Wintry goodness

And Christmas in July

Good afternoon from the middle of winter near the bottom of the world 😊

I hope you’re having a good weekend like I am!

Yesterday I had ladies coffee out with my mum and aunty, their cousin, and her daughter. The usual crowd ❤️

And last night we caught up with Paul’s colleagues to watch rugby at the pub. New Zealand - the All Blacks - versus Ireland.

Sorry Ireland, but it just wasn’t your night.

I know the bare basics about following a rugby game but all of the finer points just go over my head.

Still, it was a warm and cozy evening with friends and a glass of bubbles.

Today is a day to recharge at home after getting some groceries in this morning. I’m outlining a new book idea, recording the final chapters of my ‘Life Is Good’ audiobook, and enjoying a relaxing Sunday.

I’m whizzing through the audiobook recording - up to chapter 22 of 26 now.

Almost there!

I do a little bit each day and it all adds up.

And, I went for my walk this morning after it warmed up a bit.

Let me know what you’re doing this weekend!

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With all the fun Christmas in July content around at the moment, let’s start putting a seed in our mind for a pleasurable experience at the end of the year too, even if we don’t know what our plans are yet.

(I don’t! Except that we’ll be in Hawke’s Bay and not travelling since Paul works for a local winery and it’s their busy time of year).

It’s so fun to dream and plan and make little notes of the kinds of things I want to do, movies to watch, outings to enjoy, and how I want the general vibe of December to be.

Last year was a total wash with my Christmas Eve breast cancer surgery, so I’m all for a more relaxing and normal Christmas this year. For sure!

(Jigsaw on Amazon here).

Since our Christmas falls in summer in New Zealand, I’m looking forward to long, warm evenings relaxing outside.

We even have an inexpensive 32-inch smart tv that we take out onto the patio table for a ‘drive-in’ (‘walk out and sit down’) movie experience.

It’s so fun on a lovely evening to watch a movie outside.

You can read my book ‘A Chic and Simple Christmas’ to create your own bespoke and fabulous plans for a gorgeous Christmas, whether it’s in July or December.

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It’s difficult to make the bed some mornings...

From left to right:

Chloe, 12, keen popcorn fan

Micky, 14, free spirit and gentle boy

Daphne, 10, the most food-focused dog I’ve ever known

Who would I be without these three? I’ll tell you who. I’d be someone who:

🐾 Uses her white linen duvet cover without fear.

🐾 Goes away on holiday without extensive planning for dog accommodation.

🐾 Can wear her newer satin pyjamas without worrying about the fabric snagging.

🐾 Has tons more money because she’s not buying pet food, treats, vet bills, flea treatment and paying for grooming.

🐾 Has a bedroom that doesn’t look like a youth hostel due to all the dog beds in it.

I could go on 😂😂

But really, I love them so much, and the fact that Micky has slowed down a lot this year after two separate little ‘turns’ in the past months makes Paul and I so sad.

We will love and cherish him and his two sisters for as long as we have them ❤️

Please let me know what you would have too if you didn’t have pets! Just jokes but really, tell me 🤣

xx Fiona

PS. I’m tooting my own horn over here: Last week I was a gun adminner getting all my financial filing up to date, and next week I’ll be working on our tax information for the accountant for this year 📊

I love getting things done, and since it’s been many months since I’ve had the energy and motivation to power through, I’m thrilled to be ticking things off my list 😊

Can we just celebrate that??

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