tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41305374990748599342024-03-19T08:58:22.611+13:00How to be ChicFiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.comBlogger791125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-55828984097367790662024-03-16T13:49:00.001+13:002024-03-16T13:49:05.049+13:00Audiobook out now, and our weekend away!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/100-Ways-to-Be-That-Girl-Audiobook/B0CXYY6W7S" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvGQBs7Lc20LAogXQG6yC9JbaXaiVpAllJ_jGXcpKkYoCRiVVTGCmkuuZIBLqwDvRenjg7uypX5fldLIZZLVyhsDrdMlsUhAOt0FDJpqk5mbzvDSJNoyAyfx1pjb9bDi0wxksgW7OAJp08CnnngbaVr2kR5fd0y-bK2lYfJI5kEC1-ojlGTwcvUnnqblv/w400-h400/Payhip%20audiobook%20image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have exciting news - for me anyway :) and hopefully for you too! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">She's finally here - my first audiobook, and I chose to begin with '100 Ways to be That Girl'.<br /><br />You can <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/100-Ways-to-Be-That-Girl-Audiobook/B0CXYY6W7S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">find her on Audible</a> as well as at most other audiobook retailers.<br /><br />You can even ask your local library to order in the audiobook. How cool is that?<br /><br />I hope you enjoy it, and also the narrator I chose. I ‘interviewed’ quite a few, and I loved how this lady sounds, and how she suits my books.<br /><br />Before I proceed with the rest of my books into audiobook format, I’d love to get a little feedback on my narrator, so please let know directly, or via a review on Audible.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have requested my titles as audiobooks, we’re now on our way!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, in local travel news haha, Paul and I went away to Tauranga last week for a couple of nights, and had such a fab time. It was warm and sunny, and there was a real buzz around.<br /><br />I've shared a few photos from our trip :)<br /><br />Wishing you a wonderful weekend!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP646kdHrXlijPeXuwS56Wng937Yq0zIry_ANy2k4d_UiYaUSVJB8MPEbKL8dH5B59JTyS-vFI5BV3XlflptWLUiyUFqE4yYP5PB0ZelOjY2vTOL-o-tddSKsBgR6CS6FVWDj8Yr9YOrnkjN7KPVpaKIOjfz1nd5-4CpsJMpMCYjtSKDD4i43h63cp2ZcS/s2048/IMG_4019.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP646kdHrXlijPeXuwS56Wng937Yq0zIry_ANy2k4d_UiYaUSVJB8MPEbKL8dH5B59JTyS-vFI5BV3XlflptWLUiyUFqE4yYP5PB0ZelOjY2vTOL-o-tddSKsBgR6CS6FVWDj8Yr9YOrnkjN7KPVpaKIOjfz1nd5-4CpsJMpMCYjtSKDD4i43h63cp2ZcS/w480-h640/IMG_4019.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP7CnW_Uj0IzMZWvcxYwO68O_l3yDIuZ3j1Lwff05-KP1RfwrRBIjpObCQiqXN8MrlYbKuELYS13P33t25P0XXsIrO2x1wJ8uzUusGSH8n9BQVbHCeOvh0tu915_P4RijVjL0ap3JRg79gzPj2kJThsml-Q8BYj81JBOM0hlh9KETpcg6diBHX2ALKEH2/s4032/IMG_2984.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP7CnW_Uj0IzMZWvcxYwO68O_l3yDIuZ3j1Lwff05-KP1RfwrRBIjpObCQiqXN8MrlYbKuELYS13P33t25P0XXsIrO2x1wJ8uzUusGSH8n9BQVbHCeOvh0tu915_P4RijVjL0ap3JRg79gzPj2kJThsml-Q8BYj81JBOM0hlh9KETpcg6diBHX2ALKEH2/w480-h640/IMG_2984.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend Paul and I were invited to the Alpha Domus vineyard harvest lunch here in sunny Hawke's Bay and it was such a fabulous day.<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9ND8h70EG5I-aV66l0zxHjz-wvjbobF56kagp8ps9Vx40OimcrsX6vK8AdBzgoEsAo6HVE0wYV-fqMR3mAqDuAUp9SIFK9YGEX09jAcELuAQOvUmEvYudk67FYYpmOKUAndjdbx535Sbc3hMmZE-Goo4Gyvj2NYUC694vx1mzc-coLwiGjHUE9tdGoUS/s4032/IMG_2981.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9ND8h70EG5I-aV66l0zxHjz-wvjbobF56kagp8ps9Vx40OimcrsX6vK8AdBzgoEsAo6HVE0wYV-fqMR3mAqDuAUp9SIFK9YGEX09jAcELuAQOvUmEvYudk67FYYpmOKUAndjdbx535Sbc3hMmZE-Goo4Gyvj2NYUC694vx1mzc-coLwiGjHUE9tdGoUS/w480-h640/IMG_2981.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chardonnay grapes. They were so sweet!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">There were about thirty of us there, and
we picked Chardonnay grapes in the morning. After that we had a
beautiful lunch outside under market umbrellas at big long tables.<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYXD2pqKLMwmJbT9g3hYjVISaEP20D2_aV8iY31RgcMlyVz00mY3OCDhdz5BCJw7xpw1slW06dtThzcoZ5flcUoFIPw10WXPlv5g9sBtodcIsUijo9iHwE7bS0P9zV6J3KVx9O4J_z_5ryqG7kWtJoFvxuEfk1jslG9keoKihoxJDZhUHHoOTTtMFPD8y/s4032/IMG_2978.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYXD2pqKLMwmJbT9g3hYjVISaEP20D2_aV8iY31RgcMlyVz00mY3OCDhdz5BCJw7xpw1slW06dtThzcoZ5flcUoFIPw10WXPlv5g9sBtodcIsUijo9iHwE7bS0P9zV6J3KVx9O4J_z_5ryqG7kWtJoFvxuEfk1jslG9keoKihoxJDZhUHHoOTTtMFPD8y/w480-h640/IMG_2978.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did do proper work, promise! Almost four hours of picking!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We
also got to tour the winery and taste the juice from the grapes we
picked. It was such a fun glimpse into the workings of a winery. I'm
sure it's not romance and moonlight all the time; I know it's a lot of
hard work but we sure had a good time that day!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJPNSAK7J8FEuGGo2OgM5YgbLELfYLFJUmLxQ9EdgVBZXrhdH0Vu4zs2ADepNw5fj-Wcug90fOAXdpJxk500JyPtpQM-4Uq6betziEwluwJj3xfWgJEVt_8c5UxMxftuHmCFp-cAHW9911AT3JUV3bkXpB_5pZtwLrHoYfvetYWsA0YS4SIfeVRZacZmT/s4032/IMG_2986.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJPNSAK7J8FEuGGo2OgM5YgbLELfYLFJUmLxQ9EdgVBZXrhdH0Vu4zs2ADepNw5fj-Wcug90fOAXdpJxk500JyPtpQM-4Uq6betziEwluwJj3xfWgJEVt_8c5UxMxftuHmCFp-cAHW9911AT3JUV3bkXpB_5pZtwLrHoYfvetYWsA0YS4SIfeVRZacZmT/w480-h640/IMG_2986.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our hosts were
generous, kind and friendly, as always. Thank you! (We are part of their
Merlin wine club so that's how we received our invite.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRordUgB_ZUDzFU5Ar5k-C-KON9JIWrtDar1Q9xCGfNR6ujv1fX2f0v6Mz7hW1lU9WT43oqBDif7cp0do3bABwQAL9Na3yesU9KbasnZtr3gBqjG0r4ynjWpf4-FBNhqouf1HCQgsAS_mvwh07dDDCdcUHDcVnVp1daSUlvpoD2onsSUANuHL2oz8rhpb/s4032/IMG_2476.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRordUgB_ZUDzFU5Ar5k-C-KON9JIWrtDar1Q9xCGfNR6ujv1fX2f0v6Mz7hW1lU9WT43oqBDif7cp0do3bABwQAL9Na3yesU9KbasnZtr3gBqjG0r4ynjWpf4-FBNhqouf1HCQgsAS_mvwh07dDDCdcUHDcVnVp1daSUlvpoD2onsSUANuHL2oz8rhpb/w480-h640/IMG_2476.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is our agapanthus 'hedge' when it was looking all summery. Now that we are heading into autumn the flowers are gone and it's a simple green line again.<br /><br />Mother Nature moves us along whether we are ready to go or not.<br /><br />Can you see Daphne photobombing from our patio area? 😂 She is never far from me, little sweetheart.<br /><br />I love watching big city vlogs, and it always amuses me that we are heading into autumn while most of the world (let's face it, the southern hemisphere doesn't have many people in it) is looking forward to spring.<br /><br />I'm excited for a change of season, cozy days, lighting the woodburner, different clothes, and writing or pottering inside guilt-free (dad always told us to get fresh air and play outside when it was sunny).<br /><br />I hope you are enjoying the last of the summer/winter and looking forward to autumn/spring where you are!<br /><br />In fact, just for fun, please share with me where you're reading this from, and what you are most looking forward to in the incoming season. As with my vlog-watching, it always tickles my fancy that we can connect with each other from all over the world, in real time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Whether you want to be chic in the summer or chic in the winter, please <a href="https://amzn.to/49ZT7pQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out my books here on Amazon</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49ZT7pQ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_-20NyKY41vpA2_DBvqql0ZseD2pFJN7bTcjVtjBsRY2DdZ-y1_JZeZQpJooYndo62mI6QcQvpbTgcpbhiJhuzV4Z927ISmIMIebieyO6HnX7P6W0qrS52O7C_H8DD_-cEnDEtW58J0QBOFtpHxEDoMymUsgkBMBb2oZoF-HRnpVrG5VD8GV1YSfU5xd/w400-h400/119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">By being intentional at the beginning of the season about how you want
to show up, what personal style you’d love to portray, how you would
dine in your idealistic chic life and what kinds of experiences you want
to have, you can really wring all the juice out of the season! Doing
this slows time down and lets you really enjoy every day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49ZT7pQ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTTPOLIIDMKG2ds2nbVHkGNMCym1VQtWF52_jpRHDBG2QSsliB5vDHQZHyuGnpuwhYqEiWgD97_0DlvwcuoIo3yLBcRIs9jH3eHyslFaLWwgGx2NXCq3kHcxkUoULt0nL0u1C-WRYFAbN0CJpLdqco2CUsoJUT8amjIx6KbryjoEx3l6XXq5Mj3IaV-nU/w400-h400/40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>You can also <a href="https://payhip.com/fionaferris" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">download the eBooks from my eStore</a> too, for an Amazon alternative.<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpYsumLWGGUoppByKdgNVdL6hHBWX3GSD_ns-LXNsxZvm5D_E6syq2LNt_xfrjU7439BFQVqnTzXEaUHFfS6ToRHJsOA6Arv0La6FOO4SVNugFRpCUrmuzdAjbwlKIC_1GzrCiB_I_p4U20tOzp9foTaKelcRaEZ7qsYdAgIFSk86Jn-SxpzjlkZVmZrp/s508/Screenshot%202024-03-02%20at%2007-32-31%20Orders%20Kindle%20Direct%20Publishing.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="508" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpYsumLWGGUoppByKdgNVdL6hHBWX3GSD_ns-LXNsxZvm5D_E6syq2LNt_xfrjU7439BFQVqnTzXEaUHFfS6ToRHJsOA6Arv0La6FOO4SVNugFRpCUrmuzdAjbwlKIC_1GzrCiB_I_p4U20tOzp9foTaKelcRaEZ7qsYdAgIFSk86Jn-SxpzjlkZVmZrp/w400-h400/Screenshot%202024-03-02%20at%2007-32-31%20Orders%20Kindle%20Direct%20Publishing.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm celebrating - as you can see in the screenshot above, more than 100,000 copies of my books have now been ordered, and it's all thanks to you, my lovely readers. I couldn't love what I do more, and I'm so appreciative that you read what I write!<br /><br />I started self-publishing in 2015 and my journey started several years before that when I began writing on my first blog. You just never know what can happen when you give something a go.<br /><br />If you have always wanted to write a book, I'd love you to sign up for my ten-part email series with tips and prompts on starting your writer's journey.<br /><br />It's completely FREE and I've had great feedback from the people who have gone through it.<br /><br />All it takes is a little time, and for you to put your doubts aside. Self-doubt will always be there, but you can choose not to listen. And, over time that voice will become quieter - thank goodness!<br /><br />So if you've had even an inkling that you'd love to write a book, <a href="http://eepurl.com/c0kN39" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go to this link</a> and join me (there is no cost and no obligation - yay!)<br /><br />As you might already know, everything I do has to be fun, enjoyable, and softly driven, and this email series is no different.<br /><br />And, please join me in celebrating 100,000 copies - I am raising my cup of tea as we speak! Champagne is not really appropriate at 7.45am (I know, I’m such a wet blanket 🤣) It might be later in the day where you are!<br /><br />Lots of love and huge thanks,<br />Fiona<br /><br />PS. I also have a book called 'The Chic Author' available for instant download on Kindle, and a paperback version too. Same topic, different information. <a href="https://amzn.to/3P5qv6C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It's here on Amazon</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3P5qv6C" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32RuBqfzDkY82zY13pOJl-dwm3PCSP4m_siw2anwdslzjrL0PBn3eu9jp1fn1LvopV_eblI86TFZj9t2vas7BQmj0KiXUrS84C2M5_baqmbt7XrMrNlRkQ41XCjzFtcKPU6XQUNF7_n9tdSagNALs8fmOfGbIUr9gL6tkkdAhWqB9shyphenhyphenNzIWg5rT7SRKp/w400-h400/88.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And for an Amazon alternative, <a href="https://payhip.com/b/AbPt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the eBook is in my eStore</a> here, also available for instant download.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small
commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I’m
grateful if you use my links!)</i> <br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-76801065043174530782024-03-01T16:48:00.002+13:002024-03-01T16:48:19.471+13:00My newest interview, and teddy bear handcrafts<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ4mYBzRZMWn0b5xOi33pg6cdRZikD7rK5kwGxX3EZgo8RRShkIewrz1Pf60Dz7zWQi543GM2mmxyHhzedp_zjbqYo9jPjCPXpKHXn00zZyiyA7klR81PvtrIGqsUezwh7q67nn3Lrz4M5ceTrkrYND0zHs_-4Kj2HTnqbDGg4Czk9A4O7ecNp63Z9J_e/s871/Screenshot%202024-02-25%20at%2009-37-27%20Daniela%20Acitelli%20Narrator_Host%20of%20Cup%20of%20Joe%20(@danielaacitelli)%20%E2%80%A2%20Instagram%20photos%20and%20videos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="871" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQ4mYBzRZMWn0b5xOi33pg6cdRZikD7rK5kwGxX3EZgo8RRShkIewrz1Pf60Dz7zWQi543GM2mmxyHhzedp_zjbqYo9jPjCPXpKHXn00zZyiyA7klR81PvtrIGqsUezwh7q67nn3Lrz4M5ceTrkrYND0zHs_-4Kj2HTnqbDGg4Czk9A4O7ecNp63Z9J_e/w400-h400/Screenshot%202024-02-25%20at%2009-37-27%20Daniela%20Acitelli%20Narrator_Host%20of%20Cup%20of%20Joe%20(@danielaacitelli)%20%E2%80%A2%20Instagram%20photos%20and%20videos.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Hello chic friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm thrilled to share my latest interview with you, <a href="https://youtu.be/nghAMS2yGd4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">available now on YouTube</a> or you can watch it below :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nghAMS2yGd4" width="320" youtube-src-id="nghAMS2yGd4"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The delightful Daniela Acitelli interviewed me and we had such a fun hour chatting.<br /><br />I had a fabulous time with her – she is a great interviewer. I hope you enjoy it too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlsyDfQkbywPKfhGUtoVFL8ruaDv2qVrs3tsIhBolNMEZhsMB6y-tJdi2wBam1WRvbrkKyX1dMu-fIJ4dAzCbHSYIwohlzfRPX6554OXKcOycOltU8ca_0Ix9_oR6a2FCoOh6JPudbuEbfspS2QzJVYOuHjCsi9E-ct1zp25RfMrGQwz4kKO6gZabmX2U/s3024/IMG_2868.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlsyDfQkbywPKfhGUtoVFL8ruaDv2qVrs3tsIhBolNMEZhsMB6y-tJdi2wBam1WRvbrkKyX1dMu-fIJ4dAzCbHSYIwohlzfRPX6554OXKcOycOltU8ca_0Ix9_oR6a2FCoOh6JPudbuEbfspS2QzJVYOuHjCsi9E-ct1zp25RfMrGQwz4kKO6gZabmX2U/w400-h400/IMG_2868.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a bright moon last Saturday night, with ribbon-like clouds adding to the beauty.<br /><br />Plus, fairy lights in the trees of course. I love restocking at Christmas and enjoying them all year round.<br /><br />Such a magical evening view it was!<br /><br />I like nothing better than a Saturday night at home, just the two of us with a lovely dinner and wine to go with it.<br /><br />And jazz on the stereo too. Bliss ❤️</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love doing little handcrafty projects but don't often have the opportunity.<br /><br />My Aunty's childhood bear Edward (who is more than seventy years old) needed teddy bear surgery after their miniature dachshund puppy savaged Edward's face...<br /><br />It was such a fun project, and even though he looks different than he did, he now has a sweet face again.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb3moFp0hwJNjF-zFXn3vKhDqZOysc2rkWzOxAE7PactNX_X_WsTdG1NWMrOAu89gJ56dhYkVvDJ8WCTkHP-EwKAa7CmXBBgYbaY3Yw8Kgsbh5nWvM_5GQp6qfwDLGTqSH3wp0biDCMdXXRVe7RuG9D2WGm4zRqOTm_LjxU6cqePYZlJMshrGqxIVxTqT/s4032/IMG_2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb3moFp0hwJNjF-zFXn3vKhDqZOysc2rkWzOxAE7PactNX_X_WsTdG1NWMrOAu89gJ56dhYkVvDJ8WCTkHP-EwKAa7CmXBBgYbaY3Yw8Kgsbh5nWvM_5GQp6qfwDLGTqSH3wp0biDCMdXXRVe7RuG9D2WGm4zRqOTm_LjxU6cqePYZlJMshrGqxIVxTqT/w480-h640/IMG_2860.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>You can see through the photos how he progressed from all his stuffing hanging out, to a stitched up face, to a new facelift.<br /><br />I googled 'how to stitch a teddy bear nose, and other equally cute phrases. He also needed an ear and one paw mended ❤️<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIApK6GP3nd8cAZ6ZCy4AH6tV1mrkVzmxo_Zs-x7e7BqC9ANAx4Q6sCDaFw5K1jYqQbWuLFvGH6yXTER-0tbv-5i1x8LMiqg4Juq9dCp5NgDlzXobh9ZVLBIY8F-7its2J3C6owbH9ssStjHznjsguN9oj0w-v3w_WZ_1LWyeiHGHBxi0imaTYqAk9VWm/s4032/IMG_2823.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIApK6GP3nd8cAZ6ZCy4AH6tV1mrkVzmxo_Zs-x7e7BqC9ANAx4Q6sCDaFw5K1jYqQbWuLFvGH6yXTER-0tbv-5i1x8LMiqg4Juq9dCp5NgDlzXobh9ZVLBIY8F-7its2J3C6owbH9ssStjHznjsguN9oj0w-v3w_WZ_1LWyeiHGHBxi0imaTYqAk9VWm/w480-h640/IMG_2823.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I like to use what I have so the fabric, and button eyes were in my small stash of bits and pieces.<br /><br />I
knitted his jersey back in the eighties from leftover yarn that I'd
made my own bat-wing 'house jersey' from. It's such fun to use what you
have.<br /><br />Handcrafts bring happy memories!</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgKaAUJmQuaCWGGTM7TVuVJC8m1yaytjurH1mXrchARiboD3K2GIaEluQaQXb8gJ6hQpJTw91eVBTLuwiwYMYlyE91t329OaBxnNSdSu3tzs6TOB2vdrRecaR5e0HRdoUsO0Nbrkf8SwMKnJQaQHo8eSmB0RpQGmh90AlILzyoKBPOoMZ3aEf_VEl9FRX/s4032/IMG_2820.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgKaAUJmQuaCWGGTM7TVuVJC8m1yaytjurH1mXrchARiboD3K2GIaEluQaQXb8gJ6hQpJTw91eVBTLuwiwYMYlyE91t329OaBxnNSdSu3tzs6TOB2vdrRecaR5e0HRdoUsO0Nbrkf8SwMKnJQaQHo8eSmB0RpQGmh90AlILzyoKBPOoMZ3aEf_VEl9FRX/w480-h640/IMG_2820.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br />(Edward is quite bare as my Aunty plucked him as a child 😂)<br /><br />And he is so old and fragile that you have to support his neck like a newborn 😭<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed Edward's story today!<br /><br />Do
you have an old toy? I have 'Susie Doll' from the early 1970s. And my
Daisy doll from a little later, maybe the early eighties.<br /><br />xx Fiona</p>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-52857231437539078482024-02-24T08:39:00.002+13:002024-02-24T08:42:31.737+13:00Creating your own personal style and being a chic success<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZooeGma8Q6djKSibg5kqtSIsmV4YwG1nqr90RKVTum9nS5GS2jMnfGhg1U1uDtGgV1WFQGZZzDYHI5Lk5XeiLk-zPrdn1hm5_jeV8zMKH8ZfV43EmUMEtIxzjN__gh5nr1mZ9taMHEmlhNYRKkFEQuftkrgebe5QxFIeC8TTXySKX4nXp6TpTTAhJTiO/s4032/IMG_2741.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZooeGma8Q6djKSibg5kqtSIsmV4YwG1nqr90RKVTum9nS5GS2jMnfGhg1U1uDtGgV1WFQGZZzDYHI5Lk5XeiLk-zPrdn1hm5_jeV8zMKH8ZfV43EmUMEtIxzjN__gh5nr1mZ9taMHEmlhNYRKkFEQuftkrgebe5QxFIeC8TTXySKX4nXp6TpTTAhJTiO/w480-h640/IMG_2741.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micky and me ❤️<br /> Ready to go out for lunch, except Micky stayed home 😊</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends!<br /><br />As you can see, I’m still loving my soft-bright shades paired with denim.<br /><br />Colour just makes me feel so happy!<br /><br />I think it’s important to go with what your heart chooses for you, regardless of trends.<br /><br />I love the monochromatic neutrals look, and black with cream in outfits on other people, but for everyday wear for myself I’m drawn to colour.<br /><br />It makes me feel feminine, pretty, and sparkly ✨✨<br /><br />Sometimes all it takes is one new piece in a colour, style or texture that rings your bell to inject a little freshness into your personal style and lead you in a new direction.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If you’d like a little inspiration to cultivate your best personal
style, go and read the free sample of my book ‘<a href="https://amzn.to/3OWO8hI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Chic Closet</a>: Inspired
ideas to develop your personal style, fall in love with your wardrobe,
and bring back the joy of dressing yourself’. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OWO8hI" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8ddlymlvNuIcoBVi9o0nYiEhzYPydpSLEtXcBp7WpX77xid07i2m7-ZPz-b4CFGCg46nQxFpr9jMQQucEwfZUDPLOtKP_v_Jc1yw8KeVBSqcIxONkCvZYAQZRt1ocUfY84GQIKovIf2tIUar8_1Kwl4dTYcVxcxV0rVZnPTP4eUOBS9mhyVSMXvrhjju/w400-h400/67.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It’s available in paperback and on Kindle <a href="https://amzn.to/3OWO8hI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a>.<br /><br />And the eBook is available <a href="https://payhip.com/b/GmsU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in my eStore here</a> for an Amazon alternative.<br /><br />For a book all about style, there are no pictures! I want you to create a dreamy vision for yourself rather than be distracted by images that might not be your thing. I promise it works! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUMtsdPdaTO2XQpc03z0NjUS4_iYvxb-XfG2qgiRj1vs7R7HnzveRE9hNOxKf-yktSs0NTU1A6EyGDqpE2ngcbfaqF6xUEU7xuMxUiUj-V3QI9rs6c2hb1SKe48aI0gHxwZuaEk7PYoCYfpur45mEUzcVARE2XbtkrY_eG_5uHnxAwAs_bKg1gtW1ri6C/s4032/IMG_2812.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUMtsdPdaTO2XQpc03z0NjUS4_iYvxb-XfG2qgiRj1vs7R7HnzveRE9hNOxKf-yktSs0NTU1A6EyGDqpE2ngcbfaqF6xUEU7xuMxUiUj-V3QI9rs6c2hb1SKe48aI0gHxwZuaEk7PYoCYfpur45mEUzcVARE2XbtkrY_eG_5uHnxAwAs_bKg1gtW1ri6C/w480-h640/IMG_2812.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">❤️ My sweet Nina cat ❤️</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nina has been a total superstar about wearing this cute little collar after I found a small injury in her 'armpit' that I think she must have done on a tree branch or something outside. At 13 1/2 she is still a very active outdoor girl!<br /><br />She had a vet appointment this week and is now feeling much better with antibiotics and painkillers from being all stitched up.<br /><br />She seems to have taken everything in her stride and was busy eating after we got home, and even let me give her her medicine.<br /><br />Then straight back to grooming, what she could reach anyway 😊<br /><br />She really lives up to her nickname of Kitten how she is so resilient and just gets on with things. Not much stands in her way of living a good cat life!<br /><br />So please keep Nina in your thoughts as she wears her collar and takes her medicine for the next week or so.<br /><br />I just think she looks so pretty in her lovely collar 🥰 My little tuxedo girl 🥰<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OQcOrV" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmSfB06uI5JxsyXnjiSvstHQodSt2ibd3FGL7n7xZC2gAITj33l_hKcbcLdCoNyAuOw3ZLrUOAFW9gBcWJugN2cJRMGdg7PWMB_rW9yhBxA9fXxjFBHWbdC1qo_ckrXYvOL0lKIqOahGaSWdEJa2jwvCDIrCuGeKwFlgkHw2oF6v_5QOF11v7P5vnzeXJ/w480-h640/IMG_2509.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And to finish, I have a reminder for you today: you don't need to hustle hard or exhaust yourself in order to feel like a 'chic success.<br /><br />Being a chic success is all about approaching life satisfaction from the feminine perspective, where you take into account enjoyment, softness, having fun, and doing the things you love.<br /><br />And being this way can be compatible with building financial and career success, in my opinion!<br /><br />For some of us, there is no other way to be. We just end up making ourselves miserable if we even try (I know, I have).<br /><br />If you are curious about a different - gentler - style of goal-setting and creating success in all areas of your life, treat yourself to a copy of '<a href="https://amzn.to/3OQcOrV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Ways to be a Chic Success and Create Your Dream Life</a>' on Kindle or in paperback.<br /><br />It's a petite easy-to-read book jam-packed with inspiration and ideas to help you become wealthier not just financially, but emotionally, socially, and happiness-wise too.<br /><br />According to my readers (via reviews on Amazon 😍 - thank you!):<br /><br />'I have read quite a few of her books and this one is my favorite so far. Her suggestions are so on point and proceed in a logical order. By the time I finished I was convinced that I could create my dream life.'<br /><br />'Like a best friend who cheers you on. I’ve read most of Fiona’s books. This one feels particularly special. Reading it is like having a lovely brunch with a good friend. The book is full of warmth and positivity and gave me a bunch of ideas about how to reimagine the way I live my day-to-day life.'<br /><br />'I love this book. Fiona is like my cheerleader. She gives me the hopes and desires to be a chic success.. I plan on reading this book again it is worth keeping. It is a valuable book in my library. Which I will take down from shelves many more times. Thank you, Fiona.'<br /><br />All reviews are welcomed and appreciated, so if you have taken the time to write a review or even just do the stars thing, thank you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you a fab weekend and that all your pets are safe and well!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OQcOrV" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu9U5R1tVv0WHibF7GdRshhCOqrSUO6Aq-29nLxIPo0uGy1ySZa2u52591_bmTSf36go7-uPQylE1kJho1rko8fUzlZYCYGhkhPq7zxsfE4yx5hKswEMpYKZG_Dk_ce2t7VlLWBwc4dj0lCXOJG27bMKuI0y7kyMUXB8DVvHmab4T7ikr2ZYVJxMszrd4/w400-h400/36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i>(My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I’m grateful if you use my links!)</i><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-11225491976253738602024-02-16T11:32:00.003+13:002024-02-16T11:33:57.945+13:00'Treat time' and, my first audiobook!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKNLRj0J83fTWeR4VZX2tU0qjvX_A6zYTbWDC2Nq5r-n2bDN2hHaqHW7z4bteRqIaWFaR5DrwC_ocZKOacdpWW7vSmALL2gIX_QJ1djE3YqGfW4KmfJegtEpC14vgTXS6IPwZ8SPN-GhmX1x_uiwBMVAzrTRRrZVn7ooOSgM8POKLsCw4jxa78_ETmxun/s4032/IMG_2618.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKNLRj0J83fTWeR4VZX2tU0qjvX_A6zYTbWDC2Nq5r-n2bDN2hHaqHW7z4bteRqIaWFaR5DrwC_ocZKOacdpWW7vSmALL2gIX_QJ1djE3YqGfW4KmfJegtEpC14vgTXS6IPwZ8SPN-GhmX1x_uiwBMVAzrTRRrZVn7ooOSgM8POKLsCw4jxa78_ETmxun/w480-h640/IMG_2618.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good morning! It's been a lovely bright week here and I have exciting news.<br /><br />Very soon my first audiobook is coming out! I am starting with '100 Ways to be That Girl' with more to come. It's been uploaded, it just takes a little time for it to filter through to all the different audiobook retailers such as Audible, Spotify and iTunes among others - 38 places in total including libraries! So keep an eye out for it but I'll definitely let you know when I spy it available. And, ask your online library to order the audiobook in for you!<br /><br />I've decided to go with a professional voice actor for a premium listening experience. I always thought I preferred it when authors narrated their own books, but now I have changed my mind. I've listened to a sample of the lady I have chosen and I love how she brings this book alive.<br /><br />And while that magic is happening, I get to carry on writing my next book :) I've been writing most days this week and it's such an enjoyable way to spend time.<br /><br />Please tell me, which audiobook should I do next? Which title would you choose? Let me know!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4byoObm" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTezPduC6shf6lN3vMh8N-S6kj5NlCIRGtJlIZ3BsvDO01DzrQ8Ce3HNsQAE6TWy_c-X7zBIJTWLk6w_oGnKwaUKNAulAllfns_MGrB9hgENSCoroDK83DkBJchKLypnQtelutzq6mrPY5siryRCjXM1vTKK3bLj4ouoXshh6Uj1uQYta4KpDrM7uuYMWD/w400-h400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven’t already read ‘100 Ways to be That Girl’ <a href="https://amzn.to/4byoObm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can order it here on Amazon</a> Kindle and in paperback (also available on Kindle Unlimited).<br /><br />‘That
girl’ is who everyone wants to be. She has it all going on! Others
wonder how she does it so well. In this book I’ll share all her secrets.<br /><br />Her message is all about standing out from the crowd and harnessing the power of how ‘she’ would be, to instantly:<br /><br />- Become unforgettable<br />- Feel happier and more confident<br />- Stop worrying about what others think of you<br />- Power ahead in your own life<br />- Feel unshakeable<br /><br />‘That girl’ is our alter ego, the one who has more fun, makes more money, and is better looking.<br /><br />Let’s
cultivate our 'that girl' persona and see how fabulous life can get.
Age or body size are no barrier to creating our dream life, with the
help of our inner ‘that girl’. We are going to be ‘that girl’ in our own
life, the leading lady in our own movie!<br /><br />It was so fun to write
this book. I got to be a little over the top, but as usual with my
writing, it is also grounded in reality. It always pays to have the best
of both worlds I believe!<br /><br />If you have a friend who you think might enjoy this book too, please share this post with them 😊<br /><br />(My
Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I’m appreciative if
you choose to use my links!) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrating Valentines Day this week with my Starbucks cup from a few years back. I love the jaunty beret lid! Both for the practicality (I love my drinks piping hot) and the cuteness of it 😍</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKz_Elt7IAOsLLQ0ohBZ3ayQnOVVFIu4w9THuxQW0Dn54jnnpwtRSe9XYO6YM7OufByxne6YrrTBkdoxYGOl2A7MCkNxyAdWl_DImqE14yShg33HUPFLO8_gCKyDaMhqoevGolJSS_yYtmipRglh0jho-lftlWY2fMlv6Fsh02IBc3BIVqBKDQ6nReKVc/s4032/IMG_2669.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKz_Elt7IAOsLLQ0ohBZ3ayQnOVVFIu4w9THuxQW0Dn54jnnpwtRSe9XYO6YM7OufByxne6YrrTBkdoxYGOl2A7MCkNxyAdWl_DImqE14yShg33HUPFLO8_gCKyDaMhqoevGolJSS_yYtmipRglh0jho-lftlWY2fMlv6Fsh02IBc3BIVqBKDQ6nReKVc/w480-h640/IMG_2669.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrFKIGFCPb5pSjcucsH3-GBIOYNBOly3hadv_J0DTVTBamq7LCLXwUI_t5BIQdZmUcB6w6zDBbRV_YNtbxeUBEclVOCg7cTKMAZUacvepaIHRUwkbbswD52HYDsBzPRak1V0MEr1G6IhGb855gZXB96VPA8kBidU9yQQMPoTvD4NJvXPQmNFoKDxeyxsz/s4032/IMG_2745.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrFKIGFCPb5pSjcucsH3-GBIOYNBOly3hadv_J0DTVTBamq7LCLXwUI_t5BIQdZmUcB6w6zDBbRV_YNtbxeUBEclVOCg7cTKMAZUacvepaIHRUwkbbswD52HYDsBzPRak1V0MEr1G6IhGb855gZXB96VPA8kBidU9yQQMPoTvD4NJvXPQmNFoKDxeyxsz/w480-h640/IMG_2745.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer tomatoes from our garden :)<br /> 'Black' and yellow cherry tomatoes<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>~~<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the view into the living room from our patio. They wait there stalking us for treats when we are relaxing after work 🤣</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64cIzqTjWFP8GLBrcVI_6TRrvP57uX0O-pOZQid33OXHY-MMpv7VdBmW_yBf_FsYDjWsdwQp1ozHxPHeRcbjKIAH4WiqHlear04vPwaAxMt3jCNXH4l26rhuOT4P9BlIZw5ryY9lB9fNPZTg5pAdpEfzOPSjOJ33WacsvA_bojW_fsofxOfDmDPs1TrWD/s4032/IMG_2639.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64cIzqTjWFP8GLBrcVI_6TRrvP57uX0O-pOZQid33OXHY-MMpv7VdBmW_yBf_FsYDjWsdwQp1ozHxPHeRcbjKIAH4WiqHlear04vPwaAxMt3jCNXH4l26rhuOT4P9BlIZw5ryY9lB9fNPZTg5pAdpEfzOPSjOJ33WacsvA_bojW_fsofxOfDmDPs1TrWD/w480-h640/IMG_2639.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When your doggies tone in with your decor perfectly 😂🧡🧡</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I get the feeling they are training me... The way it should be: me training them not to beg for treats, is still a work in progress, and I've been trying for six years now.<br /><br />How the treat begging goes: Daphne (on the right here) suddenly sits up straight while also tippety-tapping her paws animatedly. She fixes a very pointed, expectant gaze on me like I've just offered her a treat.<br /><br />Then, when I don't respond by going and getting a treat for everydoggy, she does a loud 'cack' bark. Just one sharp bark to alert me that I have in fact forgotten I need to go and get her a treat.<br /><br />Then Micky dog (not pictured), joins in and starts a high-pitched huffy whine.<br /><br />That, interspersed with Daphne's periodic 'cack' bark really crimps my relaxing atmosphere and Penny Vincenzi book reading I can tell you.<br /><br />I don't want to give in but I do, every time. Chloe (pictured on the left here) waits patiently for her treat because she knows Daphne and Micky are doing all the work for her.<br /><br />This happens every. single. night. And multiple times a night often too.<br /><br />So.<br /><br />It's really fun to have three dogs 🤣🤣<br /><br />'Fun'.<br /><br />Do your doggies do this? Badger you into treats? Or I am just too soft a dog mum?<br /><br />I don't know how to fix the situation so I just follow their lead and hand out the treats 😂 But I do break them in half so they aren't getting too many. I'm 'that' dog mum haha!<br /><br />Happy almost weekend, it's Friday here, yay! And this weekend is the big Art Deco celebration in Napier that people come from all around the world to see. We have English guests staying with my aunty at the moment who came at this time to do the Art Deco thing.<br /><br />It's beautifully sunny and settled weather too, so that's fabulous for all the events that are on.<br /><br />We might pop along and see what's happening as well. It would be wrong not to when it's all on our doorstep.<br /><br />Happy weekend to you!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-45109228206409653742024-02-09T10:56:00.001+13:002024-02-09T10:56:11.443+13:00 A long weekend<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zf8jQiAmg7RkoMPDg2uLMJSdpAzUAa6LOyZRZQkBHM1mFKL5rs6qhIYXiwoehH819WpW-h1hChccTnVGcKcHga5KjtkZ_vHrq-eETlubE_PdNwCIbkWCQ_KSrSAQ_G-Kxg3VpFgTXOh4682WxsFdngsC829ByA6S3QhEHP5cdomqePI7uh-9R5Yysc5/s2048/IMG_3925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zf8jQiAmg7RkoMPDg2uLMJSdpAzUAa6LOyZRZQkBHM1mFKL5rs6qhIYXiwoehH819WpW-h1hChccTnVGcKcHga5KjtkZ_vHrq-eETlubE_PdNwCIbkWCQ_KSrSAQ_G-Kxg3VpFgTXOh4682WxsFdngsC829ByA6S3QhEHP5cdomqePI7uh-9R5Yysc5/w480-h640/IMG_3925.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend was a long weekend due to a public holiday and my husband took a few extra days off work too, so we went wine tasting one of those days. It was such an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. We are at Trinity Hill wines here, just ten minutes down the road from our house. Their tasting glasses are Riedel (a very fine, very expensive brand) so it shows their attention to detail. Everything about our experience was exquisite! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I've finished my first jigsaw puzzle too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PoizHadWcKbFBdqKUWhSJSeWv8ZV1B0ly7oeBDbTdY0ljgDLXxXjpV2hb-4jsz59I-Zr4mNonDVQy3uPTfdy-nz6py1BzT0LyGY7O31mPzTXHnnOfvAuUyWjw07Azjtx80v3-pQfSYbdY237-wTD5hIPPVD4h8gwMJ-8Awqk4dxSlJ1pQcBYveq8IuYY/s4032/IMG_2666.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PoizHadWcKbFBdqKUWhSJSeWv8ZV1B0ly7oeBDbTdY0ljgDLXxXjpV2hb-4jsz59I-Zr4mNonDVQy3uPTfdy-nz6py1BzT0LyGY7O31mPzTXHnnOfvAuUyWjw07Azjtx80v3-pQfSYbdY237-wTD5hIPPVD4h8gwMJ-8Awqk4dxSlJ1pQcBYveq8IuYY/w400-h300/IMG_2666.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Since we were 'on vacation' it felt nice to be noodling away on my puzzle :)<br /><br />I felt very proud that I got to the end. I definitely had new hobby regret in the beginning, haha. It felt so H A R D and I wondered how people ever completed them. But here we are. Finished!</div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7T4c39YgB85wE11gFEPfB_SNNgjQ1sLa0_MW4G9ZPf3X4yeL9Qz3RA45djLXJTMbSn0VO69sCLwV8mKc8rWPejdGj4dP41TBmsIBOVHPDHDzzlQUMU-x6d33NWj8-QHMqrKX9ckyW4NTpPWZdrnHC2ouBbtlpR7ghRSgf5A1lhcI4UzhY4QfFe1ukLn3/s4032/IMG_2546.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7T4c39YgB85wE11gFEPfB_SNNgjQ1sLa0_MW4G9ZPf3X4yeL9Qz3RA45djLXJTMbSn0VO69sCLwV8mKc8rWPejdGj4dP41TBmsIBOVHPDHDzzlQUMU-x6d33NWj8-QHMqrKX9ckyW4NTpPWZdrnHC2ouBbtlpR7ghRSgf5A1lhcI4UzhY4QfFe1ukLn3/w480-h640/IMG_2546.JPEG" width="480" /> </a></div><br /> <br />I can see how they could become addicitive though :) And... still
maybe a waste of time? When that thought came to me I kept countering it
with, 'I am exercising my brain'. And it's fun! Surely no worse a way
to spend time than watching television, which I do as well and never
think 'What a waste of time'.<br /><br />So, just wanted to share this and toot my own horn!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFBLPHp_YeCMa0xhljmwSY3IgKSMDxx4CgSL0IVj9vdzPMihwnDOmFcIAyN4LZB1LiUZUazyU7KoPQOGChWv_N9pkl0GA5rEjAED4PQxLmx3Fh0MLrRTyxVWsY4D6rb9aEC4eWkD4dxSGmBMLaaD3QxHTzEIroA95m44NbLd1rpfSSbpZ6UBupzFzVPwR/s4032/IMG_2663.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFBLPHp_YeCMa0xhljmwSY3IgKSMDxx4CgSL0IVj9vdzPMihwnDOmFcIAyN4LZB1LiUZUazyU7KoPQOGChWv_N9pkl0GA5rEjAED4PQxLmx3Fh0MLrRTyxVWsY4D6rb9aEC4eWkD4dxSGmBMLaaD3QxHTzEIroA95m44NbLd1rpfSSbpZ6UBupzFzVPwR/w480-h640/IMG_2663.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Plus, earlier this week I did an interview with Daniela Acitelli and it was so
much fun. She is a blast. I can't wait for you to see it on YouTube
within the next few weeks. I'll let you know when it's up!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmhD_qx4WafIwghb88BeSvksfQ2c18bWk5KQx8qvgFrBe_0vXEaa2Zhw8hfJY4moMekp12TiBxOFizbskM1Ax8zwEActmZSv9LMxgQwWWp6w-Orme_7rJwCXBhMaDXaNDKJ1RptRUY8zyCi4XrdQ6bQVKcA0oSSqCewP3lYxUAiaAqUXTzOx-c5JcUOlQ/s4032/IMG_2579.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmhD_qx4WafIwghb88BeSvksfQ2c18bWk5KQx8qvgFrBe_0vXEaa2Zhw8hfJY4moMekp12TiBxOFizbskM1Ax8zwEActmZSv9LMxgQwWWp6w-Orme_7rJwCXBhMaDXaNDKJ1RptRUY8zyCi4XrdQ6bQVKcA0oSSqCewP3lYxUAiaAqUXTzOx-c5JcUOlQ/w480-h640/IMG_2579.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, I just finished this book by Nita Prose and it was so good. Her writing is crisp and clean and I adore the character of Molly the head maid, as well as the supporting characters. As with all things I find myself loving, the story and the characters had 'heart'.<br /><br />I read the first book ‘The Maid’ in this series as well and it was fabulous. (I see ‘The Maid’ is being made into a movie too. I'm sure it will be excellent!)<br /><br />There is nothing like sitting down with a real book to feel relaxed, don't you think?<br /><br />For my next read I have decided to choose a book from my shelf - Penny Vincenzi's 'An Absolute Scandal' which I've been wanting to read for a while. The 756 page length put me off I admit, but I'm ready for the challenge!<br /><br />I love how Penny writes such detailed and descriptive books, this one about wealthy and titled London folks coming unstuck financially. As well as plenty of secrets and lies. Such fun! I like to keep my own life simple so I can enjoy reading about others with complicated lives. Cautionary tales if you will :D<br /><br />Plus, it's Friday here, yay! Even though I work from home and pretty much have the same 'schedule' no matter the day of the week, Fridays have their own special, fun, exciting vibe.<br /><br />Happy weekend to you, and please let me know what you're enjoying reading at the moment!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. If you need a little inspirational reading, pick up bestseller '<a href="https://amzn.to/3wi3F4V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Ways to be That Girl</a>' on Kindle or in paperback, or <i>read it for free</i> if you are subscribed to Kindle Unlimited.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3wi3F4V" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4MYPy4M5jtvs7_6ew9xAvvF4S4hBYxpjhw703EfQ4quleT1WQVlAStX_XQzVx92LpO80o48C0U8KBC8Z8wdsCo79IPxghAEoF6lWgpNIexZDJKsBwgjAeX_vnqS9d-Iai4YQ5y0zawGRPA_OTbJyo5ms28SfaXo8X3bEkhTtdit-9RaQsACqmySs1f-H/w400-h400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I’m appreciative if you choose to use my links!)</i> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-75635423842211335992024-02-02T16:31:00.002+13:002024-02-02T16:31:27.790+13:00Hello February! And My Simple Exercise Routine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU29t5A6mpBeDTbUDMNlO7zeJWfgjkS1sL_6nBN0oZdGO2rSDYQVWU7g1WOcGuZUVphR8NAHkLECmep76KDNcKB1jL_yJEH0X8Ey9s8XeTMTysLGzpTsqx_5gyMFiqkInPbwx0hjZPSavFiUf-y3TyhyphenhyphenmreiDUimEG2pSg2rJN3sH4lF5P4Rd2hdVyq423/s4032/IMG_2519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU29t5A6mpBeDTbUDMNlO7zeJWfgjkS1sL_6nBN0oZdGO2rSDYQVWU7g1WOcGuZUVphR8NAHkLECmep76KDNcKB1jL_yJEH0X8Ey9s8XeTMTysLGzpTsqx_5gyMFiqkInPbwx0hjZPSavFiUf-y3TyhyphenhyphenmreiDUimEG2pSg2rJN3sH4lF5P4Rd2hdVyq423/w480-h640/IMG_2519.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch out this week with my mum Jo, brother Arden and sister Catherine.<br />And the doggies came too!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />How has your January gone? Mine dashed by in a blur. It's been such a full-on month with visitors and people from out of town. Fun, but very easy to get out of routine and not even know what day it is...<br /><br />I'm happy with my January though. I had a great time, got to see people, did a little bit of writing on my next book, stuck with my simple exercise plan and have been eating healthy too. I have also completed an update for my writer's course which I have just shared with my students.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDCCK8OvDZX52AkxaKZxjOliSBF-cfdnVKH8Q02CIfI05miAdXkD542DVKWZfXfYhvWI4P4KWL5znuvx-D0y3nu_bJwllmRRBbW9GHmzzYogJ4VtRh9Zky6WwU3qFHH2qpWba0PbJpJH9c75uiPVM8A2hS-HR57Tjv6-P9ZjY6LmSfoa_cBmLtZ8DkMER/s4032/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDCCK8OvDZX52AkxaKZxjOliSBF-cfdnVKH8Q02CIfI05miAdXkD542DVKWZfXfYhvWI4P4KWL5znuvx-D0y3nu_bJwllmRRBbW9GHmzzYogJ4VtRh9Zky6WwU3qFHH2qpWba0PbJpJH9c75uiPVM8A2hS-HR57Tjv6-P9ZjY6LmSfoa_cBmLtZ8DkMER/w480-h640/IMG_2070.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know skies are so boring to post but I had to show you mine! How pretty.<br /> I do love anything pink so thank you Mother Nature for our pinky purple sky.<br /> Pink sky at night, sailor's delight:)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm excited for February! I am being interviewed next week
for an author's podcast, sending a book to a 'new to me' audiobook
producer to start my series of audiobooks, and continue working on my
next book too.<br /><br />Such fun :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BVS8oLPNwfGQQxPN1RkkRjlDXWKV4bXhMRhxWeJ74848EGpksW2jAIyOxVPp71Uh06Rv0Oi2fyjN953mlhxahTURSagh8Ep29QGjgcFQXiHyrliHARDpmcZs7x-u5iNgCjsly9kvDvxWmDuBBGP0OGjH8T35fqB6KGcZJpUg9GiLKNT2rrxLbXGNeUml/s4032/IMG_2537.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BVS8oLPNwfGQQxPN1RkkRjlDXWKV4bXhMRhxWeJ74848EGpksW2jAIyOxVPp71Uh06Rv0Oi2fyjN953mlhxahTURSagh8Ep29QGjgcFQXiHyrliHARDpmcZs7x-u5iNgCjsly9kvDvxWmDuBBGP0OGjH8T35fqB6KGcZJpUg9GiLKNT2rrxLbXGNeUml/w480-h640/IMG_2537.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>I want to keep fit and limber as I get older and have found an exercise routine I enjoy. Very strenuous exercises wear me out, make me feel shaky, and also hungrier. Gentler approaches work best for me.<br /><br />I went to a chiropractor last year for a cricked neck. When I asked, he suggested Pilates as an excellent exercise and said the core work really helps keep your back strong throughout your life.<br /><br />So I looked around on YouTube and found ‘Move With Nicole’ among others. I liked her workouts best so I've stuck with her for about six months now. I like to alternate a walk one day with Pilates the next, and I try for 2-3 times a week for each, mostly 2x each per week for 30 minutes. Walk, Pilates, walk, Pilates 😊<br /><br />It doesn't seem 'enough' but I still do it. And when I've had longer, harder routines in the past, I've not wanted to do them.<br /><br />As you can see, I like to make a yoga studio type environment for myself, with candles and lamps, and the overhead lights off. It's so relaxing but I'm also getting a workout in. I feel rejuvenated and peaceful after a session with Nicole.<br /><br />So that's my simple exercise routine. Please let me know what you enjoy.</p><p></p><p>I hope you had a fab January and are really looking forward to February as well. Let me know what your plans are!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. What better accompaniment to this post than my book ‘100 Ways to Enjoy Self-Care for Gentle Wellbeing and a Healthy Body Image’. Finding exercise that feels elegant and enjoyable even if you only plan for it once a week on a Sunday (such as a long walk through town) will go a long way towards helping you feel better about yourself. On Kindle and in print <a href="https://amzn.to/4bjbTdg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a>.<br /></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4bjbTdg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mftjLTqS3Z4m9RxYQ7d6iohdIRZki1rLN3A0U6yHHVDzHU2dR4kHmsyi0xKz-ElGllUcLfYzG-PvgHklIP3IxLaLAB_wN7z37S73Z-g_f03E8qtdiYOqbjQe-kVPI0yrTVY9a2qGdHimN1Uh52dhmQAIB91Z5IJylc77zMQEcmFsnNKWDcCU5Qdjsdkm/w400-h400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><p>And if you need a boost of inspiration, check out my latest book '100 Ways
to Be a Chic Success and Create Your Dream Life' <a href="https://amzn.to/3SNvoUh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon Kindle and in paperback</a>.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SNvoUh" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CcEGKKBXwhYU977NBkBMvgfnDTT4oTjMjc7poAVZc6lDXrcjv-Z9l8jzFfaSC-h_PQAbDOpJ-0aK1bdS_RNP9DQvmg8tr7HtRAHRFY1j9U_PUc-wzRheQxSHV01eZELnD5T8CGJejMuxuaNCLWJxC9rEaJXSHMF7shIRVk_IbzmrRiI6j3AtdTv5KwAi/w400-h400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Read
how you can become a 'chic success' the soft way. The feminine way. The
easy and fun way. I love to make things happen, but I want it to be
light and playful too. Life is too short to do anything unpleasant or
difficult!</p><p>And for an Amazon alternative you can download both of these eBooks (plus all my others) <a href="https://payhip.com/fionaferris" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from my eStore here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><i>(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!)</i></p>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-18768830445472995892024-01-27T13:13:00.000+13:002024-01-27T13:13:21.306+13:00My first jigsaw puzzle!<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_2QvByVZOM8JHsxmXeTftBMRJ1CAmx_dGs58MwBsfgIPQlUQuuTtV_rc1_KN_dxRIZuCuyavENklWp10AiERdsA6lA7J6hifreGcn3gCdKIL5izTldwwRSGn7euuJ1CamOIDWihRZcDo2DA7AbNZfObnEiDW-go0br223F_ca6YA9qy0snJWq0Q26lXr/s4032/IMG_2515.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_2QvByVZOM8JHsxmXeTftBMRJ1CAmx_dGs58MwBsfgIPQlUQuuTtV_rc1_KN_dxRIZuCuyavENklWp10AiERdsA6lA7J6hifreGcn3gCdKIL5izTldwwRSGn7euuJ1CamOIDWihRZcDo2DA7AbNZfObnEiDW-go0br223F_ca6YA9qy0snJWq0Q26lXr/w480-h640/IMG_2515.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisianthus flowers brought to me by my mum this week :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends :) <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last month, inspired by the lovely <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katie.ellie13" target="_blank">Katie on Instagram</a>, I bought myself a jigsaw puzzle. The first one I've had since I was a little girl!<br /><br />At first I was overwhelmed and thought I'd made a terrible mistake 😂 I didn't see how it was possible to put all the pieces together within my lifetime. It was just so difficult! I googled puzzle strategies, asked people I knew who did jigsaw puzzles for their tips, and didn't really get far beyond putting the outside pieces together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtlICuPgg0wo6vWx32TNbnTIJwxknYtiJVyG7L3b9Htueo04t1CSBXUDZocNcWgRYD-UYCcizBZI7K0MzGiTChWDfjaxvBYcXtV0afaB7e2F9fPLFQ8KUJnV3U7GQ9Q5_r39vIoVvSeDPnL0hs2Bo8Cx028pDtGiPH-aOBqHUifhzweQ7gg1Sk1m-_4Wa/s4032/IMG_2512.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtlICuPgg0wo6vWx32TNbnTIJwxknYtiJVyG7L3b9Htueo04t1CSBXUDZocNcWgRYD-UYCcizBZI7K0MzGiTChWDfjaxvBYcXtV0afaB7e2F9fPLFQ8KUJnV3U7GQ9Q5_r39vIoVvSeDPnL0hs2Bo8Cx028pDtGiPH-aOBqHUifhzweQ7gg1Sk1m-_4Wa/w480-h640/IMG_2512.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galison brand '<a href="https://amzn.to/4ba5iSs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Storrings Christmas in London</a>' (1000 Pieces)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that we are into a fresh, calm new year with Christmas behind us, I gave it another go. And I'm hooked! Once I got over it being 'a waste of time' and 'a job I needed to complete', I now enjoy treating my jigsaw like reading a novel.<br /><br />Taking my time, enjoying the doing of it, admiring my progress, and feeling very happy when a pieces slots in. Plus I am building a wonderfully atmospheric picture as I go. And can I just say, I also love running my hands over the smooth, shiny surface of the completed parts as I work on it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVgkkaAtOCaFtqj2wwewd25asJdI8mpFv16QgxpdBDrELU2WFTzX1lsK3AjZVw_ySVBm6gQ3WY2u3dBbvFKpil-zJypcXzvinJ3uOXsXkx_Mv7hh6hrYrNuFSvZ4o4GVoBw_Wj4NuULCvoOn_aaa1YtNWqzYcJaljyiacUThtPw2maIEIgxj6tdqFfVq/s4032/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVgkkaAtOCaFtqj2wwewd25asJdI8mpFv16QgxpdBDrELU2WFTzX1lsK3AjZVw_ySVBm6gQ3WY2u3dBbvFKpil-zJypcXzvinJ3uOXsXkx_Mv7hh6hrYrNuFSvZ4o4GVoBw_Wj4NuULCvoOn_aaa1YtNWqzYcJaljyiacUThtPw2maIEIgxj6tdqFfVq/w480-h640/IMG_2510.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's almost like doing meditation too, because you can't really think of much while you are finding the puzzle pieces. The mind can slow down and be still. And for mental health as I get older I'm sure it must be doing something good!<br /><br />One morning this week I got up really early and felt like a bit of puzzle time, so I lit candles on the table and spent a little while there.<br /><br />So thanks Katie, for showing me this wonderfully restorative act of relaxation and self-care :)<br /><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gizfmBfmraL3riV-WZivSOaha_u8N9A_IzhbnFGvxaH6YG_g8NASFakr_W4JexaDjmn-o_aZ0S7AcapAUuUE6iZniywGsNjyAcfqWrj90HOTExBhmBqZE7yB7lNpkn1M4jmb1pfGmoKkS2XkIo0wan3jffnutM43xXM2qwPSzxlPWiWkcpH6TkQiZm_F/s2911/IMG_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="2911" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gizfmBfmraL3riV-WZivSOaha_u8N9A_IzhbnFGvxaH6YG_g8NASFakr_W4JexaDjmn-o_aZ0S7AcapAUuUE6iZniywGsNjyAcfqWrj90HOTExBhmBqZE7yB7lNpkn1M4jmb1pfGmoKkS2XkIo0wan3jffnutM43xXM2qwPSzxlPWiWkcpH6TkQiZm_F/w400-h400/IMG_1942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fan club...</td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This bouquet of doggies is always near me, and most often together too which is lovely.<br /><br />From left to right, Chloe (9), Micky (11), and Daphne (7).<br /><br />Underneath this bench seat there are pet beds. I live in a house with a million pet beds, haha. They all go in them at night though! And don't get up until the alarm goes off. I don't know how I got them so well trained but they are very good doggies.<br /><br />Although sometimes Daphne will have 'a night' where she tries to get up on the bed every fifteen minutes. When I feel her paws on the side of the bed and see a face peering at me I say 'in the crate' and she goes back to bed.<br /><br />It hasn't happened in a while but when she does and tries to get up many, many times I have to repeat 'in the crate'. In the morning my husband Paul exclaims 'I almost got in the crate myself last night!' 😂😂<br /><br />I hope that gave you a giggle today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And please tell me, do you do puzzles? If so, what are your favourite brands/types?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3UgEhGR" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtgK4JmHObIRsAnDNEWRALYZGu-FHzKM9f05PyrnnmD-SHz_Eb8xNt0UaHgv-3LYWYy9znzXd-j8C-she9t5TJCzLAd_38JtRDxIA-OqYifP57Zh4WCnqPx1M3QDI_gw99uag2CgMKpt4RT74ySFtcv9DoNo77nr2OPgJZzJ14ebvSoz4iA2wLfk1V9Pj/w400-h400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(My Amazon puzzle and book links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!)</i><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-72805686573782942622024-01-19T09:56:00.000+13:002024-01-19T09:56:20.076+13:00Summer hygge and dressing up<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYmsq7MDZQocDd-RJSxQFsZXAMn4PbEcXLSV7Kt_B6fQlUzSQbBlVJILIPFfQWWwa_KCPF6r_RdXJWOCNUl-w-TSODw_yL3ShLjCVPn9cY3zE-XY_t1uTCUY_4JfNLacz1HymTQs93QIJgmIrK3fJSUD29xQc5IYjXuzk6OSzKw4ZAGMxxLmPZ4kAXNKu/s4032/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYmsq7MDZQocDd-RJSxQFsZXAMn4PbEcXLSV7Kt_B6fQlUzSQbBlVJILIPFfQWWwa_KCPF6r_RdXJWOCNUl-w-TSODw_yL3ShLjCVPn9cY3zE-XY_t1uTCUY_4JfNLacz1HymTQs93QIJgmIrK3fJSUD29xQc5IYjXuzk6OSzKw4ZAGMxxLmPZ4kAXNKu/w480-h640/IMG_2388.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Good evening from a recent family dinner at home. I loved this outfit I put together and felt really good in it!<br /><br />I usually wear my colourful tops with blue or white jeans, and have worn these gold pants with my neutral tops, but I wanted something more summery and came up with this.<br /><br />What else can I mix up in my wardrobe I wonder…?<br /><br />I am not the type to have outfits planned out in advance. It works better for me to have everything clean, pressed and ready to wear, and I get to pair things up as I’m getting dressed. It feels fresher that way :)<br /><br />I used to iron as I went, using the excuse that things would get creased in my closet anyway, but that was incorrect. I just never wore the unironed clothes! Now I iron them straight away, and even iron linen damp from the washing machine.<br /><br />When I forget about how fun it is to dress myself it turns into a chore, but when I remember, yay!<br /><br />I wrote a book called ‘<a href="https://amzn.to/3O5X18h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Chic Closet</a>’, and it’s for those of us who love to look nice, but are also a little bit… lazy. Is it such a crime to want everything to be easy and effortless including getting dressed? As you’ve probably heard me say before, I like things to be fun and easy, and ‘The Chic Closet’ follows this formula.<br /><br />When you inspire yourself to do something it doesn’t feel hard or dull, it’s… fun and easy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3O5X18h" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5ib8XXq_GCDjOd7BDc6j8DiIaSp1K2ExxjkL1pHBeyeRSnIxK0WfxyM1BTQXP65s_avuxpGDkIgJzUqSS-f3rT_zROFI9RlImxEKopgng63P1vhqBSJymQAkGP0MDU7i9WeWW2dWYAQW29U8Qb48yp2uF0tTESe4fFa3smfx0ZwBvvkVdFddGNfVMoj1/w400-h400/Book%20covers%20social%20media.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <br />If you too wish you were more of a fashionista but can’t really be
bothered and wish it was easier to get motivated, go and check out the
sample of ‘<a href="https://amzn.to/3O5X18h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Chic Closet</a>’ on Amazon and see what you think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I love it when one little phrase or idea
gives you a zing and you rush off to put it into action. I really hope
my books do that for you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGaQW7YFO2cqmb3uzP-vXSf96485kW39mBcT7od00ZXZugb-DACXJk9N4QYDHs6PELcA61HWtZfHZ2xIuOj9XsdEkvEfRQnzeY61gTa2u5hs4p9x12mtGZPwrXbFyzDRhm0ZHlJYaSqdgFSJrr0GU13gXKNEAKw9Nmxwc_s50ESw4rfsT_iY9h7UyS6CF/s4032/IMG_2418.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGaQW7YFO2cqmb3uzP-vXSf96485kW39mBcT7od00ZXZugb-DACXJk9N4QYDHs6PELcA61HWtZfHZ2xIuOj9XsdEkvEfRQnzeY61gTa2u5hs4p9x12mtGZPwrXbFyzDRhm0ZHlJYaSqdgFSJrr0GU13gXKNEAKw9Nmxwc_s50ESw4rfsT_iY9h7UyS6CF/w480-h640/IMG_2418.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I do love a laundromat for washing my big duvet inners and blankets. There is one right by my supermarket and the 35-minute wash cycle is a perfect time to get my grocery shopping done.<br /><br />I then take my wet washing home and hang it on the clothesline. With the early 30s C (85-90 F) weather we have been having it’s dry in no time ☀️☀️☀️<br /><br />I love it when little things like this work out perfectly!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpp8mzjo2VfpZUJ19fu0nCHSu1nUHYQwYiSn8E2SM4ZuSCdDyxbsH8WPqR1CujnSB0YfgHGBnhOQgGYE1b3fxrufoea_mdUaBOoy8d1Jil5UJ872qA38aGAqlEf18T16Rn5MbbKSkd96IvpO7NyS_XV63f0xbEa-ggTDMVADQ1NVAQBTL1M3jGuO8EUxr/s4032/IMG_2474.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpp8mzjo2VfpZUJ19fu0nCHSu1nUHYQwYiSn8E2SM4ZuSCdDyxbsH8WPqR1CujnSB0YfgHGBnhOQgGYE1b3fxrufoea_mdUaBOoy8d1Jil5UJ872qA38aGAqlEf18T16Rn5MbbKSkd96IvpO7NyS_XV63f0xbEa-ggTDMVADQ1NVAQBTL1M3jGuO8EUxr/w480-h640/IMG_2474.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My Christmas tree and all other festive decor has been packed away, but I am reluctant to give up these candles so I'm burning them a little longer.<br /><br />They are SO pretty. Each candle is a beautiful metallic red 'house' with clear windows so you can see the light inside, and the fragrance is gorgeous as well (from Australian brand Glasshouse Candles, 'Night Before Christmas - Dancing Sugar Plums'). And they have red metallic lids for when I'm not using them which also look lovely.<br /><br />I still have a lot of wax to go, and I know they will look great too with 2-3 tealights in each, once they are empty.<br /><br />I am one who fully believes hygge can be a year-round thing, right down to lighting my favourite candles when it's hot outside!<br /><br />(See the leopard print cushion on the left? Chloe dog just loves to curl up on it and flatten the carefully curated aesthetic...)<br /><br />Please keep warm and safe if it's wild winter weather where you are ❤️<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />PS. Also pictured, my book ‘<a href="https://amzn.to/4aW1HHz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Chic and Simple Christmas</a>’, because, why not? After all, it’s never too soon to start planning your next year’s festive season while this past one is fresh in your mind. It’s a great time to jot a few notes down about what you loved and what worked well during this holiday season, and what you did NOT enjoy and will change next Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It’s <a href="https://amzn.to/4aW1HHz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a> in paperback and Kindle: <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4aW1HHz" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uXiLaH4wwvwXLTGCPxL6x7vwaUMzDS1uDUO3WUwUW2eSWD4ikI-T-DGUtPd2o12DQqbymIUuk2l5bJok4IkFah5K5ev6nP-cV-zEr5o0O61ckfnxTdXkH-MvmEBWMrRY7fHfXMML3JhQ2eSNWI4euOWnr6rqHBv2fz8FPwQM3afyL5_cXR0j3fxnmVjU/w480-h640/IMG_2077.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And the <a href="https://payhip.com/b/rDNs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eBook is in my eStore here</a> for an Amazon alternative.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!)<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-64063494939764797142024-01-13T08:03:00.000+13:002024-01-13T08:03:00.648+13:00Fresh, Euro-style summer living<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAKHWIq5IUV5H0lsKXX6QXorbIWl8fQ0MpupNt80OD7RqCnFhBoBmVVBLmsjCri8GUP27xa4UQbINM7QQZNihyphenhyphenS2Avp0fpuVeHrhZ0sJGm4krFHJo8wwblYRxSWO-QHM3zels6l8gWaYhEtIy3qVh3T2hdL6KjwJTtNSIfNgos7PRQjMKaBQp7mCR3_4O/s3771/IMG_1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="2740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAKHWIq5IUV5H0lsKXX6QXorbIWl8fQ0MpupNt80OD7RqCnFhBoBmVVBLmsjCri8GUP27xa4UQbINM7QQZNihyphenhyphenS2Avp0fpuVeHrhZ0sJGm4krFHJo8wwblYRxSWO-QHM3zels6l8gWaYhEtIy3qVh3T2hdL6KjwJTtNSIfNgos7PRQjMKaBQp7mCR3_4O/w466-h640/IMG_1587.JPG" width="466" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy weekend! I'm out at a local cafe here, but I'm been spending a lot of time at home and it's been wonderful.<br /><br />It is such a nice time of year to get things organised at home and make fun plans.<br /><br />With all my tidying up I even cleaned the tops of my nail polish bottles which I have never thought to do before. It makes all the difference; now my nail colours feel like new and are a pleasure to use.<br /><br />Do you do this already? Why did no-one ever tell me! I used nail polish remover and a clean rag (which I will keep for future cleanings, don't try to wash it).<br /><br />I've also got lots of admin done and am even finished up a sewing project today has sat mocking me since late October. I was a bit stuck on a detail but I worked it out in my head and now it's finished. I will get a photo with my model wearing it :)<br /><br />It's so nice to complete things, and also to create with your hands, whether it's crafting, cooking/baking, or gardening.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrL7wGUeqcYj206dud02QzRKLUiGjERpsiXp8I_WtHqKWC0nBdsIs4GhPklEMPGo0G1h8_VTBNmIBpe5lUO_qqNSuFivpmy2s0JO4fdtGoF1VtBRacDaAO9cat1FZK3W6vDm9MMrEogiXUYcL4_fV2gaynjGYqjmBbwRhOFDnBsZvTeUsKBqa7Vcx8INP/s4032/IMG_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrL7wGUeqcYj206dud02QzRKLUiGjERpsiXp8I_WtHqKWC0nBdsIs4GhPklEMPGo0G1h8_VTBNmIBpe5lUO_qqNSuFivpmy2s0JO4fdtGoF1VtBRacDaAO9cat1FZK3W6vDm9MMrEogiXUYcL4_fV2gaynjGYqjmBbwRhOFDnBsZvTeUsKBqa7Vcx8INP/w480-h640/IMG_2377.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And this is my little veggie garden! I only dabble in gardening but I'm very proud of my summer garden this year. We have spinach which goes into our smoothies each morning, broccolini (a bit of a gamble haha), three different types of tomatoes, cucumber and courgette/zucchini, and a passionfruit plant too.</div><p>I've picked our first courgettes, and the tomatoes and cucumber aren't far away either.<br /><br />And we have an herb garden in a raised bed closer to the kitchen which I love too. It has rosemary, basil, sage, oregano, thyme, curly parsley and flat parsley, mint (contained within the raised bed) and even some spring onions which have done us for months now.<br /><br />I can see why people get hooked on growing food :)<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuS9fMDVSBlBgfn18F8pxo1LslLERB9pDnJtXuDOA6hsu4PpPjN62R8Xd_7hrA4yTNN7rgxuTMivy2CyansQ4Rmlj5kmD6xhywL6fNM5feCvoq1W__akqpGohR6_s_g-677qVfQglVQSCIRgdKPOB6nn1jhU1JQWSp1l4WUU25MpReKDlFfLFiC7ZsVva/s4032/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuS9fMDVSBlBgfn18F8pxo1LslLERB9pDnJtXuDOA6hsu4PpPjN62R8Xd_7hrA4yTNN7rgxuTMivy2CyansQ4Rmlj5kmD6xhywL6fNM5feCvoq1W__akqpGohR6_s_g-677qVfQglVQSCIRgdKPOB6nn1jhU1JQWSp1l4WUU25MpReKDlFfLFiC7ZsVva/w480-h640/IMG_2378.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First courgette! It's in the curry below :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For today, I’d love to share a relevant excerpt from my book '<a href="https://amzn.to/41PpaG4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Ways to Live a European Inspired Life</a>':<br /><br />(From tip no. 76)<br /><br />'<b>Grow
herbs at home</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Adding finishing touches to a meal in the form of
chopped fresh parsley on scrambled eggs, stirring thyme into a creamy
chicken sauce, or sprinkling rosemary sprigs into a big oven dish of
roasted root vegetables as they cook will not only add to the flavour,
but the look of your meal as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And when you grow your own herbs
there are a myriad of benefits: you will use them more often because
they are right there ready to be snipped off (whether you have them just
outside your kitchen in the garden or in pots), they will be fresher,
they will be spray-free, and the cost is negligible since the little
plants are not expensive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Your planter pots or kitchen garden will look
très chic and European, and there is the final bonus that all herbs have
their own health benefits. Herbs are the bomb!'<br /><br />I have to say, I do feel tres chic and European as I scatter fresh herbs onto a meal as I'm cooking it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxKUtD9rn53l8iBh8PcXYiE7-D6MSduXQ4DRq38dNbxQilJEvYGZiZYO9Jvu8We9tAF0fnMzw_p5x1_OJ46k5lLsUNxgzJ-ulUT0yZTyjVgGgKK3ujui9HvbtiPT4fGEOX5deEMvHSeA34IA1waQWOEGeYZyFAa3CtsOKQnMNkhmbUYVN7og9eDcX-JCC/s4032/IMG_2428.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxKUtD9rn53l8iBh8PcXYiE7-D6MSduXQ4DRq38dNbxQilJEvYGZiZYO9Jvu8We9tAF0fnMzw_p5x1_OJ46k5lLsUNxgzJ-ulUT0yZTyjVgGgKK3ujui9HvbtiPT4fGEOX5deEMvHSeA34IA1waQWOEGeYZyFAa3CtsOKQnMNkhmbUYVN7og9eDcX-JCC/w480-h640/IMG_2428.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer living 🌺</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />There has been a lot of outdoor living in our new patio area with the beautiful weather we are having.<br /><br />I made this chicken korma with a ton of veggies (I put vegetables in right at the end for 5-10 minutes so they are still brightly coloured and crispy) and fresh parsley and rocket from our herb garden on top.<br /><br />Paired with a New Zealand Riesling it was a perfect summer night’s meal. Filling but light and healthy and delicious too.<br /><br />I did a ton of chopping earlier in the day so all I needed to do was put everything in a pot to simmer while we relaxed outside.<br /><br />I want to feel like I’m on holiday at this time of the year so I try to make necessary things as easy as possible.<br /><br />I know where many of you are it’s snowing or raining at the moment so I hope you keep warm, dry and safe!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/41PpaG4" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnnnbsVz47I6GpvuWyR_2Tr8g6XQCeOdaNqlNOSPEnS44LwSDSy0d6Kl6uwHHNUQrItTpkVSNPK79QN8SpiRRGpwoXJCjoRaZzeIkin2seGG2jQfIO7B7bbm4kedv3q1PmsFuQ9-rLwQ1Pa3y4XiwlYZOCIkvYGTT9OcpqJSPMa7jzjpHdRijFVrh-E_c/w400-h400/32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">You can find the Kindle and paperback version of '<a href="https://amzn.to/41PpaG4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Ways to Live a European Inspired Life</a>' <a href="https://amzn.to/41PpaG4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a>.<br /><br />And for an Amazon alternative, <a href="https://payhip.com/b/F5BhO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">download the eBook from my eStore here</a>.<br /><br />(My
Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you
choose to use my links!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-51553229535640203292024-01-03T10:48:00.005+13:002024-01-03T10:48:58.418+13:00Happy New Year!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5bW1qOyTKHTaZypTTFuOMBQ1Rh2noLC6CqPYqnplLKLKiyRshRXnRLVCP5ijVtdVT6Y9S_O6YVJSUf1ABMFP8Ru3fELuszT9JI8DKnEA4GWZIVh11Dk7-PIDse9KMqGXXT8_b4WvBVqC532VGr47sq4CTWJbKuhvOuphnrnGeYJzNH3HBTDygfLFZ7gj/s4032/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5bW1qOyTKHTaZypTTFuOMBQ1Rh2noLC6CqPYqnplLKLKiyRshRXnRLVCP5ijVtdVT6Y9S_O6YVJSUf1ABMFP8Ru3fELuszT9JI8DKnEA4GWZIVh11Dk7-PIDse9KMqGXXT8_b4WvBVqC532VGr47sq4CTWJbKuhvOuphnrnGeYJzNH3HBTDygfLFZ7gj/w480-h640/IMG_2330.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy new year to you, chic friend! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On New Year's Eve we opened a very special bottle of champagne that we received as a gift some years back.<br /><br />It's not many times in life that we'll have a bottle this fine, so we thoroughly enjoyed it, served in our Waterford flutes, of course!<br /><br />The flutes were also a gift, from my mum for our birthday this year (my husband Paul's and my birthday is on the same day in October, but we're one year apart). Thank you Jo, we love them!<br /><br />And of course, keeping it real, the laundry is hanging in the background of this photo, haha. I couldn't not take advantage of a summery day to dry some washing!<br /><br />We have created our home and our lifestyle to have a resort feeling, that way we can pretend we're on holiday but still have all the comforts of home. And, the pets can come too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidugQPktAQgwNcNHBVsrxqTOvNmZt-d9kDkElRrTme-giOkIR1h6mDkIRK4-2TmureQn4GysfE1IHdKz1fvSWl_kF2GhJEJ-VQrmK-ijZpqci8LiqsqZ9UiIFL3mUynh8QPFfwQaqsNnUnkn4ISsSx6Ja_FFi5OvdEs43ryCo5dFOiazJYJt2CpkoF_TV3/s4032/IMG_2206.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidugQPktAQgwNcNHBVsrxqTOvNmZt-d9kDkElRrTme-giOkIR1h6mDkIRK4-2TmureQn4GysfE1IHdKz1fvSWl_kF2GhJEJ-VQrmK-ijZpqci8LiqsqZ9UiIFL3mUynh8QPFfwQaqsNnUnkn4ISsSx6Ja_FFi5OvdEs43ryCo5dFOiazJYJt2CpkoF_TV3/w480-h640/IMG_2206.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Apart from our three dogs, we also have a sweet cat. My darling Nina is a good age now - 13 this year at a guess. I adopted her and her mother Jessica from a cat shelter when Jess was a teen mum :) Jessica is no longer with us, she died a year ago, but Nina is still going strong. She has slowed down over the past few months and sleeps more but overall is very vibrant, active and healthy. We call her ‘Kitten’ because she is perpetually youthful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7cCUlfzsRAnjOhG7aufv_78eihDtEmxRK_kXyqbo84PqNdBj3aYlohzYIwx31OJb-6-stoSZMvXkkV3buBFKlz6qQIH2UTdZskVyxOXeOH3U0YK3H-QuSXbUOMCkYF0ZzcZn37loznSPbJpOmQYj6tmYrWk1EWhcgaNzTVyodikTbmhIpSLr_4xJMY4k/s4032/IMG_2260.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7cCUlfzsRAnjOhG7aufv_78eihDtEmxRK_kXyqbo84PqNdBj3aYlohzYIwx31OJb-6-stoSZMvXkkV3buBFKlz6qQIH2UTdZskVyxOXeOH3U0YK3H-QuSXbUOMCkYF0ZzcZn37loznSPbJpOmQYj6tmYrWk1EWhcgaNzTVyodikTbmhIpSLr_4xJMY4k/w480-h640/IMG_2260.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I love these LED candles so much. They don’t blow out when we use them outside, and the leftover wax from real candles gives them a little something extra I think.<br /><br />They each take 2 x AAA batteries which last for aaaaggggeeesss too. Yay!<br /><br />Who’s excited for the New Year? It’s so fun to dream of 2024 and all the plans and goals. Fun, gentle, and enjoyable plans and goals that is :)<br /><br />It’s such an effervescent time of the year too. I hope your New Year's Eve was relaxing and fun, and that you got to do something special as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. My latest book '100 Ways to Be a Chic Success and Create Your Dream Life' is perfect for New Year's inspiration. Order your copy today - in Kindle/eBook or paperback, and create a happy time for yourself :) My motto is to always make things fun and enjoyable, and setting goals is no different.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TSJ80y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Order from Amazon Kindle or paperback</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://payhip.com/b/qO9CK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Or order the eBook from my eStore for an Amazon alternative</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TSJ80y" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hLiPsGGTxlo2SlKbCC0QKVenPaYSvb6fIOWMcnPhew8oAb2XavogTvDBz1xptCd90vKebrko-0NHX50YyjTTR1UGtWaarjuo6NvCiPqO-jtiSI4OGVh9xOQDTMJH9wK0mOAQlWhNwT-xjfMg95D2RqpCR3Vg8XCzBHEXtjefCFlAYNmUal_6UOtPSVCW/w400-h400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at </div><div style="text-align: left;">no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!)<br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-57889477931583392072023-12-26T14:46:00.004+13:002023-12-26T14:47:24.683+13:00Happy Holidays!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypZxAAegV9QkJgwFeV7Nao8axOdQqOxNxah9qvxxdh6cVHrSI_LxB4-lCZVxxOpjTyAJo9t43KG-3CGpbR_6M6iQxOQLD4EGdHIt87GtkbDy_uND2Lh5fU2dpbn-z31QGeOR-ANpCOoH1bJMWTtBmhPoXh9ESmLokNdRtn9ZbqA2g4E3qoYjUTGAJn8xx/s4032/IMG_2255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypZxAAegV9QkJgwFeV7Nao8axOdQqOxNxah9qvxxdh6cVHrSI_LxB4-lCZVxxOpjTyAJo9t43KG-3CGpbR_6M6iQxOQLD4EGdHIt87GtkbDy_uND2Lh5fU2dpbn-z31QGeOR-ANpCOoH1bJMWTtBmhPoXh9ESmLokNdRtn9ZbqA2g4E3qoYjUTGAJn8xx/w480-h640/IMG_2255.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas to you, dear friends!<br /><br />We had a lovely Christmas lunch with my cousins. Paul and I had our photo taken in their beautiful leafy garden.<br /><br />I'm wearing my new Ralph Lauren dress from our Hawaiian trip for the first time :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0FGcqJrxzjJEnc5sr_Fsv0inFvpoarwzAY0BDDluZz4_qX3q0eViGWjVNrt4i-Wbw7itFfquBZ-cIWcYJkLXVBmMz5qhSwT2YtBgvojM5qHMQ_EGDZS3wDIeTaULbH9lXRTEixNgjH2ZoBb_PssKRwFLFh70oodWs9zc8dDpxmBrLEslhPJl18Jy7vxu/s4032/IMG_2252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0FGcqJrxzjJEnc5sr_Fsv0inFvpoarwzAY0BDDluZz4_qX3q0eViGWjVNrt4i-Wbw7itFfquBZ-cIWcYJkLXVBmMz5qhSwT2YtBgvojM5qHMQ_EGDZS3wDIeTaULbH9lXRTEixNgjH2ZoBb_PssKRwFLFh70oodWs9zc8dDpxmBrLEslhPJl18Jy7vxu/w480-h640/IMG_2252.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> It was a warm, humid day and the children jumped in and out of the pool. I kept cool with champagne...<br /><br />There were 14 of us for lunch and it was a fabulous day. (The gratin we made went well! It was de-lish.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It's
boxing day here now: a day to relax and rest. This afternoon I can be
found on the outdoor sofa reading a book sipping an icy cold glass of
water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last weekend Micky dog had his Christmas groom, and his lovely groomer Roberta put a festive bow in his hair. Sooooo cute!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ0oiGhO55rWF_jAEWANhZvjk6RaQE0IudFntU3JFDfT6yHsb77TYyIK-ZujKR0NhVfzSkTRewJBc9GkbElOz-KEsBbfOsuJSUd0xdrk7P8poPSmDn7v1bkR9S3XWlDdmqU6kgdgYy_WYUhVDttbuGXRW0ABFcfAcxird8k3h-T-owQQfi5nSf0M-NboE/s4032/IMG_2158.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ0oiGhO55rWF_jAEWANhZvjk6RaQE0IudFntU3JFDfT6yHsb77TYyIK-ZujKR0NhVfzSkTRewJBc9GkbElOz-KEsBbfOsuJSUd0xdrk7P8poPSmDn7v1bkR9S3XWlDdmqU6kgdgYy_WYUhVDttbuGXRW0ABFcfAcxird8k3h-T-owQQfi5nSf0M-NboE/w480-h640/IMG_2158.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">He is always the happiest dog after a bath and haircut.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuyhO9ao103yzSJ156xVB82Prlb5k5RSVl2vsiFkHdZ2UBczy0SaCOB-CnBVL2giguVlDd9aFDLfd_bE3uHMGQxCYkS0qdxYTWj0oL1fY-PdrD3KPHmoPDlz-IaxkpJ46XTrVpMnoACnKP8oz3MRK_wR8mcT0qrifb-ZxwHglAGVGwuBcQPbueGGfSnTF/s3179/IMG_2159.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="2433" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuyhO9ao103yzSJ156xVB82Prlb5k5RSVl2vsiFkHdZ2UBczy0SaCOB-CnBVL2giguVlDd9aFDLfd_bE3uHMGQxCYkS0qdxYTWj0oL1fY-PdrD3KPHmoPDlz-IaxkpJ46XTrVpMnoACnKP8oz3MRK_wR8mcT0qrifb-ZxwHglAGVGwuBcQPbueGGfSnTF/w490-h640/IMG_2159.JPEG" width="490" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(But on Christmas Day he wore his festive tie :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJEcBN6wu6M6pRNc5Z8EECzrLaLEKhco0QzHU5Eddj-BzeKQq7mpJpA39eibQdldNg8LpMxYcJlzK9oALWgJ4HBHaiXJQbkB7BqyhwgKfhGebyvE4jCPe0PRstZ2zSDwfbuAlZCUX1-rD4YVOP6WmyBFJ4aoVRjEFsuHqx4hftaPSwWw_69e9cBWvWQx/s3047/IMG_2254.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3047" data-original-width="1938" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJEcBN6wu6M6pRNc5Z8EECzrLaLEKhco0QzHU5Eddj-BzeKQq7mpJpA39eibQdldNg8LpMxYcJlzK9oALWgJ4HBHaiXJQbkB7BqyhwgKfhGebyvE4jCPe0PRstZ2zSDwfbuAlZCUX1-rD4YVOP6WmyBFJ4aoVRjEFsuHqx4hftaPSwWw_69e9cBWvWQx/w408-h640/IMG_2254.jpeg" width="408" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This year I had the most magical week-before-Christmas ever.<br /><br />Even though I had things to do, I have still felt peaceful and relaxed. Here in Hawke's Bay it's not as busy as bigger places, but the shops are still as crazy as anywhere else. I went into town once and allowed extra time to park before an appointment.<br /><br />I can thoroughly recommend giving yourself the gift of a peaceful holiday season if possible!<br /><br />We did not travel for Christmas day and I know travel can be stressful with the sheer quantity of people involved.<br /><br />But my experience of this past week has made it even more of a priority to me to continue shaping a peaceful life.<br /><br />I wish you an unhurried season of festivities - and beyond - too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY4wwlBtHa0liNVZFP5mE8TlMehsG12z-z-D_zaTHZvnzjXpgnLSfUxUKfRycIlUgT2stDKmtFxPaM203mL2cbffqWMrCrFvFX83Hrwa4U2vAIN_4w_XSiTmmA5qdczI-ektFt83LKudRvY4hKqQinpI59hI0PswvairG-I8nRukN5Wk1rZ3SijVlR_QA/s4032/IMG_1804.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY4wwlBtHa0liNVZFP5mE8TlMehsG12z-z-D_zaTHZvnzjXpgnLSfUxUKfRycIlUgT2stDKmtFxPaM203mL2cbffqWMrCrFvFX83Hrwa4U2vAIN_4w_XSiTmmA5qdczI-ektFt83LKudRvY4hKqQinpI59hI0PswvairG-I8nRukN5Wk1rZ3SijVlR_QA/w480-h640/IMG_1804.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />My very best wishes to you for an enjoyable Christmas break!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. You can find <a href="https://amzn.to/47baQJ9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">all my books here on Amazon</a> if you need a little sneaking-away downtime during the holiday period 😉</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3v9DnkR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPxoqN1o8d1qtDqS9o55t4599zPaDb6EAy01CZdqqNacdsA8bcSoNVDAbzsJN_EK7TNVWjBt7cNVzcm5f4hV7I1AHJ7yDGN5xlazn6tJQQmAuukdOf3L5pqzSNy8mwFNyW1yzhuR2EL2kncxVk6yoqiGFusbKhAA_QXuNfBhtQhrQ6VB_xYajOohcufap/w400-h400/108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3NG7pmP" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaHMGFjuDhvjq6M4jXY4_lZfcSsEAi0d7P7yi4HCLCNFZIum9UxAMBLDDXP_BEZalouGTUeam_-MIPelv54FOP6-1ac32zH-IIYpcYT2GPkbWGQcru5CtKuNPm8zl3Ll_8EJdHvu-vN8P9H-ZX3HTtD6d-hYCu3cokv5JUfRoBnPj-8KviFy-aFyzf6Zv/w400-h400/60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And, just for fun, I have enrolled '<a href="https://amzn.to/3RTRwvt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Ways to be That Girl</a>' in the Kindle Unlimited program for the next three months. This means you can read it for free if you have a membership.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RTRwvt" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3515" data-original-width="2660" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJblEX1MTwiLBQzbY2ANgLtOSct2Mzx4xv5ADizQhLxR6p8GfVENpl4pC41lRqy9HjsO6njZiTPEwleAa8xAxEqJi84BzlK7x_bhHC8Hj3AMv8sgkYH92MJs9A5hmq8zra_Sg_TPlllWwy_Mv7MeseA_mgn890gpN0a7TCapIquqwh2bWft2RrV1f7wyPG/w484-h640/IMG_2223.jpeg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>That girl</i> is who everyone wants to be. She has it all going on! Others
wonder how she does it so well. In this book I share all her
secrets.<br /><br />Her message is about how you can stand out from the crowd by harnessing the power of how ‘she’ would be, to instantly:<br /><br />- Become unforgettable<br />- Feel happier and more confident<br />- Stop worrying about what others think of you<br />- Power ahead in your own life<br />- Feel unshakeable<br /><br /><i>That girl</i> is our alter ego, the one who has more fun, makes more money, and is better looking!<br /><br />Let’s
cultivate our <i>that girl</i> persona and see how fabulous life can get.
Age or body size are no barrier to creating our dream life, with the
help of our inner <i>that girl</i>. We are going to be <i>that girl</i> in our own
life, the leading lady in our own movie!<br /><br />It was so fun to write
this book. I got to be a little over the top, but as usual with my
writing, it is also grounded in reality. It always pays to have the best
of both worlds I believe!<br /><br />You can <a href="https://amzn.to/3RTRwvt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">find it here on Amazon</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If you have a friend who you think might enjoy this book too, please share this with them:)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you
choose to use my links!) </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-28780181276187020522023-12-21T07:52:00.000+13:002023-12-21T07:52:04.710+13:00Christmas week happenings<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-Rel4EohBjuN5dNyrps4JHmkP_ZRfMmr9IsMz74XRTXQvL16Tx31tQCPC2xnUBZW2tXm5NhS95LjHg1gJQOftHL-QZ9S4YAeMlS1HpL7ofpyrM5_CIdKhBimbJGuF60JulFMbJwbPYPg_NR8AHDGYcBXje9bUx4IvWTwtcfe5njacBBWLsandu8xSXKh/s4032/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-Rel4EohBjuN5dNyrps4JHmkP_ZRfMmr9IsMz74XRTXQvL16Tx31tQCPC2xnUBZW2tXm5NhS95LjHg1gJQOftHL-QZ9S4YAeMlS1HpL7ofpyrM5_CIdKhBimbJGuF60JulFMbJwbPYPg_NR8AHDGYcBXje9bUx4IvWTwtcfe5njacBBWLsandu8xSXKh/w480-h640/IMG_1806.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's the last week before Christmas! In order to feel peaceful and relaxed, I am planning to be less busy than other years. I want to mostly stay at home, and keep a simple daily schedule of writing and playing, and keep away from the shops as much as possible.<br /><br />I've just finished reading a book called 'The Wake Up Call' by Beth O'Leary, and although it took me a while to get into it, I did enjoy it. I even had happy tears in my eyes near the end. I love books like that!<br /><br />So my reading schedule is wide open for my next read. Yay! Let me know what you've enjoyed lately. I do have a long, long list of yummy books to dive into, both on my shelves and my Kindle but am always open to new titles. I think that's 'why' I have a long list to read :)<br /><br />I do still have a few errands to run though, so it's fun to dress nicely and enjoy them. Even though it's a busy time for people, it's a jovial atmosphere.<br /><br />I am not hosting Christmas this year, but my contribution to Christmas dinner is a potato gratin. So, so delicious. I have a three kilogram bag of potatoes and will probably use all of them. I think there are at least 14 people attending, and extra gratin never goes amiss. There is rarely any left over!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are currently having our house re-roofed after many issues with leaks this year (it’s been a rainy 2023 in Hawke’s Bay).<br /><br />Micky dog is a sensitive boy, and jumps at the slightest noise. Opening a can of fizzy drink is scary, and once he even took fright when I was putting hand cream on and there was a tiny squelching noise. That was his best one, haha.<br /><br />So you can only imagine his poor beating heart with all the drilling, hammering, and crashing going on above our heads last week and this week.<br /><br />In this photo I was doing my Pilates class and Micky moved ON to the mat for comfort. Amazingly I could do pretty much everything I needed to do, and it was quite lovely to cuddle into him doing a child’s pose or side ways kicks :)<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYu-dFTIB28_R9oK81aGwgZ6B4Ywa97q5-KDDIVSRsCaGomkEzk7zMRaTQQ6jjptm9FmQqpM1rebXTqi24dJlZ_l-VUjsbLmTWtlCu9aFf4JTH3KdECs6fouvu5fyvBxeIE3Q3Egt1gME1mSxabmB0w6hpwe7889sQaRm_i7VkamMAjDavNtZJYVqQ3yg/s4032/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYu-dFTIB28_R9oK81aGwgZ6B4Ywa97q5-KDDIVSRsCaGomkEzk7zMRaTQQ6jjptm9FmQqpM1rebXTqi24dJlZ_l-VUjsbLmTWtlCu9aFf4JTH3KdECs6fouvu5fyvBxeIE3Q3Egt1gME1mSxabmB0w6hpwe7889sQaRm_i7VkamMAjDavNtZJYVqQ3yg/w480-h640/IMG_2146.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">At one particularly loud-roof-noise point I had ALL THREE dogs on my mat. It was getting ridiculous! Anyway, I got through my class fine, and it was only half an hour to play doggie Twister through.<br /><br />Shout out to ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MoveWithNicole" target="_blank">Move With Nicole</a>’ on YouTube for such amazing classes. There are tons of them (beginner, intermediate and advanced – I am on intermediate classes). She is friendly and smiley, and gives the best instructions. They are clear, and the classes are enjoyable. She provides an incredible free service. Thank you Nicole!<br /><br />And we are all looking forward to our roof being finished this week. Yes, a new roof for Christmas. Aren’t we lucky? Father Christmas will have to land his sleigh on the lawn this year. We don’t want to scratch the paint on our new roof :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDfJg-mmDowYBlweU2I25SWfsynFgkFwV5gVvoQ48vRnqV76rcJx_K7QTHiSlYZEaLnNDdHWZo4azQy66bwWfWUcUsw5kj3wl3ENs29V0UISv1uhj_E8yx-NyOj0lX5cPfPbXQ596OLhOWJY1WAES8Mc9KXVQU607JgdQvA3JaskhAChlJYA93ak8WpA4/s4032/IMG_1533.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDfJg-mmDowYBlweU2I25SWfsynFgkFwV5gVvoQ48vRnqV76rcJx_K7QTHiSlYZEaLnNDdHWZo4azQy66bwWfWUcUsw5kj3wl3ENs29V0UISv1uhj_E8yx-NyOj0lX5cPfPbXQ596OLhOWJY1WAES8Mc9KXVQU607JgdQvA3JaskhAChlJYA93ak8WpA4/w480-h640/IMG_1533.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely dinner outside :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It always amazes me how the simplest things can make an everyday meal more special.<br /><br />Here:<br /><br />- A rush table mat<br />- French linen dinner napkin<br />- A napkin ring<br />- Fabric coasters<br />- Sparkling water<br />- A glass of wine<br />- Yummy and fresh salad and protein dinner<br />- Sitting outside on the patio<br /><br />And of course, jazz music in the background. My husband Paul has curated his favourite jazz tracks into one big playlist, which we listen to on shuffle/random just about every night. You are welcome to listen to it too if you are a jazz fan! It's <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/35LDjKZKfiMLOPiVfwH0l8" target="_blank">here on Spotify</a>, free for anyone.<br /><br />And even if you're not you might find some new music to enjoy :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgB1AGLUVLJEznma-RM28lVadbg2TRJkuapkFHluhWzEGI5iUihIhgskgOEkPz-UftVhlJ_-AiLMNfnn_C5g_jHWhiOEKJ2D3-OPnj35jXEl_lPZcTwaLmpUQ7yezqQ0Jq6lrGxyqkrzmWDI9H6_uKoqWf_TmJMD4sYG2P07deFZnE1_MjW9Vcebq1l9H/s4032/IMG_1938.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgB1AGLUVLJEznma-RM28lVadbg2TRJkuapkFHluhWzEGI5iUihIhgskgOEkPz-UftVhlJ_-AiLMNfnn_C5g_jHWhiOEKJ2D3-OPnj35jXEl_lPZcTwaLmpUQ7yezqQ0Jq6lrGxyqkrzmWDI9H6_uKoqWf_TmJMD4sYG2P07deFZnE1_MjW9Vcebq1l9H/w480-h640/IMG_1938.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lilies in the hall make the whole house smell beautiful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8rOtqOSa7k_mbW4G7jw-gdwmV88kc5qrY76pYThZ6yv_hm32mFuQs7b7tO-lUxwTBNUBf1dCzqrzneh5atrdBor9DgH01tR59C4c92Y2069gmiTHoEMKu2TfmjC74g_X4h0AD6ze3FDFio2BkUXmPMjzT-ulaTMr74zu_f_HbYFaKOl7rdDnCZeoI7zd/s4032/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8rOtqOSa7k_mbW4G7jw-gdwmV88kc5qrY76pYThZ6yv_hm32mFuQs7b7tO-lUxwTBNUBf1dCzqrzneh5atrdBor9DgH01tR59C4c92Y2069gmiTHoEMKu2TfmjC74g_X4h0AD6ze3FDFio2BkUXmPMjzT-ulaTMr74zu_f_HbYFaKOl7rdDnCZeoI7zd/w480-h640/IMG_2202.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stockings are up!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Doggies Chloe, Micky, and Daphne are all waiting for their stockings to be filled with treats for Christmas (they love Duck Tenders or Chicken Biscuits).<br /><br />I didn't buy a stocking for Nina cat because she has Temptations for a treat and they would get lost in the bottom, haha. Also, she likes to differentiate herself from the dogs. She refuses to use the same water bowl, and has even started waiting at the door to be let in or out, rather than use the cat door because the dogs use it too.<br /><br />Nina said she is not a diva, just a lady with high standards :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I hope your week is going well and that you get to enjoy the season as well as getting everything done.<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. If you need a little Christmas inspiration, check out my book <a href="https://amzn.to/480sNvd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'A Chic and Simple Christmas' on Amazon here</a>. It's not too late to add a little sparkle to your mindset!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/480sNvd" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQxLIrawFSDp-nckZ6Ad922E84K__O_i0z1RYlQKVZTV9_fWPBt2GDC25B3mHXWcvBAuDGb92L6xYFS75wT5SYklOHPI8ZjwJm8-7XLr84JqImJs8R3X6U6YSagtWueehyYymGbi5VtEAzI689biuD7B-8DQ8GaD1HN0Bd3UhhpzWRhEEHKe4xHKydTEC/w400-h400/111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!) <br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-61416230284161466992023-12-14T16:15:00.004+13:002023-12-14T16:16:15.977+13:00'Visiting' the Savoy at Christmas<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg9_eCltIR5WgCjvJ65fIVXyah86TijS9p0hfmofzWJM9nLg3ZFTo-5OOHeFoLEMqw5qmkA956mVVrLNm1WV6a9_Jz-WVChNhYTTODIMtsdvdxIeS75qyLYLZ4uzcRAGY4GikHufovkTY4NjEziIfscbxIwkDiDEHReLdbU66KERHFlWOiAP_jOlxibSM/s4032/IMG_1908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg9_eCltIR5WgCjvJ65fIVXyah86TijS9p0hfmofzWJM9nLg3ZFTo-5OOHeFoLEMqw5qmkA956mVVrLNm1WV6a9_Jz-WVChNhYTTODIMtsdvdxIeS75qyLYLZ4uzcRAGY4GikHufovkTY4NjEziIfscbxIwkDiDEHReLdbU66KERHFlWOiAP_jOlxibSM/w480-h640/IMG_1908.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was just wondering, how many times so far this month has someone asked you what you're doing for Christmas - maybe a million? Oh well, small talk makes the world go around!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's business as usual here - festive walking tours on YouTube, candles and lit ornaments galore, cheesy Christmas movies on Netflix and fun get togethers with friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been writing this week too, on my next book. Such fun. Try and stop me :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q-vjWgWM1VHaqcgvbpfAmpKzfLMq_4fTh2RW2so2mN_WsOvb4KCX3JiYqV6lqb2wTiHKL7jgqnr1AxT-LrJeKa0GwD7IKAA0hgbqOQP996HgUhPnzfD9yssmulZSZg4bBvxb21s6T0KZ84Y-h4F3fuem5BjZtwkH6f_YjVgPZGYfYiwpU-_1wE7fSPfx/s4032/IMG_2050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q-vjWgWM1VHaqcgvbpfAmpKzfLMq_4fTh2RW2so2mN_WsOvb4KCX3JiYqV6lqb2wTiHKL7jgqnr1AxT-LrJeKa0GwD7IKAA0hgbqOQP996HgUhPnzfD9yssmulZSZg4bBvxb21s6T0KZ84Y-h4F3fuem5BjZtwkH6f_YjVgPZGYfYiwpU-_1wE7fSPfx/w480-h640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As mentioned, one of my favourite relaxing sofa-time things to do in December is to watch walking tours - and bus tours! - of the Christmas lights and decorations in big cities.<br /><br />The Wanderizm channel has a <a href="https://youtu.be/IKUxwm69fVY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wonderful double decker bus tour</a> of the festive lights in central London.<br /><br />They just happened to pass the Savoy Hotel too...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2QRAg7kcFp2ZvGgsgdMD62D37RXxfVqwNMs8G-2fJ7EJuSPjK983qngd_6h21e7Z5vdYzlziBjlYkQQ1YIcb0HUHeknxN0kXdUdk3EpxfFaVAHkHh4wSL-q44ZjLA36aLZuEdC1SB5Ldcza1dyrh2bqbxUml2LptpU6VaY9luGkfi9raTGmM3AmjKcT/s4032/IMG_2055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2QRAg7kcFp2ZvGgsgdMD62D37RXxfVqwNMs8G-2fJ7EJuSPjK983qngd_6h21e7Z5vdYzlziBjlYkQQ1YIcb0HUHeknxN0kXdUdk3EpxfFaVAHkHh4wSL-q44ZjLA36aLZuEdC1SB5Ldcza1dyrh2bqbxUml2LptpU6VaY9luGkfi9raTGmM3AmjKcT/w480-h640/IMG_2055.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My cousin Sam was lucky enough to stay there only a week or two ago and sent these fabulous photos he took of the Savoy lobby. How beautiful is the Christmas decor?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH4MBhuEsK1zzzB07FY7Oh22cuqtGfbl9x8-8_MvgMFf9f5wV9hkT0Vnmivl8O14-rWQM9oKlS5RvKcEo4IjS8L6rvOmSG8BdCkqvbYC3-6OFmcvG9kohyphenhyphenckMLQk6Gd8-wGXdnHCiJnvfh7sZa7uQbizRYGYhGakDI8FQLwD8TFZCQjcod4CsmTmR1v0P/s1024/9c0c624e-f846-4b40-9f67-24b3dce94811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH4MBhuEsK1zzzB07FY7Oh22cuqtGfbl9x8-8_MvgMFf9f5wV9hkT0Vnmivl8O14-rWQM9oKlS5RvKcEo4IjS8L6rvOmSG8BdCkqvbYC3-6OFmcvG9kohyphenhyphenckMLQk6Gd8-wGXdnHCiJnvfh7sZa7uQbizRYGYhGakDI8FQLwD8TFZCQjcod4CsmTmR1v0P/w480-h640/9c0c624e-f846-4b40-9f67-24b3dce94811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And, he also happened to see Prince
William in the lobby followed by his entourage, on their way to an
event. What a fun coincidence!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4nER69NOc39Zlgh_YXgoVrqNqlA_JKoFy0pOBzFa6FT_W14kkw2WYzb6LadzPQ896LSz5KkSmXga50XpwtP5MoeTpDb96l2xey5Ha-QcIR0z9UMZ0Kb12UDBol9J2DQG3RXM1sYcGYr608wMX_TAvP1e2JtZU41i2rIcSGBPeKAPLTgyCz0qMEmerRnX/s1024/494e177f-6552-4b67-ab42-c24a7607f03a.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4nER69NOc39Zlgh_YXgoVrqNqlA_JKoFy0pOBzFa6FT_W14kkw2WYzb6LadzPQ896LSz5KkSmXga50XpwtP5MoeTpDb96l2xey5Ha-QcIR0z9UMZ0Kb12UDBol9J2DQG3RXM1sYcGYr608wMX_TAvP1e2JtZU41i2rIcSGBPeKAPLTgyCz0qMEmerRnX/w400-h300/494e177f-6552-4b67-ab42-c24a7607f03a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I
hope you enjoy these photos, they truly are magical, and check out the
London bus tour too. It's so fun to be riding along, waiting at the stop
lights, turning the corner, seeing new decorations...</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uMt5AO3oonm_EefVtfywNYWNm5rU1d3gcPpY8tXJ2C2HjnbBIpktvuWSFQmJU-7N4vvdWfipFbxB_b0SuLK1azApSnHZ-glIbU_taZwCUs-TaUpwIVUENkIh3JazbE7haTD_bEMsij2qpPrkLt-Acv4wKtAGw_4hkr8TNCoFYuKFj1b9XnmTIhEYMmzK/s1024/08255162-b838-4702-ba46-f2646f3d9a44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uMt5AO3oonm_EefVtfywNYWNm5rU1d3gcPpY8tXJ2C2HjnbBIpktvuWSFQmJU-7N4vvdWfipFbxB_b0SuLK1azApSnHZ-glIbU_taZwCUs-TaUpwIVUENkIh3JazbE7haTD_bEMsij2qpPrkLt-Acv4wKtAGw_4hkr8TNCoFYuKFj1b9XnmTIhEYMmzK/w400-h300/08255162-b838-4702-ba46-f2646f3d9a44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I
know, I really need to get a life :) but truly, I love being a happy
homebody. One day I'll travel to London myself, but not today. Today I'm
cozy and snug at home, enjoying the inspirational fruits of others
labour. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqsXjA1w2qUpGzoQuqXf8AY1SktMxUe0ibEWTCnTJXF02FzfwKtw6UjZFZb0RNJPk6y8ytKsy0oyjkT07x7uV9E7qDIzGAagVMJnXWzKqRoxJHbXlBFnJ_qXUyB3KKE_KONd6AGOj7S2FxZuASp3QU9vVoDZyAjLwd4qRn82mJUhtXTrrI3XEXJFUCcJC/s1024/04c10088-7dfe-44d5-9105-214a12e3a015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqsXjA1w2qUpGzoQuqXf8AY1SktMxUe0ibEWTCnTJXF02FzfwKtw6UjZFZb0RNJPk6y8ytKsy0oyjkT07x7uV9E7qDIzGAagVMJnXWzKqRoxJHbXlBFnJ_qXUyB3KKE_KONd6AGOj7S2FxZuASp3QU9vVoDZyAjLwd4qRn82mJUhtXTrrI3XEXJFUCcJC/w400-h300/04c10088-7dfe-44d5-9105-214a12e3a015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiFeJzLolsP9AmDs3WeVardjI-YcsRFv5MQWzqoMOnZDIqa_dgB7BVb2xLNGUaQvk5xaK9odvshMvP85i9na0THa_D53ydIBlDBb7Sac1PJg0d7x0gqtDqhhNbAGL72OxoOdYiEZs4gfoiqJzAjWPijt6OTLWThBPTwp_NAAZYjpyPiwVJihgnX5_OYi4/s1024/d7c38327-bdce-409d-a8fe-31f59a1563aa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiFeJzLolsP9AmDs3WeVardjI-YcsRFv5MQWzqoMOnZDIqa_dgB7BVb2xLNGUaQvk5xaK9odvshMvP85i9na0THa_D53ydIBlDBb7Sac1PJg0d7x0gqtDqhhNbAGL72OxoOdYiEZs4gfoiqJzAjWPijt6OTLWThBPTwp_NAAZYjpyPiwVJihgnX5_OYi4/w400-h300/d7c38327-bdce-409d-a8fe-31f59a1563aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cL2dn5eayC8iB_xJdgqkQRESPQ1lRu8ahjKW1_ZjHPObmldrjAlv50fwHw2gM_etyTxBrEkQwnCU_O3E4k8s0bm3Cymx4HBBatiL_bWQQci-fIjJVsoWp6WtqdVmGJrrFe7oeVj7l74kN-W8H7s8FIBp2uLC_wYcTYgLV8ADG3lynxwKTCDua-aNVHyC/s1024/fc10b55a-f8dc-41a6-921e-4c578ac4ef3c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cL2dn5eayC8iB_xJdgqkQRESPQ1lRu8ahjKW1_ZjHPObmldrjAlv50fwHw2gM_etyTxBrEkQwnCU_O3E4k8s0bm3Cymx4HBBatiL_bWQQci-fIjJVsoWp6WtqdVmGJrrFe7oeVj7l74kN-W8H7s8FIBp2uLC_wYcTYgLV8ADG3lynxwKTCDua-aNVHyC/w400-h300/fc10b55a-f8dc-41a6-921e-4c578ac4ef3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And it’s another candle and lightstravaganza - Saturday night at Chez Ferris :) (not quite the Savoy but still pretty!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthstvJfZJn9jcumUXcaEg0zavNTjTsN2WjWowoZwbEOvWRXgURyj_mD08rG1pJXKFSMQCAzKGXN8YkhryF_Oyh-y3OKMLsQiMj4P8m2DmhBhBCfgsNS4UXgWOTopRRV61UIVY1HXZdz44TrboroEHXi9disxeowGO-I_rLd97YWy0hymDXT1js02eppS3/s3024/IMG_2125.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthstvJfZJn9jcumUXcaEg0zavNTjTsN2WjWowoZwbEOvWRXgURyj_mD08rG1pJXKFSMQCAzKGXN8YkhryF_Oyh-y3OKMLsQiMj4P8m2DmhBhBCfgsNS4UXgWOTopRRV61UIVY1HXZdz44TrboroEHXi9disxeowGO-I_rLd97YWy0hymDXT1js02eppS3/w400-h400/IMG_2125.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you a fab rest of your week, and I'll see you next week for my last post before Christmas :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">xx Fiona<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. I'm thrilled to see my latest book has been so well received. No. 1 bestseller in multiple categories! Yay! And thank you :) You can find it <a href="https://amzn.to/46Y1lN6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a> if you haven't seen it yet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46Y1lN6" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWT87n1_lK9pK0Okw4Cz6oW4DgQNFzQ785nYyRW-0T8xe96jS_2pm7bgqRARweYZZ7kHBUGmKU6OqrzzxEfpkPQPVO2a5EhXA6mQzu6bUW7SuNf5Xj0LKWpxFhUy-2X9-pPZvGQGeShTavCYU8fFwCvZIvMilb21KSypL98y81BZMOwVrPVgh29jhmCO9T/w456-h640/Screenshot%202023-12-13%20at%2015-54-08%20Amazon%20Best%20Sellers%20Best%20Journal%20Writing.png" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you
choose to use my links!) </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-61166256690086552342023-12-07T09:13:00.000+13:002023-12-07T09:13:05.704+13:00Embracing the festive season<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2Kkweoi5IklQMV6ikTYOcNvJUQsU0ENzjqJp5iw2GdV3smFoTG6SZ5TjUFleVYKL-ktDrBJIVSjmJVcOUiJ1mEOero52OKf3Ah8TLe-UEOHh1cN_WDN426w8fT3u1JneEJxUZsEI9nhyphenhyphenIqwEE1K6ilpQTl_O968qYLxLMzd4T3xK1x6r4h2F9HDcPBt6/s4032/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2Kkweoi5IklQMV6ikTYOcNvJUQsU0ENzjqJp5iw2GdV3smFoTG6SZ5TjUFleVYKL-ktDrBJIVSjmJVcOUiJ1mEOero52OKf3Ah8TLe-UEOHh1cN_WDN426w8fT3u1JneEJxUZsEI9nhyphenhyphenIqwEE1K6ilpQTl_O968qYLxLMzd4T3xK1x6r4h2F9HDcPBt6/w480-h640/IMG_2021.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends, <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to my husband Paul's work Christmas last weekend, and it was so lovely. The weather was good and we were treated to a delicious dinner and drinks at a local winery. It was a wonderful evening and I am very grateful! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And then the next day was cozy and drizzly, just perfect for staying in with movies and books :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Festive treats </b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">To celebrate the beginning of December I couldn't resist a treat... I love Christmas themed goodies!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlfRpB_fKKatupndgfK8wo8X4JJFgd-69X1H0hR8uCT4uC5hBydO-8bG9omLZBj-Rsp2WQ8PCUMoDxfPNWqpzBB04bJ6FAMVG62suH8rjXZfkEueZYZ1cbF7dXtS6iK0nAngkCPbKzESrlcyzzR1-8nNTHmS3OUWCTnVrh0RW6_KGguA-fob6s6UqWt0H/s4032/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlfRpB_fKKatupndgfK8wo8X4JJFgd-69X1H0hR8uCT4uC5hBydO-8bG9omLZBj-Rsp2WQ8PCUMoDxfPNWqpzBB04bJ6FAMVG62suH8rjXZfkEueZYZ1cbF7dXtS6iK0nAngkCPbKzESrlcyzzR1-8nNTHmS3OUWCTnVrh0RW6_KGguA-fob6s6UqWt0H/w480-h640/IMG_2016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(I also saw gingerbread flavoured popcorn but managed not to put that in my basket.)<br /><br />If
you don't live in New Zealand and cannot get Whittaker's chocolate I
feel for you! It's the best :) They've never cheapened their brand and
have a consistently high quality product.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">A friend that lives in South Africa loads her suitcase up when she returns home from a visit here :)<br /><br />I buy their 72% Dark Ghana flavour for 'everyday use', and the others as sparingly as I can because they are just too easy to eat.<br /><br />Are you like me and have to manage what you keep in the house? I've found it's the best and easiest way for me!<br /><br />And, if you're a Whittaker's fan too, please let me know your favourite flavour. My all time favourite is Jelly Tip, omg it's so good. But again, highly dangerous!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Our festive front door</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAWQE1A-zxJ3ilz_4QKAIqYOj8HYgjzgQDMWeEuantj3-5kLgqg6tzcmFmTsH7KabhfOI_hgFRxtRAidk-HzNAwOP0kJC6fL3swxiHo2M5NI-20ThHtOH8BAPtZpEuy0xIQj4htj0GvJL6TB_31TyOCD5-MAXKK6oCzURqUCOo49Etpfv6jKqlbwPCfKC/s4032/IMG_1774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAWQE1A-zxJ3ilz_4QKAIqYOj8HYgjzgQDMWeEuantj3-5kLgqg6tzcmFmTsH7KabhfOI_hgFRxtRAidk-HzNAwOP0kJC6fL3swxiHo2M5NI-20ThHtOH8BAPtZpEuy0xIQj4htj0GvJL6TB_31TyOCD5-MAXKK6oCzURqUCOo49Etpfv6jKqlbwPCfKC/w480-h640/IMG_1774.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the Christmas vibe and really wish I could keep my favourite Christmas goodies up all year round! They make me so happy to see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Festive dinner </b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">A festive themed outdoor dinner for the last night of November ✨<br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-aC0zgG5CI4mUqBCfgoES1KeEnF_EAeCjjYrTQSTJJ28jJYAiOVs2me_zSIsP-Uej6mpBV5vCeHFTo1-Xpw0WH5RJSYkNbo1ccG-CFcXjq776-g5P9ouBI4EyQCxDF3-fAZp0WGQtVW7J_itLxREd83nspWYK6IwobHNaYKvt-fXFMik8vNhbLwpf5Kb/s4032/IMG_2003.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-aC0zgG5CI4mUqBCfgoES1KeEnF_EAeCjjYrTQSTJJ28jJYAiOVs2me_zSIsP-Uej6mpBV5vCeHFTo1-Xpw0WH5RJSYkNbo1ccG-CFcXjq776-g5P9ouBI4EyQCxDF3-fAZp0WGQtVW7J_itLxREd83nspWYK6IwobHNaYKvt-fXFMik8vNhbLwpf5Kb/w480-h640/IMG_2003.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My husband Paul asked if there were enough candles on the table (there were six...)<br /><br />What can I say, I’m a high maintenance lady!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw this bright star in the sky that night too, and it turned out to be the planet Jupiter!<br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwcg-5wO7FiphQR0rWCz6AtI2hpfXQfimh5XjySxrSp8S8OL_HGr_KVSBR62L_J1F-yiGMbIZqKKSmXqFyxJZaqIMPhZ2kwvr_h_2m2ivLYA_oPqvePTI-WLskm_0ZZtlvt9P7RiAH-0XiXyz9PmZlmyhXyYAMOYcgLIDalfRspKsE0lq0H4i8VxWpM_/s2079/IMG_1965.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwcg-5wO7FiphQR0rWCz6AtI2hpfXQfimh5XjySxrSp8S8OL_HGr_KVSBR62L_J1F-yiGMbIZqKKSmXqFyxJZaqIMPhZ2kwvr_h_2m2ivLYA_oPqvePTI-WLskm_0ZZtlvt9P7RiAH-0XiXyz9PmZlmyhXyYAMOYcgLIDalfRspKsE0lq0H4i8VxWpM_/w296-h640/IMG_1965.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I have the app SkyView Lite and it’s so fun to peruse the sky sometimes . I also love the music that plays in the app when I’m using it. It’s
very peaceful and calming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyQnzsZAWO9TofJFBmeDAbjwzbBAfEVTkzZIlOXZC82RWIqCwvrjQmp7whG1f1wsdkuLAPdgOaUvTejAOXOj_TzPpJ7fo1rY6Xcr5oo9GnP670sVGjlIH1j26PYIvBP_pwBCG8cWB4_-X5WurbMrxQnECm3vIconjoQdHC2U-jCCeTmS6BSn1osXVPYnm/s4032/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyQnzsZAWO9TofJFBmeDAbjwzbBAfEVTkzZIlOXZC82RWIqCwvrjQmp7whG1f1wsdkuLAPdgOaUvTejAOXOj_TzPpJ7fo1rY6Xcr5oo9GnP670sVGjlIH1j26PYIvBP_pwBCG8cWB4_-X5WurbMrxQnECm3vIconjoQdHC2U-jCCeTmS6BSn1osXVPYnm/w480-h640/IMG_1966.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I saw the constellation Aquarius close by too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_9XVGvKjYgy0ZZ2LdrESriwQD2iQP4KtFg5QptlaUdwXtO25NN_9dmSfM_ac7BE2fX4sqMj8uVDLnBI_BmZivPmnFNhAyOlMfWFcsJFvVEjdr6WbKLfKYzUkzq0ufucLlIo4VLBuRknsshXUitXxVbcgBuCY9rFfX82pLTVUw4b_EDZe5cugbu8yw2ZG/s2079/IMG_1968.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2079" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_9XVGvKjYgy0ZZ2LdrESriwQD2iQP4KtFg5QptlaUdwXtO25NN_9dmSfM_ac7BE2fX4sqMj8uVDLnBI_BmZivPmnFNhAyOlMfWFcsJFvVEjdr6WbKLfKYzUkzq0ufucLlIo4VLBuRknsshXUitXxVbcgBuCY9rFfX82pLTVUw4b_EDZe5cugbu8yw2ZG/w296-h640/IMG_1968.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a good night for stargazing!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3x1YVNwNsa32u7JYuAXfYxHPl_7N-Ia31uZRsCWNL71zVktA9yJ_oHHRpcisA4EwklXcrOIJmMp10ugCB84Vd49Dnr3gyBb6d3gtI_BayuGUJeDAP_ODyjS80csJoVVmrYzze4SP7H0L2mSmBAYigWqj_NWaDVsdCx0CemcCRva7azmoV8h3WUm-psPN/s4032/IMG_2010.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3x1YVNwNsa32u7JYuAXfYxHPl_7N-Ia31uZRsCWNL71zVktA9yJ_oHHRpcisA4EwklXcrOIJmMp10ugCB84Vd49Dnr3gyBb6d3gtI_BayuGUJeDAP_ODyjS80csJoVVmrYzze4SP7H0L2mSmBAYigWqj_NWaDVsdCx0CemcCRva7azmoV8h3WUm-psPN/w480-h640/IMG_2010.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And this is my ‘sweet Daphne’ standing on the outdoor sofa as if she is allowed up there :)<br /><br />Daphne wears her heart on the outside and her spirit is one of love and pure neediness… both for me, and food.<br /><br />She is 7-8 years old now and we adopted her when she was 2, from the SPCA where she was taken from a puppy mill.<br /><br />She loves life, loves her doggie and people family, and loves her walks down the road. She trots down the hill and RACES back up.<br /><br />Home is where the heart is she said, and I agree ☺️✨<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I hope your festive season is starting off nicely as well. I have my Christmas tree up and almost decorated. Playing Christmas music. Diffusing Christmas blend essential oils. Switching on all my lit Christmas decor each morning.<br /><br />Love it ❤️💚❤️💚❤️<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46HoNhz" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ5Avy4bKI_7XQumboKNxRA9n8pSPYYTwbVSodukobPpIIDDZoqZ31qHBffUBsVkcD86eGD8BpEPYe0GACNCI_dITgaIv3tAaiD5afWgNvhCxpFf84J0igZvEB3IrCK5GnHVB2OasiPRXWvgzOsIcGPTuuONPQnNrQAAsn-Sd_HAkI_P6yXTQzDd1vDQR/w480-h640/IMG_2077.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's so nice to be feel festive in December. What I've found though, is that we need to make it happen for ourselves: seek out the lights, the decorations, the fun, and the fizzy happy feeling.<br /><br />I do this with books and December issue magazines, browsing the Christmas section in stores, viewing homes that are decorated for the holidays (it's slim pickings around here but I can't complain!), watching YouTubers’ Vlogmas creations (current favourite: https://www.youtube.com/@newyorkplease), playing Christmas music at home and lighting Christmas candles (I have a cookie-scented candle burning at the moment).<br /><br />I don't do holiday clothes or earrings, but I know they are popular :) I love red or plum coloured nails in December though.<br /><br />There are so many ways in which to bring the pretty, sparkly, magical feeling of Christmas to your everyday!<br /><br />Please let me know some of yours, and what you’re up to with regards to
Christmas decor - minimalist or maximalist? I am in between but always
like plenty of payback for my effort!<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>xx Fiona<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. You can find my book '<a href="https://amzn.to/46HoNhz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Chic and Simple Christmas</a>' on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, along with all my other books, which are focused on living a fabulous life without spending a lot of money. 'A Chic and Simple Christmas' is all about celebrating the holiday season with ease and grace, and includes all my best tips to achieve this.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you
choose to use my links!) </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-41094543492191776992023-11-30T10:30:00.003+13:002023-11-30T10:36:53.059+13:00Big book sale ends soon + your author dreams<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyWRylGPqnC12bL_9i3siyERkqWTQ8iqozetnAbufaU5bvVBCDfU61Wt5XEjOrb2CjO4UBsDFNKd00u5K_9PzSjk6sPFaKLRzh26Zstiex8nW3UzQGgf92B9BK6JA49MMYTJD8sJrVcx6skfn6fHa2NJx3D5kIgJvq_9My0OMK7b7C_aaP2MSq1o9dEEM/s2048/IMG_3750.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyWRylGPqnC12bL_9i3siyERkqWTQ8iqozetnAbufaU5bvVBCDfU61Wt5XEjOrb2CjO4UBsDFNKd00u5K_9PzSjk6sPFaKLRzh26Zstiex8nW3UzQGgf92B9BK6JA49MMYTJD8sJrVcx6skfn6fHa2NJx3D5kIgJvq_9My0OMK7b7C_aaP2MSq1o9dEEM/w480-h640/IMG_3750.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:: Holiday Cheers ::</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends, <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I took a little time out to celebrate my new book release this past weekend :)<br /><br />Rugged up with a cozy blanket in my satin pajamas loungewear. As you do.<br /><br />It is SUCH a nice feeling to have a book completed and put out. You all know the satisfaction when you have finished a project!<br /><br />And onto the next one! I love the boost that finishing one gives me for another.<br /><br />I hope my US friends had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Even though we don't celebrate it here in New Zealand I've enjoyed all your festivities on social media, so thank you for that!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiierKfHlIHApg5wrOo2ockwpJM29GvAH65ZPm_GIYnrVIOYAqqXri32U9h3uxxGN_rEo4wtopc1fp21jxDVD47yBuRyQ7W_GWKYuOE4hSiyJfMrdoq7YIFpgxqjxRPCVZpxHMZnpmmrzMZuyDAmzqvQ9aqWAXghAsQSKAKtMieNq475uAMAF3BHjDwO-J-/s4032/IMG_1949.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiierKfHlIHApg5wrOo2ockwpJM29GvAH65ZPm_GIYnrVIOYAqqXri32U9h3uxxGN_rEo4wtopc1fp21jxDVD47yBuRyQ7W_GWKYuOE4hSiyJfMrdoq7YIFpgxqjxRPCVZpxHMZnpmmrzMZuyDAmzqvQ9aqWAXghAsQSKAKtMieNq475uAMAF3BHjDwO-J-/w480-h640/IMG_1949.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If you have ever wanted to take my online home study course ‘Create Your Dream Life as a Successful Author’, I have a super-fun special offer for you. For Black Friday/Cyber Monday, I am offering 60% off, which makes it $199 instead of $497.<br /><br />The course is delivered over six weeks, and you get to keep everything forever – all lessons, audio tracks, bonus PDFs etc.<br /><br />I created this course in 2018 and have pondered updating it over the years, but I haven’t because there are many things in this course that I have forgotten the finer details of now. I do much of what I do almost by autopilot and I know there is a ton of goodness in this course exactly as it is. I don’t want to mess with a good thing!<br /><br />There is a money-back guarantee for the first two weeks, so if you receive the first two modules and two weeks of bonuses and decide it’s utter rubbish or just not for you, I will happily refund you, minus a small fee that is taken for payment processing (9%).<br /><br />If you want to give yourself the best chance of success and get serious about writing and publishing your book, join me today and learn how you can create your dream life as a successful author!<br /><br />(And I also want to say, it's not really 'serious' work. As with my books, this course is fun, playful, light-hearted, enjoyable, and inspiring. If you are like me and can't be bothered doing hard, difficult, dry things, I think you will love my course!)<br /><br />You can see <a href="https://payhip.com/b/NOkG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more details here</a>, and of course enroll if you like.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Use the coupon code SUCCESSFULYOU for your special pricing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbOcML5r0VU42ZUDhHg__h84__gO8_kJib_QYJiW3jJtZfiZV0N8Hq2N8wgPL-a8cu4KE845cm1DXZ6FdCyjjTouHABgV_0sDmpSx5tdsZTD3g5uDIdAJJjIY1miku7vhIpNFSsdcV7GlP6H05ZnRwRa9i7-64C51mSxH89gm9fYSy0ZCSoVHoMq08PAo/s4032/IMG_1782.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbOcML5r0VU42ZUDhHg__h84__gO8_kJib_QYJiW3jJtZfiZV0N8Hq2N8wgPL-a8cu4KE845cm1DXZ6FdCyjjTouHABgV_0sDmpSx5tdsZTD3g5uDIdAJJjIY1miku7vhIpNFSsdcV7GlP6H05ZnRwRa9i7-64C51mSxH89gm9fYSy0ZCSoVHoMq08PAo/w480-h640/IMG_1782.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't just have followers on social media, I have them at home too!<br /><br />These three doggies trail behind me everywhere.<br /><br />When I am writing in my office they are there - Daphne and Chloe in their bed under my desk and fluffy white Mickydog sleeps in the doorway like a protective bouncer.<br /><br />And while I am in the ensuite having a lovely long shower and moisturising session they all lie on the bedroom bench waiting for me. So cute! We will have to have the top of the bench seat recovered one day but that's another story... so many paw prints!<br /><br />You'd think it would be relaxing being a dog but no, they are always watching me to see what I'm going to do next. If I do an about-turn in the hall because I've forgotten something we all collide!<br /><br />And when I go out somewhere they can't go I have the three saddest faces looking at me. Even if I'm only gone an hour they give me the biggest welcome home too. Micky runs and gets a toy for me.<br /><br />They really are adorably co-dependent!<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.elevated.everyday" target="_blank">Jennifer</a> talked about 'Velcro dogs' haha these ones certainly are! Do you have Velcro dogs too??? Tell me a cute story about them :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And, it's the final days for my big once-a-year book sale too. Prices go
back to normal on the weekend for both paperbacks and Kindle/eBooks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3RhQCIV" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fscO91WMNO38EhxdIhYcPUNTTA_SnmKcrp73qKkeuJaBRqot21dS9KMbiD5iIgo1kgYXKFCt6ezC9_Ib7DGmnztuuJO_l_e1F-PlJsvtsS62HEoDL75_RyGPbjnUDQ4TsMvH1-j8UexQ4BYT8TUd4ej4PSthaQ_d_FfDZo697Ynmjl9HywtYZtPb4Tk1/w400-h400/Sale%20Time%20social%20media(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You can make some last minute purchases to set you up for a fabulous 2024. What better person to invest in and work on than yourself? I love self-development and that's why all my books have personal development principles running through them, in a fun, feminine, soft way of course. It's my favourite way :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find <a href="http://amzn.to/2s1N7Ye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">all sale books here on Amazon</a>, Kindle and print.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And for an Amazon alternative you can download <a href="https://payhip.com/fionaferris" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">all titles in eBook format from my eStore</a> here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My books are on various topics, but all come under the umbrella of living a beautiful life without spending a ton of money. They are a blend of cultivating a fabulous mindset, and of elevating our daily life and surroundings with luxurious touches. Plus, everything has to be fun and easy, because why would we want to do it any other way?<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the sale, and if you have any friends that you think might like my books, please share this message with them!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And, let's all go for our goals and create our dream life!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. My Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uJNufX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7BBfuoayWNoXCrrOYJRCV7TYzxn8qvn3uxYltvdcDokuOq63umn11RQO2cQbW5LjGzHo5Xp89epEzM2M0s_UcHv78VD0ILWnrxxghNSfar-YYEH4bJk7pbBuygji2oTW6FjJmnBD1nPojpycunoT875jAod0KXlsZ0vd3b4UjqhQZfvoHAg_Pj7o4g9V/w400-h400/19.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uJNufX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New book out now!<br /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-26550101801059923232023-11-27T06:46:00.006+13:002023-11-27T07:07:46.707+13:00:: NEW BOOK OUT NOW ::<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3sHhpFf" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3375" data-original-width="2115" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxlw6U75Molhs2vAV93kU9GF02pHb5yH5OmSYDjoM2Nr3X84RDTQizYRy7uwT6BCw0V9J3KUhoWLL9_-JKq4LEbTR6nq86qaEAjM1BKXb4p7B9xCBunC30f2SYrUphzKL8O0rASrwomyH1UAEYZp9PFv6fEks2ChLWZEfamKvdKa-Aq2wmwxd1uK87mcN/w402-h640/22R.%20100%20Ways%20to%20be%20a%20Chic%20Success%20and%20Create%20Your%20Dream%20Life.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear chic friends, <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Yay! I'm so happy to announce that my newest book is out now, in paperback and eBook.<br /><br />'100 Ways to be a Chic Success and Live Your Dream Life' is all about going for your goals and living how you'd really love to live, but in a soft, gentle, feminine, enjoyable way.<br /><br />In it I share all my little success tips - both mindset and practical - on how I have created my dream life. Don't worry, you won't have to become a homebody self-published author if you don't want to! But you will find out what you DO want and how to get there. And above all, you will enjoy yourself as you do so.<br /><br />I hope you join me in this book. It was fun to write and really motivating too :)<br /><br />If you need a boost of inspiration, you can find the paperback and Kindle copies <a href="https://amzn.to/3sHhpFf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at Amazon here</a>.<br /><br />And for an Amazon alternative the eBook is <a href="https://payhip.com/b/qO9CK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in my eStore here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and happy reading!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">xx Fiona </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon link is affiliate which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you if you choose to do so!)<br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-19224255531187079892023-11-23T10:36:00.001+13:002023-11-23T10:36:40.999+13:00My latest podcast interview!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPa8K1zyIgpXKUA0GjBUpp3kkgjBqhm9T-kaAaMlmameoZytiXt2U9VyQP8otPi7CA3mD2WfCpf3dfzWA2wHV2jhG7m8RBkEOLrVbqiNUaliHyp2JnFhk4QDW5dKB7dpzK02Xa-oKXqrspz-T69i2jF_-jmeHtOWpg1XQWRUjiFBRzxXPjfw3eTc_VLs-/s4032/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPa8K1zyIgpXKUA0GjBUpp3kkgjBqhm9T-kaAaMlmameoZytiXt2U9VyQP8otPi7CA3mD2WfCpf3dfzWA2wHV2jhG7m8RBkEOLrVbqiNUaliHyp2JnFhk4QDW5dKB7dpzK02Xa-oKXqrspz-T69i2jF_-jmeHtOWpg1XQWRUjiFBRzxXPjfw3eTc_VLs-/w480-h640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Greetings from springtime in New Zealand! Can you see my herb planter box behind me? It's doing so well with mint, thyme, coriander, parsley, rosemary, oregano and spring onions.<br /><br />And in another raised garden around the back of our house I've just planted two types of tomato, cucumber, courgette/zucchini, broccolini and perpetual spinach. Wish me luck!<br /><br />I've given up on mesclun and lettuce even though they grow really easily from seed, because before too long they are covered in caterpillars eating them :( I've tried covers and netting but they still get in, and I don't want to use slug bait.<br /><br />If you have any magic tricks to protect lettuce, please let me know your secrets! My sister suggested cos lettuce which I will try. Apparently the bugs hide less easily... Added bonus that it's my favourite kind of lettuce!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU2ECzX872aF_4wYZMQLfhZlI7ScvP50eSVCyDkji4YXZHrz2F_BLX2JwXUGYNUGew8PajOV8pVmHWve1EAt_d0LtnY6AyNxubaNp2bK8541Z9ipe5f6VtjMq6lrxSGYOs_Q-QluT_2aWcA0x_nZNk3i48iAco2nQMk3ZW46Lps-e1BF4jwKLNL0sJv0l/s871/Screenshot%202023-11-18%20at%2007-04-26%20Let's%20Slow%20Down%20(@letsslowdown2023)%20%E2%80%A2%20Instagram%20photos%20and%20videos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="871" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU2ECzX872aF_4wYZMQLfhZlI7ScvP50eSVCyDkji4YXZHrz2F_BLX2JwXUGYNUGew8PajOV8pVmHWve1EAt_d0LtnY6AyNxubaNp2bK8541Z9ipe5f6VtjMq6lrxSGYOs_Q-QluT_2aWcA0x_nZNk3i48iAco2nQMk3ZW46Lps-e1BF4jwKLNL0sJv0l/w400-h400/Screenshot%202023-11-18%20at%2007-04-26%20Let's%20Slow%20Down%20(@letsslowdown2023)%20%E2%80%A2%20Instagram%20photos%20and%20videos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm so thrilled to let you know that my second interview with the lovely Annemarie Stolting is out now on her fabulous 'Let's Slow Down' podcast.<br /><br />We had such a fun chat about living a chic and simple life and how it's possible even during the holiday season. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!<br /><br />You can find it at any of your usual podcast places, and you can also watch it on my YouTube channel below:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DZYiByBP3pQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="DZYiByBP3pQ"></iframe></div><br /><br />Or listen to/download the audio <a href="https://on.soundcloud.com/SAm35" target="_blank">from Soundcloud here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Plus you can enter Annemarie's holiday giveaway to win a copy of my book, 'A Chic and Simple Christmas'.<br /><br />Happy listening!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2EoiJajGZQYO9w6k-RBaXJRnpsWypw7QL8sWuMlk2zrGYtaMXqpJQnsE9UlCpCQsOTntFWFJuscbNmlIiEkw5Y5BlP9K0waU0b67mNsU78cNC8cMjhxgGh_4OPw2ESFhQipPOl4EiuWE6vvEp7RRtAVSFMZlzE_JzIV_ttIGl_UJmq_kzkJTJ50O2f8U/s4032/IMG_1826.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2EoiJajGZQYO9w6k-RBaXJRnpsWypw7QL8sWuMlk2zrGYtaMXqpJQnsE9UlCpCQsOTntFWFJuscbNmlIiEkw5Y5BlP9K0waU0b67mNsU78cNC8cMjhxgGh_4OPw2ESFhQipPOl4EiuWE6vvEp7RRtAVSFMZlzE_JzIV_ttIGl_UJmq_kzkJTJ50O2f8U/w480-h640/IMG_1826.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful peonies at my mum's house</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't get out much (by choice!), so I thought I'd change that yesterday. It was a lovely day so I took myself on a solo date to view
Christmassy stores in Napier, browse the Black Friday sales, and have a
Gingerbread Latte too. It was actually really nice, not too sweet. I was
only in town for an hour but it was a fun little jaunt, and I did some
errands too. Yay for me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe9NNBZOL_iv6n0p4NHkhGcnTFFZsCVjgeyeXGV-D2yqi0Ea7N5uZtUw_olV6Ldu0mBsp6kYZK2tyTtbHbEssETCS3YgB9Rj2rA7211qrN6bvZXm0q5pdT3SA07r4P9KiXup0ZyXQemZSQjIINRqtCiIl8PVy57JpVHwfdLQdtXlLomZtr_B81Z5zAmgW/s4032/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe9NNBZOL_iv6n0p4NHkhGcnTFFZsCVjgeyeXGV-D2yqi0Ea7N5uZtUw_olV6Ldu0mBsp6kYZK2tyTtbHbEssETCS3YgB9Rj2rA7211qrN6bvZXm0q5pdT3SA07r4P9KiXup0ZyXQemZSQjIINRqtCiIl8PVy57JpVHwfdLQdtXlLomZtr_B81Z5zAmgW/w480-h640/IMG_1930.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If you are a Starbucks fan, please let me know your favourite holiday drink. I might try another one soon :) <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. ALL of my books are on sale for my once-a-year November sale, you can find them <a href="http://amzn.to/2s1N7Ye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at my Amazon link here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">~~ Kindle and paperbacks are both included in the sale ~~</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">All Kindle books are $3.99 and paperbacks are reduced a decent amount too (they vary in price due to page length).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Or for an Amazon alternative, all my eBooks are <a href="https://payhip.com/fionaferris" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in my eStore here</a>.<br /><br />My 20+
books are on various topics, but all come under the umbrella of living a
beautiful life without spending a ton of money. They are a blend of
cultivating a fabulous mindset, and of elevating our daily life and
surroundings with luxurious touches. Plus, everything has to be fun and
easy, because why would we want to do it any other way?<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the sale, and if you have any friends that you think might like my books, please share this post with them!<br /><br />(My
Amazon link is affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission
from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you
choose to use my links!)</div><br />Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-37036757149382013472023-11-16T08:35:00.005+13:002023-11-17T13:45:20.965+13:00Biggest post ever! And the once-a-year sale :)<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45zv5otH1jlPvRsujv-V2WEv0sd_e8TFomrndJxIg2S4lfzkCk8EsKtdSRu58_Ub77gmuOQebhEL2eRDcfgT14CC-RM_RiJlfaFxVhUMIN5Lk4ycLf4EG42SWnDAaLdxv6n762Yl4Qje3BspCK0GnzOVQChvF7pkOiEc0FxmOgGw_W6kimmCeIMBmpWGl/s4032/IMG_1871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45zv5otH1jlPvRsujv-V2WEv0sd_e8TFomrndJxIg2S4lfzkCk8EsKtdSRu58_Ub77gmuOQebhEL2eRDcfgT14CC-RM_RiJlfaFxVhUMIN5Lk4ycLf4EG42SWnDAaLdxv6n762Yl4Qje3BspCK0GnzOVQChvF7pkOiEc0FxmOgGw_W6kimmCeIMBmpWGl/w480-h640/IMG_1871.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Hello chic friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gosh, today's post is so jam-packed I don't know where to start. Shall I begin with what we did on the weekend?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my husband Paul and I at the Robbie Williams concert. Robbie played at a local winery - how lucky are we to live ten minutes down the road! We got there really early to get a good spot, and there was a little waiting around... six hours... until he started. But it was the most beautiful sunny day, plenty of sunscreen on, and other acts played before him.<br /><br />We met lovely people around us and had a chat. We also had yummy gluten-free pasta for an early dinner from one of the food caravans. And a couple of glasses of bubbles plus LOTS of water. I went through a 1.5 litre by myself and refilled it again.<br /><br />And Robbie was a superstar! What a show. Laser lights, fabulous visuals while he sung, and he can sing. What a voice. He promo-ed his Netflix documentary quite a lot :) Oh, do you have a Netflix show Robbie? But it was all good fun.<br /><br />And I went to bed soooo late for me (midnight) and had to have a little sleep-in the next day. There were a lot of <i>very </i>happy people with many drinks and I'm glad I wasn't one of them!<br /><br />Moderation seems so dull at the time but you are very happy about it the next day :)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And in home news, our outdoor area is now complete! It has been a long journey which we began a couple of years ago by dreaming about a resort-style patio that we could use year round.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSFm2FrcpP3BD2KoobMkMq52_kFPGZodRs0o-7Iw7sQRVvk61HVB5dpnWDzWFeXmSJffB3w32R6DZ_K2iZ_0_eheQcyLBxiPBBQTFu8ZvF02m_DA7QAURbxkR1RuQ26Ckj4wqKM_BeeCYmmdTcKljS96BRbQqXwZnnideGuHWiVGVJqTvG9zMa_OzLN2E/s4032/IMG_1526.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSFm2FrcpP3BD2KoobMkMq52_kFPGZodRs0o-7Iw7sQRVvk61HVB5dpnWDzWFeXmSJffB3w32R6DZ_K2iZ_0_eheQcyLBxiPBBQTFu8ZvF02m_DA7QAURbxkR1RuQ26Ckj4wqKM_BeeCYmmdTcKljS96BRbQqXwZnnideGuHWiVGVJqTvG9zMa_OzLN2E/w480-h640/IMG_1526.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">One day out at lunch at a local restaurant, I saw they had this metal
structure over their outdoor area with pull-down clear sides. There was a
small plaque with the name of the company who'd made it and they were
also local so... I rung them to come around and do us a quote.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZfSKSkWobs-xa-tEUIt3EW4-I2uwZknES5pw3-vn9k1PlHAMPn9_FQP8qoQACN7WSenLFc-2bKwdk1zEdcgUKXz-7x1VRqcKf647dkZh_vw-pZ3tQ8cx2SQ-5Tg9QZnbGHaaMtCwRpmfkRM55u5l_tP3wMM3Jx16vuJB4J5JGSiUE1Q0EWzzkqSpGLSr/s4032/IMG_1528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZfSKSkWobs-xa-tEUIt3EW4-I2uwZknES5pw3-vn9k1PlHAMPn9_FQP8qoQACN7WSenLFc-2bKwdk1zEdcgUKXz-7x1VRqcKf647dkZh_vw-pZ3tQ8cx2SQ-5Tg9QZnbGHaaMtCwRpmfkRM55u5l_tP3wMM3Jx16vuJB4J5JGSiUE1Q0EWzzkqSpGLSr/w480-h640/IMG_1528.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We
also took the opportunity to paint our house and have outdoor tiling
laid. Our previous patio was concrete with small stones in it which hurt
your feet. There was also a large crack the whole width of the patio
from the earth moving over time since it had been laid twenty years ago.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfwiQq3eKCUQl-005aezgPaA0KggHUpMMzW0vwRcYOb5c0_XfbKUDwOcturwvqooDE5Y0vBJ-WS7toZ5eid-K2YucCAgKtKBJiVNs_TAz6IaovsLPD_wIdrgwrDiUb7sS8us4KD5cagdNt0V6Hb8H0LdhJuohJrzQ3LaqQPr7C4FEAK-NJXpxcMgTLRzm/s4032/IMG_1531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfwiQq3eKCUQl-005aezgPaA0KggHUpMMzW0vwRcYOb5c0_XfbKUDwOcturwvqooDE5Y0vBJ-WS7toZ5eid-K2YucCAgKtKBJiVNs_TAz6IaovsLPD_wIdrgwrDiUb7sS8us4KD5cagdNt0V6Hb8H0LdhJuohJrzQ3LaqQPr7C4FEAK-NJXpxcMgTLRzm/w480-h640/IMG_1531.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It
was lucky everything took so long to come into place as it gave us time
to save up along the way, which was my goal (not to go into debt for
our plans). And the final, finishing touch, we had our new outdoor
furniture delivered a few weeks ago.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7kVy3grpUIP1VT_mwroGxQ7IAkzDROeh1QX6SElHhNJ97pT1jDJbbVu0Y8LVpXWo4nhSRWTipghel0Yn6ionSSVlD72rwJMQRYLpfjxpoZecrVDZFDQM9YuCc6xYL4iX8mdWxOPVwngiIHf0X1gkv52ZP5o8I77oIZwCurh2FGH8QSKCfPPrxMiDba0u/s4032/IMG_1550.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7kVy3grpUIP1VT_mwroGxQ7IAkzDROeh1QX6SElHhNJ97pT1jDJbbVu0Y8LVpXWo4nhSRWTipghel0Yn6ionSSVlD72rwJMQRYLpfjxpoZecrVDZFDQM9YuCc6xYL4iX8mdWxOPVwngiIHf0X1gkv52ZP5o8I77oIZwCurh2FGH8QSKCfPPrxMiDba0u/w480-h640/IMG_1550.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you for all your solid advice - I chose dark cushions for our outdoor sofas!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpPQ8koJl_nKQBN5TPJwvXiHT2TD-Y6b6ZTeLzmrqDNYQZyjNxH5IE34F_6-2xkJaxAx1_8SMEd94TWShWgD2BU78bq8ocYyimTeFkZaVDpHuC_NT8nuSzHj4kbLRxKDS1TqFomZUW4iusVq3dpvIDapneUBIWoEJajw2kjehdM_w5WKLt9kIGMZmmNXX/s4032/IMG_1551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpPQ8koJl_nKQBN5TPJwvXiHT2TD-Y6b6ZTeLzmrqDNYQZyjNxH5IE34F_6-2xkJaxAx1_8SMEd94TWShWgD2BU78bq8ocYyimTeFkZaVDpHuC_NT8nuSzHj4kbLRxKDS1TqFomZUW4iusVq3dpvIDapneUBIWoEJajw2kjehdM_w5WKLt9kIGMZmmNXX/w480-h640/IMG_1551.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We wanted to make a rule of 'no pets on the outdoor sofas' as they drop hair, but you can see how well that went...</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N0SYcAreZv4ixlsKko48nPpP9GHzwBF6jaImWwrv7Hf9B3qo6yAluJtZmj5YWUMf_bGw84Rv-QLWc_0LH4TdiYyBb-V9l5aYmoBBA5J-L2eT7It6MVjsBeV0D3yjZ12KBZ6wmjrw1O5BUj2cjbMiG9vH3Ax3vkNvKAGss-sE_2x4T32Ws9BB7Q8N7wAH/s4032/IMG_1552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N0SYcAreZv4ixlsKko48nPpP9GHzwBF6jaImWwrv7Hf9B3qo6yAluJtZmj5YWUMf_bGw84Rv-QLWc_0LH4TdiYyBb-V9l5aYmoBBA5J-L2eT7It6MVjsBeV0D3yjZ12KBZ6wmjrw1O5BUj2cjbMiG9vH3Ax3vkNvKAGss-sE_2x4T32Ws9BB7Q8N7wAH/w480-h640/IMG_1552.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh well :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobNye1Qu6ZBaKEUJ-F2pje4Id71mmIsTI10dNwVJvDHnFfvhDJY7EJFHl3ArSznnQY__aewXN6jItxRFPSmIfMCINxPzA08h9FjcmowhTUl111JILj6fnPLAHI3Gk-pIV_fCkGI1sfiixLlOGQUkssTL1dnjCVG6uv9PslNOvZlvURnHpid58RhxyrJnN/s4032/IMG_1555.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobNye1Qu6ZBaKEUJ-F2pje4Id71mmIsTI10dNwVJvDHnFfvhDJY7EJFHl3ArSznnQY__aewXN6jItxRFPSmIfMCINxPzA08h9FjcmowhTUl111JILj6fnPLAHI3Gk-pIV_fCkGI1sfiixLlOGQUkssTL1dnjCVG6uv9PslNOvZlvURnHpid58RhxyrJnN/w480-h640/IMG_1555.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Daphne's leg scar from when she injured herself earlier in the year.<br /> She is as good as new now :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My friend Tanya came around for lunch the other day, and we dined outside on the new patio area. We try and meet once a month, alternating at each other's house.<br /><br />But we do something a bit different in that the person who is coming to lunch <i>brings </i>the lunch, and we always have sushi :)<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vQJgNCstY_O5lWESsBLzzOEdb6ysFXqtZW7qp1ZaCoZlM0D8p59mA2mlXLwYXwa-6WINtlP5mutUZhr0Lgm77GubIiyXTXoLmmrTGCq4KhC_l2KVqcceq_zsESZSaQ8WppXqM82KrbeLji3j_427d2UedbtnATSSHqkmtmGEzmlKEE3h5yJQJpCtr7CR/s4032/IMG_1840.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vQJgNCstY_O5lWESsBLzzOEdb6ysFXqtZW7qp1ZaCoZlM0D8p59mA2mlXLwYXwa-6WINtlP5mutUZhr0Lgm77GubIiyXTXoLmmrTGCq4KhC_l2KVqcceq_zsESZSaQ8WppXqM82KrbeLji3j_427d2UedbtnATSSHqkmtmGEzmlKEE3h5yJQJpCtr7CR/w480-h640/IMG_1840.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I made a sweet for afters, a delicious Lemon Bar recipe from the Starbucks website.<br /><br />I
don't bake a lot, just when I have people around (which actually has
been quite a lot lately!) And I love that home-baking is completely
customisable. I can use gluten-free flour (I am celiac), and I also
lower the sugar a little.<br /><br />Here is the recipe here if you want to take a peek:<br /><br /><a href="https://athome.starbucks.com/recipe/lemon-bars" target="_blank">https://athome.starbucks.com/recipe/lemon-bars</a><br /><br />I
learned new things such as 'what is a quarter sheet' (amazingly I had
one and I have hardly any baking gear) and translated the quantities and
oven setting.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgzx1iTU3_KHvfbFZqt7Fno-wMtXm2gONTZv8XFLmUskNp47DEqtmN1IOddxvBNWDw3uoBrqinsoOQx_Mbx1-vRedILGHVOSkt3zBpwr0SFyCNgGCVUCe4yWDH1KjqyEYf7jPfw0hvuJUCtyxIX5ZKROqRv9EM4rRODos_302VD20gVtqJPUo1SY0R24J/s4032/IMG_1845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgzx1iTU3_KHvfbFZqt7Fno-wMtXm2gONTZv8XFLmUskNp47DEqtmN1IOddxvBNWDw3uoBrqinsoOQx_Mbx1-vRedILGHVOSkt3zBpwr0SFyCNgGCVUCe4yWDH1KjqyEYf7jPfw0hvuJUCtyxIX5ZKROqRv9EM4rRODos_302VD20gVtqJPUo1SY0R24J/w480-h640/IMG_1845.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />It's always lovely to catch up with a friend!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, to end this post on a fun note, I'm thrilled to share with you that today is the first day of my BIG ONCE A YEAR BOOK SALE!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XuTabIhgbuWmahKgFryuE9s2l0wgjOqK4sswml18cBpwkVTFdMJY9UoRkqE4zh-FMOpknaB7DZ1-TczPALuGu4yaJiDACs62lBSf2rNiAtLZ_T_tASgxcFqQoGyrDHzNKOzHT-YqzN0mvIPq7VsL9tK5wG1b1jru0bOpKuUKjv2hEw02-ioHBA8Q0-Js/s800/Book%20Sale%20November%202023%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XuTabIhgbuWmahKgFryuE9s2l0wgjOqK4sswml18cBpwkVTFdMJY9UoRkqE4zh-FMOpknaB7DZ1-TczPALuGu4yaJiDACs62lBSf2rNiAtLZ_T_tASgxcFqQoGyrDHzNKOzHT-YqzN0mvIPq7VsL9tK5wG1b1jru0bOpKuUKjv2hEw02-ioHBA8Q0-Js/w400-h400/Book%20Sale%20November%202023%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Once a year, in November, I hold a book sale and this year is no exception.<br /><br />For a short time all of my Kindle books are only $3.99 (many are priced up to $9.99 usually), and my paperbacks are reduced as well, around 40% off for my longer books and the smaller books have a dollar or two off.<br /><br />It's time to stock up on any titles you might not have and really set yourself up to be a chic success coming into 2024!<br /><br />You can find all sale books <a href="http://amzn.to/2s1N7Ye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on Amazon</a>, on Kindle and in print.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And for an Amazon alternative you can download all of my titles in eBook format <a href="https://payhip.com/fionaferris" target="_blank">from my eStore</a> here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />My books are on various topics, but all come under the umbrella of living a beautiful life without spending a ton of money. They are a blend of cultivating a fabulous mindset, and of elevating your daily life and surroundings with luxurious touches. Plus, everything has to be fun and easy, because why would you want to do it any other way?<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the sale, and if you have any friends that you think might like my books, please share this post with them!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are a few of my 20+ book titles available :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3G5GPiA" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabCeqqXhkUJNZm0iYiaV08440PHQ4ZaRYgk-dOljKkEn4_T6K1jFlWmbT7zczBkj6kYShFbXbWvScCG2fC3VPY2msur2kv_ZIJXgg0yKfrWPmefY8Ne1UYa9Vr7OFpI5L79i2AksJWEAy6ORThusWAAJ1ZdSpeFx24r6f3EdXrB65B5eBuyH89Y_OWUQP/w400-h400/158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47bjfwU" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNp162-qwb78IcaFEPY7YogOY7FixfjHo0gYt0qlGkrO-SbvLeMCAinEm5b6fqLTxCYc69MsgDHRgMYHD4oaZ9N6EA2sRtSqgKtOk4p6UPkFVPooUyPujW5b7WsKrajPuF7EiF_vI6oJTLI5fItAE10N_38uTf222wS0smphyphenhyphenvYg-pNadXIFnIYOekxhO/w400-h400/131.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3QY06sK" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOSCNZaIZaA3Fjo8-zuCiN581gPN7m60kiHc0qW6zyksfS8sWXPwPI_T8WysHLqZtEKudR2HSBUq0N5qZh0073owmi4NhgZGe6jjWuyukYRYtF_gw_3n8vfY2b0h4-LMUQ3XdgPcrZirLfkJIuvaVvXzUDXgP1GgNsXMMZyIs6EKymO5aefUl-O0g65fD/w400-h400/125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40F06Rw" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5dLYVWGI4kJqWXQBTRqghmzaXot7De-Ro7n3jKos3mvCBHisabJ8LlmtGWXh0pH1DUfvd9PQLD0jZBdX13w8T5VenhEfY2s0Rmh2x7HLwnEhAgKB1DIC-gukGqu_8cb-z9ks_qSyDVQM0QDN0CnyZtCCkun_7n198adHgJ31Iju6qIZ2uYEYIfmQiaML/w400-h400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47xfGB8" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FKwtaqQgYHHqYl6ax6FrhcDIeDxdjFlLINKv3NFiWpCOScKLbZJ1_oGz1pBlqsH-XnmvuGU8Ja8lRQfHHQG8yJBN0qRIxnLYWYoMv8g4prSt-cMfUMnCayoDiRjaDBJM4BrsYfXHKF-h8swi67v6q-D4AOj5-wkaG4OewoakxVszbFNMF6gliyRJw5WR/w400-h400/83.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49AmVtM" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBVEpjKzGx-BVwjemLEr-8VaOTuoCquyLuQy57HROSWaoGSh0z3IyBToWDC3apm7YlB3mtUkejt_0rY_gunOxsnnypZCICZUvPl_mMD1kshepEAnNFFmljwJn0fCw3MUGp0_3jNrnOobTFmb15eesKDv4GUIHeFOva_5BrXCW-xR2z9RDzZaOpXfauVaf/w400-h400/70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FYyUnk" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qh4tDMg3zm1uDqkx6gcaBrc8PrkJKmrpLl0yhdNv3EUtNrDKmAuUOahSQ5oExOW57xcJvjltCISFC5v4KeOca5PpcEsGe5PnKgtITfBVf5xYkY70j80VqtBdk15qIc0KHtUGbYJdIgo-ZO4AhTMChRirGU-mr3DnzPNnEguD2qq-FBt34ZhzCtSqKkEl/w400-h400/56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FYz26i" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPtC-KWJtgAuKKR9dE7kydQAyGKnGHukJUrNJginIJP-Vz4llF8ZI4GFXEXXVY80TAoghItHHKs4iN7zDDoEP2HTwT6i9-rHcuAMl3aX871p1M8CF8HO4HjsPVq9Hu8GiSTIV8YnBxdNmfCBpGlsfHRGKpkrwrJNKBDXfMu6CL7py8OfaEV3rjuVg27qu/w400-h400/43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/49zXvMT" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTkI4oXZbr3b8rp_Nlc2M444d1HNAN68FDqgB2faqhCVXsZillKvmf2T3Dw-139anpvnKy3izalCrW-TxejV91hwnTPg9-zwEXoy0IjRLdTyF3G_A9dEd812Fw45zeHK0CS6x-GKfeZXHOK2y0W8gFNYy2shB6vFV96Za3UBOFbrg01wyESEK2TFBWu46/w400-h400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-24337542639239100432023-11-09T07:31:00.000+13:002023-11-09T07:31:08.770+13:00Writing, and reading - books are such good friends!<div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiLSQPxuD1_abNwA3yoga9gzxBOHGevpypGRW82BdvCE_LtOC76cqEw61D8R87JV8jclK7S349_shZAeN0T3R6AItINIDdBVHwFp_4Gdvgq6nDwqbr8ngme739MI55uy7lzrU0Fcqds5Y7noBCuijPGY7IYel09YwJj5Uhx9I6pu4ZA6NRpDYfGjvivUE/s4032/IMG_1615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiLSQPxuD1_abNwA3yoga9gzxBOHGevpypGRW82BdvCE_LtOC76cqEw61D8R87JV8jclK7S349_shZAeN0T3R6AItINIDdBVHwFp_4Gdvgq6nDwqbr8ngme739MI55uy7lzrU0Fcqds5Y7noBCuijPGY7IYel09YwJj5Uhx9I6pu4ZA6NRpDYfGjvivUE/w480-h640/IMG_1615.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casual date night going out to a local restaurant :)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hello chic friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been writing lots in my cozy little home office and I've almost finished my next book! So happy! I only have a little bit to go and then it's on to proof reading and editing.<br /><br />I have had help editing some of my books in the past, but at this stage I prefer it to be just me. My 'voice' is kept intact, and I get to learn a new skill. I don't do any editing until right at the end, when I take my writer's hat off and put my editor's hat on.<br /><br />If I can bear to leave it for a while it's easier too. But often by the time I've finished writing a book I've forgotten what the first half of the book was about so it's all okay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6Z0EldoAIdVTXWK1AjLZClKQhlKUlMpW6ozJ9Lju9YSKovjetLtzlfvFzHqiiH0RrYX0IbZGCbmhnaZKggKTJzgozCtiIvtqLwJadU8UnWNAkkOAGGHsakK4-UIqM1k8ccx9-scTWu4FUqD675Jq4S8D0rppi6BF5bekC1yJpzFV3GT313gEvRlaGPp/s4032/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL6Z0EldoAIdVTXWK1AjLZClKQhlKUlMpW6ozJ9Lju9YSKovjetLtzlfvFzHqiiH0RrYX0IbZGCbmhnaZKggKTJzgozCtiIvtqLwJadU8UnWNAkkOAGGHsakK4-UIqM1k8ccx9-scTWu4FUqD675Jq4S8D0rppi6BF5bekC1yJpzFV3GT313gEvRlaGPp/w480-h640/IMG_1724.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm so happy and grateful that this fun work is my job. And that you, my lovely audience enjoy my books. I feel like I've won the lifestyle lottery much of the time!<br /><br />So thank you for being wonderful, and here's cheers to another book coming soon. I can't wait for you to read it!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">PS. I just finished reading this book too! What a rolicking pure fiction ride. So good for a debut author. I love to read (or watch) stories with 'heart', and this one definitely had heart. The characters were real on the page, and I always appreciate quirky details. Would recommend! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9Z-2XTGKjs7aCcnU_YgSJ8lBEXNKPb03f63dPyCd1x26ijJ2W2J8nkXbQCzKtqX0UsMPQXewslP3cONslZbJUqLIufPcdAJ5mC_eR1Pjrb_G72rfu6Id-55b5ZzE2YCEqW7jbUPZ7XVVBxgYF93yYodvp_kQZnrN3v8TYYFxWV7FESb2eRNz1ToSLRzw/s4032/IMG_1781.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9Z-2XTGKjs7aCcnU_YgSJ8lBEXNKPb03f63dPyCd1x26ijJ2W2J8nkXbQCzKtqX0UsMPQXewslP3cONslZbJUqLIufPcdAJ5mC_eR1Pjrb_G72rfu6Id-55b5ZzE2YCEqW7jbUPZ7XVVBxgYF93yYodvp_kQZnrN3v8TYYFxWV7FESb2eRNz1ToSLRzw/w480-h640/IMG_1781.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">And some of my books, because, why not? :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3udaxzy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Most recent</a>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3udaxzy" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilis7A2JshNpYlXMbRNoGY4rbWWymSSFumcAMpG6iT_oMrs0aS3I6ypdjc1laDUVZg3nscOjV7GCXb1hFpX3w82WkP4Pa3OEPU_5U8Q-DKehrbXl0Kmm9JtAlNOkFIKOHNXj4byBsjhSXxc8FpdylPQZpb6qfkBQHE_I5PfvOebneb-Er5N7VvbN_40V-6/w400-h400/46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://amzn.to/475gPQn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Most popular</a>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/475gPQn" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCePINQJh1aO86H-NGKxcPuW5RbM-gik2RKFqlFOygPruPxGNWq7hyb7d2C6bMIKvI5RR5kmdFyxqQL01iuwsjp3-GX0YkV5MiUsTQj6hc2dEAYZLtGPqkkMDUkYbRqgbKQUs_-nuFgKv-iVFOcqcj_bj69UNfhu4V8iaXNza_vW3SxdKXwnge9YVGae20/w400-h400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3u9rwD6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Most loved</a>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3u9rwD6" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3H8k-ykkjwAuOG3o4LAvh3-nlGAmEPYwNvumZqm-FVxuCyFBwO8PjVeF7RE9SLeBdgFvExpNMuuACpXZnVAbcPNAdk44NiLtNhog2eeiNpYbNnUXnEJk6zb84jMa1t9efNBdRcGgc7KVwJe_InoeQZLuS4jFvzFNZ96szkrMYLUQpYe7ytp3M_AP2rhKT/w400-h400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you if you choose to use my links!)<br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-38499169412795965742023-11-03T09:05:00.000+13:002023-11-03T09:05:10.294+13:00My birthday afternoon tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPLeSbv1LWN8ZH0GjMVOEir5U8k3qQkf-bpdgWCFR-Z7rIZdowWuikeg5QlZ64MXwkBr8cD0TF_Il6u7OfIOJW44099dko17jaU3EmSm9mcYG_8kLdeJ9U39BlyeoJ0Vv3yS_Fj32Caw_uaAtXAcPW1knXa8RXmX76RY1_a467jgFrBco2GqZWDFmHJU/s4032/IMG_1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPLeSbv1LWN8ZH0GjMVOEir5U8k3qQkf-bpdgWCFR-Z7rIZdowWuikeg5QlZ64MXwkBr8cD0TF_Il6u7OfIOJW44099dko17jaU3EmSm9mcYG_8kLdeJ9U39BlyeoJ0Vv3yS_Fj32Caw_uaAtXAcPW1knXa8RXmX76RY1_a467jgFrBco2GqZWDFmHJU/w480-h640/IMG_1714.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, I held another ladies afternoon tea last weekend, and it was for my own birthday this time! I baked a cake... from a box, but still a cake, and added delicious fresh strawberries. YUM.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD3A8YBn-i30hWqZhxmdcxK7Hee_icoUOu7PZ8ZTIEorcB5wBZWJVVpmLmUsGzy_Z5pO_sd5pnagtRti-PHSPJirYW0sRv8o0MrMSc8CWoE4GI-EeDeT6A2TFq1Hnje6FrouTx9CFqu3pKVMLvnLD0vSxmBd_wrmgVgiXnnXt-6br6BzdbDsqJwaOxWFf/s4032/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD3A8YBn-i30hWqZhxmdcxK7Hee_icoUOu7PZ8ZTIEorcB5wBZWJVVpmLmUsGzy_Z5pO_sd5pnagtRti-PHSPJirYW0sRv8o0MrMSc8CWoE4GI-EeDeT6A2TFq1Hnje6FrouTx9CFqu3pKVMLvnLD0vSxmBd_wrmgVgiXnnXt-6br6BzdbDsqJwaOxWFf/w480-h640/IMG_1713.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />It was a beautiful spring day, better than forecast, and we all had a lovely time. I wore my dress that makes me feel like a princess too. I do love a dramatic sleeve, don't you?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PJOOiJLWS6aZC7vwJ8eJyWLaE1wg4TN_KEFVGikSDtQQv9PmPON739TOgtqf4I3ThUlgbAQhWgldWG3cnvhye5Su9-MEAnFph6boocRdj-jerR-OJW5tJUw7ytBrkCaCTpkaG2kl29Q2GbD7gl9mx3K_lSl8gGxw3qJd-TmtR5rntGBC4_ltZZpBT4Tf/s4032/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PJOOiJLWS6aZC7vwJ8eJyWLaE1wg4TN_KEFVGikSDtQQv9PmPON739TOgtqf4I3ThUlgbAQhWgldWG3cnvhye5Su9-MEAnFph6boocRdj-jerR-OJW5tJUw7ytBrkCaCTpkaG2kl29Q2GbD7gl9mx3K_lSl8gGxw3qJd-TmtR5rntGBC4_ltZZpBT4Tf/w480-h640/IMG_1712.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone brought a plate and we had bubbles before our tea and coffee, as per usual.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj869OQRaMITKg9lJ3nrRNQydsZhG1FgS6pJtryd2rCpESkwi3glWzj1aCkJIyoxilE71UNTJVR8qHfdseGxe9nd3lo3OBcj7rMKkOc1Ldv1BBBsRd7GjwBwQfLVK_2_wa2oLRy0AdV7FZ_dh2d_bNbP-MXmpXIY7XCN9siwq4v22n8MbLilGW3YSlaqxau/s4032/IMG_1717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj869OQRaMITKg9lJ3nrRNQydsZhG1FgS6pJtryd2rCpESkwi3glWzj1aCkJIyoxilE71UNTJVR8qHfdseGxe9nd3lo3OBcj7rMKkOc1Ldv1BBBsRd7GjwBwQfLVK_2_wa2oLRy0AdV7FZ_dh2d_bNbP-MXmpXIY7XCN9siwq4v22n8MbLilGW3YSlaqxau/w480-h640/IMG_1717.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />And the next day was to relax and read, watch movies, walk the dogs, potter round the house and generally have a wonderful at-home Sunday. My favourite kind!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFEECAkaghuotOI7tOIB5hrPsItSljehVrAv-BsFD9hgiObxM7sygGmI9rd0OwraHSYTiA2f_9uAj5LwMES9gIN60z745vShH5Tpl1lAs27ZlT-qU2_K3Ynqkqjj1kqUKQpVnIkb6Z16M1diEf0DTo4XFCj-ZkPifZklHTMZ-i6WbrmjBJ_ZhlcgVyyOw/s2048/IMG_0378.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFEECAkaghuotOI7tOIB5hrPsItSljehVrAv-BsFD9hgiObxM7sygGmI9rd0OwraHSYTiA2f_9uAj5LwMES9gIN60z745vShH5Tpl1lAs27ZlT-qU2_K3Ynqkqjj1kqUKQpVnIkb6Z16M1diEf0DTo4XFCj-ZkPifZklHTMZ-i6WbrmjBJ_ZhlcgVyyOw/w480-h640/IMG_0378.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And after such nice weather, Daphne and Chloe got to tuck up all cozy on a drizzly spring day earlier this week. I think it's so cute how they are always snuggled together - no matter the weather!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaNO00ncmIgYdZDOX_FhipYs20PIzctoLL2nwlhApl_xEnDtXDKKV_R4mQ0ncB0K31vepUiFPcfqoFaaysMzeG5DOmrrJJ4C-UjMEmu5x3iVtmSenZcNJ1RLs1mc7u0D6YZf7QsXDksg0LMrBNzXDGZGlVMb2cSTpwC9UZ_XRRKrEMLI9_V5SEdMJ96L_/s4032/IMG_1754.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaNO00ncmIgYdZDOX_FhipYs20PIzctoLL2nwlhApl_xEnDtXDKKV_R4mQ0ncB0K31vepUiFPcfqoFaaysMzeG5DOmrrJJ4C-UjMEmu5x3iVtmSenZcNJ1RLs1mc7u0D6YZf7QsXDksg0LMrBNzXDGZGlVMb2cSTpwC9UZ_XRRKrEMLI9_V5SEdMJ96L_/w480-h640/IMG_1754.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally, I visited my friend Jen (she used to be my neighbour and lost her home in the floods :(<br /><br />She had the most beautiful roses from her new garden on the table. Aren't they stunning? Shades of pink, gold and blush all mixed together is one of my favourite combos.<br /><br />It was so nice to catch up. I took Daphne and Chloe to visit their friend Teddy the poodle. (Mickydog was being groomed. He is spick and span and looking like a puppy now!)<br /><br />I hope you are having a lovely week too.<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40ofBgv" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsxqJA5LU07fxH7oruIohkNcYFiPKz0Nj1XHdh0_rCqYTAHdemRtzJxMUhvgZXiwkDPpa2KmN7taeJfusrLOGg0kUzHFiSzWHDIPYiV6DpkFTm4ucxhbEePe3nnFVlTqWYhg4gg-INkGQlI0PouCiHdA4KDQ5_MfcYWFxv0WRbZpx2MKhEl7dgXe86or1/w400-h400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40m78KN" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr4p4LWM-fQjgNW9hEXvDLqd6uxu1cspfUq9CMTXWgg1CBW_ZBq-XuGkUFoL9oemXYYQ1VMx5YfCOZkHrVGEYGIINfewz5bG4affjps3CmOopc_qw7h8t9ZPWNyFcDOeH-WU58wU9wBYabjBY5Udb0Qn5lcMzqt3bNy5jLeUJCpVr-1lw1nKAac2qhXZ5/w400-h400/65.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(My book links are affiliated with Amazon, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you)</i><br /></div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-80772256796462184772023-10-27T17:32:00.000+13:002023-10-27T17:32:07.307+13:00Where I spent my birthday!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD996Of9_b1dVRQBzcY9-b-e2Riu2t_uRCrQEo6Yi-7iTWmRH2rRzaWKKrY7vnPiAh-lAn3L5jWv8X64QzqFL6jgJX4jNkHGxt5Ox15ay9eBa3r8oM1LdUsN0m45GVOe01tHLLXcSOlq0NyaSCQistYyDF5xyA0i7-AtEQlM5xpg-PvCSPC0Vn8864AUe/s2048/IMG_3716.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWD996Of9_b1dVRQBzcY9-b-e2Riu2t_uRCrQEo6Yi-7iTWmRH2rRzaWKKrY7vnPiAh-lAn3L5jWv8X64QzqFL6jgJX4jNkHGxt5Ox15ay9eBa3r8oM1LdUsN0m45GVOe01tHLLXcSOlq0NyaSCQistYyDF5xyA0i7-AtEQlM5xpg-PvCSPC0Vn8864AUe/w480-h640/IMG_3716.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends, it was my birthday this past week (and my husband Paul's too - we have the same birthday one year apart :) <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Guess where we spent our birthday? In prison! Only for a little while though.<br /><br />We had friends staying for the long weekend and we all took a tour of the historic Napier Prison. It was so interesting.<br /><br />And thankfully they let us out too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35jUbWXfREwNZvJI3zYgELLdiorcwl3aNE4Op4tE2uyVfO5ZOG1hZR-AD9nye4L0GlTmPC-0Ww-cDGR7KLXtISKnFbOVy2e8lNZ5tH2BkzhP5E80F96UxiCVbSG_c3rFGTCK1vwtHLPrvGbIob6pp0ADTx-myv_bxMYlRqpx3fIODnW958u2vMikVT9v/s2048/IMG_3715.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35jUbWXfREwNZvJI3zYgELLdiorcwl3aNE4Op4tE2uyVfO5ZOG1hZR-AD9nye4L0GlTmPC-0Ww-cDGR7KLXtISKnFbOVy2e8lNZ5tH2BkzhP5E80F96UxiCVbSG_c3rFGTCK1vwtHLPrvGbIob6pp0ADTx-myv_bxMYlRqpx3fIODnW958u2vMikVT9v/w480-h640/IMG_3715.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoP-pWRwmwug-O7AGYAN4G0OBPTBLfAYgGTuHGnUMq54rsPvJuCXTjA-IZAfZfAfjH_LZcxh043THgyZi0tRNKoeadwrLBbqgPytu4J9ljX1E2t78DsThoB_yalHT10wIGs4TUvRvIe44-oB2MYV0WfCmqwVLkdZE5l0uK2Q1kltlJoyt5ljSAFu_BAYz/s2048/IMG_3719.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoP-pWRwmwug-O7AGYAN4G0OBPTBLfAYgGTuHGnUMq54rsPvJuCXTjA-IZAfZfAfjH_LZcxh043THgyZi0tRNKoeadwrLBbqgPytu4J9ljX1E2t78DsThoB_yalHT10wIGs4TUvRvIe44-oB2MYV0WfCmqwVLkdZE5l0uK2Q1kltlJoyt5ljSAFu_BAYz/w480-h640/IMG_3719.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">52 and 53!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC6FVGAOumFbJdCFBY6-EUrQFMnVKgflyTIZwd3Ip2cn-LlEeYbycsY6gBHAwNgOlLU2ulbVWgW5qSh-HJREvvfaJGT8zth_tUl0p0r7Msev84e9l24ze_2MoMTzS0757JBMll5xBjG0IF1nNbTn3wa1xm-XK9vVnnFS1kye-i8Jn1EQvgnfgmDqpvNqZ/s2048/IMG_1457.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEC6FVGAOumFbJdCFBY6-EUrQFMnVKgflyTIZwd3Ip2cn-LlEeYbycsY6gBHAwNgOlLU2ulbVWgW5qSh-HJREvvfaJGT8zth_tUl0p0r7Msev84e9l24ze_2MoMTzS0757JBMll5xBjG0IF1nNbTn3wa1xm-XK9vVnnFS1kye-i8Jn1EQvgnfgmDqpvNqZ/w480-h640/IMG_1457.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello from beautiful Hawke's Bay in the spring! This is the view from the paddock looking up to our home. If you look closely you can see our new outdoor area's roof.<br /><br />It's lovely to have a paddock and walk the dogs off-leash in their own private 'park'. Just make sure to dodge the cow pats!<br /><br />This week I did a second interview with the delightful Annemarie Stolting, for her podcast Let's Slow Down. Annemarie is such a great interviewer with great questions and comments.<br /><br />The episode should be released next month and I can't wait for you to hear it. We had such a fun time chatting. I think I may have spoken really fast in my excitement so I really hope you can understand my Kiwi accent easily! LOL!<br /><br />In the episode we discuss how to feel calm and peaceful during the holiday season, my morning routine, how I became a self-published work-from-home author, and lots of other fun bits and pieces.<br /><br />You can <a href="https://pod.link/LetsSlowDown/episode/a8b780bd812a1d8f33ea97ea1a629bc8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">listen to our first episode together here</a>.<br /><br />The book we discussed in next month's episode: 'A Chic and Simple Christmas' is still on special for a few more days - it will go back to its normal price on Monday, so if you don't already have it this is your chance to get it at a discounted price.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/40cwHxP" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB56b3I-I0zBBRoYS6XGrKpgiREhQNoxHOsvCYFTwltSvnaFTLeTRkDOG-X4xgx5m65xXcwJ_Oopk-Tpdjv_8qj6WGwYtd1ehyphenhyphendexdMMX3zv1tAl1Wqt2rbxLCjU4M3-JQdK6A6reKdXviLeeanqZAZxDgWuWV5gyk1z0zQ1a3bd1hjglSzpRT1baZ9V9/w400-h400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The Kindle and paperback versions are <a href="https://amzn.to/40cwHxP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">both reduced on Amazon at my affiliate link</a>.<br /><br />And for an Amazon alternative <a href="https://payhip.com/b/rDNs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the eBook is in my eStore</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmhJelAF2fVpIDWeVzSyMwwgXNhh0pilJrqTJ1fifjdfhWV5MYqeeI-aNdjx7vTACtGRT5mKRwpjO4jsx5OgFPtZr9PzfZpwwD0d1rs8bG-b747_7OokzveXMnKQ1C5typHNNX6iHKd4CuJKsuLRzyeTO1nu5BPdJ6Psu9LcMjoIov36jY-_TQCMhJD4J/s2048/IMG_3529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmhJelAF2fVpIDWeVzSyMwwgXNhh0pilJrqTJ1fifjdfhWV5MYqeeI-aNdjx7vTACtGRT5mKRwpjO4jsx5OgFPtZr9PzfZpwwD0d1rs8bG-b747_7OokzveXMnKQ1C5typHNNX6iHKd4CuJKsuLRzyeTO1nu5BPdJ6Psu9LcMjoIov36jY-_TQCMhJD4J/w480-h640/IMG_3529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And finally, it's me again. I forgot to post this when I went to see the Barbie movie! I know it's old news now, but what did you think? I enjoyed the fun parts of it and the inside jokes. I loved Ken and Barbie, and all the other Barbies, and how Ken's job was 'beach' :)<br /><br />But I also thought it was a missed opportunity because it felt a little weird. Like it was just a ton of scenes glued together (I know that's what a movie is, but, you know ;). It could have had more heart I think.<br /><br />Still, I'm glad I went got to see it. Whenever I go to the movies I always think how good it is and that I'm going to do it more often and then it's another 3-4 months until I go again :)<br /><br />What good is coming up? Have you been lately and what would you recommend? And what did you think of Barbie? If you can remember back that far!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy the rest of your week, it's the weekend here! Friday night - yahoo!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">xx Fiona<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-28371909893051673452023-10-18T07:22:00.002+13:002023-10-18T07:22:49.738+13:00Afternoon tea, and this month's book sale!<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSxhaOnQo9DzXN4Ngkxsbqb9pA3eR5nUPKMaudQ6I7KFpPa0h9BvL57lxEPX1ooWczKi__VmZpl1ZB3kqtlZUbcdHKoGgu0yREAZxKSq2a_diWyWFQoFzOqarXbyO4py8W-T2_O1NhT7JAdx9q4WTuBr7xZMiz8nYJyrrFgtebVjyyWXbGXY25ywlqiGN/s2048/IMG_1420.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSxhaOnQo9DzXN4Ngkxsbqb9pA3eR5nUPKMaudQ6I7KFpPa0h9BvL57lxEPX1ooWczKi__VmZpl1ZB3kqtlZUbcdHKoGgu0yREAZxKSq2a_diWyWFQoFzOqarXbyO4py8W-T2_O1NhT7JAdx9q4WTuBr7xZMiz8nYJyrrFgtebVjyyWXbGXY25ywlqiGN/w480-h640/IMG_1420.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We had ladies afternoon tea recently! It was held in honour of my aunt's 82nd birthday. We had such a fun time, and I don't know how it happened, but we now also have bubbles before we start on the coffee and tea. Oops!<br /><br />Everyone brings a plate. I made the soft white bread sandwiches (cucumber, and chicken, mayo and parsley), and I bought some coconut macaroon cookies. I don't usually keep them in the house because the first time I tried them I ate the whole packet of seven cookies all at once. They were THAT good.<br /><br />I played 'PLÜM Radio' on Spotify and had a relaxing flyover YouTube video of the Greek Islands on the tv in the other room. And of course candles and my essential oil diffuser were going.<br /><br />I love to create an ambience! (selfishly as much for me as for my guests).<br /><br />The birthday girl unwrapped her lovely presents - the afternoon tea ladies swap small, nice gifts. I gave her a facial cleansing lotion and two face flannels in her favourite autumn-tone pumpkin shade. When she unwrapped it she said, 'ooh this colour is nice'.<br /><br />And then at the end, everyone went home with the divvied up leftover goodies on paper plates.<br /><br />I love ladies afternoon tea! And next time it will be mine, with my birthday soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkuIGYpAdTeD9VVO76jiyEsIp98xYUAmB8wF4vKwY4cHyikgEnqB4AIv3ilcSMjkRbEdjmi5-r8VMCY0ipaHhzpGWqlNwH5xnN0EGCNlfQ3Pb__zCR2Abyo-Czl_u41v0rGELMNWNPa-mK6EkFPG4CBf_A_NfP6Kx7fFOq8kSnQghvtIB9js7apcmlGFE/s2048/IMG_1377.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkuIGYpAdTeD9VVO76jiyEsIp98xYUAmB8wF4vKwY4cHyikgEnqB4AIv3ilcSMjkRbEdjmi5-r8VMCY0ipaHhzpGWqlNwH5xnN0EGCNlfQ3Pb__zCR2Abyo-Czl_u41v0rGELMNWNPa-mK6EkFPG4CBf_A_NfP6Kx7fFOq8kSnQghvtIB9js7apcmlGFE/w480-h640/IMG_1377.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my mum's dog Milly - she was sweet 16 a few months back! My doggies love it when Milly comes to visit. They run around so happy to see their cousin 🥰 Or maybe she is their aunty?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0qxZ3JKuEUNb-24ZPTeYgY8gKgjPybb66-Lw7i181rnCuTTRmQgMUxuYIZAY3-1qz_osYhe5HKUfpIZAUK80DxLHCT0sDPLTH21z8npjxTvVSehLwCsULt-5VNu9hbmXc0g0gQgFcmKSFa2nksP4KattGNf9pwV9Pd-JZ24L_K5o37dRgyP56L7i2_bC/s2048/IMG_1378.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0qxZ3JKuEUNb-24ZPTeYgY8gKgjPybb66-Lw7i181rnCuTTRmQgMUxuYIZAY3-1qz_osYhe5HKUfpIZAUK80DxLHCT0sDPLTH21z8npjxTvVSehLwCsULt-5VNu9hbmXc0g0gQgFcmKSFa2nksP4KattGNf9pwV9Pd-JZ24L_K5o37dRgyP56L7i2_bC/w480-h640/IMG_1378.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter the title, they love to greet her when she arrives. Although it is a bit overwhelming for Milly with three younger dogs (‘younger’ = 7, 9, and 12) bustling around her in a frenzy of excitement. She is probably pleased when it's time to go home!<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr6M_tS1x87Lsjpo6NkT0UoHLV240ZxbGKvTTSl4VgtogVoi5zu543UcVh8AM2hiDuNlG_nqKURQ2CbVi-bU3wxI6x0cgADGfxrdp4YZpeWLyufMTusOm6rGgOdC_wmG2fKLSVqaeAMP7ToBeuLH6b4chexrKyfsFsbC05BTU8N1edx6ATYsR5Lcnxdak/s2048/IMG_1379.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOr6M_tS1x87Lsjpo6NkT0UoHLV240ZxbGKvTTSl4VgtogVoi5zu543UcVh8AM2hiDuNlG_nqKURQ2CbVi-bU3wxI6x0cgADGfxrdp4YZpeWLyufMTusOm6rGgOdC_wmG2fKLSVqaeAMP7ToBeuLH6b4chexrKyfsFsbC05BTU8N1edx6ATYsR5Lcnxdak/w480-h640/IMG_1379.JPEG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Milly is a busy little dog, even in her retirement. She is sitting by
the fire in the first photo, but for most of her visit she likes to potter outside
checking every centimetre of the garden :)<br /><br />Then she comes back in the cat door and rejoins the group. She is such a good little self-contained doggie!<br /><br />Mum
always told us as children that 'bored people are boring' and obviously
Milly got that memo too because she knows how to occupy herself!
Although at her age what this looks like is mostly sleeping :)<br /><br />I think if Milly was one of my book titles, it would be the one called ‘Loving Your Epic Small Life’, haha!<br /><br />(Here is <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZVtDWE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my affiliate link to this book</a> on Amazon :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ZVtDWE" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeA9n2v37qZbjHXNBlXXCRtJ5kMAMRZBNVr042PlXR3SFKTaxbw-Z_QhZGEhpBMKWwI33REF5XadzCtE2gTnhTWv4zUMVMMxPwwdNfmRhuyX64LcCxvpJSS5D8oIfVpnybMHkvgJt4yu1Y6IZiI9Er_RO-OT9QwFwUS8zK5XWWk0CtsGiO3U8eRWzfq_l/w400-h400/IMG_1446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few months out is the perfect time to start thinking about how you'd love to spend your Christmas this year, don’t you think?<br /><br />You may already have your actual plans set, but what about your mindset? Are you excited for Christmas but also a little apprehensive?<br /><br />It's such an emotional and sometimes highly charged time of the year. Is it any wonder we overeat all the goodies or end up in a disagree with someone we love?<br /><br />I invite you to make this year the Christmas of your dreams by using all the tips in this book to really have it turn out the way you've always imagined - like a movie Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46U9mmN" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo05VnWYifgMsVVRLLnTG8BsVfCbVLXDTL5dOPjmTvipNBPhvtvjXWtjAj8PfGJmYIGHCEvg0ITICd3plSAMM_gY5vaoH7gWGlM2sjzEVmpkq0cnbD-fS3x4cMEL1f022etA8f-_mhBMfAUjVJIfASsbttuW_YLgau4ii_HxICIKswScByIhdXhVFOy3Q/w400-h400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And of course I'd love to help out by having this month's special be 'A Chic and Simple Christmas' - it's only $2.99 on Amazon US and the paperback is reduced as well - it's down to $7.50.<br /><br />You can find <a href="https://amzn.to/46U9mmN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">both at my affiliate Amazon link here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />And if you'd like to download the eBook from my eStore for an Amazon alternative, <a href="https://payhip.com/b/rDNs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you'll find it here</a>.<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Reduce your stress levels by keeping a few ideas up your sleeve. It doesn't take much to turn things around!<br /><br />If you haven't already read 'A Chic and Simple Christmas' I hope you enjoy it and get lots of new ideas from it. And if you have already read it, please let me know your favourite takeaway!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-81692271037285555222023-10-12T06:43:00.001+13:002023-10-12T06:43:59.715+13:00Dining at home - what to wear?<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIpFaqpZN97cQbuNhW0PEBu2hXIRnxasGhTlFq3r4RJC8rmEftCWNt7C_raCBF3PKhd2httQCsCToo1Zl0nfAosS22MVmtC9ChfvUmlmnvujTV9lc-p32dk2zmh5rTwMepU7JITDeTnxIxEA_8PhqO7dp0Nl4iM0wwOdG2031OI48YiWSsgYUu70mKkNy/s1224/IMG_1432.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIpFaqpZN97cQbuNhW0PEBu2hXIRnxasGhTlFq3r4RJC8rmEftCWNt7C_raCBF3PKhd2httQCsCToo1Zl0nfAosS22MVmtC9ChfvUmlmnvujTV9lc-p32dk2zmh5rTwMepU7JITDeTnxIxEA_8PhqO7dp0Nl4iM0wwOdG2031OI48YiWSsgYUu70mKkNy/w400-h400/IMG_1432.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello chic friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I call this photo :: <i>Dîner pour deux à la maison</i> ::<br /><br />And "the lady of the house wore black satin pyjamas"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I love having nice home loungewear, and treated myself to these PJs from Victoria's Secret when we were in Hawaii a few months back. I also bought a set in hot pink.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGCmHb_A-Cams2FrwzlnMplzsvATzjSGrI1pPCL4kq0y-MLyS_GVso8gRlPVolqWKx2FVKjxJS5nqdDdJWZQtV7K1Iop2VoNgOo_oX8vIRRyS5VTHwytF1ddUwceXSZsmLv-GvfCBByNWglteI1Vo_GKHszpeBN_rnHzvnf3ZAjVG0QWkGC5iu7DSwDWA/s2048/IMG_1437.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGCmHb_A-Cams2FrwzlnMplzsvATzjSGrI1pPCL4kq0y-MLyS_GVso8gRlPVolqWKx2FVKjxJS5nqdDdJWZQtV7K1Iop2VoNgOo_oX8vIRRyS5VTHwytF1ddUwceXSZsmLv-GvfCBByNWglteI1Vo_GKHszpeBN_rnHzvnf3ZAjVG0QWkGC5iu7DSwDWA/w300-h400/IMG_1437.JPEG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Does wearing my nicest and newest loungewear for dinner at home on a
Saturday night count as dressing up? I'm asking for a friend :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I hope you are having a lovely week so far.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I really enjoyed reading all the 'how did you meet' stories on my last post. It was so cool to see the variety of ways. And if you missed out sharing, please share today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/46HaRVb" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="366" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxL3vYFbiWU5g-ihKWgo74uvZ4XKXxZjKVBeYx9cZASgQECCEWP-nLooudCZc8F7zTfHZTHNhPAduAby81imGjKeGgpxJnBP00pQWDkCvBXnRMgO4ZZg-jLUVdSuzq_VbHfRoSClQTu7iQGkXGP9P9QdmM5Jo-LPxTU8MfQVTqtRpVjBlPKj30rxNddn5/w400-h400/Screenshot%202023-10-11%20at%2006-33-21%20Amazon%20Best%20Sellers%20Best%20Skin%20Care.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you for ordering my newest book and keeping it in the 'Skincare' bestseller list. I hope it is a relaxing and peaceful read for you.<br /><br />In the final chapter at the end, '21 ways to make your home a calm haven', number 17 is this:<br /><br /><i>"Think ‘wellbeing’ when you are looking around your home, and ask yourself how you can infuse a sense of wellbeing into each room. Can you make a cozy corner for yourself somewhere? Is your kitchen stocked with healthy foods? Is your bedroom tidy and ready for a restful sleep?"</i><br /><br />I love to use this tip to make my home calm and welcoming. It feels so good! Not only for guests, but me too. I know my husband Paul appreciates it, and I'm sure my pets pick up on the energy as well.<br /><br />Have a happy day!<br /><br />xx Fiona<br /><br />PS. You can find this book in paperback and on Kindle at <a href="https://amzn.to/46HaRVb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my affiliate Amazon link here</a>.<br /><br />And <a href="https://payhip.com/b/XKwyn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the eBook in my eStore</a> for an Amazon alternative.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://payhip.com/b/XKwyn" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNlK2DDp4YNjkTaK5M9R5PTOV6j_E1jBaACYZ_SkheKF6d5r1ZC4pjWS0O745Yjsw_muEn4anlobRGX0oI6CRtgvuA-SQPDyzad98EPBbrBa6EDF3BJYrSRFO_LSHY7aO99MeEqPUd9eI4T_wJF3RamMCKD8VQM0mkGIDwtYS1O0H4asy24WZ4HPU_28d/w400-h400/30%20Chic%20Days%20at%20Home%20Vol.%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4130537499074859934.post-64731546403492868492023-10-05T07:45:00.004+13:002023-10-05T07:45:48.311+13:00A simple life tip + where I met my husband<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw0SARQh08Ms54m27ff4JZstm3qec424ylN2mR61jlIE8h2C6wsWI95JTicmEppYe0Lrf7E58BcRTC8RiiRY109cD_SLJcdZHwdtFTub458Tgd_-TfauTZXAmMv4ZI82ZgMAzv4KFho387_DWt0ezh4K4SXaiK2TS_5rXiMwE9lIlHhwsnjyRLoY_cXsb/s4032/IMG_3608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw0SARQh08Ms54m27ff4JZstm3qec424ylN2mR61jlIE8h2C6wsWI95JTicmEppYe0Lrf7E58BcRTC8RiiRY109cD_SLJcdZHwdtFTub458Tgd_-TfauTZXAmMv4ZI82ZgMAzv4KFho387_DWt0ezh4K4SXaiK2TS_5rXiMwE9lIlHhwsnjyRLoY_cXsb/w480-h640/IMG_3608.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Throwback to that fun night out at the place my husband and I met at 20 years ago.<br /><br />When we told the barmaid we’d met there she told us she heard that all the time :) We are not so unique after all!<br /><br />Apparently Lime Bar is quite the meeting place. When I went there it was Cosmopolitans all the way :)<br /><br />And amazingly enough it’s still the same name after all these years.<br /><br />I love a good ‘Where did you meet’ story so please share yours! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3kp6AGqiBXKTioaPN-d-DJofpnmEtnDo8t7s93vwl2XUe8tYrLDbRzCrexjaSfwU6XmqADAQs-n3pcB9jHZU3-TLfn_vnmn96i-bIFG7N3Ee-_kKDabtHC4C7nRo5sbjxYumH9IHy6_IuFG0tQULXAbBLbTObEXPnEDYy8VFtW9g8tcfaljm-HCn4CIb/s2048/IMG_1369.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3kp6AGqiBXKTioaPN-d-DJofpnmEtnDo8t7s93vwl2XUe8tYrLDbRzCrexjaSfwU6XmqADAQs-n3pcB9jHZU3-TLfn_vnmn96i-bIFG7N3Ee-_kKDabtHC4C7nRo5sbjxYumH9IHy6_IuFG0tQULXAbBLbTObEXPnEDYy8VFtW9g8tcfaljm-HCn4CIb/w480-h640/IMG_1369.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">:: How I keep my life simple ::<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />In our dining area, the apples and the orchid plant are both faux. I have decided that I prefer my plants to be in the garden where the rain waters them (I don't even have any outdoor pots anymore), and my fruit in the fridge for maximum crisp and freshness.<br /><br />Life becomes easier and happier when you choose to 'be you' in little areas like this. I know loads of people love cut flowers and indoor potted plants, but they just stress me out!<br /><br />I have to water the plants, keep them alive, feed them, upsize their pots when necessary, and put a plate under the pot for watering so I don't damage our furniture.<br /><br />It's the same with cut flowers. I enjoy receiving them as a gift and have a few vases for just such a time, but otherwise I no longer buy them for myself. A bunch of flowers with my weekly shop is NOT a treat for me!<br /><br />I'm not saying my way is right or wrong, it's just nice to know you have the choice, right? And you can always change your mind at any time too.<br /><br />For where I am right now I want easy-care and simple. And it's not that my life is so hectic, I just prefer less to look after. Call me lazy, I don't mind :)<br /><br />Tell me where you are lazy, haha, and what changes you have made to simplify your life lately. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlfgtDSsPFNEAShPByUBL4XOIzTFGDJojoL3eKcWhl1nwFqf8Wm8TC01zU8iB8fScYCoEhwxwttcsLTX-C2xB3MHXeEpYN3trLh4ehhf2HrHt3IbYARgiq4J72pNuA_5iKxjXevXpXIaSq0YWwsVmKmpr_VQqLdz4nHYjF0gldZIbnwL9pwdYab6szryW/s1510/IMG_0713.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlfgtDSsPFNEAShPByUBL4XOIzTFGDJojoL3eKcWhl1nwFqf8Wm8TC01zU8iB8fScYCoEhwxwttcsLTX-C2xB3MHXeEpYN3trLh4ehhf2HrHt3IbYARgiq4J72pNuA_5iKxjXevXpXIaSq0YWwsVmKmpr_VQqLdz4nHYjF0gldZIbnwL9pwdYab6szryW/w454-h640/IMG_0713.JPEG" width="454" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been chain-smoking again, yes! With writing though :) I started my next book on the high of releasing a book. I've been enjoying outlining my next book all week and will be starting my chapters soon.<br /><br />Thank you for your lovely messages about my newest book's release - if you've ordered it I hope you are enjoying reading it! (pictured below)<br /><br />I always take on the feeling of the book I am writing, understandably, so I am feeling very zen after writing and reading through '30 Chic Days at Home Vol. 2' :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45bdcqy" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tE5DXhKld9YsFMrUaLquxjqkOaXMmkS0KTaX6oEz7X5hADrf_JWVssA7_LL3tnMJTN-FFgR8_Exhho0eTcXziN88EoK7EN_g7N4EZd9MbzOR4ebNhs5ESjQAGWHs86mqQCGx1XIcVhijkmA3KI8nIBtPwRCqNp4cvXKbzBjpO54P2RzbSYxQuhDR5gJZ/w400-h400/62.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRtKvgkCfH_X4yh6GW17NoBgZJ7SEd1ksx5GFqtbfELX8Hv06YUo8fYxP45v3Ko5SIDAnpnfwQLRhCWRO05jj3IgirZiW97I0_Isa9oBCWb07hRrHaUmt0vO9_-E1lrn7yeAk_afFoyhO1eQMY4z5AuuOwlbeY5EDxNWgHf0lgabuXnhZDGUabl3VMImq/s2048/IMG_1303.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRtKvgkCfH_X4yh6GW17NoBgZJ7SEd1ksx5GFqtbfELX8Hv06YUo8fYxP45v3Ko5SIDAnpnfwQLRhCWRO05jj3IgirZiW97I0_Isa9oBCWb07hRrHaUmt0vO9_-E1lrn7yeAk_afFoyhO1eQMY4z5AuuOwlbeY5EDxNWgHf0lgabuXnhZDGUabl3VMImq/w480-h640/IMG_1303.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And much like ‘a busman's holiday’, I love to read in my downtime, lol.<br /><br />I've recently finished Jane Fallon's newest book 'Over Sharing'. I love her books and have read every one. They all seem to have a common theme of revenge, but they have heart too, and the endings are very satisfying.<br /><br />This title was very enjoyable. I admire that her characters are fully fleshed out with quirks and lives of their own, but it doesn't come across as contrived or cliched.<br /><br />Would recommend! (It's <a href="https://amzn.to/3tjE2iQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here at my affiliate Amazon link</a>.)<br /><br />Please let me know if you enjoy Jane’s books as well, and also, what have you read lately that you would like to share? I enjoy novels for my relaxing time, or before bed.<br /><br />I hope you're having a lovely week, and see you soon!<br /><br />xx Fiona</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />PS. You can find my newest book <a href="https://amzn.to/45bdcqy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here at my affiliate Amazon link</a> on Kindle and in paperback. It's been number one - yay! And thank you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45bdcqy" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsPPqtMseHR_EViNkTjey-Y0VlN1SxVdXumNoE9E-A0VdxUvjNkP-wktO4cv6ekPbGHH_9oBeKecGBM5LmrXbI8czIQI5FfnorBuprcbNziYJUDwCx3sRQCOYoH7olEV8yyYY_46bu-krKs5OmjybuXRL-_eOm4tYhrDBfoYfYNW3xdXdEJYYt4LpQsgj/w512-h640/blog.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Fiona Ferrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01493105915055099408noreply@blogger.com4