Do you have a question?

 

Happy weekend everyone! I hope you've got fun plans and exciting projects on 😊

To celebrate the launch of my newest bestselling book 'Financially Chic Vol 2: How to be savvy with money in tough times, cultivate your rich lady lifestyle, and live fabulously for less', I'd love to do a series of reader posts like I did with my last book.

The difference this time is that I will be doing a series of Q&A posts. If you have a question you’d like me to answer about anything in ‘Financially Chic’ or ‘Financially Chic Vol 2’, or a money question in general, I will do my best to assist!

 

 

The vibe will be money mindset, how to reframe a situation, how to make the best of things etc, rather than actual advice about where to invest. As you know I am not a finance professional 😊

But I do like to figure out savvy ways to make the most of my money, finding ways in which to live an elevated lifestyle without spending a lot.

If there is something you are curious about, or would like some input on, ask away. Or maybe there is something in the book you want me to expand upon or explain further. You can leave a comment, or email me fiona at howtobechic dot com.

I hope I get at least one question, haha. Imagine if no-one played along. That would be funny! And not embarrassing at all 😮😂

~~

 The occasional happy hour is part of my 'rich lady lifestyle' 😊

 

Here I have Prosecco, grapes, olives and double cream brie.

I talk more about creating your rich lady lifestyle (on your current budget, that’s the fun part!) in 'Financially Chic Vol. 2'.

If you haven't read it yet, you're in for a treat, whether you want to improve your relationship with money or consider yourself great with money.

You can read it on Kindle and in paperback, with the audiobook coming soon!

And please let me know, what belongs in your rich lady lifestyle?

 

~~

 

I hope you've got a lovely weekend planned like I do. I have ladies afternoon coffee tomorrow, and a cozy night at home with my darling tonight. We’ve been watching ‘The Perfect Couple’ on Netflix and it’s so enjoyable. We are only two episodes in, please don’t tell me who the murderer is!

I also just finished a wonderful audiobook (below) – it’s been made into a Hallmark movie so you can guarantee no one is going to be murdered (although I do love a cozy mystery too). It’s called ‘Pumpkin Everything’ and I would heartily recommend it! (Here on Amazon.)

 

 

Even though it’s spring here, I’ll happily read an autumn-themed book for all the cozy feels! (And I couldn't love the cover more).

Wishing you a fab weekend, and I’ll see you next week!

xx Fiona

 

 

 

 

PS. The summit I am a part of starts on Monday! You can sign up here and you will be notified when I am on. It's completely free of charge. I will be joined by twenty other experts talking about how to emerge stronger after heartbreak or divorce. My interview focuses on the topic of self-care 😊

I'm so excited to share my interview with you! Raissa was a wonderful host, so poised and professional.

Join me for an inspiring interview next week

 

Dear chic friends,

I'm so excited to share that I will be participating in ‘The 21 Ways to Emerge Stronger Summit’ next week!

I will be interviewed by the lovely Raissa where we discuss how to achieve success and breakthroughs after a divorce or a heartbreak. This is a topic I am passionate about having found myself unexpectedly divorced from my first husband at age 29.

This FREE event brings together 21 incredible women (myself included!) sharing our stories and strategies for on how to move forward and thrive after major life transitions.

It’s completely online, so you can join us from anywhere in the world.

I hope you’ll join Raissa and me for what promises to be a jam-packed conversation!

The summit runs from Monday, October 7th to Thursday, October 17th. Book your free spot here.

 

~~

 

 

Shoutout to my homemade coaster!

 

My sister was lucky enough to travel to NYC recently, and brought me back a pack of Ralph's cold brew coffee! Such a nice treat, and fun to taste something from so far away.

I made an iced coffee with homemade cold foam. The cold foam was so so, I'd probably just use pouring cream next time.

I'm still a novice when it comes to making iced coffees at home, but I'm willing to practice and learn! I have a whole summer coming up in which to do so :)

Creating a nice coffee experience for myself at home (usually without tres pricey flown-in Ralph Lauren coffee!!) is one of the ways in which I live my 'rich lady lifestyle'.

What comes to mind when you think of a rich lady lifestyle?

For me it's time to do what I want, pampering myself, exercising for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment of it, dressing up in my nice clothes, doing my nails, blow-drying my hair, reading a book, going out for lunch, browsing the shops, getting together for afternoon tea.

My twist is that my rich lady is savvy with her money. She creates a fabulous and ‘rich’ lifestyle without spending a lot at all.

My latest book ‘Financially Chic Vol 2' came out on Monday, and you will see that this concept features in it :)

If you would like to create your own rich lady lifestyle, go and get a copy today, on Kindle and in paperback (with the audiobook coming soon), here on my Amazon affiliate link.

Wishing you a fab weekend! It’s a rainy, chilly Friday afternoon here and I’m snuggled up at home, typing away, dreaming up my next book! I hope you are enjoying Financially Chic Vol 2 if you are reading it 😊

xx Fiona

:: NEW book out now ::

 

Hello friends,

I'm excited to announce the release of my newest book!

'Financially Chic Vol 2' is all about being savvy with your money in these high-inflation times, cultivating your rich lady lifestyle, how to live fabulously for less.

As with all my books, it is an infusion of practical tips combined with an inspired mindset. It’s a winning combination in my experience!

When you read this book you will find that I encourage you to live beyond your means, but not in the way it sounds 😊

You might feel stuck and a little afraid right now. Why not choose to become empowered and strong instead? Let these tough times be the making of you, not the ruin! I promise it is possible!

You may not have considered to do things differently or switch things up. You might be busy and tired and stressed; in this book you will find easy, quick ways to make changes – little hinges that swing big doors!

Even if you consider yourself good with money and have no problems, there are always ways to improve. Why not look for ‘free money’ and ways in which to find more enjoyment and fun in your everyday life?

In this book you will learn:

✅ How to live well in the current economic climate.

✅ Inspiration and practical ideas to cut costs and spend less, but enjoy life just as much if not more.

✅ New ways to enhance your financial creativity.

✅ Tips to save money and get out of debt.

The day you read this book will be the day things start to change, for the better.

If you like to be gently inspired and motivated, with fun and easy ways to change things up, join me on this fun ride. Create your wealthy, prosperous future, starting now, and find creative ways to live better while spending less.

You can visit Amazon to order on Kindle or in paperback. Audiobook coming soon (as in some time next month soon :)!

Thank you so much for your continued support, and for reading my books!

xx Fiona

 

BUY THE NEW BOOK HERE

 

 
(My Amazon links are affiliate, but the price is no different for you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links!)

Family photo time, gracious living, and a new book soon!

 

Hello chic friends!

 

It's family photo time 🥰

Chloe dog loves jumping up into my arms, and this is where she ends up. She runs up my legs and if I'm not ready she can shoot straight up through my arms!

Probably dog trainers would have a bit to say about this, but Chloe has totally trained me. Isn't that the way around it's meant to go?

Micky dog can't jump up, he is an earth-bound boy, but he wanted to get in on the fun too.

Do you your pets have you trained? What kinds of funny things do they have you do?

Our doggies get fed at 8am and 4pm, and about half an hour before, the whining starts. It's always Micky, and the noise is like someone letting air out of a balloon slowly. It's like a squeak, and gets louder and louder until breakfast or dinner is served 🤣

Let me know how you are controlled by your pets too!

~~

 

 

 :: Gracious Living ::

Each morning when I get up, the first thing I do is turn soft instrumental music on and light a candle. These two simple actions give a soft start to my day and inspire my writing. The little touches are so important to me and how I live at home.

This particular candle is by Australian company Glasshouse Candles and is called ‘Forever Florence’ with a wild peonies and lily fragrance. It’s a pretty scent and very delicate; quite soapy which I love.

I will keep this jar after the candle has finished, as it will look lovely with a tealight in it illuminating the pink opaque glass.

(And I always use the last unburnable part of the candle as a wax melt – let the candle cool right down and put the whole jar in the freezer for a few hours. Freezing shrinks the wax and the little disc will pop out. Et voila, a free wax melt which will smell beautiful as you diffuse it!

Do you do this too? Or is it just me?)

~~

 

 

 

This is a little path that goes up through the bush by our house. Sometimes I go for a walk over it and down the other side. The dogs follow me wondering where we're going 😂

Today I'm excited to say my next book is complete, and it will be coming out within a few days! Of course I will let you know when it's available ❤️

I've been tap tap tapping away in my office. Such fun.
 

Wishing you a lovely weekend 😊

xx Fiona

PS. My latest book '100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life' is still available on Kindle Unlimited, for another week or so. You can see it here on Kindle, in paperback, and on Audible.

 

 

 

 (My Amazon links are affiliate but the price doesn’t change for you, thank you if you choose to use my links!)choose to use my links!)

A new eatery, baking, and living with the seasons

 

 

Hello chic friends!

 

We found a great new bar/eatery in Napier, the town I live near, and have been twice so far since it was so good.

 

 

Gorgeous fitout, very glam. Nice staff, yummy food and who can resist a glass of local bubbles. The glasses are actually really nice too.

 

 

I'm happy that businesses are investing in Hawke's Bay and doing well also.

 

 

Cheers to a warm, sunny day too!

Have you been out anywhere good lately?

 

 

~~

 

My friend Tanya came around for lunch last week, so as usual I took the opportunity to bake something. I made Tan Square, from this recipe here.

 

Yum!

 

 

As I was leaving a review of my recipe on their site, I discovered I had used double the amount of condensed milk. And it turned out perfectly! I only realised this when other reviews said the caramel wasn’t quite plentiful enough and they would use the whole can of condensed milk next time.

What a lucky mistake!

I would make it the same way next time, but would probably cut the sugar in the base from 1/2C to ¼C. I usually halve the sugar in any baking recipe but since this only used ½C I didn’t. Next time I will! I used gluten free flour too, like I always do.

I made it the day before, which worked out well, because it was very soft and pudding-y that night (yes we had to taste test it :), but leaving it overnight in the fridge allowed me slice it into lovely neat pieces.

My husband Paul said ‘Do not make that again, it’s TOO nice’ and I agree! It’s not something I’d make every week, but it was a nice treat which I will make for entertaining occasions.

Oh, and I also used dark chocolate sharded with a sharp knife instead of chocolate chips. I like to use what I have, and I think proper chocolate is nicer anyway (Whittaker’s all the way! If you have tasted it, you will know.)

Plus, I used honey instead of golden syrup. Also using what I have. I wonder if there was anything left of the original recipe now that I think about it!

 

~~

 

🍇🍇🍇 Winter vines in our street 🍇🍇🍇

 

It's so cool to see the changes of season as we drive or walk past these grapevines. Here they are all pruned back and have been hunkering down, bare, over the winter.

And just in the past week or two there are little green shoots popping out (it's called 'bud burst'). Of course in the next month or two over spring there will be an explosion of green.

There is something relaxing and magical about the changing of the seasons. We can forget that human beings are part of nature too - I do. Springtime really does feel like a time of 'waking up'.

In the northern hemisphere you will be looking forward to slowing down and snuggling into autumn and winter :)

I love thinking about the changing seasons. Do you? What fun things do you have planned for your spring or autumn?

Mine are to write another book after the one I've just finished (which will be out soon!), keep my office admin in check (it feels SO nice to have everything completed and filed or binned), and enjoy fresh fruits of the season.

 

Let me know yours, and if you've found anywhere new to visit lately.

 

xx Fiona

 

 

PS. If you need something inspiring to read over the weekend, my latest book '100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life' is still available on Kindle Unlimited, for only for another week or so. You can see it here on Kindle, in paperback, and on Audible.

 

(My Amazon links are affiliate but the price doesn’t change for you, thank you if you choose to use my links!)choose to use my links!)

How to be calm, AND get things done

 

 

Hello chic friends!

 

I had a great question from reader Rozen in Melbourne:

“Fiona I am probably too soft and calm and taking it too easy. Do you have a suggestion for me to get going, doing a bit more and not dawdling and wasting my days.”

I can so relate to this! Yes, I adore living a ‘soft, calm life’ as in the title of my latest book, but I also like to get things done. As much as I’d love to lounge around reading a novel all day, it just wouldn’t feel good because I haven’t achieved anything.

I truly believe life is a balance of rest, play and work. And we can gently motivate ourselves if that’s what it takes. Here are my best tips on taking it easy and still getting things done!

1. Set up your environment for success by not having a lot of clutter around. Clean out what’s not important to you so that there is less to organise and clean, and you only have your favourite things surrounding you (Currently I am working on decluttering by using things up in my kitchen and bathroom, and reading books and magazines then donating).

2. Work out your priorities so you don’t waste time on ‘dumb stuff’ (For me it’s spending too much time at the computer browsing rubbish, then I tell myself I don’t have time to sit down and read a book).

3. Adopt healthy habits so you have more energy to get things done (I always feel better with less sugar and processed foods. I sleep better and have more oomph the next day).

4. Give yourself a pep talk each morning (I like to write in my journal with a steaming hot tea first thing. It might be an inspiring list, a letter from my future self, or a ‘Wouldn’t it be nice’ goals list).

5. Make a really short to-do list with three things or less on it. Not laundry or groceries, but rather a few vital tasks (Whenever I find myself drifting during the day I go back to that list and just Get The Things Done).

These tips aren't meant to be bossy, they are just what personally work for me. I hope you find something of use in this list, and please let me know which one is your favourite!

 

 

 

 ~~

 

 

:: Springtime in Hawke's Bay ::

Look at that sky! And the white blossom on my walk the other day 😊

One of the days this week was cold and grey though, so I am set myself a mini-goal to get all my tax information together to give to my accountant - within the day! It was cozy in my office, the perfect day to do such a thing.

 

I didn't get it 100% done, but I did most of it and now I'm excited to tidy up the last few things and send it all to my accountant. Often it's starting that is the hardest part, don't you find?

So, what's one big thing that's been hanging over you and can you dedicate a day to sorting it out?
 

~~

 

 

 

 

This week I’ve been recording the audiobook version of my book ‘A Chic and Simple Christmas’. So today I thought I’d share an excerpt from it. I know it’s too early to think about Christmas, but it’s not too early to consider how you might like to do things differently this Christmas. Zing it up, or simplify, your choice!

 

 

The excerpt I am sharing is from Chapter 1. ‘Choose what a chic Christmas season feels like for you’:

 

 

:: Christmas style versus your personal style ::

“Personally, I love the thought of Christmas and a beautifully decorated house, however in my own home I become claustrophobic with too much stuff around me. I love an elegant and simple decor style and I also like to make things easy for myself (spending days decorating our home only to take it all down a month later does not sound like fun to me).

I had a fun thought on how best to describe my approach to holiday decorating (and to put it in the best light, not just ‘Fiona’s lazy’).

You know how in Paris; most people live very centrally in apartments? Sure, they might have a window-box or two or even a small terrace with potted red-orange geraniums, but Paris is famous for her residents enjoying public parks almost as their own back yard as they read, lie in the sun, play and kiss; enjoying their own company in the company of others.

Well that’s how I feel about Christmas decorating. I love to read the glossy magazines with heavily decorated homes. I love to watch holiday movies with the perfect family home decked out entirely in a store’s-worth of beautiful and perfect Christmas décor. I love to visit neighbourhoods that are famous for their homes being decorated and all lit up on the outside. I love the feeling that all these things give me.

And I love going home to my own chic and simple lightly-decorated house.”

 

 

Maybe this is you as well? Let me know how you like to decorate for the holidays 😊

And happy weekend to you too!

xx Fiona

PS. You can find all my books on Amazon here, in Kindle, paperback and audiobook. Or visit my Linktree for other options.

 

 

 

 

(My Amazon links are affiliate but the price doesn’t change for you, thank you if you choose to use my links!)

Sunny dog walks, a French beach, and my recording studio!

 

 

Hello from a sunny doggie walk!

 

 

Once we got over the little bridge there was a big off-leash area. Fluffy white Micky dog loved running around while Daphne and Chloe are more nervous and stick close to mum.

Daphne and Chloe being brave

 

 

Public parks are such a blessing. How lucky are we to be able to choose different areas to visit without even having to mow the lawns or weed the garden ourselves?

Micky loving life

Daphne sticking close to mum, and Chloe is just behind me

Like most doggies, these guys LOVE going in the car :)

 ~~

 

Today’s photos are the last in my series where I invited readers to send in their take on what a soft, calm life means to them.

 

 

 

These calm, moody images are from Belinda, who lives in rural France, but was holidaying in Biarritz in the southwest of France. Because of the cloudy day she said it was lovely and quiet as she sat on the beach, having a rare treat – a yoghurt ice-cream. “Even in busy Biarritz in France I can find places of calm.”

 

Thank you Belinda, for your dreamy photos! It looks so peaceful and… French 😊

 

Today’s accompanying excerpt from ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’ is a petite paragraph from the bonus chapter ‘50 Ways to Romanticize Your Everyday’ and it’s tip no. 28:

:: Take a paper book out with you ::

“I love Pinterest images where a lady is reading her book at a café, in the park or at the beach. It’s just not quite the same with a phone or Kindle, if only for the aesthetics! Keep a book with you so that you too can sit for a moment and read a few pages. Why not recreate that Pinterest vibe for yourself?”

I always feel too self-conscious to read or journal in public, unless I am waiting for someone. Somehow that makes it okay! Perhaps I need to get over myself and do what I want to do?

Do you read (or journal) in public? Do you feel self-conscious as well??? My mum always said people were too busy thinking of themselves to worry about what I was doing. Maybe that’s true 😂

 

~~

 

And finally this week, here I am in my little 'recording studio' at home, working through my audiobooks!

 

 

When I first started recording them, I looked into hiring an actual recording studio locally. But I can only record for short periods of time, 30-60 minutes each day, so I didn't really think it would work out practically.

So I set up one of our guest rooms as my recording studio at home.

I put a blanket over the mirrored drawers and have pillows piled up behind me. The more soft surfaces the better! I sometimes close the curtains too, although it's nice to have the sunshine and natural light.

I shut the door and put a draft snake along the bottom, otherwise I can hear Daphne snuffling under the door looking for me 😂

I do have to stop and re-record if there is an outbreak of barking while a car drives past or a bird flies within their eyesight... three dogs makes a lot of racket! And one always sets the others off - usually Chloe, the smallest and most antagonistic in her own cute way 🤣

I've been really enjoying getting reacquainted with my books. Apart from when I write them, I don't really read them again, because after the many read-throughs for proofreading and editing, I really am thoroughly sick of each title as I release it!

In spite of those many many readings I still find the occasional typo as I read the audiobooks, so I tidy those up as I go😊

I hope you’ve been enjoying listening to my narration if you’re an audiobook person. You can find them on Spotify and Audible, and anywhere else you get your audiobooks from, including your library where you can ask to have them ordered in!

Happy weekend to you 🌸🌸🌸

xx Fiona

PS. You can find ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’ here on Amazon and all my others through my fancy Linktree page below.

 

 (My Amazon links are affiliate but the price doesn’t change for you, thank you if you choose to use my links!)