NEW HAPPENINGS.........

In my last post I mentioned I was going to tell you about the latest news. Well, here it is: I got a book (decorating) contract and start shooting the first round of homes for the book next week. The first 4 homes are in the midwest, then the next round is in Missouri and Kansas, then Southern and northern California, followed by Kentucky, Virginia and, lastly Florida.

Obviously I can't divulge much about the contents but suffice to say that it's going to be beautiful and unique. It took some time to select the homes for the book and I ended up with more than needed but the upside is that it will allow for a second book.

The book is scheduled to be out spring of 2011 and will be available in the USA and Europe. I am very excited about this new venture. I hope you will be too!

Meanwhile, CAROLA ,a lovely blogger in Germany, send me an email to let me know my house was featured in this month issue of the German Country Living. They bought the story that ran in Coastal Living a few years back--when the doggie was still alive and before I redid the cabana and changed the living room and my office.

It truly is a small world!!

 

 
   

Speaking of homes, I wanted to bring this beautiful Canadian property to your attention in the event that you might know someone interested. It's quite breathtaking. Take a look at JAN'S blog to see the slideshow or go to REVELSTOCK ACRES 

 
You can also see many more photos HERE

Good luck Jan and John. Your place is truly gorgeous!

***************

Another site for lovers of romantic treasures is SHERI'S where you can find gorgeous Murano lamps......................

 

.................vases....................

 

............and much sought after hotel silver, among many other exquisite pieces.............

 

    ******************

You also won't want to miss these beauties created by 

LAURA 

ARTISANS SELECTIONS

These little pendant are so clever and sweet....

and these are the prettiest cuffs! Perfect for summer...............so feminine and soft!
 

Love how she mixes pearls and the little pendant.............   

 ***************************

I am looking forward to getting away from the intense heat we have been having in Florida. I may be wilting but the heat seeking flowers are thriving (the other ones have collapsed!) Please, don't ask me the name of the vine below because I can't remember it. Sorry!

It has even managed to find its way through an old clock in the cabana........
     

 

   

This is another cool vine. We call it Florida Wisteria but the real name is Queen's Wreath............

it also comes in purple

 

The jacaranda tree also boasts beautiful purple blooms

 
 
  and the Royal Poinciana's looks like if it is on fire...........

here are some of the blooms close up.......

of course, the roses just love the sun and the heat (and lots of water!!)

and the morning glories keep clambering up the fence........

Well, it's time for me to take my clue from one of my "assistants" (Daisy) and say: good night! I will see you when I get back in a week. Happy summer!

 

     
  

Comments

[Sarah]

Congratulations & good luck with your book. I can't wait to see the finished product. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.
I love the mag spread on your home, just beautiuful!

[Angela]

Fifi, congratulations on the book! I will eagerly await the magical publishing!! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of the lovely magazing layout from Germany as well as the breathtaking floral photos. The unidentified vining flowers look like little lanterns. Your color palette is so soothing and enchanting and must be refreshing in the heat of summer. Best wishes to you in all your ventures! ~ Angela

[Ewa in the Garden]

This is such a samll world Fifi - nice to see your stuff is alive for years and still looking cool :)

[Sandy]

Congrats, Fifi! I know your book will be wonderful! You are really a hard working gal. Love the pictures of the flowers. Adore the picture of Ms Daisy!

Bon Nuit, a vous aussi!

A Bientot,

Sandy

[Rebecca]

Congrats, Fifi! I know what I'll be spending my allowance on come spring! :)

Can't wait to see it all!

xoRebecca

[Diane]

Congratulations, I sure hope we see some homes featured that we haven't been saturated with on the Blog Press! There have been several Homes that Have been linked over and over to different Blogs, renovations that are fantastic, but I think it would be nice to see some homes that we have not gotten to see inside as of yet. For many the Blogs have replaced a lot of magazines, so some fresh Decorating views would be exciting. Just saying... Good Luck cannot wait to see whats in store. Hugs, Diane

[Boxwood Cottage]

Aw such a cute pic of your assistent Daisy!:)
Thanks for the mention Fifi! I loved your article and it was a pleasure to sent it to you!
Oh what exciting news about the new decorating book!
I'm happy for you!
Have a safe trip around and lot's of fun!
xoxo~ Carola

[Alison Gibbs]

Hi Fifi exciting times certainly are ahead for you, congratulations. Hope the book becomes available for us here in Australia
Your garden is beautiful and thriving despite the florida heat
Alison

[zaira]

Great Fifi!! I can't wait to see your fantastic book and have it on my shelf!!! Have a good time with yuor job!! Ciao, Zaira xx

[Solène]

votre jardin Fifi est sublime ! que de beautés dont vous nous faites profiter ! merci -
votre livre est magnifique et j'aimerais bien le posséder ...
passez un bon week-end et venez me voir si vous avez le temps ...
good kisses !
Solène de Mignonne , allons voir ...

[Jackie]

Hello Fifi,

What an exciting and (busy) life you lead. Congrats on the book!! That is wonderful, will be anxiously awaiting for Spring 2011 now! Thank you for all the wonderful photos in this post. Laura's creative ways are so beautiful.
Have a wonderful (relaxing) day!
Jackie

PS Thank you for letting us know our dreams can come true! You are such an influence!

[Lori]

Congratulations on your book !! That is so very exciting and I cannot wait to see it ~
We were just in the Keys and Miami and I was thinking about your lovely home there ~
hugs
Lori

[lululiz]

Great news about the book, how very exciting! I hope we will be able to get it over here in the UK or France.
Your exotic flowers are just amazing, such fabulous colours.

[rita]

Felicitations pour votre nouvelle aventure. Ciao Rita mammabellarte

[Sherri@lavenderfields]

Congratulations on your new book! How exciting I hope it will be available in Canada, if not I'm so close to the American border I can just pop across and get a copy: ) The vines, flowers and trees in Florida look so beautiful. Things I have never seen before. I can't imagine it being so hot that flowers don't like it!! We just can't seem to get on with summer here in Vancouver, one nice day of sun followed by a week of rain! The house in Revelstoke is beautiful. It is so pretty up there in the winter, I can't imagine how beautiful the house must look in the the snow. Thanks for sharing your good news and have a wonderful week! (Send some sun our way!!)

[elizabeth kirkpatrick]

WOW!!!!!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!
Both books will be in my library thats FOR CERTAIN!
Loved the photos of the jardin.......you have flowers that we donot have here in California!Please send the heat our way!Its been terribly cold here this year....in fact iam still waiting for SPRING!
Elizabeth

[Bonjour Romance]

Bonjour Fifi,
COngratulations on the book! I know it will be beautiful like everything you do. There is so much info in this post - I'll check out all the talented ladies and your Jacaranda tree looks lovely. It makes me a bit homesick for Florida!
Bon semaine,
Mimi

[Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic]

Fifi, Wonderful news about the book. Will you continue with your magazine?

[Tracy Martinez]

Can't wait for the book, I know it will be beautiful! Love the pictures of your gorgeous flowers and the blooming trees.
Cheers,
Tracy M.

[Michele]

Congratulations on being featured and for the opportunity to do a book. How fabulous! You certainly have a lot of exciting things going on in your life right now. Just got my new Romantic Country and can't wait to take a soak in the tub and read it. ; )
~Michele
P.S. You might like my fancy sugars tutorial http://michelestreasures.blogspot.com/2010/02/fancy-sugar-cubes-for-tea-tutorial.html . Feel free to use it to make some pretty sugars for an upcoming issue!

[The Beautiful Life]

Congratulations, Fifi! The perfect avenue for your creativity -- the perfect "extension" to your work in Romantic Country!

Now do tell... WHO is that man you are walking on the beach with??? ;)

BIG hugs and congrats to you!!

Ruth

[Claudia]

Congratulations, Fifi! That is a book I know I will buy. Just thrilled for you. And you are appearing all over the world now, aren't you? That is wonderful.

xo
Claudia

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Congratulations sweet Fifi! You know I want my copies signed by you & your assistants, les chats ;)
Love that feature on your house, have the Coastal Living version here and know those are happy, happy times with Pal on the beach.
Laura is so creative and has a heart of gold, one of my very favorite kind souls I've met thanks to you.
xoxo~Tracie

[Rosemary]

Congrats to you FiFi!!
How wonderful!!!
Rosemary

[MARI]

HELLO DEAR FIFI....

IM SOOO EXCITED AND HAPPY FOR YOU!!! WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS :) KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!! YOU TOTALLY ROCK....LOL

[vintagesue]

i can't wait for your book. i've been a fan a very long time!!! how exciting!!! congrats to you. thanks for such a lovely blog post.
cheers to you.
sue

[Kimberly Ryan]

Hi Fifi! Your book sounds exiting... I cant wait. The magazine photos are lovely, you look so beautiful and what a fond memory of Pal, was that him in the photo on the beach? How sweet.. Stay cool...xoxo Kim

[Elisa Day]

Congratulations! I look forward your book I hope I can find it somewhere when it is ready

[Trisha Evans]

I am just thrilled to hear your great news and have no doubt the book(s) will be spectacular!

[leslie janson]

I am so pleased for you AND for ME as I will be purchasing a copy as soon as they become available! Congratulations Fifi - wonderful news! Your #1 NY Fan, Leslie

[kathie Truitt]

Congratulations! As an author I share your excitement on your book deal. Pluse I can't wait to buy it. I'm an avid reader of your blog and your magazine, so much so that I guess you'd say I'm obsessed. And of course my house looks like you could possible live there yourself. I'm also very happy that you are featuring homes in both of my home states. Virginia and Missouri.

[joanne]

dearest fifi. I await with anticipation for your book!! It shall be wonderful.

[janet]

Congrats on the book Fifi; I look forward to seeing it in 2011.

Janet @ Housepeepers

[Shelia Marcusky]

Looking forward to your book. I love your blog. It's always so beautiful. I hope with all going on you still will be the RC editor. It's my favorite magagine and I know that's due to your, and your human assistants, hard work. Shelia

[tara]

congrats on the book deal Fifi!! I can't wait to read it and see all of the beautiful homes that you have selected!! enjoy the summer!

[Shane]

OMG - How very exciting for YOU Fifi - Congratulations artistic YOU!

All your photos are divine and make me feel a little warmer just imagining your hot summer.
We're in the depths of winter in New Zealand so appreciate a reminder of SUMMer!!!

[Carol Adams]

Finally found the correct place to post... geesh... COngrats on the book... Love your site... you deserve all that is good in life!!

[homeandheart]

I look forward to the new book! You have such a wonderful way with things!! I was looking through some of my magazine back issues and found your gorgeous home again. It is *SIGH* worthy! The pics of you and your home in the German magazine are lovely and feminine! All things "Fifi".

[ginger]

Fifi I am so excited for you, congratulations. I can't wait to get a copy of the book. I just got my new issue of Romantic Country this afternoon and was reading on page 6, fan mail, and I was in it. I was doing the HAPPY DANCE, what an honor. Thanks so much for including me in your wonderful magazine. Love this issue too.

Ginger Engler

[Olivia Parazine]

Hi Fifi! I adore all that you do and cannot wait to see how your book turns out! Thank you for the new post it is oh so inspiring! Congratulations!
Hugs,
Olivia

[irene b]

congratulations! I discover your wonderful world thank to zaira... I'm realy waiting for your book!!!

[Herself]

Fifi! Congratulations! Many wonderful things are coming your way! The bountiful harvest of much hard work! I'm so proud of you!
XXX C

[It's Me]

What a nice and great intervieuw of you by Zaira on her blog i really enjoy it !! great blog you have !!! happy evening !! hugs from me...Ria...

[elyse]

fifi you are fabulous and i am thrilled for you!

xo
elyse

[FrenchGardenHouse]

How exciting about the book. Congratulations!! {= a ton of work, I know, but you will make it beautiful}

What a great article Carola {she is a doll!} sent for all of us to read. Luckily, I read German, it's a great piece. Great shot of you with "der man und hund" on the beach. xoxo Lidy

[Jen Rizzo]

Congrats on your book Fifi! Have a wonderful trip! :)

[karen cox]

Congratulations on your book, I am sure it will be beautiful and unique. The article in this German magazine looks lovely. What a wonderful post, so abundant in lovely places to visit. I can't wait to travel into all of these links.

Karen

[Bella]

Hello Fifi, Congratulations on the book... I am so excited to read it! The queens Wreath is a gorgeous plant ( and has a fabulous name)!
Bella

[Alicia ~ Time Worn Style]

congrats on the book Fifi, I wonder why they are not releasing it in Australia. Oh well will have to get a copy from the internet!!
alicia

[cityfarmer]

blowing you kisses ... did you feel that one that landed on your sweet cheek?
see you Saturday!

[Stacy Stewart]

Hi Fifi ~ what exciting news...a book! If it is anything like the work you do for Romantic Country it will be one of a kind! By the way, the new issue is glorious! I absolutely ADORED the piece on Donna Corr's "Rustic Glamour" home! It makes me wonder how many people will be rushing about trying to find exquisite vintage rose wallpaper...hmmm...I think I may be included in that group! (*_*) The best to you always Fifi! ~Stacy~

[FRANCESCA]

Dear Fifi,
it is so nice to meet you!
I've reached your blog from Zaira's "Little Emma English Home" but I already saw you in "Casa Romantica" magazine and I have to say that, I love your style sooooo much!
You're so inspirational to me!
I've seen you've received "La mia abitazione Country & Country" magazine...probably you
you have seen my family's company advertising there!! What a nice coincidence!
Have a very nice weekend,
Francesca from Italy

[~tea girl~]

Hello Fabulous Fifi,
Congratulations to you sweet one !! I myself just AdOre anyhting you touch !! You are true to the "gently loved, tattered and worn look ..Your Romantic Country magazine is my ALL time favorite cottage magazine .. Your romantic inspiration, is always filled with frolics and frills .. YoU create lovliness, and heaps of prettiness .. I look at this lovely magazine over and over again .. thank you so much for adding more Joy to my Simply beautiful, Romantic, Shabby Chic life ~
HuGs ~ Tanza ~ xo

[Erin]

Hello Fifi,

Congratulatons on your new book(s). I know it will be a fabulous as you are and can't wait until it is available.
I loved the article about you and the photo of Pal and your friend in Coastal Living. How lovely to have it published again in German.
Blessings and Best Wishes,
Erin

[Sandra]

Congratulations on your new book. If you need a place to stay in VA, we've the room. We're not cottage style so there's no book envy -smile-, just opening our doors should you need a bed.

[Lora]

I LOVE, LOVE,LOVE your backyard and all the pretty plants. I wish mine looked like yours. It's hot here in Texas and our little town has had very little rain so everything is brown and crispy :O) I enjoy your pictures so much!!

[Molly @ Star Cottage]

Hello FIFI ;)
I just found your blog through Anne Marie @ Nada Farm, and let me tell you, I am in love. It's chuck full of inspiration and dreamy interiors to just drool over. *sigh*
I'm looking forward to getting your new book when it comes out. Congratulations!
Many Blessings,
Molly

[Claudine]

I'm looking forward to your book and I think I will buy the magazine country living. :-)
Greetings from switzerland
Claudine

[Kathy]

Congratulations Fifi on the new book!I'm sure it will be beautiful...Kathy

[Chrissy]

Congrats indeed and may I say you could not have picked three sweeter people to visit,Tracey,Joy and Anne Marie...they are all so lovely and there homes are to die for! Can hardly wait,I trust I will be able to get the book in Canada? All the best,Chrissy

[Kerri]

Hi Fifi,
Sounds like you have some exciting times ahead - congratuations on your new book! I'm new to your blog, and I love it! By the way, here in Queensland, Australia, poinciana trees are features of our streetscapes, and I'm lucky enough to have two huge examples on my property, along with a lovely jacaranda. So glad to have found you, and I know I'll be visiting often! Kerri

[cityfarmer]

thought we were due for another round of blowing kisses,

I'm so honored to have a spot in the lineup of these pages ...
I will never forget the day you spent in my home ....

[rochambeau]

Hi Fifi,
Congratulations on your new book AND Country Living mag feature in Germany!!

YOU GO GIRL!!

xox
Constance

[Bridget]

Absolutely beautiful... wish I could go there.. You have such a talent.. Yes I saw your home featured.. beautiful.. Congrats to you.

[the paris apartment]

Oh Fifi, how DO you Do it all!? Even just this post is incredible! I'm glad you got the book going, it's about time, we need a book of the world through your eyes and can't wait to get a copy! I'd be happy to do a give away of it for you on my blog! xc

[chris]

Congrats on your book fifi!!! I can't wait to see the beauty inside of it! It will be a huge hit! xo tutti

[Josephine Tale Peddler]

Dear Fifi, wonderful news about the book contract. I will definitely order a copy. I know it will be beautiful. Hope you are coping with the heat. xx

[Amy]

I had a GREAT time visiting your blog!
Thank you!
Amy
http://vintageporcelainart.blogspot.com

[lesliad]

Fifi, your photos are just beautiful. I love that you took pics of your local flora. The Queen's wreath if gorgeous. Congrats on the book. I heard you were at Agoura Antique Mart, in So. Calif. last week. I'm so sorry I missed you. I have a booth there, and had to get some dental work done that day. I was so disappointed.
Can't wait to see the pictures you did. I love your blog. I can and will get lost in it!

[Mary Witt]

Fifi, your wonderful blog, beautiful photos and comments are highlights in my world. Enjoy your time at home as I know this is very important to you.