Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany and we can enjoy these delicious cakes and buns topped with the famous bean. I find it unfortunate that these traditional cakes are on sale since December in supermarkets because it makes no sense. In the same way that we should not drag on until February this ritual because as they say After the party, farewell the saint.

I remember sharing the Twelfth Night cake in my childhood when I was hiding under the table to designate the recipient of the part: for whom this one, my mother asked me? I mentioned in the order of my preferences emotional moment of the beneficiary, an order which could be upset by a quarrel with one of my brothers. I treasured the beans but the house was left to chance and there was no question of promoting younger, namely yours truly.

At work the Epiphany will be the opportunity many tastings, too, no doubt. I dread to be sacred queen, having to choose a king and especially to be decked out in the crown. Good ridicule does not kill me and if fate means I will pay the next cake.

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Advent is not just a calendar with 24 little boxes to be opened by children to make them wait until Christmas. Advent comes from Latin and means the coming of the messiah.

Of course the religious origin was a little (lot) lost to the Germanic tradition from which the famous calendar. Children love to learn every day a treat or a toy. Parents or grandparents, a little DIY realize themselves and some do not lack imagination. It's something I'd like to make my turn when I am grandma.

Some sites offer to print calendars and coloring, which is an alternative to the traditional calendar rather expensive that parents can not afford to buy. This will amuse kids and they will be proud to exhibit their works.

Imagine that there are even Advent calendars for dogs and cats! No, no you are not seeing things and the worst is that it sold € 30 and that the stores are out of stock. This means if you are away from the religious spirit and frankly it's anything.

In the month of Advent are related sayings and I chose this one: the month of Advent is rain and wind, pull your cap to the teeth. Clearly, if December is windy and wet, the winter will be harsh. Observe good weather this month to see the months of January, February and March.

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Sunday we will celebrate on May 1. This year we will not have a day off for Labor Day, 2011 is not a good year for employees. Employees who work will be paid double compensation for the holiday.

As usual the various unions and parade their policies follow. On the banners the protesters claim more purchasing power and job security. For some, like the other, participation in this gathering will be a test. A new assessment of the number of participants diverge between the unions and the police, this is also a tradition.

Meanwhile, the florists were busy bouquets of lilies. To compete with the sale of the individuals who have, for this single day of tolerance, they enliven the simple touch of a lily pink and transparent paper. Husbands and children will go early to buy the lucky bunch.

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In December 31 who sees turn the last page of 2010 I send you all my best wishes for 2011. It's time to all possibilities, of dreams and good intentions.

Two quotes come to mind. The first "Be nice or be nasty, health kif kif's donkey." He was not wrong dear Alphonse Allais and health is certainly our most valuable asset. I wish you to keep it throughout the year.

The second, somewhat macho (I'll let you judge) comes from Sacha Guitry and makes me smile "January 1 is the only day of the year when women forget our past with our present."

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Place Sainte Anne Rennes

Dear readers I wish you all a merry Christmas . I hope that the festive season you will be surrounded by those you love, you'll be spoiled by Santa Claus, even if like me you're too old to believe in again.

He reigns in those days around Christmas a special atmosphere that is felt everywhere in the streets, in locations where crowds jostle and even at work where there is little soul working.

Opéra de Rennes

Yet everyone will unfortunately not the chance to live a family Christmas and too many people suffer from loneliness. I read recently that isolation affects more and more people, not just older. In a society where social networks are forged on the web, there are those who are alone, desperately alone and lonely to be even heavier to bear during the holidays.

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The Cultural Space of the Champs Libres in Rennes

The Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, former Rennes best known as the Champ de Mars, has a long history behind it. In the 1900s it was the agricultural fair and you could see the boys in sailor suits with their mom walk in robe in the shelter of an umbrella. For the 1906 fair in a preliminary farm and a lighthouse had been erected there. The gentlemen wearing boaters admiring the horses, cows .... Finally, as with any agricultural fair in fact.

Over time the urban landscape has changed. The old barracks Colombier adjoining the Champ de Mars was razed to make way for the construction of a major shopping center and a wide range of high-rise buildings. On the other hand, was built in 1961, the sports hall, which as its name suggests was originally dedicated to the sport then this hideous building was renamed Liberty and transformed into multi-purpose hall which hosts exhibitions, fairs, sports or cultural events such as Festival Travelling or dusk .
Despite a rather poor acoustics The Liberty welcomes the great musical performances including the famous Transmusicales. The great tower of safety dominates the square of its 16 floors since late 1973.
The clock time counting up the years, the agricultural fair exit, hello to the many carnival attractions and a circus tent with their immense and traditional zoo that brings a touch of exoticism.

But in recent years this vast place has changed dramatically and decisively modernized with the construction of the Champs Libres futuristic space dedicated to culture, the 4 a space of 1750 m2 young, the renovation of the Liberty, opened in late 2006 to a complex of 13 theaters which I mentioned in a previous post.
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My second year of blogging and it ends with you dear readers of way or frequent that I will enter the year 2010. I hope like me you have finished the year 2009 in Beauty and the festivities were the meetings with family and friends warm.

The 2009 report regarding the blog is rather positive and what I remember most are the best games available to me. In my life I will remember two important events, the marriage of two people who are very dear to me and a job transfer in a difficult but ultimately very beneficial.

For the new vintage of which I do not know if it will be exceptional, I preferred not to establish a list of good resolutions, most of which would be abandoned just made. Anyway I will try to concoct a good little notes and I hope that I will never know the anguish of the blank.

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The town of Quimper in Brittany is famous for its pottery. The factory HB Henriot was founded, wait for it in 1690. Such longevity is the indisputable proof of product quality. You all know the famous bowl ears with the inscription of the name. Often imitated, never equaled. If you look a little closer you will not be fooled and you'll see right away who you are dealing. This bowl that had to empty the entire contents to reveal the paintings that adorned the bottom was a good way to encourage children to drink their breakfast.

Over time the factory was able to adapt and innovate without abandoning the traditional decorations that made ​​his reputation: the daisies, the characters in Breton costume , the rooster. Each piece is as originally decorated by the artists hands of the house of international renown. All parts are authenticated by affixing the signatures of the artist and the house Henriot.

In the 30's appeared the "white" Quimper, monochrome statues of more than 75 years later retain a surprisingly modern. Innovate to stay in the movement. The Henriot pottery has risen to the challenge and offers a beautiful collection of jewelry with flamboyant colors.
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The traditional Breton furniture is very typical. Carved wood, it is the work of true artists, and even if you do not like it must be acknowledged leg of the fabulous artisans. It is decorated with rosettes and characters. These are used as a buffet or for amounts as table legs.

The style is heavy and does not fit in our modern habitats causing it to fall into disuse. However it will look great in a renovated farmhouse where large parts supporting its massive appearance.

Some furniture such as beds were closed related to living conditions. These beds that were found in most of the farms were, as their name suggests, completely closed by two sliding doors that allows its occupants to keep the heat inside. You have to imagine that at the time the central heating was a dream and that given the meager heat up the chimney rather spartan offering comfort to our ancestors, however, less fragile than we do. This ingenious system transformed the layer nest where it was good to snuggle with his half.

In addition, the firm often has only a single room where the family lived then preserved a box bed for privacy.

The hutch or chest, large wardrobe with two doors, the long table flanked by two benches were the rest of the household furniture. The best pieces are shaped by their signature artisans and amateurs looking in flea markets.
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Originally the tradition of giving Easter eggs was not related to the Catholic religion. However, as it was forbidden to eat eggs during Lent there was abundance of eggs when Easter arrived. From the Middle Ages people were in the habit of exchanging decorated eggs . In the eighteenth century began to empty the eggs and fill them with chocolate . Over time these eggs have been replaced by chocolate molds.

Currently we have forgotten the religious side of Easter and chickens, rabbits, bells chocolate eggs alongside symbols of life and renewal. Those who are lucky enough to own a garden to hide in the hedges, bushes, flower pots for the delight of children playing in the search. Amusement parks organize egg hunts.

I found my way Ouaps eggs. They do not eat there but they speak. Yes, you read correctly! A small button allows you to enable sound and well-hidden egg called the child that does not fail to surprise. The battery lasts about ten minutes and did not change unfortunately. The sweet tooth will not find their account. They might prefer the egg Kinder , less traditional than the traditional chocolate egg but after having regaled them reveal the small object it contains kit.
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