CHEZ FIFI

A quick "HELLO" before time gets away from me again. As you know I had to deliver the finished manuscript for my book by the end of this month. I actually finished it this weekend so I am coming up for air, though I already had to dive in the next issue of ROMANTIC COUNTRY.

I also want to thank each of you for entering the giveaway. THANK YOU! For those who haven't had a chance to participate, yet, there is still time as it ends September 30.

Many thanks also for taking the time to leave so many lovely comments. They all feel like a warm reassuring hug. XOXOXOXOXO

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If you are going to be in southern California you will want to attend these 2 events. I wish I could go but I will be there in spirit!

Check out: Robyn Wexler's

MAGNOLIA CREEK & Co. ATELIER-

Lots of treasures and a book signing for a beautiful cookbook BALANCED DAYS, BALANCE LIVES

If you want to enjoy the taste of Tuscany you don't have to fly to Italy. Just take a ride to The Lavender Inn in Ojai to attend 

LA PIU BELLA TAVOLA

(The Most Beautiful Table)

and you will will be transported ..........

 

I hope you can treat yourself to both events. If you do make it, sure you have a bite or 2 for me. ENJOY!!

 

 

HOLIDAY IDEAS

It's almost September and we are starting to think about the FALL and WINTER holidays. One lovely way to get into the swing of things is to take part in some great sale events like the ones listed below (PLEASE CHECK WITH INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR MORE INFO. THANKS.)

SHOP THE SHED SALE

 

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NADA FARM BARN SALE

And check out Anne Marie beautiful video about the event

BRIDGETTE OF NADA FARM

 

  

 

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JUNK SALVATION

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BARN HOUSE

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URBAN BARN

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THE MERMAID'S MERCANTILE

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THE FANCY FLEA MARKET

  

CHATEAU DE FLEURS

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GLITTERFEST     

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And here are some decoration ideas...

   

ENJOY!!!!!
 

"BEAUTIFUL TEN" PRE-HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

I know we still have lots of time before the holidays but I also know that if I don't do this 

SPARKLING GIVEAWAY 

now I won't find the time to do it when the season begins.

So, I have gathered TEN beautiful items that I think you will love.

Here is a little collage followed by larger photos and information about entering........

 

The Ballet Slippers:

Since I posted those from POSH ON PALM I have been getting inquiries about purchasing them but the shop isn't selling them right now. BUT, as it turns out I have a pair (which I got there several months ago) so I am including mine in this giveaway. I have added my own rhinestone earrings so they come just as you see them on this photo (I will even include the dried roses...)

 

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PINK GLITTERY PUMPKIN

You might remember that I made the pastel pumpkins a couple of years ago and I am parting with this pretty pink one........

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PALE AQUA ORGANZA CURTAIN TIEBACKS FROM FRANCE

I bought this pair while on a trip back home to France but never used them. They are meant to tie back curtains but they would also look great tied around the back of a chair or to gather the corners of a tablecloth for a special party. The ties are quite long so there is plenty to work with. The color is a very soft aqua.

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ANGEL WING

This delicate wing is made of plaster and has a little hook on the back so it can be hung directly on a wall or with a satin or velvet ribbon........

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CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Just a lovely pearl encrusted ornament to hang on the tree or to add to a gift  with a little note......

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VINTAGE CHRISTMAS STOCKING

This one-of-a-kind stocking was handmade using part of a vintage cardigan for the front and a pale pink silk remnant for the back. It's absolutely GORGEOUS. I added the little pendant but it's just stuck on the cuff and you can remove it if you don't like it.......

and here is a little close up

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This rhinestone "BROOCH" (not really a brooch-- but could be used as one or could be worn as a pendant with a ribbon passed through the loop of the existing one) and the CROSS can also be used to decorate a gift or you can wear it if you tie a ribbon around the upper part (I have done that when I wanted to wear it.)   

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The BLUE  MERCURY HEART

is also a Christmas ornament but can be used anywhere in the house anytime of the year.......

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Last but not least an original

CHANEL 

gold and black ribbon 

about 5 feet long.......

Voila! Now here is what you have to do to enter:

YOU NEED TO DO 2 THINGS:

1: GO TO THE LEFT SIDE OF MY BLOG AND CLICK ON "JOIN THIS SITE"

2: LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST.

That's all! It's easy but remember that you have to complete BOTH steps. The giveaway will end September 30 at midnight so you have plenty of time. Thanks for entering and good luck!  

BY THE WAY: if you like you can copy this little announcement below and put it on your blog. You know it's nice to share. Oui?

Many thanks!

 

 

  

 

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.

 

 

 
   

NEXT ISSUE OF ROMANTIC COUNTRY

While working on the next issue of ROMANTIC COUNTRY I thought you might enjoy a little sneak preview of some of its contents. The issue comes out mid-September and stays on the newsstands until mid-December so it covers Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And it's full of spectacular decorating ideas and easy projects. The nice part about the issue coming out ahead of the holidays is that it gives you plenty of time to get ready for year end CeLeBrATioNs! Not to mention the fact that the projects are all very inexpensive to make, yet FabUloUS- 

I don't know if you have been in craft stores lately (I was in and out of Jo-Anne's and Michael's looking for "stuff", as usual....) but if you haven't you need to go as there is (already!!) plenty of FALL items (on sale) to buy and make your decorations without stressing.

As for CHRISTMAS ideas, why not go back to what you have amassed from previous years and think about new ways to reuse some of the items. But if you are not in the mood to do that just wait until next month and this issue will put you in the right frame of mind.

Here is a little collage of some of the photos you will see. I know it's hard to tell and I am going to add some larger images below. 

 Let's start with a few shots of the 

HALLOWEEN party

The little creatures are the creations of artist Sue Hadden and the photos were taken by Matthew Millman. This is just a tiny sample of the story

 

    

   

Then comes 

THANKSGIVING  

(photos by Michael Scott)

 

...FOLLOWED BY THE CHRISTMAS party

full of decorating ideas.... 

(photos by Rick Szczchewosky) 

 

 

 

   

even a Romantic Christmas house

 (ABOVE PHOTO BY JOHN ELLIS)
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 As always, the issue also features several fabulous homes

   

 

     

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And these two new stunning books (available in September and early October) will make beautiful gifts for the holidays

  

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Also: Don't miss the stories about these creative artists in our 

People & Places section

Crafts guru Kaari Meng (French General)

 

Designer Tracy Porter

Shop maven Debbie Dusenberry (Curious Sofa)

 

 

 

Flea market queen Debi Beard (Mermaid's mercantile)   

 

  

 

  

and last, but not least, Audrey and Vivian Heredia, the mother and daughter team behind the amazing 

McCHARLES HOUSE

 

Though there is a lot more this should give you a nice little glimpse in what's coming up. As soon as I am through with the issue and we have decided on a cover I will post it for you.

Hope you enjoyed the preview..........

A bientot.