So it’s approaching another time of year particularly productive for the retail industry. An occasion I have mixed feelings about, but an occasion notwithstanding my mixed feelings. The annual event was established in 500 AD by Pope Gelasius I, and is of course St. Valentine’s Day (after the Christian Martyr Valentine) – mostly shortened to just Valentine’s Day. Despite it’s origins Valentine’s Day doesn’t really hold any religious connections, or connotations anymore – Hallmark took over! Ha.

I don’t think the commercialisation of it makes it any less of an occasion. It is a time of love, and admiration (yes that includes self love, and admiration!). A lot of people love Valentine’s day when they are in a relationship, however when they are not avoid it like a plague. Despite not been in a relationship I like to see it as a positive thing, a time to think of those in my life who I care about, and those who care about me. Most importantly, it’s an excuse to treat (I love the word treat, if you hadn’t noticed…) myself to a few delights, I mean no-one else is going to right? So why not?!

What better way to treat one self, or someone else, than with some fine confectionary, or chocolates, and a spot of rosé champagne?

…well maybe throw in some cream cakes, and macarons, and then we are talking – this is getting a bit Sofie Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.

My particular favourite when it comes to confectionary, and chocolate just happens to be Charbonnel et Walker. I simply love their champagne truffles, and who doesn’t love crèmes parisiennes? It is simply confectionary at it’s finest.

Despite a few troubles along the way, (the original company went into liquidation in 1894) the name Charbonnel et Walker today is still synonymous with taste, grandeur, and extravagance. Throughout it’s history, the company has had Royal correlations, and to this day holds a Royal appointment/warrant (if it’s good enough for the Monarchy, it’s good enough for me!).

Established as Britain’s Master Chocolatiers since 1875, encouraged by King Edward VII who was the then Prince of Wales, the chocolatier, and confectionary house was established on the famous Bond Street, London (it now resides on Old Bond Street in the Royal Arcade, not far from the original premises). Seeing as it is 2011, and all, you can order direct from their website http://www.charbonnel.co.uk/ – you will also find department stores such as Selfridges, and House of Fraser stock Charbonnel et Walker in their food courts.

The companies’ chocolate manufacturing is done in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and it is all hand made. As you probably know I am a fan of things manufactured in this country – we should be proud of our industry, and support it as much as we can.

“Never expect people to treat you any better than you treat yourself.”

- Bo Bennett

I leave you with a picture I snapped on Monday morning (it’s not all that often I am up when it’s still dark unless I haven’t slept yet, so I had to obviously commemorate the occasion):

p.s. Whilst gin may be known as a Woman’s ruin, I am seriously thinking whisky is becoming a Lorien’s ruin – however I am massively enjoying it.