Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy 2011!


Wishing you a lovely 2011!














Put a Little Ooh la La in Your Life!





Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Snowy, Rainy and Lovely



Hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas.
Christmas week has been snowy and rainy here in Paris...
but we still had a lovely Christmas day!

A favorite painting of rue Royale by Edouard Cortes


2011 is on its way...

Bringing new friends,
new adventures,
and new issues of 
Belle Inspiration e-magazine.

It's going to be a marvelous year!




Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!


Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!




I wish each of you a very 
Merry Christmas!





Nativity Above was Handmade by Rhonda Spiers of Blue Creek Home Blog




Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Last Minute Christmas



 Poinsettias at Le Printemps department store
(yet another Christmas display)





Still looking for a last minute Christmas cadeau?
Belle Inspiration online magazine 
has a special holiday rate and you can enter to win a giveaway. 






Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!



Monday, December 13, 2010

Snowy Paris

Paris had quite a surprise snowfall last Wednesday.
Airports closed, highways in grid-lock, unexpected ice skating skills....uh hmmm...

Thankfully, we were still able to get out and about - 
one of the perks of living in the city.

The 'market street' (as I call it) right around the corner was a bit empty,
 but the (slushy) snow still managed to glisten under the sheet of lights and garlands. 

This little stretch offers everything you need - boulangerie, cafés, fromagier, caviar shop, gourmet coffee and tea shop and even....brace yourself...a Mc Donald's...sad but true. 
 France has whole heartedly embraced the Golden Arches - at least it is tucked into the building like the rest of the shops.  
Sorry no photos, I just could not bring myself to do it. 

Did I mention Starbucks? 
They're really crazy about those Frapuccinos!  


My favorite créperie

Notice the powdery snow (major slippery white stuff)...no photo of me nearly getting run over by a car on the way home either...thankfully my Mocha Frapuccino and I made it home safely!  The Good Lord was looking after me that day!! 




 If you are still doing your Christmas shopping, 
see our special Gift rate for
Belle Inspiration e-magazine and enter the giveaway!
Buy 1, Get 1 Free!




Below is a video highlighting 'The Holiday Edition' online now!
266 pages of inspiration!










Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!







Friday, December 10, 2010

Villa & Demeure, Paris


Paris is literally overflowing with unique boutiques
Villa & Demeure is one of those special stops where you can pop in 
to find the perfect cadeau (gift).

Located in the 16th arrondissment, Villa & Demeure is next to lots of 
cafés, boulangeries and boutiques. 

The boutique owner, Patricia Bigot, has a flair for creating stunning displays to showcase the fine collection of wares for you and your home

I popped in to do some Christmas shopping and had to 
start snapping some photos of this gorgeous table



The creamy dishes are mixed with touches of red and crystal goblets. 
Santa even makes an appearance, the perfect gift for your guests to take home.



Patricia kindly lit the candles to set this holiday table off to perfection.
She also speaks English! 
 One of my New Year's Resolutions - improve my French...

 


The soft green is a nice background for these reindeer dishes 
(Is that Rudolph)? 


Silver accents 

The furniture and chandeliers are also for sale. 


Crystal cubes are the finishing touch to your table.  

Merci beaucoup Patricia pour votre hospitalité!   





Looking for the perfect gift?    
Stop by and do some shopping at www.BelleInspiration.com 
 and be entered in a giveaway at the same time.
'The Holiday Edition' is now online! 






Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!



Thursday, December 2, 2010

Window Shopping in Paris


 A little window shopping in Paris.
It's easy to get inspired by all the creative displays and 
pretty baubles.




 Ventured inside Le Printemps  and was serenaded 
by this talented string quartet.





       We needed a sweet break after all that walking! 






If you're looking for a gift idea, drop by the Belle Inspiration e-magazine website. 
We have a special subscription rate for your Christmas list. 
A Belle Christmas Cadeau (gift)

Here's a peek if you haven't already seen it.  








Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!




Monday, November 15, 2010

Belle Inspiration - "The Holiday Edition" is Online

Belle Inspiration e-magazine is now online!

"The Holiday Edition" is complete and and you are invited to join us in 
Celebrating La Joie de Vivre!



266 pages of Holiday Inspiration


We are so proud of all our contributors. 
Each and every one just seems to ooze talent and creativity.

Lots of new features and gorgeous images to inspire you to have the best holiday season ever!


Here' s a sneak peek:






Thank you again for all your support and encouragement about Belle!


 if you haven't reserved your copy yet. 





Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!


Friday, November 12, 2010

A Giveaway Winner for Metis Linens Giveaway!


We have a winner for the Bonjour Romance Boudoir Giveaway 
The fabulous Basket from





Our winner is Dore from Burlap Luxe


Félicitations! 


'

Dore, just contact me with your mailing address
 and your beautiful basket giveaway will be sent out!


Thank you to everyone who entered. 
Come back soon for another. 




Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A Fabulous $300 Boudoir Giveaway from Metis Linens






Metis Linens  is a fabulous new 'blogtique', selling fine French linens at compelling prices.

"If it isn't French, we don't stock it". 


A wonderful collaboration between Laura at Decor to Adore and 
Andrea @French Basketer.  
These two lovely ladies have generously offered to sponsor a gorgeous giveway, featuring   items that are perfect for your boudoir!


Child-sized Moroccan basket trimmed in buttery soft lambskin handles. 


Inside is a nest of raffia holding beaucoup treasures ~




  • Trio of French lavender sachets, made of vintage Frech linens; white on one side, dove grey on the other.  They will be on sale at Metis Linens.


~1 sashet holds a gold-tone vintage French religious medal; the cross is high-quality silver tone with a black inlay.  Marked, souvenir of Lourdes on the back.  
Metis Linens sells pieces like this for $125.00 

~Another sachet is tied with a cross necklace -
 made with a pair of silk ties, baroque pearls and beading. 

Cube of Savon de Marseille, extra pure 72% vegetable oil and fragranced with lavender.  



Trio of glittery stars from Europe


Choice of three French powder compacts (on sale at the blogtique next month).  
~Black - mirrored inset and a hair over 3 inches
 ~Bird compact 
~Jeweled compact

The latter 2 have powder puffs inside, all intact and very clean.  All in perfect condition.


Please go to MetisLinensblogspot.com for detailed pics and to choose your favorite.  


This gorgeous basket is valued at $300
and will ship internationally. 


The rules are simple:
~Leave comment,
~Become a follower
~Visit Metis Linens and let us know your compact choice. 


We will choose a lucky winner on November 11th.







Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!




Belle Inspiration e magazine goes online on November 15th
"The Holiday Edition" !