HELLO EVERYONE!
As much as I love being on photo shoots there is truly no place like home. I have been gone so much these past 4 months that waking up in my own bed is pure heaven!
As you already know Mark Lohman and I have been shooting for book #2 and I am, finally, able to reveal the title, subject matter and book jacket, though the cover might change now that the publisher has all the photos. They first create a mini version of the book as a tool for their sales reps but when they do that they only have photos from the first few shoots. Once they have all the shots from all the shoots they will decide whether the initial cover remains or if there are other shots they prefer to use. Personally, I do like this "temporary" cover as it indicates some of the amazing scenery where we shot (in this case, Vermont). In fact, we shot from coast to coast and everything in between so there is a LOT to pick from. Anyway, time will tell but, meanwhile, this is what is already on Amazon for pre-order.
We shot in 15 different locations for the book but also shot 27 homes for magazines along the way. So, to say the least, it has been pretty intense but oh so worth it!!
A very heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have so generously welcomed us into their homes. Neither the book nor the beautiful home features to be published (soon) could have happened without you.
THANK YOU!
Mark and I shot all the recipes in real people's home and gardens. We met extraordinary cooks in amazing areas. I am not allowed to show you any food shots but I can post pictures of some of the many new friends we made along the way, including my new pals, Killington and Pawlet, the darling bears, and Mrs Fairfield-the mouse, a few of the exquisite creations of
Doreen lives in the beautiful Vermont where she creates these one-of-a-kind little creatures that will steal your heart.
But real live furry, wooly and/or feathery friends also made our trips a delight
Let's not forget the 3 (almost 4) little pigs
Tausha's sweet doggie
...and chubby kitty
Just LOVE all the animals!!
**************
Of course, not everything went smoothly, in fact, while in North Carolina, Mark tried to have me "terminated".....
Thank goodness, Erin and her husband decided not to oblige. WHEW!! That was a close call........
Speaking of Erin, here is a tiny glimpse into her lovely home
**********
We also reshot my guest house for an Italian magazine. You have already seen it in Romantic Prairie Style but these are different angles and vignettes
Below is a view from the main room looking toward the bathroom.
and a close up of the lovely paper garland I purchased from
back in May when we were shooting in Illinois
And the pillows are part of "PRAIRIE PRETTIES" the line of home accessories I have been working on. They will soon be available on my blog with other accessories.
Of course, I also had to have my "signature" flower-filled Prairie boots...
***********
As mentioned above, Mark and I also had the pleasure to shoot the fabulous home of the beautiful
****************
.......And the pure and elegant home of
****************
In Virginia, we photographed the fabulous farmhouse of the incomparable
who has a gift for selecting the unique goods she brings back from her many trips to her native Holland and offers through her company EKSTER ANTIQUES at her regular barn sales
***********
I could go on and on but that's quite a long post as it is.
On a final note:
ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE
was featured in The Sarasota Herald Tribune September 26. The lovely writer also made a point of mentioning my upcoming book signing at
Sarasota's
POTTERY BARN
November 5 from 2-5
If you happened to be in the area I would love to meet you so, please, do stop by.
And the book also made it in the October issue of
HOUSE & HOME magazine (Canada)
and lastly (REALLY!)
CAROLE'S KITCHEN (her house is also in ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE) is in this month issue of
THIS OLD HOUSE
It's a very nice illustration of how you can reproduce the look but the one thing I HAVE to point ou is that they wrote that I helped design the space when in fact I did not. I ONLY styled the shot. Sorry Carol! Now that I am back in town I will get in touch with the writer to let her know.
OK! I am almost done...
I kept joking that while I was gone I had a little "work" done....like a new nose and a butt lift...and this is how it turned out...
Good thing I stayed with the originals!!!
That's truly the end for today.
Lovely visiting with you my friends.
Take good care of your lovely selves.
Happy Fall
*All photos by Mark Lohman except the Vermont bears and mice, close ups of the prairie pillows, and the piggy's face and butt.
Everything looks just lovely!! Doreen is such a sweet talented lady. Looking forward to your new book. All my best ~ Jenn
Posted by: Jenn @ Rabbit Hill | October 09, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Bonjour~
Can't wait for that book~
I bet you are tired:(I can't imagine..and you do it all looking so great all the time..)
All the photos you have just showed and so nice..beautiful in fact.
If ever a fairy has a way of getting me to your book signing:) That would be exciting.
I am so happy for your success..
I lent your book to a friend.. she loved it..
Welcome back.
Posted by: Monique | October 09, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Welcome home, Sweet Princess!
I can't wait to have the cookbook in our Maison and will love walking to get all the fresh ingredients here in town and seeing all the beautiful animals (and people) in the book and the stories you tell about your journeys.
Janet & Tausha's homes are amazingly beautiful and I'm loving the preview of your Prairie Pretties, can't wait to order some for here at home.
Give the chats a kiss from here. I'm off to pre-order the cookbook now.
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | October 09, 2011 at 03:07 PM
Owwwww...Fifi i can't wait till the book is their....it look great !!....love from me....Ria...xxx..
Posted by: It's Me | October 09, 2011 at 03:10 PM
Oh so lovely!!! What a fabulous life for both you and the owners of these beautiful treasures!!!
Posted by: cinnibonbon | October 09, 2011 at 03:30 PM
Welcome home Fifi!
The pictures are wonderful and made me a laugh seeing the pigs. Thank you for your continued heartfelt inspiration.
XO
Posted by: Pansy Cottage Girl | October 09, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Another breakneck shooting schedule, and you guys managed to pull it off with style and grace! Congratulations on the magazine mentions and on your new line of products, which will be amazing!
xo Kat
Posted by: Kat@LowTideHighStyle | October 09, 2011 at 03:58 PM
It was such a pleasure to have you here visiting in my home again darling Fifi, and I enjoyed the shoot so much.
Wishing you all of the success in the world, which you deserve! Now rest up and enjoy being home for a bit.....that's an order!
Love you...Janet (and "Carl":-)
Posted by: Janet (Shabbyfufu) | October 09, 2011 at 04:01 PM
What wonderful shoots you took and those cute pigs. Thanks for sharing your on the road travels.
xxx Liz
Posted by: liz | October 09, 2011 at 04:27 PM
How busy you have been, I can't keep up! I'll just have to enjoy the books at my leisure, winter is coming on so I'll light the fire and draw up a chair~
Posted by: Tricia Rose | October 09, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Thanks for sharing all of these photos...I love that doggy and want one for myself and the pigs are adorable too! Glad you made it home safely. Can't wait for the new book release!!!
Posted by: Destiny | October 09, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Thanks for sharing all of these photos...I love that doggy and want one for myself and the pigs are adorable too! Glad you made it home safely. Can't wait for the new book release!!!
Posted by: Destiny | October 09, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Every single one of these photos is more inspiring than the last. I am moved by the animal photography...the kitty and puppy and the pigs. What a wonderful post and what a wonderful book to look forward to! andrea@townandprairie
Posted by: Andrea Baumhardt | October 09, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Looking forward to the new book! Thank you so much for working so hard to feature this romantic style we love in magazines and beautiful books. Welcome back home, hope you get some rest now!
:)
Posted by: Stacey@ A Sort Of Fairytale | October 09, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Thanks so much for that huge dose of inspiration on here! And I want to extend a hearty congratulations on your second beautiful book. Sweet dreams to you finally getting to spend time back home again in your own place.
Posted by: Lili | October 09, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Everything looks amazing! Can't wait for this book....you were in NC!! Anywhere near me in Asheville? You know you are always welcome here!
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home & Flea Market Makeovers | October 09, 2011 at 06:07 PM
Such a lovely post filled with so many beautiful photos. I will be going back many times to take it all in again. My goodness your hard work is amazing. I have one question. Who takes care of you little pals while your on the road?
Thank you for taking the time for the wonderful post. Now kick back and rest for a spell.
Posted by: kathy | October 09, 2011 at 06:08 PM
you are too cute for words!
what a lovely, funny, charming, gracious post. in a nutshell: fifi!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | October 09, 2011 at 07:38 PM
Dearest Fifi,
What a lovely and informative post about your adventures over the past 4 months! Love your nose and butt lift photos! What a humor.
Have a lovely time back 'home' in Florida!
Love to you,
Mariette
Posted by: Mariette's Back to Basics | October 09, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I love the photos of Tausha's furry babies~ They are so precious~ Your work is beautiful Fifi~ Also thought it was great that you and Tausha traded boots/bag! lol Have a wonderful week~ xoxo Rachel
Posted by: Rachel Pallas | October 09, 2011 at 10:36 PM
nothing better after a long trip then falling into your own bed! what a grand trip...now i have to go back and click on all the links you were so knd to share!
Posted by: gretchen nation | October 10, 2011 at 01:21 AM
Fifi, so glad you survived the tractor!! Love the sneak peak pictures, wow you really stay busy don't you! I cannot wait to receive your latest book I still look through the original on a weekly basis for inspiration. Love what you do!
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Hicks | October 10, 2011 at 03:53 AM
Wow...wow...wow! What a post full of gorgeous pictures! Welcome home! ; )
~Michele
Posted by: Michele | October 10, 2011 at 04:18 AM
Welcome home, Fifi! It was our pleasure to have you and Mark visit last month. :) Love, love, love the book cover and all the photos you've shared here. (I guess we should remember to keep Mark properly fed in the future though!) I look forward to Romantic Prairie Cookbook going on sale so we can proudly keep a copy in our kitchen and try out the delicious recipes! And your Prairie Pretty looks so sweet--can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. Take care!
Erin
Erin
Posted by: Erin @ Carolina Country Living | October 10, 2011 at 04:23 AM
I leave in a pink shabby house in PARIS, and I love so much your romantic vision of shabby chic. Thank you for all these nice inspiration. I'm also fond of your so pretty style clothing.
bisoubisous
Posted by: Shabby gril in PARIS | October 10, 2011 at 05:04 AM
Welcome home!
you are hilarious!! you are so beautiful inside Fifi that it eminates out and you most certainly do not need any work done! good grief!!
Posted by: anne marie | October 10, 2011 at 05:21 AM
bonjour;
superbe , sensationnelle
j' adore la petite souris
et bien sur les jolis cochons roses
BISOUS DE FRANCE
EDITH
Posted by: edith dutertre | October 10, 2011 at 05:21 AM
So happy you are home and getting some much deserved rest. I am excited for all your good things to come. A cookbook, goodies on-line, and future publications...yippee! Tausha and Janet's homes are beyond gorgeous and I enjoy their photos and blogs. I am looking forward to "meeting" all your other featured homeowners thru their photos and recipes.What a treat to look forward to. I am off to pre-order! xxoo
Posted by: Mar Bailey | October 10, 2011 at 06:10 AM
LOVE THE COVER!!!The animals...OH those piggy's..........you are a busy bee.Your own line of pillows!All great news.........Can hardly wait for the new book!YOUR A GEM!
xoxoxo
Ps.Harry,is doing just fine!
Posted by: LA CONTESSA | October 10, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Hi Fifi,
I was so excited that you were in my neck of the woods at Erin's house. You would have thought the president was in town. I was all about Fifi is going to be here!!!! Erin is such a sweetie, and she said you guys were awesome. I am also tickled to death that you showed a picture of my painting of the sheep on your post. I can't tell you how honored and excited I am to have my painting on your blog and mixed in with all the other beautiful photos you guys took. I know your book is going to be wonderful, and can't wait until it comes out. I do hope you come back and do a book signing in Hillsborough, NC!
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | October 10, 2011 at 09:09 AM
Beautiful inspiration.
Oh, the pig pictures are adorable. The piggy booty is too cute :-)
Posted by: D'Ann | October 10, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Fifi, you are brilliant. I loved this post. I love every picture. Those pics are fab, and the vignettes are gorgeous. I hope you can relax and rejuvenate for as long as you need. You are the busiest woman I've ever seen.
Thanks for your time and creativity!
Leslie
Posted by: lesliad | October 10, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I can't wait for the new book release! It looks simply gorgeous, though I expect nothing less from you and Mark.
Glad you're finally able to spend some time at home again.
Take care,
~Brooke
Posted by: Brooke | October 10, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Hello Bizzy Bee, enjoy your time at home although I miss your photo's and stories if you are away.
Enjoy, hugs, Sylvia
Posted by: sylvia | October 10, 2011 at 11:06 AM
There's no place like home, is there?!
Looking forward to your next book! Sounds like you had lots of fun on the road and made some wonderful memories!
Posted by: Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse | October 10, 2011 at 03:54 PM
Gorgeous photos:) Congratulations for having your home and book in so many more publications. That is just wonderful news but not at all a surprise as they are both fabulous:) Loved having you and Mark here again. Wish you could have stayed longer but understand how much work goes into what you do so well and know you need to just relax. Thank you for everything.
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Posted by: Debra | October 10, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Hey Sweet
It all looks so lovely... the animals are amazing and I can't wait to see the book! Say hey to Mark and I hope you can rest up now that you are home for awhile.
Many blessings
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | October 10, 2011 at 06:11 PM
very exciting...and I know Cindy the artist of the sheep at Erin's country home. Those pigs are too cute! Tausha is so lovely...I can't wait to see the shots of her home. I believe she told me that that blue heart is a painting she did. Pretty pretty pretty.
Posted by: kerrie | October 10, 2011 at 06:30 PM
What a pleasure to see you again ! I miss you and your blog ...
je parle français et je suis enchantée de voir un ravissant billet relatant un peu toutes vos
découvertes .. il y a de si jolies photos !!
J'espère vous retrouver plus souvent !!
Je vous souhaite une belle journée !
Solène avec des bisous français !
Posted by: solene | October 11, 2011 at 02:47 AM
Fifi...Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity and for your humbling compliments. Words can not express how exciting this is for the moppets and I :)
These photo's are amazing and your trip sounds fantastic and adventurous to be sure! Glad you are back and enjoying the comforts of home.
hugs, doreen
Posted by: Doreen Frost | October 11, 2011 at 06:31 AM
I am reading Romantic Prairie Style right now, and I am enjoying it so much! Congrats on your second book. I love cookbooks, and I know it will be lovely as well.
Very pretty post, and I love all the photos of the animals.
xoxoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
Posted by: Ricki Jill Treleaven | October 11, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Welcome Home! Love the cover of the new book, can't wait for it to be available, thank you for such amazing job as for me I really enjoyed the previous book and I'm sure the new one is going to be amazing! Can't wait!!!
XXX Ido
Posted by: Ido | October 11, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Just gorgeous Fifi!I am so glad you re home safe and I am so excited that the book is moving along!!! Jen
Posted by: Jennifer Rizzo | October 11, 2011 at 03:01 PM
I love all the animal pics!! And, the kitties are sooooo pretty! Wonderful glimpses of what is to come. Thanks for sharing!! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Posted by: Kathryn Griffin | October 12, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Looks like another fabulous book! Four months of travel must be grueling. You must hate to be away from your own animals too.
The photos are breathtaking, can't wait to see them in print!
Posted by: Chatelaine | October 12, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Wow Fifi, Good to have you back!! Love the pictures for your new book.. cant wait to order it.
Hope you got my email..
A big kiss,
Rozmeen
Posted by: rozmeen | October 13, 2011 at 02:04 AM
Oh My Gosh, Fifi! You were right in my backyard when you came to Virginia! I could have driven by you and didn't realize it! What a shame. It really is a small world, isn't it? It looks like your new book will be outstanding! The photos that Mark took are, as always, works of art,so full of life! I am extremely pleased to see Janet aka Mrs Fufu featured! She is amazing and such a darling person! If you ever come up this way again, I know of a phenomenal place you just MUST see! Maybe I can get you to autograph a book for me too, as we chatted about in previous comments. Enjoy your time at home - I'm sure it's brief with your busy schedule. Eagerly awaiting your newest book to come out! Take care, Hugs, Leena Lanteigne
Posted by: Leena Lanteigne | October 13, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Welcome home to our warm Florida! Thank you for the sneak peak, it's hard to wait! Tausha is so sweet, she shops our shop! A few of her treasures are from me, I'm proud to say..
Hope you are getting nice home time~SueBee
Posted by: SueBee | October 15, 2011 at 07:26 PM
I feel the same way when I travel...there's no place like home! Oh my, your new book looks like it's going to be so wonderful. I love all the pretty photos, especially the ones of all the cute little animals. You visited my friend Jo's house during your travels...I can't wait to see the photos :)
Posted by: Tricia | October 16, 2011 at 05:05 PM
I simply love it ALL!!!!! The book; the homes; the animals; the places; the things..
Every single detail and image and thing..
Every single delicious, inspiring THING!!
But not as much as i love you.
Congratulations my friend - YOU ARE SO DESERVING!!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Kim | October 17, 2011 at 04:02 AM
Carissima Fifi e sempre un piacere venire a trovarti....le tue foto sono uno splendore davvero!!!! Bravissima e grazie per la tua
ispirazione ....le vostre immagini sono molto molto romantiche!!! Un grande abbraccio a presto Marina
Posted by: MARINA | October 17, 2011 at 09:32 PM
The book cover is a little blah.I will purchase it because I know the inside photos and recipes will be magnif! Love you Fifi
Posted by: Theresa | October 22, 2011 at 11:02 AM
I'm overwhelmed by the gorgeous images in this post! Your pretty prairie designs, the interiors and the creations by Doreen are just wonderful, but the images of the animals, especially the pigs, captured my heart! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | October 25, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Fifi, so glad to have you home as I missed your blogging. I love your first book and keep it on my coffee table. Will be buying your second one too. Welcome home.
Posted by: Mary Witt | October 25, 2011 at 06:19 PM
So great Fifi ! enjoy your rest in your sweet home ! such a long trip for this wonderful photo's and new book !
Xoxo
Posted by: Tania - Grange de Charme | October 26, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Your photos make me squeal. Thanks so much.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | October 26, 2011 at 02:28 PM
I loved this post! You have such taste, but even better, a great sense of humor....loved the "nose and butt" job....hahahaha. I cannot even imagine how in the world you do so much in so little time!!! You must let me in on your secret of success. :-)
Many congrats on all that you have coming out...
Big hug
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Maxson | October 26, 2011 at 11:24 PM
So nice to hear from you again, dear lady. Congratulations on your book being mentioned in Canadian H & H, they could have done more of your gorgeous photography!
You had some great photos to show us here and I loved every one of them.
Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: cindy | October 31, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Hello Fifi! So nice to catch up on your beautiful adventures. So love the images and wonderful prose you share. So glad you are keeping busy and continuing to work on more fabulous reads. And thank you for the giggle from the piggy pics! Have a lovely day! ~ Angela
Posted by: angela | November 02, 2011 at 02:15 PM
Hi Fifi!Nice to meet you!I'm Stefy, I'm an italian blogger who loves inreding.. I'm here, in your page, for the first time and it's gorgeus and fantastic!!Perfect for a dreamer like me!!Have a lovely day!
Stefy
Posted by: Stefy | April 10, 2012 at 10:52 PM