The French Art of Tea and Chocolate ...

Tea made its arrival in Paris in 1636 (almost 22 years before its arrival in England). It is a petite known fact, but tea was exceptionally popular among French Aristocracy. One of the first connoisseurs of tea was Louis XIV, who is known to have taken tea regularly to assist in his digestion and as a preventative against gout and cardiac disorders.

Madame de Sevigne (one of the greatest letter writers in history), in her famous series of gossipy letters to her daughter chronicling the life of the Sun King - as Louis XIV was known-, and his entourage, provides us with a glimpse inside styles, fashions, opinions and much more about
life in 17th century France, including her numerous mentions of tea.


According to Madame de Sévigné ....  (complete article available in the May/June issue of Belle Inspiration Magazine)

WHAT is Belle Inspiration? and HOW can I get it? you are asking...

Belle Inspiration is an online  Digital Magazine. Each issue is delivered bi-monthly to your in-box. Based in France and with a team of international contributors (which High Heeled Life is a proud supporter and regular contributor) each issue treats readers to brilliant photos, and budget friendly solutions to bring and keep the joy of living in everyday life.

If you are not yet a subscriber it's as easy as clicking here. 

Don't miss  Style Français in the current issue!

Become a subscriber before June 7th, 2012 - you will automatically be entered in a Giveaway to win one of 3 Vintages by Nina books, by Nina Hartmann.

Belle Inspiration was founded and is published by BlogLand's very own inspiration of all things romantic, the joy in living - simply, and supporter of small independent boutiques Mimi Bleu author of Bonjour Romance.

Wishing everyone a week filled with Joie de Vivre !!!

Regular posting will resume this week-end here on High Heeled Life and the Country, with a fabulous giveaway you will not want to miss...

After the Vacation ...

We had so much fun visiting our friends in Vermont, but the drive home was beyond exhausting ... so I have been doing lots of this ... 

Waking to enjoy a cup of  tea  ...

One of my favourite ways to relax with a cup of tea, is to read Belle Inspiration...

Belle Inspiration was founded by the wonderful, creative and inspiring writer of  the blog Bonjour Romance. I discovered Mimi's blog around the time she was considering taking her joy for life and creating an on-line publication. After much elbow grease, long nights and I'm sure many what ifs ... Belle Inspiration's premier issue was launched September 2010. Having enjoyed her blog - I was thrilled to be receiving her wonderful creation - directly to my in-box.

Each issue is filled with wonderful, informative, inspiring articles and stories from contributors around the world. For those who like to skim through publications for  inspiring photos be it, fashion, travel, home, or lifestyle you will not be disappointed.

During this past year of reading Belle Inspiration, along with how to make fig jam (in the premier issue); amazing holiday decorating, and that Wellies can be used as a vase; Nantucket's quiet way of life may be the place for me; a person may have Passion for many things, and that's OK; seeing France in photos, makes me want to return there; through wonderful photos and articles I understand Hubby's desire to return to Italy - it's not just his heritage.  Possibly the most important things I have learned is that you do not need to spend a fortune to be stylish, have a beautiful home and dine on the best food! and that everything is possible so long as you have a DREAM...

Each issue brings the magic of truly enjoying life ~ not just living it ~ to colour. 

If you are not already subscribing to this wonderful on-line publication

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I'll be spending my week catching up at home, therapy stuff and blog visiting and  reading. Will return to regular posting next week.

What tips can you share to get back into routine, 

after a vacation ???