Our 17th Wedding Anniversary

 

Hello chic friends :)

Last Thursday was our 17th wedding anniversary, and I thought it would be fun to share some photos of Paul and I in 2008!

 

When we met almost 22 years ago, I asked the Universe for someone who was ‘like me, but the guy version’. I wanted a calm, steady, happy, easy-going relationship, and the Universe delivered. Right down to us having the same birthday! How’s that for ‘the same’. We met at the pub on a night out, an age-old classic way of meeting someone 😊

 

 

Our wedding was tiny, less than 40 people including us. We had it at an Italian restaurant in their private function venue below ground, and it was dreamy. Candelabras dripping with wax, a giant tiramisu instead of a wedding cake, red velvet drapes, and low lighting.

 

We used to go back to that restaurant – Toto in Auckland city, so lush – for our anniversary each year but it closed down at some stage, and now we don’t even live in Auckland anymore.

 

We both always forget the actual date of our anniversary because it’s such a funny number to remember: 6 March 2008. Is it 06 03 08 or 08 03 06? We always get there though 😊 And I even thought that we were married on a Friday but everyone (my mum and Paul) insisted it was a Thursday. I looked it up and it was a Thursday.

I’m not one to be stuck on remembering dates or days though (thank goodness), just that I’m happy and content. I get to make my own fun and if others want to join in that’s great. Over the years I’ve cultivated the ability to not make feeling good reliant on others.

After all, when you please yourself it seems that others want to please you too. Something that recovering people-pleasers like myself would do well to remember!

~~

 

The grapevines on our road 🍇

 
The past few weeks we've had harvesting machines picking the white wine grapes. It's fun to see the changing seasons of the vineyard as I go for my daily walks, and then the big bins filled with light green or dark red grapes at harvest time.

My husband Paul works for a winery now as a cellar door host, and he sees firsthand the trucks full of grapes pulling up and emptying them into the first tank where they are squeezed gently.

The whole process gives me so much appreciation for winemakers. With fruit such as apples, you 'only' have to grow the fruit.

But if you have a vineyard, growing the fruit is only half the job, then you have to make the wine, then you have to market it amongst the many thousands of wine labels on the store shelves.

Here's cheers to to all the hard working people behind the scenes when we sit down with a glass of wine on a Saturday night! 🍷

Wishing you a fab week :)

xx Fiona

Feminine Lifestyle Inspiration

 

Hello everyone!

 

It's been a bright sunny day here and I'm bright and sunny in my mind too.

I don't know if you can relate to this, but sometimes my mind gets into a heavy tangle and it WEIGHS ME DOWN. I've felt a bit like this recently and I wish it didn't happen, but it does.

Something I read made a lot of sense, it was about the mind needing to be still and the body active but most of us do it the other way around.

And that the answer to calm an overactive mind is to move our body, as much as we might not feel like it. That's why I always feel so good if I go for a walk, even a short one.

So many of us sit at a desk for our work that it's hard to have dedicated moving time, but hopefully we can get up and do something instead of sitting there hour after hour.

When I worked in an office in the city I'd go for a walk in my lunch break instead of staying in the office to eat my lunch. Unless it was really rainy or cold, but even then it always felt better to get out into the natural light and fresh air.

Something else that helps for me is to pump myself up on positivity when I need it - I'm putting air in my tyres when I'm feeling flat! It makes a huge difference.

If you're feeling a little tangled or flat yourself, I hope you can identify a few ways in which you can feel better.
 

~~

 

I've got some lovely reader photos to share with you this week, on living a soft, calm life to celebrate the release of my new book '100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life'.

 

First up is from reader Cathleen, who lives in the Netherlands.

 

 

Here’s what Cathleen has to say:

“This is a photo from the end of September 2023 when the leaves were just starting to turn. I was out for my daily constitutional in my village here in the Netherlands. I’m a Scot who’s lived here for 40yrs and I still love how neat, tidy, super organised and well-presented everything is. I live in a village near The Hague in what’s called the province of ‘South Holland’.”

It is such a beautiful photo and looks more like artwork than 'everyday life' for people 😊 Thank you Cathleen!

~~

 

 
Now more than ever we owe it to ourselves to slow down our external and our internal worlds. No-one else is going to do it for us.

As females our nervous systems are more ‘delicate’ and we can find ourselves more easily stressed if we don’t take the initiative in calming our surroundings, sinking into a softer mindset, and soothing ourselves with enjoyable pursuits.

It is only then that we can 'pour from a full cup'.

I many of you have already read '100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life' and even left a review on Amazon. I thank you so much for that! I read all my reviews and am so grateful. And if you have constructive advice for me I take that on too.

It is available on Kindle and in paperback, with the audiobook coming very soon, here on Amazon.

~~ 

 

 

 

How cute is this outdoor area? It belongs to reader Julia from St. Ann, Missouri, USA, and she sent it in to me to join our petite series on living a soft, calm life.

Her husband calls it her happy place, and Julia told me she looks forward to bringing her plants out every year and reading ‘in her happy place’.

I love it!

It makes me think of creating your own reading nook, except Julia's is in her garden. So, so lovely.

I want to share an excerpt from ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’ today, which I think suits Julia’s delightful photo well.

It’s tip no. 16. from the bonus chapter ‘50 Ways to Romanticize Your Everyday’.

:: Plan a little picnic ::

“Whether it’s a carpet picnic inside, taking a rug outdoors to your lawn, or going to a public park or beach, there’s something so romantic about sitting cross-legged with a few delicious snacky foods and a delicious drink.”

Even when it’s winter like it is here in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, we can still spend some time outdoors (in between rain showers, when the sun peeks out!) I do love wintry weather but it felt like a real tonic to sit in the sun eating my lunch a few days this week.

 

 

 

~~

 

 

 

 

 

Ann-Marie in Howell, Michigan, USA sent me the gorgeous photo above, and said:

“I read in your latest email that you are inviting readers to send you pretty pictures from their soft and calm lives. I would be happy for you to share my name and location with other readers.

I'm sending a colorful picture I took recently of some beautiful peonies in full bloom. I like to take pictures of my flowers so that I can enjoy them beyond just a few days. I also like this composition because it shows some delicious fruit that we bought in peak season.

Here's to the simple life!”

 

~~

Such a lovely idea to take photos of flowers and fruit at their peak so that you can have your own little library of delights. I love it!

I picked six daffodils a few days ago, which are starting to come up in our garden. Flowers really are a gift to our soul aren’t they? 😊

~~

I’d like to share another excerpt, and it’s tip no. 37.

:: Keep up little home details that delight you ::

“Some ladies buy themselves an inexpensive bouquet of flowers each week. I go through phases of this depending on what is available and how much they cost.

But something I never fail to do in my environment is to change my hand towels daily, and my pillow slips twice a week (once when I change the sheets, and once in between changes).

Doing this creates only a miniscule amount of extra laundry but these two details bring me so much happiness I can’t say! It’s a pleasure to always dry my hands on a clean towel, and I love having fresh pillow slips more often too.

Find areas like this in your home (or borrow mine) and create a little extra luxury for yourself.”

 

~~

 

And our final photo on living a soft, calm life this week is from Leslie in British Columbia, Canada.

Leslie said:

'You continue to inspire…here is my morning view…listening to the birdsong.'

Thank you so much for sharing Leslie! I love your blue and white striped shirt and your red geraniums too ❤️💙❤️💙❤️

~~

I have to share a funny comment from my mother. She gave me a packet of rice crackers which I wasn't sure I would like, they were salted caramel flavour. I sent her a text when I tried them with cheese, saying they were very nice.

She asked what kind of cheese I had, and I said brie and colby. She was that was ideal, that they suited 'a soft, calm cheese' 😂😂😂 My mum has a good sense of humour!

I hope you're having a lovely weekend. We're watching bits and pieces of the Olympics here. Wasn't the opening ceremony wonderful? So fun to see beautiful Paris, and Celine Dion was amazing.
 

xx Fiona

 

PS. My Amazon links are 'affiliate' which means I may earn a small commission from items that you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links!

A soft, calm life + Nina cat in her new hoodie ❤️

 

Hello chic friends!

I'm keeping warm in the winter in my super-soft merino top.

I always bought merino to be cozy in the winter but the scratchiness drove me nuts. I looked for any excuse not to wear my winter tops and when I did I regretted it.

I was resigned to NOT wearing wool and finding something else to wear in the winter. Then I found 'supersoft merino' and it is a revelation. I'm so happy that I bought six of the same top in different colours lol.

Today's excerpt - tip no. 18 - from my newest book "100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life" is for you if you feel the same way about fabric on your skin 😊

:: Surround yourself with cozy textures ::

"Even if it’s not cold outside it’s still nice to drape a light throw over your legs while reading. Choose the softest cotton when you are buying tee-shirts. Pad around in bare feet on soft carpet or wear fuzzy socks if you have hardwood floors. Wear fine cotton palazzo pants or satin pyjama sets as lounge wear.

Let everything that touches your skin feel good.

In the past few years I have discovered pure linen sheets. Oh my gosh, they are lovely! I have built up our collection and almost have two complete sets – the final piece is another top sheet. They aren’t cheap so I wait for special offers, and I know they will last us a while too."


(In case you're interested and are in New Zealand, my supersoft jersey is here.)

(And my linen sheets are these ones: flat plus fitted)
 

~~

 

My sweet little Nina cat needed further treatment on the injury under her arm. It almost heals and then she licks it again. I put her collar back on but then her vet suggested a tee shirt, as she still could scratch the area even with a collar on.

 

Being winter here a pet tee shirt is hard to come by so Nina now wears a sweatshirt! She has two weeks of antibiotics to try and avoid surgery.

Amazingly enough the sweatshirt stays on her, but when she first wore it she wouldn’t walk forwards, only backwards and in circles!! I feel mean but it really made me giggle. It’s all for her own good and it’s just strange for her, not painful in any way.

Doesn’t she look soooo cute, and perhaps a little bit street? 🤭

 

My darling Nina, almost 14 soon! She is so youthful though 🥰

 

~~

Do you remember last week I said I would do a little series of photos, inviting readers to send their pictures of anything that depicts living a soft, calm life to them? Well Rachel in the UK sent this lovely image of a pretty mews house near her to play along. Thank you Rachel! It’s delightful 😊

I love walking around nice areas taking in the sights too.

 

In keeping with this theme, allow me to share tip no. 26 from ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’, in the bonus chapter ‘50 Ways to Romanticize Your Everyday’ 😊

:: Notice the beauty around you ::

“This is what romanticizing your life is, at it’s simplest.

So what can you see right now? Do you have a view outside? Even if it’s just buildings, you can notice the sky, a far-away tree perhaps, or even birds flying past.

If you are at work and can’t see a lot to admire, perhaps your handcream tube is beautiful.

Train your mind to search for beauty and you will find it.”

~~

🍎🍎 Wintry view across the apple orchard 🍎🍎

I have a bit of a strange thing to let you know about today. It actually feels a bit yuck and I have a horrible feeling in my tummy, but I have had readers reach out to me and I wanted to warn you.

Apparently there are some books recently published that look JUST LIKE mine, with very similar titles, cover art, design and fonts etc, but they are NOT BY ME (it's a different author's name).

I even did a double take myself when I saw the covers I was sent – it was like looking in the book mirror (if there was such a thing 🤣)!

So I just wanted to let you know to check the author name before you press the ‘Buy now with 1-Click’ button.

I find it so strange that someone would want to have their work look so much like mine, but I guess I should take it as a compliment.

I shall try and shake this unsettling feeling off and carry on doing what I do, dreaming up new ideas and writing more books. And recording them as audiobooks too!

~~

 

And finally, the last of this week's 'soft calm life' photos brought to you by Sharon, from Norfolk in the United Kingdom.

 

Sharon said:

“Here are a few photos from my summer in the UK so far. It’s a life that you have helped me create. Your books are an inspiration.”

 

I am so honoured, Sharon. Thank you. I had tears in my eyes when I read this email!

 

I hope you enjoy these lovely summery English photos from Sharon. It’s especially welcome here on a chilly winter’s day in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand with icy winds straight from the South Pole. Brrr!

 

Thank you for joining me for this week's newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks to Rachel and Sharon for sending in their 'soft, calm life' photos this week 😊

Wishing you a wonderful Saturday/Sunday wherever you are.

Big hugs,

xx Fiona

PS. If you haven’t already read ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’, it is available here on Amazon Kindle and in paperback. Audiobook coming soon!

Sunday lunch, and living a soft, calm life

Me and my Banoffi pie

Dear chic friends,

 

Another Sunday, another family lunch! This one with more people than usual though, and at my aunty’s place last weekend.

Our delightful dining setting

 

 

It was such a lovely afternoon. I took a gluten-free Banoffi Pie by request. I love baking for get-togethers; it’s usually the only time I bake.

 

Although Banoffi Pie really is just a matter of assembling so it probably doesn’t technically count as baking :)

1. Make the biscuit base (I used gluten-free biscuits, whizz those to fine crumbs and mix with melted butter).

2. Top with a tin of caramelized condensed milk.

Refrigerate overnight.

3. Top with slices of banana.

4. Cover with thickened cream.

5. Grate chocolate over top.

I made this in a springform pan, but it would be lovely made in individual ramekins or teacups.

I’d sprinkle the biscuit base in rather than pack it down, spoon over the caramelized condensed milk, then add slices of banana, cream and chocolate nearer serving time.

I will do that next time :)

Delicious roast lunch

Micky up on the sofa where he probably shouldn't be

And likewise Chloe and Daphne, taking up a seat in the conservatory!

 

It really was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon :)

 

~~

 

 

 

Can I just say how lucky I am to have such lovely readers?

Firstly, I received a request by email asking for one or two tips from my new book ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’. Of course! 😊

Secondly, another lovely reader, Kirsten from Victoria, Canada sent me this photo of a beautiful rose from her garden. She gave me permission to use it and to say her name and location too.

I had a thought that it would be a fun thing to ask YOU to send me a pretty photo you've taken also, and I can share them with everyone on other posts. It could be anything you associate with living a soft, calm life.

I'd love it if you'd play along! It just needs to be your photo though, I don't want to share someone one else’s work without permission.

And let me know if you are happy for me to share your name and/or location too.

You can email me fiona at howtobechic dot com or send a direct message on Instagram or Facebook, although sometimes those can get a bit lost I find (I try to respond to them but occasionally I find a really old message that got stuck - eek!)

Yay! I think this will be fun. Also, number one in three categories! Woohoo!

 

 

Let's get into the first one though. Today I'd like to share no. 49:

:: Choose softness as your new standard ::

“Living a softer life is not just about having everything perfect and thinking there will never be a problem. This unrealistic thought might stop you from thinking it is possible for you to relax into living the way you desire.

In life, we will always have issues, both big and small, but when you take on being calm, measured, and down-to-earth as your default, you will be able to handle problems more easily.

Don’t fall into victim mode and wonder ‘why do these things always happen to me?’ because problems happen every day to everyone. It’s part of being human.

Just know that your only job is to choose to live in a softer way, and that it is fully possible for you to do so.” 

 

 

 ~~

 

 

Connie, from Chicago, USA sent the picture above, which was taken on The Great Lawn of Millennium Park, where people were listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing during their music festival. She met up with new people who were eating snacks and drinking wine during the event and said it was a picture-perfect day.

I love days like this too! It’s almost like everything aligns perfectly and it’s just such a dreamy wonderful day. One to remember for years to come.

Connie said it reminded her of number 98 in ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’. So shall we read that tip too? I think so 😊

::Get out and do all the things you can imagine yourself doing when you are living your idealistic life::

"Foreign movies on the big screen, live nights at a local jazz club, visiting museums and galleries, walking through beautiful public gardens, going to the theatre or a comedy show.

I’m a total homebody to the point that I can realize sometimes it’s been ages since I went to something out of the ordinary, and that’s the perfect time to plan something new.

Like a vacation, it shakes things up and gives you a fresh perspective.”

Thanks so much Connie for your lovely photo. It looks so summery and relaxing 😊 Nice to dream about when it’s winter here in New Zealand.

~~

Penny in Runaway Bay, Australia sent in this photo (above). Isn't it pretty? And a little bit dreamy too?

Penny said she couldn't bear to throw out her past-their-best roses so sprinkled the petals in a bowl for a few more days of loveliness. Such a nice idea.

I thought tip no. 2 from the bonus chapter '50 Ways to Romanticize Your Everyday' would be nice with this image :)

::Recreate an idea from a magazine or Pinterest::

"Whether it’s an artfully plated breakfast, laying out on a blanket under a tree to read in the shade, or arranging your closet so that it resembles a stylish boutique, there are always new inspirations to elevate any area of your life.

Next time you come across something that appeals, give it a go straight away."

It goes perfectly with Penny's beautifully set rose petal table 🧡💛

~~

And finally, in celebration of living a soft, calm life Sharon from Central Illinois, USA sent in some lovely photos.

I just adore receiving these pretty pictures in the (e)mail and being able to share them with you. They are equal parts soothing and inspiring 😊

In her words Sharon will explain each photo.

Take it away Sharon!

~~

Sharon’s version of a soft life:

 

1) I had time to polish the silver that I use most often, so it's all in one place in the living room before putting it away

2) my toes in the bath with lots of tea lights

3) finished a jigsaw puzzle. I put on an audio book and make a big mug of coffee, and turn on the bright torchiere, and time just flies by

4) on a walk, you see the most gorgeous flowers thanks to neighbors' gardens

5) (above) & 6) (below) I frequently post on FB a daily pic of my feet propped up on the back deck in the morning as I drink my only cup of caffeinated coffee for the day. I call it the "Deck Report" with an assessment of the weather that day. People like my shoes. ;-)

All lovely ideas, and I adore Sharon’s pretty jigsaw puzzle 😊 And look at the beautiful green view from the back deck. So tranquil.

Thank you for sharing Sharon!

~~

This post and these images are to celebrate the release of my newest book ‘100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life’, and it was such a pleasure to write too. I hope you feel soft and fluffy as you read it. I’m currently recording the audiobook which is fun as well. Very soothing 😊

This book is currently available on Kindle and in paperback here on Amazon.

Wishing you a lovely rest of your weekend. I hope it has been soft and calm for you as well!

 

 xx Fiona

(PS. 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 choose to use my link!)

:: NEW BOOK OUT TODAY ::

 

Dear chic friends,

 

Yes, today's the day to share my newest book with you!

100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life was written to help you feel at peace and soothed, even with the world in turmoil.

I know we can avoid the news, but we still know big things are happening. It feels like this has been the case since pre-2020 but it's true!

It's important for us not only to have compassion for others who are going through tough times, but also to be able to enjoy the blessed life we have ourselves.

Many of us have a lovely life, but it can feel hard to appreciate it at times, a) because there is a lot of worrying to be doing, and b) we're busy, and c) we might even feel a little guilty.

This book is the antidote to worry, stress, and guilt. It contains 100 tips on living, yes, a softer, calmer life 😊 On appreciating our perfectly imperfect life exactly as it is today. And of course there are plenty of ideas in which to make things better, both in our mindset and in our surroundings.

We have had THE rainiest weather all week, just perfect for snuggling
up in my home office putting the finishing touches to this book!

As well, there are bonus 50 tips on romanticizing your life, which was delightful to write. In fact, the whole book feels soft and warm, like sinking into a bubble bath 💗

If you would like something to read for a few hours of relaxing time with your favourite beverage, I invite you to take a look at 100 Ways to Live a Soft, Calm Life - maybe it's your new weekend read?

It's available on Kindle and in paperback, and the audiobook will be coming soon as well - some time next month.

Here is my Amazon affiliate link

I really hope you love this book and that it 'works' as intended! That you will feel soothed and more peaceful when you have finished, with a renewed sense of 'can-do' for your wonderful life.

Happy reading and thank you for your support!

xx Fiona

 

 

The best Coco Chanel story! And life as an author

 

 

 

Hello chic friends!

 

The doggies don't usually go into town, but Micky was getting groomed and 'the girls' get their nails done when we pick him up, so we all did a few errands and stopped by a city park in case they needed a wee.

But they NEVER go to the loo when we are out because it's Far. Too. Scary. They are such nervous little doggies and always wait until we get home. We were only out an hour or two though, and they'd rather go for a car trip than miss out! It's so cute how dogs love going for a drive. If they had their way they'd come every time I left the house.

Something I love the best about working from home and being my own boss is that I can go out on random weekdays when there are plenty of carparks available and not too many people around.

And, I can do my work early in the morning or whenever really. I am so lucky - and grateful - that I get to do this. And it's all thanks to you - my readers. I appreciate each and every reader who puts their trust in me when they buy one of my books.

My goal is to encourage women to live a life of their own design, live better without spending more, and to have an inspired mindset that makes everything better. Life really becomes magical when you plant beautiful things in your secret garden aka your inner world!

You can find my 20+ books on these very topics here on Amazon. They come as eBook/Kindle, paperback, and some as audiobooks. And if you click the '+Follow' button by my photo on Amazon you will be automatically updated by Amazon whenever I release a new title.

And for an Amazon alternative you can purchase eBooks and audiobooks at my eStore here.

 

~~

 

 I've been thoroughly enjoying recording my audiobooks recently. Once I'd finished with The Peaceful Life, I really did feel calmer and more serene!

I think the main takeaway is to slow down and be more present, which I know sounds so cliched and yes-I've-heard-that but when you do it it feels amazing! Like your whole system gets to relax.

 

 

 

I've always adored this cover too. The lady is so... dreamy. Just look at her, she is the picture of elegance and tranquility. And that sleeve! So dramatic and lush.

How has your week been? I've had a great week and was even recognised by a blog reader at the supermarket. Hello to the lovely lady in the fruit and veggie department!

~~

On Tuesday we went to see the Amy Winehouse movie, at an actual theatre! Not just on the sofa haha. I love her music but I hoped the movie wouldn't be too sad... Let me know if you've seen it. The movie was excellent and the actress portraying her did a great job. It was sad at the end, of course it was, because we all know she died at only age 27. But what a talent, with her songwriting skills and amazing voice and style. Thank you for the music Amy.

 

~~

 

 

A beautiful sunset view from our lawn. Being autumn, this is just after 5pm!

 

Once the sun drops, brrrrr. Time to light the fire and get cozy :)

I always feel like having dinner earlier when it gets dark early, which means we have a lovely long evening, even though I go to bed quite early!

What time does the sun set for you currently?

 

~~

 

How cute is little Chloe dog smiling in the sun? She and Daphne are real sunbathers. They love lying outside soaking up the rays. You'd think they'd get too hot, but no! Micky dog on the other hand likes the shade. He can often be found inside or under our pergola.

 

Chloe looks the picture of innocence here, but don't let that fool you. She is always the first to bark at nothing, setting the other two dogs off, then looking away like she is nothing to do with the ruckus...

She has gone so grey now that she's ten, but she's still a puppy at heart and so nippy and speedy when she races around doing zoomies when she's in the mood. Isn't it the funniest thing when dogs do zoomies?

 

~~

 

I received the loveliest email from one of my students last week.

Trish from Ireland said:

"This e-course is making my heart sing, Fiona!

I absolutely love the daily emails, full of delicious, author-to-be treats.

It’s nourishing my creativity and my soul, at the same time.

I’ve taken many soulless online courses, with slick videos, snazzy downloads and designer workbooks, but your simple, elegant approach wins hands-down in terms of pure engagement with the material. (I have folders full of unused material from other courses.)

Anyways, just thought it would be nice to let you know.

Hugs from Ireland!

Trish"

(I just want to say Trish gave me permission to use her name and country :)

 

If you too are interested in peeking in the door and seeing if it's possible to become a self-published author, why not sign up for my free mini-course giving you a taster of the course Trish is taking.

It's a ten-part email course and is absolutely F R E E. You can go here to 'Sign up for my Free 10-part mini-course for aspiring non-fiction writers'. I also have a fancy QR code to use!

Creating my own work-from-home employment writing the books I love is one of my biggest achievements in life. If you are a happy homebody who finds it a wrench to leave the house to go to work each day I'm sure you can relate!

And even if you love getting out and about, wouldn't it be nice to completely make your own choices in life and live on your own terms?

Or perhaps you have no desire to publish, but just want to explore your creativity and maybe write a short book for your own pleasure. This free mini-course will have something for you too.
 

~~

At the end of last year, my great aunt Birdie passed away, aged 90. She had an incredible life of travel and adventure. She visited many, many countries. Travel was her thing. And she had excellent stories such as this one:

In the late 1960s Birdie worked in Paris at the American hospital, as a nurse. And one of her patients was... Coco Chanel. The Coco Chanel. This was in 1969. Birdie told me that while Chanel was in hospital a very young Karl Lagerfeld came up to visit her every day at lunchtime.

 

She said Coco never stopped talking, in French only, and very very fast. My great-aunt was getting better with her French but simply could not keep up with Chanel’s speed.

She said Coco was very elegantly dressed, and had hair much as you would see in photos of her. One day she announced she was too tired for a shower, so she had a sponge bath of Chanel No. 5 in a bowl, which was tipped out afterwards.

Isn’t this the coolest story? (And please don’t think my great-aunt was being disrespectful of Chanel, she didn’t tell me anything other than what I’m sharing here.)

I am the opposite of my great-aunt, a real homebody, whereas being at home for her probably felt like being in jail. She was always planning her next trip and couldn’t wait to get away again.

Two great ladies who lived lives that were atypical for the time.

I hoped you enjoyed my chic Chanel story, and I wish you a lovely, lovely weekend.

xx Fiona

PS. I wrote a whole chapter about ‘living your Coco Chanel life’ in my book ‘Thirty More Chic Days’ which I am currently recording the audiobook of (it’s Day 9 – Have a closet like Coco’) If you haven’t read it yet, this chapter is a fun read about living a life of your own design, just like Coco (and my great aunt!) did.

(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 choose to use my link!)