Douceur

Top of the morning to ya!

     So... My father has encouraged me for several years to consider entrepreneurial pursuits. I have lived in fear and worry and refused to try. I enjoy expressing creativity through decorating, baking, and fashion and have often wondered how I could do something that involves those entrepreneurial passions. However, I procrastinated and talked.

    The name "Douceur" is French for "sweetness". My 'brother', Jusob, who speaks french amongst other languages, came up with several names for me to choose from. Jusob is 17 years old and I am continually amazed at how business savvy he is! My dad helped us with our basic business slide and my mom and other cheerleaders have been supporting us and giving us lots of ideas and contacts.

     If I ever write a book, I'll have to dedicate it to a LOT of people. 

    Marli, who has an event planning business, started talking to me about ideas that she had and connections that she also had. Morgan and I decided to start working on a business plan and asking for advice from everyone we could. 

    Morgan and I have these amazing friends - sisters- who are highly gifted in fashion and baking. Raeesa, the older sister, is a fashion designer and does custom dresses and gowns for girls and women. Ridwana, her younger sister, is a highly gifted baker. We have enjoyed her treats quite a bit. 

    The week that Morgan and I went to Pretoria with Marli, Marli informed us that she would be having some government officials at her lodge. They requested a revised menu and Marli decided to out-source the starters and desserts to us. It was an exciting opportunity and I made mistakes. But I thank God that He gave us the strength and support to step out and do it. 

   Ridwana heard about our order and got very excited. She gave me presentation suggestions for my pies and offered to make sugar domes for them... I had never heard of those before!

   Below are a couple of photos of one of the starters and one of the desserts... 

I would tell you what all this involved, but I'd have to kill you!

 Just look at these!! I watched Ridwana make four of these domes in a span of 5 or so minutes.

Morgan made a delcious foccacia bruschetta... She went above and beyond with the ingredients... Unfortunately again, I'd have to kill you if I told you. ;-)

"Well... That's all I have to say about that."

Top of the Morning!

View on the way to a friend's farm.

    Oi!! My name is Caelyn. I've recently relocated with my family to South Africa for business. If you have never been to South Africa, I HIGHLY recommend it. I am American; but southern Africa, in general, is my heart's home. The saying holds true and I am living proof that Africa gets in your blood.  

   

 Incredible view from Kaapsehoot where we went to see the wild descendants of abandoned horses.

  However, most importantly I am the daughter of the Most High King, Yeshua the Messiah. The fact that He cleansed me of my unrighteousness and made me holy (set apart for His Glory, alone) is something that I take very personally.  - With His grace and mercy in mind, I am able to enjoy His creation and the gifts and resources He has allowed us to create with. 

Not to make you jealous or anything, but I just want to give you every angle. :-)

    

    I love any creative outlet (e.g. fashion, baking, decorating, etc.). As a Whitlock (which my mom is convinced means something like, "consumer of much food"), I am also very passionate about gourmet cooking and baking. 

When you wake up to views like this, you can't help but wake up and glorify God for His splendid work!

   

   Breakfast is my absolute favourite meal of the day. Hence my choosing the title "Top of the Morning!!". I was elated when an Israeli friend confirmed that breakfast is to be eaten like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper. (Although I think mine is more like: breakfast like a king, lunch like a king, and dinner like...a king.) 

"Breakfast," as Sesame Street muppets sang it, "Is the most important meal of the day."

   

   

   Before you make a decision to follow me, I must say this: you gotta love food... And if you don't share a passion for food... well... this is the place for you too. :-) 

   My father was a Ranger in the United States Army and one of their prerogatives is, "Never leave a man behind." - I don't intend to. Anytime I run into someone who merely eats to live, I feel an overwhelming compassion for them. Then my innate marketing side comes out as I take on the task of showing this obviously (in my opinion) sheltered person that there is "a whole new world" out there. You just have to open your eyes!

   So... With all that said: welcome! Enjoy the ride and participate through comments and support, if you feel so led. It'll be a bumpy ride; but I can guarantee an adventurous one, as well.

'Whelp... That's all I have to say about that.'