Tag: mental health & balance

...I have a new FO to share: My Favorite Things Camisole No.4, a beginner-friendly camisole knitting pattern that turned out to be both simple and practical—one of my favorite recent makes! This camisole is perfect for layering over a t-shirt or under a jacket, making it a versatile piece for multiple seasons. The pattern is […]

...How do you set up your Traveler’s Notebook passport size? In this post, I’m sharing how I actually use mine in daily life—practical Traveler’s Notebook passport setup ideas based on what has worked for me, far beyond just decoration. From daily use to travel organization, these small notebooks are more useful than they look. This […]

...I passed the Passing the JLPT N1 on my first try. It felt like a huge milestone. And it did—for a little while. I had studied Japanese for years, structured my study schedule around the test, and worked through stacks of vocabulary cards and practice exams. But once I got that N1 certificate in my […]

...How do you set up your Traveler’s Notebook? There’s no single answer—and that’s what makes it so fun. If you’re searching for some Traveler’s Notebook setup ideas, I’m sharing how I currently use two of my regular-size notebooks to organize everything from craft projects to reading reflections. I own four regular-size and three passport-size Traveler’s […]

...Knowing how to stay consistent with digital journaling can be the difference between a powerful habit and a forgotten folder. Digital journaling isn’t just about daily reflection. For many of us, it also includes planning, logging, tracking, and organizing information in a way that’s both practical and creative. While I still enjoy using analog notebooks, […]

...Last winter’s brutal cold sent me on a mission: find a warm and simple balaclava knitting pattern that could keep my family cozy. While browsing patterns online, I came across one on Ravelry that immediately caught my attention—the FORMI Balaclava. It had a clean and minimal design that looked both practical and stylish. I was […]

...One of the areas I had to spend the most time on while preparing for the JLPT was vocabulary. JLPT vocabulary study is not just about passing the vocabulary section—it’s the foundation for doing well across the board. Whether it’s reading, listening, or even grammar, knowing the words gives you the ability to understand the […]

...If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with yarn slipping off your needles or your hands feeling sore after long knitting sessions, you’re not alone. After years of using steel knitting needles from Chiaogoo, I finally decided it was time to branch out and find something that could better suit my needs. Today, I’m sharing my […]

...After sharing my first and second Tokyo stationery hauls, I’m back with something different—but just as fun: my Japanese knitting tools haul from Yuzawaya Kamata. If you’re into knitting or crochet, this post might give you some ideas on what to check out on your next trip to Tokyo. Spoiler: Yuzawaya is huge, and I […]

...Using the right Hobonichi Weeks layouts for study made a huge difference in how I stayed organized and consistent with my goals. I relied on them heavily while preparing for the JLPT, but these layouts aren’t just for language exams — they’re flexible enough for any kind of study plan. Whether you’re working through coursework, […]

...Following up on my first post in this Japanese stationery haul series, here’s part two! While the overall series focuses on my stationery shopping experience in Tokyo, this second post highlights Japanese planner accessories I picked up—practical tools and thoughtful finds for binder and journal lovers. Part one included an overview of the best stationery […]

...Tokyo is a dream destination for stationery lovers, and this Japanese stationery haul is packed with discoveries from some of the best stationery stores in Tokyo. From high-end shops in Ginza to hidden gems like 36 Sublo in Kichijoji, each stop in this Tokyo stationery shopping journey offered unique finds and memorable experiences. Whether you’re […]

...Have you ever looked at your vanity and wondered how to organize skincare products so that everything stays tidy yet accessible? I used to dread getting ready—bottles toppled over as I reached for my toner, and I’d waste time hunting for my sunscreen buried in the back. It made what should be a calming moment […]

...System techo vs. bullet journal (aka Bujo) is a common debate among those looking for a customizable planning system. A bullet journal is a highly flexible system where users create layouts from scratch, allowing for full creative control over planning and organization. In contrast, a system techo is a modular, ring-bound planner system that allows […]

...Recently, I realized my vanity was overflowing with too many skincare products, making skincare decluttering a priority. The excess made it difficult to find what I actually needed, often resulting in frustration while getting ready. Having too many items also meant some of them were getting neglected, buried under newer products or impulse purchases. I […]

...Tried multiple hole punches for ring binders? I did too! With so many options available, choosing the best hole punch for ring binders can be overwhelming. From single-hole punches to adjustable multi-hole models, each type serves a different purpose, and not all of them are created equal. Over the years, I’ve tested various hole punches, […]

...I’ve been using Pentel EnerGel for years, and while I love its smooth writing experience, the design wasn’t really my taste. Instead of constantly buying new ones, I wanted a sturdy barrel where I could simply replace the ink—specifically for black ink. Another limitation of EnerGel was its limited color options (black, red, and blue). […]

...The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a major milestone for many learners of Japanese worldwide, and the December session each year offers a critical chance to demonstrate advanced language skills. It also became a personal milestone for me, marking the end of months of juggling full-time work and structured study sessions. I took the […]

...Are you looking for a proven method to boost productivity while maintaining better work-life balance? A while ago, I found myself constantly switching between work meetings, personal tasks, and mental exhaustion—feeling productive but never truly balanced. That’s when I started experimenting with the Pomodoro Technique, and it quickly became one of the most effective tools […]

...Project Duration of Crochet Granny Square Cardigan: March 2024 – January 9, 2025 Linking Back: The Full Journey Before diving into the details, here are the previous posts that capture the evolution of this project: These posts will give you insight into the ups and downs I faced along the way. Now, let’s pick up […]