Yule Tide Is A Coming
Monday, December 7, 2009
Here are some fun, pretty, inspiring images of Yule and for the rest of you, Christmas.
Yay!
And even more!!!
Look at this!
~ Melina. ; D
Big Sale - New Stuff
Friday, November 27, 2009
Champagne Bubbles for Kerry Earrings
The second reason it that we have some exciting new things in the store! Denise has made and designed some lovely new earrings, that I love and would like for Yule ( hint, hint). LOL.
I also made a bag I would love to have, even if I do say so myself. It's made of red velvet, and is sooooo nice and beautiful. I love velvet, I always have, and working with it was tricky, but the results are delicious....
Also, check out Effiehandmade, as she is having a sale too!
~ Melina. : D
Blast From the Past
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
So Denise and I had that happen to us recently. For her, she saw a face on one of those horrid soap mags that are really tiny, I guess soap fans have abnormally small hands. She saw someone she knew she knew from somewhere, but where??? Enter google, and in a few minutes, she found the answer. It was sheriff Lamb, from Veronica Mars! We love that show and have seasons 1 and 2 of DVD. Funny.
As for my, what, irritant - mindloop - deja vu - what the f*** IS it!!! It was the song from the Telus commercial with the spaceship. I knew I knew the voice, it was from the early 90's, was British, and I so knew I knew that voice. Not the Happy Mondays, no, I know it wasn't the Stone Roses either. Hmmmm, who the bloody hell was it. Grrrrrr....
I annoyed Denise enough for her to google it so I could stop driving myself crazy. It was the Stereo MC's. Of course. Duh. Where are my brains??? In my arse, apparently. Geezzz.
~ Melina.
Can't Wait for Yule - Tofurky Dinner!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Instead of the usual turkey (we don't eat animals, we cuddle them) we eat the super yummy tofurky loaf. I love it, it dosen't take as long, so you can sleep in, and it is so tasty. I just wish you could get different sizes. Like 20 lbs of the stuff would be more fitting to a holiday meal.
We still have my grandmothers stuffing, just modified. It's got potato and veggie bacon and bread. Soooo good, even though I'm off ill today and my tummy is grumbly, my mouth is still watering. Wow.
Denise makes the BEST miso gravy. It's one of the only times I allow her in my kitchen, but it's so good that I do let her. It looks like a bomb when off, and I swear she gets soy sauce on the ceiling, but it is actually worth it.
We also have potatos, and if you put them through the potato ricer, they are super fluffy. You have to boil them first though. So good...... mmmmmmm
And dessert, you may be thinking. Well, pumpkin pie of couse. I make the crust from scratch, but I do buy the canned pumpkin. And, I'm so queasy, yet so hungry. Geez. I so can't wait. It's so good. Fall-la-la-la!!!
~ Melina
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
One of my favorite things is the Sephora holiday catalogue. I love drooling over, er, almost everything. The Sephora Collection Ultimate Blockbuster 2009 kills me. As a painter, any palette is alluring, but this is truly the ultimate. MMMMMmmmmm, mama like-y.
Also, I've started making lists for Yule, both grocery and gift lists. I just can't wait.
Something else I love and totally evokes the feelings of the season, is the 1951 movie 'A Christmas Carol' with Alastair Sim. It makes me so happy. Denise has the same love of ' The Sound of Music'. It's a great time at our house.
The maybe oddest thing that I'm looking forward to is the dark chocolate coloured foil balls. I get them at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and they don't have any dairy in them. The holidays really mean chocolate wrapped in foil. This is bliss.
Very excited.
~ Melina.
Car-Pool Tunnel
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Yeah, so this vacay was fun and all, but I am sad that I developed what I call car-pool tunnel. Poo.
I will be getting a brace for my arm.... they really aren't very cute. Oh well.
But here is my theory, and it's a good one, that despite what medical 'professionals' may say, it is contagious. Yeah, really. Nevermind swine flu, it's car-pool tunnel that is gonna get ya.
Denise has had it for years, of course, and recently our friend Kerry from Effiehandmade has developed it, and now, quite suddenly, I have it. Coincidence, oh I think not. You have been warned.
~ Melina.
Melisa the Rock Star
Saturday, October 31, 2009
I love her so much. She is the light of my life, and Denise would say the same. When your walking through the mall or down the street, she's like the sparkling fairy of goodwill. The smiles she gives are contagious. I've often seen people walking along, lost in their own thoughts and worries, looking very serious and cranky, and then the spot the smiling happy Melisa, and it's just like the grinch getting a heart, their faces light up and smiles break out. Love it.
She is obsessed with U2, and has been since 1983. I would dearly love to take her to a U2 concert, I've love to see her reaction. When Denise and I took her to see Backstreet Boys in the 90's, she was quite excited to see Nick. I can't imagine her seeing Bono. I need to see this. I'd love to film it. It would be too cute. And too funny.
I didn't get to see Melisa this weekend, due to circumstances beyond either of our control. It sucks so much. I miss her, sooooooooooooo much. That's why this is all about my sis.
These are the photos from this years Halloween dance she went to. Melisa, her roommate Denice and Kim, their other roommate are all pirates. Kim is in a wheelchair, but the fantastic ladies that work at Melisa's house made a pirate ship for her, so she could dress up too. How awesome is that???
Love ya, sissy poo.
~ Melina.
So Proud of My Best Friend/Artisan
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Careful, My Boyfriend's a Vampire Necklace
She has grown so much, and come so far in so many things since I first met her oh so long ago. I've loved seeing her visual creativity spark to life and become the fire of skill that she now is. I'm constantly amazed at how fast she's come into her own in jewellery making and chainmaille
.
Check out the lovely-ness that is Denise's beautiful work.
~ Melina.
The Mediterranean Feast, an Exposè
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Love that it is a vegan feast. Vegan without having to tweak a
thing.
If you're stuck trying to think of something really great for your supper, think Mediterranean feast.
And, you're welcome!
~ Melina.
P.S. Here are some of the fun photos from the Pumpkin People day!
Dream Vacay
Friday, October 16, 2009
Denise's dream vacay would definitely be New Orleans. She gets so excited when there is anything on T.V. The french quarter is her favorite part. I think it's because of the expulsion of 1755, when the pig-dog English tried to get rid of the French who had settled in the Canadian maritime provinces. They took them from their homes and threw them on boats and sent them to Louisiana. Families were torn apart, thrown nilly willy on boats.
That is my theory for the absolute love of the area. I'd certainly love to tag along.
My idea of a lovely vacation would be Germany. I was born there on the Canadian military base in Lahr, and would love to go back and see it again. I was there till I was 4, so I'd like to see the area now. And I think it would be really pretty.
These will not be our vacations this year, but maybe soon?
~Melina.
Fun Weekend ~
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
We had a really fun weekend, and now we are all funned out. Pooped. Me tie-tie.
Re-cap; on Thursday, we went shopping for clothes. Was fun.
On Friday, we had our friend Kerri from Effiehandmade over for dinner. She's so super awesome and supportive and fun. Our cats had the best time with her, as she tuckered them out by paying with a laser pointer. She played with them for hours. She loves them, and they love her. : )
On Saturday, we went to the valley with Bob, Denise's dad, to see the pumpkin people. It was so much fun. Poor Bob. He was very brave, to go for a long drive and see the most exciting thing ever. Love Bob.
That evening we went to Diane's house for dinner, she is Denise's sister. There was Dave, Diane's husband (and BBQ-er), and Ben, Diane's youngest son ( he's 5, really, 15, but 5 to me) and Lorraine, Diane and Denise's mom. She had a barbecue, and had veggie burgers, and grilled veggies, and roasted sweet potatoes. So good. She even had pumpkin candles on the table. Was soooooo good.
Also, just to let you all know; As a member shop of the EarthPath Artisans' Street Team (EAST), I am participating in a Harvest Treasure Hunt loaded with wonderful prize giveaways. For additional information and to find out how you can win one or more of these great prizes, please visit our team blog http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
~ Melina
Cell Love
Friday, October 9, 2009
Samsung LinkFinally, I've convinced Denise that she should leap into the twenty-first century and get a cell phone. I've been shopping for a new cell phone and Denise has expressed an interest. Especially if said phone is pretty and has nice colours.
I'm thinking I'm gonna go with Virgin Mobile. I totally want an iphone, but is way too pricey for me. Even the Blackberry Curve is nice, but the monthly bill would be too much cash money. So, I'm thinking about the Samsung Link. It's not too pretty, but I think it has everything I need.
Texting is my new love, and I love the keypad on the Blackberry. The Link has similar keypad. I love it.
Denise is about to throttle me as I am a wee bit obsessed at the moment. My old phone is dead, and I feel nude without my phone. Silly, as I really don't use it all the time, but I like having the option.
So, the search continues. I'll not be able to get my phone till the end of the month. So I'll still be researching phones till then, just to be sure.
Really thrilled Denise is gonna get a phone too. We can message each other like we do at work. Like we don't talk enough. But when you want to talk to your BFF, you really should be able to. And now I will!!! She is looking at the LG Rumour.
And hey, if you've any tips or suggestions, please let me and Denise know. Would be much appreciated.
~ Melina
Pumpkin People, an Expose
Friday, October 2, 2009
I will correct this error today.
The pumpkin people are part (some would say the most important part), of the Kentville Harvest Festival. Denise and I accidentally discovered these 'people' many years ago when on vacation, and had rented a car for the week. We where driving in the valley, from Wolfville down to Kentville, and suddenly these people that were made of pumpkins started to appear.
It was so magical and whimsical, we squealed with delight. Denise completely lost her mind. It is the funniest thing I'd ever seen. When we arrived in the town of Kentville, there where oodles of the pumpkin people. There we learned it was part of the town's Harvest Festival. What a delightful place.
We have wanted to live in the valley area ever since. Who would not be thrilled to live in a community that displays such creativity and joy?
Next weekend we hope to go to the valley with Denise's parents Bob and Lorraine. I don't think they have witnessed the unbridled bliss that is Denise witnessing the pumpkin people. I can't wait. I hope they bring ear plugs.
The valley area has lots of other things in it's favor. The people are really nice. They don't try to run you over at the crosswalk, they smile and make eye contact. The fresh produce is amazing. And the scenery is breath-taking.
If you can, go to the valley this October. You won't regret it. And, you're welcome.
~ Melina.
Out of the (Broom) Closet
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
We always take our vacation at that time of year, as we get to celebrate and really enjoy the season. Also a fun time to drive down to the valley and see the pumpkin people. Denise absolutely looses her mind and you almost pee your pants laughing at.... er, with her.
I've always loved Halloween as a kid, and I love any reason to dress up. I miss the dress up day at work, which makes sort of sad. Sort of. I prefer the classic costumes. You know, Viking, Devil, Vampire and Zombie. Denise likes to dress up like a Turkish lady, whatever that is.
~ Melina
To clarify, I was in fifth grade and wanted to be nothing other than a Turkish lady, and woe to those who looked at me and said "What a cute little gypsy". I was a TURKISH LADY!
And for those who don't know, the Pumpkin People are simply the BEST THING EVER!!!! A whole town that sets up scenes of pumpkin 'scarecrows' in selected themes. It is my favourite part of the whole year!!!
~ Denise
So Want to Shop for Fabric
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Annapolis Valley
I so can't wait for vacay. We love to rent a car and drive down to the Annapolis Valley. It's always a great time in the valley. It's so beautiful, and the people are so nice, and
the towns are so cute. No wonder our goal is to both live there. It is just blissful.
So, I'm now wanting to get some money to shop for new autumnal-ish fabric. Here are some of my faves right now.
~ Melina.
Um, Yeah, We've Been Busy
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Different Kind of Celtic Earring
We are very excited, as we are working on more new things for our store. I'm too excited. No really, I jumped out of bed yesterday to get to work on a new idea I suddenly had. I am NOT a jump out of bed person. Why do you think this post is so short? Ha!
Will be letting everyone know when the new things are hitting the store.
~ Melina.
Silly Cats
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A Father's Day surprise for Bob.
Cats are silly. They don't like to think they are, but we all know it's a fact. They are the biggest silly willys ever.
Our cats are particularly silly. Vanian is my cat, and the man of the house. He's also white and has actual bun shaped buns. That is very silly. Along with the usual cat-like zanyness of tail chasing and sister stalking, he's terrified of socks and shoes. Yeah, only when there are no feet in them. He once jumped three feet sideways because there where socks on the floor... and had been there all morning... and hadn't moved. Weirdo. He'll walk by either socks or shoes and will just reach out and hit them to ensure they know their place and do not attack. I guess.
Solstice is Denise's cat, and is the black girl. She is the silly, bossy girl. She tells Denise what to do. She meows very loudly when she wants Denise to get up and come upstairs and get her for bed. When she feels Denise should wake up, she'll meow at her. That's typical cat behaviour. But she also brings Denise cat toys when she's sleeping, in case she gets bored.
Well, now Vanian is wanting to be fed, and if he doesn't get fed right away, he pretends to pass out. He'll meow a long, whiny meow, and then flop (loudly) onto his side and look sad.
Silly cats indeed.
~ Melina
New Bags
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Punky Pink and Purple Pretty Bag
My new bag is called 'Punky Pink and Purple Pretty Bag', and I so want one. I love my totes. I love that they are reversible and have pockets. And they are cotton. I just love making bags, and I can't wait to do that full-time. I'm always thrilled when it's the weekend, as I get to sew!
Tie a Choker Round My Neck Necklace
Also, very exciting, I took the best photo I have ever taken. Man, when we started the store, my photos SUCKED!!! But now, wow, I love this photo. Really jealous Denise looks so cool.
~ Melina
Lady of the 80's, and I Don't Care!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
So, who is it you, like so many others, may ask. Ok, you might have been alive in the 80's, even may remember them fondly. But chances are you don't know the band I still love more than any other. Yeah, really.
They where so lovely and wonderful. The whimsy, the passion and the unfortunate maroon lipstick. I love the happy jangly guitars, whistful words and serious and tounge-in-cheekyness. I would not be where I am today if it weren't for them. My heroes.
It's the Mission. They are my favorite band, ever. Wayne Hussey has been a source of much joy and comfort over the, er, 23 years. Still fills my heart with bliss. I'd have to say 'Children' is one of the best albums. Though 'God's Own Medicine' is quite brilliant too. I love the Mission ( or the Mish ), and always will. Denise makes fun of me a lot, but I don't care. My love it true.
~ Melina.
Hey Melina, you forgot to mention how you were part of the fan club and how fans called themselves 'Missionaries'. The Mission World Information Service. HAHA!
~ Denise
Feast Day
Friday, August 28, 2009
Last night, we made a really good lasagna. Denise calls it a heart-attack on a plate. It is. We didn't eat any junk food all month, so we decided we would have a day of food as a treat for good behaviour. YAY!
We invited our friends from work over to help us eat all the good things. So, Rhonda and Kelly ate with us last night. That was fun. Kelly told us funny stories, one of which involved her believing she had no legs. She insisted she never had them, and was ' ok with it, I've lived with it for over twenty years, guys. Haven't you noticed, you've known me for years'? A lesson to enjoy yourself responsibly, folks.
It was fun, we also had brownies, chips and martinis. Very tired today.
~ Melina.
Great Friends and a Sore Head
Monday, August 24, 2009
We have some really great friends. I've noticed this recently because of all the support we've gotten through our Facebook fan page. The comments from people have really been encouraging! When starting a new thing like this Etsy shop it can sometimes feel like you are working away and not quite getting the rewards, but then you hear someone say they like your stuff and it is a huge boost!
We went out for coffee last Friday with our friend Kerry who also has an Etsy shop. It is so awesome to have
another friend who we can brainstorm with and complain to and generally hash out new plans. She is also awesome because she is always willin
g to drive us places we need to go. We are auto-challenged but she has a lovely vehicle is always there to bring us where we have to go.
And the BIGGEST reminder of how great our friends are came when Rhonda did the most amazingly thoughtful thing. We had been talking about a book I wanted to buy. She suggested that it could be at the library, but you see, the library and I have issues. I can't return things on time. I don't know what it is. Even one year that I worked at my University library, I still returned things late. So borrowing the book from the library was not a good idea. So what did she do? She got it out for me! She went to the library and said she'll just remind me a couple of days before it needs to be returned. How sweet
is that? It's already inspired a couple of pieces and I think she'll find one of them has a special name. ; )
On another note, I should mention Melina's accident. She concussed herself yesterday. Yup. We struggled through the Hurricane Bill rains to get into the cab and get to work. She was so anxious to get out of the rain that BAM! She whacked her head on the top of the cab door. There was blood and a hospital visit. She's fine now, mainly because she has a very hard head, but don't tell her I said so. Send her healing vibes as she still feels a bit woozy.
~ Denise