Craft for Haiti and more news...

One of my directions for the year has been less computer time and more time for creating art ...and this has been one of those weeks that I have been very busy doing just that. SO although this has been a slow blog week, I do have several blog posts planned for this weekend and next week.

• I'll be posting pictures of my first ever terrarium project with how-to's.
• Check back for a special sneak peak of my new jewelry pendants.
• Also, I have two new urban girl features coming soon!

Most importantly, with the tragedy in Haiti, I've been reflecting on how fortunate I am and taking more time to enjoy all the things that are important like family, friends and good health. Please give in any way you can. I'll be participating in Craft for Haiti. Check back because I will be adding several items to the site this week.

Finally, be sure to check out http://homegirl.typepad.com/ for the current give-a-way.

My Vegan Kitchen

I love to cook and my biggest food challenge is converting 'regular' recipes into vegan-friendly dishes. Several people lately have asked me what types of ingredients I use so I thought I'd do a quick post about things that I always keep on hand in my kitchen.

• bragg amino acids-Kinda like soy sauce but much lower and sodium and high in amino acid. Basic seasoning for main dishes and great on tofu.



• nutritional yeast -Comes in flakes or powder. I love this stuff. it is the base for my delicious vegan gravy as well as a key ingredient in spinach artichoke dip. If you want to make something creamier or cheesier this will do it . Plus high in protein and b vitamins.



• egg substitute- I prefer Ener-G Egg Replacer in food recipes and apple sauce in baked goods.



• tofu-I don't think soy is great for you, so I try to be conscious of the amount I consume. But tofu is the great vegetarian staple. I freeze the firm variety for dinner dishes and refrigerate cartons that I will use for scrambled tofu in the morning.



• coconut milk- Again adds cream and tasty excitement to most dishes. I love to do curried coconut vegetables.



• beans and rice-Make a pot on Sunday and you've got two plus nights of eating. Use leftovers to make patties. My favorites are black beans and black-eyed peas.


• oils-I use olive and sesame oil the most. Sesame add flavor to almost anything. Add olive oil, sea salt and rosemary to vegetables on a cookie sheet(my favorites are squash, zucchini and onions, roast and get ready for vegetable heaven!

Why I love Home Girl Blog

I'm pleased as punch to have been featured on Home Girl Blog. Quel is one of my favorite bloggers. Most of the time when I read her blog postings, I want to say "get out my head!" because her commentary is so right on. She's a super cool mom blogger who seamlessly posts on beauty, fashion and life and general. She lives in Texas and for some reason I love people from Texas (shot outs to Jonetta, Cherie and Meggie Eggie). I think they have that great blend of southern charm and good sense-and definitely applies to Quel.

But I digress. The point is this. Check out the post on little ol' me and learn how you can win some (shall I say) fabulous prizes.

Kia Does Crafty

Since I work at a company that makes craft products, you'd think I craft a lot. Not true. I make stuff, but not really crafts. But last year I was really inspired to do more. Cathie Fillian,one of my favorite crafters, did a series of plates using Mod Podge. I loved the idea. While not as crafty as her, I thought I'd give it a try. For the holidays I presented my parents and in-laws with these decoupaged plates honoring my two grandmothers and my husband's grandmothers. I love the old vintage pictures of them. They are so romantic and I tried to find phrases that fitted their personalities:

Eunice: My dad's mom-I've talked about her. Fisher, homemaker, lovely person.

Pauline: My husband's paternal grandma. Smart as a whip. Still going strong

Edith: Fun-loving and still vibrant.

Cenora: As sweet as they are made.

These were so fun and easy to make. Next time I'll bling them up a bit more. I am looking for more vintage photos and want to try this Mod Podge technique out on jewelry.

SPUNK

After a much needed, 3 week blogcation, I bring to you a much refreshed, happier 2010 version of Kia 3.0.

Like most people, the new year brings a chance to recharge, rethink and review. Evaluating what is working and what isn't can often be a complicated, energizing, frustrating and inspiring, especially when it comes to matters that are personally important to you.

Like many, I've made a few resolutions for 2010, both personal and professional. There are the old standards like getting in shape and getting organized which are revisited every year because they are constant journeys.

But in addition, I wanted to rededicate my work and my work on this blog. My general idea was working around a theme- something like "living a more creative life"--which I'm finding takes work, effort and energy After pondering this for awhile, I was able to sum what my direction for the year in one word -Spunk.

My favorite definition of the word is Informal courage or spirit. I think of it is energetically pursuing your goals and living life; making a stand for the things that are important to you; being brave in the face of tumultuous times and laughing in the face of uncertainty(tee hee- me laughing because almost everything is uncertain these days.).

Recently I have found myself sometimes doing things out of routine, habit orobligation, ie void of passion. Spunk is the word that I'd like to use to describe my approach for the next 12 months. So this year you'll find me spunkily pursuing my work and goals and trying my best to enjoy both life's pleasantries and unpleasantries.

So, I have started the year out with a number of creative projects, a brisk (and short) run, some yoga and a grateful heart.

Here's wishing you a spunky 2010.

ps photoof erykah badu, my spunky heroine.