My birthday afternoon tea

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.

 

 

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?

 

Everyone brought a plate and we had bubbles before our tea and coffee, as per usual.

 

 

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!

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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!

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And finally, I visited my friend Jen (she used to be my neighbour and lost her home in the floods :(

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.

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!)

I hope you are having a lovely week too.

xx Fiona

 

(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)

Autumn is here, ladies afternoon tea, and self-care

 

It’s officially Autumn here in the southern hemisphere, which feels weird because we didn’t ‘actually’ get a summer this year, and then the cyclone happened which really topped things off...

But that’s life. I still believe in making my own sunshine. Working with what I’m given and carrying on. It’s all any of us can do!

And I like to make the best of things, because it just makes life better.

Every Saturday my mother, aunt, their cousin and her daughter meet for coffee at 3pm. They have a rotation of cafes that they meet at. Sometimes I go too. This past Saturday however, I said 'Why don't we have Saturday coffee at my place?' So we did.

I made some gluten-free cookies, and everyone brought something as well. We had a cold drink and tea or coffee, and it was so lovely.

I don't know why we don't do it at home more often. It's a low-stress way to host, and you get to clean your house extra well before guests arrive, lol, so are rewarded with a nice house at the end of it. It doesn't cost a lot at all either - in fact it costs nothing to set the table with items you already own and it gives you a chance to use your pretty things and set the table.

It's a lovely way to spend a few hours - imagine inviting a group of friends around for afternoon tea. We started at 2.30 on this occasion.

I served bubbles and non-alcoholic drinks, and then hot drinks after, with the cakes. There were seven of us in total and it was a delightful afternoon!

And I even managed to find a few roses in my garden - burgundy iceberg roses and a yellow ones I don't know the name of but they have a beautiful spicy rose scent, very rich.

Have you ever hosted afternoon tea? In the past I have made sandwiches and didn't this time, but they are a nice touch.

I played my current favourite playlist on Spotify too, it's here. Or look for 'Ralph Lauren Vibes' under my profile 'Fiona Ferris' on Spotify.

 

And finally, I had some lovely pampering on Sunday morning with a mud mask after exfoliation. I rinsed the mask off in the shower. I always do a mask when I’m about to wash my hair then I don’t need to worry about making a mess. I'm telling you, I was squeaky clean with goodness when I’d finished!

I hope the past week has been full of self-care, fun times, and some relaxing for you as well.

 

xx Fiona

 

 

 

 

My Amazon links are affiliate, which means that I may receive a small commission on anything you purchase through my link. The price you pay isn't any different, so thank you very much if you choose to use my links :)

Glamming up your day, and my skincare regime

 

Me, getting out for a brisky walk in icy winds straight from the South Pole. It’s amazing how good it feels to be outside even if I’m glad to get home before my fingers freeze.

When I lived in the city and it was a lot more built up, going for a walk outside still helped me feel reset.

My icy walk was so enjoyable that I forgot to turn on something to listen to - it was nice to have time to think and ruminate :)

In the summer when it is too hot most of the day I either go out very early, or after dinner is a lovely time to stroll too.

Nothing beats nature for an energy refresh!

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:: How I care for my skin ::

I always get a lot of questions about my skincare regime. Lucky this is one of my favourite topics, so here goes!

(Day 17 'Take Exquisite Care of Your Grooming' in my book 'Thirty Chic Days' also talks about how I take care of my skin, so check that out if you want to).

Since the age of 13, almost forty years ago, I have been cleansing and moisturising my skin twice a day thanks to my mother's influence. Not only do I have her to thank for this, but also her genes since she has lovely skin as well.

I don't use expensive skincare, just whatever looks nice and is on special at the supermarket. Occasionally I get Estee Lauder, my favourite luxury brand, but not often.

I have always drunk tons of water, and I eat good fats too such as avocado, raw nuts etc.

I was never a big sunbather so that probably helped. And I use an SPF in both my moisturiser and foundation.

Speaking of foundation, I have worn this since a young age too, and wonder if it makes a difference. It would have to, being an extra layer of protection against the wind, sun, pollution etc.

Back in my teens I had a water-based Clinique foundation that you had to shake to combine each time you used it (thanks again, mum for buying it for me!) or a tinted moisturiser. Now I use Estee Lauder's DoubleWear, which I love to apply with a foundation brush. I might try something new next but I do love the coverage of DoubleWear.

I also like to not stress myself too much which I think shows on your face. You can't avoid stress totally, but choosing to be low-key, calm, relaxed, drama-free etc definitely helps me deal with things. And I try to focus on the 'nice' things in life.

I go walking, either outside or on my treadmill, and the blood pumping around even on a leisurely stroll must help one's complexion I always think.

So really, it's a combination of a lot of different things, plus the concept of 'Little and Often' (which is next in 'Thirty Chic Days' after the grooming chapter). I do little things such as cleanse my face, drink water, moisturise lots, eat good foods, be happy as much as possible, daily walks. It all adds up.

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Who is up for a little 'glam life' today? It's Thursday here, maybe Wednesday for you. Not the most 'fun' day of the week I'm sure you will agree, but it's almost the weekend!

So let's all put a little extra pizzazz into our day today, whether it's morning for you like it is here in New Zealand, or later in the day.

I'm still in my gym gear, about to go for a walk soon, but after that and my shower I will be choosing something to wear that makes me feel extra good (but still suitable for home wear). I'll do my hair and makeup, and some perfume of course, and put my 'diamond' stud earrings on. I don't wear my watch or any rings at home, I like my hands to be bare, but I always have earrings on.

And I am going to tidy up loose ends as well as do my writing. I always feel SO much more put together and yes, glam, when there aren't little messes or undone admin all around. It makes such a difference.

Earlier in the week I felt like glamming it up too, and I met my mother in town for a coffee. I chose black and denim, with a chunky gold necklace, and of course my mum turned up in a black top with a silver necklace over top of it. We often turn up in similar things...

I hope you feel inspired to make your day (or evening) even 1% more glamorous too.

xx Fiona

PS. Of course, you can find The Glam Life here at my Amazon Affiliate link if you haven't already read it!

PPS. Another fab review :) Thank you!

"Another fire cracker of a book from Fiona. I am always inspired when reading these nuggets of chic and glamour. This one had a phrase that stayed with me the whole way through - “move in silence” - where we make plans and live life without feeling the need to tell everyone. Instead we show them! And of course, always add double the amount of mascara you think you need! Bat those eyelids on this glam world, take a sip of something comforting and enjoy Fiona’s books…all of them! You’ll be glad you did (not to mention more chic, more organised and definitely more glamorous)."

Olive oil love

Natural oils, such as olive oil, are one of my favourite beauty products for both inside and outside the body.  There are lists all over the internet of the million and one uses for olive oil, but here are my four best ways:

- In my smoothies.  I discovered a product called Beauty Oil by Bestow, a few years ago, and started putting it in my smoothies each morning.  It is a luxurious product, however the price is luxurious too, so I decided to go for a more budget-friendly alternative - cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.  I use some each day - about one tablespoon at a guess - in my smoothie, and not only does the fat keep me fuller for longer, but I know it's contributing to my physical wellbeing and plumping up my skin.

- On our vegetables.   With most meals we will have steamed vegetables - any or all of broccoli, carrots, beans, leeks, and cauliflower.  I prefer them on the slightly crunchy side, perhaps al dente?  And then tossed in olive oil.  I pour a little in the cooking pot and tip it upside down with the lid on.  The coating of olive oil makes a lovely flavour, and something for salt and pepper to stick to :)

- As a cleanser.  I love to massage a small amount of oil, 2-3 pumps if I have it in a pump bottle, onto my skin.  It melts off my makeup and I get to have a soothing massage all at the same time.  I don't rub it into my eyes though - before I do this I remove my eye makeup with a cotton pad and micellar water.  I then rise off the oil using a face flannel and hot water in the basin.  I wring the flannel out as much as I can and it feels wonderful to cleanse my face with a steaming hot flannel.  I rinse three times in total then put whatever moisturiser I have, on, while  my skin is still warm, damp and glowing.  I sometimes use serum, sometimes not.  I always use an eye cream.  Nothing is any particular brand.  I like to try inexpensive and/or natural brands from the supermarket.

- As a moisture booster.  Every so often I like to amp up my body lotion by tipping some olive oil into it, and shake well so it all combines.  It makes the body lotion feel so thick and lush, and it's wonderful in the winter.  I love using it for moisturising my feet too, which I do every night before I go to bed, all year round.  I either have hotel slippers by my bed, or a washable cotton bath mat, so that I don't get my richly moisturised feet on the carpet.  I don't mind a little bit on the sheets, as they get a warm or hot wash each week.

When I think of olive oil, I always remember reading about the Italian ladies, who eat, drink and just about bathe in it.  They put it on their skin, their hair, and retain their youth as a result.

Are you a fan too?  As much as I am?  Tell me your best tip :)

xx Fiona

Genie Beauty products

It’s rare that I am ever offered products to try, so I was excited to receive a message asking if I would like to be sent a selection of products from the (new to me) Genie Beauty skincare and cosmetics range.

Um, yes please! I love all makeup and skincare, and especially trying new products.

Not long after, a box arrived in the mail. Of course within a few days I had tried everything 😊 The Dream Cream (how cool is that name) is deliciously thick and creamy, unscented too.

Wow, the exfoliator (which I forgot to put in the photo as it was already in my shower!) is a power house, and when I read the label I found out why: It’s called Exfoliate3 Triple Action and is described as a microdermabrasion exfoliant face scrub. I love a good scrub and it made my skin smooth and yummy.

I love the Glow Getter Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Coral. I used it on my cheeks and around the edges of my face (hairline and chic etc), and used the figure 3 technique taught to me by a makeup artist once. You do each side of your face starting at your temples, sweep down to your cheekbone and then again down to your chin. I also used just the bronzer side of the palette as an eyeshadow.
Then the lovely Superglide Gel Eyeliner in Espresso, a rich dark brown, which slid on easily. To finish, I used the Million Dollar Lash Booster, which I thought was a type of lash serum, but actually is an undercoat and really pumped up my lashes once I started applying the Million Dollar Mascara.

I had a look at their website, and the prices seem quite reasonable, which is nice. I would definitely use all the products I’ve tried again.

If you would like to try a new brand, why not check them out? And thank you Genie Beauty for your kindness 😊

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geniebeautyproducts/
 
On Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/geniebeautyproducts/https://www.instagram.com/geniebeautyproducts/

linktr.ee/geniebeautyproducts 😘😘😘

Daily hair and makeup in quarantine 💃

It just feels better. Yes, there are days here and there where I don’t put any makeup on, but those are rare.

💋 I enjoy applying it - it’s like doing a colouring book for 10 minutes a day 😁 - very meditative!

💋 I get to use the items I already own. Makeup doesn’t last forever so why not use it up rather than throw it out one day.

💋 It enhances my looks, and it’s fun to perfect how I do it. At the moment I am using only a tiny bit of foundation on a brush I used to use more. But then I saw how French girls let their skin show through a bit.

💋 I feel happy with myself if there is an unexpected visitor because I feel prepared for the day.

But really I do it for me. I have a little capsule collection set up on my writing desk, because it gets good morning light. I put on an inspirational video or audio and listen away while I do my makeup. I really look forward to this part of my day!

Do you find applying makeup as enjoyable as I do? ☺️

30 Chic Days at Home - Day 27 - Luxurious Mornings

My lockdown shower-time routine is something that has evolved and I love it so much.  I've always enjoyed long, hot showers, and I alternate a quicker shower one day with a longer one the next (when I wash my hair every second day.)  I make quite a big production of things and it's fantastic :)

I still get up early (6am mostly), because I read in bed with tea, and then about 7am I have my shower.  I love fragranced body products and like to set out what I'm going to use that day before I turn my shower on.  Like laying out your clothes for the day :)  There is quite the selection...  I always put body butter or something thicker and richer on my feet, a normal body lotion on my legs, and a pretty scented body lotion on my arms, shoulders, stomach, and decolletage.

In the shower I have a scented soap, because I love soap so much more than shower gel.  I don't like to waste anything so I always stick the old soap to the new one.  This thrills the thrifty part of me.  And the other favourite thing I have in the shower is my $10 Bluetooth speaker.  I recharge it once or twice a week and stick it back up on the shower wall.

I listen to YouTube videos and audiobooks and it makes my shower time so enjoyable.  I just started a new audiobook, it's called 'The Housekeeper' by Natalie Barelli and I'm enjoying it immensely so far (the reviews are great too.)  If you have read it please let me know if you liked it, but don't give away any of the plot please! I love audiobooks, both fiction and non-fiction, and listen in the shower, the car, with my earbuds while walking the dogs, hanging out the washing, doing the dishes...

I have recorded one of my titles as an audiobook so far, and plan to do more.  If you would like to hear me read 'Thirty Chic Days' to you, you can download the audiobook here (and listen to the introduction and first three chapters as a taster too.)  I have priced it at 50% off (usually $19.99, now $9.99) for the next couple of weeks.  I hope you enjoy it if you decide to purchase with this special offer!

xx Fiona

Image: Camille Brodard, Unsplash