New Look!

Newfoundlander at Heart has a whole new look! Here is a peek:

If you are reading this in a reader I highly recommend you click over to my blog and check out the full design, it is pretty rockin'! Thanks to my wonderful friend Ashley, my blog now has a fresh new face! Thanks so much :)

Also, I wanted to remind you, you onl have a little time left to enter the March Giveaway, tomorrow is the last day!

Have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the sunshine!
xox

In the Garden: Sprouting Seeds!

I've decided to bring back the In the Garden series, since I'm gearing up and getting prepared for some time in the garden this summer. I'm hoping to have the energy to tend to the garden while I'm home with Pip, although I might have to enlist some help with the initial planting. Pip is due on May 16th and that is getting pretty close to planting season. We will see how things work out!

Recently I was cleaning the back deck and getting some stuff organized in the backyard and I came across a lovely little surprise:

It seems this little lady was trying to soak up some warmth from the black of the hanger. This was a beautiful day - you can kinda see the laundry in the background flapping in the breeze. It was such a beautiful afternoon :) And I noticed that some of my seeds had sprouted:

More have sprouted since I took this photo. It's pretty exciting to see these seeds starting to sprout and watch them grow and (hopefully) produce lots of yummy veggies for us!

Have you started any seeds yet? What are you hoping to grow this summer?
xox

Dear Pip

They changed our due date! Apparently you are no longer due to join this world on Mother's Day: the 13th of May, but instead you might share a birthday with your Grandad: May 16th. I know that you pay absolutely no mind to most of the goings on out here, and you will decide when you are ready to poke your little nose out into the world. But it's nice to know approximately when I will get to meet you.

Things seem to be getting busier as the day gets closer. Between working two jobs, writing my blog, crafting new creations and various other daily adventures, there is never a dull moment. I am looking forward to some time at home alone with you after you arrive. I imagine it to be peaceful and sweet, although the realistic side of my mind tells me that will not be the case. Crying, exhaustion, frustration - I'm ready to feel it all. Only hoping that we can share some quiet, calm moments.

Here's to hoping you're a good sleeper like your mama was, and calm little baby like your daddy. Your fur-brother is waiting anxiously to meet you, he sniffs and nuzzles my belly regularly. I'm sure he knows something is going on, but he's just not sure exactly what.

I hope everything is going alright in there, and that you're looking forward to meeting us as much as we are you!

Love always,
Mama

Let's Catch-Up!

Today I have a little catch-up post, to check in with my sponsors and see what they've been up to recently. Take a look at all the interesting things they have going on, and be sure to follow the links over to their posts!

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My shop has relaunched and filled with tons of fun prints and decals. On top of that, I spent a week sharing my "darkest" secrets on the blog - it was freeing and nerve-wracking, but totally worth it! You can read about it here.

~ Ashley

This post is one I had a little trouble gaining the courage to write. It's about the struggles that I had and have with being a teenage mother. It's very personal and close to my heart. I hope you enjoy it.  

~ Katlyn

Lately we’ve been soaking up unseasonably warm weather here in northern Minnesota. We’ve gone for picnics in the nearby campground and I even started some lettuce seeds in our cold frame. But as much as I’ll enjoy a longer growing season this year, there’s something about this premature spring weather that’s tugging my heartstrings north. 

~ Ada

Greetings, Nfld@♥ readers! While Easter is not a very big holiday in my family, it is one that has a lot of significance for many people. And regardless of religious background, it's a wonderful opportunity to spend time with loved ones and celebrate with delicious food and drink. If you know me at all, you know that I never say no to that kind of opportunity! And since I also believe any occasion is worth giving a card, over the last week or so I've been busy crafting Easter cards for my etsy shop. I'm so happy to announce that they are finally for sale! And for a limited time I'm offering a 15% discount on any sales using the code SPRING2012. The discount will be applied to any purchases made between now and the Easter holidays. Thanks for stopping by!

~ Brynn

March has been a busy month – I’ve been working on several blog designs for lovely ladies, doing lots of crafting and I shared how I stay organized. The end of march brings my youngest daughters 3rd birthday and my 31st!!

~ Polly

Recently I created this DIY for making fabric covered knobs.  I used mine to hang some of my totes on my handmade art wall.

~ Tara

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xox

Social Media Addition

Newfoundlander at Heart is on facebook now!
You can find it here.
I love it if you'd follow along and like the page!






xox

New Shop Peeks and Giveaways Galore!

There are so many people offering giveaways right now, and with all the warm spring-like weather we've had I can't really say I'm surprised. People always feel generous when the sun is shining and they are feeling happy. And I just happen to be one of those people! On top of the sweet winnings being given away today here on NaH by my lovely sponsors, I have sponsored three giveaways in other places. You can win new necklaces, prints and ad space so be sure to check them out!

For the Giveaways Visit:
Polly at This Enchanted Pixie
Tara at Sew Tara
Ashley at After Nine to Five

Also, I added a few more necklaces to the shop this weekend, you can click on the photos below to go directly to the listing. And you can still use the code NEW20 for 20% off any items in the shop!
 

That's all for today! A pretty good way to start the week don't you think?

xox

March Giveaway

Good morning! I have an especially lovely little post for you today :) A few of my sponsors have come together to offer one lucky NaH reader a few fantastic prizes! Check it out:

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 Blog :: Shop

 

Blog :: Shop

 

Blog :: Shop

And an ad space: 180x90

Blog :: Shop

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To Enter:

Please visit each of the sponsors above and tell me something you loved about their blog/shop.

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment, and tell me how you do for each):

- Follow me, Newfoundlander at Heart

- Follow After Nine to Five

- Follow This Enchanted Pixie

- Follow This Lovely Life

- Follow Sew Tara

You have until Sunday April 1st 11:59pm EST to enter. Good Luck and happy entering!

xox

Cloth Diapering with The Dreamy Meadow

Today I have another guest post for you, from another one one of my wonderful sponsors. Katlyn is a brave young mom who share's her life experiences over on The Dreamy Meadow. You should pop over for a peak!

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Hi all, I'm Katlyn over at The Dreamy Meadow! Today I'm going to talk to you about the wonders of cloth diapering on this here lovely blog! For those of you pregnant or already mothers but looking into cloth diapering, I am here to tell you what my favorite products to use are and why!

I researched all of the different types of cloth diapers from pockets to hybrids. After weeks of sitting on my computer reading through hundreds of articles, blogs, and reviews I came to the conclusion that I wanted to use GroVia Hybrid AI2, One-Size diapers. They seemed to be the best choice for me because you didn't need to change the entire diaper for every change. All you had to do was pull out one insert and replace it with a clean one, unless of course the cover is soiled of course.

Knowing that I wanted these covers I had to decide if I wanted to purchase the Organic Cotton Soakers or the Stay Dry Soakers. I started of with just the cotton ones because they were a dollar cheaper and I didn't think it would really matter. After about a month or so of using the diapers though, Bentley started to get pretty bad diaper rash and the only conclusion that I could come to was that he wasn't staying dry enough. So I went ahead and purchased a 2-pack of Stay Dry Soakers to try. It's night to day, seriously! He stays 80% dryer when I have these inserts in rather than the cotton ones!

Since I couldn't quite get his rash away though I started looking into creams and such that I could put on Bentley's bum to help ease the rash. With cloth diapers you can only use certain things due to some ingredients causing build up in the inserts which can just intensify the rash. So on to the research again! I came across Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion and since it was natural and reviewed off the charts I though I'd give it a whirl! On top of that I got the Original A&D Ointment to put on his sore spots. With these two products combined his little tush went from being red and sore to peach keen in a matter of days! I was amazed at how well it worked. I will not use any other products again!

Rash creams aren't the only thing that can cause buildup in your diapers though. You have to find a laundry detergent that is good for them as well! You shouldn't use fabric softeners, enzyme boosters, or bleach on them. You also shouldn't throw your covers in the dryer. Hang them on a clothes line instead. This will make your diapers last so much longer! For our laundry detergent I make my own. I use a combination of Borax, Washing Soda, Natural Soap, and Baking Soda. It is the most effective thing that I have used on them and doesn't have any unneeded additives. On top of this, I have a Downy Ball that I add vinegar to. This helps to neutralize the diapers and take away yucky smells!  Works Like a charm.

As for the actual routine of washing the diapers I do the following:
Pre-Wash. Throw all cloth diapers in washer and run a COLD pre-wash or rinse cycle to remove any loose particles from the diapers.
Overnight Soak. Refill washer with COLD water and 1/2 cup baking soda. Let the washer agitate for a few minutes and then turn off the machine. Let sit for a couple of hours or overnight. Drain the water.
Hot Wash. Empty the bin. Run the wash with HOT water and add your detergent and downy ball or put your vinegar in your fabric softener cup. Add all diapers to the water agian and allow to wash.
Dry. Tumble dry inserts. Hang covers on clothes line to dry. Allowing your inserts to dry in the sun will also bleach them!

So that's about it my friends! If you would like to know more or have questions just come see me over at my blog! I'm here to help! Enjoy the world of cloth diapering as well! :)

March Sponsor Love

I have some lovely ladies to share with you today! What a wicked group I have living in my sidebar this month :) I am so happy to call these wonderful people friends! This time around I asked the ladies what they would do if they had 1 hour to themselves. Please have a look, hop over, and share some blog love.

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Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter

Blog :: Twitter

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

Polly is offering 31% off everything in her shop with the code Birthdaybash

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Cookies with Sew Tara

Hi there lovelies! Today I have a special treat for you from my friend Tara. This is the simplest recipe I've seen yet for cookies of any kind! I would certainly recommend you bake a batch, grab a cup of tea or cold glass of milk, and hop on over to visit her website, Sew Tara, to see what she's got going on! :)

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We have changed the way we eat a lot lately. He of course has dropped loads of weight, I'm a bit farther behind but I did start later and have that whole girl disadvantage that seems to come with dieting along side a man! I was craving something 'bad' the other night and these cookies were it. They're super easy, gluten free and since you can substitute a banana for an egg (didja know that!?) they can be vegetarian too.

Preheat your oven to 350degF. Mix 1 cup of 100% peanut peanut butter with 3/4 cup sugar/sweetener and 1 egg. You could also pulverize real peanuts to make your own 'butter'. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Should make about 20 cookies, give or take depending on how big you want your cookies.

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Pretty simple eh? Now go share your appreciation with Tara :)

Newfoundland Jewels - New Shop Line

Here's a little peak at a new line I've been working on, these will be listed in the shop today! :) Newfoundland Jewels - now you can take a little Newfoundland everywhere with you.

 

 

I'm so happy with the way these turned out! And if you see something you like you can use the code NEW20 at the checkout for 20% everything in the shop, until the end of the month.

xox

Sweet, Sweet, Winnings!

In February I won a giveaway on My Girl Thursday. And yesterday, after a long trip from the other side of the world, I received my prize in the mail! Aren't those little packages sweet?

 

 

 

These lovely accessories were made by Jess VanDen of Epheriell Designs. So simple, and so sweet. I think I might just wear a pair today. Thanks Thursday and Jess! You certainly made my day :)

xox