Hellooooo! Yes, I know, I have been "absent" for a long time but I had good reasons. Went shooting all over and up and down California all of July and had to make a quick trip to Hawaii at the end of June. We shot a lot of locations for book #2 and also a great number of homes for various magazines. Since getting back home I have been trying to catch up with writing, for the book and for magazines, before going on yet more shoots next month.
While I was gone, CHICAGO HOME & GARDEN published a lovely piece about ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE, many thanks to Gina Bazler for her thoughtful article. Since CHICAGO HOME & GARDEN focuses on their region, they featured the homes we shot in Illinois (Joy Waltmire's, Tracey Leber's, Angela Reed's and Anne Marie's.)
Here is the article:
I owe another BIG thank you to Sonia Cardosa and Andrea Ferguson for featuring Romantic Prairie Style in the current issue of
Hurry and check out their BLOG as they also have a GIVEAWAY of ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE
Here is a little teaser.........
Thank you ladies for such a generous spread. xoxoxo
Another BIG thank you to my friend
the creative genius behind
and
for also featuring ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE
in the currenT issue of WHERE WOMEN CREATE
*************************
So, now back to some of July's happenings.
KIMBERLY FRASER held a fabulous book signing for Romantic Prairie Style at A BEAUTIFUL MESS, her gorgeous shop in Agoura Hills. It was not only very successful but delicious as well thanks to a yummy array of finger foods and even CHAMPAGNE! Way to go Kimberly!! I still think about what a lovely time we all had. THANK YOU!!
**************
We also shot
CINDY ROBERTS' darling home for FRESH COTTAGE. Look for it in a coming issue.
and check out CINDY'S ETSY'S GOODIES
featuring numerous beauties like these and more....
Mark and I checking some shots..........
The lovely DEBRA HALL welcomed us in her stunning home as well
as did another darling, my friend
Below, Mark and I taking a little break on Tracie's front porch..........
then it's back to work......
I do love meeting everybody but I have a special place in my heart for animals, like "Fluffy" this adorable bunny in Ventura where we shot another home.......
and "Harry" who belongs to Elizabeth and Giampiero just outside San Francisco
I had a chance to hold Harry, who feels and look like a plush toy
before going to set things up in the garden.....
Elizabeth, always ready to help, kept a watchful eye over me...........
..then treated me to a well-deserved glass of wine...........
....then it was back to work............
We shot in gardens
in homes
(of course, you know I can only post a few "teaser" shots...)
and way out in the fields.....
______
_____________________________________________________________
There are just too many homes to tell you about each one but I have to mention 3 other great book signings
One at MICHELLE McCAULLEY'S beautiful shop SUMMER COTTAGE ANTIQUES, in Petaluma, just outside San Francisco
(above photos by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson)
and a great party at Michelle's house...........
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The next book signing was in Healdsburg, California, and was held by BARBARA in her spectacular shop
UNIQUELY CHIC FLORAL & HOME
The shop, the food, the people...everything was just top notch! Truly an affair to remember. THANK YOU Barbara!!! xoxoxo
BARBARA AND I
Then there was one more book signing at TUMBLEWEED AND DANDELION
in Venice, California
So, between shooting for the book, shooting for magazines, and book signings it was a very full and very good month. But, it was soooo lovely to come home to my kitties. I missed them a lot and, though they were very lovingly cared for, I couldn't wait to cuddle up in bed with them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I am on shoots I never have time to go shopping but, for once, I did buy a lovely pair of boots in L.A at Anthropologie
I had to take a photo of myself but to do that I had to stand on the bathtub in the hotel bathroom so it's not a great shot but I will put the photo of the boots themselves from Anthropologie catalog HERE
Here they are from the catalog
When I came back home I also needed to get some new rubber boots for the garden and I found these ones:
First, I fell in love with these UNION JACK WELLIES
(CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO GO TO THE WEBSITE)
Then I decided to get another pair with the AMERICAN FLAG
(click on above link to go the website.They also carry the UNION JACK WELLIES BUT THEY ARE A BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE ONES FROM AMAZON.UK, WHERE I GOT MINE)
I LINKED TO THE WEBSITES SO YOU WON'T HAVE TO ASK ME WHERE I GOT EITHER PAIR.
Oh my! Which ones to wear?
Maybe one of each?????
"Getting the boot" has taken on a whole new (fun) meaning!!!
So, since these "boots are meant for walking" I am going to take them on my next road trip coming up in September. Hope to have time to post a couple more times before I go. I have missed you all.
Hope you enjoyed catching up, though it is a pretty brief summary...
Take good care!
hello busyfifi!
what a fun whirlwind of a post! you are an adorable ball of energy in your cute kick-@$$ boots!
i love all of the beautiful vignettes (the flowers on the glass knob!) and seeing blog friends like cindy!
i am inspired and tickled as always, reading your post.
xoxo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | August 19, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Welcome back !! You have been sorely missed ... looks like we are in for some wonderful reading ... cant wait ...
HUGS!!
JO
Posted by: Jo | August 19, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Thanks for sharing your travels Fifi. So much inspiration. Love the boots.
Posted by: Rosemary | August 19, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Wow you have been a busy busy gal!;) Thanks so much for sharing such fun pics with us! I cant wait to see your upcoming publication- xoxo Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
www.shabbyfrenchforme.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel Noelle | August 19, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Oh my gosh Fifi! I can't wait to see your next book, your "teaser shots" are so much fun! Looks like all the places you went to treated you pretty darn good, I know Barbara and Tracie did. They are two very sweet women and I am honored to have met them (along with you of course)! Enjoy your time at home and give those kitties some extra hugs and kisses! Marcia in Nor-Cal
ps...love them boots! All 3!
Posted by: Marcia | August 19, 2011 at 08:50 PM
oh, I bet you are pooped out!!!! from all the fun...rest..can't wait for your next book!
Posted by: stefanie | August 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Welcome home you crazy traveling woman you! I love all of the boots, and can't wait to see the results of all of the shoots!
xo Kat
Posted by: Kat@LowTideHighStyle | August 19, 2011 at 09:39 PM
I do so love getting to see sneak peeks of the homes I will soon be seeing in my favorite magazines!!
I do so wish you would give us your secret as to how you look so fresh and young all the time even with your busy schedule!!
bee blessed
mary
Posted by: Mary | August 19, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Dearest Fifi,
You have been a very busy bee! Wow, what a mileage you put on.
Very interesting teaser pictures already so all sounds promising!
How happy your kitties AND you must have been...
Rest a while and enjoy home.
Love to you,.
Mariette
Posted by: Mariette's Back to Basics | August 19, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Hello Sweetie:)
So many things you have done this summer,you are just amazing....
Lovely pictures all over her....
I hope you have a litle time to just relax now:)
hugs from Norway...
Posted by: Elin Anita | August 19, 2011 at 11:53 PM
goodness! such a full, exciting month and you still look ready for your cover shot in these photos! i always just love how you are dressed and the new boots are a hoot and a half, love them-they are something we need here in the Portland area nearly all year to stay dry when working outside, too.
Can't wait to see the new book!
Posted by: gretchen | August 20, 2011 at 01:00 AM
What a lovely post Fifi !! ...i enjoy it !!...nice to hear from you.....enjoy everything you do darling.......love love from me....xxx...
Posted by: It's Me | August 20, 2011 at 01:49 AM
Hi Fifi!
So glad to get an update. You are too cute for words! I love your real-ness. I attempted to make a trip to your signing in Agoura Hills but we stayed an extra day for our family vacation in Havasu. I look forward to seeing your new publications. Glad to hear your getting a break at home. Love the boots! If you're in Southern CA before you're on the road again, we'd love to see you at the Vintage Marketplace in Rainbow. Get some well deserved rest dear.
Sincere blessings to you,
Missy
Posted by: Missy Watson Duffy | August 20, 2011 at 03:33 AM
Love the boots, Fifi! Such great shots! There are some wonderful ones of you and I love the rooms you were able to share.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | August 20, 2011 at 04:35 AM
Oh Fifi.. You cracked me up with all the cute boots at the end:)
I will go look.
From head to toe..you have such great style..all your own.
Love all the places you went and the people you saw and the ideas you are sharing.
Mark looks like such a nice person too..
Love all the whites I see here.
The bunny DOES look like a GUND..They are so cute.. except when they are eating my plants..
Je te le dis toujours..tu es SI gentille.
xxx
Posted by: Monique | August 20, 2011 at 05:00 AM
Hi Fifi,
Oh goodness - how fun to get caught up on all of your travels and adventures. Can't wait to see all of the new magazine articles and of course - your new book. Love your new boots - you look beautiful and fabulous as usual - your happy life and love for your work shines through in your lovely face.
Hope you can spend a little time resting and playing in your garden with the kitties before you are off on your next adventure.
Blessings,
Erin and Bentley
Posted by: Erin | August 20, 2011 at 05:43 AM
Such delicious photos you tease us with! You are one busy lady! Love it all.....
~Shanon
Posted by: Shanon | August 20, 2011 at 05:52 AM
WOW ~ OMG!!! Lots to "take-in"... YOU are one busy lady Fifi... AmaZiNg Places - Can't wait to SEE the Publications... LoVe ALL the pics ~ especially SUMMER COTTAGE ANTIQUES in Petaluma... I was lucky enough to visit/shop there a few years ago - BeSt!*!*!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!
P.S. LoVe your Anthro Boots Too!*!*!
Posted by: Jeanine Burkhardt | August 20, 2011 at 06:06 AM
Dear sweet FiFi,
It was such a pleasure to interview you for "Creating Vintage Charm". Thank you for sharing your beauty (in every form) with us all!
xoxo,
AndiBee
(Andrea Ferguson)
Posted by: AndiBee | August 20, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Wow, what a busy summer you've had Fifi! I loved meeting you in Healdsburg at Barbara's shoppe. Loved seeing all the photos of your summer adventures--oh, and love the boots! ~Delores
Posted by: Delores | August 20, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Bonjour Fifi! So glad you're back w photos of the beautiful places you traveled and the stories! You have been missed.Merci for sharing such lovely photos and inspiration! Enjoy those fantasic boots!! Sara xoxo
Posted by: Sara De Costa Graffam | August 20, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Hi Fifi,
Love this post and getting a glimpse of your CA travels and a sneak peek of things to come too! I'm happy you're with your kitties but need you to know we miss you here, Sweet Princess. I admit it, after years of visiting w/you here, I think this is my favorite post of yours.
I still think the photo of you and Harry should be an ad for Estée Lauder pleasures... it has that feel to it, serene beauty.
Love the boots, you look beautiful in them all & in each photo. I like the Union Jack and American Flag ones where you wear one of each, why not?! The Anthro boots will go beautiful with your Ralph Lauren piece too. Kiss those kitties for me & Zeke, we love you all.
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | August 20, 2011 at 08:56 AM
Lots of work and loads of fun!
I can't wait to see the new book. Do you have a title, yet?
Thanks for all the links. Gotta check them out.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | August 20, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Oh yes, we missed you! What an adventure your life has been in just a few months! I love all the previews of what magic is to come and enjoyed your interview in Creating Vintage Charm.( I thought I was the only one that feels more comfortable in heels than flats!)
It has been wonderful keeping up with the doings of favorite blog and Facebook friends, Tracie, Michelle, and Barbara. Such talented ladies with such lovely spirits.
Thank you, Fabulous Fifi for all you do to put smiles on our faces! xxoo
Posted by: Mar Bailey | August 20, 2011 at 01:12 PM
What a busy lady you are. So nice to hear from you again after all your wonderful adventures. Hawaii how wonderful. Thanks for all you do to being us such beauty.
Hugs
Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | August 20, 2011 at 05:13 PM
I know you work very hard...but it was great to see you having fun, too, in this post. Enjoy your kitties and some R & R before your next road trip! I am looking forward to your next book!!
XO,
Jane
Posted by: Jane | August 20, 2011 at 05:30 PM
oh wow Fifi, another book?! I cant wait!! By the way that is my home featured on the cover of CREATING VINTAGE CHARM, cant wait to see my mountain studio finally in print!
alicia
Posted by: Alicia ~ Time Worn Style | August 20, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Miss your posts and also miss you at Romantic Country! Can't wait to see your shoots from all of your summer work, andrea @ townandprairie
Posted by: Andrea Baumhardt | August 20, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Hello Fifi,
This was fun, like visiting with you all over again! I'm looking forward to your next book and many magazine features to come.
It was a joy to meet you and the many people that traveled from far away and those that were right here in town too for the book signing. So fun for us all! You are just as you seem, a treasure to know! It is really fun seeing Tracie, Michelle and my shop here too, and the two of us together! It was truly a thrill and honor having you in Healdsburg.
Such pretty homes you have given us a glimpse of here. I want to see more, much more!
You are just too darling in those boots, Fifi!
xoxo, Barb
Posted by: Barbara, Uniquely Chic Healdsburg | August 20, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Hello, Fifi. So glad you're finally home with your kitties. That's great news about our home in FRESH COTTAGE magazine. I look forward to seeing that issue! I'm hoping to host a give away of that issue when it comes out, so I'll be in touch. Thanks again, to you and to Mark, for the photo opportunity!
Posted by: Cindy Roberts | August 20, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Loved meeting you.Love the photo of you and Harry.Love the boots.Loved the post!So, much to look forward too.....thank You Fifi!You do inspire.
xoxoxo
Contessa
Posted by: elizabeth kirkpatrick | August 20, 2011 at 10:47 PM
WOW!!! what a busy life you have:) Lots of work but I bet it is also a lot of fun too. Love all of the pictures. Your boots are great:) You are always an inspiration, Fifi:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Posted by: Debra | August 21, 2011 at 01:33 PM
I'm really looking forward to your second book. Luv Romantic Prairie. I've incorporated some of the prairie style design in my home. I've been all white for years, so I've added a couple of shades of brown and love it. Kinda working the prairie style in my city home. I'm a Texas gal so this style works for me (of course I have to include the French look too). I miss your blogging when your gone....Enjoy your short stay at home.
Posted by: Mary Witt | August 21, 2011 at 05:38 PM
You are so adorable, Fifi! And my mouth is watering looking at all of the "teaser" shots! LOVE all the boots you are wearing.
Posted by: Dear Lillie | August 21, 2011 at 08:51 PM
Thanks for all
you allways give me sunny day
Posted by: Asht | August 22, 2011 at 03:04 AM
Fifi, you are so dang cute! This is a fantastic post, and I am so happy for you that you have had such a great summer, and that you have been recognized in the publications. *awesome*
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | August 22, 2011 at 06:21 AM
Hi Ms. FiFi...love this post hon! You are so cute & I bet soooo much fun:) LOVE the sneak peeks at the next book..such gorgeous pics!!! I treasure my own signed copy from you...via sweet Tracie (my Petite Maison) & darling Barbara (Uniquely Chic) What a sweet thing for you to do:) xoxox Cannot wait for the 2nd book...your such an inspriation to me & so many others hon!!
LOVE the boots too:) I need some!!!
Big Hugs & a BIG THANK U doll..
Deb:) xoxoxo
u would enjoy our babies...CJ & lil bit!
Posted by: DEBBIE BELL | August 22, 2011 at 09:15 AM
Always love reading about your adventures! Of course, I am sure you already know you have the most fabulous job ever! p.s. love all the boots! - Lana www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com
Posted by: LANA BROOKS | August 22, 2011 at 01:23 PM
I know you must get all your energy from the passion you have finding the beauty you share with us! Thank you and don't stop!!
All that fun, cute new boots and Hawaii...you are one lucky girl!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | August 22, 2011 at 05:05 PM
Fifi,
I am excited to get your upcoming magazine with all things perfectly soulful! You are a breath of beauty and you charm those boots like no one else!
You have turned into "where's Waldo" with all your traveling, but way prettier and so much more fun finding you!
Keep amazing us with all you inspire and the beauty you add to your hard work!
xoxo
~Dore Callaway
So. Calif
Posted by: Dore | August 22, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Love your style vision...I always feels so at home in your photos of HOME
Hugs
Maryjane from Storybook Cottage
Posted by: Maryjane Rossi | August 24, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Hello dear Fifi!
I enjoyed getting to hear first hand when you came to visit some of the wonderful adventures you shared here on your blog. I just wanted to let you know again what a cherrished time it was having you and Mark visit... one I'll never forget! You were both great fun, and you know how much I love your adorable style!! I do believe that's the outfit you were wearing when you came to visit (the one of you on the tub in the motel)... now I know how you spent your morning... haha! ;-)
Can't wait to see your beautiful new book and congrats on the features of Romantic Prairie Style!! :)
Safe travels in September...
much love,
Jojo
Posted by: Jo ~ Secret Garden Cottage | August 25, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Hello, Fifi. This is my first time commenting on this blog. It is pure eye candy! I loved looking at all the detail shots, though I imagine it must all take a lot of hard work. Really liked the shot of you holding the light reflector - shows how hands-on you are. Thank you for a great time here.
P.S. Have made a mental note to copy your style of mixing ripped jeans with flimsy feminine white tops, hope you don't mind :D
Apol
Posted by: Apol | August 26, 2011 at 04:30 PM
Ciao cara Fifi!!! E' sempre un piacere vederti...
grazie per queste belle immagini...mi fai sognare
una casa stupenda!!!
...magari un bel the in quel bel portico...
Sono felice per te che puoi vedere tutte queste belle cose...un grande bacio con simpatia
Marina!!!
Posted by: MARINA | August 27, 2011 at 10:50 PM
My goodness, you have been busy! Thanks for sharing all of the lovely images. It's like reading a magazine.....
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | August 28, 2011 at 02:57 AM
Love the boots.
Very unique in style.
Cassy from Electric Bass Guitar
Posted by: Cassy | August 29, 2011 at 08:32 AM
incredible and beautifull shooting!!
belle journée
Véro
Posted by: giveto | August 30, 2011 at 01:09 AM
Hi Fifi ! it's great to hear from you ! mais tu n'arrêtes donc jamais ? !!! tu as vraiment de l'énergie à revendre, tu es incroyable !!! On a parlé de toi avec Janet à Miami, j'étais très contente de faire sa connaissance ! A très bientôt !
Xoxo
Posted by: Tania - Grange de Charme | August 31, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Oh Fifi! I'm always so inspired when I visit your blog! You manage to do so much, and post a little of everything. Thank you for doing this. All your new boots are fab!
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | September 01, 2011 at 10:46 AM
i want to shop for clothes with you!! great style!! your the first snappppy dresser since tracy porter!!. sell some fashion, im in!! jane ness york pa.
Posted by: jane ness | November 06, 2011 at 08:11 AM