CHEZ FIFI

REAL MAGAZINES LOVE

Speaking of PRINT magazines check out these new issues............

The PREMIERE issue of

VINTAGE STYLE

is filled with terrific ideas, tips & projects

Among which a great article on 

Tracey Leber's lovely home

A beautiful garden spread

and a lot more.............

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When it comes to creativity

FLEA MARKET FINDS WITH MATTHEW MEAD

is a must

and full of timely SPRING decorating and projects

charming recycling............

 

simple but gorgeous embellishments.......

and so much more!

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For inspiring outdoors articles and  DIY garden projects don't miss

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I know I mentioned 

JEANNE D'ARC LIVING  

previously but you don't want to forget the wondrous spring issue

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Last but not least

COUNTRY SAMPLER

also has a lovely spring issue not to mention a nice write up about ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE (the book) They also have a big giveaway coming up............

HAPPY READING!!

IN A PRAIRIE MOOD

Hello everyone!

I have been asked a lot if ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE is an on line magazine. So, I wanted to clarify.

It is a national PRINT magazine with features by professional photographers and writers.

Though ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE has a website it is NOT an on-line magazine. The website is just a "companion" to the PRINT magazine with behind the scenes little stories and updates.

The first issue (of the PRINT magazine) is done and will be off to the printer shortly then available on newsstands mid APRIL. It originally was going to be out this month but due to the printers's schedule it will be a bit late. Sorry!

Domestic and International subscriptions will become available in APRIL as well.

Meanwhile you can get sneak peaks HERE.  As soon as I can I will post the cover so you will know what to look for but in the mean time you can go HERE to get a sense of the first issue. It's is quite fabulous, if I may say so myself. I hope you too will love it.  

Thanks for checking in. xoxoxoxo

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As for the THE ROMANTIC PRAIRIE COOKBOOK, I just found out (thanks to many of you) that it was released ahead of schedule and is now available on Amazon. Of course I hope you will like it also!

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Between the magazine and the book needless to say that I have been in full "prairie mood", which prompted me to change many things in my own home. There is a lot more coming up but I only have so much time between shoot trips so stay tuned.......

It all started with repainting the kitchen and the living room (white again---they needed it!). Then I got this fabulous farmhouse table from my friends Susie & Mark'S beautiful Sarasota shop

POSH ON PALM

 

 

It is a true PRAIRIE table: sturdy, heavy with just the right amount of wear and tear and how very cool is the side with holes for wooden spoons!

I also acquired some lovely linen sachets filled with lavender and goat milk soaps, and butcher twine from my "dreamy" friend 

 MARIA

.....and a cool enamel canister set

 

Also, when we were shooting  at my other lovely friend 

LAURA'S farmhouse

she gifted me with this great bag

I finally found a spot to hang the PRAIRIE market basket I will (hopefully soon ) offer on line

I could not find the right curtains (and I don't sew!) for this tiny window so I ended up using 2 tea towels

 

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Numerous fans of the incomparbale 

JEANNE D'ARC LIVING

already know that the spring issue is available through various websites/blogs. I must say that I am very proud to be associated with this marvelous magazine. I have been working with JDL for over a year and it is truly a pleasure to be part of this spectacular publication.

Thank you Vivian and Lonnie for including me in your "family"!

 xoxoxoxo

 

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If you read 

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE LATEST POST

Then you know I had to say goodbye to my sweet kitty Lily before I left for Michigan. She had cancer and went very quickly. I am glad I did not let her suffer but I will miss her forever. She loved roses so I scattered her ashes around the bushes by my kitchen window. And look at the beautiful bloom that appeared.............

Many thanks for all the lovely emails you sent. I know you pet lovers understand how sad it is when our little friends leave us. 

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Not to end on the sad note: Next time I will show you the living room transformations but here is a little glimpse.

After moving the furniture and painting the walls I repainted the floor (these shots taken with the cell phone---so not very good at all)

The windows are going to be replaced too.

This chair from Pottery Barn started the whole makeover but I won't be getting it for a few more weeks as it is a floor sample........

Still working on the living room new look......and when it is done I will tackle the bedrooms!

More soon.

ROMANTIC STYLES FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

If you are a die-hard romantic you will love the exquisite 

POSH ON PALM

 a dream shop located on Palm avenue in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, historical district. My dear friends Susie and Mark Holt have been in business in Venice and Ellenton, Florida, for over 12 years. When the opportunity presented itself to relocate their famous shop (formerly known as The Cat's Meow) to downtown Sarasota they decided to make the move and also aptly renamed their venture POSH ON PALM. If travel plans bring you to our sunny city you won't want to miss the chance to treat yourself to the shop's gorgeous offerings. 

Mark and Susie are revamping their website and it should be up and running soon. Keep checking www.poshonpalm.com for updates.

Meanwhile, here are a few examples sure to make your little romantic heart skip a beat or 2........

You don't have to be a ballerina to love these....(I got a pair myself!)

They look lovely grouped on the foot of this bed........... 

 

Check out these gorgeous pillows made from vintage textiles.........................

 

A spectacular French hutch...............
 

A bedroom corner fit for a little (or big) princess............
 

The feminine allure of ruffles............

      

Luxurious lace...............
 

Mark finished the walls with textural plaster embedded with sheet music and pages from old books
    

Perfectly peeling shutters make a unique background for a vintage bed....................
 

My favorite armchair so yummy!!)..................
 

Dried hydrangeas, a touch of lace and a handsome chandelier make a beautiful vignette

 

More of Mark's intricate wall work...............
 

Limoges and other china.................
 

Antique cloches keep sweet reminders of a special day......................... 
 

One-of-a-kind dressmaker forms add to the shop's stunning decor...........


            
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If you like clothes with character you might like to take a look at

 L'ATELIER DES OURS

 a shop in the south of France. I have had the pleasure to visit it in person as it is located close to where my sister lives in Provence. They carry distinctive clothes as well as some home accessories. When you go on their site make sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of each page and click on"next page". You can also read the site in its English version. Here is a little sampling........

 

 

Never too young too shop..............................
 

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Since I am on the French thing it's only fitting to mention  Laetitia Rissetto

and her wonderful online magazine. For a virtual trip of French homes, b&bs and shops just go to her site and click on the various departments. You can also read the English version as well as subscribe (it's free) to her features.
                 You can also access her magazine via her BLOG

and her own charming BED AND BREAKFAST

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Another thing you DON'T want to MISS (If you have not already caught the fever....)

is

 URBAN BARN

and their monthly street fair and flea market

Contact info:

155 W. CREST 
ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 
WED. - SAT. 10-5 
760-743-7225 

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So, that's it for today. Now that I am done with the fall issue of Romantic Country I can go back to working on the book (which I am loving!)

Speaking of Romantic Country, here is the cover of the upcoming issue

Have yourself a lovely weekend.

 

 

 
   

BEAUTIFUL THINGS ..............

If you read CHEZ FIFI you already know how much I love my friend CHRISTINA STRUTT's beautiful designs and her British company CABBAGES & ROSES (http://cabbagesandroses.com). In fact, HOMES & GARDENS, the famous British magazine, think that CABBAGES & ROSES is one of best retailers of the year! 

This morning, I received an email announcing CABBAGES & ROSES fashion and homeware spring collection and, though you can go to the website  to see more, I thought it might be quicker and easier to share some of the photos.

Keeping it simple is one of Christina's pretty trademarks...............

Blues are always so cool and refreshing.............

 

While dainty pinks always bring romance to mind.........

 

Christina has a knack for mixing stripes, toile, and florals in just the right proportions.............

........indoors and outdoors..............

 

.......and it's never over done.......it's a question of balance and design sense................

Soft grays are also part of her palette. The variations of the shade translate in a soothing and calm environment.............
  

......grayish blues and grays make for perfect companions.....................
         

See how inviting these muted hues are.  They are cheerful but in a subdued way. You can envision how beautiful a bouquet of pale pink peonies or blue thistle would look in these rooms...........

 

 

To learn more about CABBAGES & ROSES don't miss CHRISTINA'S new book "AT HOME WITH COUNTRY" which will be available mid March.

 

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What else can you find on CABBAGES AND ROSES' website?

Absolutely wonderful clothes sure to please the romantically inclined.........(of course that would include moi!)

Just love the details and femininity of the clothes..................

Ju 

 

 

 

This dress is so simple and yet so stylish....................

 

....and this one is so fluid and perfect with the little cropped top........................

 

What about this fun and flirty skirt......................

 

..........and this adorable top?

 

........I like it so much that I just have to order one. I know it will be my favorite one to wear all summer, with jeans or white pants ....................
 

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This next entry is about the incredible work of a French artist (who lives in France.) You can go to her blog to see more but it's in French!

 http://lesdecorsdemarie.canalblog.com

Her name is Martine and she creates everything from cardboard. It's quite amazing. Take a look................

Architectural elements...........

  SIDE TABLES.................

  CANDELABRAS..............

CHANDELIERS..........

 

 SCONCES.............

 MIRROR FRAMES.............

 

  EVEN HEADBOARDS.......

 PICTURE FRAMES...........

                   TIEBACKS..............

MORE FRAMES........

DARLING SHOES.......

AND MUCH MORE............

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The beautiful items below come from (what else?) THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE

(http://www.thebeautifullife.com)

Though Valentine is over hearts are not. These tokens of love are always timeless....

and these gorgeous votives add glamour to any room any time.............

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Lastly, if you are planning a trip you owe it to yourself to check this INCREDIBLE travel site with the best prices ever!    www.totravel.rovia.com 

Hey, maybe you can book a trip to go to London and shop at CABBAGES & ROSES   or take a course with Martine and even stay at her bed & breakfast in the Perigord region of France.........you can email her at:

 martine.raillat@hotmail.fr

Here is a little tour of her B&BH

H

          Here is a little tour of her B&B.........

 By the way, Martine also made her roof trim by cutting the wood herself.............

BON VOYAGE!!!!!!!!!!               

STYLE, SUBSTANCE & HEARTS........

Like style, charm is very subjective. But, some homes have both, whatever one's standards might be. Traditional or contemporary, their interiors captivate with their sense of scale, colors and textures.

This is a little tour of some favorite ones.

The first belongs Tania, a delightful French woman who brings a lovely mix of romantic and practical to her home just outside Paris. She kindly allowed me to post some of the photos from her blog (http://grangedecharme.canalblog.com)

The stone exterior and rose-framed entrance heralds the simple elegance of the seductive interior................

Even the birdbath shows her romantic nature....................

Thank you Tania! Merci beaucoup.

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This is a perfect example of stylish simplicity. The choice of colors and the marriage of textural elements speak for themselves.........

From Real Living (Australian magazine) 

photo above & below by Brinson for House Beautiful

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Then, of course, there is the more elaborate finishings as featured in this gorgeous book...

 
 
and on this site: http://studiohousedesign.blogspot.com/2007_11_04_archive.html 

 http://juniperdesigns.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/domino3.jpg 

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A subtle influx of color is sometime all you need..................

 Eva Lindh   

ELLE Decor

Mantlescape by Jane Moore 

 Home of French designer Jacqueline Morabito (Maison Cote Sud, 12- 2003)

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HAVE A

 

 

  

There is still time to come up with your own Valentine creation (or, at least, one you can order)....here are some that might just inspire you.................

 

 

  

             http://www.foreverfrenchinteriors.com/tieredroseheart.html  

For instructions go to: 

http://crafts.kaboose.com/puffy-heart.html

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Glycerine heart soaps

For instructions go to: 

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-shaped-soap

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-shaped-soap

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/heart-shaped-soap

   marthastewart.com

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For instructions go to: 

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/valentinesday/tp/HeartCrafts.htm

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And my FAVORITE

HEART OF GOLD

CUSTOM heart of gold- paper mache sculpture by Paloma's Nest (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34969188)

    A Heart of Gold, customized with your own personal message.

This handcrafted paper mache heart is lovingly stamped with the text of your choice, be it names, dates, a small poem, or your initials. What could be more romantic ???????