ElegantKB

Meet KB's sock creatures, the Docker brothers, a divergent but satisfying sewing project!

I came across an intriguing book a the public library while browsing in the craft book section.  Stupid Sock Creatures by John Murphy.  I'm glad I checked it out!  It's really fun to create the adorable sock monsters.  The book has been out for a while so I'm sure crafters who are into plush have already explored these ideas.  My daughters and I went to work... I would not recommend trying this with kids under 9. As it was, my daughters cut the creatures and I sewed by machine.  Kids can do the fun part- creating the lip shapes.  Kids can also pick out the sock parts and stuff the creatures and sew on the eyes.  Click here to check out the Stupid Sock Creature gallery for ideas. Here are two bothers, Frederick Dockers and Jerome Dockers born November 17, 2008.  We are making a special creature for our puppy for Christmas, she was very very interested in the sock creature project!

Handmade pottery for gifts, KB really wants to keep them!

We picked out these 2 great pieces at the High School Holiday Fund raising fair.  The price was amazing for these unique pottery pieces. It was great to meet the artist in person and tell her how much her work is appreciated. The bowl is a very unique color and many people were attracted to it.  It will look great filled with limes or kiwi fruits that are coming into season soon. The vase is really substantial.  I mean if you have an intruder it can do some damage.  It's stable and can hold a huge bunch of flowers without tipping.  We love the contemporary two-tone color combination.  We help Marin School of the Arts Visual Art Boosters by purchasing these at the fund raiser and that feels good.  We are always happy to  support local artists and schools.

Pecan Pie Glazed Pecans are irresistable! KB recommends - try some!

These glazed nuts are a new flavor to me.  I never tried them before and I'm really happy I grabbed a bag at the grocery store.  I was planning to throw sweetened nuts into a salad with tangerines, feta crumbles, and a balsamic vinegar dressing.  Many of the nuts never made it into the salad once my family got a taste.  They truly taste like a pecan pie.  They are by Diamond Nuts, the Emerald snack bags featuring premium flavors and funny commercials. Since I am a ww I looked at the nutrition facts.  A one ounce serving (1/4 cup) is 150 calories, comes out to 4 pts for ww.  Which is pretty good for a sweet satisfying snack.  And pecans have protein, calcium, iron, and natural antioxidants. Click here to find out how pecans are known to lower cholesterol too.  I also love plain pecans.  These are a bit more special and great this time of year when you deserve a sweet snack. 

Russian Tea Cookies, KB's family recipe never fails!

These cookies are so delicious probably due to all the butter and sugar.  We made them to sell at the fund-raising fair for Marin School of the Arts Dance Boosters.  We generally make these around the holidays and give them out to our special people.  I've been making these since about first grade and they are so easy that my daughters picked that up too.  Click here for a similar recipe I found on the web. We packaged them up in cello baggies we ordered last year from Sally Foster.  The polka dots are cute and I should have ordered more of them.  I think they are discontinued.  You can taste something like these Russian Tea Cookies at Tom's Cookie shop in the cellar of Macy's Union Square in San Francisco, only he makes them bigger and with some chocolates chunk which we do not add since it's really not needed.  Yum!

KB is making a Harajuku costume for Halloween, Fun!

I first came across Harajuku style when I was searching YouTube for videos about sewing.  This Japanese street style is trickling into USA teen culture.  My daughter, who is an avid manga reader, is my fashion adviser for this costume.  There are many flavors of Harajuku style. You can find tons of images on the Internet for ideas.  These girls and guys are not shy..  And it's all about self expression.  If you are into fashion it's something you'll want to see.   Vivienne Westwood is idolized here. I think there is a hint of early eighties Madonna mixed with Minnnie Mouse.  Here are some of the ingredients I plan to use: crinoline skirts, polka dot fabric, black and white jacket and plastic accessories, bright striped socks, bright necklaces and some sort of plush.  Fun!

KB's pink purchase includes a new yoga mat! KB has a tip.

When I went to up to the register at my local Pharamaca I noticed all the items I selected were pink!  I was completely exhausted at the time. I was not truly "in the pink" at that moment.  But clearly it is where I should be headed- to optimal health.  Good thing the yoga mat was on sale!  Here's my tip about new yoga mats: I recommend unwrapping the mat and letting it off-gas before doing yoga. That rubber smell needs to get released for a good 24 hours.  Here's another comment about my items.  I tried a number of natural deodorants before I found this one that actually works.  It's the Wild Rose by Weleda.  It works... but like all deodorants must be reapplied as needed.  I wouldn't bother testing any other brands but if you do - see if the store will let you return them when they don't work out.  It's a good idea to switch to a natural product for better health and the environment. Look for something that is aluminum-free at least. Here's a photo of my pink purchase.

California Academy of Science Friday Night, KB visiting

I am thrilled to be invited to an after hours party at the new CAS in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.  I hear there is a rainforest inside!... as well as a planetarium and an aquarium.  Of course the alligators are still there just like we remember.  Check out the CAS website with this link.  We have seen the work in progress from atop the De Young Museum and it looks great!   Now, what to wear?  Do I go with the planet theme, and wear something like Jane Jetson?  I'll probably go with a black and white outfit as a tribute to the African penguins and to keep to true with my elegant profile. Check out this picture of a fashionable frog.  You can find great photos on the Steinhart Aquarium Flickr photostream.