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Wednesday 29 June 2011

Eppendorfs + GFPs = Swag

] Haus of Eppendorf ]

Yep, it's pure, unadulterated swag, and I want, I want, I want.  This would make the most spectacular necklace or bracelet.

Eppendorf tubes + Green Fluorescent Proteins = Swag   

 Thanks to:
Roger Tsien and his Lab at UC San Diego for GFP swag. 

Friday 24 June 2011

Science Kitty Ventures into the Field

Like all conscientious scientists, Science Kitty likes to carry out careful experiments and observations in the field.  She is not deterred by the dizzying heights of the forest canopy or the muddy forest floor.







Starring:
Science Kitty

Monday 20 June 2011

This week's most coveted...

...is the Novelty Jumper.  Although this is more closely associated with winter than summer, I think that in the English summer, a Novelty Jumper is the perfect accessory to slip on once the sun has set and it gets a bit chilly.  With such an abundance of styles and patterns, it is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing.

Designs range from the iconic Australian Coogi to the traditional Christmas variety, making it the choice of many great style icons of the 20th and 21st century, such as Jessica Fletcher and Kath Day-Knight.  Both these women are true fashion idols, always striving to "team-with-the-theme".

Jessica Fletcher in a beautiful grey piece

The Authentic Australian Coogi:

This is the territory of style idol, Kath Day-Knight (or as her daughter would spell it - style IDLE)!  She not only teams her Coogi with the theme but with her great hunk o'spunk, Kel Knight.


Image courtesy of ABC Darwin.

Above is a portrait of Kath and Kel in lovely Beige ensembles - Beautiful!  It's Nice, it's Different, it's Unusual, it's Common.

Coogies have also gone 'Hip-Hop'.  For men, it's all about the bright coloured, funky sweaters and women can now sport both jumpers and Coogi dresses, made from 100% cotton, that are actually quite cute (that's said with sincerity).  I can't wait for Kath to rep' it street style.


Following in the footsteps of these fashion icons, I have decided to knit my own.  I have taken a pattern that was for a cushion cover designed by Kaffe Fassett, mixed the colours up a bit and enlarged it.  I can't wait for the finished product although it may take some time - I plan to spend my summer days knitting while watching Murder, She Wrote - the only way to keep in touch with what is hip and happening.
Novelty Jumper by The Lab Bench Lady


Tuesday 14 June 2011

Science Kitty Consults The Literature


Books Science Kitty Likes to Study:

Fashion Design Drawing Course - Caroline Tatham & Julian Seaman
Kaffe Knits again - Kaffe Fassett
Wine Science - Ronald S. Jackson

Special Thanks to:
Hello Kitty - Sanrio

Moisturiser - Student Style

I openly admit that as a student I cannot afford the finer things in life, and that includes moisturiser.  No, I kid!  I was just sick of using petroleum based toxic products so decided for make my own. 

All these giant cosmetics companies advertise how scientific their products are - "it'll make you scientifically more beautiful as our products use the science of genes".  Who knows what that means?  If you asked a geneticist they wouldn't know!

Aside from all this marketing sillyness, moisturisers are really simple. 
The four ingredients are:
1. Olive oil.
2. Coconut oil
3. Beeswax (or honey)
4. Water

Use equal amounts of each ingredient.  Heat the olive and coconut oil together.  Add this to the melted beeswax, stirring continually (I like to use a fork to mix well).  Then add the water while mixing.  Pour the mixture into a clean, sterile container and store in the fridge for up to six months

You can also add a few drops of essential oils - I love lavender for it soothing and antibacterial properties.  The basic rule is half - one drop of essential oil for every ml of base oil (in this case it is olive oil).  I like to experiment with the amounts and use different essential oils to get it just how I like it.



So, now I have a cheap, petroleum-free moisturiser that smells of freshly cut flowers...and with no ridiculous marketing tag attached!

Monday 13 June 2011

Breaking the Hiatus - Let your ears do the talking

Saying what you feel is a thing of the past - just let your new artificial cat ear organs do the talking - no pun intended.