Birthday Gifts That Made My Day

Another trip around the sun!  I have just celebrated my birthday a few days ago and find myself reflecting on the highs and lows, cherished friendships, and thoughtful gestures that have filled my life with joy and gratitude.

My best friends gifted me with a stylish new pair of shoes.  I actually told them what I like beforehand *chuckle*. It’s a perfect addition to my wardrobe and this gift is a symbol of their love and support.

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Another dear friend gifted me a warm cup of coffee. It may seem simple, but that small act of kindness and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee made me feel appreciated. Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most.

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My sisters also played a special role in celebrating my milestone. They sent me two keto rolls (coffee and almond), as they know I only eat keto cakes. The cakes are delicious and it was a thoughtful gesture.

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The Sunday before my birthday, hubs took me to Seoul Kisa, a Korean restaurant for a sumptuous Korean BBQ. He knows I can’t get enough of Korean food. Then, a week before that, we were both treated by hub’s cousin to a Korean BBQ at Myeong Ryun Jinsa Galbi in 1 Mont Kiara to celebrate both our birthdays that fall in January. Good vibes and Korean BBQ, that’s all I need.

I am indeed so blessed! Here’s to another year of growth, love, and adventures, surrounded by the wonderful people who make life truly special.

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My Hope For 2026

Happy New Year! Time just whizzed past. It’s already Day 5 of 2026!

As I look ahead to 2026, what I want isn’t a dramatic change. I want to stay well and exercise more. My walks have become more than just exercise. They are the moments that offer me a breathing space and a time to think.

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I am happy that I managed to clock in 840.52 km last year.

I also want to enjoy food without stress or guilt. I am still going to continue with my low carb food and eat food that nourishes me.

Having financial freedom is another quiet dream for this year. I want to be able to buy what I want without worrying about money. I’m not talking about designer stuff and etc. I want to continue supporting my favorite neighborhood market clothing stall that I have often blogged about, and buy whatever I want. It’s a small ritual that brings me joy. I hope to continue receiving my online part time work so that I can have some extras for shopping.

Travel is calling too. In 2026, I hope to explore more. New places, new ways of seeing the world.

This year also carries a special hope for Ashley. While she is in the UK before returning in the middle of the year, I wish for her to truly live fully. I hope her studies will bring her knowledge and wisdom. I hope she travels to different countries, gathers experiences, and meets new people. Most importantly, I hope she will be safe, happy and grow in confidence. I hope this chapter becomes a meaningful part of who she is becoming.

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Perfect Gifts For Geeks and Gamers

No matter if you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or “just because,” finding the perfect gift for the geek or gamer in your life can be fun. For many fans of pop culture, video games, horror, and internet humor, clothing is a way to express identity and connect with like-minded people. Brands like NerdyWave provides to this community with quirky and nostalgic apparel that make great gifts for fans of all ages.

From classic nerdy t-shirts to vintage gaming hoodies and cosmic horror cthulhu shirts, let’s check out what are the best picks that will delight any geek or gamer.

Nerdy T-Shirts — Classic Gifts for Every Geek

The nerdy t-shirt is a versatile staple that lets wearers show off their passions without saying a word. Whether it’s a joke only true fans will get or a clever homage to gaming and science, these shirts are great for everyday wear and striking conventions. NerdyWave’s collection includes designs inspired by science memes, classic movie and show references, and creator culture. A well-designed nerd shirt is universally loved and easy to wear.

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Quirky Dark Humor Shirts 

For the gamer or geek who laughs in chaos, dark humor shirts are an absolute win. These tees mix sarcasm, irony, and morbid wit with smart design. Therefore, they are the perfect for anyone with a twisted sense of humor.

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Vintage Gaming Washed Hoodies 

Geek apparel does not only mean tees. Another standout gift idea that combines comfort with retro touch is vintage gaming washed hoodies. These hoodies bring an extra layer of warmth and style to any gamer’s wardrobe. Inspired by worn-in retro wear and the aesthetics of faded arcade posters, the hoodies often feature faded prints of the past gaming icons. They are perfect for cool weather layering, casual everyday outfits or gaming events.

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Cosmic Horror Meets Fashion with Cthulhu Shirts 

Geek culture and horror fandom often overlap, and cthulhu shirts hit that sweet spot perfectly. Based on the cosmic horror mythos created by H.P. Lovecraft, these tees are ideal for anyone who loves eerie art, Lovecraftian lore, or dark retro gaming vibes.  NerdyWave’s Cthulhu apparel often blend ominous tentacles, pixel-art aesthetics, and vintage color palettes. All these appeal to fans of both horror and gaming. They make especially great gifts for horror lovers, fantasy fans or just about anyone who is obsessed with the weird and mysterious.

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Mothman T-Shirts 

For geeks who love cryptids, folklore, and urban legends, Mothman t shirt is a unforgettable gift. This strange, winged creature has become a cult icon and Nerdywear celebrates it with unique tees featuring Mothman art and themes.  This tee is perfect for fans of cryptozoology, horror and mystery, or just about anyone who enjoys blending myth with modern style.

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Finding the perfect gift for the geek or gamer in your life doesn’t have to be hard, especially when you shop at NerdyWave. Its range of nerdy t-shirts, dark humor shirts, vintage gaming hoodies, Cthulhu shirts, and Mothman tees not only celebrate fandom but also turn everyday style into conversation-worthy fashion.

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Must-Have Y2K Valentine’s Day Baby Tees from Cherrykitten

The comeback of Y2K fashion has taken the fashion world by storm. It has brough back nostalgia, bold graphics, and playful vibes of the early 2000s. Among the most iconic pieces in this trend are baby tees, especially those tailored for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. At Cherrykitten.com, a hub for retro-inspired pieces, Valentine’s Day meets Y2K aesthetics in a curated collection of Y2K Valentines shirts that’s perfect for gifting, styling, or making a statement this love-filled season.

Baby tees are unmistakably flirty and fun. Their style are fitted, cropped, and often embellished with eye-catching designs or cheeky slogans. These tees hug the silhouette and add a youthful twist to any outfit. The baby tees are essential in a Y2K wardrobe.

In the early aughts, baby tees were a staple for celebrities and fashion lovers. Today, they’re back as a key trend that blend retro nostalgia with modern edge. Whether paired with low-rise jeans, mini skirts, or layered under jackets, baby tees add instant personality to any outfit.

Cherrykitten’s Y2K Aesthetic

Cherrykitten has become synonymous with Y2K apparel that celebrate individuality and vintage flair. Their Y2K baby tees often feature bold text or fun graphics, that evoke early millennium style. These tees capture the carefree and expressive essence of Y2K fashion.

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Valentine’s Day Meets Y2K

Among the Cherrykitten’s collection, the Valentines baby tee stand out for combining romantic themes with Y2K aesthetics. These aren’t your typical heart-print tees. They’re bold, distinct, and designed to be memorable. The Raccoon XOXO Y2K Valentine’s Day Baby Tee is sweet, whimsical with a Y2K cute vibe.

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The BF Photo Y2K Valentine’s Day Couple Shirt is a classic romantic declaration meets Y2K vibe.

ImageThese Y2K Valentines shirts are designed to celebrate love, fun and self-expression, all through the lens of Y2K fashion.

Why Valentine’s Baby Tees and Y2K Shirts Are Great Gifts 

Valentine’s baby tees and Y2K shirts from Cherry Kitten are perfect whether you’re shopping for a partner, a best friend, or giving yourself a treat. They are great wardrobe addition, thanks to their expressive style. These apparel can be dressed up with accessories or paired casually with jeans or skirts. Those with cropped design are ideal for layering or just on their own.

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These tees capture early-2000s vibes while staying firmly rooted in today’s fashion trends. They blend old-school charm with contemporary vibes.

Whether you’re shopping for a cute gift or giving your own wardrobe a revamp, Y2K Valentine’s Day baby tees from Cherrykitten offer playful, stylish options that tap into the best of early aughts fashion. From flirty slogans to themed heart graphics, these tees are perfect for expressing love, personality, and nostalgic charm. As Y2K trends continue to dominate the fashion world, these Valentine’s pieces are must-have staples that bring both style and sentiment into your seasonal wardrobe

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Our Christmas This Year

Hubs and I didn’t do much during Christmas this year. He asked me to go along with him to church for the midnight mass on the eve. We had Texas Chicken for dinner at Jaya and then walked around until it’s almost time to head to the church.  On Christmas day, we just stayed home and as usual, I would be watching my k-drama to pass time and also did some housework.

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This is the Nativity scene at the Church of Assumption.

As for missy, she and 2 of her friends stayed home and cooked on the eve as everywhere is closed. During the day, they baked white chocolate cookies

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Here’s the homecooked Christmas Eve dinner for 3 of them. Her 2 other flat mates were travelling so they didn’t join them for dinner.

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Then closed to midnight, they decided to bake brownies.

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I guess they were busy prepping and cooking their meals. Missy has been studying at every day to prepare for her first term exam in January.

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Show Your Love with Ironpandafit’s Stylish Gym Shirts This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to express your love and appreciation for someone special in your life. While the usual traditional gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners are timeless, giving meaningful gift that reflects your loved one’s personality and passions can make the day even more memorable.

If your partner or friend is passionate about fitness, health, and staying active, then stylish gym apparel from Ironpandafit.com is a good choice. These gifts will show that you care about their interests. This year, surprise your loved one with a thoughtfully selected gym shirt that combines style, comfort, and motivation. Ironpandafit offers a wide range of trendy gym shirts, including women printed gym shirts, gym hoodies for women, workout shirts, and some eye-catching Gym Hooded Tank. These are perfect pieces to elevate their workout wardrobe and make a statement.

The Perfect Destination for Fitness-Inspired Fashion

Ironpandafit is a leading online retailer for fitness apparel that blends performance and style seamlessly. Their collection is designed with quality materials, innovative designs, and vibrant graphics. This will ensure that your gift stands out and makes a lasting impression. Here are some of the standout products that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting

Stylish Gym Shirts for Men and Women

A classic gym shirt is essential for any workout wardrobe. Ironpandafit’s gym shirts are made from breathable fabrics that keep wearers comfortable and dry during workout. Their designs range from simple and sleek to bold and eye-catching, catering to diverse tastes. These workout shirts are a staple for any fitness enthusiast. A stylish gym shirt can inspire your loved one to feel confident and motivated, whether they’re lifting weights, running, or doing yoga.

ME and me Washed Gym Shirt

Women Printed Gym Shirts

For women who love to make a statement with their workout attire, Ironpandafit’s women printed gym shirts are the perfect gift. Featuring empowering slogans, artistic graphics, and vibrant colors, these shirts can inspire her to push her limits. The printed gym shirts combine fashion with motivation, thus making them a meaningful gift that she can wear proudly. The unique designs also stand out in the gym or during casual outings.

In My Lifting Era printed Gym Shirt

Gym Hoodies for Women

When the weather gets cooler, a cozy gym hoodie is an essential piece. Ironpandafit’s gym hoodies for women are designed for comfort and style. The high quality hoodie will keep her warm and stylish. They are perfect for warm ups before a workout or casual wear outside the gym. A high-quality hoodie can make her workout and leisure time more enjoyable.

SHE IS STRONG WASHED GYM HOODIE

Gym Hooded Tank from Ironpandafit.com

One of the most unique and stylish pieces in Ironpandafit’s collection is the Gym Hooded Tank. This hybrid piece combines the sleeveless versatility of a tank top with the added style and warmth of a hooded sweatshirt. It’s lightweight, breathable and trendy, making it perfect for active use or casual outings. It makes a great gift this Valentine’s Day as it’s functional and fashionable while making a bold style statement.

Be Kind Lift Heavy Hooded Tank

This Valentine’s Day, show your love and support by gifting a stylish apparel from Ironpandafit. Whether it’s a printed gym shirt, a cozy hoodie, a versatile workout top, or the trendy Gym Hooded Tank, these pieces offer encouragement, motivation, and appreciation for her dedication to fitness.

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Perfect Teachers Shirts for Every Educator’s Wardrobe

Teachers or educators wear many hats, from guiding students to inspiring change. As such, their wardrobe should reflect that vibrant, different identity. A great collection of teacher shirts is not only comfortable and practical, but it also offers meaningful expression, and personal pride. Brands such as TeachersGram have come out with designs that resonate deeply with teachers and educators.

Teacher shirts are more than just casual wear. They are also conversation starters, morale boosters, and even educational tools. On busy teaching days when comfort is important, a soft cotton tee with relatable messaging can make the day seems a bit brighter. Whether worn in the classroom, at school events, or while running errands, these tees help educators express humor, values, empathy, and personal style.

Classic Teacher Tee

The classic teacher t shirts are a staple in any educator’s wardrobe. They are made from breathable cotton or cotton blends, and are very comfortable. These shirts often carry fun and relatable sayings like “Teach, Inspire, Repeat” or “Coffee, Teach, Love.”  As teachers spend a lot of time on their feet to teach, interact and engage students, soft fabrics make it a world of difference for all day wear. These tees can be paired easily with jeans, skirts, or a casual blazer for a relaxed yet teacher-ready look.

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Teacher Valentine Shirts

Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions where teacher shirts become part of the fun culture in schools. Instead of generic hearts and cupids, the teacher Valentine shirts can creatively mix love with learning. With designs such as hearts and books, they make the perfect gift for teacher teams during February. Teachergram’s range of teacher shirtts are cozy, inspirational and perfect for the season.

Books Full Of Love Teacher T-Shirt

Celebrate Strength With Empowered Women Shirts

One of the standout categories from TeachersGram is their empowered women shirts for teachers collection. These tees are designed to boost confidence, gender equality, and social awareness. All these are qualities that many educators embody and champion every day. Designs like “And Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce” or “Speak Your Mind Even If Your Voice Shakes” embody strength and resilience. They resonate with teachers who uplift young minds. The bold typography, elegant fonts, and expressive designs help educators express individuality and values.

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Human Rights T-Shirts: Teaching Justice Through Fashion

In a world where social justice is becoming a fundamental part of education, shirts that highlight human rights themes have become impactful. These human right t shirts reflect beliefs teachers may hold deeply, such as equality, and respect for all students regardless of background or identity. The tees from Teachersgram showcase creative typography and encourage conversations about civil rights and social justice. Such shirts help educators to communicate personal values and also support inclusive classrooms where all students feel represented and valued.

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Whether it’s a funny statement for daily wear, a festive Valentine’s design, an empowered women tee that celebrates strength, or a human rights t-shirt that sparks conversation, these shirts from Teachersgram help educators communicate who they are and what they stand for.

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Celebrating Winter Solstice Festival

Yesterday was Dongzhi or Winter Solstice Festival. It’s a celebration of unity and togetherness. Every year, my mom would roll the colorful glutinuous rice balls (tang yuan) and cook them in sugar syrup if she’s in KL. Ashley and I would help her with the rolling of the tang yuan. Ashley enjoyed it very much as she would make all sorts of funny round shapes and then laughed about them.

I bought some frozen ones from the market and cooked them for praying at the altar and hubs ate some too.

A few days earlier, I have reminded Ashley of this festival and asked her to check out the Asian grocer near her home for these rice balls. I told her what she needed and how to cook them. She said she will get them and cook for her friends too. She found frozen rice balls and mochi, and also frozen pandan leaves.

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She sent me a photo of the tang yuan she cooked yesterday. This is her first time cooking and having glutinuous rice balls away from home. Not too bad *chuckle*. Am not sure what are those little round balls. Haven’t got a chance to chat with her. She’s always busy or in a hurry. As I’m typing this, she’s already on her way to Liverpool with her friends.

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Collecting Memories One Trip At A Time

Ashley’s time in the UK has turned into more than just for studies. It has become a beautiful adventure filled with discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Now that she is there, she has quickly embraced every opportunity to explore whenever time permits.

Travelling has become something that she truly loves. With limited time in the UK, she wants to see the world as much as she can before she comes home. So far, she has travelled to Manchester and Vatican City with her close friends. Each trip is filled with unforgettable moments, learning and laughter that will stay with her forever.

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With her friend in Manchester

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Colosseum in Rome

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Piazza de Trevi

What makes these trips even more special is the way the girls plan them together. They would come up with the itineraries, scour the internet for affordable accommodation, and hunt for the cheapest flight, bus, and train tickets. To save money, they walk whenever possible instead of taking taxis or subway trains. I think this is great as the walks allow them to truly soak in the sights and atmosphere of each city.

Right now, Ashley and her friend are enjoying her time in London. She wants to see the  magical Christmas decorations that light up the city and make the winter season feel extra special. The festive vibe added another joy to her UK experience. Now, she can’t wait for snow to fall.  The girls are already planning a trip to Liverpool later this month.

Ashley and her friends also had hopes of traveling to Germany in January, but because it’s there’s exam during that month, she’s decided to postpone the trip. After all, exams come first, and she can always travel later. Besides, January is the coldest winter month so it’s better that she explore when it’s warmer.

Seeing Ashley explore the world, grow more independent, and embrace new cultures brings so much happiness. This chapter of her life is a great adventure. It is shaping her in ways that are far beyond the classroom. My only wish for her is that she studies hard, stays safe, and remains happy always.

Here are some photos taken in London.

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Tower Bridge in London

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London Eye

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Covent Garden at night

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Spotted a cute pelican. Maybe this was in St. James Park.

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Chinatown in London

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My Shopping Loots In Seoul

This time around, I didn’t seem to shop a lot in Seoul compared to the trip I went with my sisters. Being autumn season, I couldn’t find any suitable clothes or shoes too. Missy also gave me a list of things to buy for her but I only managed to find some.

So I thought I would have spent less for this trip but actually I think I spent more. Not sure what spent on though and I didn’t keep track of the finances too. Here are some of the shopping loots from Seoul.

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Missy wanted something that’s Y2K style and I saw this bag at Shopen in Hongdae. It looks kinda like Y2K bag so I bought it. The bag is really soft and is in off-white shade.

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Shopping loot from Lotte Shopping Mall. This basket consists of my favourite HBAF wasabi almonds, Zero chocolate balls and the rest are souvenirs like Market O brownies and pre-packaged hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) and more.

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So I saw all kinds of nuts being sold at Gyeongdong Market and since I love snacking on pumpkin seeds, I bought a 1 kg bag that cost 8000 won. Still cheaper than buying here but it was pretty heavy to lug around with other shopping loots.

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Bought Miffy keychain and socks for Missy. Also a name tag holder from Hello Kitty Cafe in Myeongdong.

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We walked past a handmade leather bag shop in Bukchon and this was the first bag I saw and liked. Was contemplating if I should get it but my friends said I should or else I would be thinking about it and we won’t be going back to that shop later. So it’s now in my house.

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This is a packet of the instant broth tablet anchovy flavour that my friend recommended. She cooks the soup using this and it’s flavourful. I have yet to cook with it. The other one is the Maxim sugar-free instant coffee. I thought it’s just coffee and creamer but it has stevia and the coffee tasted very sweet. Not my kind of coffee so I gave it to hubs.

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These are my favourite Korean soybean paste stew sauce / Korean tofu stew sauce. I love cooking my sundubu jiggae with these pastes. They are available here but cheaper in Seoul.

Besides the above, I also bought some beauty products like Missha eyeliners, lip tints, hand lotions, face cream, a pair of white wide-legged pants and a pair of Blue Elephant sunglasses.

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