IN PRAISE OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS FROM BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

Finding time to indulge in anything but work still eludes me. Even things as mundane as cleaning the house or grocery shopping have become a rare luxury. In fact, my schedule has reached the point where it's time to reassess and regroup. The truth is that this overload is my own fault. I am FINALLY coming to the conclusion that I have to cut back. This weekend I found myself "brain-dead", incapable of having one iota of creative impulse.

So, I thought I would just share some photos of things that make me feel happy and content. 

Some are just items from around my house, others are some I had made for Romantic Country but they didn't make the cut so you may as well enjoy them now. You will also see some lovely products that didn't get included in the product section of the magazine (Favorite Finds). I am showing them here because I am sure you will love ordering some for yourself or a friend. None of these things cost much at all but their beauty soothes and comforts.

I hope they do the same for you...........

Roses, even faded ones with petals edged with a paper-like trim, never fail to remind of nature's gift of beauty...............................

The textural appeal of a cushy lace and linen pillow is always an invitation to a comfy nap (if only!)........... The lace panel's hue is a shade lighter than the linen and what you see behind is a white insert. Where did I get it you ask? In a lovely shop in Agoura Hills, just outside Los Angeles (www.agourantiquemart.com Phone:818-706-8366)

                                           

Candlelight mesmerizes and adds instant romance. This particular candelabra was a $10 find. Its original finish was brass but I "aged" it with an antiquing kit (available at Michaels Crafts) composed of a base coat, adhesive liquid and gold leaf. I made it for an article about romantic icons for Romantic Country but it wasn't picked. Oh well! Now I have YET one more candelabra. I know some of you will ask about the fabric and the glasses. The fabric is from Jo-Anne's and the glasses from Home Goods (bought last year.)

Another item that didn't make the cut is this mirror to which I added the lovely fabric flowers I ordered from meadowstreet.com (951-813-9724). Sorry about that but I got outvoted. Personally I thought it was a perfectly fitting idea for the Make It Yourself section of RC. It's so easy to do! Just hot-glue the back of the flowers to the mirror and voila!

                                                   

I fully intended to include these sweet tags from shabbyfufu.com (786-493-2007) in this coming issue of RC "Our Favorite Finds" but they also got deleted.....yet, they make such darling additions to any gift...............

Visit Shabby Fufu's website for many more delightful choices

                                                                                    

                                                                                   

Another thing that got cut (also from the product section) are the pretty Marie- Antoinette plates from mypetitemaison.com (707-293-4701)

I will do my best to try to get them in the next issue (winter/spring) but meanwhile you might get a head start and stock up..................

Here is the last item that didn't not get included:

Penny Carlson's gorgeous mosaic clock. To see more of Penny's exquisite art go to: www.lavenderhillstudio.com

Oh! I forgot another one! This terrific indoor/outdoor rug woven from recycled plastic bottles.  It comes in large (6x9) medium (5x8) and small (4x6). It's mildew and fade resistant. Perfect for outdoor or kitchen. Contact:The Society Gardener jackiewaters@gmail.com Phone: 478-744-2402

I wanted to let you know about all these goodies because it breaks my heart when items get cut from an issue. I know how much it means to you and I do my best to feature everything but I often get outvoted. I do want you to know I will always try but it might not always be within the time frame I hope for. Thanks for understanding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am sure by now you all now about 

WATERSIDE COTTAGES 

                                                                                 

The stunning book written by my friend Barbara Jacksier and photographed by my favorite "shoot partner" Dan Mayers.

Their collaboration resulted in a smashing success, but of course! If for some strange reason you haven't ordered your copy you better do it soon before it's out of print.................

You can do that by going to Barbara's website www.watersidestyles.com

I promise you won't regret it. It's the kind of book you will enjoy over and over.

Thank you to all of you who trust me with their heartfelt work and pretty products. This post is for you!

Talk to you soon.

Comments

[Ewa in the Garden]

Working too much is very exhausting - balance, balance, balance - that's the key.
..
From what you wrote, I understand, that you need some rest :)
.
Greetings,

[Julia @ Drawn to the Sea]

Hi Fifi,
Waterside Cottages has become my favorite afternoon siesta read. Thank you for sharing these photos, I'm off to check out a couple of your finds.

A most wonderful day to you,
~Julia

[Monique]

Bonjour Fifi:) The "cuts" look like keepers to me:)the mirror is so cute:)I will show my daughter who is moving next week..You know me and dishes:) The MA plates are so adorable!
Embrace your energy..it is a gift!! I admire you!
Gentille comme toujours Fifi.. remplie de bonheur..que tu partages.

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

There are some beautiful fabulous things that didn't make the cut. Thank you for mentioning my mosaic clock on your blog Fifi.

Sounds like you need a break! You can come visit me in the mountains if you want :-).
Hugs,
Penny

[alaurajane]

Hi Fifi; I hope you find the time to get some rest and to refresh your self.. I really enjoyed all the beautiful photos of some very pretty things... Have a fabulous week.

Hugs;
Alaura

[Barbara Jacksier]

Breathe deeply, repeat. I'm glad you finally took a few minutes to stop and smell the roses. And thanks so much for your kind words about my book. Dan and I couldn't have done it without your unsurpassable scouting talents and endless encouragement.

[Patti's Artful Design]

So much artistic talent in those pictures! Thank you for sharing, Fifi! I hope life slows down for you soon, so you can "smell those roses" you take beautiful pictures of!

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Hey Fifi,
Here's a hug from me to you with tons of uplifting energy, sweet Princess!

Thank you for the mention for the Marie Antoinette plates from my store ~ you are truly one in a million. YOU made my day by featuring them here at the land of enchantment blog.

Just take a look at those beautiful chats of yours... do it their way for a while.

Okay, more energy your way (((Fifi)))
Much love, Tracie

[Living the simple life BEAUTIFULY]

Love the pillow,Beautiful pink roses,and the lovely tin heart you created .I am going to order one very soon.I am also going to the book store when I go to the city and order waterside cottages.Thankyou for all you do.Charleen

[Pattie]

Good Morning FiFi!!

What amazing artists yourself included you have featured today!!! In all honesty so many of us read your blog and respect your opinions that any one's art you choose to feature here actually carries more weight then even being featured in RC!!! :)

The offer of the guest room is always open & the beach is always incredible :) All you have to do is put yourself on the plane!! This quote by Marie Beyon Ray is one I have learned the hard way to belive. I give it and my friendship as a small gift of love.

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snow flake"

Hugs and tons of good chi
Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

[Marilyn]

Fifi,

It's good to see you, again. You've been missed!

I hope that you get some free time, some "Me" time to re-charge those batteries. Stop and smell those roses and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds you.

Marilyn (in Dallas)

[pam aries]

Merci for showing the very pretty and cool things that didn't get in.. I alway love coming here to see all the soft serene and loverly things you have !

[Suzanne]

Hey Miss Fifi,

I love seeing all these pretty things...those gift tags are precious and I'm off to visit her web site.

I plan on purchasing a copy of Waterside Cottages pronto.

Ciao bella...take a siesta in that lovely "nest" of yours.

Suzanne

[Karen @ Brayton Homestead Interiors]

oh, they all look wonderful to me too. love the fabric hanging frame, lovely things...
Karen

[Sonia]

Such lovely items. I really need to check their sites out. Thank you Fifi for sharing!!
Sonia

[Alison Gibbs]

Great post Fifi. Definitely time for you to have some 'ME TIME', time to sit back relax and recharge the batteries of life.
I have Barbara's wonderful book and it has page after page of fabulous homes and beach theme ideas.
Alison

[elyse]

greetings fifi!

life sounds very busy and very full. thank you for taking the time to reach out to your loyal readers through your blog. it is so appreciated!

if these items didn't make the cut, i can only imagine what did. ooh la la!

hope you find a little time to relax and pamper.

xo

elyse

[Sheri and Sophee~a]

So glad you got a chance to post...even though you are exhausted. I cannot even fathom how you do it!

Take some time for you.....and ONLY you :)
We all need that once in a while.

Looking forward to the next issue of Romantic Country....I know in one of your upcoming issues...you featured a beautiful home near me. The Fresno Bee had an article about it.

Clovis Ca. has some wonderful antique stores....you really should visit them sometime....if you ever get a break.

I am interested in your hearts......where do you sell them..from your blog??

Have a wonderful upcoming weekend~Sheri & Sophee~a Laroo Bijoux

www.pawshpoodle.com or www.pawshpoodle.blogspot.com

[britt_sparkledvintagecharm]

Hi sweetie!! How are you? :-)Great I hope!! :-)Soooo sorry that you have been so busy! No fun!! I hope you get some time to relax and enjoy things :-)
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!! Huge hugs!! Britt :-)

[Janet (Shabbyfufu)]

My dear petite friend.... you do so much for everyone and we all love you for that. Now, rest up and take some time just for you:-). ~xoxo~ Janet

[Wendy @ The Shabby Nest]

Hi Fifi... I had to leave a comment about the roses. My husband is a photographer, and I often accompany him when he photographs a wedding. My favorite bride's bouquet that I have ever seen used roses that were just on the edge of wilting like the ones in your photo. They were pale pink and had the brown "papery" edges. It was absolutely exquisite. I've never forgotten it. Your photo brought it back to my mind, and I just thought I'd share. Thanks for the inspiration.

[laura dellaporta]

Hi Fifi, I with Tracie... sending you a giant big hug & lots of good energy. Think of you often take care of your self you are precious to us all!!!
Laughter & love your way!!!
xooxoLaura

[Erin]

Hi Fifi,
Thank you for sharing the special and beautiful treasurers that were left out of the magazine. I love your photo of the old roses with the lovely "papery" edges - so soft and romantic.
Goodness - Fifi Girl - sounds like you need to kick back for a few days and take some time to smell the roses and curl up with with your kitties, a cup of tea and a good book in your adorable cottage.
Take care of yourself.
Blessings,
Erin and Bentley

[Jerrie Hudgins]

So nice to see you blogging again!! I love Romantic Country...when is the next one coming?

[Ele]

Please know that your hardwork is greatly appreciated. I spent the other evening reading RC Kitchen issue. IT was medicine for my soul.

[Catherine]

Hello Fifi!
Thanks for finding time even with you're exhausting schedule to share with us the
little things that make you happy & content~& by doing so~giving us much happiness also! :D I love you're capture of the rose ~And I'm happy to see I'm not the only one that finds beauty even in the faded ones~I always think the brown papery edges are their character, makes them even more charming & alluring,like people~wrinkles or like an old item that has started to rust it's just the wonderful patina adding to their beauty!! And you're beautiful faded roses couldn't look more perfect than they do in that little arrangement~a wonderful capture~worthy of a frame,& you're enchante' heart~which I adore!~the perfect little accessory! It truely is a beautiful reminder of natures gift of beauty, and... how good you are at what you do girl!! :) Please get some much deserved R&R & take some time to smell the roses! Take some fifi time!!
XOXO
Cat

[chris glynn]

Fifi~FINALLY a word from you!! I was beginning to think you were never going to come home & post something! We MISSED you!!! So many pretty things here from some of my favortie peeps!!! Thanks for sharing them & I will look for them in the winter issue! Miss you~xoxox tutti

[chris glynn]

P.S. Rest up mon ami~

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

I hope you have found some rest . Thanks for sharing your beautiful treasures . Bisous

[better after]

Hi there! I was just hopping around blogland and landed on your lovely site! Just thought I'd say hello!

[rochambeau]

Hey Fifigirl~
You are good at what you do. So glad you are busy.

All you share here is beautiful~delightful.
But especially Barbara's book!
And the floral adorned mirror!

Hugs to you and the furry bebes!
xox
Constance

[Andrea]

Each and every issue is truly a reflection of your beauty and to enjoy all the beautiful things in life. Maybe a little break is what you need to recharge , we all need to sometime. Looking forward to many more issues!
xo Andrea T.