Make A List

If you haven’t heard of Dallas Clayton, you’re missing out (big time!) so please check him out here right NOW!

Welcome back! Isn’t he an unfairly talented guy? To me, he is a huge inspiration. I only wish to inspire like he does. Last night, when I was pondering my new found smile, I came across Clayton’s latest work of art:

How could I have missed something so simple? I mean, I was trying my best to live a good life, the countryside was so beautiful. I’d started new hobbies including cycling and yoga and made unexpected friends like this ojichan (old man) and yasu. But that didn’t mean I was actively engaging in activities I knew I loved. I know this sounds vain, I really do, but in this city, I am happy because I am filling my day with activities I know that I like. I am exercising (not sitting on my bottom for 8 hours straight in a suffocating room), walking walking walking (not driving for one hour to get groceries, alone), eating healthy, dressing pretty, writing in artsy cafes, appreciating diversity, purchasing freshly-made green smoothies and enjoying the odd glance from a boy. My new life makes me feel alive and it makes me feel young!

So how about you? What makes you happy? Painting? Drawing? The ocean? Cooking? Dining out? Road-trips? Building Lego? Dancing to the Beatles? Collecting fruit-stamps, watching old movies?

Are you doing it? Could you be doing it more?

Berry Beautiful Skin

My second article ^.^

Check it out HERE then share it with everyone you know! Pretty pretty please? With cherries on top? Tehe.

Stewed Prunes: More Than Just A Constipation Cure

I made stewed prunes – really easy and not just a constipation cure but also super tasty. And no, I did not just tell my 3000+ (yeah I’m bragging) followers I’m constipated though I don’t know how you can not be in Japan, consuming all that white rice, noodles and “bread” everyday. Thankfully, I don’t follow that diet.

1 bag of prunes
1/2 lemon
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
water

Place prunes, lemon half and maple syrup in a small pot and cover with water.

Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes.

It’s done when you want it to be or when the water has thickened into a syrup – though it will continue to thicken once refrigerated.

Serve with granola and/or yogurt.

D-lish!

PS I don’t know if I should be proud or embarrassed of my momma’s pop-culture savviness (see below).

No Milk? No Problem!

I ran out of “milk” so I used water instead. The result? Mouthwatering! (See what I did there?)

1/2 cup frozen blackcurrants
1 banana
2 strawberries
2 canned pineapple rings
3/4 cup filtered water

Simply blend everything together in a food processor or blender then top with favourites.