Monday, May 31, 2010

fifi-fied!



Have you ever wondered what a room in your home would look like if it was styled for a magazine? Well, this dream was recently realized for me when editor Francoise O'Neill (better known as Fifi) visited me with photographer Dan Mayers.



This visit, which was part of Fifi's photo shoot schedule along the East Coast was actually months in the making.



It all began with my contacting Fifi with a story idea back in January.



After months of correspondence, projects and photos, Fifi shared the exciting news that she would be coming to take photos of my home for Cottage Style magazine. I am not shy about telling you that I jumped up and down, after all, I had just blogged about how Cottage Style inspired my bedroom re-do.



Thrilled but nervous I put together a lengthy to-do list of projects to tackle before Fifi's arrival (just days away). Always generous and sweet, Fifi reassured me that I shouldn't be nervous, that we would have fun, that my house was charming, that she's just one of the girls.



Well, I was nervous until Fifi and Dan arrived and then I relaxed because both of them are so down-to-earth and friendly. At times it all felt so surreal. Moments like: Fifi in my car; Fifi at my market; the three of us having lunch at my local Panera. Sometimes I would touch Fifi's arm and say, "Fifi is at my house!"



Dan was also super cool and fun to spend the day with. We chatted about raising kids and 80s punk rock. It was lovely to witness how Dan would just wash the room in light.

How often do you read "punk rock" and "lovely" in the same paragraph?



Years ago I had worked on film shoots in various capacities. How fun it was for me to now be the subject and location. Surreal.



It was a completely amazing experience.



Thank you so much to Dan for photos I just know must be beautiful.



Thank you so very much to Fifi, who is lovely inside and out. She is inspiring, encouraging, generous, dynamic and easy-going!

Can you imagine needing to say the following to Fifi?
Please use the brick to keep the back door closed.
• Sorry about the crumbs and toys in the backseat.
• Watch your step in the basement.

Well, I had to say 'em all and Fifi did not bat an eye. Now that's fabulous!


The current issue of Fifi's magazine.

I'll be sure to keep you posted when "my" issue hits newsstands.

Thanks for indulging me through this long post!

xo
elyse

101 comments:

It's me said...

Wauwwwww...your home is famous now !!! ..congratulations...........happy week !! enjoy ...hugs from Ria

Cindy said...

I will spend the extra money to purchase this magazine with ..you and your home in it!! Yeah for you!!

Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

rdyer0102 said...

oh my gawd....so exciting! can you come to my house and "do a room" for me? i'll do whatever you tell me to do! a girly, sweet room, just for me!

WinnibriggsHouse said...

What a great post. No wonder you were thrilled, and yes your home looks beautiful!

janeen said...

Congratulations! Love the pictures. Can't wait to get the magazine!!

Free Pretty Things For You said...

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!I AM JUMMPING UP AND DOWN WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!I CANT STOP SMILING!!! LOL

All things nice... said...

Wow your house is amazing!!! So pretty, when I was the image first I thought it was a dolls house it is so perfect :)You are one lucky lady to live there!

All things nice...

Sandi said...

OH my goodness Elyse!! CONGRATS to you!! You must have been in pure heaven that day!! Me... I would be just too nervous!! LOL
Can't wait to see your spread!!
Blessings~

Claudia said...

Ah, you finally got to post about your Fifi adventure. You know how thrilled I am for you! Congratuations!
xo
Claudia

Karen said...

OH MY GOSH! ELYSE! I am so excited for you!
THAT IS AWESOME!
Wow. I mean like . . . WOW! That is so cool!
I can't wait to see "your" issue!
WAAAHHHHHHHHH :( sniff.
it makes me want a cottage house SO BAD!!!!
Congratulations my Dear! Ya done good!
:) Hugs! Karen

beachvintage.com said...

Oh my, this is just the best news, and thanks for the insider look at the shoot. you are so lucky!

Diane Mars said...

Beautiful, and it couldn't happen to a more lovely girl!
Congratulations. Cannot wait to see it published! Hugs, Diane

Angie Acapella said...

Oh Elyse! I'm just so THRILLED for you! And everything looked sooo beautiful!

Cottage Rose said...

Wow how exciting,,,,, I can't wait to get it when it comes out.... Fifi sounds like a wonderful lady.. you have a beautiful home by the way.. if I was lucky enough to have that happen to me,,,,, I would be telling the news papers...lol,,,, enjoy,,, and have a great week.

Hugs;
Alaura

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh Elyse, I'm so happy for you! You all look so comfortable together. Your home is adorable, has your signature "tinkered treasures" mark everywhere. And I can't wait for the magazine to come out!
Brenda

Jane said...

How wonderful! I cannot wait to see the issue with your home.So happy for you....

Jane (artfully graced)

Home and Heart said...

Oh how fun is that???!! Your home is soft and feminine, yet looks totally comfy. I haven't been able to find Cottage Style for a long time. So it's also great news!!

Unknown said...

How very very exciting! I dream of having Fifi at my house...I live in a cabin though so not so sure about that....Oh I am just so envious!
xoxo
Diane

Kateyed said...

Congratulations! That is just a thrill! I can't believe what you said to Fifi...that is...what you felt comfortable enough to say. Your house looks so yummy. Honestly, I thought those were their pictures!

Anonymous said...

That is so wonderful for you! I'm glad to hear she is so down to earth! It takes a special person to make other people feel comfortable around you in that kind of situation. I've been reading your blog for a while and I think you are so talented and I love the colours in your home and art. I hope to finish my home someday as well.

Cheers!

Blessed Serendipity said...

How wonderful that your home will be featured in cottage style. I love that magazine! So happy 4 U!
-Danielle

Bethany said...

Holy Moly Elyse!!!!!
This is so exciting and your post was so fun. Fifi fifi fifi!!!!!!!
How dreamy for you.
I bet they both had just as much fun as you did.
Everything looks so amazing.
I want to come to that party!!!!
Congrats.

Prudence said...

how exciting! I will be watching for that issue. beautiful home.

Wendy said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you. Your home is so inspiring and so very beautiful!! Hip Hip Hurray!
Wendy

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

WOW! So Exciting and Fun!!! I cannot imagine...

aimee said...

i am so E X C I T E D for you! you look so beautiful! i cant wait to go and buy a copy of the magazine :) immmmm so EXCITED!!!!!
blessings,
aimee

debi said...

Oh, Elyse! I'm just squealing with excitement for you! Wow! What an awesome experience. I can't wait to see your issue!

stefanie said...

oh, my goodness....how exciting and nervous and happy and I would have the worst stomach ache ever!!!!! I cannot wait to see it in a magazine...oh, I am just soooo excited for you!

Theresa said...

OMG Elyse, are you kidding me? I am sooooo excited for you and CAN'T wait to see MY friend in this magazine! I know it will be wonderful AS ARE YOU! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Katy Noelle said...

Eeeeeeeeek! Absolutely Amaaaaaazing!!!! I am so excited and happy for you! wow.

Your house is adorable, like, like, .......like a MAGAZINE! What a dream. Congratulations!

Love, katy xxo

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

How majorly exciting! I can't wait to see your magazine. I would be pinching myself too! I love your home and I can't to see it all spiffified! (Know that's not a real word but it sure felt appropriate.)

Scrap for Joy said...

Are you kidding...indulging you? Thanks for the treat of seeing all of these wonderous staging pictures! The first picture of your dining room with the pink lemonade and watermelon on the plates looks like a Janet Hill painting http://janethillstudio.com/blog/
I will be anxiously waiting for this issue to come out! Is it published quarterly?
I don't recall seeing pictures of your livingroom before. I could be asleep fast on either of your sofas..what a warm and welcoming room, as is the rest of your nest. This was a great post Elyse!
xoxo
Joyce

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

awww Elyse, I am jumping up & down with you too! congrats girl! you are famous now! I can't hardly wait to see the mag!!! oh you go girl!

Deb said...

I am so excited for you and can hardly wait for the magazine! Your home is just beautiful! How exciting to have Fifi in your home, congrats to you!!!! ~deb~

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

That is very AWESOME and Congrat's to You!
Deb :)

cherry said...

Congrats and well deserved! Your home is gorgeous! Cherry

Angela said...

How exciting!! Everthing looks fantasic...I can't wait to see the magazine layout.

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

CONGRATS! How absolutely wonderful for you and so exciting for us to be able to follow along! Everything looks wonderful, no wonder she wanted to come and photograph your home, you're so clever! I can't wait to see the layout from your home...Elyse, you must be so happy!
;-)
Joni

koralee said...

Happy dance my friend...I can see why your home just had to be in Fifi's magazine..so amazingly lovely..Please let me know when it come out...I will be running to get a copy. Hugs for a happy week..can it get any better? xoxoxo

{oc cottage} said...

OK...was it better than the dream of being on "Zoom" when you were 11? Ha!
You {punk} rock star, you!!! Woohoo!

m ^..^

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Oh my goodness! How exiting!!! Congratulations!! Your home looks so pretty and charming and cozy, too!
Michelle

Jill said...

FIFI?!? THE Fifi?! Wow- what an honor it must have been to collaborate with her! I can't wait to see "your" issue-- I just love your home. I know Fifi will do you proud!
Hugs,
Jill

Anonymous said...

Indulging you??? I am ecstatic with joy for you!! This is every blogger's dream come true and I am so happy for you sweet Elyse!!

Your home looks picture perfect!! I can imagine how fun this was and wish I could have been a little mouse in the house watching it all!!

Can't wait to see you in the magazine (and I thought seeing your little french drawers -the match books silly- not your underwear!) was so fun!

bee blessed
mary

Mercedes Spencer @ Liberty Biberty said...

How unbelieveably fantastic Elyse!
I love Fifi, you lucky thing!
Your house looks awesome!
Mercedes

Lori said...

Elyse, how exciting for you!!! congratulations girlie, i know you have to be so thrilled:)

Jen Kershner said...

Girl! I'm.so.excited.for.you. Really and truly! What a much deserved honor for a fantastic girly! I can't wait to see the pictures.

Natasha Burns said...

OMG!!!!! You own the ROCKSTAR rights, and don't argue!
I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!!!
How cool to meet Fifi and have her Fifify your home! I bet she is fabulous when you meet her.
I've actually been lucky enough to have met Dan - he's so cool and his photography is fantastic. I didn't know we were going to meet up with him in Soho that day - but if I had, I probably would've been super nervous meeting someone as accomplished as him too! You're so right, he's so down to earth.
I'm so happy for you Elyse!!! Your gorgeous home deserves to be featured - how about a book?~ xo

Sewn With Grace said...

Congratulations! So very fun!

fairiemoon said...

Congratulations! This is such an amazing opportunity. I think it would cause me to have a stroke if someone were coming to photograph my house!!! I'd like it to look like a magazine without being in one...unfortunately, it does neither.

What fun! I can't wait for the mag!

Erin :)

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

I feel your excitement for you, I have butterflies in my stomach just reading your post, lol !!
Congrats, you deserve it, your home looks amazing (;
Hugs~Kelly

Cathy said...

Elyse,

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. This is so exciting. I bet you were so excited to have the photo "crew" at your home.

These photos are 2DIE4 and I can't wait to see your magazine spread.

Congratulations girlfriend.

xo Cathy

Alison said...

Congrats! How fun! Can't wait to see it in the magazine.

Cassandra said...

Oh my goodness! This is so exciting! I am so so happy for you! I will have to be sure to check that issue out! xox Cassadnra

Jeanne said...

Hi Elyse! What exciting news this is. You are becoming a "regular" in all these magazines lately. What fun! Congratulations and I look forward to this issue coming out!
xo
jeanne

Sherry from Alabama said...

Oh, how exciting! I know you can't wait to see your beautiful home show up in the magazine. I'll keep checking back for your announcement of which issue it will be in. I don't want to miss that. Congratulations!

Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

Erin said...

How exciting. Congrats.

Anonymous said...

Like I said earlier, Elyse, you are on a roll! Congratulations!!!
Z

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Wow! How exciting! I can't wait to see it in the magazine. Congratulations! laurie

Kim-Fille de Fleur said...

WOW!!!! Elyse I thought your surprise was going to be something like this but did not know it would be that fun! I love that it was styled, when they (RH) did my house it was as is and I thought they were going to style it, I would have done it if I had known.

Your home just looks so inviting and clean, and cheerful, and pretty, and fun, and cute, and I really, really love it!
I am so happy for you friend and I can not wait for your issue. I may buy several and hand them out to friends, and say I knew you when.....
Kim

Kim said...

Oh my goodness, that is so exciting!! I can't wait to see the layout. I know that it will be beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Oh i am so happy for you and this wonderful adventure you've been on! your home is gorgeous, so sweet, soft and pretty...and I'm sure it photographed wonderfully for the magazine!

i'll keep an eye out for your spread!
this is exciting with a capital WOW!

come by for a spot of tea and we'll celebrate together! hehe

ciao bella
happy tuesday!
creative carmelina

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Hi Elyse
Just popped by to say thank you for your lovely comment on my blog, but I have to confess 'my retreat' is the summer house at the bottom of my garden. A place to escape with a bottle of wine on a warm afternoon (not that we're getting many of those at the moment). In the process of its tidy up I will reveal the inside in a month or so!
Jenny x

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Hello Tinker~ It was so fun to talk to you last week. I am thrilled by your news! Is that one of the vintage bottles I sent to you in the picture? I love the new picture of you on your blog. It reminds me of Kathleen Kelly! MmmHmm, pearls and all!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

"The cat is out of the bag"! A little screaming is going on at my house! I am so excitied for you darling Elyse! Your cottage looks amazing and I cannot wait to see it in print! You worked hard and now you will reap the blessings!

So happy for you, and Jeff and the boys!

Love,
Maryjane

maría cecilia said...

So happy for you and for all the people who will see your so beautiful home in Cottage S. magazine!!!! If I could have access to that magazine I will keep mine forever and would tell all my friends, "see this woman, I know her, she has left me comments on my blog..."
Lots of hugs to you, Elyse,
Maria Cecilia

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

How amazing wonderful!!!!! I am so thrilled for you! I have always wanted to meet Fifi in person...someday perhaps I will.

Your home is so sweet and I know the article is going to be fabulous!
Hugs,
Penny

Melinda said...

Congratulations!


Melinda

Jessica Rodarte said...

Oh my gosh! Congratulations! Please do let us know when the issue comes out so I can pick it up! :)
You really are one of the nicest bloggers out there. I'm glad we have become bloggy friends.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Congratulations! I am so excited for you! I will be looking for that issue when it comes out. I am very happy for you. Have a great week! Twyla

Rustique Gal said...

Lucky you, Elyse! Or I should say Smart You! You instigated the idea and made it happen. This is what I need to remember. The good things can happen if I take the steps! I can't wait to see 'your' issue!
Sherry

Sky said...

Oh my goodness! This is soooooo awesome! Congrats Elyse! I would absolutely die if I was able to work with Fifi in this capacity. Your cottage is lovely and I'm sure the mag spread will be fab. Have a wonderful day :) Don't forget to keep in touch with what issue it will be in. I have you latest mag with your crafties in it.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Wow! Now that is fun. Congratulations. I hope I can get the issue when I am in the States this summer. Best wishes, Tammy

Anonymous said...

You know, Elyse, I already left a comment, but hey, this is reallyREALLYbig, and I was thinking of you this morning, so I'm leaving another comment. :)

If blogs were ice cream, yours would be the one with extra sprinkles! So, congratulations again, sweet Elyse! I am so very happy for you!

Hugs,
Zuzu

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Get out of here!!!!!!

I had a feeling that the sweet Miss Fifi was coming to town! This is so totally rad and way cool, missy! I'dve bit down my fingernails to the nubbins - for sure!

Your home looks fabulous with all of the special touches. You have been so hard at work. Now sit back and savor the fame! You soooooo deserve it.

Cannot wait to see you in print - AGAIN!!!!

Can I get your autograph, please? You are a total rock star design and cottage diva!!!

love,
becky

The Pottering Artist said...

delightful, enchanting and dreamy - what a satisfying post. I love this look and all it conjures up to the imagination. Alison

Janet said...

I'll be looking for this magazine Elyse! Congrats to you. You've made your home so beautiful! :)

shabbyfufu said...

Well hello to you Ms famous rock star! Hey, I know those two....aren't they the BEST?! Congrats to you Elyse, well done*-* Janet

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

CONGRATS!!!!!! How exciting!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

OMG, OMG Elyse how amazing is this? OMG. Your home looks so lovely, I can only imagine what it is going to look like in that magazine. Your job was a foreshadowing of what was to come into your own life. I love those blue oversized chairs, by the way, and how all those daisies look perfect in your home. I can't wait to get this magazine. I was just looking through old copies last night...looking for inspiration how to create a pretty ad on my etsy.

Well, congratulations Elyse...I have a feeling it's only the beginning of grand things to come!

Karen

Anonymous said...

Now that I'm in a bigger town, I'll probably be able to find the issue! Congrats again! ♥

Little Pink Studio said...

Wow! Congrats Elyse, that is fantastic news!!
Cerri xoxo

Pocketful of Patterns said...

WOW - what a beautiful home you have; so pretty and feminine...love it!

Julie Ann said...

That is so awesome, Elyse!!! Your home is going to look brilliant in the pages of Cottage Style!!! :) Can't wait to see the issue!

My Life Under the Bus said...

Totally AWESOME - I can't wait until it comes out !!!!

rebekka said...

Such a great behind-the-scenes peek, and your home is GORgeous!

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Swooning and a bit envious, Elyse! Yet, you deserve every bit of fame. Meeting Fifi I understand is lots of fun. Sounds like you were star struck, but soon floated down to earth when they arrived. So happy for you! I definitely will buy "your" issue! Working on more pillows and a cupcake tea towel, but no wood signs in the near future.

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

A dream come true! How fabulous...and I can't wait to pick up the magazine.... I'm thrilled for you. Congrats.

Warm hugs,
Spencer

KatCollects said...

I am so very happy for you!!! I can't wait to see the magazine.
Hugs,
Kathy

Nancy said...

Oh, congratulations! I'm so glad you stopped by, and then I stopped by back! I wasn't aware of this magazine. Do hope they carry it in "nowhere" Vermont, but I can always get someone from the real world to send one in! Can't wait to see the special pics from your home.

Beedeebabee said...

Oh my gosh, congratulations!!! I loved every inch of this post! I'm sooo happy for you...your home is just gorgeous! xo

Lynnae said...

I have that current issue....how exciting that soon you will be in one. What an experience. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa said...

Congrats!!!! Can't wait to see your beautiful cottage home in all its FiFi glory.:)

Jeanne Oliver said...

What amazing news! I am thrilled for you!

Anonymous said...

How cool is that? Congratulations! Can't think of a more deserving person!

Nishant said...

What a great post. No wonder you were thrilled, and yes your home looks beautiful!
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Jennifer Hayslip said...

Oooooh Congrats Elyse!!! Im THRILLED for you!!! Aren't Fifi and Dan the BEST!!! So laid back and fun to work with. It really is a surreal moment when they are in your home. I cant WAIT to see your beautiful home grace the pages!!! YIPPEEE!!!!!!! Big hugs! XOXO,Jenn

Betty Jo said...

Congratulations Elyse! Your home is so beautiful and deserves to be in many magazines. I can hardly wait until this issue comes out. I'll be first in line to buy a copy!! ♥

Jennifer said...

This is so great Elyse! I don't know which is more exciting...having Fifi and her crew there or seeing your home in a magazine...either way, congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see it!!!!!!

Victoria Hayden said...

Elyse...How exciting!!! I can't wait to see it in the magazine. I love your home and all the beautiful colors you have in it. So pretty! Happy for you!

Hugs,
Victoria

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

WONDERFUL! Your cottage home is so cozy and charming! Anytime you decide to rent out the extra room aka your office just let me know~I'm in!

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