Kuih Kapit Tradition

Keeping traditions alive requires some effort but the time spent doing so is very much worth it. Every year, my cousins, aunts and uncles get together to make kuih kapit, with the fruits of their labour being distributed to each family within the extended family.

 

I had been 'missing in action' for the past few years but made a return this time around. The camaraderie and chit-chat throughout make the heat and humidity bearable. Most importantly though are the memories that we will carry with us after all the hard work is done.

 

This year is extra special as cousins from Singapore and Melbourne made their way back to this get together. We look forward to congregating again come Chinese New Year proper.

 

 

Cousins kuih-kapiting in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Pours Toujours

A client of mine, LavieFlo, recently launched their Valentine's Day collection - 'Pour Toujours or Forever Love'. I was asked to do a brief introduction to the day's event, and I found it apt to articulate the following ... 'Pours Toujours' is inspired by 'A love that lasts for eternity. It is a love that many hope for and it is an aspiration that most of us go in search of in our lifetime'.

 

Whilst it is a given that not all relationships survive the test of time, those who are optimists in nature hold steadfast to the notion that keeping an open mind and heart may just lead to the love of one's life. The brave are those who try and try again despite having faced disappointments, and I'd like to believe they will be well rewarded ultimately.

 

Being part of an event that espouses such positive sentiments can only be a good thing, even more so at the beginning of a new year. It puts us in the right frame of mind to be open to possibilities and to be willing to take a leap of faith when the opportunity presents itself.

 

 

LOVE by LavieFlo.

Balance, Somewhat

All of us wear many hats in our lives, in our personal life and in our career. Some find the juggling challenging. Others seem to revel in the varied experiences. Whichever extreme we identify with, or even if we fall somewhere in the middle of both extremes, acceptance of our circumstance is a step towards leading a happy life.

 

I remember coming across this quote that was painted on some wooden planks in Bali ... The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day. I would be the first to admit that being contented is not something I readily identify with. I always feel that life can be better, sweeter, you get the drift. So what I have tried to achieve is perhaps somewhat of a balance. Being happy with my lot in life at present, but always willing to embrace betterment when the opportunities present themselves.

 

It is with hope and faith that I tackle this new year and it is with open arms that I welcome all the good that the year has to offer.

 

 

Hats in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Streat Thai

The extended family was invited by my cousin Lye Synn to a New Year's Day dinner and little did we know that the venue, Streat Thai at The School at Jaya One, is his new venture. It came as a pleasant surprise and I am extremely excited for him as he embarks on this new entrepreneurial endeavour.

 

A new venture is always something to be enthusiastic about. It takes courage to take such a leap of faith, emotionally and financially. And the least we can do is to offer words of encouragement and support whenever we can.

 

So all the best Synn and here's to a successful endeavour.

 

 

Streat Thai at The School, Jaya One in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

2016

It's the first day of 2016 and here's to a great year ahead in all aspects of life. The good wishes and optimistic sentiments that have been reverberating since yesterday I am sure will have a positive impact as the year unfolds.

 

Starting off the year with a healthy breakfast, a short stint in the gym followed by a swim, is my way of putting in place an aspiration to live a healthier lifestyle henceforth. Having said that, there is also much enjoyment to partake in and indulgence is still very much part of my nature. Let's just say I shall try to strike a good balance.

 

As we embark on a new year, I look forward to rewarding experiences and encounters, and I sincerely hope you will be a part of such memorable occasions. Happiness and good health to all!

 

 

A morning swim.