Summer gardening, and decluttering

 

 

Hello chic friends,

 

I've been enjoying my simple gardening this summer, and just look at this crop of cherry tomatoes!

The thing I love best about growing vegetables such as cos lettuce and cherry tomatoes at home is that you can just pick a few leaves or tomatoes each day for your salad.

It's the ultimate in freshness, and everything is spray-free too.

My mesclun mix used to be eaten by white butterflies and their caterpillars before I could get to it but I found that cos lettuce, maybe being a sturdier leaf, seems to be left alone. Yay!

And of course our perpetual spinach plants keep our breakfast smoothies going, such a bargain for weeks if not months of spinach.

I am a total vegetable garden convert! You don't need a big area at all, and a little investment in time and money really pays off.

This is just my public service announcement for today 🤣

 

 

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I have noticed that my decluttering book is more popular at the moment, and of course, we are into a new year. I get it, because I am feeling it too!

I've been cleaning up niggly areas and hotspots, and I've also come to a 'big' (for me) revelation. And that is, it's okay to want my stuff. I don't have to declutter down to nothing, even though I love the idea of a minimalist home.

I get to do it in my way and have exactly what I want around me. It really was quite a freeing thought!

What I do get to do though, is go through all the many areas in my home and refine them. And if there is anything to donate or throw out in that process, great. If not, also great.

Using things up is one of my favourite ways to declutter. I get to enjoy what I have, and also make use of the money already spent. Reading and donating books, using my lovely body products and fragrances, lighting a candle!

It's great the have the new year’s energy to reinvigorate my desire for a clean, tidy, ‘cozy minimalist’, stylish, elegant home 😊 I keep this vision in mind and it makes even housework seem more pleasant!

xx Fiona

PS. You can find this book on Amazon here or check out my Linktree for other reading options and all my other books.

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

Living a simple life

 

Hello chic friends!

Sometimes I feel like I don’t have much to tell you, because I live *such* a simple and quiet life.

But then I remember how much I enjoyed following blogs way back when they started which were exactly that: home-based, feminine, simple living, and quiet. So maybe I can be that person for someone else who wants to read about ‘nothing’ 😊

I really do love being at home, and living a peaceful and creative life. It’s not always easy to get out of my head though, and that’s what I think trips me up sometimes. I can overthink things, be too hard on myself, and procrastinate terribly.

I think the reason why I want to live in a simple and quiet way is because my mind can feel too busy.

Maybe you feel the same? That everything in life moves so fast and you just want to pause a minute and take a breath?

And it’s not even that my life is fast-paced, it’s just how my mind can get sometimes. To help with this, I have intentionally simplified and stripped away busy-ness over the years. We moved from the city to the country.

And I dream of open spaces, an open schedule, and having just the right amount of possessions to make me feel comfortable and cozy but not overwhelmed with clutter. I love reading about minimalism and trying out tips for myself.

One size doesn’t fit all, phew! We all get to choose the most ideal scenario for ourselves and work towards that.

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Micky dog and I have been taking early morning walks, just the two of us, about 6.30am or 7am.

It's so nice out with our mild summer weather, and I've read it's good for you to get some early morning light into your brain through your eyes so we're definitely doing that.

To the end of our road and back is about 40 minutes which I think is the perfect amount of time.

I've gone in and out of various exercise routines over the years, but the one thing I always come back to and that rarely feels like a chore is outdoor walking.

It just feels so good! And you don't need any special equipment other than a comfortable pair of shoes. I wear leggings and a tee-shirt but if I've walked later in the day I'll just wear what I’m wearing – usually jeans and a top.

The thing that makes it more fun for me is to have an audiobook on. I love listening to a good story, or an inspiring non-fiction book.

And Micky loves a good long walk (‘long’ for his little legs). Our other two dogs Daphne and Chloe are NOT fans of the long walk. They said short walks a few times a day are their preference.

[How do I know this? Could it be the constant turning back and looking longingly in the direction of our house every 20-25 steps from Daphne? (I counted). Or Chloe putting the brakes on regularly all the way down the road? She holds down well for a dog who weighs less than 5kg/ 11 lbs. Of course, once we turn back at the end of the road, they are both as speedy as racehorses heading home!]

Wouldn’t you think all dogs love a walk? It seems that 'some' (not looking at anydoggy in particular) would rather go for a walk in the car (they all love the car so much 😊).

If you have doggies, are they keen walkers? Tell me a funny story about yours, please! 😍

 

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✨ Starting the day with beauty and inspiration 🌸

 

☕️ There’s nothing like fresh flowers, a cozy cup of coffee, and the joy of seeing my book, Loving Your Epic Small Life, reminding me to embrace elegance in every moment. 💕

If you’re looking for ways to create a life you adore—full of elegance, simplicity, and meaning—this book is here to inspire you. It’s available on Kindle, paperback, and audiobook here on Amazon.

I’ve also written 20+ other books designed to inspire, encourage, and bring hope - check them all out here on Amazon, or in my eStore for an Amazon alternative.🌷

 

Wishing you a fab start to your bright and shiny new week 😊

xx Fiona

[As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links!]

My favourite success tips

 

Hello chic friends!

The beginning of the year is such an inspiring time, so I thought a fun idea would be to share my favourite success tips on living a good life. To me, success isn’t just money, it’s happiness, feeling good in my mind, being fit and healthy, and having a good balance of fun and productivity.

 

💫 My favourite success tips 💫

💌 Know how to inspire yourself. I’ve been doing lots of delicious journalling each morning with my cup of tea: goals, visualisations, how ‘she’ would be’, idea, things that are ringing my bell right now, so much goodness 😊 I also read glossy picture books, magazines, novels, and listen to audiobooks, writing down quotes when they speak to me.

💌 Please yourself. Many of us are so used to considering others and what they might want that we never think to ask ourselves ‘What do I want?’ Even when by myself! So my practice now is to think of what would be most ideal in that moment, and go and do it. Sometimes it’s a comfort thing, sometimes a doing thing. And if I really don’t feel like doing something, I don’t (maybe I’ll skip a walk that day because I feel like cleaning and organising my environment instead).

💌 Love your life. Instead of being envious of other, glossier people either online or in real life, I choose to love the life that I have right in front of me. I can make it feel sparklier all with the way I am being. I appreciate my home, the way I have set up my daily life, and how I spend my time. It’s like 3D gratitude. I’m not just writing down in my journal all that I’m grateful for, I’m living it every day.

These are just three of many, but they are the three that came to mind today 😊 Please tell me your favourite success tips if you have any, and if you don’t, what might one be that you’d like to cultivate for yourself?

 

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I just started book three in the Housemaid series, yay! It goes well with a glass of Prosecco and fresh raspberries 😍

 

I don't think stylish people put fruit in their bubbly but I don't care. I love the festive look of it, and even better to eat at the end. Delicious!

Sweet Daphne dog is always near me.

My cousin's little boy (aged 5) loves dogs, and always gives our dogs lots of hugs when he visits. He calls Daphne 'Daphanee' with an extra syllable. Soooo adorable!

(Freida's Housemaid books are on Amazon here. If you love a good and creepy psychological thriller I would recommend!)

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your weekend 😊

xx Fiona

PS. Check out my book ‘100 Ways to be a Chic Success and Create Your Dream Life’, available on Kindle, in paperback, and as an audiobook on Amazon here or in my eStore (eBooks and eAudiobooks).

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).

Happy new year :)

 

Happy new year chic friends!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas day and New Year's too. For Christmas we were guests at my Aunty’s, with fifteen of us in total. It was a fun, relaxed day, and I think everyone slept well that night 😂

 

We celebrated our 'New Year's Eve' on the 1st not the 31st, since Paul worked on the 1st and had the 2nd and the 3rd off. He was one of the few at the gym on the morning of the 1st bright eyed and bushy tailed 🤣

On the 31st it was just another night for us, no drinks and an early bed-time. I wondered what all the yahooing and noise was, and it was the public fireworks display and people up the road enjoying the party!

Our 1st of January new year's eve was fun too, with champagne, nice steak, and the new Dua Lipa concert (at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the symphony orchestra) on YouTube. Life is good :)

I hope you had a wonderful new year’s no matter what day you celebrated, and whether it was at home or out!

 

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My theme for the year

 

From what I've read online, a lot of people are looking to get healthier this year, get their lives in balance, and stress less.

My thoughts are similar, I want to embody a relaxed vacation feeling year-round so something around this will be my focus.

While still getting things done, of course!

 

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I took the photo below just after 6am when I got up on a mild and summery Hawke's Bay day this week, just because the sky was so pretty. I love all the blues and greens together from the sky to the agapanthus, and the paddock and apple orchard too.

The cows in our paddock belong to our neighbours. These lady cows are so pretty, eight of them, in a speckly black and white pattern. They are very quiet, barely a peep out of them. And they were all very busy eating the grass even at this early hour. Breakfast time I guess!

 

 

It feels so fresh and new to be on the other side of Christmas, even though I enjoy all the festivities of December. I still have my Christmas tree up and will enjoy the twinkling lights for another week or so.

I’ve also been spending some time writing, which feels soooo good.

Happy new year to you, chic friend, and thank you for being here with me.

Here’s to farewelling 2024 and welcoming in 2025!

xx Fiona

Merry Christmas!

 

Hello chic friends, and happy Christmas eve to you!

 

Isn't this such a gorgeous venue for a Christmas party we went to last week? How stunning is the tree 😍 It was REALLY tall. I had Christmas tree envy! 🤣

A beautifully cooked beef Sirloin was on the menu, and everyone brought extras. We took a Greek salad (with fresh oregano from our herb garden), and I baked a lemon yoghurt cake (using fresh lemons from our tree).

Everything was delicious 😊

And afterwards we played The Christmas Present Game which was so fun (also called 'White Elephant' or 'Dirty Santa').

 

We came home with a pretty candle set, a bag of sweets, and a nice bottle of wine. (I am giving the sweets away haha, I don't need the temptation 😮)

It was such a nice evening!

I hope you’ve enjoyed some nice outings too. 

 

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Can you see my little Christmas elf on the sofa? Her ears camouflage her amongst the cushion points 🤣🤣

I thought for the last few days leading up to Christmas I’d share excerpts from ‘A Chic and Simple Christmas’. Just a few inspiration pieces in case you’re feeling a bit stressed and heavy.

 

Today I am here with a reminder to be extra gentle with yourself:

“With December being such a busy time of year, sometimes the best thing you can think of doing is hibernating away, enjoying cozy early nights and snuggling at home with a box set, so why not? Practicing exquisite self-care and recognizing when you are feeling a little burnt out will help you keep up your festive joie de vivre.

Personally, some years I go out more and some years less. I just go with what I feel like doing at the time and follow my desires. This practice never fails me; in fact, the times when I do go off the rails is when I ignore my inner requests for peace and quiet. Honor your own voice just as much as you would honor your loved ones."

 

 

"Moving your body will help you feel well and cope with any seasonal stress too. I’ve never been a fan of exercise but even I can admit when I’m wrong; and I don’t actually count my walks as exercise either, they are my serenity-preservers. I go at a moderate pace and walk anywhere from twenty to sixty minutes, depending on the day. I might walk from home or work and I might walk in exercise gear or my normal outfit (I do change my shoes though).

A walk loosens up my muscles and settles any creakiness and I feel so good when I arrive back, plus I get to listen to something inspiring on my iPod (that’s really the main attraction for me). Currently I have a Christmas song playlist which, when set on random, intersperses with my podcasts which is quite fun. Hello to Fifi’s Holiday Season Radio Show!”

This Christmas feels like one of my ‘less’ years. However you are handling things, I hope you too have been enjoying the leadup to Christmas 😊

 

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And just in time for the big day, I want to share my top tips for a fun and relaxing Christmas Day (from Chapter 5 of 'A Chic and Simple Christmas'):

🎄 Make a plan for the day – what you’ll wear, how you will be around relatives who trigger you, what you will eat and drink and not eat and drink.

🎄 Keep your mystique. Listen more than you talk, ask questions of others and enjoy the chic feeling of not letting it all hang out. Be positive, and resist the urge to complain or gossip. If others do, either smile noncommittally until you can escape, or change the subject if you can.

🎄 Be prepared for food pushers. If you are offered something to eat or drink that you don’t want, say, ‘thank you, that sounds lovely, I’m good now but I might try some later on’ or ‘how delicious, I’ll be sure to try that soon, thank you’.

🎄 Watch out for self-sabotage, old patterns and old habits coming up. It’s only because they are familiar to you, it doesn’t mean you have to follow them. When confronted with snacks and sweets that you don’t really want to indulge in, tell yourself, ‘in the past I ate those, but now I prefer to be chic and enjoy my Christmas dinner’. Then sip elegantly on your sparkling mineral water.

🎄 Be extra gentle with yourself – Christmas Day can be highly charged and it doesn’t have to be. I have a couple of mantras that I repeat to myself (quietly or silently) when I’m anxious. They are ‘all is well’ and ‘I am safe today and always’. They are both very soothing.

🎄 Take a group photo on Christmas day. It’s fun to see these change year by year, and as much as everyone will grumble about having to get into place and that they hate having their photo taken, they will love receiving a copy. Be the person who makes this happen – be the bossy one!

🎄 Keep it simple on Christmas Day – uphold traditions that you enjoy and skip the rest without guilt.

🎄 Don’t stress about family niggles. Let others be who they are, maintain your own boundaries politely, and simply keep away from those who trigger you.

 

 

I hope you have a lovely Christmas Day!

 

xx Fiona

 

 

 

(My Amazon links are affiliate which means I may earn a small commission when you purchase, but at no extra cost to you. I appreciate it if you choose to use my links :)

A southern hemisphere Christmas

 

Hello chic friends!

 

Tuesday this week was lovely and summery for my mum's birthday lunch - I wore black linen. I don't often wear black but I love it in the summer with gold jewellery.

Little Daphne dog didn't get to come with us but how cute is she? My sweet princess 🥰

 

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Christmas touches in my living room 😍

I love having a YouTube background music video playing on our little tv. This tv I bought so we could watch movies outside in the summer, and it happily sits anywhere giving me joy!

The video playing is part of a Lofi background music playlist I made as something a bit different to the soft jazz Christmas music I usually listen to, but it's still Christmassy ❤️

 

 

I hope your December is going well! I am imagining I am on Christmas vacation for the whole of December, so I can feel peaceful and relaxed as well as getting things done.

Some days it works well! Others... well, I'm only human 🤣

How about you? Are you avoiding stress? Enjoying your December?

 

 

 

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I've been getting a light tan laying out ten minutes each side every couple of days, and the doggies always join me.

Daphne and Chloe love the heat, and Micky pictured here comes too, but he prefers to relax in the shade. Such a cutie, and sun-smart as well!

He'd be the one at the beach in a big floppy hat and white linen caftan, very mysterious in oversized sunglasses 🤣

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Final days for my big book sale

 

And my once-a-year book sale is almost over. In 48 hours time prices will go back to normal. Until then all my books are US$3.99 on Amazon. Paperbacks are on sale too, with the prices varying due to printing costs being different for each one.

I hope you take this chance to stock up on any titles you don't have yet. It's always nice to have some new reading material going into the holiday season 😊

You can find all my books at my Amazon affiliate link here.

And I have a 50% off coupon code for my eStore, valid on anything in the store including audiobooks and even my author course.

Use the code HALFPRICEHAPPINESS in my eStore ❤️

Happy reading, and thank you for being a reader of my books!

xx Fiona