March in Review

 

March has been a pretty great month if I do say so myself. I had great sponsors, hosted a lovely giveaway with Lottie, and got to write about some pretty great stuff. And outside the blog has been going pretty good as well. 

So let's take a look as my goals for the past month...

 Again, online job hunting. Fingers crossed! I kept my search up all month and right now I am actually working on some trial pieces for a potential job! Hurrah!

Actually journaling more. I didn't really. I mean, I journaled some, but apparently this is going to be a difficult habit to get back into.

Keeping up my yoga practice. I had a period in the middle of the month that was kind of weak but I have come back strong in the past week or so. My flexibility is improving and my body is much happier with me. Eli thinks my yoga practice is fascinating.

Finish a few good books. Did! I finished Good Omens, The Fault in Our Stars, and Sense and Sensibility. I loved all of them! Not sure what I am going to read next yet though.

Drink more water. Definitely have done this! I down quite a bit of it a day, as well as a ton of green tea. It has improved my mood significantly. 

I am pretty pleased with the work I did on my goals. I didn't accomplish them all perfectly, but I am okay with that.

Check back tomorrow for April's goal list!

Lady Unlaced

Caturday!

It's the last Caturday of March! So enjoy some pictures of my kitty, Eli.

Isn't he the sweetest? He's such a big lovebug. As well as a big weirdo. He's taken to climbing onto the edge of the shower while it's on and trying to lick the water off my legs. Talk about strange, haha.

Lady Unlaced

Hiking

Me and my love went on a short hike the other day and it was so nice to get some fresh air. There was still a decent amount of snow on the mountain we went up but that's okay. My doc marten boots definitely came in handy for that. And once we got to the top, the view was incredible. I just thought I would share a few pictures from the day.

these trees were beautiful

view of the clouds from the top.

the love of my life.

boot shot. also, check out my blackmilk leggings :D

After we were done with out hiking adventure we stopped at Hannford to grab a few things for the house and muffins. The muffins from their bakery are sooo good. Plus, I got to see my mom briefly (she works in the pharmacy) which is always nice. Aaand we also bought a red velvet cake form the bakery to celebrate my boyfriends new job! Hurrah! We also got a box of wine (we are super classy poor people) and watched The Knight's Tale. A+ day with the love of my life.

Lady Unlaced

Sponsor me in April!

 
March is quickly coming to an end. It has been a great month, especially here on the blog. I got a few new followers, a bunch of views, oodles of comments, and a few really lovely sponsors. There's not much more a blogger can ask for. I am hoping April is just as wonderful (I'm sure it will be) and I would love if you would join me on my sidebar!

I already have a few lovely people signed up to spend a rad month with me and it would be totally awesome if you did, too. I have a swap button option that is FREE so you can get your blog seen without paying anything. Everyone loves some free advertising right?

I also offer a featured ad spot which is only $6 and gets you the chance to host a giveaway on my blog or write a guest post, and some serious love in a monthly sponsor post by me, and some love on facebook and twitter as well. Essentially I put a bunch of work into spreading how awesome you are.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SPONSOR DETAILS.

Lady Unlaced

Tuesday Tea Time

More cool stuff to share this week for sure. I haven't spent as much time hunting stuff down on the internet these past 7 days as much as usual but I think what I do have is pretty good. So grab some tea and dig in.

Tea of the Week: Green tea. I know I have already had this as a tea of the week pick but seeing as I have been having about 2 cups of it a day for quite some time it was really the only choice. I just love it. It helps me feel energized and it boosts my metabolism. A winner all around.

Tumblr Finds

This dog (Maddie) is adorable! Check out the tumblr dedicated to her here.

This photo is just stunning. Found here.

This is great. I actually printed it out and hung it on the wall. Found here.

Window Shopping

In love with this print. The myth of Hades & Persephone is one of my favourites, so this really calls to me.

Aren't these constellation necklaces beautiful? I want one so bad.

Reading List

1. Marissa wrote a great post on Crystal Healing that I really enjoyed.

2. Lottie shared her crochet story on her blog. I kind of want to learn how to crochet myself but I just don't have the money for the supplies right now.

3. I really enjoyed this piece on acceptance and learning to "just be." Living in the moment is something I strive to do every day. Some days is harder than others, but I think it's incredibly important.

Quote

When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness. -Jules Renard

Lady Unlaced

Dear Sweetlings Giveaway Winner!

The winner for the giveaway to receive this painting has been chosen!

Congratulations Meggs! You will be contacted shortly :)

Lady Unlaced

All-Natural Face Masks

So I have been experimenting with all-natural face masks a lot lately and I have found two that I  love and work really well. I am prone to a lot of redness and periodic breakouts that are, needless to say, quite annoying. 

For both of these cleansers only 3 ingredients (in total) are needed as well as a small container and a stirrer of some sort. And nothing you need is expensive.

the three magical ingredients!

First up, a simple mask to help reduce redness in your face. You will need:

1 tsp honey

1/2 tsp lemon juice

Combine the two in your container and mix together, then slather on your face. I use a spoon for that part because honey is (obviously) really sticky and I don't like getting it all over my hands. 

Let sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. You should notice a significant reduction in the redness of your skin.

And for a more aggressive treatment to help not only reduce redness, but fight acne as well, you can use this mask. You will need:

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp lemon juice

This is going to fizz up when you combine the two, as a warning. Mix them together and let it settle until it becomes more like a paste. Apply to your face, being generous with any problem areas. This mask will tighten up your skin as it dries. Allow to site for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. If you are worried this mask will dry out your face (it doesn't to mine but I have oily skin) then you can add a tiny bit of olive oil to help restore natural moisture.

I'm serious, both of these concoctions have worked wonder for me. And if you just want a quick solution to slight redness you can use lemon juice on your face like you would any other astringent (only I recommend washing it off) and it should help. 

What are your DIY/natural beauty tricks? I love learning new ones. I hate having to buy products if I don't have to.

Lady Unlaced

March Sponsor Love

I have some lovely friend and sponsors on my blog this month so I am so excited to be sharing my sidebar with. I just want to say thank you to those who bought an ad or swapped with me.

First up is the ever-lovely Lottie Juliet who has been a featured ad all month. Her blog, Dear Sweetlings, is one of my favourites and is filled with stories, lovely photos, crafts, rats, and all around wonderful-awesomeness. She also runs an amazing etsy shop that she keeps stocked with handmade blankets, body products, and art.

Some of my favourite posts by her include...
1. Becoming a Healer: Musings on Acupuncture & Reflexology
2. Spring is Calling
3. Things I'm Grateful For: Rain

And I am in love with these shop goodies she has for sale:

 

 (the images should be clickable)

Connect with Lottie Juliet:

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Youtube // Etsy


I have also ad-swapped with these lovely souls for the past month or so:
  

 

 
(click the images to visit each of these lovely ladies bogs)

And if you noticed another feature ad on my sidebar then you get a cookie. Or you would if I could shove them through the computer screen. 
Retro Timbre Crochet is a recent sponsor and not only will the shop get it's own place in next month's sponsor love post, but there is also another exciting surprise in store for you dear readers. Check back at the beginning of April to find out what!

If you want to sponsor my blog you can get all the details of doing so here.

Lady Unlaced 

Shop Update!

I listed three lovely new necklaces in the shop last night that I am very excited about. Take a look?

listing

listing

listing

My shop also now accepts etsy gift cards! Hurrah! And, anyone who makes a purchase will receive a coupon code for a dollar off their next purchase!

Lady Unlaced

365 Photos

Just dropping in to share some of my recent favourites from my 365 challenge.

face picture.

rocking my Ecoshag headscarf

the best overalls ever.

Follow my challenge via instagram.

Lady Unlaced

P.S. Only a few days left to enter the giveaway!

Happy Spring/Ostara!

Apologies, I meant to make this post earlier in the day but I got caught up doing a few other things instead. 

It's the first day of spring! Which, granted, would be more exciting if there were not snow on the ground. I'm not going to lie, I really dislike New England winters. They go on too long and there is hardly a year where the first day of spring isn't one filled with snow and below 40 degrees. Today has been mostly cloudy, cold, and wet.

But still, with it being officially spring I am looking forward to the inevitably soon REAL arrival of warmer weather. Fingers crossed that the next few weeks show some actual signs of life and warmth.

Source.

If you're the witchy type, then today is more of a big deal for you then it is for most people. Because were as most just say "Hurrah! It's spring!", witches see today as a time for real celebration. The wheel of the year is turning and Ostara is a time to holding celebratory rites, give offerings to the gods, and rejoice in the return of life to the Earth.

So if you're the last minute kind of witch (I definitely am) then here as some last minute ideas for altar decorations and rituals. This is assuming you are also the kind of witch who celebrates at night. Again, that's the type I am.

Decorations:

Fresh flowers, moss, fruit, glitter, eggs, seeds, yellow and pink candles, rose quartz, citrine, and symbols of deities such as Brigid, Eostre, Freya, Osiris, Persephone, etc.

Source.

Ritual Ideas:

1. A simple cleansing ceremony is always a nice idea. Spring is a time of rebirth, not just for plants, but for the soul. 

2. A ritual for creative birth is always a good idea as well. Now is the perfect time to ask the gods to give blessings to any new projects you are starting.

3. A ritual for celebration! Your rite does not always have to have a purpose like "please bless this" or "now I am going to make this change" etc, it can be just for pure celebration of the fact that is is spring! Eat fruit, drink wine, give offerings to the gods and the faeries, and enjoy yourself. There is no need to be serious all the time, especially not during the playful time of spring.

Happy Ostara everyone!

Lady Unlaced

Read More About Ostara:

• History of Ostara 
• Ostara
• Ostara Rituals

Alternative Ways to Follow Me When Google Reader Vanishes

So chances are you have already heard that Google is going to be getting rid of Google Reader as of July this year. And while that is still a few months off, I want to give everyone a chance to make sure they have a way to follow my blog (and others) once it is gone. 

You can follow along with Unlaced Heart on bloglovin here:

(this button can also be found on my sidebar)

You can like my facebook page. I always share the links to my latest posts, as well as photos, updates about what is to come in my shop as well as here.

You can also follow my twitter. Links to my latest posts are also shared here, as long as other life tidbits.

If you're looking for another, easy to use reader (and you're not a fan of Bloglovin for whatever reason) I've heard really good things about Feedly.

Aaand, if all of that were not enough, you can connect with me on Google+ for blog updates and other random things.

I really don't want to lose any followers and I would love to be able to connect with some more of the people who stop by my blog. So follow me (various places!), leave comments, and all that jazz.

I hope you are all having a lovely Wednesday!

Lady Unlaced

Tuesday Tea Time

I am really enjoyed these revamped Tuesday posts. I get to share so much more cool stuff. Here's what I have for you all this week.

Tea of the Week: Bengal Spice. This is easily one of my favourite teas ever. It is a flavour by Celestial Seasonings and I originally picked it up because there was a tiger on the box (I am obsessed, haha) and I am so happy I did. Now, I always have to have a box in the cabinet.

Tumblr Finds

This is how I feel at least 50% of the time, haha. Found here.

There is something incredibly captivating about this. Found here.

Love it. Want it. Found here.

Window Shopping

Loving this patchwork dress sooo much.

I also really love this succulent center piece.

Reading List

1. I enjoyed reading Jacqui's post about living a simple country life. It has me wishing I didn't live on a main road, that's for sure!

2. This piece on the Steubenville Rape Trial/Verdict is not so uplifting but very important. Rape is never the victims fault. And those boys (all of them, not just the few who went to court) should have got a harsher, longer sentence.

3. On a lighter note, if you are planning to take a trip anytime soon, Shell wrote a wonderful post filled with vacation planning tips and ideas.

Quote

The way to love someone is to lightly run your finger over that person’s soul until you find a crack, and then gently pour your love into that crack. -Keith Miller

Lady Unlaced

P.S. Get your entries in for your shot to win an original painting! CLICK HERE

P.S.S. Aaaand, I have a guest post up on Jacqui's blog today about love that you should all go read! CLICK HERE.

Yes & No

 

Some words of wisdom to keep in mind.

Happy Sunday!

Lady Unlaced

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a lovely painting!

Giveaway with Dear Sweetlings! -CLOSED

This giveaway is closed.

I am so excited to bring you guys this giveaway today! Lottie is my featured sponsor this month and blogs over at Dear Sweetlings. She has quickly become a blogger friend of mine (I hope she would agree!) and I thoroughly enjoy reading her blog and sharing my sidebar with her.

Dear Sweetlings is a blog dedicated to love and magick (you can understand why I love it so much then, right?) and is full of stories and lovely photos.

Lottie also runs a shop on etsy called Moss & Magic that is filled with handmade oils, balms, candles, knitted goods, and original paintings. One of those paintings is what is being give away today! It is a lovely piece from her stone-inspired line.

Spirit Stone Amethyst Watercolour

About the Painting:

This painting is part of a new series of Spirit Stones that I've been working on inspired by crystals, gemstones and natural phenomena and forms. 

These stones are inspired by the crystal Amethyst which is a stone that aids in creative thinking and spiritual awareness. It is a protective stone and wards negative energy, especially bad dreams. It is associated with the Brow and Crown Chakras and in the healing of emotional and physical pain.

These stones are wonderfully meditative to paint and have a serene atmosphere. I'm sure they would be wonderful meditation aids, when working with crystals, for displaying in the house or on an altar.

This listing is for the original watercolor painting created by myself on 96gsm acid free paper.

Measurements: 8 Inches Tall, 6 Inches Wide

Painting will be shipped in a cardboard backed envelope to ensure safety.

Isn't it beautiful? I absolutely love the colours and am jealous of whoever wins this piece. I'm sure it will look great among someone's collection of pretties.

How to Enter

Visit Lottie's shop and come back here and tell me your favourite item in a comment! Make sure to leave a way to contact you as well.

Extra Entries

leave a separate comment for each as well as the name you are following each under.

1. Follow Dear Sweetlings via GFC.

2. Follow this blog via Bloglovin or GFC.

4. Follow Lottie on instagram.
5. Follow me on instagram.

6. Like the Unlaced Heart facebook page.
7. Pin this giveaway! (please include pin link)
8. Tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use:
I just entered to win an original painting by @dearsweetlings on @LadyUnlaced's blog http://ladyraveunlaced.blogspot.com/2013/03/giveaway-with-dear-sweetlings-win.html

That's 7 chances to win!

Get your entries in and spread the word. This giveaway will end March 25th and the winner will be announced shortly after.

Lady Unlaced

I Am Grateful 3/14

Buy here.

I have been battling with my anxiety a lot lately, but I am determined not to let negative thinking win out. So I am taking stock and being grateful for things I have in my life.

Today I am grateful for...

My cat sleeping at the foot of the bed.

Having the love of my life to hold me at night.

Fruit smoothies.

Hooping in the living room.

Really good books.

The lovely readers I have for my blog.

Just thinking about all those things makes me feel better. And with the sun being out so much after almost a week straight of rain, my heart is a little bit lighter.

What are you grateful for today?

Lady Unlaced

Spring, is that you?

It's been in the 50s the past few day here, which is considerably warmer than the few weeks before. I don't ant to get my hopes too high (this is New England after all) but I am really hoping this means spring is finally poking its head out to say hello.

Like most everyone else in the blogosphere I have been infected with spring fever, ready to throw off the sweaters and thick socks in exchange for lightweight dresses and sandals. I want to be able to open the windows and keep them open all day and go lounge outside with a book. I want to go into the woods and search for curiousities and hoop in fields.

My whole being does so much better in warmer weather. I am really hoping that the first day of spring this year actually feels like spring.

found here.

Lady Unlaced

Tuesday Tea Time

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope the start to everyone's week has been going well. Things are pretty good on my end and I'm excited to share some great finds with you guys!

Tea of the Week: Irish Breakfast. We picked up a pack of Punjana Irish Breakfast tea last week and I have to say it has quickly become a favourite. I really love a good black tea, and this fits the bill. It's strong too, so you have to make sure you don't over-steep it.

Tumblr Finds

Amen to that! Source.

Love it! Found here.

I would love to be transported here. Found here.

Window Shopping

I am completely beside myself about these earrings.

I also really love this shirt. I love a bit of gory history, don't you?

Reading List

1. I recently found this blog and have been enjoying reading all of Nicole's posts. I especially like this one about changing your life & keeping your loved ones informed about your decisions. I need to keep it in mind!

2. I want to say that this piece about working at Abercrombie & Fitch is shocking in some way, but I'm really not surprised. When is retail not about helping your customers?

3. Some of these ways to instantly feel better are pretty good. Yoga and writing are my two main picks from the list, but organizing also makes me feel better.

Quote

I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. -Roald Dahl

Lady Unlaced

P.S. You can get 20% off in my shop from now until Friday night. Just use code WELCOMEBACK at checkout!

Save While You Can!

You can still get 20% off your order in the shop (code: WELCOMEBACK), but not for long! The sale ends Friday at midnight, so save on anything you might want while you can! (not that my prices are very high anyways, but everyone likes to save money, right?)

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here