I am excited to announce my first ever giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Thirty Chic Days to be posted anywhere in the world. If you haven't read Thirty Chic Days yet, I am happy for you to be able to read it; if you already have it on Kindle you can enjoy the print copy (it's really pretty with cream-coloured pages and a soft pink cover), and if you already have a print copy maybe you can give it to a dear friend once you win?
The competition closes at midnight New Zealand time 30th of September 2016.
Here is what readers have said about Thirty Chic Days:
Jennifer L. Scott, author of 'Lessons from Madame Chic' said:
Such good fun and very inspiring. Fiona Ferris has created a fun, motivational book for women on how to live a more joyful and chic life. Just by reading one or two chapters you will feel compelled to get up and start making changes and implementing her unique tips. Fans of her blog, How To Be Chic, will not be disappointed in this rich volume, full of chic words of wisdom.
Shannon Ables, of The Simply Luxurious Life said:
A treat to indulge in. Fiona's book is a delightful read to serve as a reminder that it is the everyday approaches to living that make a grand difference in our overall happiness. With a devoted appreciation and love for the French culture, she shares ideas that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine. With thirty chapters, readers can go at a leisurely pace indulging in one chapter an evening before drifting off to blissful slumber or devour in a day as it is easy to want to do.
Leslie, Hostess of the Humble Bungalow blog said:
Fiona Ferris's new book is wonderful! The book is well written focusing on specific areas in which we can improve our quality of life and there are tips on how to implement change. I particularly like the French Femme theme that runs throughout the book...J'adore Paris and like Fiona I can imagine myself back in Paris sipping a cafe creme at a sidewalk cafe, scarf tied around my neck wearing red lipstick and perfume...there is a luxury and richness in her attitude towards bringing and embracing some quintessentially chic French habits. There are simple ideas for home keeping and her thoughts on taking charge of the clutter and mess really work to reduce unnecessary stress. Thirty Chic Days is a wonderful guide for living life with elegance, serenity and cultivating joy.
Adrienne Shubin, The Rich Life in Wine Country blog said:
Fiona's book will inspire you to live your best life! I have been a longtime fan of Fiona's blog, How to be Chic, and am so excited that she has created this wonderful guide to living well. Her book has inspired me to be the best person I can be and her gentle tone makes me want to read her chapters again and again. Her tips are smart, practical and motivational. She has me taking more walks and I even picked out a charity I want to focus on raising money for. Thank you, Fiona, for sharing your wonderful advice for chic, contented living!
Amazon Customer said:
Elegant, inspirational and a calming conversation with a best friend. Buy this book. It is simple, elegant, motivating, calming, inspiring and quietly refined. Fiona has an eloquent way with words, the book feels like a conversation with a close girlfriend who you secretly want to emulate, an older sister that has a life you want to covet- and she gives you the skills to do just that. Perfect with a coffee, snuggled with a blanket, Read the book, let your mind wander. Take notes and put things into practice- Fiona references a "secret garden"- this book is mine.
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You can earn extra entries for promoting my giveaway, via the Rafflecopter widget below. Please note that all entries will automatically be subscribed to my weekly email. You can always unsubscribe, but I hope you will stick around.
Good luck in this competition, and I can't wait to see which country I get to send the prize to - exciting!
PS. You can download the eBook instantly for US$8.99 here, if you can't wait to start reading :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ooh, free book! Actually, getting mail from Australia would be even better. (BTW, I found you through Jennifer L. Scott's blog when she reviewed your book)
ReplyDeleteSorry, Crunchy Homeschooler, I'm posting the prize from New Zealand - hope that's not too much of a disappointment ;)
DeleteGood luck!
What a great giveaway! Thank you, Fiona!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, good luck Tracy!
DeleteHi Fiona, exactly what do we do to enter? I don't see instructions except for the rafflecopter share, which I won't be doing (sorry).
ReplyDeleteHi Kerry I just entered. I think raflecopter is just an app. I did have to give my email address - but Fiona couldn't find me otherwise :). I didnt have to share to enter - I chose visit fiona's facebook page - i didnt have to like or share when i got there. I am a long time reader so visit regularly but, like you, am a but wary of facebook etc.
DeleteHi Kerry, as Minnow says (thanks so much for that), you can do as little or as much as you want - there are seven separate ways to gain an entry. Good luck to you :)
DeleteI love your blog! I found your blog through TSLL and Daily Connoisseur and it's so refreshing to read through your posts. :)
ReplyDeleteAs to my favourite tip for living a simple and beautiful life, I find that waking up extra early to make a beautiful breakfast always gets me off on the right foot. I like to listen to French music while I bake and it's so refreshing to have alone time every morning. I live in the US.
Hi Emily, and welcome! I love getting up early - 6am - and I am toying with even earlier, just to get more time to drink tea and write before work, but when the time starts with a '5', it just seems like I'm being a bit crazy :)
DeleteGood luck with the competition!
Hi Fiona, thanks for the great opportunity! I absolutely love your site and the work you're doing. Winning your book would be an honor.
ReplyDeleteI've done everything but the Instagram post, I've just registered there and the wretched site has neither rhyme nor reason! I just can't work out how to post pics there, it's sick! :-)))))
I'm actually from France but a lot of what you say has been a true revelation for me. I just can't tell you how much you've changed my life. Thank you!!
As for my own tip for living a simple and beautiful life... I'm now getting up an hour or so earlier simply to indulge in doing things for myself: a manicure, a good book, a nice little walk in the garden... it's worth it! The whole day starts on a good relaxed note. I'm a different person when I do this: a much nicer one :-)
Good luck, Fiona! Thank you for everything!
I was so excited to join Instagram when I finally got an iPhone - do you have a smartphone? You can't post pictures from anything but.
DeleteI love all the little things like you do too. It doesn't take money to live a beautiful life - just intention :)
Good luck with the draw!
Fiona, this is just awesome! I live in Tennessee, USA and have come to really enjoy your blog and have been helped in so many ways. I especially like that you are an older woman and who's honesty and advice I appreciate! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAs for a simple and beautiful life, at 57, I started early with the advice of a dear friend in college who had lived part of her life in Italy, she said "Never let yourself go". To put it in this short space, not letting go meant: Do some form of exercise, don't overeat, and sit up straight! And to that I would add, that a happy disposition has made all the difference in my life and in my FACE!
Deb, what fantastic advice. I think if you give up on yourself, you've given up on life :)
DeleteGood luck!
I am writing from North Carolina where I am on vacation, then back to New York. Since I already follow your blog, I decided to follow you on Facebook and Instagram. Actually, I am new to Instagram so it should be a fun learning experience.
ReplyDeleteAnd my tip- I love to burn candles in the evening or on cold days. Makes my house smell lovely (or delicious if I am burning the Sugar Cookie one.)I also love to listen to soft jazz as I clean. Makes the tasks go by so much more quickly.
Instagram is such a nice change to other social media, because it's very simple and visual, like leafing through a magazine tailored to your tastes. You don't have to comment, but I love to 'heart' all the images I like. I often wish I could 'heart' blog posts :)
DeleteLove your beautiful living tips.
I think if you are already on my newsletter email list you can still tick that entry about joining my mailing list. All that matters is if you are on it - you don't need to be 'new'.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday and good luck :)
Lorraine writing from Africa where your book is not yet available. Your blog and readers' interaction keeps me inspired to live chicly, a wonderful adventure in my golden age. A good haircut, beautiful soft perfume, pearls and loads of good reads is all a lady really needs to live graciously... well the addition of Fiona's book would be the cream in the café...
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, what a glorious list of gracious living tips you have there, just lovely :)
DeleteGood luck for winning, but if you would like to order my book, you can get the eBook from here: https://payhip.com/b/hI0l and the print copy from here: https://www.createspace.com/6021079 Both should deliver to Africa.
I homeschool my 3 children so we are home a lot. We like to listen to classical music and burn seasonal candles. We cozy up with hot cocoa and hot tea in the winter time. Thank you for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOh, and we are from Louisiana, USA.
Flourgirl, your children sound so lucky to have a mum who cares about the details in life.
DeleteGood luck in the draw!
What a lovely give away Fiona. I recently found your blog and such through the podcast with Shannon Ables and have been following your posts ever since and having some fun going through some of the old posts. Would love to have a very special copy of your book.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Cindy, and good luck!
DeleteI would love love love to win a copy of your book! I found you through Shannon Ables and I'm so glad I did!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Natasha. Good luck to you :)
DeleteI have your e-book which I loved but hard copy is always a treat! Gratitude -- being grateful for each new day, whatever it holds, is what grounds me. I live in British Columbia, Canada. Lyn
ReplyDeleteHi Lyn, gratitude, lovely. I am grateful that you love my ebook :) Good luck!
DeleteI would love to win a copy of your book!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Brazil.
Good luck, Milena!
Deletethank you for the offer! count me in.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Tess!
DeleteYou have been such an inspiration to me!!!! Would love your book.
ReplyDeleteSusan from Tampa, Florida, US
Thank you so much, Susan! Good luck in the draw :)
DeleteHi Fiona
ReplyDeleteI turned forty nearly 2 years ago and I was sooo stressed by the prospect. It seems laughable to me now - nearly 42 is fine thank you! I stumbled across your blog back then and was instantly calmed - I'd found a kindred spirit and have been enjoying your blog ever since. It's also been so interesting to watch you develop your writing, well done you for publishing!
Sarah in the UK
That is quite funny, Sarah, I'm glad you can laugh about it now. I look forward to each birthday - mine is next month and I'm giddy about it! - because getting older is a privilege AND life gets better and better every year. What's not to love!
DeleteSo glad you enjoy my blog, that's lovely :) Good luck with the competition!
Love your blog and always look forward to your emails . Your style of writing and expression are so inspirational !
ReplyDeleteBarb from Texas,USA
Thanks so much, Barb, and good luck!
DeletePS. My dad just spend six weeks in Texas, wish I could have come for a visit too.
So glad I found your blog, and now found you on Facebook...would love to have the book, then share with my friends. Thank you for being so kind !
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Ann, and good luck :) Glad to have you here.
DeleteFiona-thank you for offering this fabulous and generous opportunity. I would love to receive your book- it would be a great honor. I am in the US, a single mom of two beautiful daughters, and I have learned so much from you. Thanks to you- my life is calmer, more peaceful, and I am able to see beauty all around me. Simple treasures such as early to bed/early to rise, preparing a simple meal with healthful ingredients, using perfumes and lotions to accompany my moods, spending quiet time each day counting my blessings, wearing classic and stylish clothes and shoes(and how to do that elegantly on my strict budget). You are a godsend and I will treasure every word of your awesome book!
ReplyDeleteDanielle, wow, what a great comment, thank you! As you know, all those things I love as well. They make me happy :)
DeleteGood luck with the competition!
I'm so excited by this giveaway. I love your blog so I would absolutely love the book.
ReplyDeleteI find the best way to inject a bit of chic is to always add a hat to your outfit. Be it a tiny little whimsy or a winter beret it just makes you feel completed.
I live in Yorkshire, UK
Great tip, Louise! I have three berets - black, camel, red - but no other hats.
DeleteGood luck with the giveaway :)
Hi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to do - a giveaway. A signed copy of your book would be too nice. You know, I meant to post how truly excited I am for you about your upcoming move and life changes; I hope you will share with us as your adventure unfolds. Try to enjoy the whole process (hard as that can be sometimes!). We moved 2,700 miles across the US, from CA to FL, to write a new chapter. I had to keep reminding myself to stay in the present, that the whole experience is great and will never happen just that way again. Selling a house is a major stressful event though, and you have your business to sell too. You will handle it all with your usual grace and style I know.
My favorite chic tips that you've suggested are to be aware of my posture at all times, and not to blather away. "Important or Positive" or don't speak! I'm trying...
Warmly,
Erina
Hi Erina,
DeleteI love the way your comment is set out like a letter, it's nice to 'receive' :)
I will certainly share when things start happening for our move and life changes. 2700 miles! Our distance is 'only' about 550km/340 miles. I honestly don't think there is a piece of land big enough in New Zealand - if you went 2700 miles in any direction you'd probably end up in the sea ;)
'Not blather away' - I love it! And am still trying too
Good luck with the draw :)
Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI have greatly enjoyed your website and all the beautiful ideas.
Kind Regards,
Malinda (Colorado)
Thanks, Malinda, and good luck to you!
DeleteHi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteFrom the other end of the world, Spain, you've got a fan...
Indeed I feel I'm in a very good company, with Shanon, LSL, Jennifer, DC, you ... it's like being part of a sisterhood... For the last month I have been spending long hours in the hospital, my dad has got cancer.. cheking your post, videos, photos has been a balsam.. I want to live a live that is worth living wher simplicity, manners, elegance has its place.
Thanks again !!!!
So sorry about your Dad, Ilsa, and I'm happy to hear that my blog etc has been a lace of peace for you :)
Delete'Simplicity, manners, elegance' - beautiful!
I would sooo love to win your book, hopefully it will help me to a more chic organized life !!! Best wishes to you x
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, Lesley!
DeleteHi Fiona!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea and I was just about to order a copy of the book. Now I am hoping to win a signed copy instead :D
I live in the north of Sweden. For me personally being chic means basically to behave well and show respect towards yourself and people around you. So to achieve this I make sure to eat well, exercise, dress well, cultivate and educate myself. When it comes to people it is just to listen and accept the fact that people can have different opinions and it's ok. You can discuss things and express your arguments but you don't need to argue or be disrespectful.
Kind regards,
Tanya
Beautiful comment, Tanya, all the way from the top of the world to the bottom!
DeleteGosh I need this. I can see myself turning into the sort of middle aged woman that I didn't want to be - time to take action....thank you Fiona for all your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJoanna.
Joanna, love your honesty! Makes me think too... I don't want to be that woman either :)
DeleteHello Fiona, I have been binge-reading your blog for the past two days after hearing your interview on The Simple Sophisticate. This beautiful pink space should keep me going for a while...though not long enough at this rate. It takes courage to share your own life with so many others. Thank you. Reading about your world is certainly enriching mine. All the very best with your book! Melissa
ReplyDeleteLiss, glad to have you here - welcome!
DeleteHi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog many years ,even before the pause you had.I was happy to notice that you had continued the blog later though!
Your book would be a lovely surprise,I am hoping to win it.
I live in the Netherlands, but originally I come from Finland.
Your blog is very inspirational and I love Paris very much too.
Have a lovely spring and summer ,we are entering the autumn season now!
Kind regards,
Jaana
Hi Jaana, what a pretty name :)
DeleteGood luck with the draw and enjoy your beautiful autumn in the Netherlands.
Hi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteIt is really a lovely giveaway, thank you for this opportunity. With a little bit of luck it could be my birthday present :)
Wish you all the best
Paula
Paula, best of luck and happy birthday for your day - you must be a Libran like I am?
DeleteI needs. Big dose of chic in my life right now!
ReplyDeleteI hear you Mimi, I feel like that too sometimes :)
DeleteGood luck!
I have your book on my Kindle. LOVE IT!!! But a signed copy would be a treasure. Thanks for a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYay for the Kindle copy, Julie, thank you! Good luck for the competition :)
DeleteFiona I would love to win a signed copy of your book.
ReplyDeleteI came to your site via The Daily Connoisseur and was thrilled to discover you are a fellow kiwi!
So many of your posts have spoken to me and I have implemented many of them.
A stand out one for me was cleaning my makeup drawer. This gives me daily pleasure and encourages me to use my treasured items.
Merci beaucoup.
Bises
Jane
Hi Jane, and welcome :) I love cleaning my makeup so much! Makes my makeup area feel like a department store display, love it.
DeleteGood luck in the draw :)
So excited for this! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, adorned unicorn!
DeleteI am reading through your book right now - Kindle version. I just love it. Keep up the good work, you are such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
DeleteI have your book already on Kindle, but there is nothing more luxurious than a lush paper copy! It is one of my 'good life' tips! I try to read a paper book for 30 minutes before bed every night, relaxing with a vintage silk-ish scarf tossed over my bedside lap (the bulbs I bought last time around are so bright and blueish I had to improvise) while my night cremes are soaking in. Maybe I'll light a candle if my cats are ignoring me, but I have visions of a fluffy tail aflame if they're around. Dumping water on a flaming kitty is the opposite of what I would like to do during my relaxation time!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a thing I like more than settling in to my boudoir at 9:15 and knowing I have more than an hour to sit in my wingback or recline on my bed with some mellow reading material. My most recent series was the Miss Fisher books, which I highly recommend. Now there is a lady with style and joie de vivre!
Haha Lindsay, that's why I don't light candles in my bedroom any more either - flaming cat tails are not good, and one of mine is constantly climbing up onto the dressers.
DeleteI love my evening boudoir time too :)
Hello Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI'm a long time reader and I look forward to each and every one of your inspirational and calming posts. A simple pleasure that I enjoy is sitting out on our lanai enjoying a cup of early morning coffee while listening to the birds sing ~ balm for my soul.
Congratulations on your book and thank you for your beautiful writings and your wonderful giveaway!
Thank you so much, Ginger, and good luck in the competition!
DeleteLove your simple pleasure :)
A tip for living a simple and beautiful life...enjoying a good cup of coffee or tea. Mmmm
ReplyDeleteI am in the US (California) :)
Love your tip - I am enjoying a piping hot cup of Earl Grey right now, in fact :)
DeleteGood luck for the draw!
Hi Fiona, I am in the USA. It is a rather large country so to further specify, I live in the south near the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for your giveaway but mostly thanks for your blog and all the inspiration you give on it. I am not sure this is a chic tip but today a friend said to me, " I do not want to spend a lifetime of chasing money to discover I forgot to chase a life." I've been pondering that all day. I feel that is very much what I and many of your readers appreciate about your blog. It reminds us to chase "life". Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, what a wonderful quote, I love it. And I love that you apply it to my blog :)
DeleteBest of luck in the competition!
My tip is to just relax when you can. I am from Michigan, USA. I would love your book :)
ReplyDeleteSo true, Julie, what a great reminder. I love to relax with a book :)
DeleteGood luck to you!
My tip for a simple stress-free life, no clutter. No clutter in every category of possessions leaves you feeling light and free. I live in the USA, just moved from Virginia to Florida - Marguerite
ReplyDeleteI can feel the peacefulness in your comment with those words, Marguerite. 'You're singing my song'!
DeleteGood luck in the draw :)
Oh, what a lovely gift your book would be! Your blog is a delight -- warm & funny & relevant & informative -- and one of the few I subscribe to that I actively check every day & get all excited about when there's a new post! I'm up on the rain-forest coast of British Columbia, Canada, where fall consists of a few damp days between summer fog & winter downpours (all that misty rain & fog makes for gorgeous skin, though!). My "chic tip" for living a fulfilled & rich life that fulfills & energizes you: simplicity & order. To me this means easy routines, no drama, no clutter, keeping my home & my life orderly, organized & running smoothly. No one can thrive in clutter, disorder & ongoing drama. Add plenty of laughter, lots of fun, some good lovin' & rocking out your own bad self now & again, & life is indeed good. (And take care of your health!). Wow. That was a lot of advice! LOL! Thanks, Fiona!
ReplyDeleteSusanne, I love your chic tip so much, and couldn't agree more about 'rocking out your own bad self now & again' - love it!
DeleteGood luck in the draw, Susanne :)
I LOVE your BEAUTIFUL book, "Thirty Chic Days" !! I'm in Indiana, USA, and will happily give the copy to my best friend if I'm so lucky to win ! Thanks for all you do - You inspire me !! Vera
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Vera, and good luck to you :)
DeleteI am in Arkansas, and my tip is to always clean up a mess as soon as you make it. It saves so much time later on and makes you feel better too.
ReplyDeleteI love that tip too, Saundra, thanks for the great reminder.
DeleteGood luck in the competition!
I have been following your blog for awhile now and enjoy it very much. I was pointed your way by Shannon Ables. I enjoyed the interview she did with you. Loved her book, I'm sure I'd feel the same about yours!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra, and good luck!
DeleteI live in the United States and just came across your book whilst browsing Amazon. I devoured the free Kindle sample and now I'm hooked! Hoping to win the book, but if not, I'll definitely be buying it! One of my tips for living a simple life is to start the day off quietly. I have two little ones (a toddler and a baby) and am so blessed to stay home with them. I love to start my day a couple hours before they are awake for the day, so that I can have time to curl up with a hot drink, read my Bible and pray, journal, read something from my current reading list, get dressed, etc. Then I am so refreshed and ready to start the day with them!
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren, your morning routine sounds so peaceful and lovely. I like to wake up early and have quiet time before my day starts too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the draw :)
Hello! New visitor here- heard you on The Simple Luxurious Life. I look forward to looking around and congrats on your new book release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Krista. Welcome!
ReplyDeleteMy tip for living a simple and beautiful life is to stay happy. Everything in life runs smoother when you have a positive outlook. So excited to read this. Oh, and I'm from Texas! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your tip, Laura. I'm a pro-happy girl too :)
DeleteGood luck in the draw!
Fiona, I love your emphasis on enjoying the little things in everyday life. To live a beautiful life, I make a point of noticing the beauty around me, from trees, birds, flowers, the sky to lovely smiles, happy children, kind acts, or someone's attractive outfit or hairstyle.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Karen. It's easy to rush, rush, rush and not appreciate those things. They seem unimportant when you are busy, but that's probably when they are most important :)
DeleteWhen I saw your generous give-away offer, I wanted to post a comment right away, so I scrolled all the way down to the bottom to do so. Now that I've read everyone's comments and tips I'd like to say two things: Fiona, your readers all sound like wonderful women! And you are so kind and diligent to respond to every comment. That takes a lot of time and energy, and I'm very impressed with your dedication! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKaren T. in northern California
The readers of this blog ARE pretty wonderful, Karen (including you!). I've learned so much and gotten some fabulous tips through the years.
DeleteI would love to win a signed copy of your book, Fiona. I am a long time reader though do not think I have commented before. I am one of your older readers but find so much to enjoy and ponder over. Many greetings from Scotland, Jean.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your first comment, Jean! I'm so glad you enjoy my blog. My family is originally from Falkirk in Scotland (I was a Macdonald before I got married).
Delete