Belle Inspiration

Dear Diva Readers,

top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 100px; line-height: 90px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>I was delighted recently when I had the opportunity to sit down with Belle Inspiration editor and founder Mimi to discuss her life in France! She shared all sorts of diva-licious details, including her favorite places to dine, tour and shop in Paris!

 

 

The Antiques Diva®
Mimi – you’re an American living in Paris. What a romantic life you must lead – how did you decide to move overseas?

Belle Inspiration
I moved to Paris like so many women before me – I came for love! I met my other half in Paris one of those old-fashioned fairy tale ways, and 16 months later we were living happily ever after. It has been a big change for me as an American in Paris, but a marvelous one. I have the best tour guide in the world and he never laughs at my horrid French!

The Antiques Diva®
So from the beginning of your time abroad you’ve been living like a local in Paris! Care to share details of your favorite spots around the city of light?

Belle Inspiration:
Paris is a walker’s city, and we like to spend our weekend exploring fabulous spots around the city. Usually when the weather is fine, we load our picnic basket and head for some of our favorite spots. You may see us in the Jardin du Ranalagh or Jardin du Luxembourg and we have even scouted out the most romantic spot in the beautiful gardens of Versailles.

The Antiques Diva®
Sounds divine! Now, the way to my heart is through food… do you have any dining tips diva’s-in-the-know need to know about?

Belle Inspiration:
To celebrate my move to Paris, my French Honey surprised me with a big splurge at Restaurant Lepérouse. Our private dining room was très romantique! The servers won’t enter your room until you call them with the silken pull cord. The Lapérouse has been in business forever, and evidently these private rooms have quite a colorful history. The decor was luxurious, the food delicious, and of course the company perfect – I felt like Marie Antoinette.

The Antiques Diva®
Wow! Tres Diva!! I’ve never been but feel like I must book to dine there with my husband! Now, I happen to know you and I share another passion besides French food – antiques! What are your secret sources in Paris?

Belle Inspiration:
Being I am an antique lover I found a sweet antique/brocante shop, Passy Brocante, in a courtyard just off rue Passy in the 16 arrondissement. It is a large space, just right for rummaging through all the treasures. There is also a rustic, wood-paneled dining room by the entrance. If you call ahead for reservations, the owner will cook a special lunch just for you. It is a pleasant way to spend a few hours with friends – dining and antiquing.

The Antiques Diva®
You’re full of great tips!! This is a total insider’s source. With all this knowledge I can see why you decided you needed to share your information. How did the idea to create a magazine come about?

Belle Inspiration:
I have always had a dream of creating a magazine. After beginning my blog Bonjour Romance and getting to know the wonderful world of Blogland, I decided to just go for it. We launched Belle Inspiration Magazine in September 2010 and have never looked back. The Belle Team is a talented group of contributors who are busy writing and photographing their way around the world. Our motto is ‘Celebrating La Joie de Vivre’. Belle Inspiration is currently offered in a digital format, but soon to be released in print! It has been an incredible adventure, and I love every minute of it.

The Antiques Diva®
Mimi, you’re such an inspiration! How can Diva Readers subscribe to your publication?

Belle Inspiration:
You can subscribe by visiting out website at Belle Inspiration.

The Antiques Diva®
Merci Beaucoup Mimi for being “The Diva of the Day” at The Antiques Diva® & Co!

Until next time – keep fulfilling your dreams,
The Antiques Diva®