FollowLately, my mind has been working on full gear. It’s constantly flooded with thoughts — plans, projects, work, my daughters, and everything else that comes with being a 52-year-old mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law. It feels like my brain is juggling a hundred tabs open at once, and I just can’t find the “shut…
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About Shireen
If I Could Turn Back Time… I’d Go Back to 1987
Whenever I listen to Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship, my mind instantly races back to the year 1987 — one of the best years of my life. I was in Form 2, carefree, full of dreams, and surrounded by wonderful friends. It was a time when the smallest things brought the biggest joy,…
An Auntie’s Express CapCut Class
A few days ago, Alycia’s best friend, WY, came over for a visit. WY majored in broadcasting in university — what perfect timing! I had been wanting to learn the basics of video editing in CapCut for my new project, and Alycia had mentioned earlier that WY was really good at it. This was my…
My Week-Long Tango with a Virus (And How I’m Protecting My Teen)
It started, as these things often do, with a simple scratch in my throat. “No big deal,” I thought, gargling my throat with a concoction of salt water + melaleuca oil + peppermint oil and hoping it would just fade away. Oh, how optimistic I was in the beginning. Last week, that innocent sore throat…
Congestion Medicine for Toddlers: Safe Relief and What Parents Should Know
The Midnight Mechanic
If you’re a parent of a teenager, especially one in the thick of major exams, you know the drill. The house becomes a backdrop to their intense, often messy, always exhausting routine. Chores fall by the wayside, sleep schedules invert, and you learn to appreciate the rare sight of a cleaned plate left in the…
How Energy-Efficient Windows and Siding Can Transform Your Home
Key Takeaways Energy-efficient windows and siding can significantly reduce utility expenses and enhance comfort. Today’s high-performance materials help block drafts and stabilize indoor temperatures. Upgrades often qualify for rebates, tax credits, and can increase your home’s market value. Table of Contents The Impact of Energy-Efficient Windows Benefits of Modern Siding Financial Incentives and Savings Choosing…
When Government Aid Becomes a Gift of Love
We’ve all heard the news, seen the announcements, and maybe even experienced it ourselves: government aid credited directly to our MyKad. It’s a welcome relief, especially in these times, a small financial cushion for daily essentials. But what happens when your immediate needs are met? What do you do with the balance? After weeks of…
The Power of Togetherness: Why We Flourish in Company
Human beings are wired for connection. From the earliest days of sitting around campfires to today’s digital networks, we thrive when we’re together. The power of togetherness isn’t simply about companionship; it’s about the ways in which connection fuels our growth, resilience, and joy. When we lean into the strength of community, we discover that…
Thursday, 25 September 2025
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from slipping behind the wheel of your own car after being without it for a while. Today, that joy is mine. After a long and inconvenient week, my car is finally back from the mechanic’s shop. Its body is covered in a fine layer of dust, a…
Activities That Bring Grandchildren and Grandparents Together
Spending quality time with family is so important. One of the most rewarding relationships is between grandparents and grandchildren. While their life stages are very different, they often share a unique bond built on love, patience, and curiosity. To strengthen this connection, families can explore a variety of activities that encourage fun, learning, and togetherness.…
Durian Dreams Delivered: Why You Can’t Miss The Durian Bakery in Singapore
If you’re traveling from Malaysia to Singapore, indulging in durian is almost a rite of passage. While Malaysia is celebrated for its bountiful durian harvests, Singapore elevates the king of fruits into artisanal desserts—and The Durian Bakery is where this transformation truly shines. Famous for its award-winning durian cake, silky-layered crepe cake, and pillowy mochi, the bakery has carved out a…
The Unfixed Scratch
If you’ve ever had to leave your car at the mechanic, you know that feeling. The hopeful anticipation of getting your wheels back, the freedom restored, life returning to normal. Well, that was me this morning, buzzing with the excitement of finally collecting my car after a whole week. My relatively new baby (just two…
The Hidden Value of Taking a Break for You and Your Loved Ones
The idea of “taking a break” often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. Yet when it comes to caring for a loved one, stepping back for even a short time can bring unexpected benefits. Far from being a sign of neglect, breaks provide the space to restore energy, improve relationships, and create a…
A Sweet Victory: Alycia’s First Class Achievement
After a string of misfortunes that weighed heavily on my heart, today finally brought a ray of sunshine. It was a simple yet powerful moment — this afternoon, Alycia suddenly shouted from her room, “Mummy, I got first class!” Those words were the sweetest music to my ears. Achieving First Class Honours means she has…
My New Car Curse: A Story in Three (Thankfully Minor) Crashes
They say you never forget your first car. The freedom, the independence, the smell of… well, in my case, a 1997 red Perodua Kancil. It was a symbol of a huge milestone. After five long years of navigating Kuala Lumpur’s public transport, at the age of 24, this little car was my pride and joy.…