Perfect Paris Pink

Pink is a favorite color - the thought of living with it on the walls... not so much - but the way it looks in this gorgeous room in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris would definitely work!

It may be the way the light from the chandelier softens the color and the greenish-taupe accenting the ornate woodwork. Either way we love it? What do you think?

Belle Inspiration BOX - Mother's Day Pop Up Sale

The perfect gift for Mother's Day - a Belle Inspiration BOX. A BOX filled with a bit of France delivered to your mailbox each month.

Each little treasure in your BOX is sourced from the Paris flea markets, artisanal boutiques & ateliers. Payment plans are available too!

We have a special Mother's Day Pop Up sale going on right now - head over a take a peek HERE!

Trip Down Memory Lane

Taking a trip down memory lane with past issue of Belle Inspiration while getting the newest issue finished up.
This is the Spring French Style Issue and we're all about celebrating la joie de vivre. This issue highlights several marvelous Parisian businesses and
businesses and the beauty that Spingtime in Paris!

Window Shopping

Stocking up for the window boxes - the Hibiscus topiaries will work for the balcon (balcony).

Blossoms in Paris

The first blossoms are bursting out all over Paris. The parks and café terraces are filling up with Parisians anxious to soak up the rays.

Cathédrale de Notre Dame is looking pretty with these new pink accessories!

Printemps in Paris

 

Printemps in Paris! We've been waiting a long time for these first blossoms of spring - so worth the wait! 

Gorgeous artistic photo by Dawne Polis! 

Madeleines - French Tea Cakes

Madeleines are light, fluffy and buttery gâteaux (cakes), much like a sponge cake. The perfect side to your afternoon café or tea, with just the right amount of sweetness that won't put you into a sugar coma.

Warm, melted butter makes the inside moist and tender inside, and tastes divine if you can eat it right from the oven.

These delicious cakes with their distinct shape originated in the town of Commercy in the Lorraine region of France. Madeleines are baked in a scalloped shaped pan mold and the pretty shape makes even the simplest snack a bit more fun.

You can infuse them with a variety of flavors including lemon, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon - your choice, though the original buttery flavor is still my favorite.

Nina's Paris - THE Best Tea in Paris!

Nina's Paris is one of the loveliest little tea salons you'll find in paris ... or anywhere for that matter.

What makes Nina's so special besides the jewelry box interior and the gorgeous pink and gold packaging? The long history of Nina's dates back to the 1600s; all of their teas are gathered from the King's Garden at the Château de Versailles. 

A bust of Marie Antoinette along with an exact replica of one of her dainty shoes is on display and lends to the elegant atmosphere. 

We think we've found the perfect place to gather your girlfriends together for a relaxing and fun tea time! Read more about Nina's Paris in the next issue of Belle Inspiration, and be sure you download the coupon to receive a free tin of Nina's Teas. 

Favorite Macaron Flavors

The flavors of macarons have expanded from original chocolate and raspberry to salted caramel, lavender, rose, and orange blossom. 

The new recipes range from the stuff of dreams to more avante garde tastes Pierre Hermé,  the King of Macarons, is famous for his experimental flavors has a version with ... are you ready? ... ketchup and tiny chopped cornichons (pickles)! 

My own palate is much more subtle (boring?!). My new favorite is salted caramel or pistache (pistachio). Which is your favorite flavor? 

Photo: Elaine Biss

Shopping the Local Markets

The food markets in Paris are a highlight for residents and visitors alike.The food vendors here take their food seriously, and the displays are mouth-watering to say the least. 

Many vendors will offer you a little taste - a peu de goût - so you can be sure of the freshness and quality of their products. They enjoy sharing facts and cooking tips so don't be shy if you have a question.

There is always a breathtaking selection of flowers at the markets that are hard to resist. You'll soon notice the French carry their wrapped flowers upside down.

A Dash of Green

The setting sun does not dampen the color of this festive door. This doorway is on the rue de l'Annonciation, a pedestrian street in the 16th arrondissement.

There is everything you need on this cobblestone street from fleurs and fresh fruit to fromageries, butcheries and even a caviar boutique.

There are several cafés to choose from if you need a break from all the shopping so grab your rolling cart and off you go! 

Spring is Around the Corner

Spring is nearly here, but not quite. There's still a chill in the air but the when the sun is shining you may forget that winter is still clinging on and spring is around the corner.

Chilly temps won't stop a trip to the flower market is sure to make you feel like tinges of the fever that the season is sure to bring!

Photo: Krystal Kenney