a peek inside the fishbowl

07 Feb, 2012

Ottawa Giveaway alert: give a little h’art for Valentine’s Day

Posted by andrea tomkins in: Fishbowl patrons|Giveaways and product reviews

This giveaway is brought to you by longtime Fishbowl patron Alison Fowler.

I’m so excited about this giveaway. Alison has been working hard to create amazing gifts of art in time for Valentine’s Day. One wall of her studio is currently covered in mini heart canvases, all for sale. Each one is unique and special in its own way.

You can win ONE of Alison’s original 4″x4″ heart paintings. Winner’s choice! (There will be between 150-175 to choose from. Don’t expect it to be easy!)

Here’s a sneak peek:

Wall of h'arts

Ack! Isn’t that sweet? Is there anything more thoughtful? My own heart is bursting.

Sooo, would you like to win one? :)

All you need to do is leave a comment below. Tell me, who would you give it to if you won?

Some details:

  • This giveaway is open to anyone residing in the Ottawa area but is void in Quebec. (Sorry guys, here’s why.)
  • The draw will be at noon on the 13th. The winner will have to pick up their prize at Alison’s studio at 1395-B Wellington Street West, just one block east of Island Park Drive. If you want to make it for Valentine’s Day you’ll need to pick it up on the afternoon of the 13th or sometime on the 14th. If the winner can’t make it at that time s/he runs the risk of Alison running out of paintings (and the prize is therefore void), so I kindly suggest that earlier is better.
  • If you can’t post your comment because you’re behind a firewall at work (or whatever), you can email it to me for posting at andrea at quietfish dot com (Please note, I cannot be responsible if your entry is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder!)
  • This is not a requirement of entry, but you might be interested to know that Alison is on Facebook and Twitter too. Follow her there for inside scoop and other fun stuff.
  • One entry per person please! We want lots of people to have the opportunity to win.
  • Good karma goes to those who tweet or post about this on your blog or Facebook. Seriously.

I will do a random draw using Random.org at noon EST on Monday February 13, 2012.

That’s it! Thank you Alison for this awesome giveaway!

Over to you Fishies.. good luck!


86 Responses to "Ottawa Giveaway alert: give a little h’art for Valentine’s Day"

1 | Joy

February 7th, 2012 at 11:17 am

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Awesome giveaway! If I won, I would give my heart to my daughter – she is 10 and loves art. And I love her :)

2 | kate s

February 7th, 2012 at 11:26 am

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so sweet – what a great idea. I’d probably gift it to my whole family, and our new house, which is full of love :)

3 | Candace

February 7th, 2012 at 11:26 am

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Lovely! I love hearts :) If I won, I would give it to my 2 year old. Her favourite shape (and first she recognized) is a heart!

4 | Vivian Cheng

February 7th, 2012 at 11:35 am

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I’d have to give it to my husband of course :) But then I think I’d have to pick up at least two more hearts and hang them as a grouping. They look fantastic en masse.

5 | Jennifer Goldie

February 7th, 2012 at 11:36 am

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I would love it too much to give it away!! So I would give it to ME!!

6 | Alicia

February 7th, 2012 at 11:37 am

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These are so cute! I would give it to our day care provider. We heart her!

7 | Mel Gallant

February 7th, 2012 at 11:40 am

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Beautiful! I’d love to win one for my daughter. Some heart art for her room would be sweet. :)

8 | Ross Brown

February 7th, 2012 at 11:46 am

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My wife already has my heart, but these ones are prettier.

Also, she’s going to be out of the country on Valentine’s Day, so it would be nice for one of these lovely hearts to be waiting for her return.

Everyone, all together now: AWWW!!!

9 | Valerie

February 7th, 2012 at 11:50 am

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so sweet – I would give it to my family, hanging it in our entrance way to greet guests and welcome us home.

10 | Katy

February 7th, 2012 at 11:51 am

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I would give my heart to my boyfriend to hang in his bleak, all white office. To cheer it up (and remind him of me!).

11 | KL

February 7th, 2012 at 11:53 am

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I would give it to the man I’ve loved since I was 17yr old.

12 | coffeewithjulie

February 7th, 2012 at 11:58 am

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Oh, definitely my daughter! She is an artist too and would LOVE such a special present!

13 | Emilia

February 7th, 2012 at 12:00 pm

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I would hang it in our staff area at Lilac Lingerie to remind my staff how much I love them:)

14 | Krista R

February 7th, 2012 at 12:12 pm

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I’m a fan of Alison Fowler’s work and would be thrilled to own one – the hearts are adorable.

15 | Krista R

February 7th, 2012 at 12:14 pm

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oops..forgot to mention that I would give this to my daughter – she would LOVE it.

16 | Akt

February 7th, 2012 at 12:31 pm

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My daughter celebrates her 10th birthday soon. An Alison Fowler heart would be a lovely gift.

17 | Lynn

February 7th, 2012 at 12:44 pm

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These are so sweet! I’d give mine to my husband – traditional but he’s still the only one.

18 | Stephanie

February 7th, 2012 at 12:53 pm

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I’d give it to one of my daughters. If i win I’ll have to buy two more so that life is fair.

19 | Davina

February 7th, 2012 at 1:05 pm

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I would give mine to my husband. <3

20 | Sonya

February 7th, 2012 at 1:16 pm

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So sweet! If I won, I would give it to my daughter to brighten up her room.

21 | Jennifer

February 7th, 2012 at 1:22 pm

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Great contest! If I won I would give it to my husband to symbolize how our love has grown, and all that we have shared together.

22 | Elizabeth

February 7th, 2012 at 1:23 pm

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I would give it to my second daughter. She’s been going through a lot lately, and a visible heart on the wall would remind her of all the hearts surrounding her that love her.

23 | Shannen

February 7th, 2012 at 1:25 pm

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Adorable. If I won I’d give it to our living room, which right now could use a little TLC.

24 | Shakira

February 7th, 2012 at 1:33 pm

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I would send my heart to my best friend of 40 years. She lives in Nevada and I never see her. This would be a token that she is always in my heart even we are apart. (sniff sniff)

25 | Hellcat13

February 7th, 2012 at 1:40 pm

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I would give my to my heart surgeon – I have surgery on the 15th, so it would hopefully be good karma!! Then I’d buy one for myself as a reminder :)

26 | Pamela

February 7th, 2012 at 1:41 pm

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I would hang it by the door in our home so even if no one was there when anyone left or came home they would have a bit of LOVE.
Thanks for the chance!

27 | elsewise

February 7th, 2012 at 1:48 pm

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I would give it to Hellcat13’s heart surgeon too!

28 | Ivana

February 7th, 2012 at 1:52 pm

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Love the Wall of Hearts. If I win I will be giving to hubby. Since we’ve moved in to our new home last year he’s been soooo anxious to get ‘nice art’ on the walls! This would be a great start:)?

29 | Sylvia Grantins

February 7th, 2012 at 1:53 pm

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Wow! I would love to win a heart!

30 | Carolyn

February 7th, 2012 at 2:02 pm

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They’re so sweet – I’d give the one I’d win to my 2 year old son to put in his room and then I’d feel guilty and have to buy 3 more for my 3 daughters so no one is left out!

31 | Judy

February 7th, 2012 at 2:14 pm

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I would give it to my husband for the patience and love we have given each other through the most stressful two years.

32 | Natalie

February 7th, 2012 at 3:48 pm

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To my husband.
Remembering Feb 14, 2002, our first date.
Oh la la, that went quick.

33 | Tricia

February 7th, 2012 at 4:21 pm

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Definately my mom…she is fighting lung cancer right now and surrounding her with love is a top priority.

34 | Jen

February 7th, 2012 at 4:40 pm

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I would give it to my husband and kids. We would hang it in the family room. I love Alison’s art!

35 | emma

February 7th, 2012 at 5:14 pm

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I would give it to my grandma, she is vising from Romania, and she will be here till March 2nd.

I would love to give it to her to bring it to Romania and share it with my aunt and cousins that I haven’t seen in almost 5 years.

36 | Katherine Caine-Pollick

February 7th, 2012 at 5:27 pm

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I’d give it to my middle child Cam, he is feeling like we don’t love him- jealous of his baby brother and his older sister is having issues with school.

37 | Jen Hughes

February 7th, 2012 at 6:03 pm

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Love her work! I would give it to my husband (so then I would get to enjoy it in our home). :)

38 | JoAnn

February 7th, 2012 at 6:51 pm

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I would give the heart to my lover, the man who has taught me to laugh and not to take life too seriously!

39 | Siobhan

February 7th, 2012 at 7:03 pm

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If I won I would give one of the beautiful paintings to our gorgeous daughter Megan she has all our hearts everytime she smiles. We are all huge Alison Fowler fans spread the word guys her paintings brighten up any room xxx

40 | Theresa

February 7th, 2012 at 7:13 pm

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I have 2 daughters, o to prevent hurt feelings, i would send it to my parents back in Nova Scotia who I miss dearly.

41 | Tiana

February 7th, 2012 at 7:14 pm

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I would give it to my good friend who has been a fan of Allison’s art for a long time.

42 | Michelle

February 7th, 2012 at 7:18 pm

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Unfortunatly I live in Gatineau, but I do work downtown Ottawa!

If I can be part of this contest I would give the heart to my new wold vision child from Ethiopia for his birthday, which is March 1st…

I’m crossing my fingers!

43 | Jack

February 7th, 2012 at 7:22 pm

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For my wife Natalie who is a big fan of yours and Alison’s and who still has my heart after ten years and three kids!

44 | nel

February 7th, 2012 at 7:37 pm

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I’d love to give one to my sweet grandbaby, Annabelle

45 | Heather

February 7th, 2012 at 8:16 pm

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Oooo love these !
I would give this to my daughter who turns 5 on Valentines Day! Does it get more fitting ?!

46 | rooshy

February 7th, 2012 at 8:22 pm

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i’d give it to my best friend :)

47 | wendy

February 7th, 2012 at 8:51 pm

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Awwww, so many sweet responses:-)

I would have to organise a “sharing”. I have 3 daughter’s whom I love So much and a Grandaughter who is 9,who I LOVE SO much!

We just moved and I really need art on my walls.
SO…….if I won I would hang in my house and put pics of all my “girls” around it/

48 | Carla

February 7th, 2012 at 9:38 pm

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so sweet!
I would love to give this to my man… three kids, one is just 9 months and sometimes life gets very transactional, it is so important to continue to celebrate the love and the reason why the kids are here in the first place!

49 | Becca

February 7th, 2012 at 9:47 pm

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Give it away? Nuts to that, if I win, that heart’s mine, all mine!

50 | Jacquie Baillie

February 7th, 2012 at 10:21 pm

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Oh! I love Ali and her artwork. I was at her gallery before Christmas and she has so many beautiful pieces.

I would put the painting right in the front entrance of the house, to make everyone smile as soon as they came in.

51 | Joan MacKinnon

February 7th, 2012 at 10:31 pm

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Love Allison’s work, her passion shines through. I would share this with my family by hanging it in our family room for all to enjoy.

52 | Carolyn HP

February 8th, 2012 at 7:14 am

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Hi Andrea,

Love your blog thanks for the chance to win :)

If I won, I would give a piece of this lovely heart to my beautiful niece who is kind, caring and so lovable!

53 | DA

February 8th, 2012 at 7:48 am

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For my wife who is a big fan of Allison’s work already.

54 | Stephanie A

February 8th, 2012 at 8:33 am

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I’d give it to my Dad – his having heart surgery next month and I think it would make him smile.

Beautiful work Allison!

55 | Sara

February 8th, 2012 at 9:02 am

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I would give it to by boys, one 22 month old and one due in June. I would hang it in our playporch to share the love:)

56 | Sean Copeland

February 8th, 2012 at 9:37 am

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A big beautiful heart would go to my Mother, who has given so much of her own heart to her boys and now her 4 grandchildren…what would I do without her! You d’best Mom!

57 | MommyMarshall

February 8th, 2012 at 10:18 am

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These h’arts are so beautiful! I would gift it to my three children.

58 | Melissa

February 8th, 2012 at 10:53 am

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I would put the heart in the front hallway of the house I am about to share with my significant other. What a wonderful way to be reminded to love furiously everyday :D

59 | Kaitlin

February 8th, 2012 at 12:06 pm

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I’d give it to my husband, with another piece by Allison’s partner, Andrew King. I love both their work, and I think it’d be nice to have two pieces by a pair of artists that are similar and yet, complimentary :)

60 | Jen

February 8th, 2012 at 5:49 pm

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I would give it to my husband. It’s either that or cookies. I’m a terrible baker, so fingers crossed. :D

61 | Kelly

February 8th, 2012 at 6:40 pm

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Love this! I’d give mine to my 2-year little girl….just about to do her big girl room (she’s a twin and currently shares a room with her twin bro), so this would make a nice start!

62 | Ruvini

February 9th, 2012 at 12:28 am

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I would give this to my beau. He would love to have this piece of artwork in his room or office. He’s one of the most selfless and giving people I know. Everything he does for friends, family and myself is always from the heart, so it’d be nice to remind him it never goes unnoticed. It would complement a scrabble “love you” art piece I have previously given him:)

63 | Sandy Schnierle

February 9th, 2012 at 9:58 am

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Super cute little paintings! I already see one I love! Great job Alison. :)

64 | Sarah M

February 9th, 2012 at 10:36 am

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I would give it to the love of my life so he could remember that he always has my heart :)

65 | Kerry

February 9th, 2012 at 11:45 am

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If I won, I would give it to my daughter who has just re-decorated her room. She would love it!

66 | Ashley

February 9th, 2012 at 12:33 pm

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I would give this heart to my Dad…his heart is not as strong as it once was but it is still one of the biggest, most loving hearts I know.

67 | Heather

February 9th, 2012 at 4:24 pm

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I would love to win one of these and give it to my partner. I moved to Ottawa for him after spending our entire relationship as a long distance couple. We got a beautiful place together, but there is still far too much empty wall space. I would love for our first piece of art together to be one of these hearts on Valentine’s Day!

68 | Wendy

February 10th, 2012 at 1:07 am

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This is a beautiful art piece, perfect for this exciting year ahead for me and my fiance! I would use this gift as part as my wedding venue, it is a great addition to my wedding theme decor. Nevertheless, this may be given as a gift favor to one of our closest friend (to spread our love), or we will simply offer this to each other, as a reminder of the year 2012, one to remember, one to treasure. Looking forward to hear from you, and Happy early Valentine’s Day!

69 | Finola

February 10th, 2012 at 12:35 pm

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I love these hearts. If I won I would give one to my daughter, and then I would have to buy another one to give to my other daughter. Thanks for the opportunity!

70 | Ange

February 11th, 2012 at 10:40 am

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Oh, these are gorgeous, and now that I’ve gone and looked at the poppy paintings, I’m going to have to visit Alison!! I would actually give one of these to a friend of mine, who loves art, and would appreciate the style and colours of these!

71 | Miss Vicky

February 11th, 2012 at 1:24 pm

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So cute. Would definitely give it to the Webgeek, who has not only been shouldering the responsibility for kid pickup/dinnermaking for the last year, but also busting his butt on a big contract and has been working more than overtime for the last week trying to get it done. He deserves some love!

72 | Mandy

February 11th, 2012 at 7:47 pm

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I’d keep it for myself. Hopefully it would heal my own heart after a recent breakup.

73 | CarrieLou

February 11th, 2012 at 8:55 pm

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I really really love these! If I win, I will hang it in our bedroom. My husband and I painted our bedroom about 4 years ago and we have yet to hang a single picture/painting and one of these hearts would be lovely! Thank you.

74 | Astrid Nielsen

February 12th, 2012 at 4:17 pm

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Although I’d be tempted to keep it for myself :) , I’d give it to my two daughters as they are just the best. Since they share a room, sharing it won’t be hard!

75 | Lara

February 12th, 2012 at 4:46 pm

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I’d give it to eric for his office :)

76 | Laura Daub

February 13th, 2012 at 8:28 am

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Oh, how sweet are these?! I think I would give it to the whole family… I couldn’t choose just one person! :)

77 | Laura Piggott

February 13th, 2012 at 8:39 am

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Amazing hearts full of texture and colour! If I won, I would give the heart to my daughter who is 5 months old and having some reflux and GI problems. Often, the only way she is happy is when she’s in my arms and close to my heart.

78 | Melissa Dimock (@refashionista)

February 13th, 2012 at 8:47 am

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If I won it, I’d give it to my kids. My heart is so much bigger and joyful since they’ve come into my life. :)

79 | Anne Boys

February 13th, 2012 at 9:48 am

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Without question – I’d give it to my mom as a constant reminder of my love for her.

80 | Judy

February 13th, 2012 at 10:03 am

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I would give it to my son, but we’d hang it somewhere in the house where everyone could enjoy it… he’d be too embarrassed to have a Valentine’s Day present from his mother in his room.

81 | Montserrat Bouvier

February 13th, 2012 at 11:20 am

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What a sweet giveaway! i would give it to my first born who will be off to university. she can keep it as a reminder of the eternal love we have for her :)

82 | Daniel Laprise

February 13th, 2012 at 11:42 am

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I’d like a little heart to give to my one true love!!!
Then she could pass it down to our daughter… and so on :D

83 | Marjo Fournier

February 13th, 2012 at 11:57 am

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Well, I’m single now, but if I won a heart, I would keep it with me – if that’s allowed. It would remind me to start right here first. For too long I looked outside of myself for things. I’m very new at all of this…
Beautiful hearts – I just might visit the gallery anyways..
marjolaine

84 | andrea

February 13th, 2012 at 12:01 pm

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That’s it! It’s noon! I’m closing the comments to all new entries. The winner will be announced ASAP.

85 | AliCat

February 13th, 2012 at 2:21 pm

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Thank you everyone for all the wonderful comments. Always enjoy these giveaways with you Andrea. Keep up the great work.

86 | andrea

February 13th, 2012 at 2:23 pm

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The winner is commenter #65 – Kerry – who writes:

“If I won, I would give it to my daughter who has just re-decorated her room. She would love it!”

Congrats Kerry! And thank you Alison for providing such a great prize for this Valentine’s giveaway!

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My name is Andrea and I live in the Westboro area of Ottawa with my husband Mark and our dog Piper who is kind of a big deal on Instagram. We also have two human offspring: Emma (23) and Sarah (21). During the day I work as a writer at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. I am a longtime Ottawa blogger and I've occupied this little corner of the WWW since 1999. The Fishbowl is my whiteboard, water cooler, and journal, all rolled into one. I'm passionate about healthy living, arts and culture, travel, great gear, good food, and sharing the best of Ottawa. I also love vegetables, photography, gadgets, and great design.

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