Yoomi Yoomi (Yummy Yummy)

"I can confirm with 100% certainty that no one, and I mean NO ONE, can create patisserie like the French," ME.

Last Thursday afternoon, Matt and I decided to visit the little village of Poitiers and see what Christmas festivities were about.  Much to our delight, we came across Mathieu's favourite little patisserie shop.  Inside were enough mouthwatering macaroons, cakes, patisserie and homemade chocolates to make any girl's toes curls.  For me, this was paradise.  Anyone who knows me, knows what a sweet tooth I have and what a treat this was!  

We spent the afternoon feasting on raspberry macaroons and pain au chocolat but the winner for me, was the mini raspberry, milk and white chocolate mousse cakes that we ate for dessert that evening.  The only words for this little cake from heaven is "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh"...  I literally said, "oh my goodness," after the first bite.

It is said that there are those of us who eat to live and other who live to eat, you can guess which category I subscribe to.

Au revoir!

Songbird Selah Sue

There's not much in the world that makes my heart grow more than music.  Yes, it's possibly a cliche that you have heard (in this case read) before but in my case, I "pinky swear" that it rings loud and clear.

Another advantage to living abroad, or anywhere other than your native hometown, is that you are exposed to artists that you might never normally come across.  For myself, one such artist is Selah Sue, a young Belgian songstress.  Her musical influences, I am proud to say, parallel mine: Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, M.I.A, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley. 

If I ever had the guts to sit down quietly and compose some music myself, I would definitely rate Selah Sue, as one of my greatest influences.  Her amalgamations of jazz, reggae, hip-hop, soul-funk and electro are enough to blow even the slightest music fans mind.

Take a minute to indulge and explore the magic of her music, enjoy!

J'aime châteaux français (I Love French Castles)

Well, this is my first post from France!  Whist I cannot confess to being a Frenchwoman just yet, I can finally say that I am beginning to warm to the French culture, customs and FREEZING cold winter weather.

This past Sunday, I took a short 2km walk and discovered a modern day castle, Salmandiere.  And I think that is the beauty of living in a foreign country, discovering "things" that you wouldn't ordinarily come across in your home town.

The State of Vienne, France has been voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful areas in the World.  Let's see what other beautiful worldly goods I come across...

mon plus vieil amour/ my oldest love

I see it only fitting for my first blog to pay homage to my oldest, dearest love and my inspiration for creating my blog- my Granny Noela!

It was part Granny part Granny's Cupboard that tickled my creative bone and encouraged me to write about the things that I love, whether they are material or immaterial, because the things that we love shape who we are and who we are destined to become.

So thank you Gaga for the gift of your love to me, I only hope that from this love, more love sprung forth.

xo