Glamour & Grace

  The joy of reading often lies in the ability of humorous prose to trigger spontaneous laughter as the story unfolds. Children should be encouraged to experience joy and laughter as they grow. This happiness is a valuable asset that can inspire positivity and resilience, helping them navigate challenges in life. Picture books are a great way to inspire them with these positivities, fostering not only fun reading but also creating fond memories with friends and parents who read together. As children's imaginations are rich and lasting, these shared moments can leave an indelible mark on their hearts. I'd like to share a list of the top 10 picture books for children and adults. These books promise not only personal enjoyment but also offer a chance for all the children in your community to have a wonderful time. 1. I love LEMONADE by Mark and Rowan Sommerset The turkey is trying to offer lemonade to the sheep, but the sheep seem like they need to be more eager. This book is ab...

In 2023, Singapore proudly claimed the title of the healthiest country in the world, showcasing the highest health index. According to the Statista,  As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, let's delve into the essence of Singapore, exploring not just their well-being but also the vibrant daily dishes that can be embraced by everyone, whether a local or a foreign visitor. Singapore offers a wide range of culinary experiences, including budget-friendly street food accessible to people from all walks of life. These affordable dishes, often found at hawker centres and food stalls, not only satisfy your taste buds but also your wallet. Let's take a closer look at some of these affordable Singaporean delights: Hainanese Chicken Rice  This dish typically consists of poached chicken served with fragrant rice and accompanied by chilli sauce and ginger paste. It's a flavorful and budget-friendly option that's loved by many. Char Kway Teow A popular stir-fried noodle dish ma...

September is the month filled with family reunions for Chuseok and mini vacations.   Tropical Fruits Heaven Sardine snorkeling  White Beach Moal Boal  Way to the beach   Additionally, it is the most eagerly awaited time for office workers in Korea due to the extended week-long holiday it offers. Traditionally, in accordance with Confucian practices, families visit distant relatives and ancestral tombs during the Chuseok holiday to pay their respects, show gratitude for their hard work, and share the food they harvested, such as fruits, vegetables, and cooked rice that the family worked on during the spring and a challenging hot summer. As lifestyles have evolved, fewer people adhere to traditional practices and travel abroad to explore new places with their loved ones. Airlines and travel agencies experience their busiest month during this season as the demand for travel rises, resulting in increasing guest numbers. They entice travellers with various travel pac...

While on my morning run, my attention was suddenly captured by a bird's swift movement as it emerged from the trees. It dropped a partially eaten, red spherical berry from its mouth. Upon closer inspection,  I realized it was an uneven, round berry. I stood there, gazing at the trees, attempting to identify the tree species.  Adorable little red fruit balls were evenly distributed among the lush green leaves on the branches. Soon, I noticed that these same trees lined the street for about 100 meters. I paused and immediately recalled, "This fruit is not unfamiliar to me.  I remember my mom bringing back a full bag from her hobby farm after spending a weekend reliving her childhood memories of rural life around this time of year. Inside the bag, it was filled with red balls resembling swollen nipples. The taste was akin to eating wild berries soaked in abundant water. My mom called it  "꾸지뽕" (Ggujippong) . Until then, I had never encountered, heard of, or tasted anyt...

  In the midst of emotions intertwined with despair, sadness, frustration, and anger – which often conceal my true feelings – it is essential to consciously uncover these hidden emotions to view reality more objectively. However, it is part of life to experience these feelings, including the sorrow that gnaws at our spirit and envelops us. One thing to always remember is not to lose sight of ourselves. How much time have we unknowingly squandered through these emotions, making our lives more miserable? As humans living on Earth, let's not forget that our existence is transient, destined for eventual extinction. Questions such as who we are as humans and what defines our existence often entangle us in a complex web of thoughts. In those moments, let's elevate our consciousness beyond the bounds of our world to the universe. Beyond the universe lies a realm unaware of our presence. From where I stand, Earth, among countless planets and stars, is just a fraction – an existence evo...

Even though it's been 10 years since I visited Malaysia, the striking image of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers always comes to mind.  Malaysia's society is a great example of harmony between 5 religions, with about 67% of the population practising Islam, followed by Buddhism, Christianity, and others.  I was really impressed by how people from different religions and cultures showed respect for each other. One thing I needed help with was  Remembering the names of Malaysian dishes was a bit tricky for me. But I can still picture their simple yet delicious meals. One dish they recommended, "Nasi Lemak," stood out. It's a mix of coconut rice, spicy sambal sauce, peanuts, fresh veggies, and sweetened anchovies all beautifully arranged side by side. This kind of food is special to Malaysia not many in Korea know about it. Malaysian food is so good, and in Korea, people are more familiar with Thai cuisine.  If you ever find yourself in Jamsil, a lively tourist area, yo...

  Over time, Korea has developed its own varieties of locally produced bread. For example, during the colonial period, they made sweet bean paste-filled bread called 단팥방 ( Danpat -ppang). Then, in the 1980s to 2000s, there was the rise of cream-filled bread known as 크림빵 ( cream-ppang) , made in mass factories and mainly enjoyed by the younger generation. But Korea didn't stop there – they kept improving their baking skills. Today, Korea offers a wide range of bread that appeals to people of all ages, both within and internationally.  Local bakeries provide options like unsweetened and yeast bread and sweeter and fluffier choices to satisfy dessert cravings. Since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, more and more international travellers have been coming to Korea for short trips or longer stays. Many started needing to get the taste of homemade bread, pastries, and desserts over time.  Among these international visitors, many of them found the dense Korean bread a bit heavy for every...