There’s nothing like a great love story.  I enjoy reading the New York Times wedding announcements, even though I’ve never known a single person featured therein.  I even own a book (that I bought long before I was married) called  How We Met: Chance Encounters and Other True Love Stories of Real-Life Couples.  And, of course, there is my own love story with Pascal, one I’ve told to countless audiences at Bon Bon Parties and public speaking events.

Whenever I meet a new couple, I love to ask:  “So, how did you meet?”  Recently, I met a bride-to-be with a really cool love story.  Lorie was on a plane, flying home after her daughter’s wedding, when she struck up a conversation with the man in the seat right next to her.  Little did she know that man would become her husband.  Talk about love in the air!

Lorie was living in Texas at the time, but the charming airline passenger, a resident of California, was undeterred.  A week later, when he traveled to Texas on business, he called Lorie and asked to take her to dinner.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Eventually Lorie moved to California to be closer to her beau (he’s a film producer).  And recently, the couple moved to Wilmington, NC to be near Screen Gem Studios where said producer has a few projects in the works.

Pascal and I were thrilled to be a small part of their wedding celebration.  We provided bon bon favors for the Welcome Baskets placed in hotel rooms for out-of-town guests, and we hosted a Bon Bon Party for the bride and her girlfriends the evening before the wedding.

Here’s a shot of the happy bride (in white) with her two daughters, Ashley (left) and Amanda (right), the one whose wedding started it all….

One thing I love about my husband is that he’s always full of surprises.  He loves to garden.  So while I have authority over our interior spaces, the exterior is all his.  In years past, he has jealously guarded each and every bloom in his garden, insisting that they remain outdoors as a part of his magnificent creation. 

But this year, much to my surprise (and ongoing delight!), he has taken to bringing his blooms inside.

One morning, I arrived at my desk to discover a tiny bud vase of wildflowers and miniature roses, complete with rosemary and mint as green filler.  And, over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying beautiful bouquets of hydrangeas from plants at the far end of the garden (an area where I seldom venture). 

Since mon jardinier (so much more romantic than the English equivalent of ‘gardener’) has taken to this new habit of making my day with fresh floral bouquets, I thought you might like to share in my delight.  I hope you enjoy this photo (a virtual bouquet) that currently graces our entry way. 

Long after the flowers are gone, it will remind me to relish life’s little surprises.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know how much I love to play April Fool’s jokes.  I have managed to execute some great ones in the past.  Last year, the target was my Mom.  The joke was just one part of the many surprises we planned for her 60th birthday celebration.  Just a few days after Mom’s sixtieth birthday, Pascal turned 40. 

He spent the week of his fortieth birthday preparing for my mother’s 60^th  birthday extravaganza and hosting out-of-town guests.  Pascal was saintly—diligently cleaning, cooking, climbing 10-foot ladders, and answering to his wife’s many demands with nary a complaint.  Consequently, for Pascal, the big 4-0 passed with very little fanfare. 

So this year, I wanted to remind him that he is loved and appreciated and, well…one year older!  There was just one catch.  Pascal and I work together 24/7.  I wouldn’t be able to hide setting up for a big party, and the truth was I needed his help.  Eureka!  I had a plan.  His 41st birthday celebration could also double as a great April Fool’s joke.

I told Pascal that I had agreed to host a special party for one of our most loyal customers (whom we also count as a friend).  This meant that he would spend the entire day unknowingly preparing for his own party.  When 6:30 pm arrived, instead of greeting our customer’s guests, Pascal would be met by his friends.

Pascal had no idea I was up to another April Fool’s trick.  Here’s what he looked like when he turned around and saw his buddies standing there instead of our guests:

His first word was an expletive (and no, it wasn’t “Merde!”)  His confusion quickly turned to smiles, especially as he opened a bottle of his favorite cognac, Remy Martin.  He changed out of his chef’s coat and became a guest at his own party.  The theme was 40 + 1, so everybody brought one gag gift to help him celebrate.  The creativity was fantastic.  Some highlights included one French frog, one bottle of French wine, one Slim Jim (his favorite American snack); one gorgeous money tree (a hydrangea in full bloom), and even one job application to a pancake house in Leland (don’t ask!).

Pascal has a very special relationship with Mark, his friend from across the pond.  Mark calls Pascal “Frog”; Pascal calls Mark “Mr. Bean”.  I call this crazy duo “Frog and Bean”:

Since Pascal was having so much fun drinking cognac and visiting with his friends, Millie and I took over in the kitchen, making crepes for everyone.  Millie worked double duty, taking all of the photos, except this one, of course:

Pascal was truly surprised.  He didn’t suspect a thing.  As for me, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and enjoyed a secret satisfaction that I’d succeeded in foiling, fooling and suprising someone I love yet again.  Thanks to all of my co-conspirators who helped to create a memorable evening for our favorite Frenchman!

In the past, we’ve shared several reasons why we love our customers: you send us great mail; you take “tres bon bon” photos; you place creative orders; and you bring us cool stuff!   Well, here’s another reason we haven’t mentioned yet:

#174: You Make Us Giggle (and Gurgle)! 

We are blessed to have a customer who has one of the sunniest dispositions we’ve ever encountered.  Her bright and cherry attitude is matched by a melodious speaking voice and a completely infectious giggle.  Every time she comes to South ‘n France, she elevates our mood!

We were completely thrilled when Jane came to our Easter Open House.  She was our Easter Bunny this year, surprising us with a most unique gift–a GurglePot!  It’s a water pitcher shaped like a fish that gurgles after you pour water, wine, or the beverage of your choice. 

Of course, there is a fabulous French connection.  The creator of the GurglePot, Matt Ellison, tells the story like this:

We tried the pot right away, and the gurgle (listen here) definitely made us giggle!  Later that week, we entertained guests and served iced water to them in the GurglePot.  True to its promise, it was the hit of the evening and a hot topic of conversation.  Everyone enjoyed pouring their own glass of water and then listening for the gurgle.

What we love most about the GurglePot is that the gurgle makes of think of Jane and her fabulous giggle.   Perhaps we should try to invent a GigglePot…..

Locally, look for the GurglePot at Bella Anne in Hampstead, (Phone:  910-270-6371) or A Proper Garden on Anne St. near Elijah’s in downtown Wilmington (Phone 910-763-7177).   At this writing, A Proper Garden has black, chocolate brown, oatmeal, merlot, and mustard colored GurglePots in stock.  And the storekeeper said she’s getting a big shipment of all 16 colors on or before Friday 4/23.

Here’s an easy quiz:  On Valentine’s Day, it is tradition to give:

a.) a greeting card

b.) flowers

c.) chocolates

d.) all of the above

This year South ‘n France has you covered with ”all of the above” and a unique memorable twist.  We have partnered with Bloomers Florist to offer an incredible “one-call-does-it-all” deal for just $150.00. 

Just give us a call (910) 762-6882 and request your preferred delivery date: February 12th, 13th, and 14th.  Dressed in her Bon Bon Queen regalia, Charlene will deliver the following to your sweetie:

• 1 Dozen Gorgeous Pink or Red Roses
• 1 8-piece South ‘n France Hand-Dipped Chocolate Bon Bon Sampler
• 1 Customized Singing Telegram (the twist!)
• 1 Personal Message on a Gift Card
• This package creates an amazing, memorable Valentine’s gift at a price that can’t be beat (it’s a $200+ value!)   Best of all, your sweetie receives a unique, personal, and unforgettable memory to cherish for years to come.

Not into all of that lovey-dovey stuff?  Ask Charlene to sing an anti-Valentine song for your best friend or your single co-workers at the office.  After all, no matter what one’s “status” (attached or otherwise), flowers, music, and bon bons are always appreciated!

Meet Olivia (left) and Bella, two of our youngest clients who hail from the D.C. Metro area. One day, when they’re all grown up, these two young ladies (and their baby sister who is still a bit too young for bon bons) will have the distinction of saying: ”We were raised on the world’s finest chocolate bon bons”.  I imagine the girls uttering this phase very nonchalantly with the hint of a posh British accent, as they come from quite the international background.  Between their parents and grandparents alone, there are first-generation ties to England, Jamaica, Iran, and the United States!

These cosmopolitan young ladies have been eating bon bons as a special treat since they were old enough to say ‘chocolate’. They have quite sophisticated palates, as they are already able to recognize the significant taste difference between cheap, mass-produced chocolate and fine, handmade artisanal bon bons. 

When Olivia walks in the door from school, it has become her habit to request a bon bon! Of course, she always says “May I…?” and “Please!” The girls are lucky enough to have both parents and grandparents who regularly keep their freezers stocked with our delicious treats. Their Mom very kindly snapped this photo of the girls enjoying Cookies ‘n Crème Bon Bons when our last (10-pound!) shipment of bon bons arrived just before the holidays. As the girls unwrapped the foils that cover their beloved bon bons, Olivia exclaimed: ”Mom, it’s just like opening a present!”

We couldn’t have said it any better. This Valentine’s Day, give your sugar, your baby, and even your sugar babies an entire heart (or tin) full of bon bon presents to unwrap. Whether they’re 6 or 60, cosmopolitan or “country”, they’ll be sure to appreciate your very good taste!

So far, the highlight of our bon bon-selling season has been getting to know one of our younger customers a little bit better. Her name is Aimee (which is French for loved or beloved), a name that suits her well. I am completely smitten with this intelligent, charming, and sweet young lady. Read her interview below, and you’ll see why!

Aimee first tasted our bon bons at the Wilmington Chocolate Festival this past year. When it came to time to make her Christmas wish list, Aimee said that she wanted just two things: bon bons and a jump rope! Does that melt your heart, or what? Her Mom decided that she didn’t need to wait for the bon bons, and brought her to South ‘n France to buy some just before Thanksgiving.  Pascal and I had a few minutes to chat with Aimee about her interests (which include cooking and reading – I told you I love this girl!). At the time she was reading Charles Dickens. I asked if she had read Little Women yet. She hadn’t, so I highly recommended the book, which I read at her age. I’m thrilled to see that she has added it to her reading list. Here’s more from an online follow-up interview with Aimee Waldrep:

How old are you?
I am eleven years old, twelve in March.

What grade are you in?
I am in the 6th grade and being home-schooled.

What do you like about South ‘n France Bon Bons?
The chocolate is very rich and they melt in your mouth.

What is your favorite flavor?
So far, I have only tried the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, but the others look good.

How do you eat them?
I kind of nibble on them. I take about half of one and savor the flavor, then eat the other half. They last me about a month, sometimes two.

What did you put on your Christmas wish list this year?
I put bon bons and a jump rope on my Christmas list this year. I believe the simple things in life are most important.

I hear you are into cooking. What have you been cooking lately? What do you want to try next?
I cooked bread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving and lately I’ve been cooking cookies and candies for aquantinces (sic) for Christmas. I am not sure what I am going to do next.

What’s your favorite cooking show?
I really like the Barefoot Contessa. I also think Sandra Lee is kind of funny.

What are your favorite foods (other than bon bons)?
Besides bon bons, I like strawberries!!!!!

Do you have brothers and sisters? If so, do you share your bon bons with them? What about your friends? 
I am an only child but I share my bon bons with my mom. Once a friend from NJ came to visit and I gave her one, and when my grandma came I shared one with her. But mostly, I must say, I keep them to myself.

I hear that you like to read. What books are you reading right now? I remember you said something about Charles Dickens…
Yes, I was reading A Christmas Carol and went to see the movie. Now I am reading a book called Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Feris. I am planning to read Sherlock Homes, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A long time ago, I wanted to be a toll booth operator, then a scientist, then a vet, but now I think I want to be an author and illustrator of books.

What are your hobbies?
I like to draw, swim, read, write letters and stories, play with my 7 pets.

What’s your favorite subject in school?
Science. For sure.

If you won $1,000 dollars, how would you spend it?
I think I would give it to a charity to stop animal cruelty or something.

How does your family celebrate Christmas? What are your favorite traditions?
We always have put our decorations up right after Thanksgiving, but my favorite is hiding baby Jesus until Christmas morning. I kind of made that one up.

What would your perfect day be like?
Snuggling up with my animals and with a book.

What else should we know about you?
I have always wanted to live on a farm with cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and other animals with a mailbox that WALDREP was painted on it. I have always wanted that. I also was born in Canada and lived in five places!

Thanks, Aimee.

I’ve been taking a stroll down memory lane this Christmas season, looking back on our past few years in the bon bon business. In a recent post, I mentioned our first catalog which was a parody of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. You’ll see that in Year Two we only had 6 flavors, or "bon bon elves" (our Cafe au Lait Bon Bon had not yet been invented) and we were really pushing our holiday tins that were topped with gorgeous silk flowers and holiday greenery. I made every single one of those tins by hand, going through hundreds of glue sticks and suffering many burns! Now, we sell too many tins of bon bons to handcraft our tins in addition to our handmade chocolates.

Otherwise, it looks like the more things change, the more they remain the same. Everything else in this poem would still be accurate today. Enjoy!

T’was right before the holidays at South ‘n France
Pascal was dipping chocolate as if in a trance
Charlene tied bows and ribbons with precision and care
Keeping true to their tag line: "Where Southern Flair meets Savoir Faire".

The bon bons were nestled all snug in their tins,
Ready to be opened by people with big happy grins.
Charlene dreamt of an island vacation far South on the map,
Pascal, the cranky Frenchman, just wanted a nap.

When on the roof of the pink house there arose such a clatter,
They both left the kitchen to see what was the matter!
Ms. South and Mr. France couldn’t get over themselves,
When they saw eight tiny reindeer and six bon bon elves.

The driver, in red velvet, gave them a wink,

Even in the North Pole, South ‘n France Bon Bons had achieved fame
Because that sweet Santa Claus called each of them by name!

"Cookie Dough! Coconut! Fudge Brownie, you little Vixen!
Peanut Buttah! Pistachio! Cookies with Crème all mixed in!
Each delicious flavor rolled by hand into a ball,

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