Happy 2011!

Wishing you a lovely 2011!

Put a Little Ooh la La in Your Life!

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!

Merry Christmas!

I wish each of you a very 

Merry Christmas!

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

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!

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!

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!   

www.villaetdemeure.com

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!

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!