Ruby In The Dust

Ever since I saw that photo on the right by Kate Miss a couple of weeks ago, I have been humming 'Cowgirl In The Sand' by Neil Young & Crazy Horse. I was so excited to see the rest of her Joshua Tree photos (they're stunning) and secretly hoping something like that shot would make it into her spring collection look book.

The new collection (released earlier this week and available now in her shop) is perhaps my favourite of hers yet. I love the strength the pieces have, and that it is a strength in not despite their simplicity. I'm really hoping to be able to save up for one of the pendants so fingers crossed the don't all sell out straight away. The look book is pretty great also, I can't get enough of that natural light.

So, for some Friday music I'm going to leave you with Neil and some sweet lead guitar. We actually went and saw him play with Crazy Horse in Auckland tonight and it was incredible. My ears are still ringing and my mind still whirling. Such an amazing performance by some cute rock 'n roll dads.

Have a great weekend, friends. I'm off to drop my computer back to school tomorrow so if you get the chance to pop over to our fundraiser so that I can replace it pretty soon, that would be hugely appreciated!

Hey Hey, My My and twisted tea cakes.

Last Wednesday I got to see someone who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest musicians of all time. I discovered Mr. Young fairly early on, and developed a bit of an attachment. I'm sure much to the horror of my boy-band listening friends (thankfully I also loved NKOTB).

I didn't think Neil Young would ever be someone I would get to see live, so jumped at the chance when I heard he was coming to Vancouver. To be honest I was a little worried that it wouldn't be everything I'd hoped(i.e.Massey Hall in the '70s), and that he'd be a grouchy old man not wanting to play any of his 'hits'.

Lets just say, it was incredible. For a guy in his 60s, he totally rocked out! He pulled out so many classics, Cowgirl In The Sand, Cinnamon Girl, Heart of Gold, Hey Hey, My My, Old Man and of course Rockin' In The Free World and many others. He did a fantastic rendition of A Day In The Life for his encore while pulling strings off his guitar, and I was smitten.

Now If only could convince Joni Mitchell to tour....

Ok, completely unrelated but please observe the following.

Why yes they are small morsels of chocolatey, cookie dough goodness. I realise they have nothing to do with Neil Young (although I'm sure he'd like them), I was too excited to not share these with you.

Inspired by the Russian Tea Cakes Julie had bought over the other night, I wanted to make some for myself. However, Richard was begging for chocolate chip cookies....and I of course didn't have all of the ingredients for the tea cakes. So I did them with a twist.

Check out that chocolate! Ok, here's what you do...

1 cup butter
1 teaspoon/good squeeze agave nectar (the real recipe calls for vanilla, but I didn't have that - of course you may use what you like)
6 tablespoons icing sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons icing sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chocolate chips. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining icing sugar.

Real Russian tea cakes use chopped walnuts where I used chocolate chips but a) we didn't have any left and b) Richard wanted the chocolate.

Needless to say, they're amazing. Especially when eaten warm with a spoon. Perfect for a quick late night treat, enjoy!