http://mokouniverse.tumblr.com/

My greatest salad creation to date. Field...

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:47:14 -0400

My greatest salad creation to date.

Field greens, dandelion greens, sunflower sprouts, sprouted lentils, shredded beets, cucumber, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and pepitas in my home made cilantro-lime dressing. I love how the beets turn the cucumber pink and make it look like dragon fruit!

Sandwich Sundays

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:23:00 -0400

3 cups of coffee pumping through my veins and I’m craving something delicious. Considered left over green curry but I thought that my special order of “super thai spicy” would not be so kind to an empty stomach. I needed the perfect combination of carbs, spreads, and veggies to satisfy the grumbles and give me the energy to hit the treadmill later.

Marinated eggplant and sundried tomatoes as the flavour base. Pickles, cucumber, and lettuce for the crunch factor. Veganaise and dijon for the added kick.

Perfectly layered and assembled. I am a sandwich artist.

Nearly ruined it by forgetting the avocado! Stuffed the buttery smooth goodness in and voila. Now I have to go run it off.

Thank you to all the wonderful people in my life who made this one of the best birthdays ever. Love...

Sat, 19 May 2012 22:59:51 -0400

Thank you to all the wonderful people in my life who made this one of the best birthdays ever. Love you xox

(photo cred @laurenonizzle)

Saturday Night Special

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:15:20 -0400

I was planning on having a low key weekend. Movies, wine, P90X, and some healthy eats. I was doing well until 6 pm hit on Saturday night.

Little did I know that one of my favourite Toronto bloggers, Raymi the Minx, was turning 29 and celebrating down the street. So I put on my party pants (dress) and slipped into my glass slippers (Frye boots) and headed out. Since I was already out on the town Ravi and I decided to meet up with a friend at Hrvati Bar, a cute little Croatian bar just off of Bloor Street. Kitchen was closed so we sipped on strange brews and headed back out. Stomachs growling we scoured the city begging bartenders to feed us. Dude at the Victory told me I shouldn’t be eating so late at night. Seriously? After giving him a scowl we hopped into a cab to Toronto’s most famous 24 hour diner, The Lakeview. $3 mimosas, $4 pints, and veggie poutine. Booya.

Looks like vomit but tastes like slop.

Just shy of last call I jumped into a cab to meet up with Casie and Lauren at the Cadillac Lounge for one last drink before heading to Raymi’s birthday at Salvador Darling.

Great tunes, old friends, new friends, balloons, toy scooters, disco balls, rocking horses, and a million cell phone pics (not one of me).

Raymi you are a snowflake, beautiful and unique. Happy 29th Birthday beautiful.

Was handed a $5 off to Panego pizza down the street. Ordered the...

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:15:00 -0400

Was handed a $5 off to Panego pizza down the street. Ordered the meat free pepperoni. Veggie bliss? YES!

Sometimes I like to dress up when I play guitar. It inspires...

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:58:37 -0400

Sometimes I like to dress up when I play guitar. It inspires me.

Friday night fun with sparklers and a long exposure.

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:19:04 -0400

Friday night fun with sparklers and a long exposure.

Kony 2012

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:50:29 -0400

“What is this Kony thing that’s going around the Internet?” I asked Ravi earlier today.

I’ve been away from the Internet for over a week and have been catching up all day. Browsed Facebook, flipped through Twitter, glanced at the dailys for a bit. But it wasn’t until I settled into the Tumblr dashboard did I begin to see a trend.

The word “Kony” was plastered on every other tumblr blog post. So I finally watched the video.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

If you don’t have 30 minutes to spare watching it right now then here’s a quick synopsis:

Joseph Kony is a war criminal. He abducts children, puts a gun in their hands, and turns them into child soldiers - after he forces them to kill their families. The girls, after they are raped, are turned into sex slaves. Over 30 000 children have been abducted. The US is currently looking for him but he is difficult to find as he is invisible - no ones knows about him. We have the power to make him visible. Help Kony be the most famous name and face of 2012.

http://www.kony2012.com/

Home made Thai coffee with skull and cross bones ice cubes! My...

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:01:56 -0400

Home made Thai coffee with skull and cross bones ice cubes! My pre-yoga fuel

Do As They Do In Key West

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:15:07 -0500

Woke up to birds chirping and hearing splashes from the hotel pool. Jumped out of bed and ran downstairs after I realized I was 2 minutes late for the free hotel coffee and breakfast. Loaded my arms with coffee, juice, and Key West baked goods and made my way back up to the room to surprise Ravi and Colin with tasty delights. This was enough to kill off the residue from the previous night’s escapades.

We decided to hit Duval Street, one of the most popular and famous streets of Key West. In addition to Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffet, and Tennessee Williams, Key West is known for its New Orleans-type culture. Not that I’ve been to New Orleans but it appeared to have the same sort of architecture as many pictures of buildings and houses I’ve seen in New Orleans.

Duval and surroundings streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It was easy to spend the entire day and night walking around this quaint town. After resting up in the hotel and catching a bite to eat we were ready to hit the town again.

Unfortunately it appeared that everyone in town was staying in that night. Somewhat relieved after the previous night and long day of walking we made our way back to the hotel and crashed early.

Sometimes You Need To Get Away

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:37:00 -0500

I’ve been gone awhile. Have you noticed? Needed to get away from cold weather, deadlines, traffic. Hopped on a plane to Miami and met up with a friend at the airport. Ravi and I were worried that he would have problems finding us so we made a little sign.

After meeting up with Dr. Sexi Tyme we hopped in a rental car and drove south a few hours to Key West. KEY WEST! Why have I not been here before? Stayed in a small, boutique hotel in the heart of old Key West. Bought beer and wine at the grocery store then spent a night out partying with locals, fellow visitors, and seasonal locals.

A passerby on a bike bestowed this fantastic hat to me on our way to the bar. I had to wear it until I found someone else who would agree to take it and wear it.

(Take note of the couple dancing on the right).

It took a few hours but finally this gentleman stormed into the bar and begged for it so I said goodbye to the hat.

Being in the Florida Keys we had to sample some of the local fare. Ravi researched the local drink and a round of Rum Rummers was soon ordered.

I had no idea what was in this drink (other than rum). About 1/12th into the drink I decided to order something else as the room grew foggier.

I sipped mojitos for the rest of the night while schmoozing with the local talent and partying with Key West locals.

Veggie corn dogs! VEGGIE CORN DOGS!!!!!!!!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:39:35 -0500

Veggie corn dogs! VEGGIE CORN DOGS!!!!!!!!

Lying on the couch in my gym clothes reading the internet from cover to cover. Despite the 4 cups...

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 -0500

Lying on the couch in my gym clothes reading the internet from cover to cover. Despite the 4 cups of coffee pumping through my veins I can’t gather the energy to get my slowly atrophying muscles to the gym. But played this video with the speakers cranked and I’ve moved from a reclined to an upright position. May this video energize and motivate you too.

Kitty Potter.

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:45:24 -0500

Kitty Potter.

Champers and Walker

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:34:00 -0500

It’s been one week in the burbs and I’m surviving. I even shovelled the snow this morning and chatted with the neighbours. I’m totally fitting in here. Kitty is also enjoying herself but refused to frolic in the snow today.

But unfortunately the liquor store is not within walking distance like at home…

…and we ran out of champers.

Yes, on a Friday night.

And with the treacherous roads I was banned from driving to the LCBO.

No booze for Moko. The horror.

So we decided to raid my BF’s parents’ liquor cabinet (keep in mind they are not big drinkers like my family).

Came across a bottle of champers that may have been from the year they were married or conceived my BF or something.

It was so undrinkable it caused an instant headache. I was very sad (very, very sad).

BF’s Dad saved the day with some Johnnie Walker Double Black.

The Queens drink.

Wow.

See ya in a week.

Outta the city for a bit. I have been spending the past 8 days repairing, painting, moving,...

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:02:47 -0500

Outta the city for a bit. I have been spending the past 8 days repairing, painting, moving, cleaning, stressing. Bought a new loft last week with a really early closing date so felt rushed to list my current condo.

Relaxing in the burbs with a giant slice of pizza and an even bigger glass of wine. I’m gunna fill my gullet, sleep, and watch movies until Monday. Planning on living here ‘till my place sells. Gimme a shout if you’re looking for a kick-ass 2 bedroom condo in downtown Toronto. In the meantime I’ll be couching it.

I imagine that Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore used to party the way we do now. CC: @raymitheminx...

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:55:36 -0500

I imagine that Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore used to party the way we do now.

CC: @raymitheminx @casiestewart

I want to be with you, be with you night and day. Nothing changes on New Year's Day.

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:14:03 -0500

Why the food pics you may be asking. Let’s just say that my New Years Eve was so much fun that I didn’t take a single pic or tweet the entire night. So instead I took pics tonight of our awesome carb filled dinner from Ciccios. Pizza Alla Capra with goat cheese, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes and pesto sauce as well as Penne Puttanesca with black olives, hot peppers, garlic, parsley, and mushrooms. Jealous?

2012 was welcomed with forehead kisses in bed. My poor sick boyfriend has been so sick all week and I couldn’t abandon him on New Years Eve. So I planned a romantic evening of nature docs and my famous gluten-free vegan mac and cheese served up in bed. I know, I’m a total Casanova.

Soon after midnight he passed out and I moved to the couch for a night of movies and champers solo style. I was totally content staying in this year.

2 am my phone started buzzing with messages of a party down the street. I didn’t have plans for new years day so I thought I could handle a little party in the early hours. Put my party shoes on, waited for a cab for 45 min, waited for the streetcar for 45 min, then finally decided to walk to the party.

The rest of the night was spend with old and new friends. I woke up today with the greatest feeling (accompanied by the worst feeling) ‘cause I realized I have really good people in my life. Whatever ups and downs may happen in 2012 I will handle it ‘cause I have them to lean on. I know I probably told them this about a thousand times in my champers haze but I feel lucky and loved. Best start to a new year.

P.S. For those of you not feeling so hot this morning go to the store and pick up some coconut water. Coconut water is isotonic meaning that it has electrolytes in a concentration that is the same as our cells. It is quickly absorbed and restores you in no time. You’re welcome.

Moko's 2011 "The Best of the Web" List

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:33:00 -0500

I’ve been away for a bit (holidays and all) but I blame the flu I’ve been battling for the past 1.5 weeks. Been in bed for over a week. I’m a last minute shopper so my illness was a good excuse for me to give out gift certificates for the holidays since I was out of commission the week prior to x-mas.

Anyway….

Right now I’m resting up on the couch for a New Years Eve that will most likely be spent on the couch ‘cause BF is sick and me being the perfect GF I can’t abandon him when the clock strikes 12.

Housebound, I’ve decided to compile a list - one of my greatest talents.

So for your New Years Eve reading pleasure, I bring you Moko’s list of Awesome Fun Website Reads of 2011:

Food Blogs

http://www.thekitchn.com

The Kitchn takes top spot for most foodies given their awesome daily updates, wicked food varieties, and amazing recipe/interview/forum posts. A daily must read for foodies and food lovers everywhere.

http://marcussamuelsson.com

Frequent Food Network chef and guest chef to the first state dinner for Barak Obama, Marcus Samuelsson is worth checking out. Although he posts recipes and meals featuring ethically questionable mains he pushes the public to adopt Meatless Mondays and more vegetarian fare in their daily diet.

http://www.theppk.com

For the New Years resolution vegan, vegetarian trying to be vegan, or meat lover trying to adopt more veggies in their diet, Post Punk Kitchen is a novice chef friendly site with tons of recipes and advice on how to incorporate more Vegan in daily diet. The Red Curry with Kale soup and Quinoa White Bean Kale soup are staples in the Moko kitchen.

Toronto Bloggers

http://casiestewart.com

Grew to like her through her blog and fell in love with her in person about a year later. Casie’s energy, positivity, and ambition are so motivating that she manages to have you refreshing her blog multiple times throughout the day (as she blogs ALL DAY). Her photos, quotes, and experiences inspire you to get out and enjoy everything that life has to offer. Check out her blog for an instant pick me up.

http://laurenoutloud.com

I found this blog about a few months ago when I put my back out (really out, I was totally crooked). Found myself stuck in bed on pain killers with hours to kill. What a perfect time to creep out a new blog. Much to my delight I stumbled across a little piece of heaven brought to you by Lauren O’Nizzle, Toronto Blogger. Filled with gifs, cat vids, and hipster jokes I was in heaven. Perfect way to spend a pain killer dazed afternoon…

Nerd Sites

If you knew me 10 years ago you would not want to know me. I was the definition of NERD before Nerd was made cool by Dr. Internet. 10 years later I would say I’m a little less nerd and a little more Hipster (the good kind, but not really, I’m still nerd). I’m just not the cool nerd made famous by the Internet. But whatever, I’m still cool enough that I’ve discovered my own awesome (not so secret) nerd sites.

1st of course is Reddit. I’m not even gunna go there ‘cause honestly I get my BF to filter the good nerd shit and send it my way so I don’t have to spend hours sifting through lameo boring sub-nerd shit. But Reddit is the ultimate source for all that is nerdy.

http://www.neatorama.com

Like videos/pictures/stories to post to Facebook and Twitter 2 days before your friends do? Then check out Neatorama. I think most of their content is found via Reddit but they manage to post it before my BF sends it to me (meaning that they are pretty fast). You won’t be disappointed.

http://www.thatsnerdalicious.com

Similar to Neatorama but they tend to post more food pics (i.e. pics of “This is why you are fat” and bacon themed meals). Still entertaining and appeals to the nerd in you.

Moko’s Kill-Time Sites

www.tumblr.com

I think I follow about 150 different tumblr sites and I add more everyday. (** mokouniverse.com is a tumblr site!!!! **). I tend to follow hot models (male and female), vegan food/recipe blogs, and travel/architecture blogs. I like anything pretty (people, places, food, gadgets). Message me and I’ll follow you!

http://www.thefancy.com

I just discovered Fancy a few months ago. I still don’t completely understand it but I’m drawn to it daily. I feel it is a little like Tumblr but with more information on the product and a little less control over what your are viewing. Anyways, as I said above I am a big fan of things pretty and Fancy never lets me down (even if they don’t update as often as they should!)

This ends Moko’s list for now. I know my list is a little short on culture, (some would say art, but I disagree), politics, and so on but who cares. Read these sites as an escape from the negativity and corruption in world and allow them to inspire you to see how great this place really is.

Happy New Year.

Milk and cookies for Santa. Carrots for the deer. Merry...

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:26:05 -0500

Milk and cookies for Santa. Carrots for the deer. Merry Christmas.