Sunday, August 4, 2013

Hibiscus Tea


So, my favourite flower is blooming like crazy this summer! I am so lucky...went and getting more in the hope that this trend can continue!
So, now, to put it to good use (not that its beauty is not use enough, but, it's time to lower the cholesterol!)

(This recipe is taken from http://mideastfood.about.com/od/drinkscoffeetea/r/hibiscus.htm)

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flower
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated) - add more less for taste
  • 8 cups cold water

Preparation:

Sift through dried flowers for stems and discard. Place dried hibiscus in cold water and allow to sit for 1-2 days, or until the color has faded from the flowers. Strain the juice through a fine sieve. Toss the flowers and other thick excess you have strained.
















Add sugar and stir. You can either heat this up on the stovetop or in microwave or serve chilled. Some people like to add lemon wedges or grate orange zest to add to the flavor. You can also store in the refrigerator for about 5 days.

Instead of sugar, you can try honey and instead of lemon, try lime!

Natural vibes!!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Fuji Rock 2013!!!

This is my third visit to FRF, but my first blog about it!

I want to write just for the sake of remember who exactly I saw and why it was I liked them!!

What makes Fuji Rock so special is its setting - it is on a ski resort, famous in Japan, but it is also in the middle of a forest, but the best bit yet, is that the forest is put to good use and the environment is appreciated by all those who create and atttend the festival. Maybe next year, we can be part of the forest group and help build the boardwalk that allows everyone to experience the forest first hand, including those in buggies and wheelchairs./

FRIDAY..

Arrived just in time for Flying Lotus - DJ behind a screen of visuals and his own shadow






Tame Impala - Australian band - very popular, although I had just that night heard of them!!

Then, Skrillex... BOOM

 




The late night dance soundtrack was provided by DJ Shadow although we were all so pooped that it wasn't long before we had to carry our weary legs home!

A bit of Very be careful on the way home at Crystal Palace tent...lively Colombian beats

SATURDAY...

Aimee Mann...I still cannot believe she is 52!!! She wrote some songs for Magnolia soundtrack and was unassuming and awesome!



Kyte - UK band..again, very humble and enjoyable!

Darkstar..

Karl Hyde...OK
Karl Hyde

Bjork
Bjork...first time live..prefer on CD!









Jurassic 5 - OMG!!!!







Red Marquee - Tribal circus...dance hangout as well as Ganban stage for techno beats!












SUNDAY...

LITE - Japanese instrumental

YoLa tengo..have played FRF before...may have even seen...OK for a Sunday arvo and even better after a beer

Haim - lively...not so great, but watchable

Mumford ~& Sons...Good...enjoyable

Vampire weekend..great festival band

CURE...Just a joy to watch!









Without a doubt, there is something for everyone at FRF...Kids have a forest area to play in, there are four main stages (Green, White, Avalon, Orange court) The Red Marquee..always good for a dance and shelter! , and a couple of extra small ones hidden around the forest as well.

Food is a plenty too -
The world food court
quiche
fresh strawberry smoothie..

Already counting down until the next festival at Naeba!!!