 |
| My book 'A Chic and Simple Christmas', pictured on our dining table :) |
Our living room is a dark, moody space, ideal for daytime lights on the tree. I’ve decided it is the perfect Christmas grotto!
 |
| Fun movie on Netflix |
And this week I listened to a cute Christmas audiobook called 'Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel' on Spotify (here on Amazon and it looks to be US$1.10 on Kindle at the moment), and have been watching Christmas movies too like the one above.
 |
| I loved it! It made me want to read more classic literature :) |
Why not take the time to get into the festive spirit with your favourite things, I’ve decided 😊
Other years I’ve started early, but it feels nice to start on the first of December this year. I like to switch things up for myself.
How about you? Are you doing Christmassy things? Please tell me your favourite books and movies too 🎄
‘A Chic and Simple Christmas’ is available
on Kindle, in paperback, and on Audible here Amazon (the audiobook is 99c with a free trial
of Audible).
Plus you can listen to it free on Spotify if you have Spotify Premium.
 |
| Coffee and cake out with my aunty and mum on a sunny summery day 😊 |
The slightly bigger size is always better value, and 'good value' is one of my values (😂) But then I made it just what I do, so I always buy size small (as with my coffee here).
I also have a chic rule for myself, and that is to eat half of whatever treat I'm having. I am not denying myself completely - and I don't eat cake every day - but whenever I do have cake or a sweet treat out with coffee, I cut it in half first.
It's actually really easy to do because I've decided to already, plus when I cut it in half before starting to eat, there is no edging over until it's all gone 🤣
I ask for a small bag or takeaway box, and one very happy husband has the other half with his after-dinner coffee that night.
In the photo above is a delicious gluten-free carrot cake at Cafe on Tennyson in Napier. It's so nice I can't try anything else when I go there. I have to have the carrot cake! The cream cheese icing is yum too.
Day 27. 'Use the 'le half' technique' in my book 'Thirty Slim Days' details both of these chic habits in more detail.
And, 'Thirty Slim Days' is on special for US$3.99 instead of US$9.99 on Kindle at the moment
(only for one week more though!) The paperback is reduced too, as part
of my big once-a-year book sale. It's US$13.99 down from US$20.99.
For an Amazon alternative the eBook is 50% off in my eStore here.
Just use the code HALFPRICEHAPPINESS
Mince Pies are my weakness at Christmas. My Mum used to bake the best. I worked out they were the cause of any weight gain over Christmas as they are at least 200 calories each and one with a cup of tea is never enough :) So over the last few years I have decided to limit myself to one mince pie only at Christmas time, but it has to be of a homemade style / good quality and eaten in a lovely setting.
ReplyDeleteThis year, my husband and I went into a lovely restuarant for coffee and tea and I spied mince pies on the menu so I ordered it. The presentation was beautiful. Three homemade mini mince pies on a Christmas plate, with a pot of brandy cream topped with candied orange peel. A pot of tea in a silver tea pot and a beautiful china cup and saucer set. A small christmas decoration sat on the plate - a sprig of pine with red berries tied with a thin red ribbon. We sat and enjoyed them, admiring the decorated Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music. It was a very enjoyable and memorable experience and much better than buying lots of boxes of cheap, sugary mince pies that I don't really enjoy.
I agree, hold out for the high quality mince pies that you will enjoy more. The not-as-nice ones are not worth the calories or the money! Your restaurant experience sounds delightful :)
Deletei do that too, instead of a whole cup of Cheez-its, I just have half a cup. It seems to help, so that way I can eat Cheez-its seven days a week.
ReplyDeleteGenius!
DeleteHi Fiona. It seems like most people email you which is why there are always few comments here. But I would like to say that your blog and then your chic books have helped me create a whole new lifestyle of self-care and tiny adjustments that have made all the difference. I’m in a rough patch now and your writing continues to help me hold fast, think clearly and make better choices day by day. Thinking “chic” seems like a small thing, but truly it can change everything. I always order small and I’d forgotten that I’d learned that from you. Thank you. And Merry Christmas. You’re blessed to have your Mom and your Auntie in your world. xo karen
ReplyDeleteYou're right Karen, most people do email, or leave comments on my Instagram or Facebook instead. I'm sorry to hear you are in a rough patch. All the best to you and I'm glad that my books and blog are helpful :) x Merry Christmas.
DeleteMerry Christmas, Fiona! I like your chic tip to cut the dessert in half before putting that first bite in my mouth. I do love carrot cake! I enjoyed reading Chic and Simple Christmas. I shall listen to your voice on Spotify. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Merry Christmas :)
Delete