never enough sleep

Wash the rice in several changes of water until the water is clear, then soak in fresh water for at least one hour, preferably overnight. (See this article for a step-by-step illustration of how to wash rice.) Drain the rice into a sieve at least one hour before you plan to cook it.

Wash the azuki beans. Put in a small pan with 2 cups of water, and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid. Keep the beans covered so they don’t dry out.

When the cooking liquid has cooled, measure it and add enough water to it to make 3 cups. If you have a rice cooker, put the rice, beans, water and rice into the cooker and switch on. If you don’t have a rice cooker, put all the ingredients into a heavy bottomed pan, bring to a boil then lower the heat to low, put on a lid and let it steam-cook for 20 minutes, then switch off the heat and leave the lid on for an additional 20 minutes.

(via Japanese basics: Osekihan (Sekihan), Festive Japanese Red Rice and Beans | Just Hungry)

"I have traveled around the world quite often during my years as a fashion journalist. But there is..."

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:08:02 +0800

“I have traveled around the world quite often during my years as a fashion journalist. But there is one thing that I can only find in Japan; it is a refined sensitivity in style. The sensitivity can be found in very small details, such as the length of sleeves or art works on the tip of their nails. Japanese girls would put on color contact lenses, to not just change their eye color accordingly to their outfit, but to enlarge their black eyes to balance out their heavy eyeliners and fake eyelashes. These unique techniques in styles are all originated from the streets of Tokyo, which are like multiple of catwalks. Our obsession in small details really reflects our cultural originality, yet at the same time, it gives them the power to be a part of the street catwalk. It is the visual impact of these young people on street that inspire other cultures, thus inspire others in the world.”

- sounds overly simplified, but yet may be true; the attention to details can be impressive

IT’S MY TIME - Blog

The Portable Library Project

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:51:30 +0800

The Portable Library Project

artwork everywhere! muahahahahaha Inspiration: Un-kitcheny...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:47:00 +0800

artwork everywhere! muahahahahaha

Inspiration: Un-kitcheny Kitchens | Apartment Therapy DC

lived here until i was seven years old, then moved to adjoining...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:11:00 +0800

lived here until i was seven years old, then moved to adjoining camden. attended st peters for kindy and year one. wonder what campbelltown is like now.

52 suburbs: Suburb No 26: Campbelltown

LETTER WRITING CLUB — Vancouver Is Awesome

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:56:39 +0800

LETTER WRITING CLUB — Vancouver Is Awesome

Is it patriotism, irony, chic, or a combination of the three?...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:11:54 +0800

Is it patriotism, irony, chic, or a combination of the three? Whatever the case, this is part of a global trend toward embracing and redefining our own regions, roots, and traditions. The great thing about today’s global youth is that they make their own heritage cool and interesting without any hint of provincialism or prejudice toward others.

IT’S MY TIME - Blog