The finished product – ready for the weekend:

Well we did say that we would report back on the results of our Christening cake efforts – so here we go ………

The morning arrived, the madeira cake which had been baked last week as you know had been taken out of the freezer last night so it was nicely defrosted. The butter for the butter cream filling was nicely at room temperature, the toppers and side plaques were all made and set for application so we set forth ……

Progress photo 1

Cakes nicely filled with strawberry jam and vanilla butter cream and covered with sugar paste.  I’ve not really done this style before (ie one cake sitting on the other) but was reliably informed that plastic dowels were required to fortify.  Cut to the appropriate length they were put into the bottom cake (not sure I am used to cake decorating with a junior hacksaw as a tool) and the top tier was tentatively lowered into place.  No sinking occurred so I assume that all is well!

Progress photo 2

Rather than traditional ribbon and piped edges we had opted for twisted rope edging, incorporating the two colours of the design.  Far harder than it first appeared –

oh dear, several attempts later ………

Progress photo 3

Finally success with the rope allowed us to get to this stage

Finished product

With toppers applied and the children’s name plaques suitable fixed to the sides of the top tier we were finished.

Let us know what you think……?

We are keeping our fingers crossed that sugar paste bears and balloons travel well!

We are really looking forward to the weekend – despite the fact that my brother has now decided that it would be a good idea

if I made a speech …………….

Focusing on the benefits we bring to our clients ……..

We’ve been back in the UK for the last few days and whilst we weren’t really looking forward to making the trip and breaking the exciting development of our life in France we have really enjoyed our time so far.

There are lots of things to look forward to while we are here over the next two weeks, with highlights including a trip to London to see our best friend Viv and of course becoming proud God Parents to Jack, Lara and Rory at their christening in Nottingham at the end of the month. In fact, as we speak, there is the bottom tier of a christening cake in the oven, (our contribution to the day’s festivities) the design is planned we just hope we can pull it off and of course we will report on the result!!!

The main reason for our extended stay was to join the annual conference held by French Entrée in Bath for the network of French property finders that we belong to.  It is far too infrequently that we all get together and the opportunity to meet, discuss the current market, marketing activities and the incredible innovations that French Entrée have in store for its subscribers over the next 12 months, was really worthwhile.  What we don’t know about ‘google adwords campaigns’ and client relationship management systems is not worth knowing.

What is always the most satisfying part of the annual conference however is not the development of new communication and marketing systems or even the very jolly pre-conference dinner but exchanging stories of what we have been able to achieve for our clients.  The delivery of holiday or permanent home ‘dreams’, the negotiation of exceptional price reductions the successful completion of purchase transactions and the smooth installation of our clients into their properties is what it is all about.

We love our life in France and we get real satisfaction from helping our clients achieve their own French property dreams.  If we are in a position to help you then just let us know ………

Un vie de repos!

Although ‘Good Friday’ is not generally a National holiday here in St Malo everyone is certainly gearing up for the long Easter weekend – the start of the season. 

Hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops are preparing themselves for what will hopefully be the busiest weekend of the year so far and the street terraces, removed for winter, are back in place. The Mairie and his team have done us proud with jetwashed streets and pavements and the freshly planted displays of spring flowers that seem to be just everywhere.

This is an important weekend for the town -and having visited most of the hotels this week delivering stocks of brochures for Brittany Gems, expectations are high.  If the number of GB plate cars arriving on the ferry this morning is anything to go by business should be booming!

There will of course be plenty of time for relaxation and socialising though, both national pastimes enjoyed by everyone including the pets owned by many of the ‘commercants’ of the town.

Meet Yuton, one of the most handsome (don’t tell Alfie) and placid dogs that we know, regularly known to enjoy his ‘vie de repos’ after a strenuous day of being a dog at his owners bar and hotel ‘L’Atalys’ on the appropriately named ‘rue de Pie qui Boites’ – street of the drinking magpie!

Happy Easter to everyone – enjoy the longweekend and take the opportunity for a little ‘vie de repos’

Community spirit – working together to get things done .......

The last couple of mornings have been a little difficult with aching limbs, stiff muscles and uncomfortable movement!

No we haven’t taken up a gym membership again – perish the thought – but instead made a rash offer to help our neighbour who lived in the 5th floor appartment of our block move to her new abode intra muros.  The new apartment was a mere 3 minute walk away and vans had been arranged but the 5th floor – AND NO LIFT – Quelle Horreur!

This is one of the things we love about living here though.  An appeal had gone out to the community a few weeks before and at the alotted hour 9am (9am on a Saturday morning) a grand total of 15 strapping folk arrived to get the job done.  The spirit that ensued during the mornings labours seemed to help us all make light work of the 10 flights of narrow stairs both up and down not to mention the regular cans of chilled beer and bottled cider that were being provided – and we soon gathered that there was also a promise of lunch!

Whilst the navigation of the stairs was arduous and difficult with certain pieces of furniture causing some interesting problems the old appartment was soon emptied.  The new appartment was on the first floor and newly renovated in a block with wide staircases and large doors so the installation of our neighbour was much easier but with everyone working together the whole job was complete by 1pm.

As the last few boxes were delivered to the new appartment there was serious counting of heads and making of phone calls which we later understood to be the arrangements for lunch.  Now we might have expected a vast supply of sandwiches for the numbers involved but no not here in France.  With the door securely locked we were all directed to the appartment of the cousin of our neighbour who had spent the morning preparing a delicious lunch (the counting of heads being required to decide the number of chairs to be borrowed from other neighbours).

What transpired was a very jolly and convivial 3 hour lunch of excellent pate, cornichons and salads, the most delicious slow braised chicken with a bacon and herb sauce, cheese and fuit and several boxes of both red and white wine.

Of course once the wine had worn off the aching started but we were really happy to help and to be involved in such a commuinty spirited day.

We think we have secured our place in the community here and built some strong connections with people we hadn’t known before and we wish Marie-Annick every happiness in her new home

but please ..........

........ someone pass the deep heat!!!!!