So, we go through our lives, doing what we do, trying to do good things when we can, just trying to get through the day without quitting our job or eating our weight in chocolate. Right? Come on, I know I'm not the only one.

Then one day, you try to do something good for yourself. You may go for a long walk and feel really good. Or, switch your pasta out for whole wheat pasta. And it's good. These are baby steps, but you notice that you feel a bit better.

Well, I have to say, I've been eating better and doing yoga and meditating. And I feel really good. No, don't roll your eyes! It's actually true, er, who knew? Ok, shut it.

Anyway, the yoga alone is amazing! I feel sooooooooo much better and WAY less stressed. I feel like I can think with clarity, I don't have all the static in my brain. My body is happier, I feel like I can handle anything. Really, it is as good as all those annoying people say it is.

Who knew?

- Melina.

The one I grabbed first was 'The Kind Diet' by Alicia Silverstone. There is lots of great info in this book. It sometimes goes a little hippie-dippy at times, but so has it's heart in the right place. Also, some of the ingredients seem sorta tricky to find. We are planning a special trip to the Asian grocer to get some of the more exotic stuff. But, I love the heartwarming stories and there are some really good-looking things. I've only made the 'peanut' butter cups. We used cashew butter, as Denise and peanuts do not mix.

Tal Ronnen's cookbook.

Next, we bought Tal Ronnen's 'The Conscious Cook'. Oh, my, I wonder if he is single. We first saw him on, yes I'm a bit embarrassed, the Oprah show. But the food looked so good. And, my is it! We made the asparagus soup and the 'almond' encrusted fake chicken. WOW! So friggin' good. He (as far as I'm concerned) created the cashew cream, and it is used as a cream substitute. Genius!

The soup was so good, we made it again two days later! I so can't wait to make more things, out of both books. Tal is a trained French chef, so not as much organic-up-your-bum-ness. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to grow my own organic food, and buy only organic, but until I'm rich, I can't bloody afford it. Love both books.

-Melina. : )

When I get them, I will show them off!!!

-Melina. : D

Well, it was a great year. Denise and I started the store in February, when the first listings were listed. Oh, the horror of those nasty first photos with the sad old camera. They came a long way if I do say so myself.

We had really mindblowingly exciting highs, and some uberpoopy pits of hades lows. Denise rubbed her forehead as if doing a business plan several times. I pleaded with fabric and various sewing implements to 'just do what I f***ing want you to f***ing do', and I said 'bugger' a lot.

There where many 'business' meetings with Effiehandmade. To whom I owe a debt of gratitude for the oodles of advice and super kind words of encouragement. She is one smart lady. She even reads instructions and stuff.

I would like to thank the friends and family (and you know who you are *wink, wink*) for all their 'card' carrying support. We couldn't have done it without you. Hugs!!!

And, man I'm getting all gushy now, thanks to the best-est business partner and BFF in the world, my sister Denise. I would not do this wacky thing with anyone else. Even after all the temper tantrums and screaming and dippy bakes. 'Ain't no stoppin' us now.... we're on the move'!!!

Here's to the splendors of 2010. F*** yeah!!!

Ok, starting the year looking for my Jamie Fraser!

Running though every pair of standing stones I can find.

OMG!!! Look, a young Jamie!!! Bliss.

- Melina