CHEZ FIFI

FIRST BOOK SIGNING, PRAIRIE IN PRESS AND NEW GOODIES...

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE has been doing so well that the book sold out. Needless to say that I am thrilled and can't THANK YOU enough (each and everyone) for being so generous in parting with your hard-earned money and for all your lovely posts, comments and giveaways, all of which have contributed to the spectacular success of the book. Without you there would not be such an incredible outcome. So, my darling friends, my kitties and I say MERCI BEAUCOUP!!

Now, not to worry, a second run is being printed as we speak and more books will be available in June. 

 

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE has also started to hit the media and, as I get press clippings, I will keep you in the loop.

Here are a couple from the British press.

The first one is from

Country Homes & Interiors,

one of England's most influential shelter magazine:

This one is from the

EVENING STANDARD

(London's leading newspaper)

Notice how "PRAIRIE STYLE" is now a design trend.......how cool is that! 

 

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Last Saturday, I had my very first book signing here in Sarasota at the very beautiful

POSH ON PALM

my friends Mark and Susie Holt's gorgeous shop

Take a tour of POSH ON PALM and you will understand the dreaminess of it.......

Mark and Susie went all out providing delicious finger foods and wine. The turn out exceeded our expectations. 

I had the time of my life as I finally had a chance to meet some lovely girls with whom I had been communicating but never got together with because of distance. Yet, THEY found the time to come from every corner of the State.

I wish I had photos of all of them but I don't. Sorry ladies.

THANK YOU to everyone for making the evening such a treat and to MARK AND SUSIE for making it memorable.

xoxoxoxoxo

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INSPIRATION

Speaking of loveliness,have you seen..

Just loving their pretty pattern and soft hues.........

(http://www.cabbagesandroses.com)

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

DESIGNERS GUILD

is another inspiring site you will like to visit, if you are not already familiar with it......

Great spring table settings..... 

Yummy fragrances...and much more!        

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My sweet friend 

TAUSHA

has an incredible talent for styling and photography. All you have to do is to take a look at her blog and you will see it for yourself.

About 6 weeks ago I went to Tausha's house with my other lovely friend, KIM.

TAUSHA lives a long way from me so she and her husband sent a limo to pick me up! Well, if I could get that kind of treatment for all photo shoots it would be heaven!

This looooooong pink limo picked me up in front of my tiny cottage (believe me, all the neighbors came out to see what was going on in spite of the fact that it was only 7:00 AM!)

........made me feel like a movie star!!

Then we drove to Lakeland to pick up Kim on the way up. You can see how long the limo was compare to the neighbor's house......

If you need a limo service and wanted to be treated like a celebrity make sure to call 

A1 Luxury Limousine Of South & Central Florida
Palm Beach (561) 964-7764
Miami (305) 387-3035
Orlando (407) 447-2592
Tampa (813)514-6980

 

Back to Tausha's talent.........even just a couple of photos give you a sense of it.......

And Tausha made it to the book signing as well!

She came wearing a very pretty blouse and cool bag (and of course jeans and boots!) I was admiring her top unaware that she had brought me one (it was still wrapped up and I didn't discover it until I opened her gift at home. I could not wait to put it on.........

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Another very gifted lady is my friend LAURA

who also took the time to come to the book signing though she lives in central Florida

Laura came with her sweet mom(middle) and her beautiful daughter (left) To the right is another friend of mine Michelle Mancini who looks after Posh on Palm when Mark and Susie take a much needed day off.

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In about 3 weeks I will be off to begin shooting for book #2. I hope it will end up being as successful as book #1 but something tells me you will make it so!

THANK YOU for making my dreams come through!

I will leave you now with a dreamy photo of a dreamy bed that I hope will help YOU have the dreamiest dreams..........


(Sorry but I don't know who the photographer is. One thing for sure: he or she is very very skilled!)

 

Tonight is the end of my triple giveaway. Check for winners in the next few days.

Love to all.

CASE CLOSED, DARLING LITTLE MODELS & A GIVEAWAY

THANK YOU for all the comforting comments and direct emails you so kindly took the time to send in response to the previous post. 

I sure felt "the LOVE" and I am hereby returning it to you a zillion times over!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

To my surprise, the gentleman removed his review and the link to his website. I dint' expect that and I thank him for taking down the review.

Enough said. Time to move on.....

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

Have you seen these DARLING children and ADORABLE clothes?

HOW CAN YOU RESIST?

The clothes (and more) are from JENNIFER HOLMES

who, with help from her mother Heidi, and sisters Jamie and Dana, created

Dear Lillie

the exquisite line of children clothes seen below (go to the website here to see a lot more)

(all photos by Jennifer Holmes)

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Speaking of children, the one and only NANCY LINDEMEYER, the founder and editor of the original VICTORIA magazine, has published a heart warming book, a tender and endearing compilation of early girlhood friendships, you will want to read. 

MY FIRST BEST FRIEND

As Nancy explains:

"Women went back to their memories and distilled what was really important about the love and support that each felt as a little girl from the chum who lived next door or sat across the aisle in class. There are pizza parties and giggles. But there are serious times, too: Stories when friends stood by each other in times of need. Celebrating this special relationship, revealed here for the first time in such detail, is a joy."

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

Many of you have very kindly posted a photo of my book on your blogs and I thank you for that. But a particularly lovely one from

TANIA

(Her beautiful home was recently featured on French TV and you can see the video on her blog HERE)

The sweet collage she created to display

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE

gave me the idea for a

GIVEAWAY

2 winners will receive a signed copy of

ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE

a 3rd winner will receive not only a signed copy of the book but also

this beautiful silverware caddy handmade with French linen, hand embroidered, and embellished with gorgeous fabric from

CABBAGES & ROSES

 

Here are the simple rules:

*Email me YOUR photo of the display you did for my book.

*Leave a (short--could be just one word, it's OK)comment stating what you like best about the book on my blog and on your FACEBOOK page.

* Become a follower of Chez Fifi 

*Giveaway starts today April 2 and ends April 16 at midnight.

*The GIVEAWAY is open to everybody, wherever in the world you are.

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

But wait! You ALSO HAVE OTHER OPPORTUNITUES to WINN by entering the

GIVEAWAYS 

offered by

MY PETITE MAISON

FIONA & TWIGS

AND

PARISIENNE FARM GIRL

OOPS, one more!

From

JANET

And a great one it is as Janet is not only giving a copy of the book (signed by moi)but also a copy of the current issue of Romantic Country magazine 

AND

a magnificent tea set by porcelain artist

Farnaz Farzad

together with a selection of exclusive teas from

TEANOSH

a company owned by Farnaz family and offers some of the world's best organic tea, loose tea, tea bags and tea gift sets.

What a treat!!

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

Last but NOT least, make sure to check out

SAVVY CITY FARMER

FOR THEIR UPCOMING

SHOP THE SHED EVENT

 

Upcoming

Shop the Shed Event
NW Chicago burbs

April 22, 2011

9AM-3PM
Rain or Shine

For details & directions

email Joy at

stuffintheburbs@gmail.com

or Angela
angelovesparis@gmail.com

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UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY GIVEAWAY!!

Good Luck to all

 

 

YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE..........

I had such positive feedback about ROMANTIC PRARIE STYLE --from all over the world (really), that a review on Amazon made me remember that it is indeed a fact: You can't please everybody. But what really puzzles me about this review-- which I will post below together with my response to the gentleman who wrote it-- is how so many "get it" and one lone individual can be so far off the mark.

The fact that he defines my text in such terms as "poor writing skills" and "flimsy descriptions" is not what bothers me. What does bother me is twofold:

*His complete lack of understanding of what the book represents: family, home, and the earth. He completely misses out the spirit of Prairie.

*His lack of sophistication regarding photography and more specifically Mark Lohman's acclaimed photography skills. If he had any knowledge of photography he would not compare Mark's stunning images to those of Pottery Barn or L L bean catalogs. This is in no way a put down on my part where these 2 companies are concerned. In fact, I love how Pottery Barn photos are styled and the locations they choose. And LL Bean is right on target for their products. What I am saying is that comparing Mark's photos to catalogs' is comparing apples and oranges. They are simply different styles for different purposes.

Actually, there is one more thing that bothers me: When you go to that fellow's website 

http://www.grovehousedesign.com/Site/Home.html

instead of showing his full portrait the fellow posted only the lower part of his face. Why hide?

I would really love to get your feelings on his review.  Thanks for all your wonderful encouragements! 

Here is the Amazon review and below you will see my response.

Country? Yes. Inspiring? Maybe., March 29, 2011

 

By 

Grove House Design (Oak Park, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Romantic Prairie Style (Hardcover)

My copy just arrived this weekend. I settled into reading the book, and almost immediately regretted ordering the book. The decorating style wasn't interesting. The prose seemed to be there just to prevent it from being a simple picture book. "Major dud," I thought. "Who can I pawn this off on?" 

I just couldn't believe that I'd been convinced to order this book, even if it was only $16.85. So, I went back for another look - and I'm glad that I did. The book is about country decor. And, as it turns out, it's a lot like country antique stores. Tons of worthless debris, with gems tucked away in niches and corners. 

Take for instance, this advice on paint color: 
"A chalky palette gives the farmhouse that cozy, old-world feel compared to white, which would have made it more modern that it really is." 
Ignore the poor writing. Ignore the flimsy descriptive skills. This is still a very sound piece of advice for achieving a look that suggests history. Chalky colors = good. White = bad. I get it. I can use it. 

Sometimes the advice falls just a hair short of useful: 
"Caroline is also partial to the right mix of 'new antiques' and true antiques, something that she was exposed to while growing up in the Netherlands. 'When you have too many true antiques, the look can become heavy and oppressive and too many Modernistic pieces run the risk of creating a sterile and cold environment," she notes." 
Ok, again I get the point. Designers like Darryl Carter have made careers on just this aesthetic. But, what is "the right mix"? How do I distinguish between a "new antique" and a "true antique"? Are we talking about reproductions? Or contemporary classics? Questions that the book decides not to answer. 

The book does offer some beautiful photos. But, more than a few could have been pulled from a recent Pottery Barn catalog (or LL Bean, for that matter). I don't consider that a compliment. 

Net net? If country is your thing, you'll find a couple of interesting ideas. The rest of you should put this back on the virtual bookshelf and keep looking.

MY RESPONSE:

So sorry to see that you missed the whole point of the book. If you really read the text you would have understood that Romantic Prairie Style is first and foremost a lifestyle, as spelled out in the introduction.

"PRAIRIE STYLE embraces simple pleasures, comfort, and the long-cherished ideals of natural beauty, simplicity, and harmony with the earth.
You needn't to live on the prairie to love PRAIRIE STYLE. It's a style that says "home" wherever it lives because, more than anything else, it's a mindset. It's gentle but strong, welcoming and lasting, durable yet sophisticated, it's the resilient spirit of "making do".....and, over all, it's real."

What you refer to as "Tons of worthless debris" are the meaningful items that the homeowners cherish for their symbolic values. 

As for comparing some of the photos to a Pottery Barn or LL Bean catalog it's obvious that you are not familiar with either. 

I don't mind the fact that you call my descriptions "flimsy" or that you are unable to tell the difference between a true antique and a "new" one because my hope is that maybe one day you will be able to grasp these meanings. 

No doubt that if you feel qualified to review a book from both the text and photography perspectives you must have yourself produced one? Yet, looking at your website I get the impression that you have not.

Though you are entitled to your opinion, it would only be fair if in the future you would take the time to really read a book before attempting to come up with an educated review. Sadly the meaning of Romantic Prairie Style eludes you.

Fifi O'Neill

Does this look like

Pottery Barn or LL Bean? 

 

Considering  my "poor writing skills" all I can say is

"Me don't think so"

 

A LOVELY BIT OF NEWS.......

I know this might come as a surprise but, at least, it's very pleasant one for everybody concerned.

After several wonderful years as editor for Romantic Country, the time has come for me to pursue all the many other ventures I have become involved with (more books, more photo shoots for magazines, a line of products "Prairie Pretties" and on going associations with European magazines.) I am definitively no super woman and realized that I had to give something up.

So, the soon to be out issue was my last one and I am so happy to introduce to you MARY FORSELL, Romantic Country new editor. Please, welcome her into your life as you have so generously welcomed me. Think of her as my (younger) sister!! I know you are going to love her style. 

WELCOME MARY!!!!

Many of you already know the multi talented MARY but here is a little more about her:

Mary is an editor and writer who has written for the magazines Victoria, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, and Bride’s, among others. She is the author of a number of lifestyle books, including Heirloom Herbs, Living the Artful Life, Romantic Weddings, Table Settings: Special Touches for Entertaining, and quite a few others. She lives with her husband and two daughters (plus one terrier, three cats, and several turtles---and, in my book, thats another +) in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York.

I am sure  you already have several of her books in your library, but if you are missing a few check these out:

........and here are a few samples of her past articles. As you can clearly see, MARY is perfect for the job..........

So, not to worry:

ROMANTIC COUNTRY lives on.

(....and I will still be around....you don't get rid of me that easily!!!) 

I do want to thank each of you for the priceless support you have given me over the years and I look forward to keep hearing from you and to let you know about all the exciting things coming up for me this year. More on that later.

THANK YOU for welcoming MARY and for remaining faithful readers of ROMANTIC COUNTRY. 

With much love, always!

WITH A LITTLE (WELL, A LOT) OF HELP FROM MY FRIENDS....

Thank you ALL for your enthusiastic response to the release of Romantic Prairie Style. 

I am truly touched by the personal emails of kindness and praise and all the lovely comments. Knowing that so many of you approve of and relate to the book's lifestyle philosophy, design concept and, of course, Mark Lohman's stunning photography, is the best reward for me. The feeling is unlike any other. Thanks to you Romantic Prairie Style is doing very well, and it's just the beginning! I thank you from my heart!

JOY  (the oh-so-clever Savvy City Farmer) just did a funny post AND  GIVEAWAY. Check it out VITE... VITE.. (http://www.savvycityfarmer.com)

 
THANK YOU JOY!

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The next issue of ROMANTIC COUNTRY will be out soon but with a slight delay due to production issues but here is a little glimpse of what you will find......

Enjoy!

Romantic Interiors

Photo Kim Christie

photo above and below by Mark Lohman. Styling by Sunday Hendrickson

Styling & Photo below by Anne Lorys

Photos below by Jocke Bergstrom, styling by Eva Littorin.

Photo below by Mark Lohman, styling by Fifi O'Neill

Photo and styling (below) by Sunday Hendrickson

Photo below by Barbara Martin

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

Lovely flower arrangements are also in this issue. They are from Jane Packer's beautiful book, At Home with Flowers (published by Ryland Peters & Small)

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

We have a new section titled

"YOU ARE INVITED"

It begins with stunning invitations by no other than Marc Friedland, the designer who created the envelop for this year's Academy Awards

Above photo by John Ellis

It is followed by an adorable Ballet Party-Theme for the little girls in your life......

(Photo by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson)

......and a beautiful yet simple Country Wedding....

Photo above by Jeremy Samuelson.

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LOOKS WE LOVE feature a story on

CAMEOS

Photo by Dan Mayers

..and..

Timeless

TOILE

....and glorious..

Hyacinths

Photo and design by Minna Mercke Schmidt

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In "People & Places"

The gorgeous work of porcelain artist Farnaz is sure to seduce you (Farnaz's exquisite creations are available on JANET'S website)

Styling and photo by Sunday Hendrickson

Of course, there is much more to savor in this issue, including the fresh and beautiful redesign of the magazine thanks to our new Art Director GAYLE VAN DYKE'S

creative talents

Thank you Gayle. Working with you has been such a treat!

Ok my friends, thanks for reading and ....a bientot!!

Have a lovely weekend (maybe you can snuggle up with a good book---hint..hint..hint...)