Stylish home touches, and Daphne dog

 

Hello friends,

We usually call these richly scented oriental lilies ‘Christmas lilies’ since they bloom during our summer Christmas here in New Zealand.

But it’s August and we are in the depths of a frosty winter, so what do I call them now? Mid-winter Christmas lilies? Because they always smell like Christmas to me.

‘Mid-winter Christmas’ was a thing in the 1980s when my parents held and went to dinner parties.

It was a chance to feel a little festive when it was cold and bleak outside, and borrow from the fun of Christmas traditions from the northern hemisphere which suit wintry weather.

I remember buying a can of fake snow spray to paint on my bedroom windows at Christmastime when it was bright and summery, and then the crazy effort to scrape it off afterwards. I’m sure I left most of that to my mum.

So anyway, sorry about that mum, and thank you for one of the many times you cleaned up after me at home 🥰

I always think I don’t like fresh flowers in the home much, but I’ve discovered that it’s when they have no scent that I can’t see the point.

When they do have scent, I am happy to buy them. Oriental lilies, earlicheer and jonquils (I call them ‘spring flowers’ but they are always out in the winter), and Daphne. I love the smell of Daphne so much, I think that’s also a winter flower, but on a shrub. Also, scented roses. So delicious.

So I’m not a no-flower girl, I’m a ‘scented flower’ girl 😊

I’m glad to clear that up because I always felt like such a wowser when I didn’t enjoy buying flowers for our home.

These lilies lasted exactly two weeks and looked good the whole time.

Let me know if you are a fan of fragrant blooms like I am, and what your favourite flowers are to have in the home 😊

 

~~

 

 

 

 And hello from sweet Daphne, tucked in behind the pillow 🥰 She loves sneaking into corners, hoping she won’t be noticed so she can stay snuggled up beside me forever.

Especially at night when she’s meant to be zipped up in her cozy soft crate with blankets. She always tries to sleep on the bed and I have to disappoint her. I’m not against dogs on beds but she is a terrible bed sleeper.

Micky lies somewhere handy, like between our feet or between our pillows (I know), but Daphne always crimps your style, lying across ankles or forcing you to sleep in a funny shape to accommodate her.

Daphne’s expression here says: ‘If I don’t move, perhaps she won’t notice me.’ She has perfected it well 😂

And the sofa pillow is one of two I made my dad for Christmas one year. They came back to live with me after he died.

I love playing around upcycling denim so much. I have another set of denim cushions, placemats, and coasters... such fun ❤️

Happy weekend!

x Fiona

 

 

PS. You can find all my links here: fionaferris.com

And my latest book ‘Life Is Good’:

 

[My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission when you use my links, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links at any time!]

Living well without spending a lot - my favourite way to live :)

 

Greetings from a sunny, crispy cool day at Ahuriri Beach for another lovely dog walk 😊

Daphne and Chloe have their coats on. Micky still refuses to wear one 🤣 I tried it again at home just before we left and he took two steps in it and promptly sat down until I took it off him 😂

The sun was so pretty sparkling on the water like diamonds. I thought it was just in that particular spot but as I walked along the path the diamonds followed me... that’s when I saw that they’d always be there, it was the sun, not that piece of water 🤣 I do worry about myself sometimes! 

 

 

 

But still, being followed by sparkly diamonds is quite nice.

Paul spends half his life waiting for Micky to sniff the grass, trees, rubbish bins. There is so much a little dog needs to explore, and tussock, that’s his favourite.

 

 

 

And of course, we let Micky take all the time he needs to thoroughly check everything out since he’s an older boy and we want him to enjoy his golden years.

I love seeing the shag birds on the branch sticking out of the rock at sea. They often hold their wings open to dry them and it’s so cute to see. Of course, no-one was drying their wings today when I wanted a photo 😂

 

 

 

In the photo below you can just make out snow on the hills in the distance. There were children swimming in the sea, can you believe that when even the air temperature was chilly let alone the water? Kiwi kids are hardy creatures!

 

 

 

I love activities that are enjoyable and don’t cost anything, and that’s what these doggie waterfront walks are for us.

 

 

 

It just costs a bit of petrol to get there (I know, petrol prices, hardly a ‘free’ outing 😂) and if we can resist the cafes we’re good. The food and drinks always look so appealing, and the thought of whiling away an hour or two looking out at the view does too.

Can you imagine us turning up with three dogs though? We’ve already been turned away from one place, and that was when we only had two dogs. They wouldn’t even allow us on the outdoor terrace!

Oh well, home for a yummy healthy lunch and homemade latte 😊

 

~~

 

 

 

Yay, the audiobook is finished!

I really do enjoy recording my audiobooks, and I’m so happy you all told me that you didn’t like the professional lady who did my first audiobook and you only wanted ME 🤣

Maybe I’ve discovered my calling... being an audiobook narrator. Well for my own books at least 😊

‘Life Is Good’ is now available as an eAudiobook in my eStore here.

And within the next few weeks it will filter through to Audible, they always take a bit longer. I see it’s already available on Spotify. If you have Spotify Premium you should be able to listen to it for free.

And, you can ask your library to order it in!

I get so excited seeing one of my paperbacks or audiobooks on a library platform.

I have a few more audiobooks that haven’t been done yet so I will complete ‘The Chic Author’ and also my blog books too.

I hadn’t done ‘The Chic Author’ yet because I thought I might update it, but I’ve since decided to leave it as an early snapshot.

For an update, I have outlined a new author-sequel book.

I have so many good ideas for new books!

That must really mean I’m feeling better.

Hoorah for that!

Happy listening 😊 

 

~~

 

 

 

Winter skies on my walk earlier this week 😊

I have had a few enquiries about paperback copies of ‘Life Is Good’ for readers in New Zealand, and I’m happy to send out signed copies.

In New Zealand dollars they are $25 each, with postage being $8 (or $14 for rural delivery).

I’ve ordered ten copies from Amazon Australia (the closest printing facility to me), and can get more if necessary.

Please message or email me if you’re interested.

But apart from that I am keeping cosy, and mapping outlines for new books. I have three hatching, and think I know which one will come next ❤️

And, I went swimming! I’ve been going once a week to a local heated pool and it’s great for my lymphedema as well as general fitness and gentle cancer rehab.

I was advised to avoid school holidays, haha, it would be a ZOO there! So I had two weeks off and it was nice to be back this past week.

Plus my outdoor walk each day plus I’m doing yoga once a week plus 2-3 half-hour strength workouts each week.

It sounds like a lot but it doesn’t feel like it. I just go for a walk each day and do some other activity five days a week.

I’m really excited about taking care of my body who has been through so much. I’m still getting there but feeling stronger all the time. And more healed!

It’s definitely a long road though (this picture is appropriate!), much longer than I thought it would be.

But that’s okay. I have time. It’s the ultimate slow living lesson.

I hope you’re having a great weekend 😊

xx Fiona

PS. To find all my links in one place you can always go to fionaferris.com (And my Amazon link is affiliate, thank you if you choose to use it!) 

 

Wintry goodness and Christmas in July

 

 Good afternoon from the middle of winter near the bottom of the world 😊

I hope you’re having a good weekend like I am!

Yesterday I had ladies coffee out with my mum and aunty, their cousin, and her daughter. The usual crowd ❤️

And last night we caught up with Paul’s colleagues to watch rugby at the pub. New Zealand - the All Blacks - versus Ireland.

Sorry Ireland, but it just wasn’t your night.

I know the bare basics about following a rugby game but all of the finer points just go over my head.

Still, it was a warm and cozy evening with friends and a glass of bubbles.

Today is a day to recharge at home after getting some groceries in this morning. I’m outlining a new book idea, recording the final chapters of my ‘Life Is Good’ audiobook, and enjoying a relaxing Sunday.

I’m whizzing through the audiobook recording - up to chapter 22 of 26 now.

Almost there!

I do a little bit each day and it all adds up.

And, I went for my walk this morning after it warmed up a bit.

Let me know what you’re doing this weekend!

 

~~

 

With all the fun Christmas in July content around at the moment, let’s start putting a seed in our mind for a pleasurable experience at the end of the year too, even if we don’t know what our plans are yet.

(I don’t! Except that we’ll be in Hawke’s Bay and not travelling since Paul works for a local winery and it’s their busy time of year).

 

 

It’s so fun to dream and plan and make little notes of the kinds of things I want to do, movies to watch, outings to enjoy, and how I want the general vibe of December to be.

Last year was a total wash with my Christmas Eve breast cancer surgery, so I’m all for a more relaxing and normal Christmas this year. For sure!

 

 

(Jigsaw on Amazon here).

Since our Christmas falls in summer in New Zealand, I’m looking forward to long, warm evenings relaxing outside.

We even have an inexpensive 32-inch smart tv that we take out onto the patio table for a ‘drive-in’ (‘walk out and sit down’) movie experience.

 

It’s so fun on a lovely evening to watch a movie outside.

You can read my book ‘A Chic and Simple Christmas’ to create your own bespoke and fabulous plans for a gorgeous Christmas, whether it’s in July or December.

 

 

~~

 

It’s difficult to make the bed some mornings... 

 

 

From left to right:

Chloe, 12, keen popcorn fan

Micky, 14, free spirit and gentle boy

Daphne, 10, the most food-focused dog I’ve ever known

Who would I be without these three? I’ll tell you who. I’d be someone who:

🐾 Uses her white linen duvet cover without fear.

🐾 Goes away on holiday without extensive planning for dog accommodation.

🐾 Can wear her newer satin pyjamas without worrying about the fabric snagging.

🐾 Has tons more money because she’s not buying pet food, treats, vet bills, flea treatment and paying for grooming.

🐾 Has a bedroom that doesn’t look like a youth hostel due to all the dog beds in it.

I could go on 😂😂

But really, I love them so much, and the fact that Micky has slowed down a lot this year after two separate little ‘turns’ in the past months makes Paul and I so sad.

We will love and cherish him and his two sisters for as long as we have them ❤️

Please let me know what you would have too if you didn’t have pets! Just jokes but really, tell me 🤣

 

xx Fiona

 

PS. I’m tooting my own horn over here: Last week I was a gun adminner getting all my financial filing up to date, and next week I’ll be working on our tax information for the accountant for this year 📊

I love getting things done, and since it’s been many months since I’ve had the energy and motivation to power through, I’m thrilled to be ticking things off my list 😊

Can we just celebrate that??

.

.

.

[My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small payment if you order through them, at no extra cost to you. I’m appreciative if you choose to use my links ❤️]

 

The writer returns - I'm feeling more like myself, yay!

 

Hey friends,

Join me for a cozy winter outing with the doggies! I mean, how cute is Chloe in her puffer jacket? And Daphne in her hot pink fleece?

Chloe loves standing up at the window, watching the world go by.

And Micky is just out of the frame and very much NOT a jacket guy. When I tried to put one on him on a freezing day he sat on the lawn and refused to go for a walk until I removed it. Okay then!

And as for me, I'm feeling better. Hoorah! I actually feel like I'm coming out of the tunnel. It was a longer tunnel than I'd anticipated, and had lots of dog legs and side tunnels lol, but I made it.

Since we were last in touch I've been WRITING too. So exciting. My mojo is back 😍 Of course I may still experience tiredness and lack of inspiration in the future, but for now I'm revelling in being back into the world of words. I truly couldn't be happier.

And that means I'll have a book completed soon. It is finished, but I'm just doing all the editing, which always takes longer than I'd like but I want it to be good so I curb my impatience.

At the beginning of the year, just after my surgery, I started writing down my experience. It was one long document with no chapters, and I just kept adding to it. I realised, reading back to it, that it’s really funny.

I know ‘funny’ isn’t a word you’d normally use to describe a cancer memoir, but it is, along with uplifting, and giving you, the reader, a front row seat to what it’s really like to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

I like to think it takes away some of the scary mystery, because it is petrifying to think about what you’d do if you were ever told you had cancer.

I hope you’re well, and thank you for your continued messages, emails and comments. I have not responded to many at all, virtually zero, because it feels like ‘a lot’, but I truly, truly appreciate them, and read every word.

And I have taken on your advice, even down to what books to read (I just finished Yesteryear, what a crazy ride that was!!)

Big hugs to you, and I’ll see you soon, maybe with a new book!

Fiona x

Yesteryear is here on Amazon at my affiliate link if you want to join the fun.

Rainy autumn days and bumps in the road, but life is still good!

Dear friends,

Yesterday we took the doggies out for a walk on a rainy, mild autumn day here in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Micky’s (our white dog) favourite walk is around Ahuriri Beach so off we went. It was raining when we drove there, but cleared up just as we parked. Then, as we were getting back to the car it start spitting again. We timed it perfectly!

Daphne and Chloe love a walk too but are more nervous than Micky when we are out.

How lovely does the sky look? Threatening but bright haha. This photo turned out so well with the tussock in the foreground. Very pretty and well balanced too! It’s such a lovely public area, and you can see the Napier Port in the background.

 

 

 

Since my last post I’ve been through a lot, again! It seems like everything is a lot at the moment. After my radiation treatment I felt great and thought I had escaped the post-radiation fatigue. But less than a week after we returned home from our Palmerston North jaunt, my wheels fell off. I’d felt good all day, been for a lovely massage for my arm and hand lymphedema, but when I got home and was prepping dinner I felt so down all of a sudden.

Everything seemed overwhelming and difficult, and it was like I was plunged into a deep depression where nothing felt good and I couldn’t even crack a fake smile let alone a real one. I felt so flat. Paul took over dinner when he got home from work. He has been a star taking over everything since I was first diagnosed, and I decided an early night would fix things. At least that part of my brain was working well, but not much else was.

But the next morning I felt just the same. Boo! Miraculously though, during the day I felt a little bit better, and then I was out of it. It was the strangest thing, 24 hours of awfulness. I think it was because I’d had this short, sharp course of radiation that it hit me hard and quick. And I got quite tired after that but am feeling a bit better now. I just didn’t realise the fatigue would be emotional as well as physical, but now I do.

Apparently just because I’d ‘only’ had one week of radiation it wasn’t less. It was bigger doses delivered daily, and from my research was the equivalent of a 3-4 week radiation course. Wow.

And I’m still doing self-management on my lymphedema hand and arm. You can see in the photos I am wearing a black compression sleeve under my shirt, and a beige compression glove. I also wear a little patch of bumpy fabric called MobiDerm under my glove on the back of my hand because that’s the area that is still swollen. MobiDerm looks a bit like bubble wrap, but it’s made of papery fabric. All the little bumps in it massage the back of my hand as I move.

I also do lymphatic drainage massage across my clavicle bones, into my underarms, and down my left arm and hand multiple times a day. Yeah, I’m over it, it really is getting me down, but I need to keep going as I want to resolve it, not have it be a thing I have to deal with forever. I think that’s the thing that bums me out the most, the not knowing how long it will last.

At least with my surgery, it was scary for sure, but then it was done. And same with my radiation. But the swelling that has already been there a month and a half, and sometimes looks improved, and sometimes looks worse, it’s ongoing. I do have to say though, in the last three days or so I am seeing continued if tiny improvement so I will cling to that :)

I do think it will get better, and I’m willing to give it the time and effort it needs. I’m saying to myself ‘April, May, June’, giving myself that timeframe to manage and resolve it. Positive thinking, putting it out there, and acting-as-if all rolled into one!

And aside from that, I have little shooting, zingy breast pains often, particularly on the left side, and that’s from all the nerve endings rejoining and healing. They aren’t debilitating, just unsettling, even if I know they mean good things. But still, I know I am one of the lucky ones. A lot of other people have far worse health prognoses, and I appreciate that.

But let’s get back to our lovely walk:

 

 

 

I’ve been really enjoying my curly hair! I wash it every second day and put a little product in (a light gel-creme) and comb it, then let it air-dry. It happens pretty quick since it’s still quite mild here, but in the winter I won’t want it wet for that long. By that time my hand ‘should’ be better and holding a hairdryer for a long time will be comfortable.

I’m sure I could do it now, it only takes around 15 minutes to dry my hair nicely with a brush and a blowdryer, but it’s nice to have the break and air-dry for a while. I’m enjoying doing Project Pan on my hair products too. I don’t use much at a time since my hair gets weighed down easily, so I have a few different products I’m working through. The gel-creme tube (a L’Oreal Professional product that I’ve had for ages) is almost empty and I think today will be the day, hoorah! Another product panned!

We had a nice Easter, just quiet at home. Paul worked a few days, being in hospitality at a local winery, and they were very busy with lots of people coming into Hawke’s Bay for the long weekend which is good for the local economy, yay.

We hadn’t really had any Easter eggs, so on the way home from our dog walk yesterday we called into the supermarket to get a few treats which was yum :)

 

 

 

How cool does the sky look (above)? I love the line between the clouds and the sea. Some call it the horizon haha, but it’s a beautiful contrast of blue-grey shades.

Paul normally walks Micky and I take Daphne and Chloe (‘The Boys’ and ‘The Girls’) but for the photos I took Micky because, you know, phones can get dropped when you’re trying to take a photo and your dog is heading off pulling the leash. Been there.

 

 

 

So that’s my little update. I hope you had a lovely Easter too, if you celebrate. Wherever you live I hope you are well and safe. I’m thinking of you.

And, I think, I will declare I’m ‘back’ now, and get into more frequent posting. The biggest thing for me is the collecting of photos. I can’t post on social media if I have no nice photos taken, and I have just not been taking photos lately. I have read a lot of books though!

 

 

 

My mum loaned me The Lady in the Van and it was so good. Just a small book which only took me a few days to read. I’d never seen the movie as the lady in it reminded me too much of a family member I lived next to for several years and I just couldn’t. Not that this family member lived in my driveway but she was ‘eccentric’ haha, and lived in her own style. May she rest in peace! (She was my great-aunt and died at 91 a few years back).

So anyway, I loved the book and now I’m going to hunt out the movie. Enough time has passed that I can watch it happily :)

If you haven’t read the book it is a fab read. It’s so dry and funny, and heartfelt too. Alan Bennett was a good man to let her live on his property, and is a hilarious writer. I am now searching out his other books to read.

The Lady in the Van is cheap enough on Kindle, or you might find it at your library. It’s here to download on Amazon.

Happy reading! And my thanks to you for being wonderful. I have received so many lovely emails and I’m sorry I can’t respond to them personally. Usually I do respond to emails but during my health convalescence there have been many more than usual and I didn’t have the energy. But I appreciate them all, I hope you know that.

xx Fiona

 

PS. I received this gorgeous review on my book The Peaceful Life just recently. I love it so much. If you haven’t read The Peaceful Life it might be just the ticket for times like now. Or a re-read/re-listen if you already have it. It’s here on Amazon on Kindle, in paperback, and as an audiobook too.

 

 

 Thank you so much for the wonderful review!

 

 

 

 [My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. It’s no extra cost to you, so I really appreciate it if you choose to use my links for any Amazon purchases you might be making!]

Happy doggies, and a delicious quiche for lunch (recipe included)

Chloe and Daphne are all buckled in and ready for their walk ❤️❤️

 

Hello chic friends! 

 

My doggies physical ‘beauty’ always makes me laugh 🤭 I mean, look at those faces... Sometimes when we’re out, people will look at them and say, ‘What are they?’ in an incredulous way.

I have a soft spot for non-fluffy plain dogs now, from having these two in my life.

They said they don’t care what anyone thinks, they’re just having fun, living the dream, and as long as food rolls up twice a day and they get to hang out with their mum, they’re happy as.

Micky dog was getting leashed up too, out of photo shot. I just thought it was so cute how Chloe and Daphne were waiting patiently at the front door for their walk.

Give your doggies a hug from me today! 

 

~~

 

 

Lunch in the sunshine 🌞

 

I was lunching like a queen here wasn’t I!

I enjoyed homemade quiche with mushrooms and asparagus from Chantal’s recipe under her baby shower video description here (I used gluten free pastry for moi):

 

 

 

This is her quiche recipe:

— ingredients

puff pastry

500 g mushrooms

100g bacon (optional)

sundried tomato (optional)

1 bunch basil

150g creme fraiche (or greek yogurt/ sour cream)

4 eggs

200ml milk

50g shredded parmesan

pinch of nutmeg

— steps

1. preheat oven to 390F

2. defrost the puff pastry and cover the bottom of a quiche dish with it

3. fry the mushrooms with bacon in a pan until all moisture is gone, then add the sundried tomato. salt and pepper to taste

4. add fried mushrooms on top of puff pastry in quiche diche

5. in a separate bowl, mix the creme fraiche, eggs, milk, shredded parmesan and nutmeg. add in shredded basil

6. pour on top of mushroom mix in quiche dish

7. bake at 200C (~390F) for ca. 40-45 mins (depending on your oven)

8. serve and enjoy! 

 

~~

 

Thanks Chantal for sharing!

I served mine with rocket (arugula), and a side salad too. And fruit, Greek yoghurt, and almonds and coconut for ‘pudding’.

I love my lunches and feel so good from all the freshness.

Gosh that quiche was nice, I’ll have to make another one 😊

And the book was good too, I’ve finished it now. It was ‘The Honeymoon Affair’ by Sheila O’Flanagan. I also read ‘Her Husband’s Mistake’ (below) by the same author and that was great as well. (Better than ‘The Honeymoon Affair’ which had a satisfying ending but could have been a touch better I feel, just expanded upon.)

 

 

 

In my personal star rating system I gave ‘The Honeymoon Affair’ 4.5 out of 5 and ‘Her Husband’s Mistake’ 5.5 out of 5! That only happens for really good books 🤣

You can see Sheila’s books here on Amazon.

Let me know what you’ve been reading lately, and your favourite ‘happy healthy’ lunches too 😊

Have a great week!

xx Fiona

 

~~

 

Latest book out now (here on Amazon):

[My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. It’s no extra cost to you, so I really appreciate it if you choose to use my links for any Amazon purchases you might be making!]

Living the glam life - and life as a dog mum too!

Beautiful spring freesias and hellebores/winter roses. Aren’t the colours divine? I always love pink and yellow together (or pink and gold in decor/colours in general)

💗💗💗

Hello friends!

Yesterday we saw Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, and it was so beautiful.

I adore the 1920s and 1930s era, and Downtown Abbey always comes across as modern, like I’m right there.

It was a wonderful quality production as usual, it was fab to catch up with the cast and where they are at in their lives, and the fashion was **dreamy**.

So lush and lovely.

The dinner dresses and daytime outfits were gorgeous.

I left feeling like I want to live an elegant and dignified life, haha. And with better posture than I went into the theatre with too!

I was thinking which of my books would encapsulate the kind of feeling I got from Downton Abbey, and I think it would be this one:

 

Maybe with a dash of:

 

I always find it incredible how moving pictures on a screen (and spoken words) can transport you somewhere else in your mind and make you feel different. The characters in the movie just carry themselves in such a regal manner while being (somewhat, haha) down-to-earth.

I loved seeing the splendor in which they lived, how they dressed for dinner, and their London home too, my gosh! It was all such a treat for the eyes, and even though I love my simple life, I love to drop into those glittering circles too, if only for entertainment.

Let me know if you’ve seen it yet and what you thought 😊

 

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And in case you need a giggle today, may I show you how similar our little dog Chloe is to the AI-looking seal on a recent television advertisement?

Perhaps this is the key to her long-lost ancestral path?

We have always suspected she isn’t actually a dog since she is so ‘interesting’ looking 🤣

At least she has paws not flippers I suppose...

Chloe said she hopes you enjoyed making fun of her today; she is always happy to help when someone needs a smile!

Wishing you a fab week. I am still getting those final few chapters written of my next book. I can’t wait to show you! I didn’t quite make a September release, but October, for sure 😊

xx Fiona

 

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[My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. It’s no extra cost to you, so I really appreciate it if you choose to use my links for any Amazon purchases you might be making!]

Be your own sunshine, and watch your life flourish

 

Hello friends!

Now more than ever I think it is important to focus on our real life and less what is on screens.

I really do enjoy a movie (we watched The Wrong Paris on Netflix the other night and it was so fun), and the occasional YouTube video (inspirational please), but when I get caught up in the endless drama and opinions online, it always leaves me feeling worse.

So I've decided to focus more on my real life and what I can control. After just a day or two it feels so much better. I feel like me again, and more positive and happy too.

There's always the balance of being aware of what's going on without being sucked into the drama. I don't say to be ignorant, but if I can't personally change something, it doesn't get my attention for very long.

I prefer to focus on what I can do. And if I'm in a low mood because I've been getting caught up in all the horrible things happening, I can't write my books. The words just won't come out!

No matter what we do for a living and who we might live with, we are more helpful to others when we protect our own mind.

Just today apart from editing a new chapter, I've been for a walk outside, picked some lavender to dry, and now I'm typing this post.

I want to be a voice of optimism in this world, and the only way I can do that is to focus on what's good.

I also think it's better for our health. From an energy standpoint, but also how motivated we are to look after ourselves. When I am in a good frame of mind, I find it easier to eat healthy, drink in happy moderation, and exercise.

Processed snack foods only appeal to me when I'm feeling flat. It's all so interesting when you look in the rear view mirror to see your motivations!

If you are feeling blah today, I hope this post helps. I like to think of low moods like clouds passing by. They're not permanent, even though they can feel like that sometimes. They always float away, leaving you with a sunny blue sky again.

Sending love!

 

---

 

With all the new seasons clothing enticing us in the shops, why not try something different?

I warmly invite you to browse one of my newest books, and stretch your wardrobe dollar further (without sacrificing style).

I've always loved the idea of 'more dash than cash', and that you don't need to spend a lot of money to look polished, elegant, and stylish (or whatever your preferred style is - those are just mine 😍)

No matter your age, size, or your personal style preferences, I think you will gain inspiration from this book, and save some money too (at least the purchase price of the book if not 10x!)

Mindset is always the most helpful thing to me, not a list of '10 items every woman should own'. I can't deny it, I do love reading those lists, but they never have exactly what is in my closet.

Make it your goal this style season (autumn if you're in the northern hemisphere, or spring if you're below the equator like me) to make the most of your budget, your existing wardrobe, and your creativity too.

It's such a fun project to build a seasonal capsule for yourself, or reinvigorate how your wear things.

And let's not forget grooming - I'm a fan of freshly washed and blow-dried hair, and a fresh manicure (short and bright for me, as shown in the photo!) to feel A M A Z I N G.

If you haven't already read 'Elegantly Chic on a Budget' head on over to Amazon for your copy on Kindle or in paperback. And you can listen to the audiobook on Spotify or wherever you get your audiobooks (even from your library if you ask them to order it in for you).

Or get the eBook or eAudiobook from my eStore for a big-corporate alternative!

Happy reading, and maybe this will be a fun time of personal style discovery?

 

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Chloe always makes me giggle when she stands up to look out the window. Such a comical sight. There's no chance of her falling out though, don't worry, she isn't tall enough!

The other two doggies occasionally like to get the wind in their fur, but Chloe really likes to make sure she observes *everything* that's going on. She stands up for as long as the window is down, on those little pin legs!

Once we get going faster though, the window goes up and she can settle down for a snooze. But as soon as she senses the car slowing she is up at the window again. Of course she is!

Such a funny wee dog. And of course if she sees another dog walking on the footpath, she goes nuts. It's almost embarrassing 😂

For the smallest of our three dogs she is the most territorial. She even gets a ridge back where her fur stands up on her shoulders and above her tail.

We had a really tall dog come down from our neighbours the other day (maybe a gun dog? he was quite lanky, lovely and friendly) and she sent him packing, back home 🤣

It was quite the sight with Chloe sending him off. She doesn't know she's a small dog who weighs less than 5kg/10 pounds.

I hope you have a great week!

xx Fiona

  

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[My Amazon links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using these links. It’s no extra cost to you, so I really appreciate it if you choose to use my links for any Amazon purchases you might be making!]

A fresh new month

 Hello friends!

It’s been a lovely cozy week for me here at home in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Autumn weather has rolled in, with sunshine one day, rain the next. Whether it’s spring or autumn, the transitional seasons always seem to have unsettled weather!

I know a lot of people don’t like to ‘talk about the weather’, but I love it as a topic. Perhaps not so much as small talk, but I just find weather endlessly fascinating.

(It was sunny when I went for a walk on the day above. The vineyards on our street are always lovely to stroll past - at the moment the grapes have long been harvested and the leaves are turning yellow).

I'm also really enjoying putting different outfits and colourways together to embrace our incoming autumn. I haven't done a proper wardrobe refresh switching things around yet but I'm looking forward to doing it soon.

Whether you are coming into spring or autumn, have you organised your new season looks yet? Am I the only one not done...?

 

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And, are you ready to step into your rich-lady lifestyle? Haha, I say 'rich lady' tongue-in-cheek, but I really do love the visual this phrase inspires.

When Financially Chic Vol. 2 was released seven months ago, inflation was high. But it seems that instead of things easing, there may be more clouds gathering on the horizon.

When I find myself getting all wound up and worried, I stop and focus on what I can control: my own little world and my own personal economy.

In this book I outline changes I made to improve our financial situation in spite of what was happening around us, and in recent times I've done more - no more Spotify Premium for a while, shopping my closet, and using our local public library more (you can ask your library to order my books in too, in paperback or audiobook).

I always like to keep my mindset happy too, it helps me cope with unsettling times better.

 

 

For today, I wanted to share a mindset shift from this book; it’s in Chapter 3. Elevate Your Mindset.

“You want to learn how to make it fun to be frugal – I promise this is not an oxymoron. And if the word frugal has negative connotations for you, choose another: careful, savvy, economical, prudent, unwasteful, canny, sparing, or meticulous. I like the thought of being exquisite with money, or elegant with money. Doesn’t financial elegance have a nice ring to it? Imagine choosing to be financially elegant as your new mindset?

Know that you can ‘live beyond your means’ and it all starts with your mindset. I remember how good it felt when I flicked the switch and viewed money as fun and easy instead of stressful and scary. I felt more in control of my destiny and it was such a soothing feeling. It was also exciting, because I felt empowered and emboldened. I was the one driving the bus now!”

If you don’t like how you feel about money and finances, find a way you’d rather be and step into that. It sounds airy fairy, but in my experience doing this truly changes how you show up, and in turn changes decisions you make. It’s fun too, who wouldn’t want to practice being someone new!

(Here’s the link for Financially Chic Vol. 2 if you don't have it yet. It’s ‘affiliate’ which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase; I appreciate it if you choose to use my link!)

 

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If there is one thing the doggies LOVE, it's going in the car. (Above, Daphne in front, and below, Chloe). And even better if the window is down so they can get a better look around and feel the wind in their fur.Lucky they are both short enough that it's not a safety hazard.

 

 

 

Even standing up on their hind legs with front paws on the arm rest they couldn't topple out.It's cute how they get so excited for a drive!If you have dog(s) are they car fanatics too?

 

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Wishing you a lovely weekend, and that you get a chance to rest and maybe even do something creative. I’ll see you next week!

xx Fiona

PS. You can find all my books, audiobooks, and other social media channels here on my Linktree :)

 

PPS. I've also just started publishing my weekly newsletter on Substack, so you can read it there too, and subscribe (it's free) to have my newsletter sent to your Inbox.

 

See this post on Substack :)

Out and about, Chloe dog, and reading time

 

 

Hello chic friends :)

 

My aunty brought me some fresh beans from her garden when we all met for ladies coffee at a local cafe on Saturday.

Unfortunately the bag I brought with me was quite small so my bouquet of vegetables was on display and I had to walk back to my car like this 😂

Luckily the beautiful green shade of the beans paired well with my top and bag!

My own bean plant has not been plentiful so I'm grateful to have been gifted some lovely big ones. My cherry tomato plant is going well though 😊🍅

 

 

 

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And little Chloe is popping in to send her new years wishes to you 🥰

She would love everyone to enjoy endless naps on the sofa cushions, treats on demand, and lots of car rides too - or maybe that’s just her 🙃

 

 

I think she might be on the right track though: what little things would make it feel like you’re living the good life?

For me:

✨ Dedicated reading time during the day, not just 5 minutes at bedtime

✨ Ticking off must-do jobs as early in the day as possible so they’re not hanging over me

✨ Taking the time to do some form of exercise every day (and again doing it as early as possible so it’s done for the day!)

I like to choose small things that will make me feel good, that way I’m more likely to do them 💪

What little things would help you feel good today?

 

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I enjoyed this book 'The Housemaid' from the library which I just finished (above). It’s book 1 in the series and I’ve already read book 2 ('The Housemaid's Secret') 😅 Plus I have book 3 lined up, yay!

 

I do love a good thriller in between fun chick lit books. Thankfully each story in The Housemaid series is separate since I’m reading them out of order 🤭

 

Talk about page turners!! As the story progressed I couldn't stop reading. I'm having a little breather before I start book 3 ('The Housemaid is Watching'). I bought the Kindle novella, book 2.5, 'The Housemaid's Wedding' and finished it in quick time (it's really short). If you don't read it you aren't missing out on much. It is just the day she gets married, still good though, just very short.

 

And apparently a movie has been made of the first book which will be released near the end of the year. Very exciting!

What are you reading that you would recommend?

There are so many good books and so little time, don’t you think? 

 

Wishing you a great week!

 

xx Fiona

 

 

PS. My Amazon links are affiliate, but the price doesn't change for you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links! (which means I may receive a small commission).