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Tag Archives: London

So…chocolatey Cumberbunnies or Bunnydicts?

03 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by Floreva in Enchanting world, Life in style

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Chocolate, Cumberbatch, Cumberbunnies, London

Bunnydict-FVFox (1)A UK-based chocolatier had the fun (and brilliant) idea to craft and mold chocolate Easter bunnies in the shape of …a rabbit with Benedict Cumberbatch’s face.

The result is stunning, amusing and certainly bound to become a best seller as well as a marketing hottie. In any case, it will be interesting to observe the success of this story (the sales?) and the sprawl of what looks like a potential meme all around. Success key factors all here.

And it has also begun to inspire people around the blogosphere and the cyberspace (and I must admit I could not resist  and I plead guilty of changing within minutes some of the lyrics of the Ronnettes hit “Be my baby” . And yes I had fun doing so).

The subject, the idea, the raw material are so pleasant, how could one not want to comment on that?

All the fans of the actor remember the real-sized chocolate statue representing B.Cumberbatch (made out of 500 Belgian choc bars) exhibited in a London mall, in April 2015. The sculpture had been commissioned as a promotion for UKTV .

The sculpture ended up being eaten (not completely though) by fans and “Chocobatch” sprouted many a question and puzzled gazes among passerbys before they got the audacity to snap bits of chocolate, a finger here, the tip of the nose, a crease of the jacket… resulting in the statue disappearing rapidly. An incredible idea that has found today its sequel in these chocolate bunnies (The Cumberbunny, which wears a bow tie costs £50  or $70)

According to the Chocolatician  website (creator of these sinful treat) : it is “a delicious Belgian chocolate rabbit with a handsome face and a tasty bottom,  weighing 400 grammes, it is hand-glazed with edible lustre dust.”

Another good reason to love the talented Benedict Cumberbatch. Or chocolate. But who needs a reason to indulge in such pleasures?

 

So long, Folks and friends in chocolate

Floreva

Order your Cumberbunny here  http://www.chocolatician.com/shop/cumber-bunny

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Comment ça, une crise de la quarantaine? (A midlife crisis ? What are you talking about ?)

07 Thursday May 2015

Posted by Floreva in Life in style

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

amazon, blues, crise de la quarantaine, London, Londres, midlife crisis, publication, Quarantaine Blues

Midlife crisis2This time, the post will be in French. (Translation in English later)

La crise de la quarantaine. 

Ah, chers lecteurs et lectrices en plein marasme quarantenaire ou autre-naire (si vous lisez ce post, c’est que cela vous chatouille, ou alors vous êtes dans un autre genre de crise, mais crise quand même ou alors vous êtes mes fidèles followers pas encore fâchés de mon silence si loooooong, d’aileurs à ce propos, sorry, been over busy)

Une crise, donc.

Vers 40 ans, a priori.

Un peu avant, ou un peu après; comme cela vous tombe dessus.

Parce qu’on ne choisit pas. Ce serait trop facile. pas fun sinon, hein.

Un adage très sage (comme tous les adages, du reste) dit que si l’on n’a pas fait 14-18 on fera 39-45. L’image est assez vraie. Pas de crise d’ado, risque de crise en milieu de vie. Car la crise doit avoir lieu, pour que la chrysalide se transforme en papillon.

Bon, c’est dit.

Après, l’avantage de se payer une bonne crise 39-45, c’est que généralement, on a établit des trucs du genre “poids lourds” dans sa vie avant, une vie conjugale-maritale-familiale bien remplie, des enfants, une profession, une maison, un emprunt sur les bras, des voitures, des traites, des fights avec le conjoints toutes les trois semaines (faut être organisé dans la vie, comme ça pas de surprise), des demandes de rangement des chambres quotidiennes et non-abouties (à ce jour), un plan retraite, une résidence secondaire dans 20 ans, une visite à la belle-famille réglée comme du papier à musique, ces vacances avec les copains par-ci ou par-là, mais deux fois par an, des programmes nutritionnels diétético-loisirs questionnables mais ludiques (pizza-night en regardant Despicable Me 2, ou Frozen pour la 36e fois….).

Et on a des preuves que le temps passe vite : des envies de revivre ses 20 ans (si l’expérience fut bonne), des pots de crèmes à tartiner sur la figure trèèèèèès chers, pour effacer les rides (meuuuh si ça marche, à 150 dollars le pot, on VEUT y croire), on ne boit plus la  piquette du copain vigneron corse mais des grands crus (estomac fragile, tu sais bien), on trouve la bière limite has been, on porte des perlouses aux raouts de la boîte de son mari, on ne peut plus faire une nuit blanche sans avoir d’un fantôme décalqué par les évènements ou par deux coupes de champ’, on a du mal avec Lana del Rey ou One Republic (euh pas mi, je suis fan des deux), on rêve encore en cathodique parfois et on se rappelle même que les biscuits Lu, à un moment on les appelait Biscuits Lefèbvre-Utile.

Voilà tous le genre de matos qu’on s’apprête à remuer de fond en comble pour trouver une réponse à ses angoisses existentielles (si si, c’est angoissant et ça touche à la raison d’être) et dans certains cas extrêmes, à fourguer à la benne de la crise de milieu de vie.

Et ça fait peur, hein?

Yup, ça fiche plus les jetons que 14-18.

Parce qu ‘on a des res-pon-sa-bi-li-tés. Bien plus qu’avant. Voooui.

Il n’y a pas un profile particulier qui serait plus catalyseur de la chose. Expat ou au pays (expat dans mon cas), homme ou femme (devinez), en couple ou solo, heureux ou non, exerçant le job de ses rêves ou pas (ben comment dire…), personne ne sait si une crise identitaire ou personnelle se fera jour dans sa vie.

Ni à quel âge, ni pourquoi (quoique, on a des idées la-dessus), ni combien de temps…

Longtemps le mythe a persisté que cette crise que l’on pense passagère (genre deux semaines et hop, partie) et inoffensive (ça ira mieux demain,darling), ne touche que la gent masculine.

Mauvaise nouvelle : le gène de la crise de la quarantaine n’existe pas et s’il existait, il serait unisexe. Ce virus angoissant frappe au hasard, sans se soucier de votre background, ni de votre sexe, ni des histoires des individus qu’il touche, ni des circonstances ou des ocnditions (économiques, familiales, maritales, professionnelles).

Les femmes sont de plus en plus sujettes à ce phénomène ou au moins osent davantage le dire, et explorer ce qui se passe dans leur vie quand cela arrive.

Ce n’est pas facile de s’avouer qu’on traverse (ou qu’on stagne dans) une crise de milieu de vie.

D’abord,ce n’est pas drôle du tout ; ensuite, c’est déstabilisant ; enfin, on n’a pas tellement de mots pour exprimer cela. Très souvent, on s’étonne de devoir faire rentrer ce mal-être dans ces mots qu’on pensait réservé aux hommes et aux clichés que cela comporte (il a plaqué sa femme pour une jeunette de 20 ans, c est le “démon de midi”, ça ne peut arriver qu’ aux hommes ça, blablabla. Mi, j’ai une cops qui a plaqué son mari pour une jeunette de 20 ans, tuvois, ça n’arrive pas qu’aux hommes). Et cela peut être tellement différent; il n’y a pas qu’une forme de symptômes pour ce mal-être. C ‘est plus complexe , tellement de choses sont connectées à ce malaise qu’oan a du mal à cerner…

Ce n’est pas toujours explicable. Doit-on faire comme si cela n’existait pas, comme si on ne subissait pas cet vertige déroutant?

Eh bien non, amie lectrice, camarade de crise, qui te poses des questions existentielles pareillement que d’autres.

Il faut se les poser les questions, sinon, cela revient; Le problème revient toujours nous exploser à la figure jusqu’à ce qu’on ai trouvé une solution satisaisante. Pas pour les autres pour les rassurer, non satisfasante en profondeur pou rsoi-même.

Le temps est court, comme la vie, et on tout à gagner à se remettre en selle et trouver sa voie.

Parce que c’est tellement irrationnel, cette peur de gâcher sa vie ou de l’avoir déjà un peu gâchée, savoir si on répond a son “true calling ” (sa vocation), il est important de se pose les bonnes questions et affronter la réalité, surtout si elle n’est pas rose. Comme dit mon amie Tracy : “if Mama ain’t happy, nobody ain’t happy”. (si la Maman n’est pas heureuse, personne n’est heureux).

Les errances personnnelles  de l’âme sont si profondes et intenses parfois, que cela peut prendre des années et un livre pour les comprendre et peut-être en les surmonter, à défaut d’en venir à bout…

Bon cheminement intérieur, si vous en êtes là…

Floreva  (pour écluser le problème, mi, j’en ai fait un bouquin, placé l’action à Londres, cela m’a prit 4 ans et demi à m’arracher les cheveux, des crises de paniques, des larmes, des angoisses, perdu 25 lb (13 kilos) dans le process, des nuits blanches et enfin, l’apaisement par l’écriture. Alors, oui ça existe, oui c’et flippant, mais oui aussi, on s’en sort. J’ai mis des mots sur mes maux) Et plein d’amies et d’amis m’ont dit : “ah, ce que vivent tes persos Alastair et Vivienne, je le vis aussi, c’est dingue!”

Ce n’est pas dingue, c’est humain, c’est plus courant qu’on le pense et pas si grave, quand on sait c’est qui arrive… Mais si on ne prend pas le temps de se comprendre, ça peut devenir très sérieux et tragique, parfois..

C’est ici :  http://goo.gl/x2zaeL

en version kindle ou paperback sur Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Quarantaine-Blues-French-Florence-Valerie/dp/1511933925/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431016271&sr=1-1&keywords=quarantaine+blues

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Busy busy, London and a poetry prize

27 Wednesday Aug 2014

Posted by Floreva in Creating, This world we live in, Writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aquashard, book, David Burland Poetry Prize, London, Monty Python, Poetry Prize, writing.

Hi folks

well, it’s been a long pause, not only because of summertime.

The time between the last post and this one saw many changes in me, for me and those around me, long story short : all areas are impacted : friends, family, health, work, personal and less personal, adjustments and all along with me in this adventure : the emotional roller coaster (not just me, but the ones close to me too).  

To stay afloat and remain “zen” one solution >> meditation and deep breathing. Even moved houses >> paint job ongoing!

Good news is I focused more on writing and career and reached the final sentence of 2nd book (drama novel), on which I had been working for more than 3 years and a half. Sent to publisher, there will be some editing, but the baby has safely been delivered.

Secondly, personal growth (always good I should say) and greater clarity about career path, and side tracks, new ideas and new friends (kindred spirits,  who cannot like that?) and business partnership taking shape (oh Joy).

Thirdly, glorious time in London (work, research, friendships and a bit of craziness with sister >>>delightful). In LDN I met incredible people, went to incredible venues and parties and even was invited to the ceremony of lawyers being called to the bar in one of the 4 Inns, it was fantastic, saw old friends, made new ones and got to make new acquaintances, went for a drink at the Aquashard  and had dinner at the Oxo Brasserie with lil sis. Went to Chichester theater Fest, attended talks and strolled the hills of the Heath. Even went to see the last live show of the Monty Python gang! Such fun! Monty Pythoned since an early age, I could not miss it.

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Oh the glorious, glorious time!

20140731_142429                 20140731_141921

And lastly, my poem  “Vingt ans en Quatorze” (Twenty years old in 1914) received the 1st Prize, category French, from the David Burland Poetry Prize, based in the UK. Great honor and deep joy.

Happy? More than that!

Adios, Pharrell Williams ! You can stay in your room, because I M HAPPY and I am the one who set fire to the dancefloor  this 18th of August when the results were published!

My mind is bursting with ideas, I am finishing another story (ebook maybe?) and a set of short stories for lit comps.

Developing a certain project also,  that has nothing to do with the written word and it make me feel good too,  I am a bit tired but am bursting with energy on a creative level.

Hope you are feeling energised too, and supremely so!

So long folks! Be successful, stay safe, create and nurture well your body, spirit, and mind.

F  

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London; the long hot summer; 1st Prize David Burland Poetry Contest and book coming out in Fall…

12 Thursday Sep 2013

Posted by Floreva in Life in style, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

1st Prize, Award, David Burland International Poetry Contest 2013, London, Poetry

Dear all,

The summer has been fantastic in many aspects.

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It has also put a huge strain on me, emotionnally speaking, (family in a large scale and  parents, you know?),  leading to more and a new  form of self-empowerment, expanding self-knowledge and compassion (self-healing, see?).

A wedding (lil’ bro), visas renewal process gone stressful, family (upper story) with an hidden agenda. I won’t develop. Let’s say it’ sbeen a loong hot summer with long stressful days transforming into long insomnias and very little restful sleep.

And now, it’s over, let’s focus on positive energy!!

It was a time to seek and find closure and in some way, I did.

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I was also a time to ENJOY life as it came, while I stayed 12 days in London, doing some research for my solitary and poorly redeeimng work (being a writer! now, really, how wants to be a writer?), and guiltlessly slipping into delicious “me-time” (an expression I had never heard and therefore never practised before moving in the USA).20130708_144730

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The weather was fantastic, I had a great time, chatted with various people, made some friends, wrote a lot, soaked in the beauty and the incredible energetic city, step into an advertsing event in Victoria station  with Rowntree new fruity Chews (Chewsday, that’s brilliant!), stumbled upon various film set, went to the theater, drank incredible cocktails and champagne, enjoyed Hampstead, savoured the most palatable Benedict Eggs, among other delicious things…

A bartender even invented a cocktail bearing my name : Florence. Yep. I’m so proud of it! 20130720_170240

I treated myself with lovely coaktails and afternoon teas in amazing venues. And I loved it.

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As the quote says : I wish to “go to London and stay there forever” (I’m working on it).

8a4a25d781aabfba8a7d5d4065d25912

Then, some time on a lake in South Carolina (near a city called Florence!) here in the States, to cure the jetlag (no internetaccess, it felt awkward and liberating, it’s like frustrating and freeing in the same time, weird). So when I came back and checked my mail, I was over the moon to see that I have received the 1st Prize of the david Burland International Poetry Contest, category French!

The David Burland team is based in the UK, my poem has been published on their website, and £200 is attached to this award. To say that I am happy is largely below how I felt then and still am feeling.

It’s a encouraging, it’s empowering, it’s what I wanted to achieve, it’s the goal I had set personnally to reach. It’s a major step!

From now on, I am a published author, I am and award-winner aauthor, and my peers have recognised my talent (ok, I’be said it, I take full responsability) and thought it was worth  chosing my writing to bear this award.

Please visit : http://www.davidburlandpoetryprize.com/winners.html

The poem is in French, I’ll post a translation in English soon.

It’s called “Rose de Matink” (Rose of Martinique Island)

It’s about how the slaves deported from Africa to the French Carribean islands to work (drudge) in the cane sugar fields. The name of the ship would become  their new names. This poem was inspired by a friend’s ancestor’s story. It was moving to write it and (apparently) moving to read it, anyway it’s a very inspirationnal story. I am supremely grateful to have been awarded teh 1st Prize for this poem. We celebrated of course, with this dear friend of mine and other friends too. I received many congrats from friends and they liked thh poem as well, some were so moved they wrote me a beautiful message to tell me how much they liked it. I only put my heart in this poem and my emotion (my guts?) as my friend had told me this powerful story.

 

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Now you know why I love the Brits. They’re the first to give me an award, and I intend to win many more! This boosts me so greatly!

And 2nd good news : my publisher is only eager to have my book being out in Fall (and so am I!!!)

Keep you posted, folks!

For all my fellow oddjobbers : produce, produce, write , bleed and get your guts into your work, let it out in the world, participate into contests, and get those awards too!

Wishing you best of luck and looking forward to hearing your success stories!

Florence (aka Floreva)

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Color me London

24 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by Floreva in Life in style, Places, Theater

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Chocolate, London, Theatre, Union Jack

It’s been a while.

Since I went to London and since I last posted. Flying from the USA takes some time, y’know.

But…Here I am, at last. L-O-N-D-O-N.

Union Jacks here, Union Jacks there, Union Jacks displayed everywhere…

And I mean…everywhere…

Even Jamie is harvesting on the big bargain of this overdose of Jacks.

Still, it is a joyful sight. Especially when it’s wrapped with humour and wit.

Jubilee souvenirs are available in every imaginable form, and souveni

r short-bread tins can make unforgettable keepsakes. That, if you live in England’s capital, you know already. If you are a tourist you know that also, and you may have also purchased some to bring home.


Every body knows that. That and the other  that.

 That  = the next Olympics taking place in LDN.

(That is, you know it, unless you live on a desert island and your wireless is broken down, or you are ans ostrich with the head buried down in the sand….Of course)



Anyway. Not only did I wondered about these R
oyal delights and Olympics pride, I also walked an awful lot, like maybe 5-6 hours a day, taking too many pictures, stopping too many times in a caff or a tea house, and once a day in a pub (after theater or before, for a London Pride)…

Musing in animated streets, having a coffee in nice caffs, stumbling upon beautiful shops, riding the Double deckers to here and there, spotting an indie movie scene being shot at Marble Arch (indian music blasting and wind blowing everyone’s hair in their face… quite a funny sight), chatting with fellow members of  Urban Walks over a beer in a pub after a 3 miles stroll in South Kensington, discussing soccer tactics (well,  listening mainly, as I prefer rugby), soaking into the exquisite models of theatrical decors in the section of the V&A dedicated to Theatre and Performance…these have been the highly pleasurable activities I became entitled to those past days.

 

 


I particularly appreciated a boutique of fine chocolates, in Kensington High Street, Hotel Chocolat, and the friendly staff provided me with a good deal of information about the ideas behind the concept,while sipping a great caramel hot chocolate and delicates truffles and chili chocolate bouchées. (They kindly allowed me to take pictures.) Service was excellent, and the chocolates were fantastic. Thanks.

 

 

 

Went to the theatre twice so far, saw The Woman in Black (great effects, great play) at the Fortune, a small delightful theatre, and Sweeney Todd, at the grand Adelphi , amzingly Art Deco, and extraordinary décor, which I had seen already as a miniature in the V&A. (Imelda Staunton is amazing…).

War horse is COMPLETELY sold out. Oh, Dear. I’ll have to wait until it tours the USA then…

I’d like to see the 39 steps too, and Henry V, if possible (and if playing now).

With all those UK flags printed or wrapped everywhere, I’m thinking about getting my own Jack and wrapping myself into it as a night gown, before going to sleep, each night…I could do so for the entire duration of my stay, just to infuse the very Britishness of it all deep down into my bones and reconnect with this British part added to my blood and DNA by a Great grand mother and other Norman ancestors.

 

It’s chocolate, tea and shortbread time at this hour for me, thanks to Mr Jetlag…

Color me London tonight…..

So long, dear readers.

FlorevaChocolat

Hotel Chocolat
163 Kensington High Street
London
W8 6SU

Tel:             020 7938 2144

http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk

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