BLANKBLANKTWITTERPINTERESTBLOGLOVINYOUTUBERSSAUDIOBOOLOGOHOMEME + MY BLOGFOR YOUTHE BESTCONTACT
Showing posts with label Displays Of Affection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Displays Of Affection. Show all posts

Monday, July 30

Monday Mojo - Simple Is Best - And My First Attempt At Audio!!

Hi everyone, I thought I'd try something different this Monday. So, here's my first attempt at some kind of audio for you using a great little tool called Audio Boo.

Don't laugh too much, I'll get better.





Those of you reading via email or a feed will need to click through to access the audio.

May your mojo be with you this week!

Linda. xox

Tuesday, January 3

Flowers As The Perfect Piece Of Decoration...

Today I welcome a guest post from Patricia Hall, a florist and lover of flowers! Thanks for your terrific post Patty.

Flowers As The Perfect Piece Of Decoration...


Giving fresh flowers has long been associated with special occasions. A bride carries a floral bouquet, men give their wives and girlfriends roses on Valentine's Day, and flowers are placed on the graves of the departed. And, of course, using fresh flowers to decorate your home is a wonderful way to bring life to any room.

The History of Floral Display


Thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians would display vases of fresh flowers in their homes. The tradition of placing flowers in the tombs of dead loved ones started with them. The Greeks and Romans continued the trend, favoring floral wreaths instead of vases of flowers. All around the world, and throughout time, the hobby of arranging and displaying flowers continued, mostly with the use of locally grown flowers. This was to change with the age of exploration.

        

     

When European explorers set out to explore the lands beyond the ocean, they brought back some of the native plants founds in the New World. Tropical fruits and flowers brought back to Europe made their way into floral arrangements, adding more color and texture.

Today, people do not have to commission an exploratory voyage to overseas to get unique and colorful flower bouquets. With the advent of the Internet it has become even easier to order flowers and receive those flowers by post in just a few days, as fresh as the day they were picked.

What to Do with Fresh Flowers


Flowers bring a splash of color and texture into the home. No matter the decorating theme of the home, a bouquet of flowers can be custom-designed to match. Old-fashioned arrangements with heirloom flowers in subtle shades is at home in a Victorian-styled home. Bold, simple arrangements add an eye-catching visual spot in a home with a modern design.

  



When the flowers arrive, getting them into water immediately will lengthen their life. Cut the stems at an angle and submerge them in water with the plant food packet from the florist added. The vase of fresh flowers is then ready for display.

Instead of candles, place a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table. For this option, it is best to use flower arrangements that do not have a strong scent. Low displays are best on the table so the view of other diners is not blocked.

                        



Fill a bedroom with the scent of fresh roses to create a romantic atmosphere. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the dressing table or chest of drawers will enhance the room's appearance and smell. Choose flowers to match the color theme of the bedroom for a subtle effect, or opt for a contrasting color so the floral bouquet stands out.

                    



Greet guests in the front hallway with the sight and smell of fresh flowers. A bouquet of deeply scented flowers in the entryway adds an air of hospitality and a fresh look that can be changed weekly just by ordering more flowers by post.

Flowers displayed in the living room can soften the sharp lines of modern furnishings or blend easily in with classic decor. Placing the flower arrangement in front of a window will keep the flowers fresher longer. A mirror placed under or behind the flowers doubles the visual effect.

For homes with pets or children, it is best to keep a floral display out of their reach. The beautiful, eye-catching colors will entice pets or children to sample the flowers, which can result in the ruining of the floral display and sickness in the child or pet.

Indulging in an age-old tradition of floral display in the home is easier now than ever. Exotic flowers or local varieties are easily procured with a simple procedure to order flowers and have those flowers by post sent home for display in any room of the house.

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist and flower delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.

'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!'

******
Image credits:
1. Roses In Hair
2. Elizabeth Anne Designs
3. Apartment Therapy
4. Homedit
5. Martha Stewart Votives
6. Orange Flowers
7. Gap Interiors
8. White Lilies

******

Friday, May 27

Fearless Fantasy Friday - A Bold Gallery Wall....

I've always wanted one of those built-in bookcases that goes around and over a window, but now I'm thinking I've got another idea for what to put around a lovely window....

A gallery wall!


The 'sea' theme in this grouping of pictures and artworks is invoked via pictures of boats and ships, some old sea captains, a sailing boat blueprint, and other bits and pieces. I love the little bust of a sea captain on the table too.

What a fearless way of decorating a wall.... no holding back here!

The whole room is very calm, yet bold and distinctive with its eclectic mix of furniture, little objects, the ultra modern light fitting, and of course the variety of frames and pics on the wall.

And, see the room divider over there on the right? I think it has a covering of maps on it... how perfect. (Plays right into my 'thing' for maps).

Linda. xox

******

Thursday, March 10

What's Holding You Back?....

From one of my most favourite quoticians (just made up that word to represent people who write lots of amazing and inspiring quotes), comes these wise words...

'The privilege of a lifetime, is being who you are'. (Joseph Campbell)


Doesn't it follow then, that you owe it to yourself to let the real you shine out whenever, and wherever possible?

To decorate your rooms as a celebration of who you are and all that you love?

To feel free within your own home, to feel grateful for the person you are, and run rampant expressing your innermost joy and heartfelt emotions as you wish?

To validate the person you are by paying homage to the privilege of being YOU?

What's holding you back?

Anything?

Linda. xox

******

Tuesday, February 15

What A Way To Fill A Display Jar!

I LOVE this idea!

When I was little, my favourite thing of all was to eat my mum's 'little cakes'. (That's what we've always called them... not 'fairy cakes' or 'cup cakes').

In fact, every Saturday when I go around to visit my mum she STILL (even though she's nearly 81 she can still cook up a storm!) always has a batch of 'little cakes' with yummy icing on them for me to devour with a cup of tea while we sit and chat, or watch the tele.

So this display of colourful 'patty pans' as we call them, is really delightful to me!



Lots of colour, and a wonderful reminder of one of the great memories of my youth AND my time spent with mum now!

I'd never have thought of filling a jar with pretty patty pans and displaying it like this.

Genius!

And, so simple.

Even though I don't cook much myself, it's on my list of things to try one day. My kitchen would love it!

Linda. xox

******

Monday, February 14

Valentine's Day.... Red and Aqua!

Found this delightful image full of red and aqua composites.... and lots of mentions of the word LOVE!

So, thought I'd send you all another HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY wish!


If you know me fairly well, I reckon you'd be able to pick which image really inspires me because of what the background consists of..... (not to mention the lovely dash of red in it).

Any takers?

Linda. xox

******

Friday, October 29

Wall Art With A Painted Black Backdrop... And Upcoming News...

How great does this wall art look displayed on this painted black background!?

Great idea, and so simple.

The collection of art itself is also lovely, and of course.... I really love the splashes of red on the wall and in the room. I have three red lamps in my own living room, not to mention red curtains. :) The red curtains in this pic look yummy - just my type.

The red doily is more the type of red I don't use much of (orange tones), I prefer reds with blue undertones.


Happy weekend everyone!

I hope you find something blissful to do, and get spoiled just a little bit (or a lot).

Linda. xox

P.S: There's some exciting things coming up next week...

  • First, I'm hosting a special guest post by Magpie Girl author Rachelle Mee-Chapman, who's going to be answering my question 'How do you go about creating a home that nurtures, nourishes, and supports you mentally, spiritually, and physically?' as part of her 30 Stories in 30 Days series.

    I'm so excited to be part of this wonderful series put together by Rachelle. I've been a follower of her blog for some time (she's down there on my blog roll under 'Creativity and Soul Food), and I also receive her fab newsletters.


  • Secondly, October will be over shortly, so it's Lovely Links time again! Early next week I'll put up the Lovely Links post so you can all link up and show off your blogs.

    This time, I thought rather than just getting you to link up your favourite post for the past month, I might actually pick a topic for us all to work with..... and, as I've been feeling very 'bookish' over the last week or so, I've picked 'A Bevy Of Bookcases' as the topic name.

    So, if you've got a bookcase.... big or small, old or new... I'd LOVE it if you took a picture of it and got ready to link it up in a post next week. I'll let you know which day early next week.


  • Thirdly (phew, this is the longest P.S. known to man), it'll also be time for the latest Year Of The Hobbit give-away towards the end of next week. So, if you'd love to win a copy of The Hobbit, or know someone else who would, I'd really appreciate it if you join in the fun!

Now I really am finished. :)

******

Monday, October 11

A Room To Call Your Own...... Yes Please, I'll Have One Of Those!

Over on Mama Without Borders the other day, Minnie wrote a great post about her thoughts on using floral art to decorate a room. She found some great pics to use as inspiration for the use of her own 'floral finds'.

Later the same day, I came across the pic below on Made By Girl, and immediately thought of Minnie and her wonderful post!

Image from Made by Girl via Homegoods

I LOVE this room.... it's almost enough to send me to the hardware store in a 'pink-paint-buying-frenzy'... so gorgeous! But, it was the displays of art work that really got to me. And, I can see butterflies on the floral pieces with the birds on them (I adore butterflies as you know).

The image originally comes from the Homegoods site, where they discuss how to create a 'mom cave' instead of a 'man cave', and invite you to enter a competition to win your own 'mom cave'.

Yep - I'll have one at my place please!

Linda. xox

******

Let's talk on Twitter!
Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.

******

Saturday, September 11

Buttons and Buttons....

When I was little, my mum had a tin full of buttons.  I think it was an old shortbread biscuit tin, from memory!

I used to love getting into that tin, oh boy.

I sifted those buttons through my fingers and watched the glorious colours flicker and slide. I loved the texture and feel of them. I sorted them, pushed them around, arranged them in patterns and rows.

Toys don't have to be expensive to be mesmerizing and eductaional!

These pictures strike a chord with me...... bring back very pleasant memories....





And, last but not least, my favourite button pic, EVER!

You know how much I love trees.......


All that button inspiration has got me inspired to head off to the craft store and browse around.

Spotlight, here I come!

Linda. xox

P.S: I'll be back tomorrow with the winner of the 'Year Of The Hobbit' give-away!

******

Let's talk on Twitter!
Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.

******

Thursday, August 26

3 Things To Love - Lovely Walls of Art

I think there's an owl on the wall below. Can you see him?!


Here's another 'wall'. I have a fascination with religious iconography and symbolism, so I love this wall.


And, some pretty flowers. A simple 'display of affection' for a particular subject or fascination is so easy to undertake with a bare wall, a collection of adored pics, and some time. You don't even have to frame them!


Ask yourself: 'What is it I have a fascination for?' Or, 'Do I have a collection of drawings/art/images I'd like to display?'

Which leads to: 'If I do have a collection of things I could display....... where could I display them?' Or, put more simply...'Have I got a bare wall?'

Because: Displaying a collection of things we feel an affinity with connects us to our home in a very personal and intimate way.

Linda. xox

******

Tuesday, August 24

Birds Painted On Door Panels... Wow!


I love the magazine World Of Interiors... always so many inspiring things to look at and soak in. It's like entering another world every time you turn a page. Just found this wonderful image on Penny Morrison's site and HAD to share.

What a fabulous way to weave images of something you love into the 'tapestry' of your home. The bird pics in the foreground and on the back door are painted onto the panels of the doors - brilliant!

If I had panelled doors I could imagine doing the same thing with some owls or butterflies.... both of which I've 'gotta thing' for.

Linda. xox

******
Snippets - Weaving images or objects related to those things you've 'gotta thing' for into the 'tapestry of your home' is a beautiful way to connect to your surroundings. Here's some of my favourite 'things'...******

Saturday, August 7

Come Dine With Me - No. 8 - Framed Photos Add A Nice Touch...


Love the collection of framed photos etc in this mod and funky dining area. A great 'display of affection'.

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.

Linda. xox

******
More - Lots more dining rooms to drool over!

******

Thursday, July 15

The Rooms Of Our Homes....


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

******

Monday, July 12

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.










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

******
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!!!!

******

Thursday, July 8

A Creative Way To Display Little Treasures


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

******

Tuesday, July 6

A Little Girl's Room To Delight!





I love the eclectic, simple, colourful, whimsical and heartfelt nature of this little girl's room.

Children deserve their own little world of fascination, comfort, and connection. A child's room truly is their 'corner of the world', and it's not hard or expensive to make it inviting, special, and nurturing.

A few home-made touches, treasured possessions on display, bright and colourful furniture, enchanting additions like fairy lights and soft things to snuggle = a wonderful place to play and grow.

Linda. xox

******

Some Bright Bouquets For You!

This bright and gorgeous display really struck my fancy whilst browsing Turquoise, Tulips and Bliss the other day. So cute!

Just love the delightful patterns on the vases and the stunning flowers.



Have a happy day. :)

Linda. xox

******

Sunday, July 4

Enamel Heart Brooches by Beatnik Bazaar


I found this beautiful photo on Daydream Lily, and fell in love with the gorgeous enamel brooches featured.

You can buy them at Beatnik Bazaar, a South African based shop selling locally handmade goods to the world.

So pretty. They'd make a delightful and whimsical display when you weren't busy wearing them.

Linda. xox

******

Thursday, July 1

How To Decorate A Very Small Apartment - From The Domino Archives!


One of the lovely blogs I follow is Shoebox Decor, and Typhanie's post titled 'Domino Is Back' jumped out at me from my blog list when I saw it earlier today.

What?

Domino is back?

Where?

How?

Turns out, over at Brides.com, they've archived some of the now defunct Domino Mags most glorious articles and pics (more to come I think).

Yipee!!!!

Typhanie mentioned one of her fave Domino articles about how to decorate a small apartment was there, and after checking it out, I can see why she was impressed!

Here's a little teaser....

'Moving into a narrow shoebox apartment inspired Tori Mellott to attempt the impossible: create a calm, neutral haven without skimping on her over-the-top style. The resulting fusion of the beige and the bold proves there's no sense in fighting your own taste.'

LOVE the hanging collection in the living room featured above. Just because a room is smallish, doesn't mean you can't go to town with a big wall display!


Click here to see all 11 images and read the story of how Tori decorated her little yet magnificent apartment.

Welcome back Domino!

Linda. xox

P.S:  Tomorrow I'm going to publish the Lovely Links post for the end of June (bye bye June!). So, if you're a follower or supporter of Heartfire At Home, and you have some marvellous posts you'd like to share, get ready to link them so my readers can skip on over to your blog for a great read! Here's some more info about how many links you can post.

******

Ride 'Em Cowboy!!


Don't you just love this great 'display of affection' revolving around cowboys?

So simple and so cute!

Linda. xox

******
Related Posts with Thumbnails