LATEST NEWS - 30 Day Affordable Breakfast Challenge, September to October 2024 - Plus other news features
Publishing Tips
During the month of October, Newfoundcare will bring you the latest news on how to publish your material with affordable and quality actions to take. Whether you are a self publisher or have an agent, learning from experienced publishers and promoters, gives you knowledge and the tools you need to be a successful writer.
Prior to the Christmas season when most publishers like to launch their products, the work has to be assessed, edited, selected, and ready for sale. Most writers as you know, strive to receive income while they work, the work itself is a huge investment that either brings education, important knowledge or entertainment, depending upon your writing style. For instance, are you writing articles or books? Your writing will reflect the audience you are trying to obtain.
Each week during October valuable tips will be provided for successful publishing.
TIP #1 Networking
Networking requires skillful patience. First, assess who you are going to network with and of course, this would reflect the audience your work has been created for. Here’s an example of a networking response. Keep in mind your time is valuable. You will learn quickly if there is ‘real’ interest in your work when you contact individuals.
Let’s suppose you have been exchanging times to meet with a potential audience interested in your work. Let's suppose it has taken more than three times corresponding with an individual to schedule a meeting. And there is still no resolve. What do you do?
Let it go, they are obviously not interested, and your work is too valuable to be wasting your precious time. It's important to build up a strong network of audiences that will invest in you, your creative work with genuine support. If it is not there, do not question as to why they don’t respond or delay a meeting. Its obvious they don’t’ care. To build a healthy business your network will reflect those who mirror your values – not criticize them or waste your precious time.
Next weeks’ tip will be to show you how to build your audiences. info@newfoundcare.ca
The magic of 3! Trail Mix, Cool Beans and Coconut Milk!
The surprising taste I call, Breakfast Bean Delight!
Truth and Reconciliation Day September 30, 2024
My own story
My mother was always apprehensive to discuss our indigenous heritage. Her mother died in the 1930's here in NL when she was 5. Raised by her step mother - non indigenous and her father, a business man and a well respected individual in the community, she grew up aware of the fear upon those with indigenous roots. The attacks upon us can be felt and as many with indigenous roots know, the level of racism still exist hence the awareness campaigns throughout the country today to educate others and bring peace, respect and equality.
Over the years I spent time alone exploring my own heart and embracing my intuition to be close to the earth and its gifts. My father was a big help in this as I spent much time with him as a young girl when he was a fish monger visiting various towns, meeting his friends and learning more about my own culture here in NL.
It wasn't until I was in my late twenties that my mother was once again approached with the subject. "Tell me more about what you recall with your real mother", was the conversation that gave her much grief. I empathized with her as she was scared to discuss her own heritage. Growing up in the second world war certainly didn't add any restitude to the ordeal of knowing our culture was inflicted with prejudice. It was a subject 'better left unsaid' due to the attacks upon what she witnessed from outside influences.
The determination and spiritual strength to continue the conversation went a long way to where I continued to acknowledge what my mother was scared to disclose. Sharing my own knowledge, the enjoyment and respect of the land and sea of my home, Newfoundland and Labrador was the basics for my own celebratory acceptance of my culture. Staying close to the earth and her wonderful gifts was my own spiritual conquest that I continue to disclose today.
Without status, sharing knowledge of embracing a healthy lifestyle, undoing the generalization that 'all' our people overuse alcohol or drugs is still paramount to me. Stereotyping 'all' people with this decreases each year as we continue to undo the 'fake' news of our people, heritage and culture. Making my own observations of my own family, I have witnessed and observed our level of health to be more than the average individual. With our pioneering spirit, and moderate lifestyle 90% of us have the inability to "consume too much of anything" . Our continuous awareness and high level of intuition we all share helps to create a happy daily life.
Today, a national holiday in Canada commemorates the indigenous culture of Canada. In honor of our people, activities will be taking place. Over 400 events will be found today around the country to mark the presence of our people and the strength of our country's awareness of our long lasting culture to respect our land and our people.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
Let's turn Victims into Victory!
What's your budget for the Affordable Breakfast Challenge?
Send in your favourite affordable breakfast to Newfoundcare to win a copy of The ABC's of the Real Treat! info@newfoundcare.ca
The cost of living for many is criminal. In order to sustain a balanced life, the NL Poverty Reduction Plan is direct support from the government. However, we still have to work daily to perform these programs properly. Correct use of funding, the goal is to reduce poverty, build upon education and encourage folks to create a better lifestyle, at home, work and play. Consider your priorities when you shop.
Use the 888 - 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 8 hours of recreation. All 3 combined provide a happy healthy lifestyle, diminishing the need for external dependance upon anything other than what gives you great energy in your daily life. Eating a variety of foods, obtaining a good balance of work and exercise and free time. We, as a human race are hardly "artificial" when it comes to our development of emotional intelligence and these are adopting this routine folks enjoy each and every day. Consider how you spend your time.
Who can afford to buy local? This apparently is the great debate for the last couple of generations. It would be ideal if we all had the space to grow our veggies, and can our meat, however we don't. And until the earth tilts a little more towards the south, we are susceptible to a very short growing season. And so, we have these wonderful food suppliers here in the province that offer an array of the fresh food we require each and every day. Consider what you purchase for your daily consumption.
Transportation, rent, electricity...food usually becomes the "last" item in everyone's affordable pocket these days. And so, the shopping experience has changed for many. "Bargain shoppers" are always excited to find the latest deal and several have and will bulk up on their favourite items to carry them through the 'tough times". What food is priority on your list?
The shopping experience should allow one to come home from the shopping area happy and satisfied with the purchase without living in fear if you will have enough to live on tomorrow, so never fear, there is plenty of support and efforts being made throughout the province. Food banks for one have seen the unforseen, yet they carry on, keeping the faith that your good will supports the community in a time of need, and that's usually right around now, when the weather cools and the heat bill goes up.
For the month of September, Newfoundcare kept track of the cost of the items consumed for breakfast. Creating new recipes and reinventing old ones made for a healthy savings instead of grabbing that donut every morning with your black coffee. The following represents September's breakfast budget:
Can of beans 2.50 Dollarama
Loaf of bread 2.50 x 2 = 5.00 Dollarama
Cinnamon 2.50 Dollarama
Honey 2.50 Dollarama
Coconut milk 2.50 Dollarama
Buckwheat 4.00 Bulk barn
Milk 6.00 Sobey’s
Granola 4.00 Dollarama
Can of Pineapple bits 3.00 Dollarama
Trail mix 2.50 Dollarama
Butter 4.00 Dominion
Perogies 4.00 Dominion
Block of Cheddar Cheese - 5.00 Sobey's
Carton of large eggs - 4.00 Shopper's Drug Mart
White Cheddar Rice Cakes 3.50 Dollarama
Cherry Tomatoes – from the garden
Gooseberries – from the garden
Strawberries – from the garden
Black currants – from the garden
Nasturtiums 2.00 Home Hardware
Soil 10.00 Canadian Tire
Total 55.00 - take away the soil and seeds
What's your affordable breakfast budget?
Affordable Breakfast Challenge brings Trail Mix and Coconut Milk for a cool choice
un deux trois quarte cinq six sept WHEAT!!! Buck Wheat!
Well Being Week September 22- -28 Time for Health
On the Rocks Fusion Resto Bar
September 22, 10:13 am NDT
TBTN -Take Back the Night 2024
End Sexual Violence and support survivors by participating in community events and educational programs.
With the average temperature around 20 degrees Celsius or higher this September, it was cooler and overcast yesterday during Take Back The Night march. Celebrated each year to increase awareness against sexual violence, boundaries are sought out for men and women of all ages. Zero contact (as many had to practice during the pandemic applies to raise awareness of one's personal right to exist without physical contact from another human being). Its impact on health and personal boundaries is profound and far-reaching. It encourages conversations about consent and respect in both personal and professional environments.
The key is communication. The way we exchange verbal and non-verbal communication towards one another to work in a team environment, creating strong interpersonal relationships that foster trust and collaboration.
The march this year ended at Harbourside Park with fun for all ages to celebrate our happy city, St. John's NL. Prior to the march, folks around the city could witness the Red Arrow Royal Airforce as they made their last circle on tour of Canada.
Can't get enough Nasturtiums! A quick cool breakfast packed with Iron and Vitamin C
No time for cooking breakfast? No problem! Nothing nicer than fresh baked beans, however for those quick needed meals, a can of maple syrup beans is excellent for energy. Very tasty with a mix of nasturtiums right from the garden. An affordable juice with breakfast; Lemonade! Just a few squirts in a glass of cool water, is not only refreshing but helps your digestive system as well.
For an extra tasty breakfast, try some homemade jam, for your toast, and if you prefer something a little less sweet, herb and garlic butter is easy to make.
Cut up a fresh clove of garlic in tiny diced size pieces
Add a tablespoon of butter
Fresh chives will add a nice crunch too!
Spread on your toast, broil in the oven for a few minutes and voila!
The luck of Friday the 13th! Fresh fruit and flowers for breakfast!
Newfoundcare Breakfast recipes - 30 day challenge!
Today's Special, Blueberry Poutine!
Food, Flavour and Fun. Look forward to Wooden Walls Blueberry Liqueur coming this fall.
Where the land of Blueberries meets the sea, take a tour at the Wooden Walls.
Newfoundland and Labrador, the land of berries, Vinland to the Vikings who visited our island over a thousand years ago, would be proud of this little gem to water their pallet. A family friendly environment, folks can appreciate fine liqueur made from local berries such as their latest upcoming distilled Blueberry Liqueur that will be available early September if the harvest is right. "We're just waiting on the berries", said General Manager, Matthew Pribag.
Upon visiting this quaint and comfortable venue, (inside and out), I happened to be present while folks were on a tour inside with Matthew. Groups can walk through the distillery and learn the process of the local flavours provided. Those accustomed to St. John's would appreciate this great little get away and the experience is like none other when it comes to fine liqueurs and tapas. Delicious food prepared by Beck Cook accompanies the flavours of their vodka and coffee liqueurs and spirits. Evening Tide Vodka, Wooden Walls award winning varietal vodka of 2024, is one of the delicious blends that visitors can sample. For $10 you can choose the spirits you would like to experience and the choices are vast!
My first visit to the establishment, located in the parking lot of GAZE Seeds on Harbour Drive, I met bartender, Noah. Noah is a wealth of information, not to mention great service! The sampling suggestions were perfect for my first visit. Coffee Liqueur, Evening Tide Vodka, Blueberry Liqueur and the Wheat Vodka, accompanied with Scallop Ceviche. There's nothing like Wooden Walls when it comes to featuring your next venue. In a heritage location, any type of event, you'll be sure to expect class at Wooden Walls.
Wooden Walls' neighbours appreciate their business too! With folks visiting for boat tours, they can expect to receive a complimentary coupon to follow up with a tour of the Wooden Walls. Wooden Walls opened in December 2022, just after the Covid-19 restrictions lifted in Newfoundland and Labrador and has been growing in international style. I look forward to my next visit.
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival 2024!
The weather couldn't have been more perfect for this year's folk festival which brought out the best crowd in several years! The lineup might have had something to do with this as well plus the great volunteers that put off the venue each year.
The festival organized this year allowed patrons to buy a beverage of beer and sit where they would like among the venue, (unlike years before when an alcholic beverage was only allowed in a fenced-off tent area). Unlike the music lineup for the evening's show, the line up to buy a beverage could have been dismissed had the organizers considered a rep to go around selling the beverages instead of having to leave your favourite spot and interrupt viewing the show. "It's the plan for next year," said one official, "certainly to avoid lineups."
Musical enthusiasts and folk song lovers enjoyed the Saturday evening show with its largest turn out to hear Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris and local talent Duane Andrews plus several other musicians.
Each year the festival runs from Thursday to Sunday with daytime and evening events scheduled. Many local pubs also support artists by featuring them during the festival. This year, the feedback from many was highly favourable. One patron who has not missed a folk festival in 48 years, stated "this was the best one ever!"
The atmosphere supported all ages where several families brought their lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the day's event. Those that participated in coming to the show were also asked to bring along a food item to donate to the Community Food Sharing Association.
Camping Enthusiasts!! Tour the island of Newfoundland for $165.00!
DRL Bus Lines is touring in comfort. Boarding the bus either in St. John's or Port Aux Basque, the motor coach makes a number of stops along the way in some of the most picturesque locations on the island. You can board the bus from the ferry in Cape Breton, or leave the airport in St. John's, Gander, or Deer Lake and hop on the bus for a ridiculousy inexpensive amount, much cheaper than various coach lines and tour buses.
Servicing local communities, you'll stop in areas like Clarenville, Lewisporte, and beautiful Corner Brook. DRL Coachlines is affordable and the safest way to travel throughout the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. With a steward on board, you'll pay in cash and your one-way fee does not require a reservation.
Considering a camping excursion to Newfoundland? The DRL Bus is your ticket to locating some of the best parks in the province. One in particular, Terra Nova National Park. With so many stops along the way you'll get a true sense of the island and your surroundings. For more information contact DRL today!
City Makeover
A common occurance in the City of St. John's, NL after the long winter is Spring cleaning. Several communities like St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador gear up to obtain bulk garbage, clean foilage from falling leafs etc. However, St. John's especially, has been growing a reputation of dirt on our city streets. Why? Well, it's obvious that a clean city is not priority in the city budget. Perhaps its burried deep within the budget of tourism, considering the influx of associations across the country that decide to have their conventions here.
Among several other visitors to the city each year, we are now welcoming cruise ships earlier and this year, in Spring! They come and visit and their unfortunate comments reflect how dirty the city is when they walk about downtown St. John's. It might be best to put them on a tour bus right away and take them to CBS, Conception Bay South, and a ferry ride over the ocean on account of the lack of TLC St. John's has been given to its pedestrian areas.
Downtown St. John's basically consists of three main thorough fairs. Harbour Drive, Water Street and Duckworth Street. Then you're heading in to up-town towards Long's Hill, King's Bridge Road, Hamilton Avenue or Rawlin's Cross. There are beautiful resting places throughout the city yet, the commonly used routes, bus routes especially, could use a city makeover using our City's Tourism budget dollars as one area of good investment.
Instead of advertising on media, install park benches garbage cans, bill-board maps saying, "you are here", and sites to see in the area before hopping on the next bus to Bowring Park.
The recent investment in the few seating areas on Water Street has been dissapointing to Duckworth Street vendors since the inception of the pedestrian mall. Season 4 is about to begin.
Vendors on Water Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the summer months, yet Duckworth Street remains the same. Visitors to the downtown region will most likely miss out on Duckworth Street vendors due to the 'action' being on the street below. The on-going debate continues yet, the surplus of litter and dog feces is not helping the matter and Spring clean up is done for the downtown region. Therefore, our hard earned tax dollars going towards the tourism budget should include attiributes to making the city more clean and comfortable in the very least for those who like to be a tourist in their own town.
St. John's is the captial of Newfoundland and Labrador and the largest city in the province. Statistics on the amount of visitors that come to our city are readily available and yet it would much more than ideal to say I would rather be writing about a satisfied welcome, however, St. John's lacks in comparison to larger cities that spray-wash their streets overnight for cafe and shops to open up to fresh pedestrain traffic the following morning.
A survey link has been included if you wish to vote. City Makeover The response will be shared with the powers that be at the City of St. John's, NL.
Fred's Records hosts album launch, Garbage Street
Live shows are not uncommon in St. John's and they offer an upclose exchange of the artists and their music through their audience. Several large acts have enjoyed playing here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many will comment on how welcomed they feel by fans as artists perform at our local venues to entertain. The next venue for Mick Davis and Thin Love will be at Iceberg Alley Performance June 2024 where several acts will take place over the duration of a week.
The Etsy Market
Meghan Fahey, Team Captain of Etsy Market, and I had a chance to meet up at the St. John’s Etsy Market on Saturday, May 11th. The Atlantic Place was buzzing with activity of all sorts of creative talent, from handmade purses, and ornaments, to seal skin and jewellery. Meghan’s booth, Driven to Ink, was kept busy as people caught a glimpse of unique cards, all handmade where many just couldn’t say no! All beautifully handcrafted, there was a greeting card there for all sorts of occasions.
As one of the captains of Etsy market, Meghan, along with Liza-Ann Tucker of Nan's Attic Round The Bay, and team photographer, Kara O’Keefe, have brought about a great opportunity for local market and vendors for NL.
Curious to know more, I asked Meghan a few questions as to how Etsy Markets work. It’s quite an organized system of selecting vendors that will participate in their upcoming markets. Jury markets, as they term it, select the vendors that will compliment their next venue. Be that the time of year, what a vendor has to offer and of course, space! Not everyone will get selected.
The process involves applying for one of the 3 markets held each year. The next one will be September 29th and November 17th at the Farmer’s Market. The Spring Downtown Market held this past weekend at the Atlantic Place attracted approximately 2000 people of all ages. There was something there for everyone.
The first Etsy Market in St. John’s was held at the Anna Templeton Centre in 2015 and continues to expand. Concentrating on hand made craft and vintage, The Etsy market team leaders along with Captain Meghan had 46 vendors at this year’s Spring Downtown Market. I asked Meghan how one can get involved.
“The next application comes out the end of May 2024.” Meghan explained, a 3-to-4-week application process then takes place and gives vendors ample time to prepare for the next Etsy Market. The cost is $80.00 a booth. The application will be posted on Facebook or Instagram.
Solar Storm 2024 Brings Aurora Borealis
The biggest solar storm in 20 years hit Earth in the early hours of May 10th, knocking out radio transmissions in Asia, eastern Europe and eastern Africa. As beautiful as they are, the aurora borealis continues to remind us that our biggest star in the galaxy, the sun, is more powerful than anything else. As we rely heavily on electricity for our well being, cellular technology, and radio frequencies to fly our airplanes, generate refridgeration, watch our computers, all of it can be taken away in a moment during a solar storm. Electrical grids disrupted can sometimes take months to repair depending up on the damage caused.
Most of us are aware of the need to conserve energy these days as our blue planet keeps reminding us of how vulnerable we are. Turning off the lights, turning down the air conditioning or turning the down the heat, careful use of our electricity all helps in lessening the intensity that brings solar storm activity. With over 8 billion people on earth, over 75% of us use electricity in our daily lives. Together we can use it more wisely. To help all ages understand a little bit more about the universe, here is a link to the Mighty Sky, music by Beth Nielsen Chapman.