Thursday, October 27, 2022

'OTT Chic', photobombing dogs and it's my birthday!



Hello chic friends!

 
We went to a friend's 50th birthday on the weekend and I loved my outfit! I was feeling an Italian Chic/OTT vibe :)

And the weather turned it on too. After months and months of rain and grey skies we had beautiful spring weather. Hoorah for that!
 
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And then the other night I thought my after-dinner decaf with cream looked so pretty next to the candle that I took a photo.

I was trying to get a good picture (to portrait or not to portrait?) before my coffee got cold, and my husband Paul said 'here, let me take it'.


My photo


You can see his version in this second picture 😂😂😂 Daphne with her eyes trained on me hoping for a duck tender dog treat...
 

Paul's photo


And yes, thankfully my coffee was still hot, and it was delicious. And the biscuit just hit the spot too - gluten-free Arnotts scotch finger! It tastes so shortbready. Yum.

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I was tidying up the photo folders on my computer and came across this early days photo of my writing desk, at our old house in Auckland.

Everything I am using is still the same, except the desk is now my sewing desk. I bought a new writing desk a few years ago.

I am even still drinking out of the same giant mug! My husband Paul bought it for me as my morning writing tea mug because otherwise he would have to make me two cups before he left for work :)

I still love writing my books just as much as I did when I was getting started. Back in those days I would write around my full-time job, but these days I have the luxury of being a stay-at-home happy housewife and pet mum as well as writing my books.

I am beyond grateful that I get to have this lifestyle, and am especially thankful to you, my reader, who trusts me with your money and buys my books.

For my part, I commit to keep on writing and do more of the stuff you enjoy. It really is my happy place, spinning inspiration and excitement onto the pages. The more I write, the more there is to write; that's the secret about where my inspiration comes from. And giving myself a challenge. With my '100 Ways' books, it's fun to keep on going up to one hundred tips.

I have another '100 Ways' book out very soon; do you like this format? Don't worry, I'll mix them up with my other more traditional chapter books too, but there is just something so fun about a big, juicy list, don't you think?

And, it was my birthday on Friday! Happy birthday to me! Another free trip around the sun and now I am 52. Just like that. Time goes so fast, so I am here to remind myself to be present and let it sink in. It makes all the difference.

When I dwell in the past or dream too much of the future (which is fun, just not meant to be a full-time pastime), I miss out on what's happening right now.

I've actually been much better at bringing my mind back to the present lately and it makes a huge difference to how much I enjoy even the little things, my sense of peace and happiness, and relaxation of the nervous system too.

Lots of love to you. Be happy, follow your dreams, and love your life :)

xx Fiona
 
 



 
 
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4 comments:

  1. Happy birthday to you Fiona! You are looking so glam and chic in that photo, really embodying all your great advice yourself 💕 I like the 100 ways list book but way way prefer your traditional format, I treat myself to a chapter or two at night before I sleep and it’s like hanging out with a friend reading your words. I’ve read all your books multiple times and find something new in them each time. I have a notebook for some of your books, which I jot down my inspiration and do some of the questions you set in the books, it’s like a self-discovery course I can dip in and out of as I need to. Keep up the amazing work and if you have any inklings to revive your YT channel that would be the icing on the cake! You are a natural in front of the camera. I’d love to see your everyday skincare and makeup routines (I know you did it before but updated!) and your OOTDs. No pressure though! Big fan, Niamh in Ireland

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  2. Happy birthday for tomorrow Fiona, I love all your books & your blog posts, your outfit is beautiful & very classy. It looks stunning where you live, your about to enter summer as we here are in the throws of Autumn in the UK, I do love the 4 seasons. Have a lovely weekend.
    Much love Maria (UK) xx

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  3. Happy Belated Birthday, Fiona! I hope you had the wonderful day you deserve. Thank you for continuing to write your uplifting and inspiring books. I can’t wait for the next one!

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  4. Hope your birthday was wonderful....wishing you a year ahead full of blessings !

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!