Hearty and Cheap Chinese Meal | Shin Ong Lai Restaurant food review

Dining out in a decent restaurant in KL area does not have to be pricey. We recently tried Shin Ong Lai restaurant in Chow Kit for a sumptuous family dinner.

Shin Ong Lai Restaurant
6, Lorong Tiong Nam 3, Chow Kit.
https://g.co/kgs/VpgJuB
Opens Tuesdays to Saturdays 7am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 12am
Sundays 5.30pm to 12am
Mondays 7am to 3pm

The restaurant has 2 levels of cosy indoor and air conditioned seatings. We prefer upstairs because there is less crowd and noise as the kitchen is downstairs. The staff were friendly, attentive and entertained baby Yi while we enjoyed our dinner. We really have to apologize though because baby Yi was not feeling so well and threw up at the end of our trip.

These are the 3 tops dishes that we would recommend.

Stir fry rice cake.

Rice Cake sliced into small oval pieces and stir fried the Hokkien noodle way using pork lard, thick caramel sauce with spring onions and thin slices of pork. It was done the right way with the right wok heat called 'wok hei' to give rise a a slightly barbecued style of flavour. Instead of having rice, this is a good option for comfort food.

Steam fish

We ordered a steam tilapia. We loved how fresh the fish was and it was steamed to perfection as the flesh was still soft. The sauce doubled as ginger soup with pork slices and a generous amount of Chinese cabbage on top of the fish. The dish was kept warm by candles and it took us about half an hour to savour it. A standard portion can easily feed 4 adults.


Stir fry roast pork.

Crispy roast pork cut into slices and stir fried in caramel sauce to create a slightly sticky texture. Those who love skin and pork lard will enjoy the dish and it goes well with a can of chilled beer. If you prefer lean meat just like me, there was also part of the roast pork that was less fatty.

We also had braised tofu pot, stir fry vegetables and oyster fried egg which was fresh and did not have any fishy taste. But we were so busy eating by then we did not take any photos. The bill only added up to less than RM30 per head which is very reasonable by KL standards.

Our verdict was 8/10 for the great taste and affordable price tags (which is even cheap for Kuantan standard). Running out of ideas for dinner? Try Shin Ong Lai and let me know what you think.

Kuantan Public Library and Petroscience Centre Family Day Out

It's unbelievable that we have not been to the Kuantan Public Library after 7 years residing in this idyllic town! So there we were, on one fine saturday morning, we decided to bring the two children for a fun visit. As usual, we also have to prompt Bing boy a day beforehand because he does not take surprises very well and likes to know where he is going. 

Pahang Public Library and PetroScience Centre

Jalan Kemunting, Tanah Putih, 25100 Kuantan, Pahang

Opens daily from 9am to 5pm except Sundays, Mondays and Public holidays

09-515 5050

This was a long weekend in September and there was already a singing competition happening earlier during this Merdeka month. We arrived nice and early to have a great spot to park under the shade. The library has a wheelchair and stroller accessible ramp, as well as 4 lifts. The whole building was sparkling new with exciting colour combinations that looked really welcoming. 

We visited PetroScience first. I still could not believe that entrance is free of charge. There was various small stations with challenging science related experiments that was not only appealing to children but to adults as well. There were various levels of difficulties and many involved mathematics which I think we can definitely bring Bing Boy from time to time. So as he grows, he will be able to solve more difficult quizzes. Nevertheless, we had fun maneuvering the robot on "Mars', experiencing 120km/h fast of storm brewing up and punching lit up boards on the wall.

We only managed to visit half of PetroScience before we ran out of steam and decided to head upstairs for some quiet reading time. The Library mainly had 3 levels with the children's library and adult fiction located on level 1. Level 2 was the general knowledge section.

The children library had vibrant murals that really made the place so welcoming. It was clean and bright with many chairs and tables, as well as comfortable couches for people to lounge on. The selection of books were not exhaustive but the books were new and well kept. We were extremely excited to discover many flippable story books that were interactive ways of learning. 

With an annual membership at RM10 each year, one can borrow up to 5 books in one go. We ran out of the quota too fast to be honest. And there was still so much to explore. So it looks like we have gotten our own treasure chest! We would definitely welcome a wider book selection in other languages as most of the books for younger children were in English. The check out system is very convenient. Just scan the books and key in the member's IC number. 

Time flies when we had so much fun in the state library. We were feeling a bit peckish by the end of the trip. The book cafe had a decent selection of halal food choices from Nasi Lemak to cookies, brownies and doriyaki. They do not cook hot food on the spot so it mainly serves packed food from caterers. It is good enough to fill the tummy before one goes for a proper meal. 

So if you run out of ideas to spend your children's energy, why not head to the Pahang Public Library and have hours of fun!

x

Healthy gut for the whole family | Biogaia Probiotics Review

My hectic schedule at work requires me to be always on the go,  including traveling interstates frequently to attend conferences and meetings. I usually bring baby Bing and Yi with me. They love staying at hotels but this also means that we have frequent change in mealtimes and dietary choices.

This causes problems like indigestion and constipation. I often feel bloated, gassy, sometimes with heartburn and hard stools. Besides trying to consume more fruits and vegetables,  as well as water to help, I also find probiotics supplement useful.

Biogaia is a Swedish Healthcare company. It has a good track record in producing probiotic supplements for the past 30 years.  It's products are available in 100 countries.

Lactobacillus Reuteri Protectis is one of the good strains of bacteria, living in the digestive tract that helps to keep the bad germs at bay and to assist in the normal digestive process.  L.reuteri binds to the epithelial lining (inner skin) of the digestive tract which sheds every 4 days which means the bacteria also get washed away every week or so.  In order to keep a healthy level of L.reuteri in the gut, daily dose of probiotics is required. In Biogaia probiotic products, the bacteria is isolated from breastmilk. Biogaia Probiotic Supplements should be kept under 25 degrees celcius to make sure it lasts its shelf life.

Different strains of Biogaia L.Reuteri has been studied extensively in 203 clinical studies in 17,200 people of all ages of which 105 were done in children and 98 in adults. It has shown the effectiveness of probiotics in helping with gut problems like indigestion, constipation, colic, reflux, antibiotic associated diarrhoea and functional abdominal pain.  Many of these conditions can be difficult to treat and cause distress and impairment to function normally.

The most important is that L. reuteri supplements are safe as no serious side effects have been observed up to the maximum tested dosage of 10 billion CFU per day which is 1000 times the recommended daily dose. They also do not contain toxins or transferrable antibiotic resistance genes. Manufactured under controlled conditions, this ensures contamination does not occur. Biogaia Probiotics is also free from common allergens such as egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and soy.

Biogaia Protectis Drops

These drops are suitable for use in newborn and young children. When taken at 5 drops a day, this consists of a minimum of 100 million live Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis. Remember to shake the drops for 10 seconds  to mix the bacteria with the oil before use.  This probiotics is useful to treat conditions such as colic. It can be extremely stressful to have a colicky baby in which I wrote about here.

Biogaia Protectis Tabs

These are lemon flavoured probiotic tablets at the same dose for adults. It's safe for expectant and breastfeeding mothers.  It also contains xylitol which is a sweetener used to make the tablets palatable. These tabs can be consumed for those aged 3 and above.

These are the potential benefits for consuming Biogaia Probiotics
-Infection protection
-Relieves Constipation, Functional abdominal pain , Diarrhea, Indigestion
-Boost immunity

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I love the taste of these Biogaia probiotic tablets. Most importantly, now I feel much less bloated and am able to open my bowels almost everyday.  I feel confident in consuming it because it's safe for breastfeeding mothers like me. As for baby Yi, he is recovering from a viral gastroenterities in which these probiotic drops came just in time to relieve him of the uncomfortable stomach cramps and diarhhoea.

Please head on to Biogaia website to find out more about their products. If you buy online,  don't worry,  they only employ the nicest express delivery using ice box to maintain the  cold chain.

Official website
Facebook
Instagram

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.

Choosing a good body wash | Antioxidant Burst Leafy Agarwood Cleansing Bar Review

I spend a lot of time looking for good skincare products on my face.  To be honest,  I rarely pay much attention to choosing  a good body wash.  Many people have recently changed from using shower gel to bar soaps in order to cut down the amount of plastic used according to this article in the Guardian.

However,  shower gel vs cleansing bar really doesn't matter that much as long as we choose a product that has good quality. Myth has it but bar soaps don't really harbour more bacteria comparing to shower gel.

Leafy Agarwood Cleansing Bar is my new companion in the shower.  A common belief is that soap dehydrates the skin but not with Leafy Agarwood Cleansing Bar because it consists many moisturising ingredients listed below.

The active ingredients include

Agarwood leaf and fragrance - this is more commonly used as decorative items because it's deemed to give good fengshui and lucky charm. It contains terpenoids with sedative and anxiolytic effect which help people to relax. The presence of alkaloids and hexadecanoic acid make agarwood antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasite. In animal studies,  agarwood has been shown to build new connections between new brain cells.

Coconut oil- this is rich in fatty acids and a great moisturiser. It maintains the skin elasticity, contains many antioxidants and protects the skin against damaging UV rays.

Olive oil is abundant in squalene, a substance similar to human sebum. It also contains many antioxidants that's anti-aging properties.

Rice Bran oil contains lots of vitamin E, vitamin B, omega-9 and a rich array of fatty acids. These help to hydrate the skin,  fade pigmentation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sunflower Seed oil also works similarly to rice bran oil.

These are all naturally derived and are suitable for those with sensitive skin and eczema. Not all soap bars are banned in those with ezcema. You just have to look for the good one.

As with all other good skincare product, the Agarwood Cleansing Bar does not contain harsh chemicals like paraben, SLS, alcohol and mineral oils. These ingredients may irritate and dehydrate sensitive skin.

Watch my YouTube video about how great my skin feel after using the cleansing bar.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

For such a good quality product,  it's very reasonably priced and suitable for the use for both and face and body, as well as those with sensitive skin.  Since the cleansing bar is registered under NPRA, it's quality assured and is only made under the strictest conditions. I particularly love how silky my skin felt after cleansing using Leafy.

Leafy Antioxidant Burst Agarwood Cleansing Bar Official Website

The site contains many of the research evidence and benefits of agar wood.

Leafy Antioxidant Burst Agarwood Cleansing Bar is now available in 80 over major pharmacies in Malaysia now!

GLGC (Good Life Good Choice) Tiger's Milk Mushroom with Mixed Berries review

Tiger's Milk Mushroom is medicinal plant used by the aborigines in South East Asia for more than four centuries.

It's only found in the rain forest at Malaysia,  Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Papua New Guineas. Legend has it that the mushroom grows from where the tigress's milk dripped while feeding her cubs. It's extremely scarce and difficult to find in the wild though.

Tiger's Milk Mushroom is rich in nutrients such as polysaccharide, polysaccharide peptides, proteoglycans and tritepenoids. B-D-glucan is a type of polysaccharide found abundant in Tiger's Milk Mushroom that is touted to strengthen immunity against pathogens. It also has anticancer properties.  The mixed berries, on the other hand,  contains various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for health and strong immunity.

The GLGC Tiger's Milk Mushroom and Mixed Berries supplement is manufactured under LiGNO TM02® which is a proprietary indoor cultivation center for Tiger's Milk Mushroom in controlled indoor environment, especially the sclerotica part (underground tuber that hasn't sprouted) that has the highest medicinal value. The mycelium is not used.  The differences between the sclerotica and mycelium are listed in the following table.

Dr Tan Chon Seng, a researcher with MARDI (Malaysia Agricultural Research & Development Institute) spent 8 years with his team to successfully cultivate Tiger's Milk Mushroom under controlled and hygienic environments to avoid adulteration and cross contamination. The sclerotica is freeze dried then ground into powder.

Dr Tee Heng Giap, a renowned Cardiologist currently practising in Mahkota Medical Center endorsed the use of GLGC Tiger's Milk Mushroom with Mixed Berries in his patients. Even our current Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir also had Tiger's Milk Mushroom to treat his chronic cough. 

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

This GLGC supplement brings about great health benefits and is suitable for breastfeeding mothers like me to consume. I like how the beverage is not sweet and can be easily added to any other drinks or soup or porridge because the taste blends in easily.

GLGC (Good Life Good Choice) Tiger's Milk Mushroom with Mixed Berries Official Website

Get your own GLGC Tiger's Milk Mushroom On Shopee now!

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.

美眉要美美 ︳Brand Queens 香熏首饰和护唇膏

Brand Queens 香熏首饰

我超爱这系列香水首饰，有精美项链、手链和耳环。Brand Queens 首饰是铜镀金打造。每一款都是精心打造，有可打开的吊坠，里面可以装喷了香水的棉花小球。让带上的美眉成天香喷喷。

喜欢什么香气，就喷什么香水，很随性。也很容易个性化。每天都可以依心情和场合配上不同的香气。不论是上班、出门逛街或参加婚礼活动，BQ手饰容易和多种服饰搭配。

首饰的设计独特，限量在大马打造。不止适合自己佩戴，也很体面，送礼大方又时尚。

Brand Queens 的创办人是 Winnie Ng。每一样饰品都是手工打造，拥有高级品质保证。手饰常带，不像银手饰，不变色或黑。喜欢的美眉即刻上官方网站看看吧！

粉紅佳人護唇蜜（BQ Lip Balm）

这唇蜜是 BQ 的新产品哦！这款唇蜜滋潤保養唇部、單獨使用可提亮和滋润唇部、長期使用可修復唇紋。涂上后唇釉有啞光質感、让唇部更丝滑。唇蜜不沾杯，也适合用于上妆前护唇，方便妆后卸妆。

粉紅佳人護唇蜜有五大主要成分

天然植物精油萃取：
唇蜜使用天然牛油果樹果脂、橄欖油甘油霍霍巴籽油、β-胡蘿蔔素、玫瑰花油等植物精華。这滋润唇部、淡化唇紋。唇色也持久呈现粉红色。

維他命E油:
这是天然強力抗氧化劑，广用于护肤品，改善乾裂脫皮，促進皮膚的新城代謝和防止色素沉澱，具有防衰老的功效。

蜂蠟：
这有解毒、生肌、消炎症，強化皮膚的修復能力。

全緣葉澳洲堅果籽油：
天然果實萃取出的澳洲堅果油，滋潤性佳；富含礦物質、蛋白質、多種不飽和脂肪酸。 適合所有膚質，使肌膚柔嫩。油性溫和，不刺激皮膚。

玫瑰花精油：
这有抗菌、淨化、鎮靜等功效。 適用所有膚質尤其是乾燥或敏感肌膚。

上网订购 Brand Queens 配件也很快就邮递到噢！送来的纸袋也闪闪亮亮，看到了心情都瞬间变好。质地很好，也很符合网上看到的款式。

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Organic skincare for Asian skin and babies | ERH skincare @ Eva Organics

As I have written before this in this article, Asians have different skincare needs than our Caucasian counterparts. One of it is how Asian skin tans and burns more easily, and is more sensitive and drier. This is why I am using organic skincare products, this time round produced in Taiwan. I am going to introduce a few products by ERH skincare and Sassibaby in this article.

ERH Supra Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+

This is a broad spectrum sunscreen against both UVA and UVB. The way to interpret whether a sunscreen is good enough was described in my previous writing here. Just trust me this time round, the ERH Supra Sun Protection Cream definitely fits the bill!

The active ingredients are:
- MBBT which are micro-sized particles that effectively segrergate harmful UV rays from the skin. It is lightweight and is able to penetrate into deeper skin layers for better protection without clogging the pores. This means the cream is also splash and sweat proof!

- Jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid nourishes and hydrates the skin, as well as prevents skin ageing.

- Liquorice root extract offers a great boost to fairer complexion and soothes irritated skin.

- Rice germ oil and German chamomile extract keeps the skin supple and calms sunburnt skin.

How to use?
- Apply after cleansing, toning and moisturising.
- Tap instead of smear the cream onto the face. It doubles as makeup foundation.
- Suitable for all skin types

It is also quality assured and registered under National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency with the NPRA number NOT140303465K. Other ERH series include the popular Ultimate Blackhead Killer Set,

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

This sunscreen is not greasy and gets absorbed fast without leaving stains on the skin. I love how it also includes other skinfood which hydrates and soothes the skin. The fact that it lasts for 12 hours, I do not even have to bring my sunscreen when I am away at work or out for play. It also has a water in oil patented formula which means that it is suitable for multiple applications, which also works as a concealer for uneven skin tone and the appearance of open pores.

Sassi Baby Bath and Body Wash

Both my children unfortunately have inherited our atopic trait which means that their skin is prone to eczema and dryness. The Sassi Baby Bath and Body Wash is designed for newborn onwards who have sensitive skin just like ours be it ezcema, diaper rash, milk rash or mosquito bites. Adults can also use it. Read more about eczema here.

A few powerful ingredients found in the body wash includes

-Lactobacillus is a skin friendly bacteria that helps to maintain the optimal skin pH balance to allow the skin to function in the best condition.

- Lavender Oil gives the body wash its distinct fragrant smell which is a great aromatherapy.

- Liquorice root extract soothes inflamed skin and brightens the skin colour. 

The four main functions of the series are to cleanse gently yet effectively, prevent itch, alleviate rash and to heal as well as enhance the skin's function as a protective barrier. 

It goes without saying that Sassi Baby products do not contain harsh chemicals such as paraben, alcohol, SLS, chlorine and mineral oil. It is also 100% organic and cruelty free with EcoCert accreditation. 

The Sassi Baby series also comes with tear free shampoo and moisturising lotion.

What does Dr Yingzangel think?

I love how easy it is to pump the body wash single-handedly. Remember moments when your baby is cranky and just wants to be held onto during a bath? This small trick comes in handy. As the packaging is so cute, baby Bing and Yi enjoy to play with the bottle which doubles as a bath toy. The natural and organic ingredients used make me worried free when using it for my young children.

If you want to try the products above, It's definitely a good time now. Quote MY60EVA to get RM60 off in this Merdeka month for purchase worth RM300 and above! 

To read more about their products head on to:-

ERH group 

Eva Organic Instagram