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Thursday 30 November 2017

Oatmeal/Porridge, easy no-Cook, no-mess method (Vegan/Dairy-free)

Oats and Banana Breakfast, Vegan, Dairy free and Low GI

I have used this recipe with unlimited variation, using seasonal fruit and different nuts, seeds and natural extras for the last 10 years.



With each item we add to this recipe we are adding more nutrition and variability to our diet and health.

This is a breakfast that is low Glycemic index and will keep you filled all morning without hunger pangs. but it isn’t as super sweet as commercial breakfast cereals, The fruit and banana provide the sweetness. When you pour on boiling water to oats you get a creaminess.
But if you really need it sweeter then try chopped dates. These are really sweet but not Low GI.
if you use them to combine them with some pecan nuts in this mix as they are a great combination.

Another option is to add a spoon of maple syrup
My suggestion is to try to adapt to lees added sugar as there are many benefits to health.

Ingredient list

OATS: ½ cup of steel cut /rolled oats. I use Scots or Irish grown oats.
Dried fruit: raisins, sultanas, Currents are a good choice as they have a lower GI
Nuts and seeds: alternate the mix, Pumpkin, Sunflower, sesame, pecan, hazelnut, walnut for example
Banana: choose semi-ripe for lower GI and sustained release, this is chopped to provide sweetness.
Linseed or Chia seed: These are best milled and ground to be easily absorbed, either purchased ready milled or use a coffee grinder
Blueberries: My favorite fruit topping.

Cinnamon: A teaspoon on top adds a nice warmth to the breakfast. There are many benefits fo adding cinnamon to your diet

How to make

This method does not create extra washing up, you don't have to watch it, just fill the kettle up and switch it on, pour in the dry ingredients, add a chopped semi-ripe banana and pour on the boiling water and cover with a plate or bow,

This method slow cooks itself,

just leave for 10-15 minutes.

Good time to:
• Do some Yoga
• Fitness routine,
Meditate,
Read a book
Add blueberries and cinnamon or some other topping if desired,

Avoiding Microwave cookers that make food less nutritional, Stove top cooking that requires watching and washing up.

Extras/alternatives you can add:

Apple: sliced and cooked with the oats instead of Banana

Coconut: Dried or fresh coconut.
Maca: Powders root
Cocoa nibs:
Chia seed
Extra plant Protein: If you are using this as a post-workout breakfast then you can add extra protein in the form of Almond powder, hemp protein or extra nuts
Nuts: Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts,
Goji Berries:

Seasonal fruits, raspberries, Redcurrents, mulberries,

Experiment, keep things varied and enjoy
Best wishes

Michael J King



Saturday 21 October 2017

Tha mi sgith - Nordic Lyre, Celtic Harp & Welsh Crwth

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I will be making more Crwths next year,   My Listing is here on etsy


Saturday 30 September 2017

Anglo Saxon Lyre kits available to order





Hi,

Just an update to say I have Anglo Saxon Lyre kits available to order once again,

These are easier to assemble now, with the soundboard sanded to thickness and cut to shape. Only gluing, sanding, varnishing and stringing up to do. 

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/544968660/anglo-saxon-lyre-kit-make-your-own-lyre?ref=shop_home_active_1

The standard kit has Fluorocarbon Strings and Zither pins for easy fitting

with options to upgrade to tapered harp pins or Wooden Pegs in the Sutton Hoo Style

Gut strings also if preferred.

The kits will each be prepared to order, (will usually be around 5-6 weeks to delivery)

Putting together one of these will be great introduction to making Anglo Saxon Lyres, giving you a Sutton hoo form instrument in a very quick time with plenty of scope for customisation,

kits included pre-routed and drilled bodies with the soundboard rebate, the soundboard sanded and shaped, animal Glue, strings pegs, key and tailpiece.

Notes will accompany the kit,  (videos already online) 

A copy of the latest Lyre making DVD will be included. 

Let me know if you have any questions 

best wishes

Michael J King








Thursday 14 September 2017

Talharpa, 4 String Bowed Lyre with C tuning: CgCG





4 String Talharpa, just a quick Sound sample.



pictures here:

https://www.instagram.com/stringdidj/

Instruments available to order here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Thelyreshop

Saturday 2 September 2017

Antique style 2 String Jouhikko





A quick sound sample of one of the older type 2 string Jouhikkos,



Just put the strings on today,



 A and e tuning for this quick sample.



I am not a bowed instrument player but it gives a quick idea of the sound, This museum replica is a smaller instrument in size with a tiny soundboard,  half the volume of my modern 3 string Jouhikko that has  a longer and deeper curved soundboard with soundpost,



The plans for this are on my Lyre making DVD

https://tinyurl.com/y9jxpzeq

Or available separately as a download here:

https://payhip.com/lyreshop

website

www.michaeljking.com

Antique style 2 String Jouhikko





A quick sound sample of one of the older type 2 string Jouhikkos,



Just put the strings on today,



 A and e tuning for this quick sample.



I am not a bowed instrument player but it gives a quick idea of the sound, This museum replica is a smaller instrument in size with a tiny soundboard,  half the volume of my modern 3 string Jouhikko that has  a longer and deeper curved soundboard with soundpost,



The plans for this are on my Lyre making DVD

https://tinyurl.com/y9jxpzeq

Or available separately as a download here:

https://payhip.com/lyreshop

website

www.michaeljking.com

Friday 11 August 2017

Kravik Lyre demonstration and tuning with a guitar tuner.

Tuning the Kravik lyre to A C D E F G A Tuning at A440 pitch for playing with other instruments using a simple Snark Guitar tuner,  available on amazon and music shops.




Kravik Lyres come into their own when plucked,  here is a demonstration of the rich heartwarming sound these instruments can produce, contrasted with some brash strumming.



Purchase these Instruments here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/252918990/kravik-lyre-7-string-viking-lyre-made-of


www.michaeljking.com

7 String Practice/Viking Lyre

The practice/travel lyre is the most compact and light 7 string Lyre I make,  the difference between this and the Viking version which has a longer sound box in sound is like comparing a soprano ukulele to a tenor ukulele, more emphasis on the treble.   I can build this instrument with a red cedar soundboard to add more warmth if required.


Sound sample here:



Overview and demonstration:





Shop for these here:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/532036703/7-string-travel-practice-viking-lyre

Made to order (usually 1-2 months ) aiming to build 4 or 5 a year of these budget models

specs:
21" long travel / practice budget lyre. 7 strings 
A c d e F g a tuning 
Reduced in size for compactness and strength 

Perfect travel or practice lyre with the same strings spacing and tuning as my Kraviklyra

Made of spruce and poplar with maple head, glued construction from separate pieces, not hollowed.
simple brown stain, oil-shellac finish light and resonant 

Zither pins and fluorocarbon strings. 

Comes with tuning key 

This is a spruce top and backed model.    other stain colours may be possible.

I can also do a natural cedar top and walnut version for £500 as a custom model

****Full size "viking" lyre available with 7 strings also (see drop down menu on etsy)
Same A C d e F g a tuning but longer 24" length and full sized soundboard. different wood options available through custom order

www.michaeljking.com

Instagram for up to date pictures
https://www.instagram.com/stringdidj

Thursday 15 June 2017

épinette des Vosges by Michael J King 2017











épinette des Vosges available to order:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Thelyreshop
New website page updated  
http://www.michaeljking.com/epinette.htm

https://soundcloud.com/michael-j-king...
website
www.michaeljking.com

Kravik Lyre tuning with Fingers and key

Kravik lyre G b c d e f g  tuning example,



https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Thelyreshop

Instruments, plans, parts, and accessories available to order.

for more info check out my website:

www.michaeljking.com