19Sept13 - Agarwood

Agarwood

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Agarwood, also known as oud, oodh or agar, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (large evergreens native to southeast Asia) when they become infected with a type of mould. Prior to infection, the heartwood is relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin embedded heartwood. The resin embedded wood is commonly called gaharu, jinko, aloeswood, agarwood, or oud (not to be confused with 'Bakhoor') and is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfume. 

    Left showing the mould infecting the tree, resulting in a dark resin core

One of the main reasons for the relative rarity and high cost of agarwood is the depletion of the wild resource. Since 1995 Aquilaria malaccensis, the primary source, has been listed in Appendix II (potentially threatened species) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

 In 2004 all Aquilaria species were listed in Appendix II; however, a number of countries have outstanding reservations regarding that listing.

Oud oil can be distilled from agarwood using steam, the total yield of agarwood (Oud) oil for 70 kg of wood will not exceed 20 ml.

    Workers extracting agarwood oil from the wood.

Usages and benefits
-Calms the mind and promotes good sleep
-For mediation and relaxation of the mind
-Improves mental clarity
-Remove bad chi in fengshui

    Agarwood essence oil and bracelets

06Sept13 - Strawberries!

10 Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)

2. Boost short term memoryThe anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)

3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.

4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)

    Yup a straw to remove the core of your strawberries ^^

5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.

6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.

7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. 

9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.

10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)

Read more:(source)

    Strawberries do not store well, so consume them soon!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

JJ

02Sept13 - Coloring Book App

Hi All,

Just like to share with everyone a coloring book app I did recently. :)

It is available to download on both Android and iOS.

There is lite version so please try it out! 
Thanks!

Hope it will be a great sept for everyone!

JJ

31Aug13 - Aventurine

The name aventurine derives from the Italian "a ventura" meaning "by chance". This is an allusion to the lucky discovery of aventurine glass or goldstone at some point in the 18th century.

You should never buy a lottery ticket without an aventurine in your left pocket!
Lady Luck will be in your left pocket. This is the stone of opportunity.
Aventurine is known as the stone of chance or luck. If you gamble or play the lotto, keep this stone in your left pocket.

    Keep one in your left pocket for good luck and opportunities!    

    Fill your wealth bowl with aventurine

Because of its connection to the heart chakra, green aventurine can help us become stronger on an emotional level. It is a ‘go-to’ stone for healing and suffering caused by heartbreak and separation.

Also promotes creativity, imagination and mental clarity.

JJ

24Aug13 - Angel Quartz

Angel quartz, or Angel Aura Quartz, is a clear crystal with iridescent rainbow colors.There are natural crystals that have been coated with gold fumes. It is created in a vacuum chamber from quartz crystals and gold vapor by a process known as vapor deposition. The quartz is heated to 871 °C (1600 °F) in a vacuum, and then gold vapor is added to the chamber. The gold atoms fuse to the crystal's surface, which gives the crystal an iridescent metallic sheen.Additional elements can be used to treat quartz, such as indium, titanium, and copper. 

Angel quartz is an uplifting spiritual stone that invites angel guidance, deep peace during meditation and purification.

   A marvelous Angel quartz, with highly reflective surface.

     One of our Angel quartz piece available!

Angel quartz also promotes joy, light & optimism.

Angel Aura is can be use for:

-Activating the throat chakra
-Finding your personal purpose
-Channelling higher knowledge
-Reaching deeper meditative states
-Opening awareness to the angel domain

Cheers

JJ

11Aug13 - Chinese Ghost Festival Month

This year 7th month started last Wed, 7Aug and last till 7Sept.
There are some common taboos past down since time so its always safer to follow them.

   Six coin obsidian is a good protection charm against dangerious energy. 

1. Avoid swimming during the 7th month. It is believed that those previously drowned evil ghost might cause you to drown in the swimming pool. Such ghost need to find victims in order for them to be go for rebirth.

2. Children and young adults are also advised to return home early and not to wander around alone at night. This belief is due to the reason that the wandering ghosts can possess children easily.

3. Avoid moving into new homes and opening new businesses this month as it is considered inauspicious and bad luck on new ventures.

4. Avoid getting married during this month because couples will have bad ending. Some bad ghost may cast a bad spell on couples during their wedding.

5. Avoid going for jungle trekking and going on camping trips as chances of injuries, possession and death are high.

6. Drive very carefully during this month to avoid accidents, as there may be many wandering spirits who died of accidents previously that are searching for next victims so that they could be reincarnated.

7. Do not call a person's name in full. They believe that the spirits will know their names and try to call them in the mid of the night to take over their bodies.

  Wear an obsidian hulu bracelet to safeguard against bad spirits. 

8. Avoid starting any construction work or engaging in renovation repairs at home such as fixing a tile or banging the floor and wall for the entire month.

9. Avoid spitting and blowing your nose in the street or at any tree/plant.

10. Do not leave open wounds unattended as this will attract ghosts in following you home. Keep them plastered at all times.

11. Do not make negative comments or crack jokes about offering items in the streets or poke fun about Chinese opera seen with empty chairs of Chinese communities. Those chairs are for the ghosts.

12. Do not pick up anything including money found on the street and never bring it home.

13. Avoid getting emotional and crying in the middle of the night. A weak, sad and emotional mind gives ghosts the opportunity to possess you and harm you.

14. Do not whistle after the sun set. This will attract the attention of ghosts that may stick to you for a long time giving your a spate of long term bad luck.


In summary, don't stay out too late outside or wander around unfamiliar trails.
Keep respect for the religion even if you are not Buddhist,or a free thinker.
Even your yang energy high by excising and enjoy a bit of sun. 
Good protection crystals includes obsidian, citrine and jade.

Cheers
JJ

05Aug13 - Counting Your Blessings

I saw this idea from the net in the beginning of the year and like to share with everyone :)

At the end of the day, write down one or more good things that had happened to you. It can be
anything, like eaten your favorite food, a thank you from a person you randomly helped, an unexpected call from a friend, etc

Keep them in nice container and you can read them again at the end of the year, or every month.
You might be surprised how many good things happened around us everyday :) 

    Just a simple notepads and a box to keep them

    Makes you appreciate the little good things in life!

Start writing today!
Start to notice all the little nice things happening around you.
The way to start feeling good and lucky is to look out for it!
Crystals help give out positive energy and good vibe, like clear quartz and citrine. 

Start counting your blessings!
JJ