OPENING GIFTS IS THE BEST CONVALESCENCE!
This week we open gifts on my bed, as I'm still resting after my little hospital visit last week. It turns out to be a very restorative experience - I can thoroughly recommend gift opening as healthy and medicinal! We receive thoughtful and unusual gifts that will embellish the chateau and make the woods much more magical...
In 'Cadeaux at the Chateau', all of the inhabitants of the Chateau de Lalande gather together to open beautiful gifts that people have sent from all over the world. All of the monetisation from these videos will be donated to a different charity each month. KZhead earnings fluctuate wildly each month, as ad revenue changes throughout the year. Here are the charities that we've donated to so far:
July 2020:
British Heart Foundation UK (in memory of my father) €634
August 2020:
Alzheimer's Research UK (in memory of all of the residents of my parents' nursing homes) €350
September 2020:
Prostate Cancer Foundation (in memory of Selmar's father) €1255
October 2020:
Medecins sans Frontieres (chosen by my mother to support vaccinations in Africa) €942 (equivalent to 426 cholera vaccinations)
November & December 2020 & Jan & Feb 2021:
A Lalande Fashion Scholarship for a student at the Villioti Fashion Institute in South Africa €5500
March 2021:
Suffolk Artlink (amount to be confirmed at the beginning of April)
I used to show the gifts as part of 'The Chateau Diaries' episodes, but you're all so very generous that we have many gifts, and if we spent the episodes opening them, we wouldn't be able to show you other aspects of chateau life! So, for those of you who enjoy watching presents being opened, and as a way to thank those of you who were kind enough to send them, I've made this new channel. Every week we will film your beautiful gifts whilst enjoying afternoon tea or aperitif together.
It is very important to me that you know that we in no way expect anyone to send us gifts. I would like to go further than that and add that, if doing so will put you in any financial difficulty whatsoever, please, please do not send us anything. Knowing that you join us by watching 'The Chateau Diaries' gives us all an enormous boost. But for those of you who have sent these incredibly thoughtful gifts, I hope that seeing us open them gives you a fraction of the joy that you've given us, and that by monetising this channel for charity we can pass on that joy to others 💖💖💖
If you would like to see more of our life at the chateau, please go to our main 'Chateau Diaries' channel:
/ thechateaudiaries
So pleased you liked the tea towel my brother Paul designed.
To Philip who wanted a mouse... sounds like the start of a beautiful storybook 🐀❣
Lets start a story for Philip. Add a sentance or two toward ‘s the story. So Philip wanted a mouse. He wanted it for sooo long. Why would you want a mouse? A mouse is wriggly and has a long tail thats like a worm and they smell. But although Philip all knew that, he still wanted a mouse. He asked his mum. ‘ Mum,can I have a mouse? They are so cute ?’ But his mum did’nt think that that was a good idea! I know you Philip, next week you are off to LaLande and who will have to take care of your mouse? The following week Philip took his car and indeed travelled to La Lande. He thought as La Lande had lots of land around he for sur would be able to get a mouse! But the chatelaine of LaLande said no, Philip you can’t have a mouse. A mouse is creepy and smelly and they hide in place where you will never found it again. Philip was not amused. He was so sure he would be able to have a mouse in LaLande! Why did nobody wanted him to have a mouse? ( please add a few lines to this start of the story Philip want a mouse)
@@nicolethijs5428 Philip wondered, why would it be so bad having a tiny little mouse? After all, they were very small and would not take up much room, and they couldn't possibly eat very much so would not require much food. Philip pondered what he could do to convince the chatelaine to let him have a mouse. So he took the workshop to ask the wise Selmar, why would it be a bad thing to have a mouse? Selmar in his kind calming voice said, "my fellow Dutchman, mice and cats don't mix well and I think your harmless mouse might be in danger around our lovely Ruby"....
@@Heidieqx That was a good point of course but Philip was not convinced that that was reason enough not to have a mouse! He went to Dan, the gardener and asked him. Dan, can I have a mouse! Dan looked at him in bewilderment. A mouse?! Do you want a mouse? I don’t understand. Mice eat my vegetables and I am trying everything to get rid of them in the garden! No, Philip you can’t have a mouse! But, Dan, I would keep him out of the garden and have him in a cage in my room!
He went to the kitchen and asked Marie.no no Phillip no mice in my kitchen they will get in to the saucepans and no food for my guests.no mice in my kitchen.he thought he would-try Nattie next no no she said they will make a nest in my drawers, then want to see their faces in my screen and I will scream no mice in my office.
Bless you so much for supporting Suffolk Art Link! Really touched my heart🥰
Diane's gift of the tablecloth reminded me of the type of embroidery. My sister loved this type. It is 'Richelieu' and includes 'cut work'. A technique that dates back to the medieval times. Richelieu is one that shines on white, écru, and off white colored fabrics. It is rarely used for colored fabrics except with machine embroidery that attempts to imitate it but never duplicates it. The Richelieu embroidery style became famous due to the well-known French Cardinal de Richelieu in the 14th century. He loved the embroidery so much that he had artisans and seamstresses working night and day to complete the surplice and other religious vestments sewn for him. Since then, this type of embroidery has been known to mark the prestige of a family and was often a piece de resistance in a young girl's wedding 'trousseau'. To give an idea of how long it takes to make just the napkins, each pattern has to be embroidered with the 'satin stitch' before the fabric is 'cut' away from the center. Once it is, then the satin stitch is again stitched around the edge (like a zigzag stitch) to keep the cotton, fine linen or raw silk fabric from fraying. One of the napkins here would normally take a minimum of 10 hours to complete just a corner, working continuously. You can imagine just how many hours have gone into stitching the tablecloth you have received. Nowadays, Richelieu embroidered tablecloths are still expensive, especially those that are hand stitched. The larger it is, the more details and cutwork it has, the more expensive it is. That tablecloth looks to be écru cotton and will need pressing. A tip: always put the embroidery upside down on a humid thick towel. When you iron, use the pointed tip of the iron and steam to iron out the wrinkles. This way the fabric can be ironed out and the pattern stands out.
I have the very same tablecloth! It’s a favorite!
There is a mangle at Lalande. Best thing to iron napkins and tablecloths.
I have same one too.
ES/EP BPOTV. Now do not over do it. We need you fit and well to supply this world with happiness. Well done.
It is so wonderful to see how the Chateau Unwrapped has helped so many charities. It is amazing!!! And I'm so glad to see Stephanie getting better. Love to all of you LaLanders!
Just a simple correction....Don Julio is pronounced “Hoolio”. The J is pronounced like an H. And sipping it is the best! If you want a citrus, use a slice of orange (I prefer tangerine) instead of lime. The orange enhances the flavor much better. Simple advice from a south Texas girl who only drinks Don Julio as a tequila choice. 🙂
Steph - I so love how you have brought us all together -when we cant be together :)
Bonjour Stephanie, Nattie and Philippe. Truly I am sure that Stephanie did not mind this time in bed with your company and all the nice gifts coming your way. For us, viewers, it was a great moment spent with you all. To all of you, thank you again for a lovely moment. - Rosalind -
The blue bedding brightened your room instantly. Looks great with the yellow flowers from Selmar. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Wonderful. Vlog..delighted that the proceeds of the March Chateau Unwrapped are going to such a worthy charity here in the UK.👍
Nice to see you recovering so well and so well cared for. I hope somebody is taking videos of Selmar in the zone. I'd love to see how his compost bins are coming together.
That gnome is adorable! You should name it “Gnome Mijo” like how Philip said 😆
How exciting to know this month’s proceeds from “Unwrapped “ will be going to the Suffolk Art Link school. I really love the art that was sent and I think Philip is correct that “Be Weird” would make a fantastic T-shirt. I would love to have one. I know there’s so much going on at the chateau, but being able to purchase items made specifically for or by Chateau de la Lande would be wonderful. There are so many artists that have sent such beautiful items and I hope some day for some sort of collaboration, where many can benefit. I know I would be very interested in buying items from such a venture
I am so glad everyone is being strict with you, Stephanie! I am glad you are getting better. We all need you!
I so enjoyed that!.......What a wonderful group of people you have gathered Stephanie........really inspirational.........thank you for sharing your life and Chateau LaLand. All credit to all of you!!!
The Orb was named Orb because you could not call it the Kings ball..lot of giggles in the Abbey!
Hahaha
🤣
I hope you are better every day Stephanie. Thank you to all who have helped her. Keep a close eye on her condition.
Speaking of eye glasses, where are Stephanie's new eye glasses? lol Hope she is on her way to recovery. Nice to see the three musketeers doing this. Thorn gave a lot of face and feather poses for Selma in his Vlog last week. I guess Thorn has a game of snubbing Stephanie. lol Speaking of which....if no one has said so lately, we do respect and thank Stephanie for all the work she does to put of the @UC0FOZxke3bHpl6-dpXMDbbA each week. We know it's A LOT of extra work for her to do this without earning any money or credit or anything for doing this except giving to Charities, Educational Scholarships and for viewers pleasure for her fans. THANK YOU STEPHANIE!
Please look after your self Stephanie-we don’t want you unwell. Please take care. I think mummy needs to come back and nurture you😊🇦🇺
I so enjoy your vlog. I hope you feel better soon.
Thumbs up to your comment but only if it’s safe for mummy to travel. Think nati, Philip are doing a great job supporting Stephanie while mummy is away.
So many lovely and thoughtful gifts again! But what really caught my eye was that ginger cake! I would have wrestled Phillip for his big thick slice and a shot of tequila! 🦔
I love it when Phillip is in FRONT of the camera with you Stephanie. So much fun
oh no Philip!! you don't shoot "Don Julio"! its a smooth sipping tequila, meant to be slowly sipped. its wonderful to put in the martini shaker with ice and shake it like a martini and then serve chilled in a martini glass and just sip slowly :-) (California girl living in France) So jealous you have Don Julio. its my favorite and I miss so much in France
Yes, Philip, good tequila is meant to be sipped and savoured.
When he tossed it back, I was shocked...I thought, I guess he knows what he's doing because I always drank Tequila in Margaritas only...
@@aleta5873 no now days, well last 10-12yrs there is tequila that is very refined, very good, meant to savor like a good scotch, whiskey, and not meant to mix in margaritas and NOT to be shot its actually sipping level. especially when shaken cold like a martini and then in a glass to sip
VCR you pop please
@@mablegaiser6721 ?
Wayyy to go Victor! Love all the love! This is infectious- I am bouncing in and out of episodes. I love how Stephanie opens and enjoys the letters and appreciates all the fine details! What a gift to make so many feel so appreciated! Magical
As you were reading the letter from Sussex Art Link I was thinking how great it would be to support their cause with the donation and it's like we were reading each other's minds!! What wonderful surprises there always are in the gifts and cards. I'm so glad to see that you are taking such good care of Stephanie. I know Mummy must be frantic to be there and make sure her daughter is on the mend so she'll be glad to see that everyone is doing that job for her. I love the tequila bottle as it reminds me of the Queen's orb from the crown jewels. I still think Phillip needs a mouse or hedgehog (real ones). Don't give up the fight Phillip. lol
Those yellow flower arrangements on your bedside table are absolutely stunning!!!💕
Love all your volgs. You have all helped the Winter days pass. Thank you all,especially Phillip he just makes one smile.
You are kind to others, which is why others are kind to you! Feel better!! xo
What a joy to watch! You and your extended family brighten up so many lives!
You are, and continue to be, a very lovely and generous person. Thank you for all that you do. Even from your sick bed. ❤️🙂
It’s good to see Stephanie with some color in her cheeks again. Gin and Tequila are my favorites. I’m glad I’m not alone! The beautiful bottle is perfect for LeLande.
The red scarf/wrap with the cranes would look great in the room, that will be furnished with the bamboo style furniture. And yes, Stephanie, that green wallpaper would look so amazing in your bedroom. And how fitting, with that dreamy garden motif 😁
Phillip's puns are spot on and I love Stephanie's reaction each time. Your friendship is charming. As usual the cadeaux reveal were all lovely. The gifts are so thoughtful and filled with love.
I Miss Isbelle and Percy and Gerry. I pray their are all well. Holly
We love you Stephanie. Happy you are feeling better. My love to you and everyone there. Tell Kat it’s time for her to return. 😀❤️
I popped in late, but this is fun. I’m always delighted at how thoughtful many people are. Stephanie, hope you are feeling much better.
Glad you are resting and following Dr's orders. I know it is hard. Soon that will be over and you will be free as a bird again! In your heart, you are always feeling that free. Blessings to all t La Lande and all La Landers everywhere!
Oh my goodness Philip you have me laughing so much I have tears coming out. Thank you all for your wonderful personalities. Stephanie so glad to see you looking like you are getting better.😂😂❤️
Greetings form New Jersey. It is a lovely day. Blessings on all the citizens of LaLande.
I love watching you open gifts. You are so appreciative. I'm glad you are recuperating! Hugs to you and everyone at LaLande from Washington State, USA
I love Phillips sense of humor, the fairy doors are cute but the Garden gnome is adorable. Love your robe Stephanie. Such beautiful gifts. 😘❤️💐🙏💋
I can not stop watching, i'm drinking tea, eating biscuits and loving every minute of these videos! Thank you from Boston, Massachusetts USA!
(Moira Ashton) That was such fun, I am so glad you are recovering Stephanie , but please don't overdo it, just rest with your lovely new book, Natie and Philip are taking good care of you, What lovely lovely gifts people send, so kind and thoughtful.. take care and stay safe!!! 🥰🏰💗💗💗
Hello lovely lalanders ! As always...fun, funky, and adorable hedgehogs, Peacocks and mouse! Please take care and stay safe ! Bisous from Alsace 🤗😘🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁
You put them on a tree! And make a fairy house! They are the sweetest
I would hang that gardening plate in the greenhouse. Or make a flower pot from it’s pieces should it break. The gnome could keep the plate company...well, I don’t suppose you need help decorating as you have Philip there for his expert advice and wonderful taste. What ever doesn’t stay in the permanent collection, I am glad that you donate. You are such a generous person, Miss S. I hope all stay well at LaLande. Thanks for keeping the rest of the world entertained!
When huge belts were the rage, my sister sent my other sister a belt, it dragged on the floor...we got hysterical...
A very special vlog. Life is lovelier because of Lalonde.
Stephanie, very excited to watch you redecorate your room. I love the order that comes from bringing a room together and you have such excellent taste it will be an extra joy to watch.
That little gnome can go toguether with your dad's wood mushroom 🥰🥰🥰
Please Dear Stephanie take it easy you need to fully recover 🌻🌻🌻🌻
Treasures you all are!! The Suffolk artists are spectacular; Can't wait to see what lovely frame are chosen.
Looking forward to it so lovely to see you happy Stephanie you had us quite concerned thanks Phillip and Natalia for taking such good care of her 😘💗🇨🇦
Love the puns, the laughter, the generosity of all.
It's 13:27' in Athens, Greece right now. Just came to check if we're on for tonight! Yay! We ARE!!! See you soon then! Can't wait!😉
Hullo stephanie and company. I just had my leg amputated to get of cancer and I was happy to see this video waiting for me when I woke up.. made me smile and I hope to one day visit you at la landed with my wife.. oh my I cant believe I forgot our twin boys.. must be after surgery brain lol
Praying for you- for a quick recovery and many great days ahead. Be well. Your in amazing spirits for what you have just went through
💖💖💖
@@juliacobb4355 thank you for ur prayers
@@chasethecat3839 thank you for your prayers
@@Toodle.Pipp001 thank you for the love
I love the art from Suffolk Link! They are so unique and perfect! Philippe is very happy with his hedgehog pin. 😁 I hope you ARE convalescing as you should. Health is most important. As always, I enjoyed sitting in with you today! 😁 Until the next time, love and best wishes to all Lalanders from Kerry Lynn.
I think the head scarf is actually a neckerchief
I've chucked a sickie today and am in bed watching these videos
Enjoy your "wellbeing" day 😉
The peacock package contains the things from Berlin, they are issued by the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens because one castle here is placed on a Peacock Island (Pfaueninsel). You should definately visit it one day.
SOOOOOOOO nice you are going to donate to Suffolk Non Profit Art Stephanie. :-)
What better way to convalesce than opening presents in bed! Such fun and such fabulous gifts! I particularly liked the Vivienne Westwood style orb of tequila that Victor sent - it’s really beautiful! I loved the blue bedspread and I think it would be a good colourway when you redecorate your bedroom! You now have your mouse Philip!
The "Peacock applique" would also be pretty framed
It’s so wonderful to see how you are helping charities and people everywhere........the talent out there is just amazing..........xoxoxoxoxoxo to you all.......as always Donna in Toronto
You should find the big wooden mushrooms of your father's and put them in the woods x
He should be entered in the IDEAL Gnome EXHIBITION!!
Phillip is very punny tonight! Stephanie I just realized that a year ago you were also stuck in your bedroom quarantining. What a difference a year makes!
*funny....I think you meant funny, not puny...or did you mean pun + funny = punny? Lol!
I purposely used the expression punny.... you are right it is a combination of fun and pun. it's common in Canada to say "you're being very punny today" when one is making lots of puns
Thank you Stephanie and friends for the lovely video. Glad to see you all so well! Stephanie keep that smile. It makes us so happy to see you so well. 😘
Amazing gifts today. You all loo k very well and happy too. Good health and happy days!
Nettie- ty for all you do to keep Mondays videos going. Phillip TY for taking over so Stephanie can rest. Selmar, ty for all you continue to do to help Stephanie on the many projects. Sorry you were so busy and could not join in. I miss seeing you.
GOTTA LOVE STEPHANIE! SHE'S ON BED REST. SO SHE FINDS MORE THINGS TO DO! "REDECORATE THE BEDROOM FROM SCRATCH!" Bless your heart. Much love from Ohio!
I luv the 🌂
Wow 🤩 that decanter is so BEAUTIFUL 🥰
I always thought that opening umbrellas inside was because people did not pay attention in the past and broke things.
Some say it's bad luck to open one inside, while others say, only if you put it over your head.... 😮
When Stephanie was done with the Gnome, I could have swear she said Thank You Fairy Fairy much.
LOL.. Hysterical! Love it!
I LOVE pop up books and cards they are so much fun and some of them can be very valuable.:)
What a lovely way to recuperate. Wishing you lots of love and wellness. You have made lock-down tolerable. Thank you very much.
This type of beige tablecloth embroidery is called Madeira because they are made on the island of Madeira. It is high quality, and prized among collectors.
Philip. It takes such linguistic skill to make such excellent puns in so many languages.
Phillip is my Hero! I’m a Punster as well. Love his humor!
Thank crunchie I so need this today. Luv to all
The end made me so happy, my Mum is in a home in suffolk and art keeps her sane. So good of you Stephanie to donate to Art Link, Get well soon..
Did anyone else see the “holy hand grenade of Antioch” from the tequila bottle? Lol.
First, thou shalt pull out the holy pin...
Keep the puns rolling, Philip! LOL
Phillip your so punny 🤣
I’m choked up. I would so love my special needs son to be a part of an organization like Suffolk Arts link ❤️
Yes! Learning, creativity and well being for all 💖 if this is lacking where you are, I think you've just found a calling. Get in touch with this group in Suffolk, they've already laid the groundwork to replicate. All the best 💖
@@Toodle.Pipp001 thank you.
@@janjohansson9495 , I had a severely disabled brother, so thankful for the amazing resources available to him in California, when we grew up. I know how hard it is, if you need help, let me know. 💖
@@Toodle.Pipp001 thank you, Katherine.
@@janjohansson9495 I work with the Dorset children's Foundation and have alot of experience setting up Community led initiatives. Nothing is impossible, DCF have been doing art in zoom groups. You can find me on Facebook in Bournemouth, my primary job is fashion educator. 🙂
Enjoyed all the beautiful and thoughtful gifts you received. I like that your going to send a donation to the artists with special needs. I for 20 years owned and operated a Residential Care home here in the US, Actually 2 of them as well as my Mother owned one, My sister owned one and my Brother owned 2 and my niece owned 2. We worked tirelessly to ensure the needs of the residents were met as well as employed others for arts, Music and games. Very important. Love to all ❤. Continuing prayers for you Stephanie.
I’ve got 6 hrs to wait but I anxious to see if we’ll have more Woodland friends today! I just had my 1st Covid vax so I will be waiting to celebrate with this new episode!
Woohoo! That is good news!
Good for you. Thank you.
@@shannonmoore4201 thank you!
@@mindakahn9964 thank you!
Awh good for you Ann. Hope the arm's not too sore. I'm not due my vaccine until between Nov 2021 and April 2022!! Hopefully it'll be gone by the time I get called 🤞🙏
Still spining: still pining (yearning) Tada! Such fun watching
I just love Philip's jokes!!!!
I would frame the tea towel to hang in the kitchen.
I can't take my eyes of Selmar's bouquet. Beautiful.
Have a place for matches in each room..
So thrilled to see that you are recovering and so glad that you are taking care of yourself by following orders for bed rest. Your videos bring such joy and encouragement.
No head scarf, made to be worn around neck with the medallion on chest, tied in the back around neck.
so cute to hear you all gasping as you open the gifts. i always admired philip’s ring and am glad to hear it’s history. 🦩🐀🦔
The tablecloth and napkins that Dianne gave you are almost identical to one that I inherited from my husband‘s grandmother that was her mother ‘s! I am not a very formal person, but my sister is so I gifted it to her a few Christmases ago and now every Christmas the table is set with great grandmother’s tablecloth and napkins! How exciting that you got one too! All of the gifts were so special. We have been so busy with a new grand baby that I am four Chateau Unwrapped’ behind. Just got caught up on Chateau Diaries. So glad to see you looking so well Stephanie. I am so appreciative that all the La Lande family is there to take care of you as well as you take care of them. Looking forward to the rest of the afternoon getting caught up. Much love from one of your patrons in Denton, TX.
The best thing about your bedroom however is that Philip is in it! Lol! 😉 im so jealous...
Welcome back!!! Don't overdo it!!❤️
Ah so glad you are still resting .. thank you for the video the joy you bring with the videos is amazing .. and giving back to charities just makes it so much better to be part of. Thank you
Happy to see your feeling much better 😊