Gratitude Notes - I Believe She's Amazing...

I found this wonderful, uplifting, and inspiring video on Andrea Sher's Superhero Journal. It's called 'I Believe She's Amazing'.

The best bit is right at the end.



There's more info about the video and the cause behind it at I Believe She's Amazing.

Today I am grateful for all the amazing women I have in my life. My fabulous female friends and family members (especially my awe inspiring 80 year old mum), my super colleagues...... thank you all for being who you are.

What are you grateful for today?

Who are the amazing women in your life?

Linda. xox

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More - The original Gratitude Notes post...... The Gratitude Dance. No matter how hard, how tough, or how much of a struggle life is...... we can still dance.

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What Is It You're Craving For Your Home But Haven't Tried Yet? 3 Questions To Ask Yourself...

Image from the always magnificent Thibaut

There's something I've been literally craving for a while.

Something I'd love to do in my current home..... but I've been putting it off.

Why?

Because I ask myself questions like...

• But what if I need to sell in a few years and this puts prospective buyers off?
• What if I decide to rent my property out instead of selling, but no-one likes what I've done?
• What if visitors think I'm a bit 'over the top'?

But the thing is..... I really FEEL like I want to do this. And, feelings are really important when you're creating a home that sings to your soul. A home that nurtures, supports, and cradles you. A home that simply makes you outrageously happy. :)

So I've decided those very same questions above are vital things to consider...... but in the REVERSE!

So the questions become:

• What would I do if I NEVER had to think about selling this property or who would buy it?
• What would I do if I NEVER had to consider its rental potential?
• What would I do if EVERYONE who visited automatically loved my home no matter what? (And by the way, I've not had anyone in my home who hasn't made comment about the feeling of coziness or happiness it exudes - so I guess I should trust my senses with my next decorating adventure anyway!)

Because, I've come to the conclusion that in my heart (and most probably in yours), there are still unrealised dreams...... unfulfilled wishes........ unused ideas........

.....and there's no reason they shouldn't be attempted, and at the same time every reason they should!

My home is an extension of me.

It surrounds me with happiness.

It overflows with a vibe that brings peace and contentment into my life.

It externalises the bits of me (and the memories of my life) I love the most, and reflects them back to me in ways I enjoy.

So why shouldn't I listen to my heart's craving and 'have-a-go' at what it's telling me it desires next in my decorating adventures? Particularly if I can undertake my decorating wish without too much damage or irreversable action!

I think I need to write down a priority list and put this next 'hankering' at the very tip top!

What about you?

What is it you'd like to do in your home?

What is it you've been thinking of doing, but too scared to try (for whatever reason)?

What is it you'd love to 'have-a-go' at, but feel as if you don't 'know' how to start?

Pssssst........... I think you should just DO IT (thanks Nike)......... and see what happens. :)

Linda. xox

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P.S: My 'hankering' is a room full of wallpaper. Big, bold, geometric (or maybe floral) wallpaper.

I keep wondering what the rather conservative members of my city would think if I put my home on the market within the next few years (after all, people get very distracted by wall colour and wallpaper when looking at houses to buy, even though it's so easy to fix.)

But, as it IS so easy to change a colour, and relatively easy to strip wallpaper now-a-days.... I can always change it before selling or renting!

Or, maybe, knowing how my home vibrates with a welcoming and comfortable feeling, I could trust in its ability to attract a new owner that loves it just as much as I do ( if I ever need to sell it).

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Monday Music - The Holy Grail

This is where it all began (personally one of my fave articles ever!!).

Music is SO important to the happiness of my home. :)

Now most Monday mornings when the working week looms I'll try to post a fave song or some music I'm listening to at the moment to provide some musical motivation.

So my little groovers......... here's today's installment!

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This song is by one of my fave Aussie pub bands, Hunters and Collectors. This is their cult classic Holy Grail....




And, as always when thinking of our 'Musical Must Haves' section...

Ask yourself: 'Do I L.O.V.E music?'

Which leads to: 'Have I got enough of it in my home and in my life?'

Because: Good interior design caters to ALL our senses, not just our eyes.... that's why I call it 'Atmospheric Design' instead!

Rock on! 

Linda. xox

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The Original Musical Must Have:
Where Did The Music Go? - Alternatively Titled Hugh Grant and I Have Something In Common With Our Bottoms!

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Grand Re-Opening Of Black and Spiro!!

For all fans of the lovely Anna over at Absolutely Beautiful Things, she's just celebrated the very grand re-opening of her wondrous Australian store Black and Spiro!

If you're an Aussie and you love all things design, then this will be a must for you. I've always admired Anna's flair with colour and pattern - so inspiring.

You can find Black and Spiro at 768 Brunswick Street, Newfarm, Brisbane, Australia.

All images from Absolutely Beautiful Things

And, you can see some more stunning images of what's 'in store' over at Anna's blog here, here, and here.

Linda. xox

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It's Red, It's Glass, And It's Magnificent!

Image from Apartment Therapy

It's red (I'm a 'red girl'), it's Murano glass (I have lots of coloured glass objects about - they catch the light wonderfully), and it's something I'd LOVE to have in my home somewhere.

Wow!

Linda. xox

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Take A Chance Because......

Image from Quote Book

This weekend I hope you get to do something new, exciting, and gloriously liberating!!!!!

Happy weekend everyone.

Linda. xox

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A Home With A Lovely Mix Of Colours...

I just love the glorious mix of colours featured throughout this home... and the views through the windows are lovely too! Another Mi Casa Revista gem.

All images from Mi Casa Revista

What do you think?

Great colours? Great light?

Linda. xox

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Top 5 Alternative Ways To Spend Your Birthday...

Image source

How do you feel about your next birthday? Depressed? Old? Over the hill?

If your birthday has become just a reminder of how the years are flying by, then it's time shake off the birthday blues.

Birthdays can be a wonderful time for celebration and rejoicing. They don't have to be commercialized or overdone. But they do deserve special attention.

Just ask a child, a terminally ill person, or someone who has lost a loved one too young.... each birthday is a gift.

So pick yourself up, dust off a fresh perspective, and ask yourself what you can do to make your day special.

Just in case you're short on ideas, and you're looking for something a bit different to get you in the birthday mood again - here are my Top 5 alternative ways to celebrate your birthday...

1. Do something symbolic: Pass on the gift of life by giving blood. Send flowers or a card saying thanks to the person who raised you. Donate money to your favourite charity. Have a tree planted in your name.

2. Accomplish a dream: Stop postponing what you want to do, get out and do it! White water rafting, going back to school, hot air ballooning, a trip to see the Pyramids. If there's something you've always wanted to do, just go for it (or at least set the wheels in motion!).

3. Give yourself a gift: Doing exactly what YOU want can make your birthday unforgettable. Take the day off work, have a massage, go shopping... spend some time indulging yourself.

4. Spend time reflecting on your life: Birthdays are a great time to look at where you've been and where you'd like to go. Make a list of 10 things you're grateful for, 10 things you're proud of, 10 people (or more) you're glad you've known, 10 things you‘d like to change.

Get sentimental.... pore over old photo albums, shed some tears, relive happy memories, forgive someone. Then put away the past and think about all the wonderful things your future has in store for you.

5. Ask for what you need: It's your birthday, so if you know what you want, ask for it. If you want a surprise party, a nice dinner out, some fancy lingerie, a framed movie poster, or a weekend away instead of a new toaster, ask!

Your birthday is the only day of the year dedicated to the celebration of YOU. It’s your day - a time to cherish your life and all that it has, and can bring you.

Remember, each birthday is a gift in itself. Celebrating your birthday is a way to recognise how lucky you truly are to receive that gift for another year.

What special things have you done (or have you planned to do) on your birthday?

Linda. xox

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More - Some more 'Gimme 5' posts to ponder:
5 Ways To Re-use Old Things And Make Them 'New'!
5 Questions To Ask Yourself Today...

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1 Simple Thing - Open Storage Under The Stairs

Image from Studio Da Lu

Here's a great idea for open storage under the stairs.

A great place to put all those things you need as you're coming and going!

Linda. xox

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A Beautiful Soft Green Bedroom To Dream Of....

Image from Turquoise, Tulips and Bliss on Tumblr

I think the gentle patterns and colours in this room imbue it with a very serene quality. And, the touches of whimsy add a feeling of being somewhere special.

What delightful touches can you add to your bedroom to turn it into a place of peace, sanctuary, rest, and enjoyment?

Linda. xox

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Can You Believe This Sophisticated Nursery I Found On 'The House Of Turquoise'?

Saw this amazing nursery today over at Erin's stunning blog The House Of Turquoise (via Stylebeat), and just had to share.

I'm gobsmacked by the sophistication of this nursery. Love the framed alphabet on the wall, the beautifully patterned fabrics, the colours, the beautiful artwork, the stylish objects...... oh boy! What about the very sleek changing bed under the very grown up touch of the starburst mirrors!

Take a trip to Erin's and see heaps more amazing photos of this room and others by the same designer.

Linda. xox

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The Gratitude Dance....

This is the pictorial story of 'Matt', who travelled the world and danced his way from country to country with gratitude. Now affectionately known as the 'Gratitude Dude!'.



As I was watching, I noted that some of the adults and children dancing with him lived in the most impoverished, desolate, and scary places...... and yet they danced..... and smiled.... and laughed.... and had a moment of fun.

Reminds me to be grateful for the little things I have in my own life.

Things some of these people will never see, use, or even know exist.

I've decided I'm going to start a section on this blog called Gratitude Notes. In it, every now and again, I'll post about what I'm grateful for.

An attitude of gratitude is well known for making us feel happier, more productive, and more content. It helps those of us who are 'the glass half empty types' to remember that no matter what we have in our glass, it's more than others may have... and we are lucky.

Today I am grateful for (among other things), the great heater in my car. It's cold here at the moment.

What are you grateful for today?

Let's sprinkle around a little 'attitude of gratitude' amongst ourselves!

Linda. xox

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The Rooms Of Our Homes....

Image from Ikea Family Live

Love this quote from one of the books on my shelf at home....

'The rooms of our homes, whether studio apartment or sprawling mansion, are living, breathing entities waiting to renew our energy. Like people, all they need is a little loving attention and appreciation in order to give their best back'  ~  Jann Mitchell from 'Home Sweeter Home'.

The room above is such a physical representation of someone's loving care for this space.... it's full of little bits and pieces that have meaning and provide nurturing. Lovingly framed momentos and items that sing to the owners soul, little touches of comfort and luxury, textural fur rugs to relax on and run your fingers through, touches of glorious colour and pattern, individual lamps for reading, a place to rest your cuppa.

What a soothing and at the same time re-energising space. I would love to come home to this every day..... and spend time re-connecting with my inner self or a loved one.

How do you add a touches of care and personality to the rooms in your home so they 'give their best back' as the quote above says?

Linda. xox

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Come Dine With Me - No. 7 - So So Pretty

Image from The Little Book Of Secrets

What a magical, whimsical, and downright pretty setting in which to share an intimate meal with a loved one.

Just gorgeous.

And, as always, as a part of this series.....

Ask yourself: 'Do I savour the ritual of eating with my family/friends whenever I can?'

Which leads to: ' When, or how, can I include this precious time together more?'

Because: There's something so primitively delightful and bonding about the 'breaking of bread' (so to speak) with our loved ones. It's a ritual and a tradition that's been crowded out and lost amongst television, technology, and texting! It's time to 'get together' and connect the old fashioned way again.

Cheers,

Linda.

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More - A memory can weave its way into your life and your home. What's one of your unforgettable memories? This is one of mine.

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A Night Of Drama And The French Script Cushion Cover Give-Away Winner!

Well, it's been a night of drama here!!

I've not been posting for the last few days or so, (or commenting on anyone's blogs - sorry guys!!), because my computer has basically been out of action. It's been close to dying for a while, and it took a step closer (freezing for around 30 seconds every minute or so) a few nights ago.

So.... today I've had a computer whiz in swapping everything over to a new hard drive and loading programs etc on, and getting everything up and running again.... took nearly 4 hours due to a few complications... phew!!

Then...

...the power went out! Arrrggghhh!

I was just getting ready to do this post and everything suddenly went black (and may I say it's COLD here without power), and much fumbling in the darkness for my torch and some candles ensued.

It's also amazing how much you can see by the light of your mobile phone screen!

Two hours later the power is back on, so I can finally announce the winner of the French Script cushion cover give-away.

I've been trying for the last hour to get a screen dump of Random.org's generated number onto my post, but apparently I need a program like MacPaint or some such to do it.... and I don't have one.

So, without further ado, Random.org was duly submitted the numbers of 1 - 11, and the 'generate result' button was pushed.........

..... and the winner was number 5!

That's you Bobbi!!!!!!

So, if you email me your physical address to linda@heartfire.com.au, I'll send it on its way within the next few days!

Congratulations!

Linda. xox

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Displays of Affection... And Give-Away Reminder

I love 'displays of affection'.... little vignettes of found objects, fresh flowers, seasonal items, bits and bobs from around the home. There's something very nurturing and comforting about the childlike fun of mixing and matching favourite things.

All images from La Boom

One of my favourite books, Vintage Vavoom (Clarkson Potter 2007), says the following...

'...Brightly coloured marbles, beans, candy, dried peas, corn, crayons, Matchbox cars - all of these items look wonderful housed in vintage apothecary jars or even simple pickling containers. Line them up on a shelf for interest and colour. Finding interest in the banal is a fantastic tool for mixing and matching. You'd be surprised by the possibilities such everyday things can bestow on a vignette. That spool of thread and garments of lace may become the centerpiece on a coffee table. Stylishly packaged food items are also fantastic decorative items to freshen a look.'

I love the idea of using everyday items, old favourites, and natural objects to decorate. I use my favourite red and purple shoes to great effect in my bedroom. And, I've always draped my cherished cherry blossom bathrobe where it can be easily seen! My books also form a great part of my decorating.... in stacks, displayed open on top of my bookcases, leaning in small groups to show off the colour of their covers.

What are your 'displays of affection' like?

Do you love fiddling and playing with your favourite things until they look 'just right'?

All images from the lovely La Boom on Tumblr.

Linda. xox

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A Reminder: The French Script Cushion Cover give-away still has 3 days of entry time left..... so leave a comment here to secure your chance of winning this gorgeous cover for your own home!!!!

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A Weekend Wish For You - Basking In The Glory Of Such A Day As This...

Image from Ada and Darcy via Tumblr

As I mentioned yesterday, it's freaking cold over here!! How I'd love to be sitting somewhere like this on a glorious sunshiny day. What a gift that would be.

May you find somewhere magical like this to sit and spend time this weekend.

Also, here's a reminder about the French Script cushion cover give-away I launched yesterday. You can enter here.

Plus, here's another shot I took yesterday to show off some of my shop's new cushion covers. I'm so loving them, and can't wait to get the shop ready to go for you. The French Script cover is peeking over the back, and looking at the photo just now I think it's upside down - lol!

All the rose covers (there's blue ones as well - not shown) have co-ordinating patterns on the back.

Happy weekend wonderfuls. :)

Linda.

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Getting Closer.... Excitement Plus A Very French Give-away!!

As I get closer and closer to launching my small but tre gorgeous cushion cover shop - I'm getting more and more excited!

All I have to do now is get some great images taken of my handpicked covers, finish the write-ups, get it all online, and I'll be done.

The light here in Ballarat (typical winter light) has been so dreary and almost dark, but today the sun came out, and I got to take a few photos with a bit of natural light! Hooray!

To celebrate, I've decided to give-away one of my favourite covers, the 'French Script' cushion cover.

This is the cushion cover to have if you love a little bit of french magic and whimsy. It features excerpts of french manuscripts and documents on a 100% linen front, with a plain linen look fabric on the back. It's light beige with goreous chocolate brown writing...... very elegant and chic. There's an envelop closure for easy access.

To win your own French Script cushion cover all you need to do is be a follower of Heartfire At Home and leave a comment below.

Entries will remain open until 6.00 pm next Wednesday (Melbourne time), and one winner will be selected via Random.org and published soon after that! Woohoo!!!!!!

Also, thought I'd share a pic of one of my other covers. I designed this one using a seletion of material from the divine Ms. Heather Bailey. There's blooming roses on the front, and a gorgeous pink and green geometric pattern on the back (you can see it in the pic above), so you can have 2 cushions in one and flip it either way!

When I showed my mum, she wanted to know if the pattern was a 'whole lotta big lips' - lol!! I'd never thought of it that way.... it's actual fabric name is 'Pocketbook' so go figure.

A truly invisible zip means either side looks like the 'proper side'.

I have some others like this and I'm calling the range my 'Floral with a twist' range. I so love Heather Bailey fabrics - sigh. Very shabby chic with a modern edge.

Good luck with the French Script cover everyone. :)

Linda. xox

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A Creative Way To Display Little Treasures

Via Studio Da Lu

What a gorgeous way to display and frame your little loves..... a darling photo box with vintage bibs and bobs looks so sweet in this pic.

And, the script in the background is beautiful in look and words.

Linda. xox

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Love and Happiness Piped Cushions

Not On The High Street

Another discovery from my new favourite shop.

So simple, yet meaningful. A combination of two of my favourite things.... cushions and lovely words!

Linda. xox

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A Stunning Apartment With A Balcony - When Can I Move In?

Another Mi Casa Revista gem... this apartment just radiates a fresh, clean, joyous vibe.  LOVE the mix of furniture types; the clear, bright light streaming in from outside; the gorgeous touches of earthy wood.

And, am completely enamoured by the huge wall size glass splashback in the kitchen. I've always wanted a glass splashback, and this one's amazing!

All images from the ever wonderful Mi Casa Revista

The clawfoot bath is pretty stunning too.... did you see the feet on it?

And, the swoon worthy wooden floors..... beautiful.

Linda. xox

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More - Another trio of Mi Casa Revista fabulousness!!
A Teeny Studio Apartment - Could You Live Here?
Mi Casa Revista - A Dazzling House In Spain
A Beautiful Chalet Of Gorgeousness!

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