L’Amour-Love

Will My Husband Ever Be a "Very Happy Man"?

Pascal's favorite movie is a French film entitled Alexandre le Bienheureux (Alexandre, The Very Happy Man). It's about a hen-pecked, over-worked husband whose life takes a turn for the better when his nagging wife and her dour parents are all simultaneously killed in a car crash. At last, Alexandre will be left in peace!

His first act as a widower is to set all of the farm animals free. Then, in a stroke of ingenious laziness, Alexander designs a system of pulleys over his bed so that he can remain there "forever". True to his intention, Alexander stays in bed for weeks, 24/7: sleeping; eating cheese, bread and sausage; drinking wine; and playing his tuba. His little dog takes care of the shopping, trotting between the farm and the village market with a basket in this mouth to carry the provisions he "buys" from the local shopkeepers. The other village men folk become insanely jealous until a woman woos Alexandre out of bed and back to the altar. But Alexandre quickly "returns to his senses"; the movie ends shortly after he flees the church as a runaway groom.

Now as his wife, I suppose I should be highly insulted that this film brings him such delight. But, I don't really mind. In fact, I have this secret plan of one day finding a team of workers to create his own temporary over-the-bed pulley system for sausage, cheese, and wine. I'll present it to him as a surprise gift and leave him to a long weekend of being "bienheureux". As for me, I'll play the role of the little dog and head off on an extended shopping spree. The way I see it, we'll both be very happy indeed.

Decorating for Le Petit Prince

This weekend, Pascal and I spent a fun morning with our sister-in-law, Cara, choosing fabric swatches and paint colors. We're helping with the decoration of our little nephew's first bedroom. I get to play "decorator"; Pascal gets to paint. 

The nursery, based on a "vintage cars" theme is going to be adorable — red-and-blue-striped ticking, ginghams, dark navy denim and a yellow Madras plaid.  So far, we've stayed on budget, but there are so many cute baby things to be had, it's easy to get carried away.  

For example, our little nephew-to-be already owns his first car, a VW pedal car my brother found on Ebay. It may have felt like a splurge, but it was a huge bargain compared to these luxury items featured on PoshTots.com. The site features toys, furniture and décor for children with silver spoons in their mouths. You can buy a pirate playhouse, a shoe armoire, or a covered wagon bed - just $52,000, $49,000 and $13,995 respectively! As for cars, there is a veritable lot to choose from; test drive the kid-sized BMW at $8,000 or think big with a Mini Off Roader priced at just $32,350.00. The site is a fabulous source of inspiration for our little prince, but rest assured that we'll be creating his royal kingdom on a pauper's budget.

Lillie and Luna

Last week, I got a call from a recent college grad named Michael Luna. He discovered my singing telegram service while surfing the internet and wanted me to perform a singing telegram for his girlfriend who is leaving the country soon. She's going to spend a year teaching English in Spain, and he was looking for the perfect send-off. Sadly, Michael hadn't called soon enough. I was already booked for the entire weekend. We simply could not find a time that worked for their schedule and mine. But this sweet, endearing young man refused to give up. He thought it over for a day and then called me back with a most unusual proposal. He wanted me to go ahead and write a singing telegram that he could perform himself. "Do you sing?", I asked.  "No", he replied, "but I'll try".

I couldn't resist Michael's determined, romantic efforts, so I agreed to help him out. I had a few challenges. First, I had to come up with a song that had an easy-to-sing melody for Michael. Second, I had to write lyrics with a delicate message. It was clear to me that our young Mr. Luna is head over heels for his "Lillie", but their relationship is not at the L-word stage. He wanted a heartfelt song that conveyed his emotions, but I couldn't get too mushy or say things like...ahem...I heart you. "Can you say you're going to miss her?", I asked. "Well", he replied, "As silly as it sounds, I actually will miss her a lot". I assured him that it did not sound silly at all. He completed the questionnaire I send out to those who order a singing telegram, and his answers were adorable:

Questionnaire:  Does the singing telegram recipient have a significant other, and if so what is their status (i.e. married, dating, etc).

Luna's reply:  Dating whenever she is not mad at him for screwing up.

Questionnaire:  Tell us about any comical or embarrassing moments the singing telegram recipient has had:

Luna's reply:  I am not allowed to mention.

Questionnaire:  What things does the singing telegram recipient like best?

Luna's reply:  bright colors (pinks and blues together), rainbow birthday cake with funfetti icing, sea turtles, watching thunderstorms, dancing, singing really loud, Rottweiler puppies, bubble wrap, musicals, large stuffed animals and me, Mike Luna

I also learned that they met at a chocolate shop. He calls her "Lilliedew" and she calls him "Moonpie". Are they cute, or what? I made Michael promise to let me know how it went. He sang to her this weekend, and here's what he said:  "She loved it. She said that she was more surprised that I remembered certain dates and things since I have not always been the best about that. Charlene I really do want to thank you so much." I can't help but wonder what will happen to these two. Having been a young girl eager to travel the world and easily charmed by foreign accents, there is so much that I am tempted to say. But, I'll limit myself to this: "Moonpie, you're a gem of a guy and Lilliedew, I wish I were you."

Here's the singing telegram that Michael performed to the folk song classic:  Oh, Susanna! 

She's from New Alsace, Indiana
Her name is Kat Lillie
She’s a beautiful red-headed girl
And her age is 23

I met her at Harry's Chocolate Shop
The date was December 3rd
We watched the Ravens and the Patriots
When I watched her, my heart, it stirred

Chorus: 
Oh, my Lilliedew
I'd never be the same
Funfetti cake with rainbow icing, yes
That’s what my life became

I had a dream the other night
We were watchin' waves upon the shore
A storm came along, but I held her tight
I couldn't have asked for more

The thunder clapped like bubble wrap
There were sea turtles all around
She sang and danced in a bright-colored dress
As if my soul she'd found

Chorus:
"You’re more refreshing than a Den Pop

At least - that's what she said - in my dream
'Cause she was wasn't mad at me

Then she disappeared into the sea
I heard Spanish voices all around
I combed the beach for seashells
And picked my heart up off the ground.

Chorus:
My sweet Lillidew
Oh, how I'll miss you so
But, I'll be waitin' here to kiss you, dear,
I just wanted to let you know

Oh, Kat Lillie, don’t forget your ol' Moonpie
If you get lonely, then just sing this song
'Cause I'll always be close by

Why We Love Our Customers: Reason # 149

#149:  You send us great mail! 

Thank Heaven, For Little Dogs

This week, the South 'n France poster dog, Copper, went to heaven. Copper (Le Chien Francais) was the grand prize winner in our Poodle and Puppy Parade in last year's Bastille Day Celebration.

Copper had spunk and great taste. He wisely adopted his loving owner, Elizabeth, by following her through the streets of San Diego.  Elizabeth dubbed him "the miracle dog" because this sweet rescue pup survived a lot in his lifetime, which was no small miracle. He started life in a San Diego drug den where he was beaten and abused; later he broke his back after falling off a grooming table at PetSmart. Copper endured three surgeries and two months in the hospital as a result of that fall. In the end, though, he succumbed to advanced kidney disease. Because we're a food-making establishment, pets are not allowed at South 'n France, but Pascal and I got to visit Copper often in his own happy home. He was a sweet and gentle dog, and we will miss him. Of course, we're sure that Copper is delighted to be reunited with his good friend, Bud. In her eulogy to this amazing dog, Elizabeth summed it up with this quote:

No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.  
-Louis Sabin

Ten Things That Make Me Happy

I was browsing through a shopping magazine the other day, when I came across a page that profiled some style icon who was asked to list ten everyday things that make her happy. Her lifestyle is so far removed from mine that I don't remember anything on the list except Chanel ballerina flats that retail for about $675.

I do remember thinking that my list of ten everyday things that make me happy would be much different (which is probably one of the reasons why I will never be featured in national style columns. Another reason is undoubtedly my penchant for wearing giant pink cake hats and Bon Bon Queen outfits with marabou buttons!). Still, I hope that something on my own "happy everyday things list: will make you happy too:

It’s a Boy!

Bon Bon Bellies

Zachary. Nou. Caiden or Carter. Those are just a few names of the sweet little babies who are joining the South 'n France "family". It's baby mania here in Candyland; while Pascal and I are busy cranking out chocolate bon bons, our friends, co-workers and relatives have all had their own little "bon bons" in the oven. That's what inspired this photo from our most recent product photo shoot: Bon Bon Baby. Isn't the stroller the cutest?

But check out those little shoes. They belong to Lori and Steve's new addition, Zachary. He was so eager to join the world, he came six weeks early, weighing in at just 4 lbs 10 oz (or 74 bon bons). Zachary and Mom are both doing fine.

And, meet Nou. She's still hanging out in the belly of her Mommy, Tess (isn't that the cutest tummy?), but she'll be here soon.  I especially love this photo of Tess and Nou because it's such a perfect example of our relationship to Tess. You see, Tess is our "invisible" virtual assistant. She and her husband, Hamid, do amazing work on our website and blog, but no one ever sees them - including us. During the time they've been with South 'n France, this couple has lived in India, Nepal, Arizona, and Washington. We've never met them in person, but we communicate daily and they are a huge part of our work family. Much like giving birth, they perform mysterious miracles for our company (like creating an online shopping cart) from miles away.  We bought "My Mom Rocks" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" onesies for Nou because that's exactly how we feel about her amazing parents. We know she will agree.

Meanwhile, here at home, we're planning for the first Dupray-family grandchild from our generation. My brother and sister-in-law have the all-important find-out-the-sex ultrasound in just one week. We're all anxiously awaiting the results. I get the honor of decorating the nursery, and I must say that shopping for real babies is even more fun than shopping for bon bons! I can't wait to be "Auntie Charlene"!

Oh, Say Can You Sing?

Like many Americans, my heart swells and my eyes tear when I hear a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. On low days, Ive been known to visit YouTube.com to listen to past Super Bowl performances for a quick dose of inspiration. I was in awe of performances by Whitney Houston



and Jordan Sparks



until a friend, who knows someone who worked in television at the Super Bowl, confirmed that these performances are lip-synched versions of pre-recorded renditions.

So this July 4th, I'm listening to a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner that I know is real. It is sung by an adorable group of young Southern crooners, The Cactus Cuties. It's definitely worth a listen:



Today, we'll celebrate the holiday South 'n France-style - first, by making crepes at a Grapes & Crepes Party with a bride who gets married tomorrow; then, by walking down to the Riverfront to enjoy our spectacular local fireworks with citizens from our community.  After all, "independence" is the same word in both French and English. So from both of us: Happy Independence Day!

A Necklace of Bon Bons