House of the Week

A beautiful 20 year old William Baker house.
Mr Baker received the Arthur Ross Award in New York for this house in 1993. It sits amid many houses built in the 1920's and 30's - and is completely at home. To see detailed images of the house from Bill Baker's website - click here.






image from Harry Norman realtors




this image and one below via Harry Norman realtors



The house is currently for sale. Listing here.

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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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New Sideboards Design

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Monday Music - Some Daft Punk!

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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It's about time I had some Daft Punk over here for you to enjoy... (I know a few readers who love them - hi Nicole!), so here they are with One More Time!

Enjoy.

And don't forget, if you're looking for more great music, Bec over at Memory Garden often has a lovely song to listen to on Mondays as well!



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!

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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life in my garage...is changing

I was suddenly struck by just how different life is about to be for us and how right it all feels.  You know how timing just doesn't feel right sometimes even for good things? Well, it almost feels like things are right with the universe now for whatever is in front of me.

As you all know, I'm transitioning from being the one-woman manufacturing center to the one-woman designer and manager of Mod Mom.  And it couldn't come at a better time.  I've mentioned before how I have some issues with my hands due to repetitive use from the constant building, sanding, and cutting I've done over the past few years.  Well, yesterday I was sanding something and then went to send a text on my phone and my darn thumb wouldn't stop jumping round.  I couldn't even text, it was so twitch-y. That's it.  If I can't text, there's no use in going on. :)

The past few months have been interesting, that's for sure.  It's laughable now (and all in perspective, believe me, I know we could've gone through FAR worse...so many people are) but check out this list of events:  unemployment/lack of money, cancer, cancer again, Shark Tank prep and filming, rat infestation in our house, cars breaking down, kids' school issues/concerns, lice, and three deaths in the family.  At one point, Scott and I said we should just sit down with a bottle of two dollar wine and wait for the locusts to come.  We did sit down with wine but instead we watched the sun set over the ocean.  Much better than locusts, I have to say.

As it is with all things, change and obstacles are learning experiences.  I learned to charge ahead no matter how tired and scared I felt.  I'm still learning that one.  But what I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt is that life in my garage is changing and I'm ready.  Oh, and I can also tell you that the lice are gone so if you see me, don't freak out.  No lice here. :)

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Beautiful Bedrooms

interior design by Barry Dixon

Beginning to work on a couple of bedrooms. Some inspiration photos...


interior design by Barry Dixon


interior design by Bunny Williams


Colefax Fowler wallpaper, image via finders keepers market


image via decorpad


interior design by Celerie Kemble


image via house beautiful, lynn morgan interiors


interior design by Miles Redd


interior design by Hal Williamson


Phoebe Howard


Phoebe Howard


Image via Southern Accents

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Happy, Happy Weekend Everyone! (And Some Lovely Cushions!)

May your weekend be filled with lots of gorgeous, pretty things (just like the adorable cushions and lamp shade in this pic) and happenings!!

Image from Honey Houses

Linda. xox

P.S: Next week I'll be putting up a Lovely Links post so we can all 'get linky with it'!!

I didn't do one at the end of December (the holidays were upon me), so there's two months worth of favourite posts for you to pick from and share with all of us!

Woohoo!

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♥ New to Heartfire At Home? Start here.
♥ And if, perchance, you BELIEVE.... join here.

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February 2011 Design House Sneak Peek

I was able to sneak in to the Design House today!  It's not officially open until next Friday, but I had to see what the ladies were up to.  Even with this week's snowstorm, everyone has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on the rooms.  I only took a few quick pictures before they shooed me out.  I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.  Check back later this week for more pictures.

The theme of this month's Design House seems to be all about comfort and texture with doses of high style.  The living room boasted overstuffed chairs with vintage script pillows.   The painted taupe furniture is serene and accented with just enough ornamental detail.   There were oversized baskets, vintage tin mirrors, feed sack pillows....oh I hope I'm not giving too much away!

      

This room is comfy and cozy and all about texture, texture, texture!  The bedding, with an upholstered headboard, ruffled duvet, and layered pillows, is perfect for a long winter's nap. 

I also found lots of cozy sweaters and ponchos.  The minute I saw this one, I wanted to curl up in my favorite leather chair with a cup of tea and read a good book.

Upstairs there seems to be a bedroom for a fashionista who dreams of living in Paris one day.  Think black and white Audrey Hepburn prints, mirrors, black and grey furnishings, fur, and pearls.

Another bedroom upstairs is all about blending the old and the new.  It features beautiful reclaimed wood furniture and large canvas art, and is accented with girly touches, like this beautiful crystal chandelier.

Although it's winter, there are signs of spring, including touches of turquoise and shades of green.

                         

As I left today, there were literally truckloads of new merchandise arriving for the legendary Groundhog SALE.  I will try to get another sneak peek for you later this week.  I can't wait for next weekend!

The Design House will be open for the Groundhog SALE Friday through Sunday, February 4th, 5th, and 6th from 10am to 5pm daily.  The Old Lucketts Store is located at 42350 Lucketts Road in Leesburg, VA.  We're the green building on the corner at the stop light in Lucketts.

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Come Dine With Me - No. 14 - An Elegant Table Setting

Though I'm not much of an 'all white' person, I really like this elegant and classic table setting. Drenched in bright light with a gorgeous touch of that stunning blue. Fab!

The bone handled cutlery and other nature inspired accessories are attention grabbing too.

Image from The Decorista on Tumblr

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

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Happy One Year Blog Birthday to Us!

image via Southern Accents

Today is our one year blog birthday! It's been a terrific year filled with beauty, fun and friendship. As a gift to our readers here is a recipe for the most yummy cake you'll ever make. The secret I think is in the separating the eggs and beating the egg whites. The cake is moist and delicious and works for any occasion. It's a great party cake and was given to me by a wonderful friend whose mother put together a cook book of Atlanta recipes (in 1975) - called Atlanta Natives' Favorite Recipes. The recipe came from Mrs. Samuel Barnett (Dorothy Willett).


image via taste of home

Sour Cream Cake

2 sticks butter
3 cups sugar
6 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sour cream
3 cups plain sifted flour
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolks, one a time, beating well after each addition. Mix soda into sour cream. Add flour, alternating with sour cream. Add flavoring. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into well greased and floured bundt pan. Bake one and a half hours (90 minutes) at 300 degrees.

Enjoy!





image via Southern Accents

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Shopping in Atlanta

Here are some pics from my recent trip to Atlanta with my best bud Suzanne. Sooo much fun and killer stuff...  

Enjoy!    ~Amy

Suz luvin bella luna! what a great way to start the day...

     

bobo- my absolute favorite! walking through this showroom feeds my soul...

Luna Bella - furniture as art!

Aidan Gray sofa

below are pics of cool stuff at an open air market...

fabulous French antique china!

Had to have this mirror.

old baskets from europe

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