Journal Writing or Diary Writing

In this technology or electronic world, how many of us are still in the habit of diary writing or journal writing (as some may call it)? I am not a totally online person when comes to journal writing. I prefer to write on paper. In my schooling days (in 1980s and 1990s), there used to have much emphasis on diary writing – in a way for expressing or just improving our writing skills or more…
There was always great joy in me in those days when I wrote diary entries. As I grew older and we were shifting homes, I threw those diaries away. Now, looking back, how I wished that I kept those precious book of thoughts and feelings of mine!
These days, I am back to diary writing or journal writing. I do not write on a daily basis, but I do write as and when I get time. In my diary writing, I do keep my favourite movie tickets, concert tickets and write about my feelings after watching those. There will be days when the entries are more of complains, etc. There will be days when there is something that inspired me and more….It is a more of writing down my thoughts and feelings and at the same time self-discovery too. After some time, when I read back the past entries of mine, I am at times amused and at times shocked or surprised too J
Now, what kind of books do I use to write record my diary entries?
I purchase books either from Amazon or Typo. I love Peter Pauper books. Lately, I have been hooked onto Lang books. Not all of Lang books are eligible to be shipped to Singapore. So, I am selective in my choice. I prefer the type of books that can lay open as I write and not “close” back as I am writing. I am also choosy in my writing instruments. The writing instruments I choose needs to be smooth and not jerky or ink blotching as I pause and think (mainly I use Pilot range of pens). I am not the type who draws in my diary entries. But I do paste quite a number of things that inspire me, like a short saying I saw somewhere, a recipe, a nice picture and so on.
Below is an example what I have for on the first page of my journal for this year…
First Page of 2017 Journal Writing - Esther Neela Blog
First page of this year journal

 

Are you interested to explore the world of journal writing? But you do not know where to start? Below is a link that might come useful for you. Read the tips, visit the links and start your journey.
Center for Journal Therapy
First Journal after a long time…from Peter Pauper Press and Josephine Wall
Currently, using this….from Peter Pauper Press
Others that I have purchased, but not used yet….from Peter Pauper Press
…..from Peter Pauper Press
…from Lang
…from Typo
Typo ranges are always ever changing. What I purchase will not be available in a month time. So, I purchase the books anytime I like the design.

 

All the best to you to discover yourself in the world of journal writing!

Benefits of Jasmine Tea

All of us at one stage or another in our life would drink tea – be it English Breakfast, Herbal or Fruity. Today, I would like to blog on Jasmine Tea and its benefits. It is one of my favorite tea – for its aroma and also for its benefits.

The benefits I get from drinking Jasmine tea are many – but the main is for relaxation. I buy my pure Jasmine tea from Eu Yan Sang.

All links are below. Enjoy reading and why don’t you indulge in some pure jasmine tea today? 🙂

Of course, with any food or drink, it is always important to practice moderation. 

Link to purchase pure Jasmine tea from Eu Yan Sang
http://www.euyansang.com.sg/jasmine-tea-888842534102.html#q=jasmine%2520tea&start=1

Read more on Jasmine Tea

From Organic Facts
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/health-benefits-of-jasmine-tea.html

From Earth Friends
https://www.earthsfriends.com/jasmine-tea-benefits/

From Tea Forte
https://www.teaforte.com/tealiving/the-secret-history-of-jasmine-tea/

From Livestrong.com
http://www.livestrong.com/article/447320-side-effects-of-jasmine-tea/

Benefits of Jasmine Tea - Esther Neela Blog

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents

Purchased the below planner from Amazon.
Best features I love: lightweight, starts from August 2017 and has a monthly features plus weekly. Vibrant colours, with lovely inspirational quotes.

Downside: the monthly planner box might not be big enough to hold many matters. If your handwriting is the big type, you might have a difficult task to keep everything in the box.

Other than, it is a lovely and a good buy. And I have already started planning my August… 🙂

Wish to purchase this? Visit the below link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6VQHJO/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_dp

Pictures below:

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

 

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

 

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

 

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

 

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

 

2018 Diary / Planner by Orange Circle Studio, Succulents - Esther Neela Blog

Healthy Eating: Apricots

The season for apricots are coming – well, at least in most overseas countries, not here. These are usually imported from overseas for us here and is slightly pricier than other common fruits found here. Dried apricots or canned apricots are usually available all around the year. Fresh apricots are seasonal. Nevertheless, let us look into some benefits of apricots.

Apricots are a good source of Vitamin A, C and rich in antioxidants. For detailed benefits on this fruit, refer to the links below:

From The World’s Healthiest Foods
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=3

For Recipes, from Martha Stewart
http://www.marthastewart.com/275304/apricot-recipes

Healthy Eating: Apricots - Esther Neela Blog

Healthy Living: Taking Care of Your Hands

Below is a simple instruction video to give yourself a hand massage. We use our hands daily and it is crucial we pay attention or care to it on a daily basis and not when we run into skin problems such as tightness, peel, etc.

Make sure you select your own suitable hand cream. Not everyone hands will respond well to all creams. You need to be your own judge when it comes to hand creams or body creams.

Shea butter creams works well for me – not all brands though. So, I am very selective in my hand cream selection. I have been using L’Occitane hand creams for more than 10 years and they works well for me.

Below are some basic videos for you…Enjoy and remember to take care one of the most overused body part – our precious hands! 🙂

 

Healthy Living: Taking Care of Your Hands - Esther Neela Blog