The metal manhole covers in each city and districts are different- soooooo cool!! I just found out that there is actually a word for someone like me who likes these anomalies, it is Rojo-kansatsu (路上観察) meaning observation of the road. I ♥ snapping and collecting them :)
路上観察 - Japanese Manhole Cover Collection
The Sunflower Ferry from Tomokomai to Oarai ^=^
Sunflowers to TOKYO
Nini Tomakomai!
HOKAY! For anyone wanting to travel the route lesser known to get to Honshu, there is a ferry from Tomakomai to Oarai outside Tokyo called MOL Ferry Co. It's not the cheapest option at ¥9050, but if you take into account that's your accommodation for the night too it's not too shabby. AND, in my opinion, it's all about the travel and the destination is an added bonus.
Sendai
An added woohoo is the ONBOARD ONSEN with ocean view. Yep thats right, you can steam, bathe and relax while gazing sleepily out the window at the waves cruising by. Sailing cattle class like a boss. If that wasn't cool enough, I went a little notch higher to heaven when I found the free washing machine and dryer- meaning you can soak, while washing your bits and bobs to jump fresh and so clean into them after chill-axing. Japan: you rock my world.
There is an onboard dining hall where upon entry you buy your ticket by vending machine for lunch, dinner or breakfast, or a combination. Then you present this little piece of paper to the lady standing right next to the machine and proceed on in to try all sorts of Japanese delights to the backing soundtrack of Disney's greatest hits on piano.
After arriving in Oarai, I continued my hitch-hiking excursions and met a man who took me to meet his brother in Ibaraki, the airforce capital of Japan; Super spoilt & treated to local delights like Ibaraki yoghurt and taken to see the local shops and cool sites- I am overwhelmed by peoples generosity. From Ibaraki it was ¥1000 to Tokyo on a super comfy bus from Ibaraki airport where we spent an hour watching the fighter jets take off and land -YAY!! Planes!. With the grand Tokyo Station up for challenge as the next destination, this more comfortable option got the tick.
Ibaraki floor to ceiling stain glass
Travel Buddies:
My fantastic, artistic 73 (omg- what DO they put in the water over here?!) cool as travel buddy for the voyage
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TOKYO!: Immersed in Japanese life with Mai and her two beautiful daughters Kurena and Minami
Where I am staying in Higashimurayama City. Only an easy hour on train to Tokyo :)
The Tokyo subway is seriously efficient and super easy to navigate, once you've got the basics sorted! LOL. With a change needed at Kokumbunji from JR lines to local, a bit of interpretive dance was needed with the ticket masters to navigate a complicated wee diagram and local ticket purchase machine- but I got there. Thank god for laughter- and knowing how to apologise in 日本語.. they must have thought- bloody Gaijin eeesshh!..
Below are photos of the phenomenal art exhibits I have attended and the beauty in the everyday. I was in awe of the Jakuchu and Buson's haiku and literati paintings from the 1700's, exhibited at the Suntory Museum of Art in Roppongi; thrilled to catch the Gabriel Orozco exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Koto and visit 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT which has an exhibit on at the moment about measurement. This is organised by the THE MIYAKE ISSEY FOUNDATION and was a delight in presentation as well as content.
Gabriel Orozco
Gabriel Orozco
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. I loved this- it was the 'weight' of words ^=^
Sakura! 桜!
Bicycles gallore
The local haberdashery shop with the kindest most patient gentleman owner... that's with dealing with me- not Ku-Chan and Mi-Chan!!
A fantastic Japanese Hanko/ Inkan shop- スタンプ
Hanko date back to 5500 B.C., when people in the Middle East began engraving their personal symbols on stones, shells and clay and leaving impressions to identify property as their own. Hanko use first spread to Europe, and then Asia.
Hanko have been employed by high officials and samurai for most of Japan's recorded history and were already common among merchants and farmers by the Edo Period (1603-1868).
This was a fantastic find, as it is the background to why my artworks are stamped with the reflected knuckle 'MM' of Moena Moxham and my drawings have a seal hidden inside them.
It was Kurena's Birthday the day I arrived- I super excited and honoured to whip up a cake. The Usagi ウサギ (bunny) is me- the girls have donned me this mascot for my love of rabbits and the ウサギ in my tattoo... the resemblance is really quite striking don't you agree?!
This egg cartoon is THE SNIZ- soooOOO farking funny! Called 'Gudetama' aka Lazy Egg hahahaha!
Down to one Freitag for 2 & 1/2 months travel. Thank you motorbiking for teaching me the art of ruck-sacking!
Today SNOW, Tomorrow cherry blossom...
I am learning fast the Art of backpacking and really finding the craft in living off next to nothing, but having maximum fun! Actually so much fun, I can't figure out why the hell I haven't been doing this the whole time.. The house in which I stayed after the yogies- in a room I affectionately nicknamed "The Chopstick", plonked me within a diverse group of travellers who were mega cool. Named Australia House- ironically there wasn't an Aussie in sight, but one of every other jelly bean.
Hirafu, Kutchan, The three snow resorts: An'nupuri, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono, and snow life :)
I had a blast learning from other travellers; watching anime, snowboarding, finding the hidden gem foodies and bars and getting the ins and outs of 'how to's with $0 output' + nifty life hacks... oh and doing design work for one of Niseko's biggest entrepreneurs- check out the designs in DIGITAL
Working and relaxing with others, some who speak English, some who don't; some who speak Japanese, some who don't, really makes you up your game of interesting techniques for communication ;P You are all there because you want to be which brings an infectious energy to the environment- I feel like I have slipped out of orbit into a track that runs at whole different organic interesting flow. My new friends have similar backgrounds, interesting stories and are all curious, adventurous intriguing souls.
"The Chopstick"
An interesting conversation developed the other night about how you reach a point where you have grown up within yourself to travel with no fixed plan and no tight bookings. You realise you have collected the skills and tools to work with, and have got to a point where the anxiety about using them to effect has toned back a notch to just trust in your instincts and decisions. It followed on to thoughts about positivity and why the opposite is more prevalent in society today. Here's me delivering a bit of tongue in cheek logic lol..
Lance, Rebecca and Nigel and Barbara were cave-men and ladies back a few hundred thousand years. They decided to go out on a group date one night as ya do. Take-outs were closed, the nectar bars run dry and they had missed the boat a bit with dinner so got their hunt on. They had wandered into unfamiliar territory but Lance and Rebecca being the 'cow hide up' kinda peps went charging into a cave looking for a tiger to hunt. It was all good- they had their tiger catching skills down pat from hunting back in their neck of the woods. Nigel and Barbara weren’t so sure, they hid outside the cave- there were too many obstacles, it was dark, there was a hike to get in there, there were all sorts of other creepies and crawlies!
Unfortunately for Lance and Rebecca, they hadn’t expected the Brown Bear that had made the cave his home, and who unfortunately wasn’t too keen on being woken up. He didn’t mean to eat them, mornings and surprises weren’t his forte. Nigel and Barbara freaked, flipped and ran. “Of CORSE the others were going to get eaten they said!”. The story became a fable to the next generations- passed down from Nigel and Barabara’s children, an on to the children who followed.
Who was that dude who ate the poisonous berry so we know not to? -Lance’s Grandpa eh?! Makes you think of all the different components that make each individual experience so different and varied too... thoughts?
Yesterday I decided it was time to get on the road again and make my way down the island. Robert and Dan from Aussie House were road tripping around Hokkaido, and it worked out that I joined them with a friend to hit some amazing spots before hitch-hiking on further around the coast of Hokkaido. Starting off in Kutchan at the ¥100 Shop ($1 for ya'll in Kiwi) to dress up the car: "The Dominator- Delica" we then travelled on Route 66 (yeehhaaaa!) to Lake Toya- an incredibly idillic spot with an active volcano and an island in the middle of the lake. We visited a mental institution that collapsed in an eruption and stopped for a pic-nic/ snooze in the sun with homemade quiche (GO SAM!!) on the lakefront.
Phenominal stone sculpture at Toyakochoakebono Park- each stone was individually numbered
I parted ways at Date and hitchhiked around the coast to Tomakomai, where I was shown exceptional kindness & Japanese hospitality and taken for sushi train express for dinner. Domo Arigato Gozaimasu! Today was a travelling adventure to the Ferry Terminal to catch an overnight MOL Sunflower Ferry from Tomakomai to Oarai outside Tokyo.
Today Hokkaido, tomorrow Honshu! Looking forwards to sea legs for 12 hours and to what I come across next!
My hitchhiking companions ^=^
Lake Toya, Tomakomai...
Osho, Getting nervous on it and NO SNOW... It's serious stuff.
So with expanding new horizons, ideas, square breathing, riding moguls, powder, off piste/ on piste/ back/ in/ out/ dig/ slip, slide and shake--- Dipping, talking, giggling and streeeeetching- this beaver is now off working doing design work for Kabuki, Wabi-Sabi and Australia House.
So getting your focus on now:
Chandra Mohan Jain, also known as Acharya Rajneesh from the 1960s onwards, as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh during the 1970s and 1980s, and as Osho from 1989, was an Indian mystic, guru and spiritual teacher. He is going to impart some seriously wise stuff to ya'll folks.
Geezin these interesting tidbits out eh!:
Our hearts give off an electromagnetic field 60 times more powerful than our brain
The Enteric Nervous System aka "the Gut", contains 100 million neurons, more than the spinal cord
The 'Vagus Nerve' which is rooted in the Brain, goes all the way to your Gut and touches your Heart and all major organs on the way down, carries fibres of which 90% carry information from the gut to the brain, and not the other way around. This is where Gut feeling comes from.
“The real truths of life are never entirely new to you or to anybody because there is a level deep down within you where you already know all the things, all those spiritual truths that you read or hear, and then recognize them. I say ‘recognize’ because you’re not... it’s not new.”
SQUARE BREATHING (It's bigger than getting your inner Geek on). Looking for a simple way to soothe away tension during a stressful work day? Need a break to refocus your attention? Have a green Tea Kit Kat.. hehehe seriously... Square breathing is a simple, easy, and effective way to calm yourself and enjoy a few minutes of tranquility.
Though, you can practice this mindful breathing exercise anytime, anywhere – if you’re in your office, I suggest sitting tall in your chair, both feet on the floor. Then, it’s just four simple breath segments done to a count of four.
Inhale 2 3 4
Hold 2 3 4
Exhale 2 3 4
Hold 2 3 4
Then start increasing the count. Try not 'Closing off' your lungs when you hold (it feels like sealing the back of your throat) and instead keep your lungs open during this period.
Now go get that Kit Kat ;)
雪の天- Snow Heaven
Hokkaido: NISEKO
Nothing about Japan is cold. Paradoxes and parodies abound with Formality and Tradition the big brothers to the young mischievous ruckus of Kawaii Super Cute and Neon Love.
Night boarding at Grand Hirafu- like a boss- board in board out Boom !
Click to enlarge
A part of my soul has come home. Japan is sublime. From the moment I boarded the flight from Auckland to Tokyo, an experience filled with juxtaposition, contradictions and an unflustered air began. NZ95 must be the well pressed trooper of the fleet- from a beige & more formal past time. It was service with a smile, comfort with rugs and pillows and coloured by beige and chocolate brown interior highlights. As NZ slipped away, a very gentle calm descended.
Check out Flowstate by clicking above...
Writing this is hard- where the hell to start- it is all epic?! Currently I am in the most Northern island of Japan- Hokkaido, and a couple of hours south of Sapporo in Niseko. I am here for a relatively medium sized length of string (I never have plans set in stone); the next week is with an international group of adventurers for a gathering of likeminded individuals who are exploring new concepts of how creativity effects the neuroplasicity of the brain. Mindfulness and Flow are high productivity techniques that are achieved through self awareness, structured goal setting and by pushing ourselves out of the comfort zone. How activity, movement (mediation and yoga) and risk management (aka adventure sports) effect our process to hit the sweet spot of performance, how to nurture and care for ourselves after passing through this stage and ultimately, how to reach our full potential. HARRO!
The day I arrived I blew in with an ENORMOUS and unsuspected dump of snow- EEEeeoooW!!
In three days I have snowboarded in day and night, three fields- An’nupuri, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. I have hiked the summit Mt Niseko An’nupuri, trekked, meditated, Chi Gong'ed (Japanese Tai Chi), yogi'ed, noshed amazing food- geeked out on incredible packaging (which is packaged in another package, within a package- you should see the recycling regime!!), met amazing locals and people from further abroad and fallen in love with Onsen.
The Hilton Niseko Onsen
“All the things that truly matter- beauty, love, creativity, joy, inner peace- all of these arise from more than the thinking world”
A few things I have loved and of note so far:
Onsen (hot-pools) are communal group bathing pools with a custom and ceremony which I have found instantly addictive. Women and men are split and bathing is done nude, yet a graceful and considerate respect is between all participants. Relaxing and taking care of yourself at the end of the day is a beautiful reflection time without rush or distraction.
The Western world could do with dipping her toes into this concept. I enjoy observing how this arrangement facilitates a time for women to gather and relax together without self conscious and concerned with image. This custom and many other examples in Japanese culture have made me realise how very young new New Zealand’s culture really is. Which is rather intriguing really, because we have geothermal pools and history and heritage in enjoying them- but it's a very different energy and protocol. We are but the gravel starting to seal at the beginning of a road paved in time.
Simmering subtext... it's all just under the surface bubbling away ;)
I like being Gaijin. I like opening my eyes and ears to unfamiliar surroundings and observing other traditions to assimilate into my new surroundings. Anonymity and my curiosity are a well suited pair to my adventurous spirit which is allowing me to find, seek and explore new physical, mental and conceptual platforms.
HEATED TOILET SEATS. Nuff said- revolutionary. I need one good reason why this aint global?
The countryside is picturesque and strangely familiar as it really is like the woodblocks and ink works I have admired and studied over the years. The images of my dreams are reality and lead into my sense of familiarity. Even though I have a knowledge of Japan- I was conscious to put aside expectations and arrive without assumptions- there are surprises everywhere^=^
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive”
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THIS. IS. IT. xx
“Even daylight curls herself in night’s embrace
The laughing lady must have a darkness in her smile,
Not dusky, more like midnight,
Inky undulating pillows of ideas emanating from the
Inside
Out
Embellished with apertures framing opportunity.
Refracting snapshots build an image
The echo of a past production
Yet familiar in consistency and familiarity; the bass notes with resonance and sound
Dynamic adaption to change
quiet, subtle but conscious evolution
Reflection. Growths breaking apart and reforming in
New
Better.
Stronger
Function over form.”
“The day the mountains move has come.
Or so I say, though no one will believe me.
The mountains were merely asleep for a while.
But in ages past, they had moved, as if they were on fire.
If you don’t believe me, thats fine with me.
All I ask is that you believe this and only this,
That at this very moment, women are awakening from their slumber.
If I could write entirely in the first person,
I, who am a woman.
If I could write entirely in the first person,
I, I.”
NZ Life and Leisure Magazine
Guess who's featured in the 'Motoring' section of NZ Life and Leisure?! This Jan/ Feb 2015 edition
Photography: Nicola Edmonds
Right: My Great, Great Grandmother, Celia Anne Coombe and her 1913 Triumph 3 1/2 hp that was bought for her 21st Birthday by her Father. She went on to street race Bugatti cars...! ^=^
Above: 1913 Triumph 3/12 hp
There is still time to grab your tent, snatch the 'kini or the budgie smugglers and get on the road! .... better add that Care Bear Onsie in too ;D
Upcoming Awesome Events- Splore and Flowstate
Click to go explore SPLORE!
There are art installations, workshops, performances and moooooreee!!......
EPIC line up- click the image to go see what other amazing acts are coming!
Miss Kara-Leah Grant from theyogalunchbox.co.nz is taking two workshop not to miss too!
POST SPLORE: Verdict: THE BEST FESTIVAL I Hhave been to to date- Hands down. Absolutely wonderfully chilled and fun- with a capital F. The venue, the facilities, the vibe and the ethos- sustainable, leaving no trace and an experience I will treasure. I haven't EVER been as relaxed or enjoyed a camping music festival like I have the last three days. It is truly a family friendly festival and completely unique. This biennial event has now gone annual- If you are in NZ, I would lock and load now for next year!
BURNING MAN YEEEEAAH!
I am now eyeing up these two phenomenons- CLICK on the images to go have a peek *=^
Mind + Body + Adventure.... +++ ^=^
I don't think I can quite express how excited I am to be joining these guys for the week... well, put it this way- I am SO excited I am q u i e t .... (and if you know me- you will truly understand the significance of that statement!)
Get thee to their site and check out the other events and adventures they have coming up!!
YES YES YES!
Ok- this is breaking my heart- but I'm selling A3TZC ;(
2014 Triumph Street Triple- FOR SALE!
2014 Triumph Street Triple $12,999
- 7578 km's on the clock
- Still covered by Manufactures' Warranty
- Heated Grips
- Triumph specific crash protection
- Triumph S-Triple Paddock Stand (gloss black) and bike fitted with bobbins
- Triumph extra cushion seat.
- Rego and WOF'd (History kept with Motorad Wellington)
- 1 phenomenal lady owner who has lovingly run in engine from new and maintained machine.
THE FACTS
Triumph Street Triple- 6 speed, manual transmission, Pirelli Diablo Tyres.
Power/torque: 105bhp @ 11,850rpm/50lb ft @ 9,750rpm
Top speed: 201 km
Fuel tank/range: 17.3L /290km
You don’t have to look twice to know that it’s a Triumph Street Triple. With minimalistic design, pure muscle, no unnecessary plastic panels and a pair of conservative tank scoops, it stands out.
The engine is bare and is a vital part of the overall design. The twin headlights resemble eyes which have just popped out, as if the Triple had just spotted Steve McQueen ride by on his Bonnie! The novel headlight design is unique only to Triumphs. You either love it or... well LOVE it.
Everything on the Triumph Street Triple resonates top-notch quality and exceptional finish - right from the soft-touch palm grips, easy to reach control switches, to the neatly laid out instrument console.
The twin trip computer throws information like time, fuel economy, range and lap timer information. There’s even a smart gear-change LED indicator on the console which can be programmed to one’s riding style.
This is a dream to ride- simply fan-fucking-tastic.
Romain Hugault
♥ Romain Hugault
A very good friend of mine tuned me into this PHENOMENAL artist! His name is Romain Hugault and I love his art..... like, LOVE it.
An excerpt from 'Mastery' by Robert Greene
..::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::....::"::..
Gimmie a wave if you see me in the sky's of New Zealand.. the mascot me or the real me hehe ^+^
Vote for Me Please! Paper Rain Project
The very cool Paper Rain Project are running a t-shirt competition and one of my designs is up for public vote HERE.
Please vote for me by hitting LIKE if you support my entry, and share the link amongst your friends ^=^
Competition and vote counting is only until 15th of February.
If my design gets enough votes, it goes into production and I am paid a percentage for each t-shirt that is sold- this would be great while I am overseas ;)
My design 'Suspension'. CLICK this image to go vote :)
Astrophysicist Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked in an interview with TIME magazine, "What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?" This is his answer.
Universe Hands Down Wins & The Art of Being Consciously Uncomfortable
It's three posts in three days- I just learnt there is a schedule button lol- so I'll space them out from now on. It's hitting you real time as my brain is just fizzing atm. The combination of art projects, sorting out the move to Japan and Canada, and having a more fluid schedule to do so with finishing up at Workshop has meant I'm just turned ON.
Plus I just hooked up with an epic adventure/ yoga team hitting Niseko in March. Check out dem apples at Flowstate YEEahh!
These two videos are really in the grounding of where I am heading with this trip and the life spaces I am investigating through this.
The events I have been through and overcome have given me skills and techniques in reprogramming thought patterns and behaviour; I really want to create something that shares this is a damn funky good way. These abilities are supported by the activities I am passionate about.
I am sometimes questioned about how the Art, snowboarding, motorbiking, yoga can all fit together & what relevance they have in helping others. The answer for me is that they feed me intellectually, spiritually and in a neurological format. They're integral to how I have nutted out the more esoteric nobbly ideas. The physical movement is a bonus- but the golden nugget lies for me in what they make my brain do. This in turn allows me to calm, reflect, open up to the environment and then absorb more information- and this means I am healthy and happy and able to impart what I have figured out!
I am a little luke warm on the social media options for the moment... "you have a blog though" you may say. Yes, it's nice to share isn't it. You have decided to come here and read this- a conscious decision on your part to interact.
I am intently curious about EVERYTHING- which has gotten me into all sorts of knots- but equally taught me how to get OUT of them as well. I am very concerned that we are becoming normalised to repeating seemingly passive behaviours. Clicking through Facebook, refreshing our email inbox, flicking the screen on the iPhone to see if there is a text, you do one of these once every 10 minutes, thats 66 times in a day if your awake for 11. It doesn't seem that bad- but what it reinforces in our brain, I believe, is going to have significant neurological impacts on our ability to change behaviour. I get crumpled when people say "look, you've just got to get over it, it's the way the world works these days- you won't be able to work successfully if you don't start doing this". Firstly: we have survived for thousands of years without this and been very successful prior to social media. Secondly: Why the hell should we all want to be the same, when being different is a draw card? Thirdly: This blog is my world not owned by another company. Fourth: I search to be actively informed not passivley fed information. But, watch this space as I figure out what I want to buy into, because there are wonderful merits to having a social media presence too :D
Electronic media lacks a little lustre in elemental social aspects. We have subtle nuonces of communication; body language and natural sensory inflictions that work for particular reasons. Smell, movement, vocal infliction... these senses keep us safe but also rationalise situations and relationships. This is why feeding ourselves with music, art, BREATH, movement, feels so bloody good!
To overcome reinforced negative habits, thoughts, pre-dispositions or biases, like Miss Myers says, we must be able to rebel against our deference and primal reactions.
We are pack animals; we all want to be in the sandpit together- the problem with that though is that we take comfort in conformity. We put value on ambition and novel expression, but when faced with the reality of difference, we shoot down, sabotage and undermine. We can be quick to criticise and critique and conclude judgement without factoring the bigger picture; that creativity is a process- a dynamic evolving strategy of test/ play/ re-evaluate/ modify/ repeat...
When I learnt how to ride a motorbike I practised skills over and over, in different conditions (pleasant and un-pleasant), to make sure that those habits became my instinctive reactions. I take pleasure from making myself uncomfortable, in some ways, in order to learn and achieve higher. As much as our rational brains may not want to do something- when under pressure our primal and instinctive reactions will override these urges. Addiction regardless of what physical manifestation it takes, has the same underlying mental pattern of repetition. If we have a society which is becoming more conformist, we are dumbing down our ability to rebel against these concepts and forge new habits through adverse reaction. If you loose this ability to question, be comfortably awkward and rebel against the general bais, we are going to loose our edge in being able to make sure we can change.
Bloody Brilliant: The Theory of Everything is the story of the most brilliant and celebrated physicist of our time, Stephen Hawking, and Jane Wilde the arts student he fell in love with whilst studying at Cambridge in the 1960s.
Yogis and NOSH
A wee foodie blog delivery this evening after I was nattering on at dinner about the sugar free treats I had made today. Super easy stuff- and this combo uses up ingredients over multiple tasty treats.
Roast Cashew Butter, Raw Chocolate Cashew Reeces Pieces, Coconut & Strawberry Popsicles... oOOoo and the salad to rule them all Grainy Goat (I can't face calling it "Superfood-something-something" soz), and the all time favourite- Watercress Soup ta-daaaa!
This post goes out to the amazing yogi lady-babes in my life and highlights a very special one- who not only is an incredible teacher, intellect and person but is also a hellova expertise in vino (wine to ya'll)- drum rollllllllll!- Elissa Jordan ^=^
Elissa Jordan Yoga
Winey Little Bitch
You can catch Elissa's yoga class schedule and share her passion for imparting the gift of a 'little bit o' quiet' here at Elissa Jordan and her wine website here at Winey Little Bitch.
Roast Cashew Butter
raw cashews
flakey sea salt
Pics Peanut Oil
Choose a flat-bottomed container, such as a quiche dish — ceramic is best (the sides of the nuts in contact with metal may darken faster than the rest). Heat the oven to 165° C (325° F) oven, and then place the container in the oven to heat for a few minutes. Then fill it with a single layer of nuts, so they will roast more evenly.
Roast the nuts on a middle rack, away from bottom heat, for about 20 minutes, taking the dish from the oven every 5 mins to shake (rattle & roll) — until they reach a pale golden color. (Taken much further, the roast flavors hide the cashew ones.)
Cool the nuts at least 15 minutes. If you don’t wait, the interiors of the hot nuts, particularly if you hurry the roast in a hot oven, will be strangely soft.
Blitz the c%$p out of them in a blender with a drizzle of Pics Peanut Oil (teeny tiny at a time) and pinches of sea salt until you reach your favorite consistency and saltiness.
Set aside for the Reeces Pieces if you can keep away...!
Raw Chocolate Cashew Reeces Pieces
1/2 cup raw cacao butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup raw cacao powder
really small pinch of stevia powder or 1 tsp malt syrup
2 Tbsp coconut cream
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
flakey sea salt
1 greased (with coconut oil) flexi chocolate mould/ tray
Gently melt the cacao butter in a small pot, take off heat and add the coconut oil, stevia (or sweetener) & cacao powder. Spoon enough into the bottoms of the mould cups to fill 2mm or so. Pop in the freezer for 5 mins till set.
Spoon teaspoon dollops of Cashew Butter on top of the set chocolate.
Add the cayenne pepper, cinnamon & coconut cream to the remaining raw chocolate. Mix and then spoon over the butter to just below the top of the moulds. Sprinkle with sea salt and set in freezer for 15 mins.
Pop out of moulds and keep in the fridge as they melt at room temperature. YUM!
Coconut & Strawberry Popsicles
400ml can Coconut Cream (-2 Tbsp if you did the previous recipe)
small pinch of stevia powder or 1 tsp malt syrup
1/3 cup chunky thread coconut
1/2 cup frech strawberries, chopped
ice-block moulds
Blitz the coconut cream, stevia and the thread coconut in the blender for a blast till combined.
Pour into the moulds 1/2 way. Freeze for 1/2 an hour.
Plop the strawberries into the remaining coconut cream mixture and give a quick blast.
Pour on top of the cream to top of mould- slot in the sticks and wait to set.
Go get hot and bothered and come back and enjoy a little of all the above.
Grainy Goat
1 cup brown rice/ quinoa mix
1/2 cup israeli couscous
1/2 tsp olive oil
coloured ground peppercorns
1 lemon- zested and squeezed
flakey sea salt
1/2 cup shelled edamame soy beans
2 1/2 cup mixed snow peas, broccoli, beans, peas (can be frozen)
good handful of baby rocket and/or chopped iceberg lettuce
chopped itallian or curly parsley
2 stalks of celery- chopped
1/2 cup roasted unsalted almonds roughly smashed
1/4 cup Craisins (raisin/ cranberry hybrid goodies with 50% less sugar!)
a slug of Hemp Seed oil &/or Pics Peanut Oil
a decent crumble of goats feta
more ground pepper/ lemon juice to taste
Cook rice/ quinoa to packet instructions- while absorbing stick the frozen veggies in with lid on top.
Heat oil, ground pepper and pinch of salt with the israeli couscous- gently colour couscous- add cold water until 3cm above top, simmer 5 mins or until nearly double in size and mostly absorbed. Turn off heat and let expand/ soak remaining liquid.
In a big bowl add grains and all the other ingredients minus the goat.
I divide heaped cups into zip locks and freeze for other meals- should get at least 4 servings from above.
To serve crumble goatie on top, squeeze extra lemon and crack dem peppers!
Watercress Soup
1 Tbsp Ghee
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 medium fennel bulb
Celery top (I chop the top part off the bunch so it fits in the fridge & stick it in the freezer for this wee recipe)
1L fresh Chook (chicken) stock
1.5L water
2-3 bags/ bunches/ small plants of watercress- chopped and big stems taken out
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
dollop of unsweetened yoggie for serving
(Big ups to Miss Sarah Wilson of I Quit Sugar for this number. Check it OUT- there are soon many goodies on this site, including more fantastic recipes)
Heat the ghee in a BIG saucepan over a low heat. Saute the onion until soft, add the celery and the fennel- cook until glassy. Add the stock and the water. Bring to the boil, turn down and simmer 10 mins.
Add the watercress, season with salt and pepper, add the cumin and cayenne and stir for 3 mins.
Remove from the heat and puree using a wand blender.
Fill sink with cold water and ice (or I drop in freezer blocks) and sit the pot in there until soup cools. This keeps the bright green colour- and well hell, we need pretty soup in our lives!
I ladle portions into zip locks and freeze. Can be eaten hot or cold. Super tasty with fresh rice paper rolls ^+^
Summer Video Lovin..
I loooooved these- but I do warn you, I am giant geek- hear me roar.. some old favs and some newbies.
#1... in the Way Back category hehe
I never tire of this movie- costume by Gautier. Mirren at her best and set design to die for.
Great even if you don't ride just for the retro shots!
"Only intelligent, cool, good looking people ride motorbikes- and evolution takes care of the rest" lol
Ghibli Museum Tokyo here I come 9th March! Click to go to site ^=^
Progress and Kind Success
Today is a very special day for me, as 4 years ago I stopped smoking and drinking. Since the 2nd of Feb 2011 I have replaced old habits with more positive and rewarding ones. Today I filled my hours with creative pursuits, giving thanks; to my Mother, to my Father and to myself & a little bit of relaxing luxury.
I put good and healthy things into my body, think positive and productive things with my mind and make things with my hands that help others and myself.
Above is a very pertinent wee video by Mr Botton- given to me today by a great friend- I think you may like it also.
In the world we live in, I believe it is so important to buy into the right ideas to keep ourselves well, and learn how to block out the other 'white noise'. Moderate social media, put down the device, stop fiddling with whatever and tune in to our habitat, relationships and ourselves. Try not to compare, judge and summarise- rather be engaged; participate and observe; allow ourselves to learn and preconceptions to be challenged. Goof off!- it's ok to giggle when you fuck up.
It really is ok not to know about other people shniz unless they tell you in real time. Friendships last through distance, only other women want women to be thin, and a smile is the most attractive thing you will ever wear- especially when its the only thing.
Breathe, listen, smell, see..... turn to the person next to you and share.
Sculpture On The Gulf- Waiheke, Auckland
On Wednesday I was up in Auckland to receive my USA visa and decided to pop over to Waiheke to meet galleries and take some time to appreciate and enjoy NZ Summer at it's best.
I was three days to early for this amazing event- but as I was on the ferry I decided to be cheeky and attend early ;) I'm very glad I did so, as I had the pleasure to meet the artists in person and take my time meandering around the artworks. Mighty inspiring!
Sueng Yul Oh - This was BRILLIANT and very effective especially from a distance. What you experienced up close, was this cool stretchy synthetic sound that went with the movement!
I loved this work by Suji Park.
Up close the detail was so striking and like a archaeological site from an LSD tripped alien.
Click to see more detail in the photos ;)
Meeting Brydee Rood was a treat. Her installation had a very oriental feel with the wheelie bins slammed up with gold and silver foil. Her work talked about the desecration of native fauna by domestic land clearance. We have all seen the wheelie bins pilled high with garden waste on a Monday morning after 'doing the gardening' on the weekend- but are we considering the implications of our good intentioned actions?
Veronica Herber's piece was stunning from afar and up close. I climbed the big pohutakawa and viewed from above this engaging piece which from the ferry looked like a target on the hillside.
#8 Wire mentality...
Elin & Keino
I was spoilt to meet Robert Jahnke & Joshua Campbell by their latest sculpture. I have always loved Spinning Top that resides in Woodward St, Wellington so it was pretty special to have the opportunity to talk with both Robert and Joshua in person.
Get it ON!
There are so many exciting things fizzing and popping around I thought I would share a few!...
My Dad has been doing some SERIOUSLY epic day trips in and around the Wairarapa. It's our favourite stomping ground to ride and he is turfing big time, running in his new BMW GS.
To the left are the routes he has knocked off and above, a gallery of cool photos he has taken on these adventures.
It's genetic. xx ^=^
Moto-racer Guy Martin took the NZ born Britten motorbike for a blast on the 23rd of December at Manfield. When I meet with him he said it was a "magic carpet ride"- have a wee squiz for yourself... One hell of a bike, one hellova story about how it got made..... one AWESOME paint job!
Getting ready for Wings Over Wairarapa this weekend I came accross this fabbo vid about Guy getting in on making a replica of the Spitfire MK.1..... so.cool.
Yvonne Todd- Creamy Phycology
Currently running at City Gallery Wellington and it is just sooo so good. It's kooky, disarming and subconsciously armed towards those chunky topics of identity, body image and the complexity of feminism.
VID: This Doco on the incredible Annie Leibovitz is superb. BOOK: I loved Ozeki's latest offering. A tale entwined in Japan and British Colombia.. how appropriate!! ;D
Paper Rain Project
Indigo and Wills have an amazing wee baby they are nurturing, and I'm a little ticked pink to be asked to be a part of this upcoming 2015 expose!
Check to these amazing cats and their limited edition artist t-shirts & skateboards at Paper Rain Project
No only do they run a rad t-shirt competition and art collection but they make custom etched skateboards :)
Otari | Skyline Bush Hike
A3TZC accompanied me to Wilton where I hiked up via yellow route to the Skyline for a few hours and relaxed in the sun for lunch. This is such an amazing spot full of native birds and different tracks to follow- well worth a wee visit. I'll be back for more!!
Nomnom nom in the buttercups and dandelions yUUUss.
THNX!
本当にありがとう!
To all the following names, a very special big THANK YOU for your support on my indiegogo project : 'MOXIE .:':. JAPAN', your endorsement and encouragement means the world to me, I am honoured and grateful.