Positivity Link-Ups Coming Soon!

Every other Monday I am going to be hosting this positivity link-up. I would just love it if you write a quick post about something positive you have experienced the last couple weeks, and share it here on NaH. I think it could do us all some good to pause and think of a positive experience we would like to share. Each link-up will have a theme, to help you think of a moment to share, but don't let this keep you from sharing a moment unrelated to the weekly theme!

The themes so far are:

• March 5: Customer Service - whether you have a service related job, or buy a coffee every morning this one relates to everyone!
• March 19: Blog Positivity - in co-operation with After Nine to Five's Blog Positivity Week.
• April 2: Random Acts - a smile, lending a nickle, the possibilities are endless.

You can plan to act on one of these themes, or simply keep your eyes peeled for an example you see. Then write up a quick post and link it up over here! And feel free to visit others and see what positive experiences they are sharing and spread some blog love while you are at it.

Who's in?

If you would like to be involved beyond the link-up or have an idea for a theme please e-mail me! I would love to hear from you.

xox

PS today is the last day to visit this months sponsors, tomorrow there will be some new ones - please take a gander and start spreading some positivity!

Happy Leap Day!

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Happy Leap Day everyone! I'm never sure exactly what people get all excited about. I mean an extra day in February is simply so we can keep up with the earth's revolution around the sun. A full revolution takes 365 days and 6 hours, so every few years we add and extra day to our calendar to make up for those extra hours. Read more here, if you are interested.

However, I do know that some people are born and other such monumental things occur on February 29th. So when it does roll around many people take the time to celebrate! So it's kinda like one giant birthday! Happy Birthday to everyone ever born on February 29th, and Happy Leap Day to those of you who see the extra day as a happy celebration!

Since it is an extra day, perhaps we should take the time to do something special! I'm going to take Gunner for a good walk this morning, something he doesn't always get to do in the am, and see if I can't get started on spreading some positivity. More on that later today - stay tuned!

What kind of leaps are you going to take today?
xox

Dear Pip: Likes, Dislikes and Activity

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Dear Pip

It is amazing how fast time flies! At this point you have developed to 29 weeks, and the wiggles are getting stronger. I think I can tell now that there are some things you like, and rather specific times you are awake. I wonder if you will continue these trends after you are born.

Right now it seems you like music, of any kind, much like your parents. A few times while driving or at home I have felt you 'grooving' to some tunes - anything from country to rock or pop. I'm excited to see how you like the Mariposa Folk Festival you will be going to with Daddy and Mama in early July (you could be as little as 6 weeks!). I'm sure you'll be a big hit among friends! It seems you still quite like when I walk, hike or move in general. I think this means that Daddy and I will be rocking you to sleep on occasion, and I hope it means you will enjoy hikes and maybe even bike rides, because we plan on taking you everywhere!

Right now you can hear, and I hope this means that you are getting used to some of the sounds in our home. Gunner (your furry big brother) isn't too loud, but sometimes he hears a noise and has to bark loudly and defensively to let us know about it. And there are tools and machines and motors around that sometimes make noise. I'm sure we will do our best to keep these quiet while you are sleeping, but I hope they don't alarm you when you're awake.

The thing you seem to like the least is long car rides, or while I'm sitting at work for long periods. I don't think there will be too many more long car rides, because it is getting difficult for mama to sit that long, but unfortunately there is another 10 weeks or so of work and one of my jobs is a desk job. Sorry little guy, but your space in only going to get more cramped until you grace us with your adorable presence!

Right now you seem to be most active when I first wake up, mid-morning, late afternoon, and in the evenings. I know there are other times you are awake and move, but you seem to be most active at these times, when mama is a little hungry. I think perhaps this means you are going to be adamant about feeding times, which is much like me, so I won't complain.

I think Daddy and I are going to put your changing table together tonight! Things are moving right along, and with an ultrasound this Friday and a visit to the doctor next week we'll have more updates on your size soon! Keep on growing little Pip, you're already making me proud!

Love Always,
Mama

Social Media: pros and cons

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Before I became a blogger I had little to no idea what being part of the social media world really meant. I had a personal facebook account and an e-mail, and after signing up for blogger felt like I was taking a big step!

Now you can find me:

• here, on my blog sharing recipes, crafts, and baby news; 
• I contribute to a few other blogs such as RevolutionizeHer, the Seven Day Push, and a new crafty blog coming soon; 
• sharing blog updates over on bloglovin; 
• tweeting about my life and blog updates over on twitter; 
• sharing photos of my crafty endeavors on flickr; 
• knitting in the ravelry community as part of a new project - info coming soon!; 
• selling (or attempting to sell) some of my handcrafted items on etsy (new shop sections coming soon!); 
• pinning things in the world of Pinterest - a recent leap; 
• and I am considering creating a Newfoundlander at Heart facebook page. 

And how do I feel about it, now that I can be found in many reaches of the internet? I feel good. The connections I have made through these various social media outlets have helped me to grow in ways I never imagined! I have learned from DIYs and tips from more experienced bloggers, found new recipes, learned about new places, found advice for parents to be, but most of all I have made some fantastic friends! People who if they lived a few hundred kilometers closer I would happily meet with for coffee, catch-ups and general good times. I am really looking forward to these social media outlets when I am on MAT leave come May. They will keep me entertained, inspired and full of plans (like I am lacking in that department). And I know that I will be able to stay connected with these friends, where as I wonder if 'real life' friends will be as good about staying in touch once my schedule is turned upside down with baby responsibilities.

On the other side of things, there has been a lot of talk recently about negativity in the social media world - especially the blog world. I suppose I haven't been as susceptible to negative comments because my readership isn't as large as some of my blog friends. I have to say I'm sad to hear that there are people out there who have the time and the energy to leave negative comments on other peoples blogs. And that's as much as I am going to say on that topic. If you are feeling a little bit down on the blog world be sure to check out my friend Ashley's Blog Positivity Week!

So far this experience has been an extremely positive one for me, and I'm looking forward to learning more and making more friends. So thanks for following and reading along, and for all your positive comments and feedback - I really truly appreciate it!

xox

From the Rock: Shawn at Island Sweet

Newfoundland is a wonderful and inspiring place, and in keeping with my goal of staying connected I am going to try to do a post once a month that is directly related to the Island. Some will be interviews, some descriptions of places I have visited, and others will be bits and pieces of fun Island information.

Today we have a very special interview! From Shawn who has been a part of the crafting community for longer than I have been alive. She is a pretty amazing person, and her yarns are simply beautiful.

How long have you lived in Newfoundland?

What is your favourite thing about living where you do?

I moved to Newfoundland from Toronto in 1975. My then husband got a job teaching English at the new Grenfell Campus of MUN University in Corner Brook. Our plan was to stay for 2 years...

My love affair with Newfoundland was not immediate. Newfoundland is a hard place. It is hard to penetrate. But bit by bit it seeps into your blood. And now, almost 40 years later, it is the only home I have. What I love most about living here is the freedom to be and do what you want. I have re-invented myself many times – as a painter, a teacher, a children’s book illustrator, a barrista, an animal rights activist,   a craftsperson.  And with each change,   I’ve been accepted.  What is looked for ,  and honoured in this place, is honesty.

When did you become part of the crafting community, and how did it begin?

I have been involved in craft (professionally) for about 12 years. My background is in fine art (I hold a master’s degree in painting). In 2000 I decided I didn’t want to paint anymore. I accepted an artist residency at Terra Nova National Park and took only fabric and needles and thread. I began making small textile pieces. That lead to larger “comforters”,  children’s clothes made out of vintage chenille bedspreads, rug hooking and most recently dyeing and spinning yarn. I have always knit and wanted to be able to knit with my own yarn.

What do you create on a regular basis?

My hand spun yarn is how I support myself now.  It is how I fill my days. Dyeing, carding, spinning. Each skein is one-of-kind (and titled to show what the inspiration was). I also make knitting kits –( for hats, fingerless gloves, scarflettes and shawl scarves) that include a skein of hand spun yarn, a pattern card and handmade wooden needles that I paint to  match the colours in the yarn. My company is Island Sweet Fibre Arts. I sell retail on etsy (www.islandsweet.etsy.com) and wholesale to about 25 shops – mostly in the Maritimes but also across Canada and in the USA.

What is your favourite thing to create? Or are there many?

Last year I switched from retail to wholesale. This makes it easier to plan my days. And gives me more freedom to pursue other  things.  My evenings used to be spent  knitting  product to sell . Now in the evenings I’m back to making small textile pieces. I usually start with some vintage textile and work into and onto it embroidery, stitching, appliqué, beading etc.  This work is what I’m most excited about right now.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from my life. I’m over 60 now so there is a lot to draw on! I’m inspired by the beauty of where I live. I’m inspired by my own personal history. By my travels.  By other art – both historical and contemporary.

What does your workspace look like?

I have a studio in my home but it’s mostly for storage of materials. I dye in the kitchen (or out of doors when the weather is warm enough). I spin in the living room.  In the evening I'm on the couch watching movies or TV as I work on my textile pieces.

 

Where can we find you on the internet?

I have a blog that I write on a few times a week – mostly about my creative inspiration and adventures. I have a web site where I show my process and my product, and then my etsy shop. I live in a very small community. The internet has made it possible for me to reach out. 

Thanks so much Shawn! I hope everyone takes a minute to wander over to one of Shawn's internet locations - you might just get totally sucked in by the beauty of her handspun yarn - I know I have!

Project Meeracles: A Wonderful Cause :)

I thought I would stop in briefly this afternoon and mention a wonderful event that begins on Monday. Recently a friend invited me to an event on Facebook, it is a charity auction to raise money for a young girl who was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer rarely found in a child of her age.

The community is trying to raise money to support medical and travel expenses for this little girl, and of course my heart immediately went out to her. Knowing I don't have a lot of cash to purchase some of the wonderful 200+ auction items I decided I could perhaps do my part by donating something to the cause. I decided to donate some bibs similar to the ones I wrote about last week. So this weekend my from the stash project is to get about 6 up-cycled t-shirt bibs together to photograph and enter in the auction.

I ask you to at least take a look at the event on Facebook, here. And look at some of the auction items. If there is something you like, in all the wonderful items, perhaps you could at least bid! I don't know this girl personally, but I can only image how wonderful all the help would be if this were my little girl. :)

Thanks so much for your time, I hope you are having a lovely relaxing weekend!
xox

Helping out New Parents with Momma Ruth Says

Hello lovelies! Today I have a wonderful post from one of my fabulous sponsors - Mary Ruth from Momma Ruth Says. As a mom of two she has some tips for friends and family of new moms & dads. Take a peek, they seem like good suggestions to me!

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Hello, dear readers! First off, I have to say CONGRATULATIONS to Margot on her little Pip! Babies are the best gift we could ever receive in life, and I know that little Pip is coming into a world full of love and adventure having Margot and Reggie as parents.

I myself have two littles, Sidney and Rhealen, and they are the light of my world. It's hard to believe I've been a "Mom" for almost five whole years now, as I'm constantly learning new things every day with my girls. One important thing I've learned -being a mother and being a friend to other new mothers- is that there are certain things we can do as friends and family that really help out a new Mom who's just bringing home baby.

Here is a quick list of simple, easy things you can do to help out a new Mom (or a repeat Mom, like I was last June!):

• Offer to come by and see Mom and baby after they get settled in at home - not while they're in the hospital ( if they deliver at home or a birthing center, give them a few days space before you visit). When I delivered my firstborn back in 2007, people were so excited for us and for this new baby - we were flooded with visitors all hours of the day. It was nice to know people were anxious to meet our little girl, but it would've been even nicer to just have some space and recovery time - those first few days are precious and it's important to give the new parents some space and time to bond, relax and recuperate. 
• Stock up on their necessities! A lot of times people will bring over frozen meals that are easy to heat up and eat, which is incredibly thoughtful and sweet, BUT sometimes there are other items in the house that need to be re-stocked. With a new baby, it's easy to forget everything you need to make it through the day! Bring over items like fresh fruit, drinks, toilet paper, snacks, etc. and of course, extra hand-sanitizer, tissues and other germ-reducing things to help keep Mom and baby healthy! 
• One of the worst things you can say to a new Mom is the open-ended, non-committal, "If you need anything, just let me know!" - the last thing most new Moms want to do is feel like they have to ask for help. So many of us -me included- want to be Supermom and do it all without anyone's help. If you see a new Mom struggling, offer specific services and time-frames for when you'd be available to help out. Say something like, "I'm free on Friday afternoon, why don't I come over and help you sort the laundry" or "I'd love to come by on Wednesday and watch the baby for you while you catch up on some rest". 
• Which leads me to the next item: if you offer to watch the new baby, make sure you are willing to go and stay at the family's house. It was such a relief when my friends would come down to our house and take care of the girls, even if only for an hour. I was able to focus on some much-needed "mommy" time without having to worry about them leaving the house! If I needed to sneak in and steal a baby snuggle, I was able to do it and still go back and finish my "me" time. 
• Lastly, be supportive! It's tough being a new Mom, and sometimes there aren't words or gestures that can help out. Just being there, being a shoulder to cry on or a pat on the back, can give any new Mom the boost she needs to feel better. 

These items, of course, are my own personal opinion! Every mom is different. Every baby is different. What works for some won't for others and vice versa. It's important to take advice -mine included- with a grain of salt, and do what works best for you and the new Mom in your life! Thank you, Margot, for having me, and I wish you and Reggie all the best luck and love in the world. I, for one, am so excited to see little Pip!

Getting Organized

This week on the 7 Day Push we are encouraged to Get Organized. I had already decided to tackle my craft corner - which seemed a really daunting task, and this was the push I needed to get started.

Partially in preparation for the arrival of Pip and partially because my crafting area is in desperate need of an overhaul; I decided to take some time and organize it craft by craft and make sure everything has a proper place. To see the complete post click here.

So thanks partially to Pip and to the 7 Day Push I am working towards a cleaner, more organized, and relaxing creative space. I will be posting more of these organizational posts over the next couple months, so stay tuned. And be sure to check out the 7 Day Push for more prompts!

xox

Let me Introduce You...

Update - Please use the links below the photos to visit sponsors pages, the image maps are not working... sorry!

Today I am sharing with you some of my lovely sponsors! I feel so fortunate to be able to call these ladies friends! Please visit their online homes, and spread some blog positivity! Since winter is coming to a close in the next month or so I thought I would ask my sponsors what it is (if they have to choose something) that they like most about the harsh winter season. You can read their answers below their photos.

My favourite part about winter is all of the holidays that fall within the season. Not only do I get to celebrate Christmas - which I love for all of its traditions - but my birthday is in the first week of the New Year. My Mom and aunt also have January birthdays so most years our whole family gathers to celebrate together. And despite the fact that I am not particularly keen on Valentine's Day, I do appreciate the excuse to acknowledge all of my loved ones on one special day of the year (and the excuse for a nice dinner!). Family Day in February is a recent bonus to my winter holiday fun - an extra day off work and another day devoted to spending time with my favourite people? Yes please! With all of these special occasions dotting the winter months I find it impossible not to look forward to the season each and every year.

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

I love being cozy. I love wearing comfy sweaters and slippers while cuddling with the hubs under a warm blanket. We don't have a fireplace in our current house but if we did, it would be roaring every night!

Blog :: Twitter :: Pinterest

Although winter isn't my favorite season, I love all the memories that are made during it. Sitting in front of the glass door with hot cocoa in hand and a toasty blanket. Watching the snow fall down is like being in a different world. So beautiful and relaxing!

Blog :: Twitter

The thing I love most about winter are those long winter weekends when there's nothing else to do but bundle up in the house and get creative with activities! We watch movies with girls on the couch, sharing popcorn and a dozen blankets - we paint and cook tons of food and live like hermits all weekend long just soaking up our time together. When the kids get older, we'll venture outside and brave the weather together to go sledding and build snowmans, but for now it's nice to keep warm and cozy inside our little home!

Thanks so much ladies! And be sure to check out my other sponsors found in the side bar! :)
xox

Wanna Hang Out in March?

I love to make new friends, and I'd be so happy to have you in my sidebar for March. From crafting to baking and baby fun there is always lots going on at Newfoundlander at Heart! And March will bring lots of new and exciting things to this little online space, so come along for the ride! Interested in sponsoring NaH in March? Click here for rates and stats, or e-mail me for more info!

I can't wait to hear from you!
xox

For Pip

Pip is one lucky baby! Three months to go before s/he is even out of the womb and people are already sending things in his/her direction. When Reggie and I arrived home on Valentine's day there was a present for Pip sitting on the table - Grandma Trish had stopped by with some goodies! There was a super cute onesie with a sleeping bag, some no-slip socks and this sweet book:

I'm tempted to sit in one of our rocking chairs and start reading to Pip, although I'm still a little frantic about cleaning and organizing and such. The reading will come.

Also, recently I picked up a changing table from my friend (thanks Barb) and things are really starting to come together. And if you saw my from the stash post last week - I have officially started to make baby things. :) Pip sure is loved, and I'm sure the loving will only increase one s/he is a warm and cuddly bundle of joy!

Stay tuned - there is another letter to Pip, coming soon :)
xox

Tea for Two... or Five

I had a heartsy credit leftover from a deal that didn't work out, and when I saw loose leaf teas - I just had to take a look. I received them in the mail yesterday, and along with the Nettle Leaf (good for pregnant bellies), Black Chai (my all time favourite) and Chocolate Strawberry (mmmm) the seller threw in two samples: Women's Revival Blend and Cinnamon Orange. I got the teas from here, and I'm excited to give them a try (the black teas sparingly of course because of Pip).

What are you having for tea time today?

I'm headed to Orillia today straight after work - my baby brother is home for the week and I haven't seen him since Christmas!
xox

New Shop Items (Win it before it's Listed)

I'm currently in the process of creating a few new things for my shop (because I need more on my plate, right!?). I have many items collected while beachcombing numerous shores in Newfoundland. Originally I had no idea what I was going to do with these little treasures, but I have kept them stored away for some time while I figured it out.

Beachcombed items include: Small pebbles, gently tumbled by the rolling tide; colourful snail shells; and cods ears... huh? The white shell like items are small bones found inside a Codfish's head that helps it balance - the Newfoundlander's call them Cod's Ears.

Each necklace will be totally individual. A simple reminder of the beauty found on the shores of Newfoundland.

Right now you can win this necklace over at Chrissy's blog, if you haven't checked out her giveaway yet, pop over there for a look (today is the last day to enter)! And be on the look-out, because I will be working on more necklaces to add to the shop soon :)

Happy Monday!
xox

Finding Time for Me: with This Enchanted Pixie

What is better than a relaxing Sunday morning at home, with a whole day ahead of you? Well before you tackle that mountain of laundry, or scrub the bath tub take a look at some self-rejuvenating experiences suggested by one of my lovely sponsors Polly. 

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Hi there! I'm Polly and I blog over at This Enchanted Pixie. As well as blogging daily, I also run an indie shop selling my handmade jewellery and I have three kiddos who are home schooled. Life has a tendency to get a little crazy, and 'me time' is often non -existent.

one of my goals for 2012 was to take time off. I know that I'm a better mama and more creative when I take some time out just for me. I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite 'time outs'


Coffee

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An hour sitting in a coffee shop, book in one hand, large coffee in the other is a great way to spend a morning. Reading time is rare, so the chance of an uninterrupted hour is a real treat. Plus it's a great chance for a little people watching!

Fresh Air

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If I'm feeling in a bit of a creative rut, the best medicine for me is a long walk. The fresh air clears away the cobwebs and the peace gives me space to think. I never fail to come home invigorated and full of new ideas.

Yoga

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When the stress of everyday life overwhelms me, an hour of yoga is my favourite way to unwind. Yoga lets me tune in, chill out and shape up.

Bubble Bath

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at the end of the day when I'm too tired to think, a long soak in a hot bubble bath, book, wine, candles, is my favourite way to relax. it's one of the best guilty pleasures!

What is your favourite 'me time' activity?

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Thanks so much Polly! I totally need to take a few of your me-time activities to heart and practice them on myself! I hope everyone got some inspiration from this, and you should take wander over to Polly's Blog for some more enchanted inspiration!

xox

From the Stash: Bibs!

Update on the Sewing Machine problem: it's fixed!!! I called a few places and one is a small local business run by a woman out of her home. And she offered a few suggestions before I took it in and had to pay money - and it worked! I fixed my machine. I was elated! Needless to say, I finished my from the stash project for today, and I'm pretty excited about it! Take a look:

So in my stash of fabric I have many old t-shirts, which I started accumulating in order to make strips for hooked rugs. And you would be amazed how quickly t-shirts accumulate when people know you will take them... So I decided I needed to go through and pare down my t-shirts as well, and I came up with this simple idea to make some up-cycled t-shirt bibs. Because too many bibs will not be a problem once the baby arrives!

 

 

I do have a tutorial in the works for these guys, including the little duck appliqué, but after working six days in a row I didn't have the energy to write it all up. I'll try to post it by then end of the weekend, after a little resting and catching up in my blog reader!

I hope your weekend is going well! You can still win a one of my necklaces over at Whimsical Poppysmic and a credit to my shop at This Enchanted Pixie, go sign up!
xox

Vintage Sewing Accessories

Receiving sewing or general crafting supplies as hand-me-downs from older generations is always something I love. Recently my grandmother moved to a new place, and she had to reduce the things she took with her. Because she is not crafting much anymore I took some of her sewing/knitting supplies. And while going through the sewing box I came across a few very sweet vintage items to add to my growing collection (from my other grandmother and nana).

And I'm headed off to work for the 6th day in a row, wish me luck! I think it's going to be a tiring one :) TGIF for sure this week.

Happy Friday
xox

On the Fritz

Alright, perhaps that is a little extreme. But I was working on my from the stash project tonight, when my thread got tangled. So I pulled it out, re-thread my machine and tried again, and the same thing happened. Something wasn't right... I took it apart and cleaned under the bobbin holder, and then moved the feed dogs to clean them. And then the feed dogs wouldn't go back up, something broke. :( So I'm not sure if I will get my from the stash project finished, but if I don't I will be sure to share what I have done so far - it is pretty cute, and baby related:)

Anyways, I think I found a couple options for repair, and I'm going to call them tomorrow to try get an estimate. What a let down, but I suppose that is a sign that I am using my machine? Hopefully I can get it fixed in good time!

Hope you had a better Thursday than I. And I'll be back tomorrow with some fun antique sewing trinkets to share :)
xox

A Sweet Treat for my Sweetheart

Like I mentioned yesterday Reggie and I had plans to have a quiet night in for Valentine's Day, and that is exactly what we did. We made yummy tacos together and then I had a delicious dessert planned. Reggie loves cheesecake, and I had been wanting to try making one for a while. Most people assume that it is really tricky, but it is actually quite simple (although some of the steps can be time consuming). I found what appeared to be a simple recipe, in my favourite cookbook: Cook Step by Step, Lucy Bannell 2012, and my choice was made.

Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:
Crust:
5 tbsp unsalted butter, and a little extra for the pan
12 whole graham crackers, or this amount in graham crumbs
Cheesecake Filling:
5 1/2oz semi-sweet chocolate
1lb 2oz (two packages) plain cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

The How-to:
- Brush the inside of a 8in springform pan with melted butter, and chill. Crush the graham crackers with a rolling pin (or use graham crumbs); transfer to a bowl. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, and add to the crumbs. Stir until all crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom and up the sides of of the prepared pan. Chill for 30-60 minutes, until firm.

- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Cut the chocolate into large chunks with a sharp knife. Melt chocolate in a bowl suspended over (but not touching) of a pan of simmering water, stirring as little as possible until smooth, then allow to cool.

- Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla, and beat just until smooth once more. Add the eggs one by one, beating very well after each addition.

- Pour half of the filling into the crust, it will not be full, but you still have the chocolate to comes.

- Mix the cooled chocolate into the remaining filling. It should have waited long enough to cool, or the eggs in the cream mixture might scramble.

- Slowly spoon a ring of chocolate over the plain filling. Don't worry about presentation yet.

- Using a table knife, swirl the fillings together to make a marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix! Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, until the sides are set, but the centre remains soft. (this next part is important!) Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake there until completely cool (or it might crack). Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Run a knife around the side to loosen it, remove pan and transfer to a plate.

- Enjoy with a warm cup of tea! Or as a part of your breakfast :)

I used a 10" pan, and it was too big, so my cheese cake is quite thin and it cooked a little too much and cracked a little. But it sure does taste good! You can try to many variations with this recipe if you just omit the chocolate part and serve with fruit, etc. If you try it out comment with the link, I'd love to see what you come up with.

Happy Wednesday! The week is almost halfway through :)

xox

Happy Love Day to You and Yours!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m not a big fan of the commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day. I like the idea of spending time together and showing your loved ones just how much you love them. But I don’t like the feeling that I should be going out and buying something made in China that has no personal meaning, just because it is covered in hearts and pink & red. Reggie and I have a pretty quiet evening planned. We are going to make supper together (which we do quite a lot), and then I have a yummy dessert planned - it’s a surprise! But I’ll be sharing the recipe and the outcome tomorrow :)

On a separate note, you should take a wander over to Polly’s Blog, This Enchanted Pixie, she’s having a lovely giveaway and you could win a credit to my shop! And Chrissy, at Whimsical Poppysmic, will be hosting a giveaway, I believe it is starting tomorrow, and I have an item in that one also - something that hasn’t even made it to the shop yet.

I hope your love day is wonderful, however you choose to spend it! Be careful, I hear Cupid's arrows are flying around like crazy today :)
xox