For those who follow me on Instagram, you know I was back in London, so an article on one of their beautiful monuments.

Last year I went to the Palace of Versailles and shared with you its opulence and grandeur. This time this English residence is its opposite, no gilding profusion or extravagance, its royal occupants wanted it warm, big enough but not huge, and through the ages this palace has been improved.

This castle has been inhabited since 1689, it is now separated into two parts, one where the Princes William and Harry reside with their families, and the other open to the public.

A video of the Royal homes at the end of this article.

Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was born, raised and lived in this residence until her coronation in 1838.

But this is also where she met her beloved Albert (Prince Albert of Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha) whom she cherished all her life.
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And for fans of romantic stories, I recommend the Victoria series with Jenna Coleman in the role of the queen.

Click At the age of 18 she became Queen, a heavy role for her frail shoulders and yet she was going to demonstrate to the world that she was destined to reign for a long time (63 years, 7 months and 2 days).
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She then moved to Buckingham Palace and became the first sovereign to reside there.here to edit.

Royalty means jewels of course, it reminds me my Solo Wedding in Santorini. By the way, I hope you liked my last article Birds Paradise, magnificent exhibition of brooches.

The ones Victoria wore were second to none, including the 105,602 carats Koh-i Nor Diamond (displayed at the Tower of London), a symbol of British power in India, because we must not forget that Queen Victoria was also Empress of India.

In this respect, she had a real attachment to this country, from which she learned the language and the culture. She even befriended Abdul Karim, an Indian servant. Friendship that cinema has brought to the screen in the film Victoria and Abdul (with Dame Judith Olivia Dench).

The family was very important to Victoria, she shared her reign with her role as mother and grandmother. She will never recover from the death of her husband and mourned the rest of her life by adopting black as colour. She even kept the room in which he died and came often to reflect.

20,000 new laws under 24 different governments.
Her era saw the invention of the steam train, steamboat, bicycle, car, telegraph and telephone.
At her Diamond Jubilee, 3 million people came to see her.

Without a doubt a Queen that everybody will remember ...

It is hard to talk about Kensington Palace without thinking of Lady Di where she lived, even after her divorce until her tragic death in 1997.

A gallery is dedicated to the outfits created by David Sassoon, her favourite fashion designer.
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You will notice on some sketches the annotations of the princess.

Next article next Saturday.
Have a good week!
 
Love & History,
L.

Let's keep dreaming, after my article last week on Madagascar, today a topic that will delight lovers of art and beautiful things.

I mentioned this wonderful exhibition in my article My Birthday in Paris, here is today an article which is entirely devoted to it.

You know my taste for luxury and especially jewellery, my Solo Wedding in Santorini is the proof, either by my Wedding Dress or my Wedding Ring, so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to nourish my soul and my spirit.

Coming from two private collections and some of the Van Cleef & Arpels' heritage funds, "Paradis D'oiseaux" (Bird Paradise) is an exhibition celebrating the art of jeweller’s craft through bird brooches created between 1850 and 1960.

Everything begins with inspiration, with art for example and especially painting but also the work of naturalists, and documents of all kinds that awaken the creativity of the jeweller who first creates sketches ...

​​The majestic and exotic peacock is one of the most represented birds in the art, so it’s not surprising that we find it in this exhibition.

Exceptional materials to make these unique pieces: diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, feather, shell, onyx, coral, enamel, turquoise, pearl, amethyst, topaz, aquamarine, garnet, gold, platinum ...

Birds of all kinds including the swan. And if you remember, I was wearing a tiara with two swans for my Solo Wedding in Santorini!

After the exhibition, I’ve visited the Ecole des Arts Joailliers (School of Jewelry Arts), supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, a sublime space with several workshops and salons to learn but also to discover the history of Van Cleef & Arpels.

This school is accessible to all, it doesn’t provide a qualification but makes the public discover (including children and teenagers) the art of jewellery with its 10 crafts: draftsman, model maker, gems expert, jeweller, foundry, setting, lapidary, engraver / sculptor and case.

I invite you to discover their courses for yourself or to offer, an original experience that will take you to the heart of one of the finest French craft: the haute-joaillerie.

For those who would like to learn more, at the end of this article a video about feathers and jewels.

No article next week because I have my new passport and I'll be travelling, I'm so happy!!
Follow me on Instagram @blogaboutl to know more ;)

Next article: 21st of September.

Good week to you all!
 
Love & Jewellery,
L.

This is another year, time flies, not so long ago I was just a little girl looking for fun and discovery ... In fact, I haven’t changed!​

Last year I happily celebrated my birthday in Santorini and talked about the stressful journey I had just experienced to freeze my eggs (Read again Article Gift of Science).

I am a July’s baby, so summer and the beach are necessarily my elements.
However, this year I chose two European capitals to blow my candles with dignity: Paris and London!

Why twice? And why not?? Who said that it was necessary to stick to a single party, I celebrate my birthday as many times as my friends wish to celebrate, and I have lots of amazing friends!!

So, for this new unforgettable evening, my friends have chosen a fancy place, beautiful and terribly romantic: the Bubble Bar with its terrace on the roof of the famous Moulin Rouge!

By the way, remember I already told you about it in my article Christmas in Paris.

Ambiance guaranteed, the perfect place to quench your thirst and dream in good company.

Well, the day after a party is usually painful, and in these conditions I need comfort and my favourite address is: Ytime Paris (55 rue des Archives in the Marais).

With its big teddy bear and Californian (or Australian) atmosphere, I take a bath of tenderness and light, and I revive myself with matcha latte and cookies.

We owe this beautiful place to Yazid Ichemrahen (Teddy's Dad), a talented pastry chef with an international reputation. And don’t be fooled by his handsome fashionable look, he’s a sensitive and fierce man.

Originally from Epernay in Marne (yes this is the region I talked about in my article Champagne), he grew up in foster care, experienced loneliness and violence, but it’s also at that time that he discovers his passion for pastry, a dream that led him to the light.

By the strength of his courage and determination, he worked with the greatest chefs and in 2014, he became World Champion of Frozen Desserts.

Since he’s a consultant, created his brand Ycone, and has just opened his second Ytime boutique in Paris (12 rue du Poteau in the 18th), and others to follow very quickly.

This concept store is his identity, passionate about surfing and escape. Cookies and brownies remind him of his childhood with his aunt and uncle. Ytime for the generation Y, his generation (he’s 27) and thus a healthy selection of salads, poke bowls, smoothies to consume on the spot or take away.
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And because it's summer, take advantage of this beautiful sun to relax with a picnic on the banks of the Seine, happiness ...

The search for excellence always, fresh products, top quality, and no less than 200 tests to find the cookies to his liking.

He still has so many dreams in mind, he doesn’t wait for success, he runs after!
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Thank you Yazid for this beautiful meeting, you are the perfect example that we must fight for our dreams, and you are a great source of inspiration for me and for so many others ... The best is yet to come for you, good luck!

​When I'm in Paris, I like to walk around aimlessly and enjoy the magic and romantic atmosphere that only exists here.

There are always incredible exhibitions in Paris, and there are 3 at the moment that I liked a lot:
• Tutankhamun - The Pharaoh's Treasure, until September 15, 2019 at the Grande Halle de la Villette
• Helena Rubinstein - The Adventure of Beauty, until August 25, 2019 at MAHJ
• Maison Van Cleef & Arpels - Bird Paradise at the Ecole des Arts Joailliers

 Don’t worry I’ll talk about it more in future articles ...

Tomorrow July 14 will be the French national day, and my article last year paid tribute to the firefighters and especially to the firewomen (Read Article Superwomen).

There will be many fireworks organised everywhere in France, and I love that, so I give you at the end of the article the Paris fireworks 2018.

No article next week, during the summer holidays, I publish only twice a month, but believe me I'm preparing a very exciting article with my birthday in London!

Next article: Saturday, July 27
 
Love & Freedom,
L.

I’ve already discussed with you the benefits of music on me in my article Freedom with a beautiful performance by Joshua Edelman at the end (listen absolutely!)

I talk a lot about ways to reduce anxiety in recent weeks: Thank you! , Be Positive, Happiness!.
Well, I have to admit that writing a book is stressful, especially telling a story about a drama of my past.

Music is essential in my life and it has been even more so in the last two years. So, you noticed that many of my articles end with a song. This week, I would like to go deeper into the subject and talk about its incredible healing power.

It’s now proven that listening to music influences our brain and therefore our mood. Its benefits are multiple: antidepressant effects, reduces pain, reduces stress, activates memory, helps concentration, acts on motivation, and generally makes us more positive and happier.
So, do it!

I promised you some excerpts from my book, so here's the first one:

​James Bay, I'm absolutely obsessed with this artist right now and I probably listen to him 20 hours a day, the rest of the time, I'm trying to sleep ...
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This 28 years-old English singer, songwriter and guitarist, with two albums to his credit, hasn’t stopped since 2014 to demonstrate his talent, and received many awards.

By the way, if you took the time to listen to the song last week - Us - it was a duet with him and Alicia Keys.
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His latest song Peer pressure, a duet with Julia Michaels, is addictive!

James inspired me a text with his song titles (you can click to listen to them):

Craving to Slide into your arms, no Peer pressure, Just for tonight, with our Scars and Best fake smile, Hold back the river, Running, Need the sun to break, For clocks go forward, because I believe in Us!
 
Have a very good week!
​
Love & Music,
L.                                                

It was the International Day of Happiness on March 20th, so I hope you are happy! And for those who seek some advice, read again my article happiness.html.

Me, if there is anything that fills me with joy, it’s shoes hahaha.

I already told you about my passion for shoes, and the ones I wore for my solo wedding in Santorini in my article shoes-forever.html.
So, you aren’t surprised that today I’ll tell you about one of the most renowned designers: Manolo Blahnik.

His shoes are all handmade in Italy and require 50 different steps.

Manuel Blahnik Rodríguez, a 76 years old Spanish stylist, was born and raised in the Canary Islands, in Santa Cruz de la Palma, before studying in Switzerland and Paris, then settling in England .

The Art of Shoes (El arte del zapato) in association with Vogue Spain, at the Museum of Decorative Arts of Madrid, traced its career, its major creations and its various collaborations, with 212 shoes and 80 original drawings from the personal collection from Manolo Blahnik.

I attended a lot of exhibitions in Madrid last year, as I already mentioned several times on the blog:
• andy-warhol.html
• sorolla.html
This exhibition is without a doubt one of my favourites because it highlights all the genius and inspiration of this designer with unparalleled imagination. Whether materials, textures, shapes or colours, everything invites to travel and a universe without limit ...

He’s also very inspired by nature, corals, flowers, fruits. The model Ivy drew attention in 1973, green sandals created for the fashion show of the English designer Ossie Clark. Shortly after, Manolo Blahnik opened his first store in London.

​There’s a word that transpires in all these creations, this is elegance. No wonder he's one of my favourite designers.
And when shoes become jewels ...

​It’s therefore not surprising that he collaborated with Sofia Coppola for her movie Marie Antoinette. And yes, the beautiful shoes of the Queen, it's him! You’ll find the video at the end of the article.

​Feel free to change shoes to get off to a good start! 😉
 
Have a good week!
Love & Shoes,
L.

Haute Couture fashion week has just ended in Paris, I was obviously very inspired for this new article.

Last week, I spoke about Jean-Paul Gaultier's exhibition Love is Love, a retrospective of these bridal outfits (Link Article fashion-exhibitions.html) which started in Montreal (Canada).

Montreal which is full of fantastic museums, a city that I’ll show you soon.
However, for today, back to childhood, something that everybody knows but with a little twist.

I would like to dedicate this article to my youngest follower, Olivia, who will turn 10 years old this year.

This is the largest permanent Barbie Haute Couture collection, more than 1,000 dolls dressed by the greatest designers in the world: Barbie Expo, in the heart of Montréal.

And let's start with the brides, who knows maybe my solo wedding in Santorini will inspire Barbie one day (Article my-solo-wedding-behind-the-scenes.html) ...

Barbie will be celebrating her 60th birthday in March, I would like to age as well as she does. And yes since 1959, the famous doll inspired millions of children.

​She also inspired brands, Barbie, 11½-inch tall is surely the smallest fashion model in the world.

​But also, movies, shows and celebrities inspired her.

​Many designers have created unique outfits for her, including me and not always to her advantage hahaha.

​This great exhibition reminds us of history and geography too:

​Barbie is all about a magical world where imagination has no limit ...

Note that this exhibition is completely free and that all donations are donated to the Association Make a Wish Quebec.
And to discover more, here is the website of Barbie expo: expobarbie.ca/en/

​Short story: a girlfriend offered me my first Barbie for my 6th birthday, and a very special one, Barbie Dream Glow, whose stars on her dress shine in the dark. One of my best memories. It's as if today my friends offered me a pair of Louboutin! The lesson that I learnt then, choose well your friends! Lesson I have obviously forgotten on the way, since no one offered me some Louboutin hahaha.

​No article next week, I'll be travelling to find other interesting topics for you. And for those who are not fashion fans, I promise, the next article will be on a very mouthwatering topic! But I don't tell you more ...

Have a lovely week end!
Love & Joy,
L.

Change of scenery this week, after making you travelled (Last Article crete-episode-2.html ), I’m going to amaze you with the exceptional haute couture creations of two great French names please, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Balmain.

The French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier collaborated again in 2017 with the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, to create a remarkable exhibition, which I had the chance to attend in Montreal (Canada).

This is a retrospective of Jean-Paul Gaultier's incredible wedding outfits from 1990 to 2017, 36 dresses and wedding clothes spread over and around a gigantic wedding cake.

My solo wedding in Santorini had already taken place (Article my-solo-wedding.html) when I discovered this exhibition, but it definitely gives me some inspiration for a possible next time, who knows?

This exhibition called LOVE IS LOVE, inspired by the speech of Barak Obama of June 26, 2015 during the legalisation of same-sex marriage in all the American States, is a new demonstration of the commitment of Jean-Paul Gaultier in favour of marriage for all. Commitment that I share, read or reread my article on marriage and parenting for all superwomen-3.html.

In this continuity, in 2018, the Centro Cultural Kirchner of Buenos Aires (Argentina) had the chance to display this exhibition. Argentina was the first country in Latin America to recognise same-sex marriage in 2010.

Hope that in a near future this exhibition will be in your country ...

In the meantime, you will notice all the incredible details of these sartorial wonders.

​For those who want to know more about Jean-Paul Gaultier, don’t miss Fashion Freak Show at the Folies Bergères in Paris, show imagined by the fashion designer and which traces his life. Note the exceptional participation of Dita Von Teese from 22 to 27 January 2019.

After making women dream, another exhibition that should be more interesting to these gentlemen. The Victoria's Secret exhibition of the 2017 Punk Angel show with the collaboration of Olivier Rousteing, Artistic Director of Balmain since 2011.

To feel really good about yourself, a comfortable or a sexy lingerie (even both), is essential. And when all this is highlighted by a renowned fashion designer, we feel like an angel ...

​Here again a lot of details in the accessories. One wonders where these creators find so much inspiration ...

I hope you liked this fashion article,
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Good weekend to all!
Love & Joy,
L

Autumn is here in Europe, rain is back.

Which gave me the idea of ​​a new series of articles that will make you travel this time. And for this first article, I chose Madrid. Remember, I've already talked about this city in a previous article gift-from-science-part-2.html , logical continuation after my solo wedding.

I admit that when it rains, I like to stay in pyjamas all day to gorge on TV series and sweets of all kinds. But sometimes, I take my courage in my hands or rather with an umbrella and a raincoat, and I go for a wander ...

So, follow me today, you will see that life can also be beautiful with wet feet!

Obviously, a hearty breakfast is required before any walk and there are plenty of places in Madrid. There is something for every taste and every budget. Most cafes and restaurants are indoors, which suits us with this weather. Will I choose a traditional brunch with serrano ham, tomato puree, and Spanish tortilla, or churros (addictive donuts), or other European sweets? Hard to decide ...

​In the up and down streets of Madrid, I pass buildings I already know and yet with a grey sky, everything is different, my eyes linger on other details, I rediscover these so familiar streets.

​The rain is relaxing, it makes the problems flow, the sound is calming, and we can discover things differently, including the beautiful rose garden situated inside the 118 hectares of the majestic El Retiro Park.

The rose garden is beautiful in full sunlight but in the rain it's dreamlike. I’ve strolled for hours in these alleys, all these delicate petals covered with drops. Obviously, only a few people have ventured with this weather, which amplifies the tranquillity of the place and gives me plenty of time to wander and dream ...

After several hours spent in the rain, coffee break is required, and there is no hesitation, you will find me at Motteau! This is my sweet break of the day, especially when I'm homesick because here you taste French pastries.

Not to mention that the setting is charming and very welcoming, I always feel like having coffee with friends, which is so, Juan the boss and Tamara are so friendly.
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When I stay in a foreign city for a long time, creating a routine and habits is fundamental. And even if I like solitude, having familiar faces around is essential. Thank you, Tamara and Juan for your kindness and your delicious cakes!

And since I'm not far, let's go to the Caixa Forum, there are always incredible exhibitions. This place reminds you something, and you're right, because that's where Andy Warhol's exhibit was, to read or reread andy-warhol.html

Today, I’m interested in Adolf Loos’ work, an Austrian architect of the early 20th century, this exhibition inspires me a nice article (coming soon).

In the same district, you will also find the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, where I shared with you the article about Sorolla and the fashion sorolla.html
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But let’s go to the Prado Museum, a few steps away. Two hours before the museum closes,  access to the permanent collection is free. Great classical paintings to contemplate, from Greco to Goya via Velazquez, Rubens and many others, perfect for ending the day.

Another tough choice of the day, dinner. Paella, calamari sandwich - typical of Madrid, ham, or not at all Spanish but so comforting, a pizza.

​What is good with big cities is that you can find world cuisine. Which is very nice when you stay several weeks at the same place. And no, I don’t have pleasure eating, you know it's just food hahaha.

Night has fallen, and everything looks different, what a beautiful sight to relax before going to bed. I'm going to have sweet dreams, no doubt.

​Who said when it rains it’s boring?? 😉

Joaquin Sorolla is a Spanish painter who was born in 1863 in Valencia (Spain) and died in 1923 at Cercedilla (Spain).

His work is admired for his portraits and landscapes with a particular attention put on daylight.

Sorolla was passionate about fashion and liked to offer beautiful clothes to his wife Clothilde. Hence this beautiful exhibition, Sorolla and Fashion at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid (Spain) until May 27 2018. The paintings are exhibited with the clothing and accessories, which makes this visit very original.

​Sorolla travelled a lot, Madrid, London, New York, Paris. He painted a lot in France and especially in Biarritz.

​A leap in time and space to put stars in our eyes and discover the history of fashion. So, do not miss this exhibition if you are in Madrid.

And for those who want to know more about this artist, a short video on his technique:

You like my article, click on the links below and/or add a comment:

What I love about Madrid (Spain) is whenever you visit this beautiful city, there are always art exhibits to attend.
Art is one of my hobbies, I’m always curious, moved, inspired by art work.
Salvador Dali said: “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”
When I was 14, I had a very high mark for an art work as a school assignment. I found it the other day in old papers I keep. This work was inspired by a major artist, Andy Warhol, born in 1928 in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania-USA) and died in 1987 in New York (NY-USA). More than 20 years later, I have the great opportunity to admire his talent closely!
This week I would like to talk about a current exhibition of Andy Warhol: El Arte Mecanico (Mechanical Art) at Caixa Forum in Madrid. It displays  around 350 pieces and documents from different periods of his life, from the 50s as a young commercial graphic designer, to the 80s as a pop art master.
Everybody knows his work even the young generation. Then, it’s absolutely fantastic to be able to see his work.

​So if you are in Madrid or plan to go, don’t miss this exhibition!
El Arte Mecanico, Andy Warhol till 6 May 2018
Caixa Forum, Madrid (Spain)

If you want to learn more about pop art, this video is for you:

You like my article, click on the links below and/or add a comment: