Fun Find: The Coco Jack

In the interest of public safety I always clear the kitchen when I’m about to open a coconut. It’s messy, loud and often fraught with danger, as I ask myself ‘could this be the time I lose a finger?’

And I know I’m not the only one. I’m always getting asked by my clients and BodyLove Bootcamp members how to open young coconuts without risking life and limb, because gosh knows I bang on about them enough.

I usually open mine with a rolling pin, sharp knife and chopping board and awkwardly bounce all three over each other to pry open the nut without too much spillage. I position the knife into the side of the nut, then use the rolling pin (or anything strong and sturdy) to bang the knife deep into the nut, rather than swinging the knife itself. The chopping board is used to keep the nut in place on the bench and while this system hasn’t failed me so far, it’s still a little clunky.

So there’s still room for improvement. And I think I’ve found just the thing: I’ve just stumbled across a clever little contraption that does all the hard work for you, no loss of limbs threatened. It’s called Coco Jack, and is a hammer and mallet situation that elegantly opens your nuts without busting your balls, so to speak.

Here it is…

cocojack

Curious as to how this little guy works, I left it to the experts to explain. Here’s the video…

I’m sold! Are you? They even have a stainless steel coconut scoop to make removing the flesh easier too. Genius!

Tell me Happies…

Do you suffer in the name of coconut opening?

Do you need one of these in your life?

 

Stay Happy,

Yaz

So, I’ve Missed This Little Place of Sanctuary

The thought came to me the other day. Out of the blue I starting thinking that maybe, just maybe, it might be time to start blogging again. I hadn’t really thought about it much over the past year – having a baby does that to you – but as I slowly started to regain a little bit more time, I noticed there was suddenly some space that could be utilised. So here I am. Back in the ‘happy seat’ ready to share some of the miracles that have occurred over the past 10 months or so. Where do I begin? My birth story? My newborn experience? The lessons I’ve learned? The fact that I have changed so, so much for the better over this time? How I’ve grown, expanded, wilted, cried, tried, tested, loved beyond loving, pushed myself and tuned-in greater than I ever have before? The stories are endless, but perhaps the most important thing to start with is the fact that I’m no longer the Yaz I was before. I’m all grown up now, and it feels… different. In a good way. But this isn’t just about me. The Happiness Cocktail never was. It’s not a diary nor a place of self-indulgence, rather a hub for people to congregate and learn a little bit about life, wellness, health, happiness, beauty and everything in between. It’s personal, sure, and I’ll be weaving my experiences into everything that I write, but ultimately it’s a place of exploration. 89bb6d2c97ae94e279af2c042649eab5 So let’s touch on that for a minute. Exploration. What a magical little word that is, especially in reference to self-exploration and how really tuning-in and tweaking your life, your thoughts, your emotions, your diet…whatever…can be the greatest tool towards living a more fulfilled life. In between nappy changes, cuddles and making some seriously awesome baby food I’ve come to realise more than ever that awareness really is a powerful ally. I literally don’t have time for things that don’t serve me anymore. I’m far too busy working, wifing, mothering and living to waste time on the unnecessary, so I’ve become more aware than ever about what’s going on in my life. If something isn’t working, rather than ignoring it or ‘putting up’ with it like I might have in the past, I now deal with it. Immediately. I’ve become a thorough explorer, who’s adaptable, nimble and bloody efficient. And it’s working a treat! So I ask you this, Happies, are you exploring enough? Are you able to look at your life and see what’s working, what’s not, what needs to change and do something about it? I’m telling you it’s a life-changing proposition and something I encourage you all to do. So sit down with a pen and paper and look at some of the aspects of your life that aren’t serving you anymore. How can you change them? Always look for the solutions, they’re there somewhere, looking for order amid the chaos of life. Stay Happy, Yaz x