It is that day that comes around only once every four years. A day that carries a solution to a scientific equation, folklore traditions, and those lucky enough to be born this day, the ever elusive fountain of youth. From whichever point of view that today holds for you, I wish you the happiest of them all. Leap into this year with enthusiasm, and I am sure that you will not be disappointed.

Alexis C.

Anxious to receive Vogue March 2012 issue, I had no idea that this rare song bird would in one night collect as many Grammy’s as Whitney Houston acquired in her entire career. Did Vogue have a heads up when choosing of Adele for their power issue coinciding in the same month as the Grammy Award Ceremony. Whatever the knowings of that night’s turn of events, we all acknowledge Adele as a powerful artist, who from a broken heart and failed relationship, super charged a fabulous career….

Laudreé, just the name brings delightful images of confectionery concoctions fit for a queen. And what better way to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of this glorious house of pastry masterpieces fit for a princess of any era than Laudreé’s collaboration with designers for limited editions boxes starting March 1, 2012 that are just as magnificent pieces of art as are the macaroons that they hold. Though the outspoken supporter of socialistic reform, Louis-Ernest Ladurée founded the pastry shop in 1862, It wasn’t until 1930 when his grandson Pierre Desfontaines, had the original idea of the double-decker, sticking two macaroon shells together with a creamy ganache as filling. And the rest is history in the art of chic confectionery delights.

The premiere box is designed and illustrated with Japanese, but Paris based designer Tsumori Chisato’s poetic, and readily whimsical hand. A treasure in itself after the macaroons have disappeared. Taking inspiration from cherry blossom season, the macaroons are pink and filled with a light cherry ganache. For those stateside, visit the new Laudreé tea salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Bon anniversaire, Ladurée!
Alexis C.

Love has been compared to a garden of flowers, a river, a flame, illness and war; it is a language spoken by everyone the world-over, though it is not spoken often enough, and when it is words hardly seem adequate. It is given and received most effectively without cost or trade, and a holiday has been established in the honor of love, giving an annual excuse for recognition of affection. Sometimes love is serious, sometimes silly; other times love is sad or jealous, even angry. There has been something said about every face of love. No matter how painful it can be when it goes wrong, love is the most desired commodity in society today, which is why there is so much said about the subject.

“All you need is love.” – The Beatles