Spring is the most delightful season where temperatures are moderate, and daylight is aplenty. We may not have Spring in our little island of Singapore but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the season! Whether you’re looking to grab that glue gun or showcase your green thumbs, scroll on for 5 Pinterest-worthy, DIY floral projects to get you into the springtime mood.
Image cred: Pinterest
Find a desired container, get some floral foam, purchase some blooms and you’re ready to go! The amount of flowers needed will vary according to the size of your container. Be sure to choose blooms of different colours and heights for a less uniform and more natural look. Check out some expert advice via The Spruce.
Image cred: Pinterest
Decorate your wheels with some floral details! Well, but if you’re more of a handlebars type of girl, this could work for your bike’s bars as well.
Takes 15 minutes
Materials
Take each large bloom, trim off the leaves and cut the stem off at about 4 inches. Hold the flower over the bike basket and affix the flower with a floral wire of 7 to 8 inches long. Weave the wire through and around the basket grids. Repeat the entire process with all your blooms, across the basket in a diagonal pattern. Once done, insert several stalks of filler flowers and greens. Wedge these in between the larger flowers and use more wire if needed. Add more to your liking and you’re all set.
Image cred: Jessica Keala on The Letter Muse
Mini bouquets are adorable, fun gifts that can be easily attached to a card. Choose any Spring blooms and simply arrange it to your own personal style.
Image cred: Pinterest
Coffee filter peonies are a unique and fuss-free alternative to fresh flowers because honestly, who has the time and budget to maintain fresh cut ones? Plus, there are a million colour possibilities with this easy-to-make DIY project.
Takes 15 minutes
Materials
Fold one coffee filter in half, in the sequence of the folding steps below (courtesy of The Stony Brook House). Then, cut the top off in the shape of an ice cream cone. For full fluffy peonies, layer several coffee filters on top of each other, poke a hole in the middle and connect with pipe cleaners of any desired colour. You may choose to dye your coffee filter peonies with varying shades of food colouring to achieve a realistic floral effect too.
Image cred: The Stony Brook House
Image cred: Pinterest
Forget flower pots. Use an old colander to hang spring flowers and update your balcony, or porch! Wrap one colander handle with some gardener’s twine and tie off with a dab of glue. Knot approximately 45cm of twine at each of the handle and repeat entire process with the opposite handle. Then, line the colander with sheet moss and fill with potting soil and desired plants. Ferns could be a good choice! Tie four lengths of twine together, hang and admire.
Not a fan of colanders? Use tea tins or even rainboots for this!
After you’ve tried our DIY suggestions, kick back to appreciate your handmade decorations and unwind with a cup of Floral Blossom tea.
Floral Blossom
Sometimes, after a long bustling day, all I want to do is lie in my favourite recliner chair, sip a cuppa warm soothing tea, and close my eyes to slow jazz music. No phones, no emails, no running back and forth doing errands – just me and my tea to dissipate the knotted tension in my head or body.
I’ve only started incorporating tea into my daily routine about a year ago, usually just before bedtime, or as a replacement for coffee at work, and I wonder why I didn’t discover the magic in tea earlier. There’s just something about its calming fragrance that has a relaxing effect on your body. If you’re in desperate need of a really good sleep, or if you’re just interested to know how to unwind and relax at the end of the day, here are 8 herbs to do the trick (and it doesn’t always have to used in tea!).
Everyone knows lavenders are beautiful, they smell amazing, and they’re great for relaxation for the soul. Insomnia, agitation, restlessness – lavenders are the perfect remedy to them all. This fragrant herb has the ability to slow down your body’s nervous activity (literally forcing you to relax – something we busy city dwellers need in our lives now and then), promoting better quality of sleep and relaxation. It’s commonly found in essential oils and used in massages or baths. However, lavender can definitely be drunk as teas as well. A lovely-smelling floral tea that is organic and herbal before bedtime for a well-rested night – who could ask for more?
Arguably the first tea that comes to mind when you think of relaxation, Chamomile lives up to its reputation as a wonderfully calming herb for both adults and children alike. For the little ones, add a tinge of honey to chamomile tea and tuck them in for a good night’s rest. Like lavenders, chamomile oil can be added to bath water, or used in aromatherapy, as well to soothe those exhausted and overworked nerves of yours. The relaxing effects of chamomile can be attributed to this compound, by the name of apigenin, which binds to the brain’s neurotransmitter to induce relaxation. This sweet and fragrant night time drink is definitely a must-try for everyone, whether you’re struggling with sleep or not.
Nilufer Tea's Lemon & Chamomile tea contains pesticide-free chamomile and lemon pieces that helps you to sleep better and deeper. It will calm your soul and put your mind into a greater state of ease.
When it comes to relaxation herbs, peppermint is pretty much unheard of. In fact, it’s probably better known to stimulate and perk you up, or used in your toothpaste for a refreshing morning wake-me-up when you brush your teeth. While it doesn’t directly induce snoozing, peppermint preps your body up such that it might improve your sleep quality at night. Not only does it open up your airways for better airflow and oxygenation at night in your sleep, this refreshing herb relaxes your intestines and muscles, to minimize overactivity and tension in your body that prevents you from dozing off. If you’re one of those who absolutely loves feeling clean and fresh before bed, peppermint would be your perfect night time drink to help you sleep better.
If you’re the kind of sleeper who has their snooze interrupted every 2 to 3 hours, passionflower is the remedy to your restless nights and sleeping problems. Free from side effects and known for being a great sedative, passionflower is also perfect and safe for children to consume in large doses frequently. One hour before your bedtime, try it with some tea or take 30 to 60 drops of passionflower tincture, and you’re on your way to your most calming and peaceful rest in a long while. This little powerhouse of a herb is also said to quell anxiety and reduce blood pressure. If you’re not much of a risk-taker when it comes to food and remedies, you should consider this safe-to-consume herb to help resolve your sleeping woes.
Disclaimer: If you’re currently taking a Monoamine Oxidase inhibitor or other antidepressants, you’re strongly encouraged not to take this herb.
Generally used as a mood lifter as well as to soothe your nerves, Lemon Balm improves the quality of your sleep by helping to improve your mental health through relaxation. It can be used both in aromatherapy as well as in drinking teas. However, be careful of overdosing – above 1800 mg a dose and it might backfire, increasing your anxiety levels. You should be working towards a mild and calming tea: for every 240ml, add about 8 tablespoons of fresh balm or 2 tablespoons of dried balm. To top it off, add a lil’ bit of honey, steep for 5 minutes, and strain. It’s best taken half an hour before your bedtime!
By now, you must have seen the word ‘hygge’. And if you haven’t seen it, you probably have heard of the word before, but maybe you didn’t know that it was spelt in this way. Pronounced as ‘hoo-gah’, the term originates from the Danish and Norwegian, which places have some of the highest happiness rating in the world. And that has little to do with coincidence, because apparently, many people attribute these countries’ happiness with hygge.
According to Wikipedia,
"Hygge is a Norwegian and Danish word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment."
Thus, it is not surprising that people who practise the art of hygge have high levels of happiness and satisfaction in their lives. Being in a state or cosiness, warmth and comfort can feel very good and rewarding. And when you are immersed in a culture where so many people are involved in hygge, you will be also sucked into the notion, and a good one at that.
Everyone has different forms of relaxed state, and different preferences for activities that make them calm and blissful. But there are some things that many people deem them to be “hygge”, things that help one to immerse in their state of euphoria.
Denmark and other Scandinavian countries are some of the top candle-burners in the world due to their hygge lifestyle. In practising hygge, it is not uncommon to see people burning candles. After all, the soft glow of the flame gives people a warm and fuzzy feeling. And imagine huddling in soft cotton blankets, you will feel a sense of bliss overcoming you.
Speaking of blankets, everyone loves huddling and cuddling something soft and warm. Seldom does anyone wants to sleep in a cold bed, unless you’re in a warm tropical climate. That feeling of wrapping yourself with soft cotton blanks or covers will give you immense joy and happiness. In a dim room with candles surrounding you with their warm glow, and cosying up with softness, there will no doubt be a sense of satisfaction and joy blossoming from your heart.
And just when you think there is nothing more that can make you happier and more relaxed, there spring more surprises, because you actually can do more to enhance your hygge. Denmark and other Scandinavian countries have some of the highest amount of sweets, chocolates and other sugary goodies consumed. In these countries, you can find many pastries shops and their desserts are both beautiful and delicious. With so much sweetness on their tongues, it is no wonder people practising hygge have so much sweetness in their hearts and in their life.
After telling you the essentials of the hygge lifestyle, you may definitely want to try them out! But hold your horses, because with everything you do, you need to know the ‘why’. Why would you want to adopt the hygge lifestyle? What are you looking for?
Happiness would be a good answer, if that’s yours. After all, people often do things in pursuit of their interests, goals and passion. But if you are unsure, and the thought of having a cosy and warm feeling in your heart and soul is enough to move you towards the direction of hygge, perhaps there is something more underlying that intent, and perhaps it is because your life has been too fast-paced.
Living in a society that is constantly moving and constantly on the go, it can be difficult to find time for yourself to rewind and engage in some self-care. Our electronics like our laptops and phones are always near, and so we are never truly by ourselves: family, friends and work commitments can reach us easily.
Practising hygge can allow us to take a step back and truly focus on ourselves. the initial setup may be a bit confusing, but the logistics aren’t much and you can easily create the blissful environment and surroundings to pamper your body and your mind for a bit. Mark my words, you won’t regret hygge.
Nilufer Tea offers organic herbal tea that can also help you achieve a calm mind and balanced soul. With the power of various herbs and flowers, these herbal teas can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall well-being. Our large selection of teas means that there is something for everyone!
2018 has been an exciting year so far, and if you have missed some of the top events in the first-half of the year, or are having some major withdrawals, don’t worry because the best is yet to come. Whether you’re a traveller or a Singaporean on the lookout for fun activities, we’ve got you covered.
Read on below to find out what exciting events lie in store for you in the next half of 2018:
Image cred: Artsy
Explore the concept of time, space and memories at Singapore Art Museum’s latest family friendly exhibition featuring the works of 10 contemporary artists from aroundthe region and internationally. The eighth edition of this annual exhibition provokes the senses, while allowing visitors to get a glimpse of what the fourth dimension mean to people and cultures through the screening of award-winning short films, interactive murals and intriguing installations to illustrate the mysteries of time -an eyeopening experience for both young and old. Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time is open from now to 26 August.
| Opening hours: 10am-9pm (Fri), 10am-7pm (Sat-Thurs) |
| Venue: SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535 |
| Tickets: $6 for Adults, $3 for Students and Senior Citizens (Free admission for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Children under 6) |
Image Cred: Singapore Night Festival Website
Watch Singapore’s Bras Basah and Bugis precinct come alive at night with a series of spectacular performances from 17 to 25 August 2018. The much anticipated annual street festival celebrates arts, culture and heritage with light installations, aerial displays, street performances, musicals and film screenings. Be sure to catch one of the festival’s highlights, Night Lights, which is an exhibition of attractive light displays that draws throngs of people to the festival each year.
| Date: Night Lights from 18 -26 August 2018 Performances from 24 -26 August 2018 |
| Venue: Bras Basah and Bugis |
| Time: 7.30pm to 12.00am Free admission |
Image cred: Visit Singapore
July is the month where we celebrate all things food! From 13 to 29 July, embark on a culinary journey to discover the foods that Singapore has to offer in a series of delightfully delicious events at the annual Singapore Food Festival. Visitors get to learn about the culture and heritage behind the foods in Singapore, as well as delve into the realm of modern dining. For a more hands-on experience, you can take part in a variety of cooking classes and workshops to replicate some of these yummy dishes at home. For those with adventurous taste-buds, look forward to rare collaborations between renowned chefs for a creative dining experience.
Since the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix 2008, Singapore has been hosting the world-classmotorsport racing event and is also recognised as the world’s first country to hold a night race. Get ready for an action-packed weekend as you witness the world’s top racers conquer the bends on Marina Bay’s Street Circuit against the backdrop of Singapore’s breathtakingskyline. According to spectators from past races, there is a difference between watching it live versus on screen because you can really feel the speed and intensity of the race. The glamorous event also consists of a line-up of all-day performances and concerts by A-list stars, resulting in an unparalleled festival experience and certainly a night to remember.
| Date: 14, 15 & 16 September 2018 |
| Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit |
A marathon may sound daunting to some, but it is definitely a good way to train up your physical fitness and develop positive character attributes in order to undertake life’s challenges. Wrap up your 2018 with a personal challenge! Choose from the different types of races categories available that best suit your needs, and who says running must be alone? Grab a friend or two and train together! For mummies, there’s also a Kid Dash for young runners below the age of 13 if you want to get active with the family.
| Date: 8 and 9 December 2018 |
| Venue: Orchard Road |
| Register now at: https://singaporemarathon.com/register/ |
After a long day out, it’s time to come home to a cup of Nilufer Tea. Made with pesticide-free herbs, flowers and premium dried fruit, Nilufer tea purifies and restores your body while offering a treat to your senses with its delightful fragrance.
Because life pulls us in all directions and chaos floods our mind, mindfulness is much needed to give us clarity and peace from within. Mindfulness is awareness infused with intention. It means to hyper-focus on purpose, on the present moment with a clear headspace. The practice of mindfulness will offer us a new perspective to view our life afresh, to create a novel relationship with our own mind, body, and people around us.
Not that keen on the usual and formal meditation? There’s no need to sit on a cushion with your eyes closed; the key is syncing your breath with your movement as you prep for your workout. Give your workout a mindful makeover because it will:
Here’s what we recommend.
Image cred: rimakruciene on Unsplash
An asana practice is the perfect place to put your mindful thoughts in motion. Rather than a system of separate postures linked together with breaths, mindfulness will allow your vinyasa to become the moment to moment awareness - one breath per movement. So brush the dust off your mat and start taking that refreshing breath as you start on yoga.
Ready, set, stretch! Infuse several simple stretches into your day because stretches are not just a precursor to actual real exercise or a post-exercise formality. It allows us to slow down and tune into our bodies in a way no other movement does. But all too often, stretching takes a backseat to our other pursuits which are viewed as more result-driven and useful. Try a short and sweet stretch as quick as pandiculation. Bring both palms to your shoulders, raise your elbows, open your mouth and let out a satisfying yawn to stretch out your ear drums. Let mindfulness seep into your stretches as you bring your attention into the area that you are stretching and breathe into the muscles with ten slow breaths. Notice how your focus and breath will support your body to open up and expand with greater ease.
If you are stretching on a mat, also ask yourself how the mat feels, to develop a deeper connection and attachment to your stretch routine.
Image cred: maxvdo on Unsplash
Think of breath as mini meditation, a time and a skill to help you deal with stress, negative emotions and sharpen concentration. Mindful breathing has an accumulative impact so the more you practice, the more you benefit and reap. The act of taking a single purposeful breath can make a meaningful contribution to managing stress as well.
It may be better to set aside a designated time to inhale and exhale but feel free to suit your needs. Breathe to this GIF by Mindful to calm and soothe out your stress.
Image cred: anete_lusina on Unsplash
Get up and go for a walk. It could be outside in the outdoors or back and forth in a large room. All you need to do is put one foot in front of the other at your natural pace and focus. Attend to what is around you, think about the weather, the various smells in the air, if you feel tense of stiff (adjust your posture if so) because these are all essential cues to mindfulness.
As hectic as life can get, even a mindful walk to fetch your caffeine fix will make a difference! Go with the flow and make up your own mindful moment-to-moment experience.
Every now and then, you need a cup of tea to help you relax and continue the journey of mindfulness. Nilufer Tea has the perfect calming tea: Lemon & Chamomile Tea. Chamomile is a well-known flower that helps to soothe your nerves, and the citrus perks your mind and body.
Pronounced as ah-sigh-EE, the açai berry is a grape-like dark purple fruit that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest. It’s touted as a super fruit and is one of the most popular organic solutions for a variety of health concerns, due to its nutritional value. If you see gorgeous cafes that pride themselves for their açai menu, that's why. Get your fruit on and guzzle some açai down with gusto because here are five fabulous benefits of the super fruit.
When you say antioxidants, many people will think about the açai fruit. That comes as no surprise as it is one of the fruits that has high amount of antioxidants. In fact, the modest berry has ten times more antioxidants than grapes and two times more than blueberries, hence taking it to the super food status. Furthermore, some studies have shown that loading your body with antioxidants can also help to reduce the risk of cancer. That's even a better reason for stocking up on açai berries!
Due to its high antioxidant content, açai berries contain anti-aging properties which can help to reverse and delay aging processes that are caused by oxidative damage from the free radicals in our bodies. By decreasing or even eliminating these free radicals, the youth of the skin can be maintained.
Açai berries are high in dietary fibre, low in sugar and GI value. Fibre is essential for the proper function of the digestive system, which in turn supports all other systems in our bodies. You’ll feel satisfied with even a small portion of açai, so trust the berry to keep you from feeling hangry in the middle of your day. To illustrate, açai berries offer 14g of fibre for every 100g of açai powder.
With an incredible fibre profile, açai berries have powerful detoxification capacities which keeps the digestive system clean and functioning with ease. Consume some for bowel regularity and constipation relief.
Amidst a plethora of benefits, the small fruit has a high level of slow-releasing probiotics too. This can improve the health of your gut, which contains many beneficial microbes that affect almost every part of your body. It also helps us recuperate faster after strenuous exercise and can combat fatigue with a replenishment of valuable electrolytes.
The taste of açai is often described as a pleasant blend of berries and dark chocolate. Its rich, pureed pulp forms the basis of the ever-popular açai bowl. Açai bowls are a smoothie-like blend of frozen açai. Toppings may vary and include sliced fresh fruit, toasted coconut flakes, nut butters, chia seeds, granola and so on. It has become Singapore’s latest power-packed snack (or breakfast?) and dish du jour over the past two years. The açai is pretty, purple and racks up lots of likes on Instagram. Check out where the young and health-conscious get their fix!
Project Açai is Singapore’s first dedicated açai café. Using organic and sustainably-harvested Sambazon açai, the well-known Project Açai makes super delicious superfood açai bowls and smoothies every day, every hour in little batches. You can be assured of quality here at Project Açai as the said café takes utmost care in preserving the nutritional value and freshness of their açai products.
Haakon might not be an açai institution but the good folks at Haakon celebrate a holistic lifestyle for physical and mental wellbeing. A fancy repertoire of superfoods, juice and açai bowls are served here. What we like most is their Açai Viking Bowl, an açai blend which includes whey protein and raw cacao. Too yummy and too good for a post-gym snack!
Açai berries should be consumed in moderation because these superfruits still contain sugar, even if in lower levels than other fruits. Remember to limit your intake and think over your bowl’s toppings as fructose may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts. Now go ahead and post your açai bowl on Instagram.
