A Moment of Reflection with Ma Belle Provence

So much has changed over the past year – for us and for the rest of the world. For us it meant eloping during a pandemic, surviving covid, and moving away from the city to the mountains. What have been my main takeaways from these unprecedented times? To be near family. To live more slowly. And to appreciate the simple moments in life.

As many of you know, we recently moved into our mountain home we call Chalet Lumière. We have been here for three months now, and we are still surprised daily by our new surroundings – the ever changing weather and light, the moodiness of the mist hung over the mountains on a rainy day, the luminescence of fireflies in the valley at dusk.

As I’ve been making our house into a home, I have done so consciously and intentionally with the hope that it will reflect and fuel the pace of life I would like to live. If you are reading this, you are probably already well aware of my love of French country decor. At first it was because I was simply drawn to the beauty.

But then I crossed paths with the loveliest woman, Lise. I can’t exactly remember who found whom, but when I discovered her shop, Ma Belle Provence, I fell deeply in love with everything I saw. Through many exchanges with Lise, I learned that there is so much more than beauty. There is history and proud craftsmanship and great care.

Lise generously gifted me a few items from her shop, and as soon as I opened the box I could feel the depth of her gift. What she offered me was a glimpse into herself, into her past, into a world so divine I feel honored I can bring a piece of it into my home. Every item so delicate I want to cherish it like an heirloom passed down from my own family.

Linens whose intricate detail and colors could not hold more perfection, cakes and sweets whose nuanced flavors take me right back to France, and lavender so fresh and fragrant I feel as though I could be having tea in Provence rather than the woods behind my home here in the Appalachians.

Their Gluten-Free Almond Cake, for example, made from five natural ingredients, is sourced from Biscuiterie de Provence, a six generation manufacturer in the Drôme Provençale that, since 1833, specializes in traditional, organic and gluten-free cookies and cakes. From the moment my husband and I took our first bite, we were filled with the sensory memories of our wedding cake.

The Campano Tablecloth is the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. It brings such softness and elegance to our dining space, and it is my favorite shade of blue. Making it all the more special, it is handcrafted by a famous fabric printing factory “Les Olivades” in Provence.

I hope this photo journal will offer you a glimpse into what I’ve discovered through my new friendship with Lise. I am so honored that she partnered with me; Ma Belle Provence is a small but growing business, and I couldn’t be more delighted to help support it in any way I can. My hope is that I may give back to Lise just a hint of what she has given to me.

You can take a deeper look into the world of Ma Belle Provence by following their page on Instagram or by visiting the website here.