I'm sorry that tonight's Advent Calendar is a little late tonight! It's a three vlog day for us at Lalande! This one is launching as a premiere, Cadeaux will be out later tonight (not as a premiere) and I'm currently editing tonight's video for my Patreons. So it's an extra busy (and Christmassy!) day here :)
TIP. to avoid the chocolate pot flying of fthe table when using that whisk, ring out a tea towel in water - so damp - fold it and place it underneath. I learnt this technique in cookery lessons at school to steady a mixing bowl.
Nothing says Christmas like wearing paper crowns on your head, reading silly jokes and getting cheap little trinkets. I'm Canadian and we do not do Christmas without them. :) I'm going to attempt making my own this year with a little bottle of clementine gin in them.
Philip is so classic! But Amaury is a dark horse - resident Apiarist (not too surprising that he would be really - genuine lifelong learner that he seems to be!) 💕
I have been trying to create the hot chocolate of my dreams because mostly what passes for cocoa in the US is a dismal little packet that water gets added to for a very anemic impersonation of chocolate. So shaved dark chocolate, mixed with a bit of hot milk and cream then whisked looks like the magical secret. I will be trying that out very soon. Thank you from Los Angeles where yes we do get a few days of cold and need our cocoa too!
No apologies necessary for the lateness ! I'm happy to see that all is well! LOVED the Mistletoe adventure! The mist was so romantic!!! I was looking for Mr. Darcey to come riding up on his steed! 🤭😆😉
We absolutely have Christmas crackers in North American, my family has had them at the Christmas table since I was a child. I have even made some myself!
Thank you for explaining the Christmas crackers. I knew how they looked in a game I use to play, but never knew about the treats and popping. I never trusted the fruit cakes as I grew up....Now as an adult and watching your Christmas vlogs....I want to try them.
Did you expect him to lean in and kiss his cousin? He was talking to her so of course he was looking at her. Just leave them alone. Steph wasn’t ever intending to talk about her romantic life until she got outed by a tv series. I’m sure the rest of them want their private lives to be private too.
Seems likely they're together now, what with them both going on vacation at exactly the same time, running errands together, always showing up together, etc.
This was great fun. Amaury and Nati are becoming a little more obvious, which is sweet. I have a "chocolate set" from my great-grandmother from about 100 years ago (it's Art Nouveau) - the pot and creamer are fairly small but the sugar bowl is enormous, which gives a clue as to how people drank their chocolate at that time. Mexican-style chocolate comes in cakes and usually includes cinnamon (and vanilla and chili spice). About mistletoe - those trees you mention for "next year" might fall soon, as that much mistletoe really shortens their lives.
@LisaKilmer - Yes! If you look back through the videos, you’ll see they are always sitting together at meals, and Amaury giving Nati the sweetest looks. Especially at Dana’s birthday party. This is wonderful ❤️❤️❤️
When I was a child I lived in Normandy ( My Father was in the US Army stationed in Evreux) and the farmers would shoot the mistletoe out of the trees to sell in the markets. It was quite exciting to watch!
I have noticed in my travels through the States that traditions vary a great deal from State to State, the older States retain many traditions on the East Coast whereas the Southern States don't seem to have any of these traditions
@@Motherhubbard170 They like to start their own traditions. Also when marrying each bring their own & soon u have too many so some things have to go or become forgotten🐒💕
I live in Central Ohio and never heard of crackers until Stephanie. In my area we place chicken and noodles on our mashed potatoes. The Christmas cake reminds me of our fruitcake mixture wise.
I was just going to say this! It's such a strong family tradition that my mother updated me the other day "I've got the Christmas crackers! They're very pretty this year!" We have many, many Christmas family pictures of us all wearing our paper crowns - even my wonderful 95-year old, grandfather and 93- year old grandmother. I wonder where the paper crown tradition came from? It would be interesting to know the history behind the crackers.
Stephanie, you look absolutely festive (and cozy) in the red cape. The cake looks delicious; the hot chocolate ---- oh, my! The mistletoe brigade was very successful in their quest; a treasure of riches. There seems to be lots of romance in the air along with the scent of Christmas cake.
LOL! Christmas crackers were very much a part of my childhood as my grandmother's family is from Wales. I have seen them in local stores including Target. They tend to be smaller here in the states but I did make them with my grandma as a child. Thank you for the tutorial on rum. This explains so much about why they taste different.
I live in Northern Ontario Canada and we always had crackers on our plates at Christmas dinner but now I suspect that is because my grandmother's mother came to Canada from England and my grandfather came here as a little boy from Ireland. Having said that...I see a lot of them for sale here in the stores every year but we are part of the commonwealth! Lovely video today as always!
Love the mistletoe, but please remember that it is poisonous for dogs! That lovely golden lab was enjoying the walk. Blessings and Happy Christmas from Devon, England.xxx
Love the distillery tour and mistletoe hunt. You never disappoint your viewers! (BTW, we do have Christmas crackers here in the US, but they’re not widely used.) Happy holidays! 🌺
I know that someone else (a local farmer?) owns and manages the bees, and in exchange, he provide Lalande with some of the honey made every year! But it would be nice if he would agree to be in a video when it’s honey harvesting time! Perhaps Amaury would meet him and film/interview him.
I crush up candy canes and place it in a glass jar and then put some in my hot chocolate each morning. So good. Enjoying the Christmas season with all of you. Much love🌲❤️
I am an American who did not know what Christmas crackers were until I lived in Europe and worked with a bunch of Brits in 1998. I mailed some to my family that year, and they loved them, especially the kids. I spent Christmas on Jersey (the Channel Island) with a workmate's family. It was so fun wearing our paper crowns at the dinner table. Though, I think British Christmas cake is an acquired taste. I really am not much into dried fruit and rum in my cake. I will stick to a dessert pie for my Christmas 'pudding'. You can find Christmas crackers in the U.S. noe, but not in the 70's when I was growing up. I would say plenty of folks from the States have never heard of them.
Love to see you two together Stephanie and Phillip, Love, real Love is so precious and vital and rare, blessings to you both!!! Tell Gerald I and still praying for him and Mother and husband!!! Have a great week!!!. Lots of love to you all as well!!! God Bless!!!
Oh my God! I'm completely in love with you beatiful Chritsmas cloak! In fact I think I need one desperately! In Spain we haven't that lovely tradition of crackers but I would like it, It seems really funny! Thanks for your videos I love it and I waiting for them every day 😊😘
This might disappoint you to know but the condistency of hot chocolate in Italy is using a little of corn flour. (Lived in Milan as home base 32 years).
i remeber in italy near venice asking for a hot chocolate and getting instead what i thought was hot custard as was similar consistency . was lovely didnt know whther to drink it or eat it with a spoon
Hi All, I’m loving the advent vlogs. It’s must be so nice to be able to go out on your property and forage for mistletoe and any greenery you want , it’s just beautiful there. I’m also happy to see the relationship growing between your cousin and Natti they make a beautiful couple. Take care and stay safe, loads of love and hugs from Canada. 🤫💗🥂👍
I am a Canadian in Ontario and always had Christmas Crackers - I too made my own when my children were small and even sold them to others. It's huge fun at Christmas. I am now wanting a chocolatier! The hot chocolate looked yummy. 😊
The fact that all the Canadians commenting here about our family traditions if having Christmas crackers with paper crowns as opposed to it being less common in the US must have something to do with our British colonial past?
Nati and Amauri….. please lean over the table for a kiss! Wow…. The chocolatier is so beautiful…..just love waking up in Sydney, knowing I’m going to be transported to Lalande for a visit to you all….laughter, beauty and delightful humans! Love to you x ❤️
Amaury is a man of mystery and many talents! I liked learning a bit about bees. The chocolate pot is stunning.I love your Christmas Cracker demo!!!!! Sadly most American have know idea about Christmas Pudding,Christmas Crackers or Boxing Day. Love from Vermont
J’aime beaucoup comment Amaury aide Natty à ne plus glisser sur cet arbre … et aussi comme il est charmant d’aider à porter les courses ! Encore une vidéo délicieuse, chaleureuse, pleine de beaux souvenirs d’été … bravo ! Sacrée organisation !! Par contre, le gui au dessus de la table ne me parait pas une si bonne idée… il ne faudrait pas que les boules de gui tombent dans la nourriture !!!! C’est du poison !!! Il vaut mieux l’accrocher dans une entrée, à un chandelier 🤩 … pour s’embrasser dessous 😉 À bientôt ! 🌸🌸🌸 PS : attention au surmenage !! Les vidéos sont nombreuses mais on peut attendre… 😄
That’s how my grandmother in the Philippines prepared our hot chocolate and served in small cups like shots back in the days. We called the whisk ‘batidor’.
It scant what we usually use in the US (the poppers) but I have used them with my kids when they were younger and they have used the, while involved in some organizations while growing up. I love the,m’ we need to do them more.I also loved the tour and information in Barbados about the bourbon making. Love learning more about the history of other 0laces. Hugs and love from Texas!
Stephanie's face glowing like a child in a candy store, when explaining how she'll be in the next few days putting a little more rum into her fruit cake is priceless.
I laughed when you referenced feeling like being in a fairytale, whilst making the hot chocolate. Because at the beginning of the vlog you reminded me of little red riding hood with your beautiful cape walking through the forest. You all look like you have so much fun there. Thank you again for making these vlogs. I especially love your advent ones. You have helped me get into the Christmas spirit. And Philip, I loved the candy cane straws, an excellent idea. I'm going to go shop for them. Happy Advent!
We shoot it out of the trees here in the country “Alabama” for sure 😉 Mistletoe can cause damage to a tree in certain situations and removal may be to the trees advantage. For years I thought it was a type of lichen but tis not. May we all get some kissin under the mistletoe this year 💋
Advent trip around the world with Stephanie. Day 14, in Italy: Day 15 in sunny Barbados for rum and a nod for Demarara sugar which was first made in 🇬🇾 Guyana, South America (former British colony on Caribbean coast). The young lady who received the beautiful gift of the Chocalatier from the fascinating lady is now living her own glamorous life. Stephanie, God be praised! I drink my chocolate like Phillip.
Christmas Crackers have always been a tradition in Canada. I remember wearing the tissue hats at my Grandparent's house in Ontario the 1950's. We read the lame jokes inside and marveled at the tiny prizes within. They're available in most shops. I bought ours today. We snap the crackers with glee before Christmas Dinner starts. By the way, here in Canada, we also have Christmas Puddings, we watch the Queen's Christmas Message on TV, read Dicken's A Christmas Carol and have BOXING DAY- where it's a madhouse in the stores with all the sales! Happy Holidays from Vancouver Island, British Columbia CANADA.
Your advent vlogs have filled me with such joy. The positive spirit of those who live within the beautiful walls of the Chateau have been felt from sunny Sydney. Love to all
Stephanie you are as pretty as a Victorian Christmas card. And squeal with glee when you find mistletoe. Age is only a number ,to keep the child within alive ,is to be forever young.
Merry Christmas to you all ..not sure if you read all the comments so just in case…I want to send a hearty thank you for all the work and joy that has gone into these Advent vlogs. They have bought happy escapism for a few minutes from these dim days of daily news and doom and reminded us of love and being together ❤️ Happy days
Another fascinating Christmas Diaries episode. Thank you!. Re the Christmas cracker tradition. I think it must be a little spotty in North America. I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was a well-known and widespread tradition there, probably because of the many families with British roots who settled there. We also pulled the crackers all at once with our arms crossed pulling the crackers with whomever was sitting next to us at the Christmas table. I now live in Winnipeg and the tradition is live and well here as well. In California the tradition is not so well known, but it is growing, maybe because the upscale kitchen store chain, William-Sonoma sells them. They sell them at Easter too. The paper on the Easter crackers is decorated with bunnies, chickens, eggs and flowers in pastel colours. 🇨🇦
Oh, I've never seen Easter crackers. Sounds like a great idea though. French-Canadian background so we didn't have these, even though my maternal grandparents were British immigrants. But my kids have experienced crackers to reflect the dual heritage. That's what makes Canada special.
They weren’t as easy to find in small town Northern California when I was a kid, if I remember, but my parents always liked them and would find them. Once I was a teenager in early 2000s, we didn’t have a problem finding at least one pack somewhere, and as an adult now with lots of shopping in SoCal, they seem to be everywhere. But I think that many families aren’t aware of them or don’t have them as a tradition?
@@jomeyer13 St. Catherine's Taffy is a candy made by girls in French-Canadian families to honour St. Catherine, the patron saint of unmarried women on her feast day, November 25. St. Catherine's day is sometimes known in Franco Canadian families as "taffy day," a day when marriage-age girls would make taffy for eligible boys. Marguerite Bourgeoys, a founder of the Notre-Dame de Montréal and an early teacher at Ville-Marie, the colonial settlement that would later become Montreal, is credited with starting the tradition as a way of keeping the attention of her young students.
ITS Feb, 5th,,,I just put my 2nd Christmas tree today,,I have 4 more to go,,,,im inspired from your videos,,,I wish I was there,,,its very cold in Texas,,especially in my area,,,house I lived in was bu in 1940,,,so it's a little drafty,,but it's ok,,,the Christmas lights keep the house warm and cozy,,,Tea anyone???
I spy another blossoming romance? Wow you scored on mistletoe for sure, girl. I think the Italians use a thickener like corn starch to thicken theirs. I think the best is Mexican, look that recipe up. It's insane.
Every single thing about this video is delightful. I did learn that mistletoe grows on trees and not bushes. Never knew that. So thank you for doing a segment on that. I use spiced brandy for my Christmas cake although the rum looks delish also. Mistletoe hunting, hot chocolate, the caribbean and crackers, what's not to love about this video. Steph, you looked adorable in your cape.
We can't do small family Christmas this year in an other city. I would bring the Christmas Crackers and mincemeat pies. So I am enjoying your Vlogs so much. When I was a teenager and ballerina, we did the Nutcracker and I did the Spanish dance. It is also known as hot chocolate. 😁🍭❤🌹🌺
Since you cannot get brown sugar in France, you can actually make your own with white sugar and a little bit of molasses. Hopefully molasses is available there.
It’s so exciting to be part of the Fun Team of La Lande in search of Mistletoe into the mist !!! 😃 😆 Spending Christmas at Chateau La Lande is like being in a Fairytale!!! 🧚♀️
1000/10 would recommend making your Christmas cake in November, as well as your pudding and mince meat for mince pies. Makes everything so much tastier!!
A rise for the overal ingenious and meticulously put together videos!! Also the fact that the video in Barbados was planned to be an Advent one, goodness!! Well well well well done!!👏🏻✨
So nice to hear that Amaury is a fellow beekeeper. I've always been interested to hear more about the bees at LaLande, perhaps it will happen. Watch those Varroa destructor mites!
I'm sorry that tonight's Advent Calendar is a little late tonight! It's a three vlog day for us at Lalande! This one is launching as a premiere, Cadeaux will be out later tonight (not as a premiere) and I'm currently editing tonight's video for my Patreons. So it's an extra busy (and Christmassy!) day here :)
Ooo…. Take care or you’ll burn out xx 🥰🎄🎅🏻🏰
Much appreciated but please take care of yourself, I don’t think it would be good to repeat last year and end up in hospital again!
Omg please don’t stress it! Take care of yourself.
No worries from Canada ❤🌲❤☃️😘
Don't make yourself sick please.
We can wait.
PHILLIP that was not nice!!! Stephanie is timeless and will never age!!!! LOL
so much fun rewatching last years
Dan and Amaury are going to have sooo many jokes to do with that mistletoe 🤣
Be careful Phillip with age jokes or Stephanie may have no need for the mistletoe😂
Love the teasing. she a Brit , she can more than handle it.
@@lynnpetti3817 Bit unkind though. Unnecessary.
Is there a doghouse at the chateau?😉
@@jennymay4720 yup not funny at all
Yes, please stop with the age "jokes" and that weird snorting sound into the microphone.
TIP. to avoid the chocolate pot flying of fthe table when using that whisk, ring out a tea towel in water - so damp - fold it and place it underneath. I learnt this technique in cookery lessons at school to steady a mixing bowl.
Genius
I also thought the chocolatière would fly!
Nothing says Christmas like wearing paper crowns on your head, reading silly jokes and getting cheap little trinkets. I'm Canadian and we do not do Christmas without them. :) I'm going to attempt making my own this year with a little bottle of clementine gin in them.
If you want to spike that hot chocolate, put some Grand Marnier in there for a chocolate orange effect 🖤
Thank you for this!
Oooh, I’m going to try that! 👍🏻
Genius idea Julia Kneece Gregg Columbia SC USA
Or Irish Cream!
Philip is so classic! But Amaury is a dark horse - resident Apiarist (not too surprising that he would be really - genuine lifelong learner that he seems to be!) 💕
Your chocolatier is absolutely gorgeous. A fun day for all of you.
I have been trying to create the hot chocolate of my dreams because mostly what passes for cocoa in the US is a dismal little packet that water gets added to for a very anemic impersonation of chocolate. So shaved dark chocolate, mixed with a bit of hot milk and cream then whisked looks like the magical secret. I will be trying that out very soon. Thank you from Los Angeles where yes we do get a few days of cold and need our cocoa too!
I think that handle would only work for Right Handed people🐧💦
Love the red cape Stephanie, very festive 💖
Gorgeous!
No apologies necessary for the lateness ! I'm happy to see that all is well! LOVED the Mistletoe adventure! The mist was so romantic!!! I was looking for Mr. Darcey to come riding up on his steed! 🤭😆😉
We absolutely have Christmas crackers in North American, my family has had them at the Christmas table since I was a child. I have even made some myself!
@chateaux diaries. I think you should have a bad pun jar and make Phillip 💰 Pay 😆 then buy a fun gift with it.
5 francs says Amaury & Nati don't need mistletoe ;-)
I was waiting for someone else to say it!
Thank you for explaining the Christmas crackers. I knew how they looked in a game I use to play, but never knew about the treats and popping. I never trusted the fruit cakes as I grew up....Now as an adult and watching your Christmas vlogs....I want to try them.
Using “puns” in your second language is very impressive Philip.😉
We shoot mistletoe out of the trees. A 22 caliber rifle with a scope is very efficient.
Does it come out in wholes balls? That’s intriguing
Amaury went under the mistletoe and looked at Natalie😍
They were both absent from Lalande for a week, at the same time, I think. Ooooh gossip!
❤️
I would be thrilled if two such nice people found each other!
Did you expect him to lean in and kiss his cousin? He was talking to her so of course he was looking at her. Just leave them alone. Steph wasn’t ever intending to talk about her romantic life until she got outed by a tv series. I’m sure the rest of them want their private lives to be private too.
Seems likely they're together now, what with them both going on vacation at exactly the same time, running errands together, always showing up together, etc.
This was great fun. Amaury and Nati are becoming a little more obvious, which is sweet. I have a "chocolate set" from my great-grandmother from about 100 years ago (it's Art Nouveau) - the pot and creamer are fairly small but the sugar bowl is enormous, which gives a clue as to how people drank their chocolate at that time. Mexican-style chocolate comes in cakes and usually includes cinnamon (and vanilla and chili spice). About mistletoe - those trees you mention for "next year" might fall soon, as that much mistletoe really shortens their lives.
When did I miss that Amaury and National are a couple?????,, good for them, they deserve love.😚
Oops, auto correct at it again. Sweet Nati
I thought that might be the case as they seem together a lot!❤️❤️❤️
@LisaKilmer - Yes! If you look back through the videos, you’ll see they are always sitting together at meals, and Amaury giving Nati the sweetest looks. Especially at Dana’s birthday party. This is wonderful ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve noticed that. I hope so they look perfect together.😀
When I was a child I lived in Normandy ( My Father was in the US Army stationed in Evreux) and the farmers would shoot the mistletoe out of the trees to sell in the markets. It was quite exciting to watch!
I’ve seen videos of people using shotguns to retrieve mistletoe from treetops. I like the digger idea.
Yes I believe that is how many gather it here .
Arkansas friends shoot it downn
I adore your love of celebrating life. Planning christmas in the summer. Beautiful.
As a Texan =, I only knew about Christmas Crackers since I watched British shows on PBS growing up.
Just perfectly magical.Stephanie looks like she belongs in a fairytale , just so beautiful ❤️🦘❤️🦘❤️🧚🥰🎄✨
😄”le petit chaperon rouge”in the woods!😍,😘👋🎄💕💕💕
Wellies and cape on a misty mistletoe hunt is a WHOLE MOOD!
We do have Christmas crackers in the US - but it’s probably not a widely held tradition. I buy them every year at HomeGoods.
You can buy them in Walmart most of the time. But you see them in movies all the time but Americans aren’t very observant as a species, are we?
I have noticed in my travels through the States that traditions vary a great deal from State to State, the older States retain many traditions on the East Coast whereas the Southern States don't seem to have any of these traditions
@@Motherhubbard170 They like to start their own traditions. Also when marrying each bring their own & soon u have too many so some things have to go or become forgotten🐒💕
I live in Central Ohio and never heard of crackers until Stephanie. In my area we place chicken and noodles on our mashed potatoes. The Christmas cake reminds me of our fruitcake mixture wise.
I live in western Canada and we have ALWAYS had Christmas crackers - they're available in stores all over. Can't imagine Christmas without them!
I was just going to say this! It's such a strong family tradition that my mother updated me the other day "I've got the Christmas crackers! They're very pretty this year!" We have many, many Christmas family pictures of us all wearing our paper crowns - even my wonderful 95-year old, grandfather and 93- year old grandmother. I wonder where the paper crown tradition came from? It would be interesting to know the history behind the crackers.
Yes, I was surprised to hear that it's not common in the US, because it's common, not just for Christmas, but for any celebration in Ontario.
I love that you chose to wear that cloak, it was stunnung! (And slightly humorous with the yellow welleys lol). Wonderful episode!
Little red riding hood
Christmas crackers are a thing in Canada. I was supposed by the comments as well! Ours have a paper crown that everyone wears during dinner 😊
Stephanie, you look absolutely festive (and cozy) in the red cape. The cake looks delicious; the hot chocolate ---- oh, my! The mistletoe brigade was very successful in their quest; a treasure of riches. There seems to be lots of romance in the air along with the scent of Christmas cake.
Hey Amaury, pass the salt please!
LOL! Christmas crackers were very much a part of my childhood as my grandmother's family is from Wales. I have seen them in local stores including Target. They tend to be smaller here in the states but I did make them with my grandma as a child. Thank you for the tutorial on rum. This explains so much about why they taste different.
I live in Northern Ontario Canada and we always had crackers on our plates at Christmas dinner but now I suspect that is because my grandmother's mother came to Canada from England and my grandfather came here as a little boy from Ireland. Having said that...I see a lot of them for sale here in the stores every year but we are part of the commonwealth! Lovely video today as always!
Yes we always had them in 🇨🇦
Me, too. Uk roots and always Xmas crackers. Sold everywhere here in S Ontario
Love the mistletoe, but please remember that it is poisonous for dogs! That lovely golden lab was enjoying the walk. Blessings and Happy Christmas from Devon, England.xxx
My mother made this “fruitcake” in June each year. She would feed it once a month till December! It was delicious!
Wow! We start ours on thanksgiving and I thought that was early. June! It must be a supremely delicious cake!
A bit of a blood witch vibe. 😜
Love the distillery tour and mistletoe hunt. You never disappoint your viewers! (BTW, we do have Christmas crackers here in the US, but they’re not widely used.) Happy holidays! 🌺
I’m a volunteer beekeeper in Ontario, Canada. It would be so great to hear more about your bees and Amaury’s beekeeping experience :)
I know that someone else (a local farmer?) owns and manages the bees, and in exchange, he provide Lalande with some of the honey made every year! But it would be nice if he would agree to be in a video when it’s honey harvesting time! Perhaps Amaury would meet him and film/interview him.
I crush up candy canes and place it in a glass jar and then put some in my hot chocolate each morning. So good. Enjoying the Christmas season with all of you. Much love🌲❤️
Yaay, I love honey bees! They contribute so much to our food sources through pollination! Take good care of them.
Phillip! All the Bee references. You’re killing me here! LOL!
About the brown sugar. You can make it yourself, by adding molasses to regular granulated sugar and then mixing it with a food processor.
Amoury is a beekeeper! I am a hobbyist beekeeper as well - with 2 hives and the whole outfit too.
I am an American who did not know what Christmas crackers were until I lived in Europe and worked with a bunch of Brits in 1998. I mailed some to my family that year, and they loved them, especially the kids. I spent Christmas on Jersey (the Channel Island) with a workmate's family. It was so fun wearing our paper crowns at the dinner table. Though, I think British Christmas cake is an acquired taste. I really am not much into dried fruit and rum in my cake. I will stick to a dessert pie for my Christmas 'pudding'.
You can find Christmas crackers in the U.S. noe, but not in the 70's when I was growing up. I would say plenty of folks from the States have never heard of them.
Love to see you two together Stephanie and Phillip, Love, real Love is so precious and vital and rare, blessings to you both!!! Tell Gerald I and still praying for him and Mother and husband!!! Have a great week!!!. Lots of love to you all as well!!! God Bless!!!
Who else gets the vibe that Amaury and Natalia are an item. Just feeling the vibes all the way from NZ!
Thanks for that worldwide adventure Steph. Also Nati, Amaury & mistletoe in one shot…=very cute vlog ☺️
Oh well I must have missed that update before :)
I knew it!!!! What a perfect match. Amaury is never going to leave Lalande again!
Oh my God! I'm completely in love with you beatiful Chritsmas cloak! In fact I think I need one desperately! In Spain we haven't that lovely tradition of crackers but I would like it, It seems really funny! Thanks for your videos I love it and I waiting for them every day 😊😘
Ye are so lucky to have all the greenery around ye . The mistletoe is stunning . Stephanie is really giving Mrs Claus a run for her money 🎀🎄
Steph is such a romantic...and comedienne.
This might disappoint you to know but the condistency of hot chocolate in Italy is using a little of corn flour. (Lived in Milan as home base 32 years).
Little Red Ridinghood shopping for mistletoe ;-))
I think there's another romance going on at the Chateau 😁😍
Me too Jilly. I think its Nati and Amary if so its beyond cute.
Yes,been thinking that for awhile.
But their business, not mine
@@eileeng2492 absolutely
Yes! I’ve been thinking that for a while now. No pressure to them but they are really lovely together.
i remeber in italy near venice asking for a hot chocolate and getting instead what i thought was hot custard as was similar consistency . was lovely didnt know whther to drink it or eat it with a spoon
Hi All, I’m loving the advent vlogs. It’s must be so nice to be able to go out on your property and forage for mistletoe and any greenery you want , it’s just beautiful there. I’m also happy to see the relationship growing between your cousin and Natti they make a beautiful couple. Take care and stay safe, loads of love and hugs from Canada. 🤫💗🥂👍
So glad you have spotted it too! xx
I am a Canadian in Ontario and always had Christmas Crackers - I too made my own when my children were small and even sold them to others. It's huge fun at Christmas. I am now wanting a chocolatier! The hot chocolate looked yummy. 😊
The fact that all the Canadians commenting here about our family traditions if having Christmas crackers with paper crowns as opposed to it being less common in the US must have something to do with our British colonial past?
Stephanie, your cape is absolutely stunning!
Nati and Amauri….. please lean over the table for a kiss! Wow…. The chocolatier is so beautiful…..just love waking up in Sydney, knowing I’m going to be transported to Lalande for a visit to you all….laughter, beauty and delightful humans! Love to you x ❤️
They must be an item, hopefully! The looks say everything….
I’m sure they want privacy whether they are or are not a couple. People need to stop obsessing over these things.
You didn't hear it from me, BUT, I think something lovely is happening between Emri and Nati...🥰🥰😅
Amaury is a man of mystery and many talents! I liked learning a bit about bees. The chocolate pot is stunning.I love your Christmas Cracker demo!!!!! Sadly most American have know idea about Christmas Pudding,Christmas Crackers or Boxing Day. Love from Vermont
J’aime beaucoup comment Amaury aide Natty à ne plus glisser sur cet arbre … et aussi comme il est charmant d’aider à porter les courses !
Encore une vidéo délicieuse, chaleureuse, pleine de beaux souvenirs d’été … bravo ! Sacrée organisation !!
Par contre, le gui au dessus de la table ne me parait pas une si bonne idée… il ne faudrait pas que les boules de gui tombent dans la nourriture !!!! C’est du poison !!! Il vaut mieux l’accrocher dans une entrée, à un chandelier 🤩 … pour s’embrasser dessous 😉
À bientôt !
🌸🌸🌸
PS : attention au surmenage !! Les vidéos sont nombreuses mais on peut attendre… 😄
C’est exactement ce que je pense! Dangereux au dessus de la tablée!
I grew up in Durban, South Africa and we always had a full British Christmas and still do even though it was sweltering hot.
I grew up in New England and my mother always had Christmas crackers for us🎄
Stephanie, to make a thick Italian chocolate you need cornstarch!
That’s how my grandmother in the Philippines prepared our hot chocolate and served in small cups like shots back in the days. We called the whisk ‘batidor’.
In Sweden we used to have Christmas crackers ( smällkaramell ) but they banned the cracker part. And now kids dont do them any more.
On Christmas morning hot chocolate with a candy cane is a must!!
It scant what we usually use in the US (the poppers) but I have used them with my kids when they were younger and they have used the, while involved in some organizations while growing up. I love the,m’ we need to do them more.I also loved the tour and information in Barbados about the bourbon making. Love learning more about the history of other 0laces. Hugs and love from Texas!
Stephanie's face glowing like a child in a candy store, when explaining how she'll be in the next few days putting a little more rum into her fruit cake is priceless.
Love the red cape!!!
I laughed when you referenced feeling like being in a fairytale, whilst making the hot chocolate. Because at the beginning of the vlog you reminded me of little red riding hood with your beautiful cape walking through the forest. You all look like you have so much fun there. Thank you again for making these vlogs. I especially love your advent ones. You have helped me get into the Christmas spirit. And Philip, I loved the candy cane straws, an excellent idea. I'm going to go shop for them. Happy Advent!
Christmas crackers are found in the US in stores such as TJMaxx or Tuesday Morning. Here in Virtginia mistletoe is shot from the tree.
Imagine Stephanie or Mummy aiming at mistletoe with a shotgun. That would be hilarious😜
World Market carrier them as well 😘 Purchased mine today 👍
We shoot it out of the trees here in the country “Alabama” for sure 😉
Mistletoe can cause damage to a tree in certain situations and removal may be to the trees advantage. For years I thought it was a type of lichen but tis not.
May we all get some kissin under the mistletoe this year 💋
Life is all well with Mistletoe and Hot Chocolate and friends my kind of Day!
Advent trip around the world with Stephanie. Day 14, in Italy: Day 15 in sunny Barbados for rum and a nod for Demarara sugar which was first made in 🇬🇾 Guyana, South America (former British colony on Caribbean coast). The young lady who received the beautiful gift of the Chocalatier from the fascinating lady is now living her own glamorous life. Stephanie, God be praised! I drink my chocolate like Phillip.
Christmas Crackers have always been a tradition in Canada. I remember wearing the tissue hats at my Grandparent's house in Ontario the 1950's. We read the lame jokes inside and marveled at the tiny prizes within. They're available in most shops. I bought ours today. We snap the crackers with glee before Christmas Dinner starts. By the way, here in Canada, we also have Christmas Puddings, we watch the Queen's Christmas Message on TV, read Dicken's A Christmas Carol and have BOXING DAY- where it's a madhouse in the stores with all the sales!
Happy Holidays from Vancouver Island, British Columbia CANADA.
Others have probably mentioned this already, adding cornstarch is what adds a velvety mouth feel.
Your advent vlogs have filled me with such joy. The positive spirit of those who live within the beautiful walls of the Chateau have been felt from sunny Sydney. Love to all
Very happy to see dogs at Lalande 🥰🥰
Stephanie you are as pretty as a Victorian Christmas card. And squeal with glee when you find mistletoe. Age is only a number ,to keep the child within alive ,is to be forever young.
Merry Christmas to you all ..not sure if you read all the comments so just in case…I want to send a hearty thank you for all the work and joy that has gone into these Advent vlogs. They have bought happy escapism for a few minutes from these dim days of daily news and doom and reminded us of love and being together ❤️ Happy days
Oh Christmas crackers are like thanksgiving wishbone!! Okay yeah super awesome, love them!!
yes we have Christmas crackers in the USA I've had them every year for years the kids love them
Another fascinating Christmas Diaries episode. Thank you!. Re the Christmas cracker tradition. I think it must be a little spotty in North America. I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was a well-known and widespread tradition there, probably because of the many families with British roots who settled there. We also pulled the crackers all at once with our arms crossed pulling the crackers with whomever was sitting next to us at the Christmas table. I now live in Winnipeg and the tradition is live and well here as well. In California the tradition is not so well known, but it is growing, maybe because the upscale kitchen store chain, William-Sonoma sells them. They sell them at Easter too. The paper on the Easter crackers is decorated with bunnies, chickens, eggs and flowers in pastel colours. 🇨🇦
Oh, I've never seen Easter crackers. Sounds like a great idea though. French-Canadian background so we didn't have these, even though my maternal grandparents were British immigrants. But my kids have experienced crackers to reflect the dual heritage. That's what makes Canada special.
I live in Minnesota and grew up in Wisconsin, never heard of crackers.
They weren’t as easy to find in small town Northern California when I was a kid, if I remember, but my parents always liked them and would find them. Once I was a teenager in early 2000s, we didn’t have a problem finding at least one pack somewhere, and as an adult now with lots of shopping in SoCal, they seem to be everywhere. But I think that many families aren’t aware of them or don’t have them as a tradition?
maybe othr places it became tafffy pulling
@@jomeyer13 St. Catherine's Taffy is a candy made by girls in French-Canadian families to honour St. Catherine, the patron saint of unmarried women on her feast day, November 25. St. Catherine's day is sometimes known in Franco Canadian families as "taffy day," a day when marriage-age girls would make taffy for eligible boys. Marguerite Bourgeoys, a founder of the Notre-Dame de Montréal and an early teacher at Ville-Marie, the colonial settlement that would later become Montreal, is credited with starting the tradition as a way of keeping the attention of her young students.
ITS Feb, 5th,,,I just put my 2nd Christmas tree today,,I have 4 more to go,,,,im inspired from your videos,,,I wish I was there,,,its very cold in Texas,,especially in my area,,,house I lived in was bu in 1940,,,so it's a little drafty,,but it's ok,,,the Christmas lights keep the house warm and cozy,,,Tea anyone???
I love how you planned your advent videos in advance and are showing the thought that goes in to making them. Merry Christmas from Kentucky!
In that coat you're like a very cute Christmas angel!!!
I spy another blossoming romance?
Wow you scored on mistletoe for sure, girl.
I think the Italians use a thickener like corn starch to thicken theirs. I think the best is Mexican, look that recipe up. It's insane.
Every single thing about this video is delightful. I did learn that mistletoe grows on trees and not bushes. Never knew that. So thank you for doing a segment on that. I use spiced brandy for my Christmas cake although the rum looks delish also. Mistletoe hunting, hot chocolate, the caribbean and crackers, what's not to love about this video. Steph, you looked adorable in your cape.
Mistletoe is what the Druid in Asterix would collect with his 'serpe d'or' to make the magic potion.
We can't do small family Christmas this year in an other city. I would bring the Christmas Crackers and mincemeat pies. So I am enjoying your Vlogs so much. When I was a teenager and ballerina, we did the Nutcracker and I did the Spanish dance. It is also known as hot chocolate. 😁🍭❤🌹🌺
Since you cannot get brown sugar in France, you can actually make your own with white sugar and a little bit of molasses. Hopefully molasses is available there.
It’s so exciting to be part of the Fun Team of La Lande in search of Mistletoe into the mist !!! 😃 😆
Spending Christmas at Chateau La Lande is like being in a Fairytale!!! 🧚♀️
Your doing so much love watching you so glad you there ! Julia
1000/10 would recommend making your Christmas cake in November, as well as your pudding and mince meat for mince pies. Makes everything so much tastier!!
A rise for the overal ingenious and meticulously put together videos!! Also the fact that the video in Barbados was planned to be an Advent one, goodness!! Well well well well done!!👏🏻✨
I love this Christmas content, well done☺️
So nice to hear that Amaury is a fellow beekeeper. I've always been interested to hear more about the bees at LaLande, perhaps it will happen. Watch those Varroa destructor mites!
Binge watching the advent videos and oh my, It made me so happy that You wore our traditional, Latvian patterned cape! You look beautiful! 💖
We have Christmas crackers available in the US but you have to do a wee bit of looking round for them!
Yummy and what a nice tradition. Thanks for showing the “crackers”. Since I’m in the USA, they are not used much.