And The Winners Are.....

I'm a trifle late drawing the give-away for the 2 Home Sweet Home cushion covers..... but all names have now been put into a hat (well, it was a mixing bowl actually), and 2 drawn out to receive one cushion cover each.

The lucky winners were Cristie and Rhonda!!

Congratulations ladies - woohoo!

If you email me with your home address, I'll send a cover on its way to each of you.

Enjoy. :)

Linda. xox

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A Beautiful Apartment In Stockholm..... I Think I Like White After All!

I'm not a huge lover of interiors with lots of white.... but every now and then I almost fall in love with one.

I can certainly see (and feel - which is more important) myself in this one. I get a great vibe from it, and I can imagine what the air and the space would feel like if I was in it. It draws me to it, and that's how I know I really love a room or a house.

This home is an apartment in Stockholm, and it looks like it is the epitome of Swedish style!

The shelving in the living room is glorious isn't it?!

All images found on Fresh Home via Skeppsolmen

The whole place beams with harmony. I could find peace there I think.

What do you think?

Linda. xox

P.S. Remember to enter my lovely cushion give-away. The cushion cover featured (see below) would look perfect in the rooms above I reckon!

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It's A Great Day To Launch A Great Give-Away!!

It's been a while since I've had a give-away over here, so it's time to launch a good one!

I'm going to be giving away 2 (one each to two lucky readers) Home Sweet Home cushion covers.

These are just about my favourite cushion cover of all time. They express the sentiment we've all heard so often, that happens to be exactly how I feel about my home every single time I walk in the door.

I love my little home, and it really is my very own 'home sweet home',

So, if you'd like a cushion cover with the words 'home sweet home' written in a gorgeous funky red font, then leave a comment on this post!

I'll draw the winners in two weeks time, at 6.00 pm, Saturday the 17th of March, my time.

Happy weekend lovelies!

Linda. xox

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The Winner Of The One World One Heart Give-away Is......

Hello everyone!

A HUGE thank-you to all the lovely people who left comments on my One World One Heart post, it's been so lovely to meet all of you and get around to see some of you!

And now, the exciting bit... finding a winner for the engraved rocks and little box of affirmation cards I was offering.

As I had 163 comments, and Blogger doesn't number them (not that I could see anyway), instead of putting 163 into random.org and relying on my counting being right, I decided to get to the winner a different way.

So, I put the numbers 1 to 18 into the random generator, as people entered beginning on the 1st of Feb until the 18th of Feb on my blog (which was still the 17th in the USA, and we were going by USA Standard Pacific Time).

What came up was number 9!

So I then took the names of all the people who entered on the 9th, wrote them out on little bits of paper, and put them into a hat..... well, it was a lovely golden bowl actually!

Those people were:

Stephanie
Grace
Kathy
Beenebag
Creativspirit
Peggy Aplseeds

The first person to be pulled out of the hat (um, bowl), was.......

KATHY!!! Yay!

Congrats Kathy. I will email you as soon as I've posted this and let you know. :)

To everyone else, thanks so much again for entering, your lovely comments, and the gorgeous blogs I've had the pleasure of discovering over the last couple of weeks.

Linda. xox

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One World One Heart 2011

UPDATE: The One World One Heart prize winner has been picked... and the result can be found HERE!!

Huge thanks to all who entered. It was so lovely to meet you and to discover some wonderful new blogs to visit.

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Thanks to the lovely Marianne over at Ruffhaven, I came across this truly wonderful and joyful opportunity to connect to the many unseen yet glorious people out there who blog their hearts and souls out in this cyber community of ours.

Image from One Whimsical Bohemian

One World One Heart for me represents a hope.

A wish.

A dream.

If only our World could come together in a more communal, connected, peaceful, and giving manner, this planet we all call home would become such a better place.

One World One Heart is an event envisioned, created, and orchestrated, by 'one whimsical bohemian' also known as Lisa!

There's heaps of give-aways in the form of 'door prizes' on all the participants' blogs (see my 'door prize' below), and lots of visiting new sites and getting to know amazing new people.

To join, simply visit the event's main page here, (on Lisa's lovely blog), read through the criteria, and blog about it.

Part of the criteria asks me to tell a bit about myself for first time visitors to Heartfire At Home.

Here goes....

I am Linda.

I teach, I design stuff, I blog, and I think an awful lot.

I am fascinated with owls, trees, butterflies, globes, maps, Celtic and Welsh mythology, books, funny or enlightening quotes, codes and ciphers, anything mysterious, the colour red, black holes and how on earth Space works, string theory, writing words that matter, beautiful patterns, inventing weird and wonderful things, other worlds and dimensions, all sorts of animals, art of many types, stationery and paper, and too many other things to mention!!

I don't like celery.

I do like the scent of limes.

Dust bunnies are not welcome in my house (but sneak in when I'm not looking).

Cats make me happy.... so do dogs, otters, owls, ocelots, crows, deer, mice, and squirrels for that matter.

Acorns are cute.

I LOVE my home. It is my own little world, and apart from my family and friends, the epi-centre of my life.

Holistic, atmospheric, interior design is the passion of my life.

I also teach primary school, and am pretty darn passionate about that too.

Some of my best friends are books.

Every room in my home has something red in it. It's like air to me.

If I didn't have music........ life would be very drab indeed.

Singing is in my blood and I perform regularly in plays and musical theatre.

And, dancing is a necessary requirement for my happiness!

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Also as part of One World One Heart, I am to offer a 'door prize' to a travelling soul who wanders by my corner of the bloggy world and leaves a comment below.

Anyone from anywhere around the World can enter.

You don't need to be a 'follower', you don't need to leave a super long comment.... just pop in, leave me your email address, and after February the 17th (the finale of One World One Heart), I'll swoosh everyone through the generator at random.org and materialise one lucky winner to notify!

On to the prize......

In keeping with my feeling for the title One World One Heart, I've chosen to include a few items in my 'door prize'.

Two engraved river stones featuring the words HOPE and PEACE. Also a little set of cards entitled 'Jewels Of Wisdom' with wise words on them to motivate, inspire, and simply promote joy each and every day.

There's 24 of them, and they come in a box with a little wooden stand so you can swap them over when you feel like it, and display them where you get the most benefit from seeing and reading them.

I hope whoever wins this little gift package feels the vibes of happiness and gratefulness I will have as I wrap and then send them off to you. And I hope you gain some insight and enjoyment from the beautifully written words on the stones and each little 'jewel of wisdom' card.

Entries close on midnight the 17th of February (Pacific Standard USA time), and I will announce the winner the day after by posting here as well as in a new post. I will also email the winner to notify them of their good luck!

Happy entering everyone!!

Also, HERE'S THE PAGE where you can find all the other participants who'll be offering lovely 'door prizes' too! Be sure to visit and say hi!

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It will be so nice to meet you all as I do the rounds of other One World One Heart participants, and thank you Lisa for creating and organising such a wonderful event. :)

Let the travels and sharing of hearts begin!!

Linda. xox

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And, The Winner Is....

Random.org has spoken, and the winner of the 'bigger than usual give-away' is comment number 6 which was 'Live Love Life Now'!!

Congratulations!!

If you send your address to me at linda@heartfire.com.au I'll pop your little bundle of goodies in the mail for you - yay!

Thanks everyone for entering, and also for the lovely birthday wishes. I had a marvellous day with friends and family!

I'm glad everyone thinks 45 isn't old! :)

Linda. xox

P.S: My hard drive is making noises like it's about to explode..... so if I'm suddenly absent from the online world at any time, I think you can safely assume a catastrophe has taken place! I've only had it for around 6 months (but it is second-hand), so hopefully it will sort itself out.

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A Bigger Than Usual Give-away - The Hobbit, Candles, Engraved Stones, and Vintage Teaspoons!!

Hi everyone!!

It's that time again when I give away another copy of The Hobbit as part of our Year Of The Hobbit.

But, this month, for some very special reasons, there's a few extra goodies I'm going to throw in.

First of all it's my birthday today - woohoo! And, there's nothing like giving stuff away to make you feel good, so on my birthday I'm celebrating by giving rather than just receiving.

Also, I'm super excited to think that shortly I'll have reached the milestone of 100 followers. I'd like to thank all my new and old friends who are interested in my little corner of the blog world by adding in a few things to the usual 'Hobbit' giveaway.

So.... to celebrate my 45th birthday (sheesh, am I that old already), and the impending century over there in my sidebar, the give-away this month will include...

1. A brand new copy of The Hobbit.
2. A little bag of 6 handpoured pure soy tea-light candles.
3. Two beautifully engraved stones featuring the words 'Dream' and 'Hope'.
4. A set of 6 dainty vintage spoons (great flea market find) perfect for a lazy afternoon cup of tea with friends. (They're stamped Grosvenor/Christine.... on the back).

A lovely little collection indeed - don't you think!

I've been saving these treasures to include in a fab giveaway for a while. :)

If you'd like to win this bundle of goodies, simply leave a comment below.

If you'd like extra entries, just tweet or blog about this give-away, and leave an extra comment for each thing you do!

The competition will close at midnight, next Saturday, the 11th of December (Melbourne time) and, the lucky winner will be announced on the Sunday.

Good luck all. :)

Linda. xox

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Ta Da!! The Winner Is....

Image from David Wenzel Art

The random number generator has spoken, and November's copy of 'The Hobbit' is going to be making its way to the home of comment number 4, which was........

....... Minnie!

Congratulations Minnie! I hope you (and your children) enjoy reading 'The Hobbit' for the first time, and it finds a snug home on one of your many fabulous bookshelves!

If you email me at linda@heartfire.com.au with your address, I'll send it winging on it's way!

Thanks for entering everyone...... there's another chance to win a copy next month as we hit the 4th installment of 'The Year Of The Hobbit'.

Although, I may be having a little poll in relation to your ideas about this give-away a bit closer to next month's date.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :)

Linda. xox

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2 Gorgeous Rooms Inspired By Nature... So Serene and Calm...

I just love the atmosphere and vibe oozing from these rooms.

So full of peace and calm.

Nurturing, replenishing, and natural.

Images from Handmade Evolution

And, they include a few of my favourite things.... butterflies, tree inspired objects, books.

Simple, uncluttered, and comfortable.

Linda. xox

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P.S. My Hobbit give-away is feeling lonely...... only 3 entries so far.  I think a poll may be in order to decide what to do about the rest of The Year Of The Hobbit!! Still plenty of time to enter if you'd like a new book for your collection!

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Give-away Time Again - Who Wants A Hobbit?

Woohoo! It's time for another 'Hobbit' to find its way to a new and loving home! This is the 3rd month of our 'Year Of The Hobbit', and I'm excited to see who'd like a copy for their bookshelf!

The Year Of The Hobbit began in September as my tribute to fabulous literature that's worth passing on and 'getting out there'.  I loved The Hobbit as a child, and it's one of the books that got me really started on my life-long love affair with amazing stories that engage both the mind and the heart.

You can read more about its beginnings and the reasons behind it here.

But, briefly, my hope is who-ever wins each book will enjoy it themselves and/or pass it onto someone else..... their children, a friend's children, the local school.

As a primary school teacher (amongst other things!) myself, I know how important great literature can be to the life of a child.

So, this is my small attempt to 'spread a little love', book style. Let's share these magical words around!

To win a copy of The Hobbit, just leave a comment below. The give-away is open until midnight (Melbourne time), next Saturday the 13th of November.

I'll draw the winner using random.org the next day, and post the result.

Where will November's 'Hobbit' find a comfy new home?

Good luck everyone!

Linda. xox

P.S: Here's a brief excerpt from the story....

"Very pretty!" said Gandalf. "But I have no time to blow smoke-rings this morning. I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone."

" I should think so - in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them," said our Mr Baggins, and stuck one thumb behind his braces, and blew out another even bigger smoke-ring."

Nasty disturbing things indeed! Fun too!

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And, The Hobbit Is Making Its Way To......

The random number generator has spoken, and October's copy of 'The Hobbit' is going to be making its way to the home of comment number 2, which was........

....... Paula!

Congratulations Paula! I hope you enjoy your copy of 'The Hobbit' and it finds a snug home on your bookshelf!

You left your email address in your comment, so I'll email you regarding your postal details.

Thanks for entering everyone...... there's another chance to win a copy next month as we hit the 3rd installment of 'The Year Of The Hobbit'.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :)

Linda. xox

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Just A Quick Reminder...

Just a quick reminder that the 'Year Of The Hobbit' October give-away ends at midnight tonight!

If you haven't entered yet, just visit this post and leave any old comment for your chance to win.

Good luck everyone!

Linda. xox

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The Year Of The Hobbit - Give-away Number 2... Plus, Blogtoberfest!

The Year Of The Hobbit began last month as my tribute to fabulous literature that's worth passing on and 'getting out there'.

You can read more about its beginnings and the reasons behind it here.

But, briefly, my hope is who-ever wins each book will enjoy it themselves and/or pass it onto someone else..... their children, a friend's children, the local school.

As a primary school teacher (amongst other things!) myself, I know how important great literature can be to the life of a child.

So, this is my small attempt to 'spread a little love', book style!

Plus, it's an extra important month this month because it's Blogtoberfest!! Blogtoberfest is a month long festival of blogging that also includes heaps of give-aways!

So this month, I'm also celebrating Blogtoberfest with this give-away. If you'd like to join in the Blogtoberfest fun, visit Tinnie Girl's blog to find out more.

To win a copy of The Hobbit, just leave a comment below! The give-away is open until midnight (Melbourne time), next Saturday the 9th of October. I'll draw the winner using random.org the next day, and post the result.

Where will October's 'Hobbit' find a home?

Good luck everyone!

Linda. xox

P.S: Here's another riddle from the book. (The first riddle is here). Do you know the answer?

'What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees
Up, up it goes,
And yet never grows?'

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A New Home For The Hobbit (Number One)...

The random number generator at Random.org has spoken, and the first book in 'The Year Of The Hobbit' give-away will be finding a new home at commentor number 9's place........ that's you.....

......Meghan!!

Meghan wrote: 

'What a great idea! I LOVE the Lord of the Rings series and have read them over and over too (I even have a copy of the Two Towers autographed by Billy Boyd). But you know what is crazy? I have never read of The Hobbit! My little brother gives me trouble about it all the time. I don't know the answer to that riddle, and I would love to read and find out :)


I wonder where those books will find their new homes? Exciting :)'

Congratulations Meghan!

If you email me at linda@heartfire.com.au with your address, I'll pop your book in the post for you. :)

Look out for the second 'Year Of The Hobbit' give-away early in October.

Thanks to everyone who entered, please come back and try again next time. :)


Linda. xox

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Look At This - A Real Life Hobbit House In Wales...

This is a 'real life' hobbit house in Wales. It was built from stone, mud, and remnant wood from nearby forests. How marvellous it is!

'The use of materials from the construction site and the way the home was designed give it that truly unique, eco-friendly character that can only be found in earthen homes.'

At a cost of only $10 per square metre, this is a hobbit house we can all afford!

More info about the house here

Speaking of hobbit houses.... don't forget to enter The Year Of The Hobbit give-away in the post below if you know someone who'd love a new book and a great read.

There's only 6 entries (yes ONLY 6) so far, so you have a really fabulous chance of winning a book for your children, friend's children, or to give as a gift to someone who loves great literature!

ENTER HERE before midnight Saturday for your chance to win.

Linda. xox

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Announcing.... The Year Of The Hobbit! An Ongoing Give-away!

I've always loved the story of The Hobbit. I first read it in around Grade 3, and have read it many times since then. I then read its 'big brother story' The Lord of The Rings for the first time in Grade 6, and have read it 12 times 'til now!

My very first copy got lost a long time ago... but I've had a special leather bound copy in one of my bookcases for the last 8 years or so (it's on the bottom shelf of this bookcase near my breakfast bar!)

The Hobbit was one of quite a few books that I believe actually helped form and mould the person I am today.

Good children's literature should do that.

I don't believe there's any better gift you can give a child than a mesmerizing book.... one full of engaging characters, moral dilemmas, great story lines, feelings, and imagination expanding adventures!

The Hobbit has something to do with my adult love for maps and globes, and drew me into another world in such a way that I believed anything was possible no matter who I was. (If a hobbit could pull off amazing feats despite such dire circumstances, then surely I could too!!)

And, as a Primary School teacher of over 20 years (the last 6 part time to make more room for my designing passion), I know only too well the power of truly good writing.

It has the power to inspire, heal, motivate, change, lead, and bring joy and comfort where other things may not.

So I've decided to create 'The Year of The Hobbit!'

I'm going to give away a brand new copy of The Hobbit every month for a year!

Here's some of them, freshly bought, waiting for their new home.

Even if you already have a copy (it's still a good book for grown-ups to read!), you can win it for your nieces or nephews, to give your children their own copy, to give to a friend's children, to donate to your nearest Primary School's library...... there's heaps of ways you could use this book to help spread a little more great 'literary stardust' around the world!

For this first give-away, all you need to do to win a copy of The Hobbit is leave a comment before midnight this Saturday (Melbourne time).

I'm so going to enjoy sharing these out one-by-one over the next 12 months, I'll feel like a little bit of 'me' is flying around the world to brighten up a child's life somewhere.

I'll announce the winner this Sunday.

Good luck everyone. :)

Linda. xox

P.S: Here's one of the 'riddles' Bilbo had to answer when trying to keep the ring from Gollum. Do  you know the answer?

'A box without hinges, keys, or lid,
Yet golden treasure inside is hid'.

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More - I think books are such an important part of any home. Do you? This post about books talks about why they're so integral, and has masses of great 'bookcase' images!

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