JOYEUX NOEL............................

.....................THAT'S MY WISH FOR EACH OF YOU, MY NEW-FOUND FRIENDS! WHEN I BEGAN THIS LITTLE BLOG THINGHY BACK IN JULY,  NEVER DID I IMAGINE I WOULD "MEET" SO MANY KIND, CHARMING, SUPPORTIVE, LOVELY, CREATIVE AND INTERESTING "BLOGBABIES." IT'S BEEN BOTH HEART WARMING AND REWARDING. THANK YOU.

                           

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I THOUGHT IF I SET MY NEW CLOCK ON MIDNIGHT, IT WOULD HELP MOVE THINGS ALONG... BUT I MADE SURE TO MAKE IT LOOK AS IF ONE STOCKING HELPED THE HANDS MOVE TO THE RIGHT TIME.....I PICKED THE PRETTY WHITE ONE (IT'S MADE FROM BRIDAL FABRIC, TRIMMED WITH PEARLS, A LACE TASSEL AND A RHINESTONE PIN. THE TIP HAS A LITTLE SEASHELL.) SO, IT GAVE THE CLOCK HANDS....THE BOOT..HA! HA! HA!

         

                        

..................WELL! IT WORKED! MY NEW BEAUTIFUL BIG 24" IMAC ARRIVED YESTERDAY........LUCY AND LILY HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED THE BOX BUT I AM NOT OPENING IT UNTIL TOMORROW NIGHT.........THOUGH, I REALLY CAN'T WAIT TO SET IT UP..................................................................................................................

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..........AND MORE YUMMIES CAME MY WAY.............THIS TIME, THEY WERE SENT BY THE ALWAYS GRACIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL J0-ANNE. ..................................................

   

JO-ANNE HAND-PAINTED THE HEART WITH HER SIGNATURE ROSES SPRINKLED WITH SPARKLES. SHE ALSO INCLUDED MANY "BONBONS" AND OTHER SWEETS, LIKE CANDIES, CINNAMON TEA, HEART LOLLIPOP AND THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE DELICIOUS HOMEMADE ALMOND/CHOCOLATE/COCONUT CHIP COOKIES I EVER TASTED AND TASTED AND TASTED UNTIL THEY WERE ALL GONE.............I THANK YOU JO-ANNE AND MY FAT, FULL AND VERY HAPPY TUMMY THANKS YOU TOO!! (I PROBABLY PUT ON 5 POUNDS......................................) SORRY I CAN'T SHOW YOU THE HUGE COOKIES BUT HERE IS THE ONLY LEFTOVER...THE PRETTY TAG THAT CAME WITH IT..............................THESE COOKIES WERE THE BEST! YUM!

                              

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I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE VERY NICE COMMENTS YOU HAVE SENT REGARDING MY FIRST ISSUE OF ROMANTIC COUNTRY. COMING UP WITH IDEAS AND STORIES WAS CHALLENGING AND EXCITING BUT, I MUST ADMIT, I FELT A GREAT SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ONCE IT WAS COMPLETED. I AM THRILLED YOU ENJOY IT AND REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK.

I HOPE YOU ARE GOING TO LIKE THE NEXT ONE AS MUCH IF NOT MORE.

MAY YOU ALL HAVE THE LOVELIEST CHRISTMAS AND THE HAPPIEST AND HEALTHIEST NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENTS AND THE VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. XOXOXOXOXO.

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                                 JOYEUX NOEL AND BONNE ANNEE

                                                

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Comments

[Jo-Anne Coletti]

Merry Christmas angel face! Im thrilled you enjoyed the cookies.. My secret ingredient, special K cereal for added crunch. Yum!
I dont know what those cosmo jelly beans taste like but they were too cute & pink to pass by...
Wishing you love, peace and happiness this holiday season Fifi!
Jo
xoxo

[Natasha Burns]

Have a wonderful Christmas Fifi! love the goodies Jo Anne sent you, all are just gorgeous! The cookies sound delicious! xo

[Theresa]

I was finally able to find a copy of Romantic Country in our stores and I'd loved the issue. Great job! Merry Christmas, Theresa

[Jen R]

Merry Chrsitmas to you too Fifi.
Jen R

[Kimberly Ryan]

What a lovely gift from Jo~Anne! I was so thrilled to finally find a copy of Romantic Country, usually i get my mother who lives in Sarasota to send me one, but i found one and just loved it... i found three ideas to use for both my baths and my kitchen cabinets, lots of painting but it will be worth it! Cant wait till the next issue:) I love your sweet blog always so much fun,till later xo Kimberly

[Tracie]

Joyeux Noël Fifi,
I'll have to use your magic time helper when I'm waiting for parcels to arrive... My MacBook is my very favorite purchase of the year (especially for reading your blog!), it is a long time when you're waiting... but well worth it! Yay for IMAC Fifi - hope you can get those kitties to move off the box. Have you changed your mind & are setting up your new computer in the wee hours of the morning? I would be!

Nice Jo-Anne to send you special goodies, I see from her Special K is added, will have to try this trick, thanks for sharing Jo-Anne, I love your paintings by the way!

Fifi, I am so glad to have found your blog a few months back and thank you for all your ideas and sharing your sources. My to do list is endless now as is my inspiration to "beautify" my little cottage.

Merci et la bonne année!
Tracie

[Angela (Cottage Magpie)]

Lovely, fabulous, Fifi! Just got the newest issue of Romantic Country today and have been savoring every little bit of it! You're such a star, I love it! And I'm sorry to hear about the Grinch--go get 'er, Bad Fifi! :-) I hope you have a lovely holiday and a restful New Year! Your home looks just smashing, as always!
~Angela :-)

[Debbie]

Miss FiFi I hope Santa fill's all of those stockings for you:) You've been a very good FiFi. Merry Merry Christmas. Hugs Deb(with no blog)

[Debbie]

Miss FiFi I hope Santa fill's all of those stockings for you:) You've been a very good FiFi. Merry Merry Christmas. Hugs Deb(with no blog)

[Daisy Cottage]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FIFI!
You know you are an angel to me...

Love,
Kim

[Joy]

Merry Christmas to you too Fifi! You have such a generous and sweet soul and you are one of those people who attract others through this. :)

I wish for you all the best in the coming new year and hope your work and fun time equals itself out. (with fun winning just a bit more ;)

Love,
Joy
p.s Now go open that Mac! ;)

[Monique]

Joyeux Noël et Bonne et Heureuse Année Petite Fifi..

Happy for you and your pretty packages:) You will have to let PC users know what a difference an I Mac makes..I am very anxious to hear it from you..

I too would love to thank you for everything..
Your blog..
your presence..creativity..gnerosity..sweetheartedness(Maybe I invented that word..but it's for you)..
Your humor!
For Good Fifi and Bad Fifi..
For letters and words and clocks and mercury glass and roses..
For kitties and stencils..and closets..
For links and tips and tricks..
For the high heels and the pretty bow..
The earrings the bracelets..the tasteful bling:)
The embroidery and monograms~
For the magic and sparkle.
For taking us to restaurants and field trips.
For all the Ooh LaLa...
Tu es..Unique.
Merçi..Beaucoup..
De
Monique.

[Michele]

First let me say, how much I loved the new issue of Romantic Country. I couldn't wait to crawl in bed and just savor every page. It was fabulous!
Merry Christmas & The Very Best in The New Year.
Hugs~
Michele

[Sherri]

Dearest Fifi - I have truly enjoyed you these past several months - you have been a kind and wonderful friend. Thanks to Tara, you and I "met", and I am so glad. I hope the New Year brings you much happiness, and joy. Merry Christmas sweetie - xoxo Sherri

[Erin and Bentley Houghton]

Joyeux Noel Fifi and may your holiday be filled happiness and all things bright and beautiful.
I have been looking high and low for the new issue of Romantic Country - so far Borders has not received it - Barnes and Noble in Newport Beach said they no longer carry it and none of the usual grocery stores have not gotten it in. Please let me knnow if you have any ideas where I can find one in Southern California. Best wishes for a lovely New Year.
Erin and Bentley

[Jan]

Hi Fifi, Your home must be like a Christmas Fairy Land! Looks like the kitties are enjoying the packages that are arriving! How cute! Have a blessed and happy Chritmas and a wonderful New Year.
Hugs,
Jan

[Elaine L.]

MERRY CHRISTMAS, FiFi

And May God Bless You Throughout the New Year!

Love, ~elaine~

[Ele]

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for giving us such a fabulous blog to look at!

[Lisa]

Love the pretty ivory-colored stockings. Such pretty pictures.

Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

[Monique]

Chère petite Fifi~
I wrote earlier and must have encountered a problem as my Christmas Wish to you isn't here..

I just wanted to wish you a Very Merry Christmas..and all the best in the New Year~
I wanted to especially thenk you for the joys you brought to us..

From your lovely Blog..
To all your tips and tricks and links..
I am sure I will forget some now..~

From your good humor..and the Good Fifi and Bad Fifi:)
To your beautiful photos and day trips and longer sleepovers too..
From charming resto visits:)..

To the floral arbors ..to the mercury glass and clock faces..
To painting and closets..and stencils..
From Michael's to Home Home Depot:)

To words..and wisdom..

To tasteful Bling..
and high heels and bows..

Magazines and monograms..
Embroidery and ephemera..

Kitties .. and hearts..
Magazines and Marchés Aux Puces~
From The Eiffel Tower..to Florida..

Thank you..

And May All Your Dreams Come True~

[Alison Gibbs]

Thanks for stopping by my blog throughout the year.It has been fun getting to know you.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Alison

[carol d]

Hi Miss Fifi,
I thought "your" issue was the best ever and I am most sincere! Maybe it's because we like the same things, but everything appealed to me, which is unusual. Really a great job. I have always been curious as to when you learned to speak and write English. I am sure writing in a language other than your native one is difficult simply because of the wording of different phrases common to that language. Anyway, you "speak" it great!

[Connie]

Merry Chirstmas to a Sweet Angel
May God grant you many Blessings in the New Year.

Your are a gem, Fifi. Your sweet blog has enriched my life. You always bring a smile to my face and place a song in my heart when I read your blog.

Hugs,
Connie

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio]

Joyeux Noel Fifi! I hope your Christmas is Marvelous! My wishes for you are that 2008 is the best year of your life!
Hugs,
Penny

[Catherine]

Merry Christmas fifi!!!

I just found 'your' issue of Romantic Country last night while finishing up my shopping ~A Christmas present to me..:D I haven't finished reading it yet, but from what I have seen it is wonderful~I know you are busy, but this issue shows just how busy~ you have been!! You want to drool over every single page ~One reason why I haven't finished reading it, that and all the last min. things to finish up!! You should be so proud ~ a wonderful job you did~ It is one of the best issues I have seen!! I love the big clock!!:) I know you are excited about your new computer!! Enjoy! Have a very "magical" day tomorrow fifi!
Holiday Hug's & Kisses!
Cat

[Sandra Evertson]

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Sandra Evertson

[suzi finer]

Happy Holidays to you!
Love.

[kathee]

Hi Fifi, I'm writing to tell you I finally found my copy of Romantic Country! It only took 3 days, 8 stores, and 30 miles of gas! But....worth every penny and time it took!! I peaked through the magazine, and I already know it is my favorite! I'm going to put the turkey in tomorrow and then it is MY time to read and relax. I will savor every page....thank you so much for all you have given us over the year. You and your blog are a delight! Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! XOXO kathee

[frenchgardenhouse]

Joyeux Noël Fifi...I hope you and all your sweet assistants have a joyous holiday.
It was a pleasure to meet you, and to visit you here as often as I can.
xo Lidy

[Christina Witkowski]

what a beautiful site! Merry Christmas!

[Marga]

I wanted to stop by for a minute to wish you a merry christmas en a verry blessed 2008. I'm blessed that a found your blog because when i'm down and out your blog always puts a smile back on my face.
Joyeux Noel sweet angel Fifi.
oxoxoxox Marga

[Karen]

Tidings of comfort and joy to you and yours on this Christmas Day!

[Aleta]

Merry Christmas! Joy, blessings and bling in the New Year!

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

[Gypsy Purple]

Wishing you a blessed and merry Christmas....may you have peace, love and joy....

Gypsy Purple

[*Heidi*]

Lovely items you have here on Christmas! Merry Christmas! I can hardly wait to see what you have in store for 2008!

Heidi
Everyday Cookies blog

[Outi from White Country]

Greetings from Finland, sweet Fifi. Just dropping by your absolutely delightful blog to wish you happy holidays. Wonderful creations you have made!

I so wish I could get my hands on a copy of romantic country - anyone up for a swap, please let me know.

[Ruth Welter]

Hi Fifi, I've enjoyed reading your blog for the past few months. All the best for a healthy and successful new year.

[CIELO]

... and thank YOU, dear Fifi, for so many beautiful posts, and for sharing love, and for making our lives a ittler "prettier".

Hope you had a marvelous Christmas!

Cielo

[Karla Kloberdanz]

Hi Fifi,

Just want to say I found your website and it is the best ever!!!! You are so cute - and I absolutely love how you decorate, your creativity and your love of cats. I have a cat named Mocha, he's Himalayan. Anyway, just wondered if you would have a second to email back to me and let me know where you get the small and large crown embellishments that you so cleverly use in your decorating? Thank you so much and keep up the good work - you are just AWESOME! It makes me so happy to look at the pictures and read your blog!!! Have a great day! (By the way, in case you are ever in Arizona, there is a darling shop on Cave Creek Road in Phoenix called Vintage Paris and another called Rust and Roses on 7th Ave.)

Karla Kloberdanz
Peoria, AZ
azgirl0907@yahoo.com