Patricia Sands

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follow your dreams

Choopy’s Cupcakes and Coffee Shop

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If it’s Friday, it must be France …

Mon Dieu, what a day I’ve had! There’s malware in my Hotmail apparently sending messages to everyone in my address book that I’m in distress in Greece and need money! It took a few hours of phone calls to Microsoft for them to figure out why I couldn’t access my Hotmail account. Now I will have to wait another 24 to 48 hours before I can get back in.  If you happen to receive one of those messages rest assured I’m not in Greece! You know me, I’d rather be in France!

We were up north visiting friends at their beautiful cottage for three days this week and without internet service. I’m now paying the price with overflowing blog and social media matters to take care of.

So I’m taking the easy way out this week and reposting this piece from last year about one of my favourite places in Antibes and the delightful young couple who make it happen. If you are anywhere in the neighbourhood, drop in to see Vincent and Julie!

HERE IT IS:

I love success stories, don’t you? The reason I’m a little late posting this is because I took a few hours this evening to watch the movie The Help with my DH. As well as being an important and well-told story,  author Kathryn Stockett’s backstory about writing The Help is one everyone should hear. It’s a true success story.

She received 60 rejections over a five-year period before one brave agent with an eye for a good story saw the truth in it. Click here to read it from my archives, in case you missed it. She’s hilarious and her personal journey is inspiring to all of us who believe in our writing.

Okay, I’m getting off topic … as I do … this post is about France and it’s about success. It’s about a young couple I met in Antibes whose story also inspired me.

Meet Julie and Victor, the owners of Choopy’s,  who are natives of nearby Nice and about as sincere and delightful a young couple as you could ever hope to meet. This warm and welcoming shop is in the old town of Antibes, through a short archway off Rue de La République.

I have to admit I’m not a true coffee drinker, unlike my DH who is an espresso afficionado.

I am … full confession here … a faux-coffee drinker. I need chocolate in it . Give me a Café Mocha or a Moccacino and I’m in heaven. I appreciate how seriously the French take their café and I know it’s kind of bad manners to even think of having anything but a café (i.e. espresso) or a café crème so I had been pretending for several weeks that I was cool with that (plus a LOT of sugar). But I wasn’t.

So … Choopy’s was new and had a cosmopolitan ambiance AND they had free wifi – bonus! I wandered in one day to see if possibly they might have one of these North American aberrations on their menu. They didn’t. “Pas de problème!” said Victor with his wonderful smile. “Explain what it is and I’ll make you one.” I did and he did. Magnifique!

Julie, a beautiful and engaging young woman, is a graduate of a prestigious 5-year culinary program. Vincent has a degree in business and finance. Soon after graduation they began working. It took no time for Julie to realize she wanted to be in contact with people and Vincent knew he preferred baking cakes to crunching numbers. Their quest began to figure out just what it was they could do to make this happen.

Like so  many other young people, they packed up and had an adventure working and traveling in Australia and Bali. All the while they were on the lookout for something that might be a sign as to what sort of business they should open. It didn’t take long for the sign to appear and surprisingly it was in the shape of … CUPCAKES! 

It seemed as if every coffee shop in Australia also served cupcakes. Mon Dieu! Qu’est-ce que c’est? Who had heard of cupcakes in France?  Not many. You can find more types of pastries in France than practically anywhere else in the world … but not cupcakes!

Visiting cupcake bakeries in Australia before they left, they were convinced that this was their future.  A bit of research back home indicated only one bakery in Paris was making cupcakes. Amazing. I mean, seriously, who doesn’t enjoy a good cupcake … or two?  Julie has become a cupcake goddess and every kind I sampled through the summer was über-delicieux!

Along with the ever-changing selection of cupcakes there are several other equally delicious choices to accompany your coffee. Victor’s banana bread with it’s mouth-watering crunchy topping has already established it’s own reputation.

Lunches and Sunday brunches are also served with all ingredients fresh from the daily market. Get there early as the space fills up quickly. The word has spread and this bright, hard-working and absolutely delightful young couple are seeing their business become a most successful venture.

It was always a pleasure to stop in and see how busy they were. Their energy and commitment to their business is evident in everything they do. Customer service is their focus and after just a few months it was obvious they were becoming a very important part of the charming old town in Antibes. Never too busy for a smile and a friendly exchange, make sure you stop by the next time you are in the neighbourhood!

The strawberry cupcakes are to die for … but then, so are the chocolate … and  … um, well, the Cupcakes De Noël are out now too. Just try them all!

And ask them how they decided upon the name of their shop … very cute …

Here’s their Facebook link. Stop in and “like” them – they deserve it. Merci beaucoup!

What are some success stories that have inspired you? Have you ever done your homework, taken a big breath and begun something completely new and different in your life? Would you do it again?

Your Date Coach is here … got questions?

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Apart from my love of writing and hearing from readers, I thrive on the connections that are constantly occurring in this literary world. Through social media, conferences, writing groups, there are always new and interesting people to get to know … and, of course, everyone has a story.

The fabulous Christine Hart is visiting with me here today. She’s a Date Coach! Whoops, no pushing now! Please line up in an orderly fashion if you have a question or two you would like to run by her about a relationship in your life.

As a Dating & Relationship Coach for over 12 years, Christine is the founder of Your Date Coach Inc., and an industry leader in navigating the world of effective male/female communication. Her guidance and techniques have led to more than 65 lasting marriages. Author of The Art of Living a Flirtatious Life – a book dedicated to helping women connect with the power of their femininity. Find out more about this book and others by Christine by clicking here.
Christine has appeared on various media including interviews with The Huffington Post, The Financial Post, CTV National, CityTV, CTV, CBC, Much Music, GlobalTV, CP24, Elle Magazine, Flare Magazine, Canadian Living, Globe & Mail, National Post and The Toronto Star. She is also one of the regular Dating Experts on CosmoTV’s hit show, “LoveTrap”. She holds a BA in Communication Studies, is a Certified Coach through CCF and a graduate of the PAX Mastery Program in California. PAX is dedicated to transforming the way men and women relate to each other.
Christine is always the best company! You’re going to enjoy getting to know her here. One thing she doesn’t mention in her bio above, is the fact that she is also a talented jazz singer. How cool is that? Read on!

PS – Your choice of career is unique and intriguing. How did it come about?

CH – It really was a natural evolution. It began with getting a degree in Communication Studies and then shortly after, I owned a casting facility for film and television. What I loved most about my job was talking with the actors about their love lives. Then I heard about this concept of speed-dating and it hadn’t really come to Canada yet. I decided to start a business in Calgary and it was very successful. I was always giving dating advice based on the books I was reading and the conversations I was having with my guests. I did a lot of work (and still do) as a Dating Expert on television and then heard there was a career description of  a “Dating Coach”.  Realizing I was actually doing that but not charging,  I formed YourDateCoach in 2007 and have worked full time in that capacity ever since. 

PS – You’ve branched out in several directions with a television show and a published book as well as working individually and in workshops with clients. Whew! You are a busy lady. Would you mind elaborating on those different aspects of your work?

 CH – Yes, the one-to-one coaching is the largest part of my business and from that several wonderful opportunities have come my way. I am often hired to speak to groups of women or co-ed groups. My extensive training with PAX Programs gives me a unique set of skills where I can advise anyone at any point in their dating life whether they’ve been in a relationship for 10 years or just getting themselves out there. My book came from a workshop I taught on helping women connect with their femininity. I felt that many women saw femininity as being a weakness and didn’t know how to connect with that side of themselves. Since their work required them to be masculine, they wanted to learn to be more feminine in their interactions with men. 

PS – What brings you the greatest satisfaction in your career?

CH – I love it when I get a call or email from a client saying, “I just don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t found you”. I have helped hundreds of women and men get better results in their interactions with the opposite sex. I love clearing up misconceptions and helping people relate on a whole new level they didn’t know existed prior to working with me. 

PS – When you take time off from this business, what do you like to do? Travel, sports, theatre?

CH – I’m an experiential traveler and love visiting new places all over the world. I love riding my bike and going to hot yoga classes. As a hobby, I sing jazz. I have an EP that I am beginning to market. www.christinehartmusic.com and I’ve sung all over North America and in Central Mexico.  

PS – Moving forward with your career, do you see any major changes in the future to what you are doing?

CH – My business is transitioning to being mainly online and via phone. I am building programs and products to further help my clients. I believe that you are best able to help your clients when you yourself, are living an authentic lifestyle that keeps you very happy. Having more of an online business allows me to travel more. 

PS – Is there one particular generic piece of advice that you might offer to everyone as a basic guideline in handling relationships?

CH – Men are not versions of women. They are the opposite of women in many ways. What I mean by that is sometimes we look at men and think “Gosh, I would never do that or think that way, what the heck is his problem?!” Both men and women can create an opportunity to gain a lot more peace in their lives through understanding the WHY behind each other’s behaviors. It can be both fascinating (really!) and healing at the same time. 

Christine, thanks so much for stopping by! It’s always great fun to chat with you. When I start to work on the revisions for my upcoming new novel (the editor has promised he will have it to me soon), I may have to send a couple of the characters to you for counselling!

For all of you dear readers who want to know more about Christine, here’s a link to her newsletter that’s always bursting with great information and helpful tips!

She’s also waiting to hear from you at her website www.yourdatecoach.com.
Among other things Christine is a perfect example of people in “The Wireless Generation”, able to work from anywhere in the world. When you have a minute, take a look at this site about a young couple who are putting together a documentary about this new generation of people who are taking their careers online so they can travel the world. I’m one of their supporters as they work to raise enough money to present their documentary to the Sundance Film Festival. If you know others who may be interested in this, please pass it on! Thanks!

Happy Birthday to Me!

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I’m taking the day off to play golf and celebrate. Thanks for all the cards, voicemails and e-mails … the Kazoo serenade was outstanding! See you Friday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQoE4bnpBCk

A touch of Italy with Barbara Conelli

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This week we’re going to take a short detour from the south of France and spend some time in Italy with my friend, travel writer Barb Conelli, whose book launch we are celebrating! Cue the fireworks, brass band, and bring on the vino! Va bene!

The author of Chique Secrets of La Dolce Vita, Barbara has just published the equally intriguing Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore. This new book focuses exclusively on the intimate and seductive knowledge of the magnificent city of Milan as only this author knows it. If you want to read about the main tourist attractions in Milan, buy an ordinary guidebook. But if you want to know about hidden alleyways where you will find special family-run shops and restaurants with fascinating histories and secrets known only to locals, read this author’s books.

You know how much of a travel junkie I am and I find her books absolutely delightful. The next time I have the chance to visit Milan, you can be sure her books will be with me. Just to make us even more excited for her, guess where she is spending the summer  …  Rome! You can follow along vicariously with her daily posts on her blog.

Roma – St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican – Patricia Sands Photography
Roma – The Coliseum – taken from the Forum – Patricia Sands Photography
Roma – Trevi Fountain – Patricia Sands Photography

Today she is going to share some of her thoughts on being a travel writer. In my next life, that’s definitely on my list of career choices! Take it away, Barb!

What Makes A Good Travel Writer?

People usually think that travel writers live a glamorous life: they enjoy wonderful trips, exciting experiences, exotic food, luxurious spas, and they have friends (and sometimes even lovers) all around the globe. Let me tell you the truth: It’s exactly what you think it is. It’s a dream come true and the most amazing lifestyle I can think of. Yes, basically it’s just gumdrops and unicorns.

However, most travel writers who make a living by writing about their adventures don’t work for National Geographic or another famous publication. Take me, for example. I’ve been a nomad since I was a toddler, thanks to my nomadic parents. (It’s not like we lived in a tent in the desert; we just loved to travel.) I spent years paying for my own trips, and occasionally writing about them, just because I loved it.

When I published my first Chique Travel Book (Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita), I thought it would be a great Christmas gift for my friends and family, and I had no idea what a whirlwind it would cause. I became a travel writer practically overnight, and only then did I realize that it had been my dream all along. Sometimes life needs to give you a major nudge so that you finally understand why you’re here on this beautiful planet and what you’re supposed to do with your precious life.

The morning I was leaving for Rome a couple of weeks ago, to start my annual Italian adventure, I got a lovely check from Amazon and realized that it would cover all my travel expenses and some more, for the first time in my life. I was sitting at the door on my red suitcase, with the check in my hand, thinking: “I have officially made it. I’m a travel writer.”

I’m often asked what makes a good travel writer, what you need to do and be like so that your writing is authentic, captivating, exciting and fun. Therefore, I have put together five tips for you today, my travel writer’s mantra. They may not work for everyone, but they’ve been the foundation of all my writing and I swear by them:

1. Speak the language

When people hear I’m fluent in eight languages and study two more, they tend to think I’m an alien. Of course, I’m not saying every travel writer must be a polyglot, but speaking at least some Italian, or French, or Chinese, can make a huge difference. Locals are more likely to open up to you when they see you try to speak their language, and it is so much easier to gather stories and anecdotes, and come across unexpected revelations and adventures.

2. Talk to the people

And I don’t mean just locals. For example, I love airports. Striking up a conversation with a stranger when you’re waiting for a connecting flight or enjoying a cup of coffee is very inspiring. Ordinary people are the source of fabulous stories, as life is the greatest writer of all. Don’t be shy – people love to talk about themselves and their life, and they enjoy sharing their experiences with fellow travelers. When you’re in your destination, talk to everyone. To waiters in restaurants, to store owners, people who walk their dogs in your favorite park in the morning. Good travel writing is not about places – places are only the stage where the real stories – people’s stories – unwind.

3. Write from the heart

Don’t be afraid to open up to your readers and share your emotions with them. Don’t try to be objective – allow yourself to be as subjective as you can. The purpose of travel writing, especially of narrative travel writing, is to take your readers with you and allow them to experience the same sensations, sights and smells that you are experiencing. Your writing is like a magic carpet and you are the weaver who is putting its threads together. Don’t be afraid of wild colors and lush ornaments, be bold, be vivid, be quirky, be fun, and always be yourself.

4. Slow down

If you want to tap into the energy and vibe of the place, you need to slow down. Sit on a bench or in a café, and observe. Feel the place, feel the people, watch their gestures, their moods, their faces. Become one with it, and take it in with all your senses. Don’t rush, don’t run around desperately trying to see all the sights. Again, it’s not about the sights – it’s about being able to find those hidden gems and delicate secrets that tourists don’t have a chance to see.

5. Be humble and don’t judge

Travel is the best school of life. It teaches you to be open-minded and respectful. When you travel or are getting ready to write about your travel experience, remember this: “It is what it is, and it is all good.” As an outsider, you will never be able to fully understand the motivation of people, their choices and their circumstances. This world is full of contrast and diversity, and we need to learn to accept, honor and love them.

About Barb:

Barbara Conelli is an internationally published bestselling author, seasoned travel writer & photojournalist specializing in Italy, and Chiquenist on the mission to bring Fantastic Fearless Feminine Fun into women’s lives. In her charming, delightful and humorous Chique Travel Books filled with Italian passion, Barb invites women to explore Italy from the comfort of their home with elegance, grace and style, encouraging them to live their own Dolce Vita no matter where they are in the world. Barb lives between New York and Milan, and as a real globetrotter, she’s always on the move, accompanied by her adorable and very spoiled beagle. To her, writing is like breathing, and she’s currently working on her new book.

Visit Barb at http://www.barbaraconelli.com and please come on back here next Tuesday to read my interview with this bubbly, enthusiastic, true Italian Chiqueniste! We’ll be sitting on a terrace watching the action on the Piazza Di Spagna in Roma, sipping a soulful vino rosso or perhaps a lightly sparkling prosecco, and waiting for you to join us!

Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore

Fascinating, enthralling and seductive travel and life tales about unexpected encounters with the capricious, unpredictable and extravagant city of Milan, its glamorous feminine secrets, the everyday magic of its dreamy streets, the passionate romance of its elegant hideaways, and the sweet Italian art of delightfully falling in love with your life wherever you go.

Download the book at http://tinyurl.com/buydolceamore and enjoy the book trailer right here!

Have you been lucky enough to visit Italy? We would love to hear about some of your favourite memories so don’t be shy. Share them with us right here! Grazie mille!