It's National Black Forest Cake Day--Let's Celebrate! By Connie Vines #BlackForestCake, #ChocolateLovers, #TheRomanceofChocolate, #BWLPublishing

March 28th is National Black Forest Cake Day!!

Chocolate = Romance 💝

If there’s one thing that we (Chocolate Lovers) are absolute suckers for, it is a black forest cake, and you bet we are super excited when March 28 rolls around and we get to celebrate National Black Forest Day. 

Why?

1. The absolute beauty of the cake deserves its own accolades: chocolate shavings accompanied with maraschino cherries and white cream! 

2. And the taste...  Did you know that the cake was originally a simple dessert consisting of cream, cherries, chocolate, and alcohol? 

Created Connie Vines @Canva

HISTORY OF NATIONAL BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY

There are many conflicting historical reports about the exact origins of the black forest cake. Some historical scholars believe that the cake originated in the 16th century in a German town called Baden-Wurttemberg. 

🎂The time and place, famous for its Romantic era, was also one of the first places where chocolate was added to cakes. Baden-Wurttemberg was also renowned for its sour cherries and kirschwasser (cherry brandy). 

 🍽However, the cake did become popular (main-stream) around the 1930s. 

📅 Today, the cake is enjoyed in many parts of the world with slight variations. The American version does not have any alcohol in it. Still, an authentic black forest cake must have alcohol in it to even be considered a black forest cake in places like Austria and Germany.

Connie's creation via Canva

Why is chocolate considered romantic?

Chocolate has been considered aphrodisiac food since the time of Aztecs. Chocolate is said to contain a substance that inflames desire and makes the beloved one more open to romance. In the olden days, this resulted in the tradition in European royalty to give their lovers chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love.

Happy National Black Forest Cake Day, everyone!

Remember to download my latest release: Gumbo Ya Ya. (4 stories featuring 4 independent Cinderellas and 4 reluctant Heroes!).

To tie in with today's post--one story in my anthology: A Slice of Scandal, takes place during the filming of a network cooking show. Oooh, La La. That Cajun man sure knows how to steam up a kitchen!

4 stories in one anthology:

Click on the book cover to take you to the purchase zone!

                              🡇

https://bookswelove.net/vines-connie/

Connie

Find me here:

https://mizging.blogspot.com/

https://connievines-author.com/

both locations have links to my social media sites 

Romance in Bloom--The Art of Perfuming by Connie Vines

Fragrance has the ability to transform your entire mood.

And when the one you want to conjure up is romance, a whiff of the right scent will get you there faster than a binge-session of Hallmark movies. From spicy sensual accords to rose-based floral diaries, I've updated a list of 5 of the best fragrances to wear to Announce Spring--or whenever you wish to feel like you're living a fairy-tale!

As many of my readers know, I was a fragrance consultant at a Perfumery for several years. I love to share my acquired 'secrets' in blog posts and novels.  Perfumes, like wines are categorized by 'notes'.

* Remember, perfumes are a personal preference and all fragrance's lingering scent (base note) vary by a person's PH level.

Now, let the fun begin!

1. Ralph Lauren's ROMANCE is designed to hit all the feelings that are associated with falling deep in L-O-V-E, a spritz of this classic and light romantic fragrance treats you to notes like white violet, patchouli, musk, rose, and marigold.

2. Tom Ford's infamous BLACK ORCHID fragrance has become something of a cult icon in the beauty industry.

Not only is it recognizable from just one spritz, but it's also one of the compliment-inducing smells I've ever com across. Smells like: Warm incense spices, creamy vanilla, and heady patchouli.

Patchouli

3.  Lancôme's TRESOR. /The diamond-shaped bottle is one of the most popular fragrances out there. The brand evoked the radiance and warmth of love using floral and fruity notes like rose, lilac, peach, and apricot.

4.  YSL's BLACK OPIUM (one of my personal favorites) smells like: Initially sweet and punchy notes of vanilla and coffee, but dries down to a musky white floral base.

The creamy notes of coffee and vanilla give a non-sticky sweetness that develops into a dry white floral scent, after which you get the base notes of musk and patchouli. It's unique and oh-so moreish, this one will 100% become the most-reached-for in your perfume collection.

5.  Jo Malone London's LIME BASIL & MANDARIN COLOGNE. Smells like: Long Summer Days.

This fresh and zesty scent will have you dreaming of warm summer days with every spritz. Juicy notes of lime and mandarin are balanced with earthy basil and white thyme.

BWL Authors love their gardens, as do many of our readers!

a lovely example of a floral garden

While my garden is no longer produces the lush harvest of fruits and vegetables I planted and harvested during my children's elementary school years, I still maintain a PERFUME GARDEN.

My Perfumed Garden is small because scent can be overwhelming--especially strong scents.

I try to interspace my fragrant garden plants with scentless plants that complement their appearance and by time. Lilacs have a strong scent, but only in late spring. Jasmine is a vine, and therefore, a plant I utilize where ever possible.  And, of course roses and herbs.

The garden brings peace into my life, nourishes my soul, and inspires my creative spirit.

How do I keep Romance in Bloom in my stories?

My upcoming BWL release:

Gumbo Ya Ya--an anthology for woman who like Cajun Romance, Story #2 features Persia, a New Orleans, Louisiana, perfumer and Cooper T. a breeder of Catahoula Leopard Dogs and a Westminster Dog Show favorite handler in "Love Potion No. 9".

You will also discover that the art of perfuming creates complications for this no-longer-together-couple. But love, and, a happily-ever-after is definitely in the air!

Happy Reading and I'll be back here next month!

Connie

Teasers, we all love teasers 😄. 

What will you find in my upcoming BWL anthology? 

Five stories in one anthology!  

All set in Cajun Country!

However, until my next release:

My current releases are available via your favorite online book seller:

https://bookswelove.net/vines-connie/

https://books2read.com/Lynx

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1210451168

and more!