'K, I have a new/better obsession in the last few months. Organic fabric (and produce, soap, skin care, chocolate and olive oil).

The fabric was even nicer in person, as I ordered it on-line (my first on-line fabric purchase!). I just ordered more. I really can't wait. It's too bad that I can get this type of fabric locally, but it's simply not available. And I just listed my first all organic bag. I love it and would like to keep it for myself, but Denise would throttle me. : D

I'm really proud of my latest bag, not just because it is organic cotton, but it is so well constructed. If I do say so myself.

And, today, I'll say how much I love Dr. Bronner's soap. Love! Love! Love!

-Melina

Working hard, trying to get stuff done. I get stuck in my kitchen, some weekends. This weekend was one of those. I made a big vegan 'butter chicken'. Kerry from Effiehandmade seemed quite fond of it.

Doing overtime in our day jobs is exausting, and we are trying to see our friends. Some, haven't been seen in months and months. Not cool.

So, we are making changes in our lives and as well the Etsy shop. And these changes go hand in hand with the fab store in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Our Mother's Keeper. Leesa White, the owner of the store, is equally fab as her store.

We'll be in touch again, soon.

- Melina

Today, when I want out to check the mail, it was the best day ever!!! Two packages sitting there, one for me and one for Denise. Yay.

Denise had ordered friggin' gorgeous recycled glass beads, and I ordered organic fabric, both from wonderful Esty sellers.

I love love love my fabric. OMG. What am I gonna make? I don't know, but Vanian is excited to get fluffing. It is hard to buy fabric on-line, but I was soooooo pleased with my first purchase, totally gonna do it again. Especially as I can't find ANYTHING similar locally. : (

Denise's beads totally kick ass. You should see what she is making. Better be a 'house' copy Denise! she is so talented, and the beads are so beautiful, I kinda want to eat them. But I won't.

She'll be getting more of those beads in future, I dare say.

Check back, and we'll let you in on what we are doing!

- Melina.

As some of you will know, Denise and I are vegan. Have been since roughly 2002-ish. There are times when vegan folks like to play 'I'm more vegan than thou' games, but this is really unproductive.

Recently, we have been re-vamping and re-assising and re-thinking our eating, our role in the world and how we do what we do. So, not just fanny-ing about because it's summer.

We have been eating tons of things from the Alicia Silverstone book, 'The Kind Diet', which is no diet at all (and why I like it). We've been using more and more organic, less and less processed and feeling freakin' AWESOME!!!

The umeboshi plums, while not my favorite tasty treat, really make you feel good, I don't quite know why, but, man, I love the yucky goodness. Oddly powerful.

Cut way back on coffee, and cut out pop, and switched from tonic water to soda water.

I did make my regular chocolate chip cookies today for a pot luck at work. I had to buy sugar to make them, and I threw out the left over sugar out, as it is too much temptation for me.

Oh, and how much do I love Daikon. Love it.

- Melina

*** I was writing this as a response to a comment but I'm going to add it to the blog to have my point of view as well.

So friggin' cool.

Wow, we had a fun day in the sun today. Went to the Membertou 400 celebration on the Halifax commons. Wasn't really down with the 'yay, he was baptized' thing. Not really loving the raping of a entire culture's soul, so that sucks. Some people were boycotting the celebrations for this reason. I can totally understand that. But I had to go where the drums and jingle-y dresses told me.

The bells on the dresses are added 1 for every day of the year. Was awesome.

Was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to see an actual pow wow, but I'll make sure I do next year. I just might have lost my mind, as I nearly did with the jingle dresses.

There were lots of wigwams with neat stuff inside, like basket-making and Mi'kmaq medicine and storytelling. Way cool, but, man was it hot. Burnt my scalp again.

Wigwams on the commons, way better than baseball.

Oh, and there was really amazing bead-work, prints and drums (sadly, made of animal skins, but I'm sure my neighbors are glad, no drumming for me).

Wish we had more time, but I think we really got loopy from the sun. We are night-people, after all.

Totally excited already for next year. I just hope I'll be able to contain myself at a Pow Wow. Mmmm, doubtful.

- Melina

Despite many blog posts that lament my teenage goth days/attempts, I am a total beach bum. And being a beach loving fool, I have my favorites. All have been on the lovely South Shore of Nova Scotia, Hurtles, you know I'm talking 'bout you. *wink, wink*

But, after last weekend, I've a new love in my heart. I was just innocently asked on an impromptu road trip with Denise's sister Diane. Was just going up to see their lovely niece Carol sing at Moncton University. Ok, make sure I have opera appropriate clothing, check. Snacks (lovely raw balls), check. Water and pops, check.

We had no idea that Diane had a plan, man. A plan that involved a beach. She would regret not telling us of this planned detour. She didn't realize we both love the beach.

So, we went to Port Elgin, checked out Bob's homeland and ate some great onion rings.

Then we were told we are going to Shediac, where their family had a summer cottage growing up. I was game, and was calm in the car till I realized that that meant we were going to a beach. The calm was gone. I keep squeaking,'Eeeeee, we're going to the beach, eeeeeee!!!'

Parlee Beach, you sexy beach. I barely noticed your silly, gaudy, facade. We went straight to the lovely beachy sands and waters.

Bliss, oh sheer bliss. Warm calm waters, clear and delicious. Nice sands, fine and plentiful. Stupid people out in the sun, on my beach. Mine, all mine. Rolled up my pants, Denise had her umbrella (yes, she is allergic to the sun) Diane took off her sandals. I decided I needed to go in to this beautiful water, so very warm.

We walked over away from the people, and I took off my pants and went in the water, and swam for as long as I could. BLISS. Was my new happy place, and I considered never leaving this beach. I could quit my job and live on the beach, right? Mmmm, chilly in winter though.

So, I love Parlee Beach. Love it! So pretty and warm. Just ignore the touristy stuff (though a restaurant is a good idea, when your living on the beach!). Love the beach. It'll love you back.

Here's to a fab summer, folks!!!

-Melina

Here is the link to the official website; Parlee Beach Provincial Park