Cake & Consumerism

Today at BordeauxLife we are doubly excited by yet another excuse to load on the calories with a Galette des Roi and the upcoming Winter Sales next week.

After a few glasses of sparkling water (dry January - please send help) we decided that we could have our cake and walk it off.

Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season and celebrates the day that the three wise men visited the baby Jesus to give their gifts and in France this is celebrated with cake.

Each cake contains a little charm (une féve) and the person who finds it (and manages not to choke or break a tooth) gets to wear the golden crown that is sold with every cake and is king or queen for the day.
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Our top choice for cake (and bread, pastries, tarts and,and, and) has to be the Boulangerie Maison Lamour on rue Juadique. They don’t just offer the traditional frangipane galette but also a pecan nut version.  We may try both.

But enough about eating (for now) and on to shopping - the Winter Sales start on Wednesday 9th January.

Sale periods in France are strictly regulated by the government and only held twice a year.  Sales last for six weeks and discounts increase as the period progresses.

BordeauxLife top tips

• Go early - beat the crowds but don’t be surprised if it is busier than usual - many people take the day off work to profit from the discounts.
• If you have time, then check out your favourite stores before the sales start and check whether if you can advance reserve.  However, if you cannot face the crowds then see if you can buy online.
• If you are wondering whether that gorgeous handbag will sell in the first two weeks or will the store reduce it further?  Our advice - don’t take the risk! However, if you have size 41 feet and those shoes have your name on them then play the game - larger sizes don’t sell as quickly.
• Don’t wear clothes that are difficult to take on and off (#changingroomhell) and check whether you can return an item if you change your mind - the rules are different during this period.
• Perhaps avoid eating all of your Galette until after your shopping trip!

Whatever your plans are for the week - have a good one and happy bargain hunting 

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