Purple has now turned blue... purple is joy, yet blue is hope!

掌握一生的幸福。。。

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

2015 in review

It's the usual me to make a quick review in wrapping up the year. Especially on the last day of my year end vacation. 2015 was rather a rough year, particularly at work and some emotion at home.

Nevertheless, I had great company, family and friends who always with me getting through the unpleasant moment, and safely.

What's gone for 2015?...

1. Travel - Didn't have many overseas trip, probably due to the unpleasant news carried over from 2014. Only had one trip to Osaka Japan, while the other two was business trips to Singapore and the States. 2 dive trips, and a few local road trips with friends and families.

2. Collection - Lego, 1st heart shaped Lego was my own souvenir bought from Lego store @ Rinku Premium Outlet, Osaka. Later in the year, I had several other boxes of Friends and X'mas collection as gift. :)

3. Kitchen Gadget - Kuvings slow juicer, Krups Coffee grinder

4. Stress Relieve tools - Essential Oils, coloring book

5. Exercise - Upgraded my ride from a foldie to MTB, continued my regular Yoga and Zumba classes

6. Eat Healthy - My lunch pack routine has became regular, ate raw foods, especially those cooked on the same morning. It's easy, and I enjoy planning my meals in advance. Overnight rolled oat has been a regular twice weekly breakfast, combination of some fresh fruits and cereal.

7. Edible Garden - New crops successfully planted and harvested, i.e. red long bean, sweet potato leaves (both red and common green), English spearmint, edame beans & asparagus (seeds bought from Daiso Japan), delima (local pomegranate)

8. Family - The arrival of a niece and a nephew, both were born just 1 day apart

What's coming for 2016?....

1. Health is the most important asset among others, besides myself, I am hoping all my family members and friends will be blessed with good health.

2. Reduces stress at work

3. Improve on certain posture in Yoga (I still can't do sit-up, shy me)

4. Enjoy my life to the fullest! More dive trips and overseas travel retreats?


Wishing everyone all the best for 2016! May the force be with all of us.... Happy new year!

The addiction of Essential Oil

Essential oil was first introduced to me through my regular spa and beauty center, Bio Jourdeness. At that particular time, I didn't quite understand why such herbs and plants extract could fetch a sky high value, a.k.a. expansive in common term. Therefore, I started some reading on them, and started to value its usage and differentiate the quality one versus those sold in some Thai night markets. They make huge difference.

Simply, essential oils are not only for spa & relaxation use. They could cure or prevent certain sickness, if we use them correctly. The pureness of each oil is the key. It can also be used as sanitizing.

Quick reference guide is available everywhere in the internet.
Example, http://draxe.com/essential-oil-uses-benefits/

I even have them installed on my smartphone, for handy references http://oilsprimer.com/
Some common oils, such as lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint are my favorite. Especially peppermint, which is handy for respiration or throat irritation due to dust and unpleasant air quality.

However, it is especially crucial to understand the basic oils do's and don'ts. As an example, lemongrass should be set away from pregnant women as much as possible. Read and understand the use of each oil, its important!

Young Living, a MLM such seller is my regular source of essential oil for the time being. I would wish to see more 'pure' and trusted oil in the market. As such, I am very much interested in learning the usage and details on how-to extract such pure oil. It's the trend for now, but it is important to use it correctly and wisely.

Part of my collection from Young Living

I have basic oils, which can be natural extract of vegetable oil, or any specialties like cranberries. With addition of certain drops of essential oil (I have it with marjoram for the time being), it's pretty much my must-have massage oil to end my day.

Basic and natural hair and body shampoo, without any scent and flavor is my favorite these days, as I could place drops of different essential oil to my liking.
Pine oil from Prague & Bio Jourdeness basic cranberries oil
Over my previous trips to Taiwan, I do like to shop for some basic massage oils, roll-ons and even sunblock lotion.

Taiwanese brand
My 1st reference book
Diffuser for air purification

Interested to understand more on essential oil? Do read and understand more...