CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN A FRENCH TOWN!

THE CHRISTMAS DIARIES: 18th day of ADVENT!!!
Today I head to our local French town to get delicious food from the market and to shop for Christmas in the antique shop and brocante...
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It's the Vlogmas time of year again - CHRISTMAS AT THE CHATEAU has begun! Happy Advent!
Follow all of us as we get the chateau ready for a spectacular French Christmas.
Each day will be filled with decorating, cooking, gift buying, carol singing and discovering ancient Christmas traditions from around the world.

[@paigepooler9036]

Ah! Yes, it’s pretty clear to see that Amaury gets his charm and sense of humor from both his parents! Lovely family! The market, the antiquing, the Moules-Frites-…thanks for these daily glimpses! They are a delight!

[@normamurray4450]

Your Aunt and Uncle appear to be lovely people, as is their son! You managed to find some lovely gifts Stephanie and Phillip! I can't wait to see everyone at the Cocktail party and more!

[@debtheguest3109]

You can tell where Amaury gets his personality, his parents are so sweet! So fun traveling around with you Stephanie, thank you for sharing with us.

[@dhgemein2]

I had never thought of using an empty mussel shell as tweezers to eat other mussels. This vlog was worth watching for that tip alone!

[@flo3799]

Mussels with fries are a really common dish in Europe especially Belgium. Using the shell to eat the mussel is the normal way here in UK and in Europe.

[@dawngough1133]

Love your aunt and uncle. Such good company! Can see where Amaury gets his quiet confidence ❤️

[@Sharon-Me]

I am happy to see that Amaury's parents arrived safely!

[@joellenmeek658]

Wonderful that your Aunt and Uncle could be with you for Christmas - we can see how much it meant to you to have them there.

[@josephinemciver8089]

Such a treat to finally “meet” Amaury’s mum and dad! Thank you for being so consistent with these Advent vlogs. Best Christmas present ever XOXO

[@leetawitham3619]

So enjoying your advent vlogs here in Melbourne, Australia. Your Aunt and Uncle are delightful and we can see where Amaury gets his patience, charm and confidence from. You are blessed to have such a lovely family. Love the trips to the market and the brocanting. Is that a word? You have chosen the presents for your Aunt very well. Beautiful things. I wake up every morning here in Oz and the first thing I do is look to see if you Vlog is posted. Now I know it is 8.30am Oz time? Dan usually beats you but not today. I am presently in hospital recovering from a knee replacement so look forward to any and all distractions.

[@karencorcoran4628]

Get better soon. These blogs will help for sure. They are so charming.

[@vivalila123]

Best wishes on a speedy recovery! :)

[@endeavouringit]

I had a knee replacement last year, bending is important, not walking too much in first couple of weeks I say, lay and rest for first couple of weeks between exercising as with sitting I had too much swelling, ice packs of course imperative. I wish you a speedy recovery. Tracey, Surfers Paradise.

[@kiethee]

Hi Stephanie and everyone thank you so much for doing advent every day and we all appreciate all of the hard work that goes into making them it certainly has made my Christmas and really looking forward to them so much fun and laughter so keep up the great work all of you

[@smee1969]

Your Aunt Tatiette and Uncle Steven💛✨ Amoury’s parents are amazing 🤩 love her face and his ...you can see where Amoury gets his inner and outer beauty.. those potato patties with cheese looked amazing .My Uncle Mr Knight would make the most mind blowing Christmas Eve 🦪 Oyster Stew.. That market was amazing Oh my goodness you ate Mussels 😋my parents eat seafood every Friday Those photos were amazing and the gifts for your Aunt 🥰

[@richc1259]

Amaury sounds like his Dad when they talk. Wonderful to get to meet more of your family.

[@irenemulcahy2495]

Stephanie I don't normally make comments but just always enjoy your vlogs so much that there is nothing to add to my total enjoyment. However this one is absolutely magnificent. Just loved it and thankyou so much for all that you share with everyone. 🥰

[@BehindtheseEyes]

Entire Post is a Day of "French" Charm /Gaiety with Wonderful Family. Be grateful to Family/Friends who make Us Happy......They are the Gardeners of our Souls.😇 JOYEUX NOËL🎄

[@3_times_mum520]

Great to see your family arrive for Christmas, 🎄your Aunt and Uncle are such a nice couple😊 I can see why you have looked forward to seeing them. The picture frames so beautiful👍🤫

[@darlalitteral5151]

I so wish that I could go shopping with you and Phillip. Y'all always have so much fun. Merry Christmas ❤️🙏🏰🎅🤶🦌☃️🎁❄️🎀🕯️👼🎄

[@hatshepsut8329]

Stephanie’s aunt and uncle seem like such warm, fun, down to earth people and it is clear where Amaury gets his graciousness and good looks from! I adore the gifts for auntie…truly elegant, feminine and classic French! 🥰🎄🇫🇷

[@dreamchaseruk]

Brilliant vlog. But the lady at the market, the look on her face as Stephanie was recording near the butcher, her reaction was priceless 🤣🤣🤣🤣 💖

[@TheChateauDiaries]

😂

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

If you are talking about the lady who rushed up she scared me that there might be an emergency

[@AuthorKelseyChapman]

I had a little chuckle about that too lol

[@carolinegooder7091]

I love that all the friends, family and volunteers from all over the world have been sharing their food and family traditions during the Advent. Thank you!😁❤🌺🌹

[@lucyyoung5307]

I’m thinking of Isabell, wish she could have been there. Merry Christmas Isabell.

[@alicjadybula]

We all miss Isabelle. But seeing Amerie's mother is also nice. Is she Isabelle's sister? :)

[@billgreen1861]

I must say, that your aunt is delightful it felt like family to me and your uncle as well. it's been a long time since I've heard someone say "Slàinte Mhath!" Now I know it's Christmas. 🎄

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

Lovely to hear French spoken more:)

[@candydonnelly7543]

Your Advent videos make my heart so happy, we all need magic in our lives, thank you Stephanie and Philip ❤️🎄🐿❤️🎄🐿🇫🇷

[@ChristieinFlorida]

Another delightful video on your Christmas escapades. Thank you for making my holiday season cheery and bright.

[@charlenelindsay2019]

Mine also🎄✝️🎄

[@brielfaircloth405]

I love that Phillip found the Warmie (hot water bottle) turtle, we sell Warmie's in the little shop I work at and we had a Hedgehog one, I wanted to get it for him. I have a pink llama Warmie, it's so cozy and smells like lavender!

[@endeavouringit]

he should have bought it I thought, so cute

[@samsonchen2114]

Your aunt is so cute! Her voice reminds me of your mother! ~Karen

[@julielozano1852]

Awe so cute that Amorys Mom and Dad are there 🙌🙌 it beginning to look a lot like Christmas of course I wish Percy and Isabelle were there too ❤️❤️

[@paulabahnsen3821]

Your aunt and uncle are absolutely precious. So happy they’re with you for the holidays. Love seeing you and Phillip enjoying all the vlogmas activities. Thank you for sharing.

[@sdole9448]

Stay safe Lalanders! If Aunt and Uncle get stuck there, they will be living each of our dreams! oxo

[@EmilyBoltz]

So true!!

[@janeblandford852]

Wonderful to see your aunt and uncle at the Chateau.....to bad that your mother, Percy and Gerald weren't able to make it too!! Amaury looks so much like his mother....you have a wonderful family Stephanie and am so happy that you are all together!!

[@sdole9448]

LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing family together, mingling in village, and speaking French. I don't speak French but I love hearing you all speak it. More French in future, please! :)

[@Tracy_R]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU STEPHANIE. What a truly glorious day with Philip, Aunt & Uncle. So much fun & the photos were so cool to see. Wow!

[@1231ms54]

What a unique teapot, the frames are beautiful too. So wonderful to see your Aunt and Uncle.

[@mavep2855]

Amaury takes after his Mum, she is lovely. Wonderful outing with Philip and your Aunt and Uncle. Thanks Stephanie and Philip🎄🙏🏻❤️

[@harrytuttle0]

Yep, Amaury got most of his features from mum

[@cathytilghman]

Beautiful day and lovely Aunt and Uncle Stephanie. Amauary is blessed with loving parents. What a nice video today. Enjoy being with your loving family.

[@nancyalford8056]

So your Aunt is Isabelle’s sister? Beautiful gifts and wonderful food🎄❤️

[@Sdempsey2023]

I love the lady that urgently needed to hurriedly get to the butcher but was amazingly polite and slowly backed out of the frame once she realized what had happened🥰😂

[@zander8018]

Thank you for sharing and over the last 3 years, I have come to view your Advent Calender as a staple for Christmas. So glad your Aunt and Uncle have arrived.

[@Gayane790]

So much fun to shop with all of you! Stephanie and Philip, you have filled my virtual Christmas stocking this year with lots of love and laughter! Thank you!

[@EmilyBoltz]

Your aunt and uncle are a beautiful/handsome couple and so much fun! It’s so fun to see you getting a chance to enjoy family!

[@blueyzsf]

Happy Holidays, Emily!!! Hope all is well in your world.😁😁

[@mayfleur36]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Stephanie, for another great Advent video ♥️ I’d so be n my glory, in an open market like this 🥰. If I was to come and volunteer at Chateau de Lalande, I’d LOVE to do some shopping at Emmaüs 😉

[@rachelwyatt9529]

I really enjoyed this happy advent vlog. It might be one of my favorites because your Aunt and Uncle are so delightful and stylish! I can tell right away they are fun to be around. Looking forward to tomorrow.

[@vivalila123]

I hope your aunt and uncle make more appearances on your vlog! They seem so delightful and the four of you enjoying lunch together was lovely to watch - such infectious joy!

[@amyschneidhorst1384]

I am trained as a historian and I enjoyed following your commentary of the city exhibit photos. I was pleased to hear where we came to similar conclusions/ questions but even more so when you pointed out details I had not noticed. I so appreciate how you bring your sense of history and culture to this vlog.

[@liesavillandre3481]

what a wonderful day of shopping and a lovely lunch too. Your Aunt and Uncle are so much fun and I am sure very happy to see you and Amaury.

[@cornishcoves9399]

such a a great video and wonderful to see your Aunt and Uncle....once again Stephanie you have expressed the day so beautifullly. thank you and Merry Christmas from Canada with Love.♥

[@rhondadean5455]

Oh my gosh that room is so pretty. I do not know how you all manage it all. So inviting so magic. Such fun. Love your energy and joy for life.

[@diannedutton6127]

Great seeing your aunt and uncle. Loved market, seeing food and lunch. This is my favorite video. I'll watch it again and again.

[@maryamoros]

This teapot is amanzingly beautiful! I love it! I'm sure your aunt will love it!

[@hollybeeme]

I like these Advent videos, they are a potpourri of Christmas activities!

[@snoopybluejeans]

Your aunt looks like your mom. Oh My I love the gifts you chose for her. I'm sure she will be thrilled to get them.

[@aceoline]

The resemblance was startling.

[@JudythJ60]

I love it - Mussels, "the dish that comes with it's own cutlery!" I've eaten Mussels for years, but my family didn't and NOBODY TOLD ME! I will never struggle to eat mussels again! And the tea pot for your aunt! Amazingly beautiful!

[@Robert-xy4gi]

Rum raisin is my favorite too!!!! I make it with full fat coconut milk, at home. Love your aunt and uncle!!!!

[@sdole9448]

And of course, this makes me miss Mummy and Percy. :(

[@leahhamdaoui7755]

What a lovely Aunt and Uncle you have Stephanie. Thanks for introducing them to us and for those of us who don't have extended family its really kind of you to share yours XX 🌲🌲💖💖🏰🏰🦘🦘

[@emorel48]

Loved today's video! Your family is precious. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Your aunt and uncle are wonderful! I can see where Amaury gets his amazing personality and good looks! Wishing Isabelle and Percy could be with you all! Lovely vlog!

[@27Spiritgirl]

Yes, it's very apparent where Amaury gets his elegance and good looks! So happy to meet more of the family! Yet another joyful pre-Christmas day! Thank you for including us! xoxo PS - my French Canadian father was happy to hear that you use the mussel shell as "tweezers" as we've always done here at home! ;-)

[@cliffhorman6846]

So nice to meet aunty and uncle. A lovely day out for us. Thank you so much. Tea pot is stunning..

[@pletimo9227]

Wow we now see where Amaury gets his handsome dna. Both parents are gorgeous and very elegant. One of my fave videos cuz Stephanie is hilarious in the car like a kid riding in a convertible for their first time and the ear muffs, lovem! 😂

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

Thanks all!Merry advent:)

[@paranihiaanaru4414]

What a lovely Aunt and Uncle, you are so blessed. Thank you for taking us along to the market. I'm glad we don't miss out on the cocktail party - can't wait!

[@squirrelswithpearls]

I love your aunt and uncle!!

[@gisellenorbury2369]

Another great video Stephanie . So nice to see your Aunt and uncle with you . What a lovely couple .

[@csylvester5986]

Mussel shell chopsticks… my mind is blown 😂 how have I never learned this before!

[@nattersar77]

I am gobsmacked. I've eaten mussels for years and never knew that the shells could be used to get the meat out! Brilliant!

[@yajmi5465]

Really ?

[@suehall3298]

Love the tea lot & photo frames enjoyed the trip out 🤗🎁❤💐 Love ❤ Sue 🎄🎄🎄🇬🇧🎄🎄🎄

[@cathybarrett5675]

Another fabulous advent log! One amazing thing I learned was the tip for eating mussels. I’ve always eaten them with a small fork. This method is much more civilized. Merry Advent to everyone at Lalande.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Lovely day out with family.

[@danellis-jones1591]

That video is exactly why I'm going to move to France one day. A perfect day, and reminds me of childhood holidays in the sud-ouest

[@danellis-jones1591]

Go to bed! 😁😁😁

[@carolynjose5504]

Oh and the teapot and frames are beautiful!

[@rose-marie7351]

You aunt and uncle are such lovely people!!! No wonder you and amaury are such wonderful person, growing up surrounded by kind people! :) :) :)

[@karencorcoran4628]

Thank you Stephanie. These advent vlogs are so charming. 😍

[@stephaniedavis6531]

That "little chap" at the entrance looks like one of Snow White's Seven Dwarfs.

[@katelanxner6483]

I love galettes too! What a nice sunny market day in France you shared with us and nice to meet your aunt and uncle!

[@allankarenbayne9835]

It was nice to see your aunt and uncle stephanie your aunt sounds just like your mum

[@purplehaze5977]

Have a very merry Happy cocktail party. Enjoy every minute with family and friends all xxx

[@elainejoyce2395]

Oh rum raisin my favourite made my moth water so fun

[@claudiawoodman9431]

Your aunt and uncle are delightful, Stephanie ❤️ I love what you and Philip picked for your tante. Thank you for sharing that wonderful atmosphere in the shops, market and restaurant with us

[@Marykguise]

Wow! How fun!! Amaury’s parents are as lovely as I expected!! Wonderful gifts!! What an incredible Christmas for you all. Thank you for sharing your joy and laughter with us all!! Merry Advent everyone!!

[@pennyhoward3438]

Wonderful time with family and Christmas shopping. Love the videos🎁👍🎄

[@vivienmcnaul109]

Oh how I miss my family at this time of year. I'm really enjoying these Christmas memories and episodes ☺.

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

How lovely your Auntie and Uncle are here for you and Amaury. Sending immeasurable love also to Isabelle and Percy.

[@jeanninekalua9016]

Oh your aunt and uncle are so lovely and dapper!! What fun, do enjoy the lovely time you get too spend with them!!

[@andreagoodman1636]

Part of me was surprised that Stephanie did her Christmas shopping about a week before Christmas? I know a lot of people do but that makes me so anxious so I try to be done by the time we get out for school here in the states. Which is actually, usually a week before Christmas now that I think about it! Lol. But for any shipping that I have to do I try to have that done by the first week of December. This is a perfect video to watch as I am wrapping my own gifts this morning on December 19! Joy to all!

[@janelaw-watts9306]

I just watched shopping in a French Town 😊I loved seeing your Aunt and Uncle .It made me think of … and miss seeing “Mummy” . They sound so much alike 👏😊HAVE A WONDERFUL HAPPY CHRISTMAS ..🎄

[@lisaa8437]

Amaury looks like his Mom and has his dads eyes! They are so sweet! So happy we got to meet them. 💕

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. Your Aunt and uncle seem like lovely people. Beautiful gifts. Fun day out together. Love to all ❤.

[@user-qz5dq8kn4p]

Hello hello Stephanie and everyone thank you so much for this wonderful vid and a big welcome to your aunt and uncle glad that they had safe travels thank you for taking us along three the streets of France with you it was fun to see you all having a wonderful time again thank you for sharing have a lovely evening 🥰

[@Robert-xy4gi]

Great gifts! Sooo many great things in your second hand shops!

[@coletteretif6316]

P.S. My grandmother still washed at the lavoir in the 1940s/50s because the two World Wars and the Great Depression left very few with the means of buying machine washers. I'm not sure she ever owned one. The building is still there and the water very cold even in summer summer. But it was a good place to socialize (get gossip). My grandfather was very angry when the women started to use "modern" soap (with phosphates....) because his garden was downstream from the lavoir and he relied on it (even when it was soapy wih Marseille soap) for watering the family vegetables.

[@roannecampagnolo4629]

Amaurys parents are delightful! Beautiful gifts for your Aunt.

[@elizabethnicholson6691]

Thank you for sharing your lovely Christmas shopping outing with Philip and Amoury's parents. Having now seen his dad, I can clearly see where Amoury gets his good looks and lovely speaking voice from. Just sayin' . . . 😉

[@kdean9537]

Stephanie your Aunt & Uncle are wonderful...I can see where Amaury gets his sense of humour, charm and lovely personality from! Thank you for sharing this wonderful season🎄 with us and your lovely family! Take really good care of each other, stay well! Much love Kathy x 💖Ontario, Canada

[@aprilninthr2886]

Always love spending the Day with Stephanie! 🌲

[@Caoucaren]

Beautiful, thoughtful gifts, she’ll love them I’m sure, who wouldn’t.

[@karendesmit5601]

Good morning from sunny Hobart, Australia! Secretly, I'd love a cold, winter's Christmas experience!!

[@christinevr7698]

What beautiful weather you are having! Taking a top down, ride in a stylish car to the farmers market in December is nothing short of amazing. We just got.a thick blanket of snow here in Southern Ontario Canada, a brisk -5C… it’s lovely to look at (a Christmas postcard) but less pleasant to drive through. ❄️ Your aunt and uncle are delightful. So glad to have “met” them today 🫖I think she will love the teapot. Love love love these Christmas Advent vlogs. 🎄Thank you Stephanie, Philip and all the Lalanders. ❤️

[@debimacinnis5548]

Where was Amaury, why was he not a lunch with you and his parents? They are both lovely , and your aunt's voice reminded me of you mother.

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

So lovely to meet your aunt and uncle. I love hearing them speak French. It reminds me of my family get together. Love the market in the town and the lovely shops. I absolutely loved the gifts you got for your aunt. Looking forward to seeing more of your aunt and uncle during the Advent vlogs. Thanks for sharing 😍😘