Return to Blogland!

Has it really been over one year since I've posted here? I am surprised at how much I've missed sharing with all my blog friends and learning about their lives on their blogs, and sharing about my own. I had the best of intentions - C'est la vie!

So pull up a chair. I've saved you a seat so we can catch up...

A few glitches health wise, but God is good and prayer works, how blessed I am!! My French Honey gave me the scare of my life, but he is good and strong once again and all is well in our little corner of France. Without my other half - well, I'm not much good.

The weather in Paris has turned cold and we're bundling up as we enjoy all the Christmas decorations.

Decorations along the Avenue des Champs Elysées - this famous street has some sweet memories for me!! 

As it is with life there were also some wonderful new things that happened. Belle Inspiration Magazine - which my team and I began over 3 years ago (hard to believe that too), is still going strong and the Christmas issue is now online.

As a thank you for all the support you have all shown this special holiday issue is FREE!  (of course then we have to go back to subscriptions). Click below the photo and enjoy - please share with your friends and on Facebook too.

CLICK HERE  to read Belle Inspiration, December 2013

Stay tuned for more announcements about Belle Inspiration in 2014. Change is good and we have some good ones waiting in the wings. 

I publish Belle Inspiration via my company, Inspired Ink Media, and we have been chosen to do the design and production of a brand new e-magazine for Girls' Guide to Paris called Girls' Guide to Paris ET PLUS.

                

Each issue is filled with Paris and other cities around the world. Take a look and if you like what you see you can subcribe on the Belle Inspiration website.

It has been an exciting undertaking for our design team, but loving every minute of it. I truly love what I do. We design all things digital - magazines, catalogues, lookbooks, logos... 

I'll be doing my best to visit you and all your blogs. Attempting to get a head start on my new year's resolutions. 

Can't wait to hear your news as well. It feels good to be back in Blogland - à bientôt!

Put a Little Oh 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

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!

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!

Stop by www.belleinspiration.com

 if you haven't reserved your copy yet. 

Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!

Bonne Année! - Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! 

Have you had a chance to rest after all that celebrating?

It is hard to believe the New Year is nearly upon us. 

2009 zipped by like lighning. 

 I'm working on new projects I hope to

share with all of you soon.

Before 2010 arrives there is still so much to do.

Thank you notes  need to be written

for all those wonderful cadeaux!

Still need to decide on the perfect dress for New Year's Eve...

perhaps Tish over at  A Femme d'Une Certain Age  

has some ideas pour moi.

This one with the red roses is rather nice...

Okay, now I'm getting excited

Just a little taste before we're off to the party...

 Then make time for a

romantic walk along the River Seine

 And through charming cobblestone streets

                              

Now this is my idea of a soirée...

I think I was born in the wrong century.

May your new year be a bowl (basket) full of cherries...

and lots of Ooh La La!

How do you plan to ring in the New Year?


Wishing you a fabulous 2010!

Put a Little Ooh La La in Your Life!

Paintings by Jean Beraud