Little Daphne's scary day

 

 

We had a bit of a disastrous drama last week. My sweet princess Daphne had a horrible accident tearing her leg badly on a piece of mesh that had just been delivered that day as we are having our patio concreting and tiling done. Talk about a bad luck accident.

So we rushed her to the vet in rush-hour traffic and ... inched ... along. But we got there, they sewed her back together, and now she's at home feeling sorry for herself with a clonking unbendable leg and it's probably pretty sore too.

I'm just so thankful it wasn't worse - she missed a major vein by some miracle. And she was so brave in the car going there. What a star my little Daphne is.

She had pain medication and antibiotics and the bonus for her is that she had to take her medicine with food so she received a small extra meal before bedtime. Thankfully she kept her appetite throughout the whole ordeal; as if I ever expected her to lose it!!

 

We didn’t leave the house all weekend and I've stayed home most of this week too. Daphne rested a lot. I don’t need any encouragement to stay home so it's been great :)

 

 

Daphne is continuing to do well, her leg is healing and her bandage has stayed on, amazingly. No cone of shame necessary thank goodness! She is definitely looking forward to getting her bandages off and the stitches out in a week's time though. Poor wee baby. She has been allowed to sleep on the bed with her poor sore paw since the accident.

She has to stay at home while we take the other two doggies down the road for a walk. I'm sure Chloe is looking for a way to injure herself too... she is NOT a fan of going for walks.

Micky on the other hand launches himself down the driveway and would walk for hours if I kept on going!
 

And I've finished my latest book too! I am now proofreading it. It feels SO good to write that last word, lol. I’m excited for you to read it very soon. I’d love to release it within the next week, we’ll see how I go!

 

 

 

I'm making the most of my summer clothes now that we're heading into autumn. There are still days when I can wear my wedge sandals.

As is my thing, I bought them in two colours - yellow and orange. And they were on a good special, so I got both pairs for less than the price of one pair. Just as well as I couldn't choose.

And the blouse I'm wearing I also have in Kelly green. Plus the jeans I'm wearing I also have in denim and black... What can I say, I love making things easy for myself by buying different colours of pieces that work for me.

And, of course, waiting until they go on special. The brands are New Zealand so you probably can't get them overseas (DecJuba clothing and Merchant sandals).

I love to wear my nice clothes at home since I don't often go out. It just makes me happy to dress in pretty colours and do my hair and makeup. And if I do go out or someone comes around, I'm not a scruff.

It was actually proven to me when I had to rush Daphne to the vet last week. I'd been at home all day, writing and also doing home things, and then Daphne had her accident.

The next day I thought how glad I was that I looked presentable and wasn't embarrassed by looking like I'd given up on life, lol.

I hope your week is going well, and please tell me, do you buy multiples of clothing items that you like? Do you like repeating outfit combinations in different shades?

xx Fiona

 

 

PS. My book 'The Chic Closet' is available on Amazon here. Of course I had to mention it since I was talking about clothes! 

 

 

 

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 is the same ❤️

Chic home style, and loving reading

 

 

We went outdoor furniture shopping (more just researching really) and I had to test out each set! I really like the chunky woven cane in the second photo. It's got a Hamptons vibe and our outdoor area is quite spacious so a bigger ‘look’ will have presence.

It's so hard to choose! It's a sizeable investment too so I want to make a good decision.

Do you have any tips if you've furnished an outdoor area? A patio is like another whole room of the house!

I'd love to have a living area space and a dining area space. Outdoor sofas have always appealed but I've never bought one before. I’m quite an impatient person but I can see that I’ll have to do some looking and planning to make it lovely :)

 

Our new outdoor area has been in the making for a couple of years now but there have been delays owing to various factors, our most recent being the cyclone. But our tiles started to go down this week so it is coming together at last.

The good thing about our timing being longer is that it gave us more time to save up to pay for everything, which is a good thing! I almost feel like the Universe slowed everything down on purpose because the timing is pretty much spot on.

There was a cool quote I wrote down from listening to Rhonda Byrne, I can’t remember which audiobook it was of hers (I listen to them all at once):

‘The matrix of the Universe knows only perfect timing.’

It’s so soothing to take that on. It calms worried thoughts and early hours catastrophising :)

Please let me know any advice you have for furnishing an outdoor area, too!

 

 

Hallway detail with my faux orchid plant

 

I know some may scoff at faux plants but I love them. I love that they always look good, I don't have to water them and potentially get rings on wooden furniture... there are no dead bits dropping down onto the table. So many good things :)

I know plants purify the air, and I do have one... ailing... peace lily. But we live in the country and I open windows daily, even in the winter, so that must keep our air good, yes?

Anyway, I'm going to keep on enjoying my faux plants. What I love about life is that we each get to choose what we want to do, which way to go.

I really admire people who enjoy pottering with their plants, and fresh flowers too. But for me, I've now owned that faux is my way, for now at least. Maybe one day I will get into real plants. I'm always open to change.
 

 

 

I wonder if all writers are also keen readers? It certainly is that way for me. I have read books my whole life, and it was always a treat to open a new book, whether it was a Christmas present or new-to-me from the public library.

Weren't libraries just the most wondrous places as a child? Even in the tiny town where I grew up we had a nice library which provided me with all the books I could ever read, from novels to crafty books on candle-making and crochet, lol!

These days I'm just as much a reader, with a Kindle full of books, a curated bookshelf at home, and a local library at my disposal.

It's funny how precious books are to so many of us.

And now I get to write my own books too. I'm telling you, it is such a blessing to have my books in the world. Each one is a piece of my soul. I know they're light and fluffy, but they really are part of me, for you.

I want to share my happy thoughts and positivity to live a brilliant life without spending a lot of money. Of living well and having a helpful mindset. My 'spin' is combining fun and feminine inner work with financial savvy and a chic personal style - both at home and how we present ourselves.

Please tell me, if you are a writer, do you also love reading? And if you are a happy reader, do you ever dream of writing a book?

xx Fiona

 

PS. You can find all my books here on Amazon.

 

 

 

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 if you choose to use my links :)

Rockin' Rod Stewart concert - we went!

 

 

Hello chic friends!

 

I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend.

We were lucky enough to see Rod Stewart in concert on Saturday night, right here in Hawke’s Bay.

He gave such a good show too. I loved the start with Scottish bagpipes which turned into a rocking ‘Addicted To Love’ complete with hot guitar playing girls!

 

 

I love how Rod has fun with his performance and really seemed to be enjoying himself even though he’s probably repeated the show hundreds of times.

What a legend! And an inspiration at 78!

I didn’t see her but a friend told me that his wife Penny Lancaster was there too, wandering around up the front taking selfies with people. How cool is that!

Mind you, if you were Rod’s wife you’d probably stick close too :)

All in all a good night and it didn’t even rain like it was meant to. Phew!

 

And, we got our internet back on the next day. After seven weeks!! Hallelujah. I’m so grateful!

 

 

How about this beautiful autumn sunset the other night? It was fleeting but spectacular.

 

 
Little Micky Dog gets tucked in at night, but then migrates onto the carpet complete with blanket :)

Is his bed too comfortable I wonder? Or too cozy?

Apparently he has always been a floor sleeper. Funny wee thing. He's such a honey.

That's all for this week, wishing you a good one :)

xx Fiona

 

 

Number one best seller! Thank you!

The Green Post 💚

Dog walking on a breezy day 💚💚💚 #autumndays

 

Hello chic friends!

Hope you're having a great week! We switched out of daylight savings time last weekend, so now it's properly into the autumn feels here 🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

 

Who wants to see the before and after of my herb garden upgrade? I know, you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for it :)

Neatly tended After, with Daphne (and Chloe in the background)

 

The first photo (above) is my lovely weeded herb bed and the second photo further down, well, it's the weedy before photo (but a before-and-after is always fun to see, right?)

 

From left to right in the photo above:

🍃 Parsley (struggling a little I admit, I may have to buy a new plant if it doesn't take off).

🍃 Chives going gangbusters and so yummy in mashed potato since my parsley is currently 'out of stock'.

🍃 Thyme, delicious with scrambled eggs (I fry it in the butter before I put the whisked eggs in the pan). Also very good pressed under roast veges (a few leaves per piece of potato, pumpkin or carrot).

🍃 Oregano, it grows plentifully so I use it! It is nice with roast veges or in a sauce. Delicious added to a homemade pizza too.

🍃 Rosemary, transplanted from another area, and in this photo being photobombed by Daphne. It's nice on roast lamb, and in potato gratin (finely chopped).

🍃 Mint, corralled in its own little pot and seems to be thriving after I transplanted a chunk. I have a big patch growing wild which I originally planted away from everything because if you've ever had mint it takes over. I love putting a handful of leaves in my green smoothie, so good!

The first mint I planted here came from my dad's property which is very special since my dad is no longer with us and the property has now been sold. I remember when he went to get some mint to put in with the boiled potatoes and took me for a trek into the paddock where the most amazing mint patch grew, the leaves were huge. And now I have a satellite mint patch of my own. Thanks Pa!

 

Weedy Before, there are self-seeded TREES growing in there!

 
I hope you enjoyed my herb garden tour. I don't grow anything else at the moment. Herbs seem to be the easiest thing for me and they pay great rewards too since I love cooking with fresh herbs.

This little garden is just one of ways in which I love being 'financially chic' - living a good life without spending a lot of money.

 

~~

 

With people here having lost their entire homes in the cyclone floods, I got to thinking what would be the possessions I'd be most upset about if our house was engulfed, and one of my top things was my books. So I took photos of all the shelves and sections of books on our built-in shelf in the hall as an insurance safeguard, plus to remind me of all the titles I have.

 

 

I love my books so much! This is one section of my French Chic shelf, of course. As you can see, I often leave bookmarks in non-fiction books and dip into them as desired. Many books I have collected second-hand from places like Abe Books or Thrift Books over the years, simply because they are not in print any longer.

 

I have been re-reading Jennifer L. Scott's book 'Lessons From Madame Chic' recently. It is such a charming book and reinspires me every time I read it. The ten-item wardrobe chapter is a good reminder at the change of seasons too.

I am thinking about my autumn/winter wardrobe at the moment. My goal is not to buy anything new and to put together a collection from items I already own – to lovingly curate a look and make sure everything is clean, good-looking and mended if necessary. Such fun!

If you are a booklover like I am and have a carefully curated selection of books too, take photos of all your titles today. Just to keep in your phone as a safeguard. And, the bonus is that you get to look at those photos from time to time. They will make you happy! Or maybe that’s just me 😂

Wishing you a lovely long weekend, if it's Easter where you are like it is here.

xx Fiona

 

 

 

 

My Amazon links are affiliate, so I may receive a small commission on anything you purchase through my link 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 :)

A sorted life = self-care

 

Good morning and Happy Friday!

Gosh, I have had such a productive week at home, both mine and my mother’s.

There has been tidying, organising, unpacking and more going on. Whoever knew sorting out loose ends could feel so good?

Even something as simple as clearing away hot spots brings such a high :)

Our kitchen counters had been cluttered with extra items ever since the cyclone but no more baby. They’re clear now!

My next project is putting up a few pictures that have been hanging around (except they weren’t hanging, that was the problem :), plus tidying up the ‘everything cupboard’ in the garage.

And, I have a lunch date with my husband Paul today. Yay!

 

And earlier in the week I had such a good day in the garden - it was a big day of weeding and gardening. I love to see a nice garden, but it doesn't come naturally to me to want to potter around and do things in it all the time.

So, I make a day of it every so often and do everything. And it was so satisfying! I weeded my herb garden which contains parsley, chives, thyme and oregano. I also transplanted a rosemary plant and some mint. I planted the mint in a pot then the garden so it doesn't take over everything else. Plus mint likes it wet, so the pot will keep the moisture in more too. Let's hope everything thrives in my herb garden!

I watered the transplants even though it was meant to rain, and we did indeed get a light, misty sustained rain that afternoon which was just perfect.

I also decluttered ALL of my outdoor pots. Everything that was in a terracotta pot is now in the garden. This was one of the things I identified that I could do to ‘make my life easier’. The question ‘How can I make my life easier?’ is one of my regular journal prompts and it always brings up good answers.

I have all the pots stacked to donate. And I now don’t have to weave around them to hang my laundry out, water them, plant them, buy potting mix and bring it home… so many jobs eliminated.

 

I have enjoyed pots in the past, and the sight of a recently planted, well-watered pot brimming with bright flowers still brings me joy.

But for the season of life I’m in right now I love the simplicity of no pots and also the clean open look of a terrace, lawn and garden.

An easier life = excellent self-care!

What could you do to make your life easier? What’s one thing that comes to mind that you could do that would make a big difference like my pots?

 

 

No. 1, thank you! You've made my day. If you have ordered my newest book, I hope you are enjoying it and getting some good, useful advice and inspiration from it.

The goal when I write my books is to share what inspires me and what I have learned. And also I write them for me. I write what I want to read, and what I need to hear. They are as much reminders for me as anything else.

I know there are many of YOU who would write an excellent book. You know who you are! And I'd love to read it.

Let your fanciful side fly free and let her write what she wants to write. Don't worry about what anyone might think, do it for you.

You have to be the one who has your own back, in anything in life but especially your creative work.

Anyway, that's just a little pep talk today as I settle in for some writing time :)

I hope you're doing well!

xx Fiona

PS. My book 'The Chic Author', goes into everything I did to begin self-publishing my books. Whether you're a complete beginner or have already written a book, there will be something in this book for you.

It's here on Amazon.

And in my eStore (eBook only) for an Amazon alternative.

 

 

And my newest book '100 Ways to Enjoy Self-Care for Gentle Wellbeing and a Healthy Body Image' is on Amazon (paperback and Kindle).

And the eBook in my eStore.

 

 

(My Amazon links are affiliate, which means that I may receive a small commission on anything you purchase through my link. AND it's an Amazon Smile link too, which I have directed to the ASPCA. I don't know how they manage to do both with one link, but they did. Thanks Amazon!)

Gloriously normal life

 

It was a beautiful day on Sunday and I made the most of it. I had a petite sleep-in and then wrote a bit on my next book with a big cup of tea. Some morning routines are too beautiful to skip, even on the weekend! I love my morning writing time and cup of tea SO MUCH. Don't know if you've noticed :)

And it was a DAY OFF after Paul working long hours and all the extra admin of living without water and power around here.

 

We went out for lunch, and gosh it felt like being on holiday after the month we've had.

I asked Paul if we could go to the place we went last time (Giant in Havelock North), because their Goodness Bowl (with seasonal veggies, leaves, quinoa, herb dressing and crunchy seeds) and grilled chicken was so good. I had the exact same thing this time! And I normally can't resist getting french fries so that really says something about the goodness bowl.

Plus I felt cheery in my pink top. A pretty, happy colour near the face does wonders for my joie de vivre and lifting of the spirits.

And in other breaking news, our water is now back on! We have indoor plumbing!! What a treat to wash my hands under the tap and I had my first shower at home since mid-last month on Monday. It was so good!

The internet could still be a while away but that's okay. We now have power and water! Hoorah!

So far this week I have completed our insurance admin, and other admin too. I have also been writing a lot and it feels fantastic. Yes, I’ve been chainsmoking! (Which is when you start writing another book immediately after finishing one.)

 

I hope you are enjoying my new book if you've downloaded it. I was pleased to see it is 'no. 1' and a 'bestseller'. Everyone likes their children to do well in life, lol!

And in the spirit of self-care, what do you have planned today? And what is your ideal weekend self-care when you have a bit more time?

As mentioned above, mine on Sunday was:

A sleep-in
Writing and tea
A shower and hairwash (not at our house, somewhere else that has running water since we didn't have it back yet)
A dog walk down the road
And lunch out

Oh, and one of my recent self-care habits was to buy a jar of multivitamins and minerals. On choosing, there was a normal jar, and a 'for women 50+'. I am in that category!! Still, better than the alternative. I told mum and she said that I'm a senior now, haha. I still feel young at heart!

Thank you for the lovely reviews on the new book '100 Ways to Enjoy Self-Care for Gentle Wellbeing and a Healthy Body Image'. I read them all and appreciate them, and also learn from lesser reviews. Sometimes it is something I can improve on, and other times it is to know that I can’t be the author for everyone. We all like different things!

 

 

 

You can find this book (and her reviews :) here on Amazon Kindle and in print.

And the eBook here at my eStore for an Amazon alternative.

 

Wishing you a fab day, it's been lovely here this week - sunny and blue although a little chilly in the mornings - 6 degrees C (43F) before 8am. Autumn must be on its way.

 

 

 

And I can't go without showing you sweet Nina cat having an afternoon nap :)

Doesn’t a nicely made bed with a velvety cover just beg you to lie down for a few minutes? With a book or for a short rest?

This is in one of our guest rooms. I love the headboards! And the bed is one that zips into one big bed or two singles, so very versatile.

Since I’ve just released my book on self-care, all the different ways we can look after ourselves has been front of mind for me.

Curling up for even five minutes is one of them!

 

 

And little Micky dog got to have his post-cyclone grooming appointment recently. I have never had a dog who needs grooming, but Micky grows so shaggy he can't see out of his eyes!

He now goes to an Italian groomer, originally from Milan (I know, so bougie :), and he absolutely loves himself when he's finished. You can just see how happy he is and how good he feels.

His groomer, Roberta, is an absolute delight. You can tell she cares so much about her furry clients wellbeing and is very holistic as well. Such a beautiful lady, inside and out. Her business is called 'Whisper Soft Dog Stylist'. So cute!

While we were picking up Micky, Daphne and Chloe had their claws clipped (and filed too!) Would it be too over-the-top to have short-haired dogs groomed? Perhaps...

Can you see in the photo a little brown paw behind my leg? Hiding away there.

And I'm going to the hairdresser today as well! What a treat. Just like Micky :) But I'm not going as short as him. Just a trim thanks, and some highlights and lowlights to blend the blonde with the grey.

I love it when self-care is a deliciously pampering appointment where I get to read a book for a few hours while being fussed over.

Happy Thursday to you!

 

xx Fiona

 

 

 

 

(My Amazon links are affiliate, which means that I may receive a small commission (4% on ebooks I think) on anything you purchase through my link. AND it's an Amazon Smile link too, which I have directed to the ASPCA. I don't know how they manage to do both with one link, but they did. Thanks Amazon!)