First Impressions of GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew: A Malaysian Brand That Caught My Attention

Over the past few weeks, I've somehow fallen into a Korean skincare rabbit hole. It started with writing about my surprisingly simple midlife skincare routine. That led me to researching trending Korean skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, PDRN, EGF, NAD+, and skin longevity.

So when I came across GloLab+, a Malaysian skincare brand founded by three friends, I became curious. Not just because they are my friends, but because I wanted to know whether their formulation philosophy would align with everything I'm currently using.

A Quick Disclosure

Let me begin by saying that I know the founders of GloLab+ personally. However, this is not a paid collaboration. I bought the products on my own and no one asked me to write this article.

If anything, knowing them made me more hesitant to write about the products because I wanted to judge them on their own merits rather than on friendship.

Fortunately, after looking through the formulations and trying both products, I found myself evaluating them the same way I would evaluate any other skincare product that I own.

What Caught My Attention

One thing I've realised recently is that my interest in skincare has changed. These days, when I want to purchase any skincare product, I ask a few crucial questions, which were also the questions I had in mind when I looked at GloLab+.

• Does it support the skin barrier?
• Will I actually enjoy using it every day?
• Does the formulation make sense?
• Is it trying to improve skin health rather than simply promising perfect skin?

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution is the first product launched by GloLab+. On paper, it combines several things that already appeal to me:

• SPF50 PA++++ mineral sun protection
• Ceramides (Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP)
• Hyaluronic acid
• A lightweight, less greasy texture designed for daily wear

I'm a big believer in sunscreen, and I've become very convinced that sunscreen is still the single most important skincare product we use every day. Everything else is secondary.

What I appreciate about Dazzle Bloom is that it doesn't treat sunscreen as a separate afterthought. Instead, it incorporates barrier-supporting ingredients into a product that is already doing the most important job of protecting the skin from UVA and UVB damage.

The use of zinc oxide (a filter used widely in mineral sunscreen) also stood out to me. Usually, mineral sunscreens are often criticised for leaving a white cast or feeling heavy on the face, which is why I only use Korean sunscreens with chemical filters.

But Dazzle Bloom's formula manages to change my perception of mineral sunscreen. It remains comfortable enough for everyday use, without the feeling of excessive greasiness in Malaysia's hot and humid climate. See my testimonial below.

In summary, Dazzle Bloom simplifies your mornings by being a moisturiser + mineral sunscreen + glow primer.

Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream

The second product, Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream, interested me for a different reason. Rather than trying to be another "miracle anti-ageing cream", the formulation focuses on recovery, hydration, and skin resilience, which you could describe as 'recovery' instead of 'overcorrection'.

Looking at the ingredient philosophy, several familiar names immediately stood out.

• Copper Tripeptide-1 – the star ingredient that seals the deal for me to use Dazzle Dew. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a widely respected peptide known for skin repair, collagen signalling, and wound healing.
• Panthenol for soothing and hydration.
• Niacinamide for barrier support and uneven skin tone.
• Sodium hyaluronate and multiple humectants for lasting hydration.

Copper Tripeptide-1

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that has gained attention for its role in supporting skin repair and collagen production. It is often used in skincare products designed to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall resilience.

While it's not a miracle ingredient, I like that it aligns with the growing focus on helping the skin recover and function well over time rather than simply masking the visible signs of ageing.

As someone navigating midlife skin, that makes far more sense to me than chasing dramatic overnight transformations.

What I Appreciated Most

Interestingly, it wasn't any single ingredient that impressed me the most; it was the overall formulation philosophy. Neither product tries to overwhelm the user with every trending skincare buzzword. Instead, both products seem to prioritise skin barrier health, hydration, protection, and recovery.

That might not sound particularly exciting compared to products marketed around the latest viral ingredient. But after spending weeks reading about skin longevity, I've come to appreciate that healthy skin is often built on consistently doing the basics well.

The current skincare trend is becoming less about chasing flawless "glass skin" and more about maintaining healthy, resilient skin that functions well over time.

Perhaps that's why GloLab+ caught my attention. Although it is a Malaysian brand, the underlying philosophy feels surprisingly familiar: barrier support, hydration, protection, recovery. These are exactly the principles that have quietly reshaped the way I now think about skincare.

That's ultimately what I found most interesting about GloLab+, not because it's a Malaysian brand or because I know the founders. But because after weeks of exploring Korean skincare philosophies, I discovered something unexpectedly familiar a little closer to home.

GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom & Dazzle Dew Travel Kit

For those who travel frequently, GloLab+ has also put together a Dazzle Travel Kit containing miniature versions of Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew. It follows the same uncomplicated approach that I appreciate: protect your skin during the day, support recovery at night, and keep your routine simple enough that you won't be tempted to skip it just because you're away from home.

Where to Buy Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew

GloLab+ Official Store

GloLab+ Shopee

GloLab+ TikTok Shop

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What Project Hail Mary Says About Courage, Life, and the Small Things That Matter

Note: This image is created with the help of ChatGPT; please excuse how Rocky looks.

Project Hail Mary Is Not the Sci-Fi Movie You'd Expect

I watched Project Hail Mary expecting a sci-fi story about saving Earth from an extinction-level crisis. But what stayed with me was not the science or the mission. It was how the movie explored resilience and the kind of courage that was obviously absent at the beginning of the protagonist's story.

Dr Ryland Grace, the protagonist, is not introduced as a typical hero. Well, this is not a superhero movie. Yes, he is an intelligent and knowledgeable scientist, but he is also reluctant and clearly does not want to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He does not want to volunteer for a one-way ticket mission. He does not initially believe that being qualified means he must be willing to die.

That is why his eventual transformation towards the end of the movie is really meaningful. Initially you could call him a messed-up coward. But his bravery develops gradually, through circumstances that force him to decide what matters most when there are no easy options left.

Courage Does Not Always Begin With Willingness

One of the strongest parts of Grace's character arc is that he does not begin as a hero. He does not give a grand speech about saving humanity (ref: 1996 Independence Day movie), nor does he willingly step forward when asked to risk his life. In fact, he resists the idea because he understands exactly what the mission may cost him.

Image Credit: Cinemablend

His reluctance could easily have made him unlikeable, but instead it makes him more human. Most people would probably hesitate if they were told that their knowledge made them useful, but that using it could also mean never seeing Earth again.

Grace's fear is reasonable, and the movie does not treat self-preservation as a moral failure. As the movie progresses, what changes him is not a sudden personality shift. It is a series of decisions made under pressure, where he repeatedly chooses to continue solving the next problem even when he is afraid, uncertain, or physically exhausted.

By the time he has the opportunity to return to Earth, he is no longer the same person who initially refused to sacrifice himself. He has already endured isolation, memory loss, failure, danger, and the responsibility of knowing that billions of lives depend on what he does next. More importantly, he has formed a friendship with Rocky that becomes as real and important to him as his responsibility to Earth.

When Grace realises that Rocky may not survive the journey home, he is faced with a final decision. He can continue towards Earth and preserve his own chance of returning, or he can turn back and save his friend. This time, nobody forces him, nor is there an authority figure making the decision for him, and there is no guarantee that his sacrifice will be recognised.

He turns back because it is the right thing to do. That moment is powerful because Grace's courage is no longer theoretical. He makes the critical decision when it matters, even though it costs him his potential future back on Earth.

Fragile Yet Brave

Ryan Gosling's performance makes this transformation believable because he does not play Grace as someone who suddenly becomes fearless. Grace remains emotionally vulnerable, physically limited and sometimes overwhelmed by the situation he is in.

He panics, doubts himself, gets frustrated, and grieves. And yet, he continues. This combination of fragility and bravery is what gives the character emotional weight. Grace's courage exists alongside fear. He does not stop being afraid; he simply becomes capable of acting despite it.

There is something empowering about watching a character who does not fit the conventional image of a heroic saviour. Grace is not a soldier, an astronaut or an action hero. He is a scientist and a teacher who must use observation, logic, improvisation and persistence to survive.

His strength lies in his ability to keep thinking when circumstances become impossible. When he makes mistakes, he adapts. When his plans fail, he tries a different approach. His resilience is not dramatic in the usual cinematic sense but in the repeated act of trying again.

Rocky Is Not the Alien We Usually See

I also loved the way Rocky was designed and written. Sci-fi movies often rely on generally recognisable visuals when portraying alien life, such as grey or green skin, oversized eyes, humanoid bodies or insect-like features. They are also frequently presented as threats, invaders or predators whose existence immediately places humanity in danger.

Rocky is none of these things. He is not humanoid (well, in all fairness, he does look like an arachnid); his body, environment, language, and biology are genuinely alien. Yet despite those differences, his personality is immediately captivating.

Image Credit: Project Hail Mary Wiki

He is intelligent, curious, loyal, practical and capable of forming a deep emotional connection with Grace. Their friendship develops through shared work, mutual dependence, and the gradual construction of trust. They begin as two beings who cannot even communicate, yet they eventually become partners who understand one another beyond language.

The movie makes Rocky lovable by showcasing that friendship can form even when two lives are radically different. This is one of the most hopeful ideas in the story.

Life Is Not Always a Monster

Another aspect of Project Hail Mary that I found fascinating was the way the movie portrayed life itself.

The central threat is not an army of violent aliens. There is no hostile civilisation planning to invade Earth, and there are no giant creatures attacking cities. The crisis is caused by a microscopic life form known as the 'Astrophage' that feeds on stellar energy and gradually reduces the output of stars.

The solution is also microscopic. 'Taumoeba' is another single-celled organism, small enough to be overlooked yet powerful enough to change the fate of entire solar systems because it feeds on 'Astrophage'.

Image Credit: Geek Tyrant

This creates an interesting contrast with the way life is often portrayed in science fiction. Alien life is usually imagined as something large, visible and threatening. In Project Hail Mary, life exists at the smallest possible scale, but its consequences are enormous.

Astrophage is not evil. Taumoeba is not heroic. They are simply organisms behaving according to their biology. One consumes energy. The other consumes the first organism. Neither understands that planets, civilisations and billions of lives depend on their existence.

That simplicity makes the story more interesting because the survival of two intelligent species ultimately depends on understanding the behaviour of single cells.

Small Things Can Change Everything

Rocky says that "life is reason", and that idea runs through the entire movie. Life does not need to be physically large, technologically advanced or emotionally complex to have significance. Astrophage and Taumoeba are tiny organisms, but each one has the ability to change the future of entire worlds.

The same can be said of many of Grace's decisions. His story is shaped by a series of smaller choices, not in a dramatic, heroic way. He investigates, communicates, and trusts Rocky. At the very climax of the movie, he chooses to turn his ship around to save his best friend.

Each decision appears limited to the immediate problem in front of him, but together they determine the survival of Earth, Erid and Rocky.

This is perhaps the part of the movie that resonated with me the most. We often associate meaningful change with large gestures, major achievements or highly visible acts of courage. Yet many important outcomes begin with something smaller, such as one decision, or one piece of information, or one person refusing to give up.

Small does not mean insignificant. Sometimes the smallest element in a system becomes the one thing capable of changing everything.

Doing What Matters When It Becomes Necessary

By the end of the film, Grace has become the kind of person he initially did not believe himself capable of becoming.

He does not save two worlds because he always knows what to do. He saves them because he remains willing to learn what must be done next. He does not return to Earth as a celebrated hero. He chooses to remain on Erid, where he continues teaching and begins a life completely different from the one he left behind.

There is something fitting about that ending. Grace does not need public recognition to validate what he has done. His growth is already visible in the fact that he willingly chose responsibility, friendship and sacrifice when those choices became necessary.

That is what makes Project Hail Mary such a beautiful and powerful story.

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Inside My First StyleKorean Mid-Year Beauty Box

Buying My Birthday Present

As a woman in my mid-40s, I have shifted my skincare usage to increasingly focus on hydration, pigmentation care, a healthy skin barrier, and healthier ageing. I'm always curious to discover Korean skincare products that might fit into my simple routine.

I came across StyleKorean's beauty box through a friend's social media post. I was instantly intrigued, and since June is my birthday month, I decided to treat myself to StyleKorean's Mid-Year June Beauty Box.

Aside from buying myself a birthday present, the combination of well-known Korean skincare brands, attractive pricing, and the element of surprise finally convinced me to place my first order from StyleKorean.

So, long story short, this isn't going to be a traditional unboxing or a product-by-product review. I haven't tested everything yet, and I don't think it would be fair to make claims after only opening the box.

Instead, I'm going to share what's inside my very first StyleKorean beauty box, along with my first impressions and the products I'm most excited to try. Cool?

What Is the StyleKorean Mid-Year Beauty Box?

For anyone unfamiliar with it, StyleKorean occasionally releases limited-edition beauty boxes featuring a curated selection of Korean skincare and beauty products.

Rather than purchasing individual items, buyers receive a box containing multiple full-sized products from different brands at a significantly lower price than buying them separately.

Part of the appeal is discovering brands or products that you may never have considered purchasing on their own. It's a little like opening a lucky draw, except you already know the products have been carefully selected by a retailer that specialises in Korean beauty.

They actually have a July version now called the StyleKorean Bestie Pink Box!

Why I Finally Decided to Buy One

First, let me reiterate that I'm not a beauty blogger. But it's my birthday in June, and honestly, curiosity got the better of me.

Also, the value looked good, there were several brands I already recognised, and I thought it would be a fun way to discover products outside my usual shopping list.

Sometimes it's nice to let someone else curate the experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the ordering process was, and the package arrived well protected.

Then came the fun part: the unboxing! Opening the box felt surprisingly exciting. Even though I already knew the list of products, seeing everything neatly arranged in front of me somehow made the purchase feel worthwhile.

Another advantage of buying a beauty box is that it gives me plenty of options without feeling pressured to use everything immediately.

Everything Inside My Mid-Year June Box

One of the first things I noticed was the variety. Instead of receiving products from just one brand, the box included skincare from several Korean beauty brands covering different steps of a skincare routine.

Some were brands I had already used before, while others were completely new to me.

• Numbuzin No. 9 NAD Retinal Volumetox Eye Cream
• Dr.Althea Melaclear Cream
• VT Cosmetics PDRN Capsule Cream
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
• haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist
• Medicube Red Acne Body Peeling Shot
• moev Annurcatin Hair Tonic
• Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly
• Dr.Ceuracle Pro Balance Night Enzyme Wash
• SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Power Boosting Cream In Serum
• iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
• Mary&May Spicule Collagen 1000 PDRN Cream
• heimish Ever Glow Glaze Colour Balm

That's probably one of the biggest attractions of these beauty boxes. They allow you to try products that you might otherwise overlook while shopping individually.

As I unpacked everything, a few products stood out almost immediately. Some appealed to me because of their ingredients. Others simply looked like they would fit naturally into my existing skincare routine.

Since I'm now in my mid-40s, I tend to gravitate towards products that focus on hydration, skin barrier support, pigmentation, and maintaining healthy-looking skin rather than chasing dramatic anti-ageing promises. You can check out my simple routine for midlife skin.

I'm particularly interested in ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C. The latest buzzword, PDRN, has also made its way onto this list. Learn more about the Korean skincare ingredients I'm using and watching in 2026.

Whenever I see products featuring these ingredients, they usually move closer to the front of my "to try" list.

Highlight: Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly

One product that immediately caught my attention was Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly. What I like about its inclusion is that it reminds us beauty isn't just skin deep. You need good nutrients / supplements too.

Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly is a low-calorie Korean jelly supplement that's taken after meals to help manage cravings, support digestion, and reduce carbohydrate absorption. I thought it was a thoughtful addition to the box.

Was the Beauty Box Worth Buying?

Yes! Not because I expect every single product to become a permanent favourite, but because the overall experience was genuinely enjoyable.

The box introduced me to brands I haven't explored before, gave me products I probably wouldn't have purchased individually, and offered good value compared to buying everything separately.

Sometimes the enjoyment comes from the discovery itself rather than finding one miracle product.

Would I Buy Another StyleKorean Beauty Box?

I probably would, although not every release. The theme, participating brands and product selection would still influence my decision.

This first purchase helped me understand why these limited-edition boxes have developed such a loyal following.

For someone like me who enjoys Korean skincare but doesn't constantly shop for new launches, a curated beauty box offers a refreshing way to discover new products without spending hours deciding what to buy.

I'll probably revisit this box again in a few months to share which products earned a permanent place in my skincare routine. Until then, this first unboxing has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Note: This is an honest purchase and not a sponsored collaboration. All opinions are based on my own first impressions after purchasing the StyleKorean Mid-Year June Beauty Box.

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What EJAE's Song "DNA" Means to Me

Drawing An Allegory

There are some songs that stay with us not because we fully understand the technicalities of the music, but because something about them touches our inner being in a quiet way. I am not a musician, so I have zero idea about vocal arrangements, production or composition to describe why a song works the way it does.

Let me explain. When I first heard "DNA (More Than A Game)" and later watched EJAE sing it on a global stage with Andrea Bocelli, I felt unexpectedly happy for her. It was not the kind of happiness you feel when listening to a good song. It felt more personal than that, even though I do not know her personally and our lives are completely different.

I was happy for her because her moment felt like she finally received the global recognition she deserves. It made me realise things about talent, timing, platforms, and the years a person can spend working hard before the world finally acknowledges them.

Perhaps that is why her story resonated with me. It is a familiar allegory: you can work hard within a system and still feel unseen. You can keep showing up, improving, and believing that the next opportunity might come, but in the end, you realise that effort alone does not always guarantee visibility.

Sometimes, I believe the issue is not that we lack ability. Perhaps we are simply being on a platform that does not know what to do with us.

The Platforms That I Have Been On

Some years ago, I was part of an environment that spoke often about growth, leadership, and personal development. In those spaces, I learned, worked hard, stretched myself, and gave what I could based on the season of life I was in. But there were times when my effort just did not translate into visibility. To me, visibility means being given the room and opportunity to grow. I knew I was capable, but I felt underused.

Then, when I re-entered the corporate world, although I was doing the work and carrying the weight, I did not have the leverage to be placed where those strengths could be fully seen. Work and responsibilities continued. But deep down I was asking, if I really did my best and still was not seen, then what exactly was missing?

For a long time, I assumed the problem was me. I figured I was just not charismatic or outspoken enough, or good at playing the strategic game. It is so easy to turn disappointment inward and convince yourself that your lack of progress is just a 'personal growth' issue.

But over time, I see this may not always be true. I believe the reality is that not every workplace or environment is built to recognise everyone's strengths. Some places just value loudness, hierarchy, or constant self-promotion. They care about who is in the right room at the right time. Those might be valid traits, but they just aren't who I am.

When your actual strengths do not match what a specific platform happens to value, it is easy to confuse a bad culture fit with personal failure.

Finding My Place During My Master's Study

Eventually, I went back to university for my Master's degree at Sunway University. It wasn't about finding something groundbreaking, but it eventually changed how I measured my own value. Suddenly, performing for corporate visibility didn't matter as much as how deeply I could think, analyse, and write.

That’s when things finally clicked for me. For the first time, the things I was naturally good at were actually recognised. Finishing with a Distinction (CGPA 3.85) was amazing, but the real shift was how my voice was received. My lecturer validated my proposed PhD research topic and indicated it has real potential.

Beyond the classroom, my journey as a Master of Marketing postgraduate student (also a working mother) was published on Sunway University Online's Student Success page and video series (Choosing the Right Postgraduate Pathway; Not Just a Master's - It Made Me Better).

I realised my mind functions best in an environment that prioritises depth over loudness. I genuinely love connecting the dots, taking lived experiences, human behaviour and data, and figuring out what they reveal about larger systems.

For a long time, these traits just felt like overthinking, and they definitely didn't get immediate applause in corporate spaces. But during my Master's, they became my biggest strengths. It taught me that you don't always need to change who you are to grow; sometimes, you just need to find the right environment where your natural strengths actually make sense.

What The Song "DNA" Means to Me

This is why EJAE's DNA became more than a song to me. I know her life isn't my life, but her breakthrough performance reminded me of what happens when someone finally lands in the right place after years of unseen work.

It made me wonder if many of us spend years feeling like we are unsuccessful when the reality is just that we have been trying to shine in the wrong environment.

For a long time, I wanted to prove myself to the people and spaces that overlooked me. Part of me will probably always have that instinct, because it is human nature to want old workplaces to realise you didn't lack potential. But I'm learning that I can acknowledge the sting of being overlooked without letting it drive my entire career.

A Different Plan for the Second Half of the Year

Entering July 2026 feels like the perfect time to reset. For the rest of the year, I want to be much more intentional about where I put my energy. I want to move toward spaces, like my Master's experience, where depth and thoughtfulness actually matter and where I don't have to constantly perform just to be valued.

I want to stop focusing on the doors that closed and start looking at the new possibilities quietly opening up. Maybe finding the right platform isn't about magically changing who you are. It is just about finding the place where the person you have always been is finally visible.

Some people stand out through performance or leadership. My strength has always been in thinking, writing, and analysing. If that is my personal "DNA", then that is exactly what I want to focus on moving forward.

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When My Patience Ran Out Before the Day Did and Everything Feels Like the Last Straw

A Reflection on Parenting, Perimenopause and Emotional Bandwidth

Some days don't begin badly, yet by the time they end, you find yourself reacting far more strongly than you normally would.

Yesterday was one of those days. To be fair, nothing major happened. There wasn't an emergency; nobody fell sick except me, who's been prescribed with antibiotics for the next two weeks.

Looking back, it was really just an ordinary Sunday filled with the usual responsibilities that come with family life. Yet by the end of the evening, I found myself becoming irritated by almost everything.

It Started As an Ordinary Day

The afternoon was spent sending my children to and from their sports practice. That in itself wasn't unusual, but making several trips in the afternoon heat while my knee was hurting made the whole experience feel more tiring than it normally would have. The car was hot, the traffic wasn't particularly enjoyable, and by the time I had finished all the driving, I was already feeling physically drained.

Later, our dinner plans changed, which meant adjusting the evening schedule. Again, it wasn't a major problem. These things happen all the time.

When we finally sat down to eat, my meal arrived with raw onions even though I had specifically asked for them to be left out. I dislike raw onions enough that I always mention it when ordering, so seeing them sitting on top of my food was frustrating. It wasn't the end of the world, but it certainly didn't improve my mood.

When we got home, I realised my youngest hadn't really packed his school bag properly. He had simply stuffed everything inside. His worksheets were folded, crushed and crumpled to the point that I jokingly told him they looked like salted vegetables.

That was when I started nagging. Quite a lot, if I'm being honest. Somewhere in the middle of my lecture, I remember saying, "How you do small things is how you deal with big things. That's character building."

The School Bag Wasn't Really the Problem

I don't regret correcting my son. I still believe that small habits matter. Taking care of your schoolwork, putting your belongings away properly and doing simple tasks with care are all part of learning responsibility. Those habits don't develop overnight, and as parents, it is our responsibility to teach them consistently.

At the same time, I also had to ask myself whether I had really been reacting to the school bag.

Looking back over the day, it seemed more likely that my patience had already been gradually worn down long before I saw those crumpled worksheets. My son's school bag simply happened to be the last thing that required my attention after a day that already felt physically and mentally tiring.

Perhaps the school bag wasn't really the problem. It was simply the moment when I no longer had enough emotional reserve to respond with the same patience I might have had on another day.

When Your Emotional Reserves Become Smaller

That thought led me to another realisation. Over the past year, I have been made aware of perimenopause, and I have become increasingly aware that my emotional capacity is not always what it used to be.

I don't think perimenopause makes women irrational, nor do I think it creates problems where none exist. The frustrations are often genuine. A waiter who ignores a dietary request is still being inattentive. A child who carelessly stuffs important worksheets into a school bag still needs to learn responsibility.

What seems to have changed is my ability to absorb one inconvenience after another without feeling completely depleted.

There are days when I seem to move from one responsibility to the next without much opportunity to pause. Work, family schedules, driving, meals, household matters and all the countless small decisions that keep a home running don't suddenly disappear because hormones begin to fluctuate.

The responsibilities remain the same.

Sometimes, however, the emotional reserves available to deal with them become smaller. I suspect many women in midlife recognise this feeling, even if we don't always talk about it openly.

After a day of juggling work, family responsibilities, physical discomfort and countless small decisions, there simply isn't as much room left to absorb another disappointment without feeling its full weight.

Parenting Doesn't Stop Because Perimenopause Starts

One thing I don't want this reflection to become is an excuse for losing my patience.

My son still needed to be corrected. He still needs to learn that taking care of his belongings is part of becoming a responsible person. If he develops good habits now, those habits will hopefully stay with him as he grows older.

But, at the same time, it dawns on me that parenting doesn't suddenly become easier because our children grow older, and neither does it pause while we navigate the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause.

In many ways, both journeys are happening at the same time.

While my children are learning discipline, responsibility and resilience, I am learning how to manage a body that doesn't always respond the way it used to. Some days require more patience than I have readily available, and that is something I am still learning to recognise before it spills over into the people around me.

Maybe This Is Another Conversation We Need to Have

Much of the conversation around perimenopause understandably focuses on symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep disturbances and hormone replacement therapy. Those discussions are important because many women spend years wondering why they no longer feel like themselves.

What receives less attention, at least from what I have observed, are the small moments that happen inside our homes: the school runs, the dinner plans, the messy schoolbag, and the overflowing laundry basket.

The conversations that become sharper than we intended because our emotional bandwidth has quietly been stretched to its limit.

These moments may seem insignificant on their own, but they make up much of everyday family life.

Fun, huh?

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Exploring Medovik, Russian and Uzbek Food at Torte by Linda

I first came across Torte by Linda because of its Medovik (Russian honey cake). If I remember correctly, I might have come across postings of beautiful Medoviks on social media. Instead of thick layers of sponge cake and cream, Medovik is made up of multiple thin honey cake layers held together with frosting.

Eventually, what started as a visit for cake eventually became an opportunity to explore other items on the menu. Over several visits, I found myself trying not only different Medovik flavours but also a selection of Russian and Uzbek dishes that are not commonly found in Kuala Lumpur.

More Than Just a Medovik Cake Shop

While Torte by Linda is best known for its Medovik cakes, the menu extends beyond desserts.

The restaurant serves a variety of Russian and Uzbek dishes, making it possible to enjoy a full meal before moving on to dessert. For those unfamiliar with these cuisines, like me, it offers an accessible introduction without feeling intimidating.

The Savoury Dishes I Tried

Plov (Beef)

One of the dishes I tried was the Plov (Beef). Plov is a traditional Uzbek rice dish. Also known as Uzbek Plov or palov, the version served at Torte by Linda consisted of rice cooked in oil together with beef, julienned carrots, onions, garlic, and cumin powder.

The rice was flavourful without being overly heavy, and the beef was tender and paired well with the rice. It is the type of satisfying meal that works well if you are looking for something filling without being overly rich.

Lamb Dumplings (Kurze)

Next, I tried the Kurze, braided lamb dumplings originating from the Republic of Dagestan in Russia.

At first glance, they may resemble dumplings that many Malaysians are already familiar with, but the flavour profile is quite different. The lamb filling gives them a richer and more distinctive taste.

The dumpling skin has a nice, slightly chewy but soft texture and holds the filling well without becoming overly thick. They were served with sour cream and chilli flakes, which complemented the richness of the lamb nicely.

The Russian Treats That Accompanied My Coffee

Blini

Another item I tried was the Blini. Blini are often described as Russian pancakes, although they are not quite the same as the pancakes many of us grew up eating.

The Blini at Torte by Linda is filled with homemade tvarog (cottage cheese) and served with berries and honey. It was a pleasant snack alongside coffee – simple, comforting and easy to enjoy.

Oreshki

I was also curious enough to try the Oreshki. These are walnut-shaped cookies filled with dulce de leche and chopped walnuts. Their appearance immediately stood out because they look unlike most cookies commonly found in local bakeries. They look really adorable too!

The cookie shells had a pleasant texture while the filling added sweetness without making them overly rich. They are small enough to enjoy in a few bites, making them ideal as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.

The Medovik that I Have Tried at Torte by Linda

Of course, no visit to Torte by Linda would feel complete without Medovik. In fact, over time, I managed to try four different flavours.

Raspberry Pistachio Medovik

This is Raspberry Pistachio Medovik. The slight tartness from the raspberry helped balance the sweetness of the cake, while the pistachio added a subtle nuttiness. The combination worked surprisingly well and gave the cake a lighter overall profile.

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik

This Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik was probably the most contemporary interpretation of the traditional Medovik. The chocolate added richness while the kunafa element introduced additional texture. It felt like a fusion dessert that combined influences from different regions into a single cake.

Check out my IG reel of this Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Honeymisu Medovik

The Honeymisu was perhaps the most memorable flavour I tried because I love the traditional tiramisu.

According to the menu description, it combines baked honey cake layers with infused espresso coffee, light mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder.

Those familiar with tiramisu will immediately recognise the inspiration behind the flavour profile. The coffee notes paired well with the honey cake layers, creating a dessert that felt familiar while still remaining distinctly Medovik.

Check out my IG reel of this Honeymisu Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Chocolate Honey Medovik

The Chocolate Honey Medovik offered a more straightforward combination of chocolate and honey flavours. Compared to the Raspberry Pistachio and Honeymisu variations, this version leaned more towards richness. It would likely appeal to those who generally prefer chocolate-based desserts.

Would I Return to Torte by Linda?

Absolutely, without a doubt! The restaurant's ambience is soothing and perfect for coffee and dessert, especially for anyone curious about trying Russian and Uzbek food. Torte by Linda offers an approachable place to start. And if you only have room for one dessert, my recommendation would be any of the Medovik cakes.

Address: Lot No B-G-06, Eight Kinrara, Jalan BK 5A/1, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong.

Check out their social media links via their Linktree.

Note: This is not a paid collaboration or advertorial. All opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal dining experience at Torte by Linda.

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The Cost of Staying Well: What Happens Between Healthy and Hospitalised?

Recently, I came across two articles that, at first glance, seemed to have little in common.

The first discussed rising healthcare costs in Malaysia and argued that preventive healthcare is one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term healthcare expenditure.

The second explored perimenopause and menopause, highlighting how many women experience symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog and declining confidence, often without realising that hormonal changes may be contributing to these experiences.

One was about healthcare economics, whereas the other was about women's health.

The Growing Cost of Chronic Disease

For more context, Malaysia is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer continue to place pressure on individuals, families, employers, insurers and healthcare providers.

Traditionally, conversations around healthcare costs have focused on hospital bills, insurance premiums and access to treatment.

Increasingly, however, healthcare experts are pointing towards prevention as a more sustainable solution.

The logic seems straightforward.

If fewer people develop chronic diseases, healthcare utilisation may decrease. If diseases are detected earlier, treatment is often simpler, less invasive and less costly than managing advanced-stage conditions.

From both a health and economic perspective, prevention appears to make perfect sense.

At least on paper.

The Prevention Paradox

The more I think about it, the more I wonder whether there is a gap in how we think about healthcare financing.

Many Malaysians are already investing in their health long before they receive a diagnosis.

We pay out of pocket for health screenings, consultations, supplements, fitness programmes, nutrition advice, menopause-related care and other preventive measures aimed at maintaining our wellbeing.

Yet much of the healthcare financing system remains designed around treatment rather than prevention. Support often becomes available only after a condition has been diagnosed or progressed to a stage that requires medical intervention.

This creates an interesting paradox.

We say prevention is important. We acknowledge that early intervention can improve outcomes and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs.

We recognise that conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers are influenced by years of accumulated risk factors.

Yet many of the costs associated with prevention continue to be borne primarily by individuals.

The result is a system where staying healthy can sometimes feel like a personal expense, while becoming sick unlocks access to healthcare benefits.

This is not a criticism of insurers, healthcare providers or policymakers. Healthcare financing is complex, and resources are finite.

However, it does raise an important question:

If prevention is truly the goal, how do we better support people during the years before they become patients?

The Missing Middle

This is where I think an important conversation is missing.

We often divide people into two groups: healthy and sick.

But real life is rarely that simple.

Between being healthy and being hospitalised lies a stage that many people will experience at some point in their lives, a period where health may be declining and symptoms may be emerging, yet a diagnosis has not been made.

They may not have a formal diagnosis. They may not require immediate medical intervention. Yet they do not feel 100% well.

They may be experiencing chronic fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, hormonal changes, weight gain, declining fitness, elevated blood sugar, rising cholesterol or persistent stress.

These individuals occupy what I think of as the "missing middle" of healthcare, a space that receives far less attention than it deserves.

They are not seeking treatment for disease, but neither are they simply pursuing wellness. They are trying to prevent a decline in health before it becomes something more serious.

What Perimenopause Can Teach Us About Prevention

Perimenopause provides a useful example.

Many women in their forties and fifties experience significant physical, emotional and cognitive changes.

Sleep becomes disrupted. Energy levels decline. Concentration becomes more difficult. Anxiety may appear for the first time. Confidence may be affected.

At the very stage of life when women are being encouraged to exercise, manage their weight and reduce long-term health risks, they may be facing barriers that make these goals considerably harder to achieve.

The challenge is not a lack of knowledge. The challenge is that life circumstances and biological changes influence behaviour.

This is why prevention cannot be reduced to simple messages such as "exercise more" or "eat better".

Human beings are more complicated than that.

A Question Worth Exploring

As Malaysia grapples with rising healthcare costs, an ageing population and increasing rates of chronic disease, conversations about prevention will become even more important.

Bank Negara Malaysia's recent efforts to improve the sustainability of Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful plans reflect a broader recognition that healthcare financing cannot continue indefinitely without addressing utilisation and long-term health outcomes.

At the same time, healthcare providers continue to advocate for earlier screening, better health literacy and greater preventive care, while conversations around issues such as perimenopause remind us that many health challenges begin long before a formal diagnosis is made.

Yet an important question remains.

If prevention is truly the goal, how do we support people during the years before they become patients?

The more I think about it, the more I realise that the conversation about preventive healthcare may not simply be a healthcare conversation.

It is also a conversation about value.

Today, healthcare systems are exceptionally good at treating illness. Hospitals, specialists, medications and insurance plans are largely designed to respond once a medical condition has been identified.

But the years before a diagnosis are often less visible.

This is the period when individuals begin noticing subtle changes in their health, whether that is rising cholesterol levels, declining fitness, persistent fatigue, poor sleep, hormonal changes or other early warning signs that something may be shifting.

Many choose to take action during this period. They invest in screenings, exercise, nutritional support, health coaching, mental wellbeing and other preventive measures, often at their own expense.

The question is whether we place enough value on these efforts.

If prevention is truly the future of sustainable healthcare, perhaps the challenge is not only how to treat disease more effectively, but also how to recognise and support the work people do to stay well in the first place.

Which brings me back to the question that started this reflection:

What happens between "healthy" and "hospitalised"?

Because that space may hold some of the most important opportunities for improving health outcomes, reducing long-term healthcare costs and rethinking how we approach prevention altogether.

References

Opinion: Preventive healthcare — An effective path to lower healthcare costs

Puberty in reverse: inside the powerful Front & Female conversation on menopause and perimenopause

The Silent NCD Crisis In Malaysia: A Public Health Warning — Assistant Medical Officer

BNM To Strenghten Rules On Medical Insurance As Base MHIT Plan Rolls Out

 

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