the eldest of six siblings, I do not think I have extra to spend. My only acquisitions nowadays are insurance as I finally realised my existence spells more importance after I took over the organic shop.

But being in the industry, I must say good health is vital to ensure I have more of myself to earn more. Like my mum always says, don't wait till your "money making machine" breaks down. Keep it well lubricated with good supplements and quality food so taht we can go further.

Weight your finance according to importance. We been through 97' and 98' and I'm sure we can wade this through too.

Digi D'house

2008-07-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

I was quite impressed with the effort some company do when it comes to the environment. Not just the tree planting ceremony, that is more a symbolic gesture which actually requires the company or that someone to commit into an eco friendly lifestyle.

For the past 2 weeks, while I was in a Digi setting up booth promoting climate change awareness, I was actually quite shocked at how much they know. But its is a bold step for a company to organise all sort of activities to encourage the staff to go eco.

I managed to find out that currently, they are encouraging their staff to car pool and for that they get to park their car nearer to the office in a covered car park complex. While the rest will only receive carpark that requires them to walk further and submit their car under the hot hot sun.

I drove there, and it wasn't nice carriyng stuff and walking under the hot merciless heat.

Other plans include waste management, replacing all their lightbulbs and air conditioning units to conserve more energy and create less impact to Mother Nature. Their building itself is designed in such way to utilise lights thus eliminating the need for more energy.

From what I also read from another weblog, Environman was also invited to the office a year ago, commented that the office is virtually paperless where employees do not have a fixed desk but allowed to work from anywhere and everywhere in the building. Papers are printed from a main printer.

I went to the bakery, no styrofoams of what sort are used, coffee are ala starbucks,no plastics were used but brown bags only, however sandwiches are still held by plastic.

I have to applaud the management for taking extra miles as I know by virtue of hiring an event company to organise so much activities to for the staff do not come cheap (its 3 weeks!), free lunches to entice their staff to watch documentaries such as The Inconvenient Truth and the 11th hour is not easy (some left after having their lunch), free car signages and various activities to get them into the act.

steamboat

2008-07-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have a group of friends who are non vegetarians but are happy enough to go vegetarian with me whenever I am around. Same thing goes even in a non vegetarian restaurant.

So I always have the ultimate task of choosing which restaurant to go. Tomorrow we are planning for a steamboat get together and after a round of deciding who bringing anything, the task seems to place itself contently on my lap. Its going to be organic as well especially I will be rackeying items from my shop.

So I have come out with a list that I might bring:-

1. Seaweed (wakame & the soup chinese type)

2. yee mee (non organic)

3. Brown rice meehoon

4. eggs (non organic)

5. assorted leafy vege

6. pumpkin cubes

7. mushroom (shiitakei, enoki, abalone)

8.tofu (frozen, taukua)

9.asam paste

10.konnyaku jellies (vege sotong)

11. dumplings- yummy!

12. Carrots

13. sweet potatoes slices (yellow & purple)

14. Some healthier choices of mock meat.

15. bottle of wine

I guess the plate will look quite colourful from my list.

climate awareness- no its not just about the weather

2008-07-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

(Yeah yeah, bad angle.., my booth)

(Skeptic guy checking farm produce up close)

Some multinational company goes all the way to promote climate awareness, including hiring an event manager to come up with activities connected to the issue inviting some organic shops and farms to set up their booths. Today is my second day at the corporation and so far reception to our booths have been so so so far. We started out with only 3 booths and today only two made it, me and one of my fresh veg supplier came.

To be honest, I kinda like have high expectation from this well renowned corporation, I see people wearing t shirts shouting climate change with some sort of environmental message and at the same time while I was driving in I see people wearing these "green" t shirt and buying food packed in Styrofoam and plastic bags (hmmm....).

The girl from the fresh vege farm thought I overreacted... yeah yeah I think I am more a tree hugger day by day now.....but then I reminded myself that, that's why we are all invited to this activity of educating these "well educated " people.

Anyway, after reminding myself of the "noble" intention I am still appalled by these people ignorance on what is the heck is climate awareness.

I was about to categorize the event manager with the people from the BIG corporation, until I spoke to the MD who told me that she uncovered so much information while researching on this subject. Well, at least it has managed to instill some changes in certain people. Hey, this are the stuffs that will encourage me to go further!

Sigh, however... the road to educate the public at large is still long.

A little efforts goes a long way, and the long journey must start with the first step. Wish me luck tomorrow....

Bubbles for thought

2008-06-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Safe and eco friendly cleaning products that I use everyday....downside is they do not carry the entire range like they have in US.

"Every litre of non- ecological washing detergent that goes down the drain takes 20,000 litres of water to treat"
quoted from 101 WAYS TO GO GREEN by Natural Health Mag, UK

Beneficial colours

2008-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Mum got inspired when she took over the kitchen from aunt today. Like me she will get excited over a colourful healthy plate of rice. Accompanying the set is her new dessert/soup of multi grain rice with seaweed.

Dada

2008-06-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Another proof that with proper nutrition, a vegetarian child can grow up healthier and as normal as any other children.

Da da is a cute and a little curious child that entertained us during the entire Penang health camp earlier this month. He has endless stamina, he is a quick thicker and reacts faster than anyone including adults in many situtations and inspired many other parents to adopt vegetarian diet for their children.

Oil

2008-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nice change from the usual funghi pizza I would order ... it has generous amount of mozzarella too.

The buns reminded Alan and I on the recent introduce Starbuck's breakfast sandwiches.

We liked this dish...

Too oily.....used up our napkins for these

Really, I was supposed to work my ass off a basketball court. Sometime not long ago, I used to hit a basketball court in SS2 with my great pals Alan and Mei Yoong, now it became a rarity as we are caught up with our own busy worlds.

Like I said, we were scheduled to meet up for a game but the rain got better of us. All I managed to do was, walking around the park twice, stood on the balancing poles, stared at a husky, amused by a group of casual dressed scouts practicing their march and pretend I was already sweating.

So Alan and Mei Yoong arrived when the rain emptied the whole park. And we were on our way to try a new vegetarian restaurant in Jaya 33.

We were excited and a friend gave it a thumb ups and a local news paper just covered it a few months ago. Indinine is a fusion vegetarian restaurant that managed to get me excited thus recommended to some of my friends even before I been to that cafe. With me who got bored with conventional Chinese vegetarian find this idea very refreshing.

Perhaps we ordered the wrong food except for the pasta alfredo. Beside the constant oil odour permeating the air, the dishes all spelt too much oil. We ordered Indinine's platter which supposed to have a bit of everything and everything we found were fried. My portobello burger was okay, even the wedges tasted nice, we like the pizza which had brinjal and basils. Yet there was this feeling on oiliness, I had to squeeze lots of oil out before I could eat some of the food.

To give credits, the food is much better than lots of restaurant but we had better, and we are terrified of high temperature treated oil and recycled oil. I would come back but probably for the pasta and preferably as take away.

Flop: Rojak

2008-06-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Not exactly a flop but its nothing surprising. Armed with the latest recipe from my recent health camp. I attempt to recreate some of the dishes. One of them is the rojak. To prove how much I want to do this dish right, I even slowly toasted the white sesames and cashew nuts on the wok. Its not like a toasted oven where u can just easily slip in the tray containing the intended toasted material rather its a strenuous work where u have to stand on the heated warm work and stir it non stop. Any mistakes or arm tiredness might result in your hard work going down to drain.

To me its like my early journey towards being a competent cook.

One of my strength as well as my weakness that I like being spontaneous which result in forgetting my pumpkin seeds with my white sesame and cashew nuts, no nice semi ripe papaya cubes, no masam green mangoes and no juicy turnips. All I had was green and red apples, Japanese cucumbers, pineapples and more Japanese cucumbers. Oh and my kasturi limes did not work as well as it should or its masam power was not enough, resulting in me throwing in some apple cider and worst; plum sauce.

No one complained about the rojak. One friend evn said it was nice when half of what she ate was the white sesame and the toasted cashew nuts.

Oh well, the competent cook to be still has a long journey to go.

my dairy romance

2008-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier, bought a jar of rare threat. An organic yogurt tub that set me back rm20 from Cold storage. But it was so smooth, and yummy that it tasted like pure cream melting in my mouth.....
(worth every cents...)

What I read for amusements these days...

2008-06-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Remember after the recent general election many newpapers feature our new breed of local assemblyman/ADUN etc: telling us about them with their biodata and even asking about their contributions to the environment. I tell you, while I applaud them for being honest I was hoping they could say something profound than they don't throw rubbish everywhere or even switching off lights and water when not in used. Even one of a prominent minister wife pledging to only switch off the lights and turn off water when not in used. I mean yes, these simple gestures are often neglected by many people but we have been promoting this since I was like 10? Can we implement or promote something for drastic?

I have high hopes for people who holds and command positions since they have the power to influence. No one except one when I read mentioned they used a bag when they go shopping or recycles and that its because he leaves it to his wife. I know some might be doing it, probably failing to mention it but I just get mad when they fail to use the media to the environment advantage. If the leaders aren't doing it? How are they expect us the rakyat to follow?

Hybrid cars/fuel hike

2008-06-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

Americans chose to buy hybrid cars for several reasons, 1. reduce foreign oil dependency, 2. technology sake (for the techno buffs), 3. Of course for the environment.

Toyota sells about 1 million hybrid cars a year and Honda is not far behind with several hundred thousand of it.

While I'm also one of the unhappy driver about the recent fuel hike: I could not applaud that this might also be the time where we learn how to be more green. I receive countless email and messages from friends with tips on how to save fuel usage. For example, some might say buy things in bulk and plan your trips before you go out. To me its a big plus to mother nature as we should already be doing it. The fuel hike just encouraged more people to do so to save money as well with the recent announcement of increase of electricity charges . So more people will turn off fans/air con/tv etc when not in used. The government has already pledged to improve the public transportation system (i know, they have mentioned it many times and yet it still pathetic) and this time the people will ensure that the Government sticks to its promises.

Being green in many other ways will also save money. Usually when we complain its when the issue hits us in the face. Many do not realize there are many issues connecting to the environment that will affect us someway in the future. I am still waiting for the ruling to charge for plastic bags, China has already started, Australian are doing it, Taiwanese will look at you in disbelief if you ask for one and charge you for it and even realistic Hongkies are going it.

I used to dream about buying certain cars. Now I want a hybrid: never mind if I would be joining the many first in Malaysia; never mind if skeptics say I might be experiencing problems, never mind if Honda Civic has the only the hybrid in town (think so heehee), I think its worth it even if it starts from only ME.

of bags again....

2008-06-02T09:05:00.001-07:00

Getting increasingly bothered with passing out plastic bags to customers. Apparently asking them to bring their own bags seems to fall on deaf ears. Hate giving out plastic containers as well, ran out of eco friendly food containers. Have to remind myself to call my supplier tomorrow.

I know many still need time or more reminders to get into the act...I myself embarrassingly also forgot a few times to bring my eco friendly bag and my personal chopsticks. I will get extremely grumpy for being so forgetful thus my faithful large tote will get bulky each time I go out with books, small items from the pharmacy, water container etc. Now I am planning to add a food container on the go after seeing one customer conveniently using hers. Its looks like disc but you can actually flexed it in and out to save space. Cool.

I am also having a hard time looking for someone to make eco friendly bags for me and the shop too. Hoping I write attractive messages on these bags to make it more fashion friendly thus encouraging people to use it.

for ONCE

2008-05-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

A movie that was said inspired Steven Spielberg for an entire year?

While we are constantly bombarded with fluffy romance greatly played up by movies, books and to certain extent advertising. We may say we are victim or we can say we are emotional lots.

Being out with bf watching the usual blockbusters like Indy Jones, Ironman (which was great by the way), I need to satisfy my basic urge to have a real decent movie that will actually make me believe in it, touch my 5 senses and make me feel that amidst all my chaos, a movie can actually make me feel alive.

Well, well, I was greeted by my expectation with this movie. Spoilt by two Asian love movies ,I was waiting for another love movie that requires no sex, hardly any kisses or even hugging. ONCE a small budget Irish movie is something I found that connect tear jerking movies such as my favourites "The Love Letter" (Jap) &
"The Road Home "(A zhang Ziyi debut movie).

Go find and watch it and let it taunt you with inexperience leads that ended up together after the filming. Moreover, the musics make it a worthwhile trip to the cinema as the two leads write them and won an Oscar for the main song "Falling Slowly".

"Amazon.com
Winner of the World Audience Award at Sundance, Once starts out as a small-scale romance, like Before Sunrise, before arriving somewhere unexpected. An Irish busker (Glen Hansard, the Frames and The Commitments) meets a Czech flower seller (Markéta Irglová) while singing on the streets of Dublin. (In the credits, they're listed as Guy and Girl.) She likes what she hears and lets him know. Turns out she's a musician, too. They work on a few songs together and a friendship is forged. She lives with her widowed mother, who doesn't speak English. He lives with his widowed father, who owns a repair shop. Since he broke up with his girlfriend, the guy has been drifting, unable and unwilling to get his life in order. The girl encourages him to pursue a record deal, and the guy emerges from his funk. Then he makes a move on the girl, who rejects his advances. He's confused, but as he comes to find, there's a reason she’s keeping her distance. Though Once is filled with appealing folk-pop by Hansard and Irglová (released on CD as The Swell Season), the movie isn't a traditional musical, but rather a more optimistic Brief Encounter. Filmmaker John Carney, Hansard's former bandmate, captures the real city--in all its affluence and poverty--rather than the picture postcard version. His beautifully shot film serves as a heartfelt ballad about all the underclass Guys and Girls swept aside amidst Ireland's economic miracle. --Kathleen C. Fennessy "

soap for the soul

2008-05-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

When a friend told me, while pointing to blocks of natural soaps, that we will pick the soap (smell of course) that is the most soothing for us at that particular moment. It should be the one that will soothe you most . What can you expect more than a soap that claims that it will also clean your consciences.

Its sounds absurd; soap?! But its different with soaps which was made everyday, using hands (in organic & LOHAS we believe in energy)that channels good vibrations, tree barks and wild herbs extracts that bring us closer to nature amidst our rat race.

I did not choose the Sishen Chinese herbs immediately. But felt in love with it after using it several time, mostly spent time smelling it. I felt I was in a forest where wild herbs grow in abundance.

My friend rely on the cypress soap. As he is native to the place that grows cypress trees in abundance- Taiwan, he had seen the greatness of the tree which would take 10 to 15 people to circle the tree. Insects leave this tree undisturbed due to its antiseptic properties thus cypress tree can live as long as 4000 years. Whenever he bathes, he felt as his worries are shared and supported by the great tree.

These soaps are made without prejudices and are left for its own colours to form, assimilate other ingredients to form its own character. Many have claims the soap its a living soap where the herbs still continue to work its purpose on us.

I think I overdid myself when I ended up with 3 bars of different soaps in bathroom. Sometimes even rinsing twice to try different soaps.....hahaha...

While many may regards that Yuan soap is just another soap that cleans. To some its may be a tool to remind us to reflect ourselves once in a while.

my favourite soap at the moment "sishen"...could not stop smelling....

A lilttle colour in my life

2008-05-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, simple things in life are all you need to cheer up your day!

I always have a knack of buying myself flowers or to give flowers to my girl friends. Unlike my guys friends who always consider fresh flowers are a waste of money for they will wilt within a week, I always feel the "moment" when someone receive the flowers is priceless.

If guys know these "moments" are so easily conjured, it will save them less confusion when facing the female many roller coaster emotions.

My wednesday's Daisy

2008-05-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

,
Yummy 'chicken' (beancurd rice)

Menu for the day

2008-05-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

So happy when I made this and see all the rainbow colours. Couldn't resist to snap some pics.

Mia Palencia

2008-05-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Was in Borders today and was caught by surprise when an artiste performed live in the store. Mia Palencia's smooth and smoky voice perforated my senses when she started singing in clear acoustic manner. Made my browsing lovelier and I did not want to leave the area!

I was not the only one who enjoy the silky voice, others stopped and listen to the performance. I wanted a copy of her album after her 3rd song!. As there was a lucky draw if you fill up your details, I decided to drop one and left for MPH in search for another book.

After 15minutes as I made my way back to Borders, I was VISUALIZING that I won the CD. Guess what, my name was called as I just strolled in. Check out Mia's voice on this website, sounds delicious; http://www.brabonsentertainment.com/pages/.

Caught her talking to Pak Samad our sasterawan negara when it was my turn for a picture. Didn't blame her, who wouldn't be in awe talking to him?!

'Up all night' by Carmen Reid.

2008-05-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

While I do read some serious literary books, I could not help but check out some "chick lits" where they always have funny but believable protagonists in situations that you can always relate to.

I read a few books by Carmen Reid, but her latest book "Up all night" had a green reporter as the lead, trying to break a cough vaccination story. While the book can be entertaining, the issue of green subjects mentioned can clearly stimulate thoughts amongst us especially when her ex husband who is a medical doctor shouted to her over the phone citing her claims on vaccinations as some printout from the internet.

I understand the doctor/ex husband frustrations, but I could not help but agree that what Jo the protagonist is looking at might be out there.

ps: I also like it that Carmen Reid made green issue sounds as serious as any daily news. Since it is serious. Oh, she also had a male character in her previous book who turned to organic strawberry farming.....

Rent a bag?!

2008-05-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

As I was complaining to my Violet the other day about the lack of awareness on the usage of recycled bags, she suggested that I should to rent the bags out instead.

A particular organic shop has been practicing this concept and apparently it worked rather well (also the fact they have not been giving out any plastic bags as well....I seriously like this radical move)

sites to look out for

2008-05-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Think I am going to advocate going eco friendly on baby products since friends my age are either getting married or planning to have children.

These are some siets I found that sell these items:

1. www.thebabyloft.com
2. www.babysashanmom.com

My beginner yoga class

2008-05-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Started yoga classes last week, and now just returned from one. Being never properly taught on the fundamental basics, today my whole body was strained and tortured. Kinda like the way, they strained "kain" after washing it.

But it was good, feeling muscle you never had before, and the best thing is there was only 3 students including me in class today.

Worst things are:

1. Getting up earlier than usual (discipline)
2. My arms are numb now as I am typing
3. Just realised how ugly my toes look having bending most of the time (pedicure urgently needed! or pumice stone anyone?!)

The balance

2008-05-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Trying to find the right equilibrium is not easy as cliche as it is. Sometimes the right answer is starring right back to you and you realize the unbalances are always from within.

From time to time, I always search for the answers to the little holes in myself. I have done it all, from colour therapy, bach flowers remedy, classes on family etc. Each therapy or classes I take unearthed more about myself or I prefer to put as peeling off each layer that I have to put on to face the world or to hide my feelings.

Each time the feeling is liberating. Each time you will find out, the answer is always love and acceptance. Love and accept you, yourself, your inner child and your body. Then you will realize how easy to love the world and take everything with a pinch of salt.

WELL SAID!

2008-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

The controversy about the cost of healthy and organic foods is on-going. To all people who say they can't afford to eat a healthy organic diet, Patrick Holford who founded Institute of Optimum Nutrition has this response: "We are spending a fraction of the percentage of our income that we used to spend on food back in the 1930s and 40s. We've just got our priorities wrong. On the whole good food is cheaper things like lentils, beans and grains are not expensive foods. I totally 100% support organic because it's simply the food we're evolved to eat and I think there should be no compromise on that at all.

"One of the big issues is that food is grown for profit not for nutrition and so farmers are motivated to grow the biggest carrots in the smallest amounts of time, rather than the healthiest carrots. But if you artificially force the growth of the carrot, what you end up with is a carrot full of a lot of more water, so there's actually less 'carrot' in your 'carrot' for your money. Generally speaking, non organic produce is about 25% less dry weight, So if the price is differential 25%, you're actually still getting the same amount of carrot and then of course the nutrient content is higher," derived from OrganicLife(UK), January 2008 issue.

OUR 11TH HOUR

2008-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

.
Was in KLPAC today to catch the 11th hour a movie/documentary produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio.

The movie speaks about global warming and the amount of ignorance human race has despite the enormous findings and evidences scientists uncovered.

I mean it does not take a genius (if the person is in Planet Earth) to figure out that weather changes are the most obvious signs lately.

However, in spite of all the grim outlook the film projected, instead of many privileged few that actually championed this cause, now millions and hundred thousands of people have joined this 11th hour mission.

Its no longer weird to bring along plastic bags or unbleached bags to pack your groceries however some still stare if you choose to unfold your pair of chopstick or bring your own containers when you eat outside.

In the shop, I try to be polite or discreet in my message whenever my customers pay and show no evidence of bringing their own shopping bags. I simply asked them whether they have brought their own. Now I want to bring in a range of unbleached cotton shopping bags to ensure that my customers have the option of purchasing one when they need it.

While many think that the option to go vegetarian, to go organic, to go eco friendly....we might be outcast or labeled as weird or too staunch with this idea. No one is comfortable in "change" thus its normal for your friends and acquaintances to feel uncomfortable at least in Malaysia still.

However, this is a grave issue and we are living on borrowed time, and sometimes ignorance isn't bliss especially if it happens at your backyard.

2008-05-03T09:47:00.001-07:00

The lui cha paste

The plum paste

Organic veggies: fumak and nai pak

With kitchen closed, I have to think creatively to prepare my own lunch.
Even though I enjoy the usual fare I would usually have when I cook, I hate being repetitive, so I chopped some veggies, took up my ever ready lui cha paste, and throw in some noodles adding a bit of plum sauce like mum.

Results: Not as heavy as the usual lui cha with rice but a nice light fare for a change. However, nothing beats the usual woth the rice and everything with it!

Apple enzymes

2008-05-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

(27/04/08)

My current pride and joy. Had some 20 to 30 bruised organic red fuji apples.

The first solution on my mind, baking some nice warm apple pies. However this solutions lead to more problems such as whose oven should I borrow? Or how to bake apple pies anyway?

Easiest solution, cut and throw into a jar, mixed some sugar/oligo and voila in 3 months I will have a jar of nutritious and tasty apple enzymes.

(05/05/08) As you can see more water now. I rolled the whole jar around to "bath" the apples with the juices ensuring sugars coated around the jars get dissolved in the juices. Oh and I threw in some grapes too.

Today, after seeing more juices secreted from my precious apples, I threw in some organic red seedless grapes....and calculated the date my enzymes due. It will be ready right before my birthday....heehee.

Zhen Ni, my sis even planted a world peace message on it. It would taste fantastic with all the great wishes and healthy energy.Hahahaah.

Rise of prices

2008-05-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

While everyone has been mulling about the rise of prices of EVERYTHING lately from rice, oil, to flour, I came across this article on yahoo that probably an act of public relations from the US government to ensure its citizens that they should be grateful that they are not paying the highest price for their gas, Bosnians are the ones who have to endure the burden. Check out the link for the complete list, no worries, we Malaysians are not even on the top 10 list.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/104996/Why-Gas-in-the-U.S.-Is-So-Cheap

Breakfast: Starbucks

2008-05-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

I am a faithful Starbucks caffeine addict so when they came up with the breakfast ciabatta sandwich,I simply had to try. Since they have 2 varieties for vegetarians (but with cheese) suit me perfectly. Chose the one with mushroom.

Verdict: Could not bear to finish it. Packed it away though....later finished it when driving...taste better.

My personal touch

2008-04-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Been helping my aunt in the kitchen for the last few days. Not cooking main dishes or any meals yet but more of like putting together our set meals.

Our main set meal has salad, fruit, 2 side dishes, sweet potatoes, brown rice and soup. Different fruits, sweet potatoes colours, types of soups, different dressing for salad and dishes everyday can perk up anyone's day.

I try to ensure that my customers get their colours for the day, like today, I put together RED apples, RED (purple) & GREEN cabbages, carrots (ORANGE), YELLOW and LILAC coloured sweet potatoes, brown rice (WHITE), others side ingredients for modifications we have cherry tomatoes, sweet corns, seaweeds pickled and 2 different types of salad dressing (1.honey lemon vinegar, 2. passionfruit & pineapple mayonaisse)

Its like a personal gift from me. Changing a person's expectation and norm, a little joy, a little surprise to their usual dish. The surprise might last less than 5 seconds but the effects from that little simple gestures might give them a nice mood or a great start to a day.

Though I might not satisfy every walk in customers, and some might not understand or appreciate the efforts behind each dish.

Then again...probably they are the ones who are satisfying my creativity vines.

braised dried tofu

2008-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

(looks better in real life, half eaten before remembering to take pictures....hungry mah)

One of my favourite and easiest dish to cook. Just cut and throw, switch on the gas.

Maybe its in my blood, as hokkien they like lots of dishes cooked with thick black soy sauce whether its porks, noodles, pig's knuckles and of course veggie for me.

Ingredients (for 2 or 3 persons)
1. Tau kuah or dry tofu - 3 pieces -cut into 4 halves
2. Black fungus- 3 -5
3. carrot- a few here and there (for colour lah and some veggie)
4.mushrooms (love the fresh types of tong ku)
5. Abalone mushrooms (brown types, they are crunchier in textures)

6.optional: can add radish and dried chillies if you want.

Others: A bit of cinnamon, star anise, cardamon and a dash of pepper

Seasonings
1. Liquid aminoes (a dash or two)
2. Black strap molasses (to brown the dish, suffice if you replace it with the amount you would with the convention thick black soy sauce)
3. black bean sauce (a lil squirt)
4. optional: japanese black vinegar (my favourite part!)

(my precious japanese black vinegar!)

5.Sesame oil- few drops

Directions:
1. Cut all ingredients into a pot, add water filling half the pot without drowning the ingredients (I used 5 vege soup as base)
2. Let it simmer a while, slowly add the seasonings in one by one.
3. Season to taste. Cook until you can see tofu brown brown and the smell makes you salivate...

brown rice chee cheong fun

2008-04-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

yummy.....just got it from one of my supplier. Aunt quickly whipped up a sweet sauce for it.

recovery day

2008-04-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

yeah....i quit the fasting... Tried listening to my body and did recovery day straight away by munching on a red apple after I drank some digestive juice. Did not feel like eating much, but the next day I feel much more energized.

Before that I was having rough sleep most of the nights mixed with lots of suspense dreams from themes such vampirism, waterworld meets the day after tomorrow, bollywood like feel waking up in temple full of cobras etc.

After the recovery day, I woke up feeling upbeat and earlier than usual.

Definitely would continue with this fasting routine..

1st day fasting

2008-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

It was bad...bad in sense I felt I rushed into it without proper rest since I just returned from Langkawi, I started with splitting headache and the splitting heachache has not stopped. Don't get me wrong, I have done it before and I never had this problem, the juices were fine, delicious to be exact.

Promised myself to listen to body if I still headache today. I will probably stop the fasting and do recovery day when I slowly eat again. BF already threatened to send me to the doctor when he saw me groaning in pain yesterday (yes it was that bad). After meeting him around 9 plus, I went home and slept without changing my clothes, and was shivering the time I went under the blanket. The worst has not arrived, woke up at 1.30am, thinking it was 4am and had trouble sleeping even with the splitting headache. Then I dreamt that I have to climb a 50/100m ladder with heels!!!

Lisa and Chris had a better success, they brought their fruits for me to juice while I prepared organic juices for them. Today will be their 3rd day and we are meeting today for a another round of juicing.

Wish me luck, will keep you guys posted on how's my programme goes today.

One week juice fasting- preparation day

2008-04-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Just came back from Langkawi, my tummy felt as if I have poured acid on it.

As planned(before I left, I knew!!), I started my juice fasting today. Today is the preparation day which I have to start drinking my 150ml of digestive juice which made up of chokeberrires (whatever it that..), herbal tea, prune juice etc three times a day. I can still eat today, light meal each time and for dinner I can have a bowl of salad and two small boiled potatoes.

My fast is rather easy with schedules , 1 2bottles of organic juices and herbal tea given in a box and all I have to do is drink up and follow whatever the schedule says. Perfect for me who hate doing all the juicing and cleaning up.

Still tired from my trip yesterday, I am not sure whether its low food consumption or the travelling that made my head feels dizzy.

At the same time, as fate put us together, my BFF Lisa also started her version of fruit fasting today (without me knowing...).

So good luck Lisa, and good luck to me,...we will be just in time to hit Rakuzen next Wednesday!!!

Delicious vegetarian sushi

2008-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

The birthday boy, Andrew

Last Wednesday, for a special friend's Birthday, and his first to be celebrated in Kuala Lumpur. A few of us (my veggie and organic food lover yet not necessary vegetarians at all time) Mei Yoong, Alan, sisters Yun Shiuan and Yun Chen, Jiaying and daughter Sue Anne, went and rackey a vegetarian sushi stall in Taman Connaught, Cheras located within a food court called 118 food court (next to Econsave).

Unlike the usual sushi quality you find in most of the food court and pasar malam, Mr Wong and his wife actually has 20 years experiences in preparing sushi in Japan. So you will be in for a surprise when you actually sample some of his sushi.

Some actually tasted much better than the real thing, the rice is just right , not too soggy or hard, biting into it you can saviour every bits of rice. We had enoki mushroom sushi (Mine and Yun Shiuan's favourite), spicy tuna sushi, tuna sushi, hand rolls each (Sue Anne's refused to share with her mom), cold udon, and the most creative one are mango and dragon fruit sushis!!!!!

(yummy yummy hand rolls!)

(the very creative and refreshing sushi; mango and dragon fruit sushi), had to make some of them put their sushi back for pics)

So in awed with sushi, I forgot to snap any pictures so pictures seen here are taken halfway through munching the sushi and demanding everyone to stop eating so that I can take some pictures.

(tuna sushi, almost done with the whole lot)

Definitely a place you want to recommend or bring friends to. Vegetarians will salute the ground you walk and meat eaters will be impressed with the current selection of vegetarians food (either that they will be happy with the delicious "char bei kuih" sold in nearby stall)

(happy Sue Anne after walloping endless sushi and ultimately the chocolate birthday cake (she ate all the cake decors!))

(The food court lighting was quite nice, adding great atmosphere to great companions)

Food taste ****

Food presentations ****

Food healthiness ***

Ambiance **(eh, food courtlah what to expect?!)

Price ***

*****Five stars means worth mentioning in the Michelin/Zagat book guide

"Nutritious bun"

2008-04-06T18:09:00.001-07:00

My earliest memories of these buns go back to when I was in early secondary school...probably much earlier, mum was experiencing with different ingredients to produce whole wheat buns without self raising flour, butter/margarine, & shortening.

Buns are then distributed and sold to temples, little stalls in market and whoever who wants to place order.

I hardly eat these buns anymore, so two days ago when I have to pick these buns from aunt, I took a bite of a fresh one, pungent and sweet citrus taste from the first bite. Make me relish the times when our freezer was jammed with these buns and these were daily breakfast staple or any gathering dessert.

These buns are the buns that launched other buns such as our red bean paste, pumpkin paste, vege char siew, chickpeas paste, black bean paste etc.

Ingredients include: Orange peels, sweet potatoes, whole wheat flour, sunflower oil, black sesame seeds& goji berries. (Steam and spread generously with omega oil spread, delicious!!)

Dumpling

2008-04-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hardly any oil on the leaves when I touch this dumpling, great for those who are terrified on how much calories they gain per food serving.

Made by aunt for the " Ching Meng day' with ingredients such as red bean, black eyed beans, glutinous rice, vegetarian meat etc. For me, my aunt would usually use red brown rice to make this dumpling knowing that my friends and customers from the shop are concern over indigestions....

How big is your carbon footprint?

2008-04-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

What's a Carbon footprint?

A Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases we produce. It is measured in units of carbon dioxide.

The average footprint for people in Malaysia is 7 tonnes.
The average for the industrial nations is about 11 tonnes.
The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 tonnes.
To combat climate change the worldwide average needs to reduce to 2 tonnes.

The red statements above are all taken word by word from http://www.carbonfootprint.com/ .

Just yesterday, I was reading an article that took 3 different people and measured their carbon footprints. 2 of them which eats organic and also lives in the outskirts produces more than the girl that lives in the town. It caught me by surprise. But I should'nt as flying around the globes or commuting from their outwards homes to the city counst as burning the carbon dioxides as well.

How to raise your carbon footprint?

1. Don't carpool!

2. Don't take the public transport!

3. Don't walk when you can

4. Leave your computer on all day!

5. Don't switch off the lights or fan or air conditioner when you are not in the room.

YOU might say that I don't do all these stuff, I know of a friend who are environmentally conscious, eats organic and a vegetarian, but he travels around the country and out of the country quite frequently, so there goes his carbon footprint.

Go to the website I mention and I dare you to tabulate your carbon footprint.

Meanwhile I am going to use a week to do mine and see how I can reduce mine....(there goes the hot shower).

Food for thoughts.

Vivienne Ong- My 3rd sister

2008-03-25T17:42:00.001-07:00

Meat eater turned vegetarian during early secondary school years. Currently pursuing her degree in business admin in China, adamant to stay vegetarian even though there is lack of vegetarian food within and outside her university. U mates and friends have been supportive including my 2nd sis Vicky who is studying in Taiwan and constantly supplies her with instant vegetarian noodles.

Irony is, Vicky(she is a meat eater) resides in an island which is a food haven for vegetarians whereas Vivienne has to stay tough in China, land rising with economic powers that eats almost all kind of animals.

My youngest siblings- Hoeng Meng and Zhen Ni

2008-03-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Both vegetarians from birth, healthy and michievious!
Hoeng Meng is going to be 6 while Zhen Ni is 10 this year.

Why Go Organic? 10 reasons to do so.........

2008-03-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

1 : Protect Future Generations

"We have not inherited the Earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children"- Lester Brown

The average child receives four times more exposure than an adult to at least eight widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. The food choices you make now will impact your child's health in the future. Protect future generations - simply go organic.

2. Prevent Soil Erosion

The Soil Conservation service estimated that more than 3 billion tons of topsoil are eroded from United States croplands each year. This means that it is being built up naturally. Soil is the foundation of the food chain in organic farming. But in some conventional farming the soil is used more as a medium for holding plants in a vertical position so they can be chemically fertilized. As a result, American farms are suffering from the worst soil erosion in history. Prevent soil erosion -- simply go organic.

3. Protect Water Quality

Water makes up two-thirds of our body mass and covers three-fourths of the planet. Despite its importance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated pesticides -- some cancer causing -- contaminate the ground water in 38 states in America. Polluting the primary source of drinking water for more than half the country's population. Protect water quality -- simply go organic.

4. Save Energy

American farms have changed drastically in the last three generations, from family-based small businesses dependent on human energy to large-scale factory farms highly dependent on fossil fuels. Modern farming uses more petroleum than any other single industry, consuming 12 percent of the county's total energy supply. More energy is now used to produce fertilizers than to till, cultivate and harvest all the crops in the Unites States. Organic farming is still mainly based on labor intensive practices such as weeding by hand and using green manures and crop covers rather than synthetic fertilizers to build up soil. Organic produce also tends to travel fewer miles from field to table. Save energy-- simply go organic.

5. Keep Chemicals Off Your Plate

Many pesticides approved for use by the EPA were registered long before extensive research linking these chemicals to cancer and other diseases had been established. Now the EPA considers that 60 percent of all herbicides. 90 percent of all fungicides and 30 percent of all insecticides are carcinogenic. A 1987 National Academy of Sciences report estimated that pesticides might cause an extra 1.4 million cancer cases among Americans over their lifetimes. The bottom line is that pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms and can also be harmful to humans. In addition to cancer, pesticides are implicated in birth defects, nerve damage and genetic mutations. Keep chemicals off your plate -- simply go organic.

6. Protect Farm Worker Health

A National Cancer Institute Study found that farmers exposed to herbicides had a six times greater risk than non-farmers of contracting cancer. In California, reported pesticide poisonings among farm workers have risen an average of 14 percent a year since 1973 and doubled between 1975 and 1985. Field workers suffer the highest risk of occupational illnesses in the state. Farm worker health is also a serious problem in developing nations, where pesticide use can be poorly regulated. An estimated 1 million people are poisoned annally by pesticides. Protect farm workers -- simply go organic.

7. Help Small Farmers

Although more and more large farms are making the conversion to organic practices, most organic farms are small independently owned and operated family farms of less than 100 acres. It is estimated that the Unites States has lost more 650,000 family farms in the past decade. And with the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicting that half the country's farm protection will come from 1 percent of farms by the year 2000, organic farming could be one of the few survival tactics left for many family farms. Help small farmers --simply go organic.

8.Support a True Economy

Although organic foods might seem more expensive than conventional foods; conventional food prices do not reflect hidden costs borne by tax payers, including nearly $74 billion on federal subsidies in 1988. Other hidden costs include pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and clean-up and environmental damage. Author Gary Null says " If·you add in the real environment and social costs of irrigation to a head of lettuce, its price can range between $2 and $3". Support a true economy - simply go organic.

9. Promote Biodiversity

Mono-cropping is the practice of planting large plots of land with the same crop year after year. While this approach tripled farm production between 1950 and 1970, the lack of natural diversity of plant life has left the soil lacking in natural minerals and nutrients. To replace the nutrients, chemical fertilizers are used, often in increasing amounts. Single crops are also much more susceptible to pests, making farmers more reliant on pesticides. Despite a ten-fold increase in the use of pesticides between 1947 and 1974, crop losses due to insects have doubled -- partly because some insects have become genetically resistant to certain pesticides. Promote biodiversity -- simply go organic.

10. Taste Better Flavour

There's a good reason why many chefs use organic foods in their recipes -- they taste better! Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil, which eventually leads to the nourishment of the plant and, ultimately, our palates. Taste better flavour -- simply go organic

This article was excerpted from an article by Sylvia Tawse, marketing coordinator for Alfalfa's Markets, an organic food marketplace, in Boulder and Denver Colorado.

How natural composts are produced?

2008-03-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

(Sorry, no translation or subtitles available)

Pictures taken in Vision Farm

2008-03-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Raining season marks less vegetables

"Kang fu le" a potent detoxifier, recommended to eat raw as salad or add into your daily juice.

Vision Eco Farm - A visit to an organic farm

2008-03-23T19:05:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning. Woke up 5AM. Not my usual routine. But for a good reason mum and I plus my boyfriend W were on our way to Vision Eco Farm, an organic farm started way back in 1996 and situated in Genting Highland. Vision Farm, is one of the several farms that the HO family owns (other farms located in Pajam, Kluang, Lojing Highlands).

Unless you drive a 4 wheel drive, the entrance can be quite tricky. Most of our group left their car on the entrance and walked to the farm. We were lucky, as the earliest to arrive and the ones with pots of food, Miss Ho (Wan Zhen, one of Mr Ho San Zheng's daughter who is in charge of the farm) sent one of her staff to pick us up.

Three foreign workers were already busy washing up utensils (using natural dish washing liquid, of course) for us to use later

When everyone finally arrived, we were grouped together for briefing session on the farm. Questions such as why organic vegetables are more expensive and the importance of eating organic produce arised and Wan Zhen knowing these are the usual questions visitors would post, explained everything before anyone could ask any questions.

Mr Ho started organic farming after he read one report in the 70s that if we do not start re cycling or taking care of our environment, for example, Beijing in China will turn into a desert eventually. I might not find the original report read by Mr Ho, but these are the information I managed to google, below are links that proved what Mr Ho read is happening right now.

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/icecapped-roof-of-world-turns-to-desert-477184.html,
http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/29910 cosystems/article/29910, http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1535324, http://www.10thnpc.org.cn/english/9137.htm

Mr Ho also does not believe by not using any pesticides or any form of chemicals he cannot grow any crops . Based on very simple knowledge on organic farming and almost no knowledge on healthy living, he started his organic farming. Vision Eco Farm is the first permanent farm that he started. Right now, Mr Ho is busy travelling, to China or to countries around the south east region starting new farms or imparting his knowledge to the farmers who wants to grow their crops organically.

Vision Eco Farm also does not use organic fertisiliser and pesticides (even approved ones), relying more on the natural compost that mostly made up on garlics, agricultural waste, rice bran, seaweed, cocoa shells etc. This compost are either dug or cover on top of the soil as mulches. They do not believe in killing pest as but look at pest as signs for improvements. Healthier plants attract less pests and they strive to produce healthier plants with higher nutrients.

(the stench of the compost was unbearable, had to coax bf to take this picture for me)

(so attentive...)

While we were all in the farm, Mrs Ho was in the kitchen cooking up a storm, preparing fresh vegetables just plucked from the farm, even stir frying a papaya for us! Yummy!

Before we left, each of us were given a bottle of fresh organic sugarcane water from their farm in Kluang. All day experience plus so much food for only RM12 for adults and RM6 for children.

2008-03-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Organic thosai with vegetable rolls

2008-03-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Mum prepared it for a friend who is having a farewell party. Party was food friendly to vegetarians. Ingredients: Lots of homemade mayonaise saunce, lots of specially concocted plum sauce, lots of alfalfa, carrots, apples, lettuce, seaweed sheets and of course thosai.

With help from Uncle Wong who is expert in wrapping sushi, he was showing us the proper way to ensure the rolls look nice and professional.

Look at those colours....organic carrots extra crunchy, juicy and sweet...

Plum meal set

2008-03-12T01:47:00.000-07:00

Plum set meal that she proposed that we come up with for our set lunch or delivery set.

Cooking class Feb 27, 08

2008-03-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

Cooking class on how to use plum sauce, plum vinegar and camelia oil.

The instructor actually came from Taiwan, going around organic and health food stores in Malaysia to help spread the benefits of plum.

We made:-

1. Salads
2. Sandwich using red moss, camelia oil, plum spread, alfalfa, lettuce etc
3. Fruit and vege juices with plum vinegar.

Note: Simple detox drink the morning. Some green tea powder, 1 teaspoon of molasses syrup, 1 teaspoon of plum vinegar. Drink it the first thing in the morning. Great for stimulating your bowel movements.

Turmeric Rice

2008-03-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite dish in the shop.

Mushrooms herbal soup

2008-03-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

Mushrooms herbal soup

("Bak kut teh")

A recipe converted from my aunt who used to sell real bak kut teh in Kepong.

Used to be spicier, but to those organic lovers too spicy spoil the palate, so the result is a toned down version to suit everyone including children.

(my aunt)

Detox meal

2008-03-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

Daily meals available in
Green Bamboo Organic V Mart

Detox set meal

What do you get?
- 2 dishes, brown rice, salad, fruits and sweet potatoes

Perfect for those:
- who are trying to eat more healthily
- compkments detox plans and programme
- complements weight management programme

Note: We use at least 5 colours in the detox meal. 5 colours a day with wide varieties of vitamins and minerals keep your health at check.

Direction: For best results, start with the salad and fruits, then the two dishes and rice and end with the sweet potatoes.