Spend in style this CNY using Stylish unisex Josk leather wallet

I am a person who does not believe in branded clothes, bags and shoes. But for wallets, I have to say it is extremely important to get one of good quality. After all, it contains all the essential items like credit cards, identification cards and cash. Many wallets are stylish but lack safety features. Some designs are just not practical due to limited space for cards and notes storage. While others are too bulky and can be a hassle to bring around.

I was elated when I came across Josk wallet. It's proudly made in Malaysia. It has all the features I like- good quality leather, durable, many compartments, anti-RFID at just the right size.

Josk GBR9319 Wallet

I love black wallets because it does not stain easily and is classic as well as elegant. Josk GBR9319 Wallet is made of High-Quality Grade 15 Luxury Cow Leather. It's made of full grain leather- this means the leather has full, complete grain of the hide intact.

Full grain leather is the least processed which makes it long lasting and resistant to wear and tear. It does not tear and usually the stitching fails before the leather.

As full grain leather is much more porous comparing to top grain leather, water tends to get absorbed into the leather- therefore Josk wallet is also treated to make it water resistant. With use, the leather continues to look good, resists scratches because it absorbs oil and form what's called patina to minimise the appearance of defects. Try and wave a lighter against the Josk wallet and it won't catch fire because this is how one recognises real leather. This means if you really like leather, get products made from full grain leather!

Want to know more about leather? Read from JooJoobs.

These are the measurements and specifications for my beloved Josk wallet.

Measurements approx: 10cm (W) X 18.5cm (H)
Measurements approx: 10cm (W) X 8.5cm (H) When Close.

Exterior:1 safe slot for holding most frequently used card such as pass card, parking card, or ID card.

Interior:1 large EXPANDABLE up to 2.5cm compartments which can hold up to 120 currency notes; some credit cards, 6+1 single credit card slot, 1 wide side pockets for more cards, currency notes, receipts &papers.

To me, it has ample of space for all my cards. I used to leave many of my membership cards at home. But I can bring all of them with me now without having a hard time to look through the compartments because they are clearly visible. The anti-RFID feature is a must these days as credit cards with pay wave function make frauds much more frequent.

The simple and elegant design makes Josk wallet a great choice for young professionals like me. It fits into my small sling bag both at work and when I'm traveling. Most of my work clothes do not have pockets therefore I tend to bring a small bag around for essential personal belongings. Josk wallet is versatile and fits my active and hectic lifestyle.

Still can't think of what to get for your loved ones? Whether for birthday or anniversary, Josk is definitely a great choice. Get on to Shopee to grab your own Josk wallet and take advantage their Nationwide free shipping.

Josk Shopee Website

Tips for baby led weaning featuring EdisonMama

Baby Yi just turned 1 year old last December! He's been a curious eater, wanting to explore table food as young as 8 months old. Unlike his elder brother, he did not like blended food   and instead showed a lot of interest in things in our plates. Therefore, we practise baby led weaning this time- this means that we let Yi try whatever food he wants and he thinks he can handle.

What type of food is suitable for baby led weaning? Almost anything edible! We usually prepare a portion of table food without salt and sugar because kidneys younger than 1 year old cannot handle these additives. Other things like honey (potentially containing harmful germs) and fresh cow's milk (difficult to digest, not enough iron content) are also not suitable.

There's no strict rules about eggs and nuts, but we tend to avoid nuts and seeds due to choking risk. Try to offer fresh fruits, veggies and meat instead of processed food or fried snacks. The key is to introduce new food at least after 2-3 days so we can detect allergy easily. And to supervise baby Yi closely in case he runs into trouble.

Weaning can be messy. As baby Yi is familiarising himself with utensils, it's important to get those of good quality and designed for weaning. Edison Mama is a famous Japanese brand that produces durable and practical baby products. We love their utensils!

Edison Mama Baby Straw Cup

Baby Yi loves to drink water and soup. Or rather, he really enjoys making a mess with the fluids to our dismay! But Edison Mama Baby Straw Cup comes with an easily sealed lid to minimise spillage. This is especially useful while traveling in car to avoid soiling his car seat. In the early stages, it's preferable to use it with the silicone straw. Later on, it can be easily converted into a cup with lids! Importantly, the cup is made to withstand boiling water. So we can sterilize his cup and make hot beverage.

The cup is suitable for infant aged 6 months and above.

Edison Mama Scoop Plate with Suction

The initial stage of weaning involves exploring finger food. Every baby including baby Yi goes through the stage of throwing things off the high chair. It's a normal developmental  I think many parents will agree with me picking up the bowl every minute during meal time can become fairly exhausting. This is why the brilliant creation of a bowl or plate with suction cups comes by handy. Baby Yi stopped trying to throw his bowl (he tends to do that when he could not reach his food). It's also much easier to gather and scoop food from a lopsided plate with a sloped bottom which can contain soup as well.

Edison Mama Fork & Spoon

This is the top seller in Japan for good reasons. Over a million sets are sold annually. The fork is grooved to make gripping onto noodles an effortless task. The spoon, on the other hand, has a flat edge so scooping becomes much easier. Besides that, the curved handle offers a much stable grip. The set comes with a plastic casing so we can bring them out on the go. Just like other Edison Mama's products, the utensils can be sterilized in boiling water.

Even though baby Yi is only expected to use utensils beyond 18 months old, it's always good to let him try and familiarise himself with them.

I strongly recommend parents who have young children to go onto Mamaland website and grab a few of these useful products because they are real good and practical investments!

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Nasi Kerabu Mek La- lunch and dinner hotspot in Kuantan

The first time we visited Mek La was Tham's farewell lunch. But this is definitely not the last time! I really regretted not knowing this hidden gem earlier!

Nasi Kerabu Mek La

Jalan Permatang Badak Baru 1, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang
019-931 3558
https://g.co/kgs/Ug3bmv

Located slightly away from Jalan Gambang at Permatang Badak McDonald's turnoff,  the spacious and idyllic dining area is easy to spot. I love the classic backdrop of blue sky with coconut trees swaying with the breeze.

The menu is extensive. One can choose from normal white rice but I'll definitely recommend nasi kerabu (blue rice coloured using blue pea flower juice). Traditionally, each portion comes with salad consisting of raw diced long beans and shredded cabbage, as well as 'kerisik'. Instead of shredded coconut, Mek La gives a generous portion of fish floss instead.

Side dishes are free to choose. From fried chicken, curry chicken, Rendang chicken, battered fish such as my favorite fried catfish, squid to prawns. I felt spoilt for choices. If you are craving for more fried stuff, feel free to get a few cucur udang (shrimp cakes)! Fried crispy keropok keping is another must have addition.

I would also highly recommend their mango juice. It's so rare to come across pure mango juice with such a generous helping of fresh mango cubes without added sugar! Very refreshing and healthy as most people do not get enough serving of fruits.

Price wise, it's fairly reasonable as the portion is huge with fresh ingredients. Each serving costed less than RM10. Therefore, we rate Mek La 8/10! It's now in my To Eat list for friends from afar.

Who should take dietary supplements? Shine Goldvite F review

Having to work long hours and do oncalls, Mr husband and I often have no time to eat properly as full-time doctors. Imagine working until wee hours of the night up to 2-3 times a week. And we are still expected to perform and make the correct management decisions for our patients the next working day. So it's not surprising for us to suffer from cold virus to cold virus this rainy season. The fact that our inpatients are down with so many different infections means we are exposed as well. Therefore, we do believe in supplementing our diet.

Shine Goldvite F is a registered supplement containing wholesome plant extracts, vitamins and minerals. A quick tip- check NPRA website for the registration number for all the supplements before consumption. Shine Goldvite F is approved as 351. 201806130576N, MAL19016015N.

The active ingredients are as follows:

Korean ginseng root extract

Ginseng boosts energy, improves physical and mental performance. It also strengthens the immune system and helps to relieve stress. Therefore, only take it in the morning as it may cause trouble sleeping if taken near bedtime.

Read more about Korean ginseng on WebMD

However, not that ginseng intake should be avoided in expecting or lactating mothers. Children should not consume ginseng either.

Royal jelly

Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker honey bees to nurture queen bees. It consists of 60% to 70% water, 12% to 15% proteins, 10% to 16% sugar, 3% to 6% fats, and 2% to 3% vitamins, salts, and amino acids. It can be used for general health and well-being, to fight ageing and to boost the immune system. There's also some evidence in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Royal jelly consumption is not suitable for those with asthma or allergy to bee products though.

This WebMD article talks all about royal jelly.

17 types of vitamins and minerals:

vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D2, vitamin E, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, calcium, manganese, potassium.

This comprehensive list is great to supplement dietary deficiencies. However, those with kidney problems may need to avoid potassium supplements.

Each soft gel is made of bovine gelatin capsule. So certain cultural and religion believers may refrain from taking it.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Shine Goldvite F is an easy and hassle free way to supplement dietary deficiencies 1 soft gel a day. As simple as that. However, certain populations such as those with kidney and liver failure as well as allergies,  pregnant and breastfeed mothers should not consume Shine Goldvite F. This is clearly stated on the product label. There's no one size fit all supplement. If you are not clear, please bring the supplement to your doctor before consuming.

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Shine Goldvite F is now being sold at RM39.90 each bottle. Buy 2 at 15% off!

Disclaimer: the opinion given is merely a personal experience and does not constitute formal medical advice. Please seek your medical professional's advice before any complementary therapy. Always ask for certified professionals before proceeding with treatment and stop if discomfort or side effect ensues.

Preventing eczema flare ups featuring Aczelief cream

My children have sensitive and dry skin prone to eczema and exaggerated rash from insect bites. It hurts my heart seeing the rash. So we always use skincare products for sensitive skin, from body wash, shampoo to moisturiser. A good moisturiser is the key to prevent eczema flare ups.

Bathing inevitably strips the skin off its natural sebum and protection against the harsh elements in the environment. Therefore, strengthening the skin's function as a barrier is the key to reduce sensitivity and inflammation leading to ezcematous rash.

This is precisely the function of Aczelief cream. Produced by MyNaturity, it only contains naturally derived ingredients with its scent originating from the essential oils. Not only is it great to relieve skin ailments, but it's also a superb aromatherapy.

The key ingredients are as follows:

Olive Wax
Interestingly, this is a natural lipid wax derived from pure olive oil which helps to seal in moisture.

Shea Butter
Shea Butter has similar a chemical structure to human sebum (a healthy fatty acid layer which is essential for our skin's function as a protective barrier). This barrier function is lost in many skin diseases such as ezcema and psoriasis. It also hydrates the skin and prevent fine line formation.

Aloe Vera Oil
Aloe vera has been used as a traditional skin remedy for wounds and burns as it is rich in over 75 nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids with excellent cooling, soothing and moisturising properties.

Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oil
Essential Oil gives the cream its distinct scent. It soothes inflammation, helps to fight against certain bacteria and fungae. Furthermore, the oil blend is a great form of aromatherapy calming the mind against the itchy rash.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Aczelief cream doesn't contain any harsh chemicals and is made of various essential oils, creating its unique scent. Such a high quality product with a relatively inexpensive price tag, it's a great companion for those with sensitive skin. As it's ingredients are natural, I can use it for the whole family (unfortunately atopy ie tendency to develop allergy runs in the genes), even for the little ones.

However, if the ezcema is severe, it's best to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible instead. Eczema can also become infected if not properly treated. As sometimes short term steroid cream or ointment is a necessary evil to save the skin from being permanently scarred, pigmented and thickened due to inflammation. Don't get me wrong here. For mild rash, using drug store eczema remedies such as Aczelief cream is great. But steroid is one of the greatest discovery for skin disease because it's available in various strengths depending on area affected and the severity. The side effects are negligible with proper use under the advice of certified dermatologists.

Now, here is some Christmas savings for my readers! Quote azangel05 for 5% off all MyNaturity products. Valid until 31-03-2020 or until stock lasts.

MyNaturity Aczelief Cream
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Family friendly one day itinerary @ Port Dickson

We haven't been on a true holiday for ages! Besides having Jasper Lodge Kuantan to keep us occupied,  it can also be a real struggle to bring two young children on tow. Therefore, we just have to let things happen naturally on this trip with minimal planning.

We left Kuantan on a late afternoon and drove for slightly longer than 4 hours to reach our staycation destination- Thistle Port Dickson. It's been 2 years since our last visit and we were pleasantly surprised that it's been refurbished recently.

We love how much space was there in the room with a side lounge. The bed was made of 2 King single beds with ample room to squeeze in our family of four.

I vaguely remembered an old bathtub before the refurbishment. Fresh fruits were provided as compliments.

Cape Rachado Lighthouse
71050, Malacca
https://g.co/kgs/Rrv15U

After a sumptous breakfast buffet, we headed out for some fresh air. 

Cape Rachado Lighthouse is located at Negeri Sembilan and Malacca border. It's quite a leisurely climb for half an hour with some gentle slopes, tarred roads and many shaded rest stops along the way.

Army Museum Port Dickson
Kem, Persiaran Pahlawan, Kampung Baru Sirusa, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Opens daily (except Mondays and Tuesdays) 10am to 5pm

Visit is free or by voluntary donation. It's great for family. For young children, they are just in awe of the helicopters and tankers. For school aged children and adults, they learn about Malaysia's history and fight for independence.

Xiwang Village

Jalan Pantai Teluk Kemang, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
012-292 6219
https://g.co/kgs/NrQaMu

Lunch was at Port Dickson's favorite curry Mee and Yong Tau Foo restaurant. The place was spacious, food tasty and owners children friendly with lots of toys for children to spend their time with.

Back to Thistle, there were 2 children play rooms- one purely for Lego playing; the other with indoor ballpit and playground. Besides that, we also spent time playing giant chess and frolicking in the huge swimming pools with water slides and outdoor jacuzzi although we would prefer cleaner children pools.

Weng Yin Seafood Village

Lot 4132, Batu 9.5 (KM15.5), Jalan Pantai,, 71050 Port Dickson
012-628 1660
https://g.co/kgs/gHthLC

We were so famished by dinner time that we didn't take any photos of our satisfying dinner but we ordered steamed Negeri Sembilan local fish, claypot tofu and mixed vegetables. Would have tried Lucky King Bun if we had more adults (our boys do not eat curry to our dismay).

That's the snapshot of our fulfilling Port Dickson 1day itinerary!

Nature's Way for health and well-being

A hectic lifestyle often means lack of time for a good sit down meal especially for breakfast and lunch. This is because as doctors, both husband and I often spend these period rushing to get to work on time or trying to finish settling ward or clinic work.  We used to grab muesli bars or takeaway latte, even fast-food because an outlet is just opposite the hospital. Even though we know that a balanced diet with low fat, sugar and salt is essential for good health but it can be difficult to achieve.

Nature's Way is a trusted Australian brand using plant derived supplements. Nature's Way supplements are heavily backed by research to ensure safety while rooted in using traditional herbal remedies to enhance physical wellbeing. Nature's Way has a big range of supplements produced under the most stringent quality standards both for adult and children. Their products are also halal certified.

Nature's Way Instant Natural Protein

Asians often do not consume sufficient protein as our diet tends to be carbohydrate loaded culturally and historically. However, protein is a very important nutrient to build strong muscles and a strong immunity. Proteins should be consumed from natural sources such as lean meat (chicken, fish, eggs) or soy (soy milk, tofu). However, it can be difficult to get enough protein especially when eating out. Therefore, supplementary protein beverage can be useful and convenient.

Nature's Way Instant Natural Protein differs from protein supplements used by gym builders because Nature's Way doesn't contain creatine (for muscle building but only works with physical exercise). Creatine use can cause severe dehydration without extra water consumption and is not suitable for those with kidney problems.

Nature's Way Instant Natural Protein only contains natural amino acids derived from soy beans (vegetarian friendly!). This includes branched chain amino acids (BCAA) such as leucine, isoleucine and valine. Many of these are essential amino acids meaning they cannot be made in the body but need to be consumed by food or supplement. Except those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and some rare medical problems, most can consume amino acids safely. Read more here on WebMD.

Nature's Way Manuka Honey 100MGO

Manuka honey is harvested from Manuka flower only found native in Australia and New Zealand Bushland. Nature's Way hand harvest all their honey from 100% Australian native Manuka flowers containing Methylglyoxal aka MGO in its pure form after being filtered without additives.

MGO scores(internationally recognised and standardised rating system) of 100 and above are called bioactive honey, which is a measurement for the antibacterial activity. Do you know that each batch of Nature's Way honey is independently tested for the MGO?

Anyone ages above 1 year old can consume Manuka honey safely. There's no strict limit at how much and how frequently honey should be consumed so it's so versatile that it can be taken on its own or used in cooking to enhance flavors and nutrition. Do you also know that real honey has no expiry date?

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

Nature's Way Instant Natural Protein is pleasantly chocolate flavoured and a healthy way to supplement my breakfast and lunch when I'm at my busiest with a tendency to skip meals or grab fat and carbohydrate loaded fast food. Using fructose and sweetener, it's suitable for those who have diabetes and prediabetes as well because it does not cause blood sugar levels to rise suddenly. Besides that, I also replace 1/3 of flour in my baking recipes for cakes/cookies  with protein powder to lower the amount of carbohydrate so that my family can enjoy guilt free treats!

I do use Manuka honey for certain patients with infected wounds. They work remarkably well to remove devitalized tissue and help to accelerate the natural wound healing process especially for wounds with excessive discharges. Just be careful at the amount you consume if you have diabetes because honey still contains sugar. But it's nevertheless a great remedy for sore throat and cold in this rainy season! 

Read more about Nature's Way!
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Disclaimer: the opinion given is merely a personal experience and does not constitute formal medical advice. Please seek your medical professional's advice before any complementary therapy. Always ask for certified professionals before proceeding with treatment and stop if discomfort or side effect ensues.