 When I was little, 3 years old to be exact, I thought that we could have as many companions as we wanted, I had so a smooth and reassuring teddy bear since my birth, and a solid and popular Kiki that everybody envied me. Two were better than one visibly. Finally, I still have the same dilemma today, I haven’t found a man who is protective AND desirable hahaha!  My first wedding when I was 5 years old, I completely forgot about this episode of my life, I believe that I was already traumatised by ceremonies. No doubt I didn’t understand why there was only one boy by my side hahaha, and especially why I couldn’t have my teddy bears with me...  A few years later (a few decades to tell the truth), I married on Santorini Island, not with one man, nor two (hahaha), just with myself. I had bet on the wrong teddy and he abandoned me 3 months before our wedding ceremony (what my teddy bears have never done, they nicely wait for me in a box). Fortunately, life had taught me to bounce back and stay positive in any situation, well, I had experience, we had lost friends and toys with teddy and Kiki... On May 27, 2017 my Solo Wedding was held in Santorini, since, my story has been viral around the world (check out Media). Time flies so fast, it seems to me that my article 1st Anniversary was written yesterday! My second wedding anniversary thus, I’m so proud and happy, and more challenges to come, keep following me to know more... And this month of June, I'm proud to celebrate Pride Month for the LGBTQ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer), with many parades and events around the world. I’ve already mentioned my support for this community in my article Superwomen 3; it’s up to everyone to make our world better and to fight against all forms of discrimination, open your heart to open your mind!  Happiness is made every day with your own rules, always be proud of who you are and pursue your dreams! Find all the articles of my solo wedding here: Solo Wedding.  Have a good week! Love & Pride, L.
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After talking about dinner (Article wedding-menu.html ) and champagne (Article champagne.html ) at my wedding, I want to tell the wines we had. When we think of Santorini, we imagine the white facades and the blue-domed churches, the cliffs, the caldera, but what we forget is the vineyards. And yes, the island is full of them, nearly 1,500 hectares, and it’s one of the oldest vineyards in Europe, no wonder that its wine has become so famous. The vines are shaped in a circle to form a sort of nest, called "kouloura", this method protects them from wind and sun. Two elements that are very present in Santorini. For the place of my wedding, I had the choice between the chapel or the vineyard, completely by chance I chose the vineyard hahaha! Venetsanos Winery in Megalochori. Located on the cliffs overlooking the caldera, and producing delicious wines, this was the perfect place for my solo wedding in Santorini. White wine, red and rosé (unlimited) to satisfy my guests. Not to mention they were treated to a tour of the property and a tasting while I was doing my photos. For my first wedding anniversary I opened the bottle that had been offered to me by Venetsanos, just to plunge me into the atmosphere again... Certainly, a place that I recommend, for a visit, a tasting, shopping, photos and why not a wedding?? More information on their website: venetsanoswinery.com/ One of my favourite white wines is from Santorini, and that before I go to this enchanting island. There are 3 grape varieties for white wine: assyrtiko, athiri and aidani. When assembled, we discover the Nykteri, a dry white wine to taste absolutely. For red wines, count on mandilaria and mavrotragano. Some houses also offer rosés, like Venetsanos. But the island's most famous wine is Vinsanto, a sweet wine made from late harvests. Some may sometimes prefer the Mezzo, less sweet. Feel free to visit Santo Wines, the Santorini Wine Cooperative, established in 1947 with 1,200 members. The view is also splendid and you can relax while enjoying a wide range of wines from the island. And for those who want to know more, visit the Koutsogiannipoulos family Wine Museum in Vothonas. Eight metres deep and 300 metres long, this magnificent museum tells the story of viticulture in Santorini since 1660, as well as all the stages of its making. A wine tasting is also offered at the end of the visit. Discover the vineyards of the island, you won’t be disappointed. Nothing is more extraordinary than enjoying good wine while admiring the incredible sunsets of Santorini. One thing is certain, you cannot die of thirst in Santorini hahaha! Have a lovely weekend! Love & Wine, L. First article of the year and I can only be proud of last year and excited of the one to come. Many things have happened in my life over the past two years, and I thank you for the support and love you bring to me every day. 2018 was the continuity of 2017 with the freezing of my eggs in Madrid (Article gift-from-science.html). I was a finalist in a photo contest for the international art magazine 1340 (Link 1340art.com/), magazine that wants to display my photos since. But also, a huge step in my life and my reconstruction, the creation of the blog that many of you follow now (Article why-a-blog.html), and some of my readers do not fail to remind me when I'm late in my publications! Thank you for your loyalty. Incredible surprises came out of this, like my story that went viral in the international press, with icing on the cake, the cover of Closer UK and a TV interview on Alpha TV with Eleonora Meleti (Article 1st-tv-interview-behind-the-scenes.html). Life is surprising, and the universe keeps showing us the way, but you have to know how to open your eyes and your heart, and that's what I’m learning to do day by day ... Journalists don’t get tired of my story and another article in a British magazine is coming soon. 2019 should also see the publication of my book that I’m finishing writing. Another dream that I intend to achieve, and which I hope will definitely change my life. Some passages will be online soon! Thank you to my friends for sharing some of the highlights of their lives in 2018. Congratulations again to the happy parents: Chrisa & Kosta, Fay & Mike. Both couples have each a beautiful little girl. But more babies coming in 2019, and many more celebrations! One of the favourite moments of my year was certainly the wedding of my little sister in Champagne, a year after my solo wedding in Santorini (All articles here www.blogaboutl.com/blog/category/solo-wedding). And also, the wedding of my friends in Paris, Christophe & Arthur (Article superwomen-3.html). Not to mention all the beautiful people that I met and that led to new amazing friendships. Many trips in 2018 and many articles to read or rediscover. Around the world: Gran Canaria, Madrid (Article rainy-dayin-madrid.html), Athens (Article rainy-dayin-athens.html), Crete (Article crete-episode-1.html) with a new article to come, Santorini (Article santorini.html), Brussels. In France: Annecy, Albertville, Grenoble, Lyon, Reims (Article champagne.html), Paris (Article disneyland-paris.html), Versailles (Article palace-of-versailles.html). I wish lots of new adventures in 2019, and keep dreaming, it’s the first part of the journey!  Sydney 2016 I wish you all an excellent new year, rich of good surprises, beautiful people, iron constitution, love in gold and glittering joy!! And Happy Epiphany! Love & Joy, L. P.S: for those who are in France, please keep me a piece of Epiphany cake 😉 or send me photos! My parents have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, so it brought back good memories of my own wedding! You have seen a lot of the magnificent official photos of my solo wedding in Santorini (Photo credit: Alexander Hadji), whether on my blog (all the wedding articles here www.blogaboutl.com/blog/category/solo-wedding), in the press or on TV (see all or see again Media). Then, I thought you'd like to discover behind the scenes of this very special day.  All my guests are here, not all those people in the line, even if the number of shoes say the opposite ... Why is there a half-naked model on my roof? I said no distraction!! While everyone is starring at him, I remain serious in my preparation. Initially, I had to have a makeup artist and a hairdresser, but when I decided to marry myself, I chose to pamper myself. I wanted to have this intimate moment, time to refocus myself, to be in harmony with my inner self. Only my two witnesses were allowed to disturb me. They came from time to time, checking that everything was fine, that I needed nothing, and taking pictures of me in action. Is everything ready?? It seems that yes, especially do not forget anything. Uh who forgot his bath duck?? One of my wedding gifts ... Maybe the model on the roof would like to use it with me? What, we don’t have time for a bath? It's stressful to get married!!! Some even have last-minute homework, such as copying a speech or preparing the last payments, and yes, a wedding this is that too! Fortunately, my witness is an accountant. Everybody is on their way to Venetsanos Winery, my guests in a car, and I’m in a beautiful black Mercedes with my sister. If my official photos are amazing, in fact, it takes a lot of time and organisation ... The location, the position, stop thinking that we have forgotten the umbrella ... And tourists, go away, we are hurried here! Not to mention climb the cliff for the sunset, flat shoes essential! One more thing, don’t think I have vertigo ... And thanks to my super sister who played the assistant, the flying veil this was her job! Before my wedding, I thought that a photographer was just taking pictures, in fact it's an invisible man who moves without being seen and goes into improbable positions without nobody notices him. Sometimes we want to do things and it takes longer than expected ... After a few hours and many bottles, we don’t really know why or how we take pictures ... Even the DJ is gone ... Ah no, he’s with the bride and the wedding planners. Goodbye Venetsanos and back to the hotel where without my crown and shoes, I continue to drink champagne! I had to relax before sleeping ... Another big acknowledgment to all the providers of my solo wedding: Dress: Atelier Pronovias, Boutique Brides of Brisbane - Brisbane CBD (Australia) Alterations: PQ Fashions, Brisbane CBD (Australia) Shoes: Edward Meller (Day), Christian Louboutin (Evening) Ring: Antique Cameo, Boutique Precious Stones Brisbane (Australia) Jewellery: Cassandra Lynne (U.S) Tiara: JJ's House Clutch: Forever New Jacket: Yves Salomon - Paris (France) Hairdressing, Makeup, Manicure: myself Wedding Planning: Divine Weddings Santorini, Maria Alexopoulou & Katerina Panagopoulou, Santorini (Greece) Venue: Venetsanos Winery, Megalochori, Santorini (Greece) Celebrant: John Kavallaris, Santorini (Greece) Photographer: Alexander Hadji, Santorini (Greece) Flowers: Betty Flowers, Santorini (Greece) DJ & Light: Multimedia Events, Santorini (Greece) Catering: Spicy Bites, Santorini (Greece) Drinks: Venetsanos wine, Champagne Cuvée Clovis (Maison Batillot & Fils, France) Wedding cake: Petranart, Megalochori, Santorini (Greece) Fireworks: Skylight Santorini Fireworks, Santorini (Greece) Hotel: Ampelonas Apartments, Imerovigli, Santorini (Greece) And to conclude this article, a song that always puts me in a good mood! Love & Light, L.  Meta ta Mesanyxta 'After Midnight' with Eleonora Meleti on Alpha TV, Athens Three years ago, when my ex-fiancé and I chose Greece to celebrate our wedding, I never thought how important this place would be to my heart. From now on, this country is associated with my solo wedding in Santorini and my rebirth (Read previous article 1st-anniversary.html) A few days ago, I was invited to a TV show on the biggest Greek channel. On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, thousands of viewers discovered me. I wanted to share this special moment of my life, so here is this extraordinary day told step by step: 1 / I am not a morning person and waking up early is a torture. Nevertheless, I can get up without being grumpy for 2 reasons, whether I travel or work on my blog. This time, I get up at dawn for these 2 reasons! 2 / Head in the clouds, I fly to Athens. Athens, which means the city of Athena, Goddess of Reason, Prudence, Military Strategy and Wisdom. What a highly symbolic place for my first TV show! I couldn’t wish a better place. 3 / I’ve asked what I had to wear for the occasion and was told: something comfortable for a late night show. Obviously, I’m very used to this kind of event, I do this every day, I knew immediately what to wear (ironic) - finally, after having tried all my wardrobe! I finally opted for a romantic, elegant and feminine outfit. Dress and belt: Promod Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Bracelet: Tiffany & Co. by Elsa Peretti Hairstyle: Un Brin de Jenny 4 / I am picked up at my hotel to go to the studio. Very different from French studios which are very accessible in the middle of cities. This Alpha studio is very isolated and well guarded. I go directly to makeup where other guests are already there, and also the translator for my interview. A matte base, zero shine and nervousness that starts to rise even if my smile doesn’t show anything ... 5 / That's it, it's time, I discover the studio set  Many people, cameras, screens, and Eleonora, the presenter, who sees me and immediately comes to meet me. She is charming and very smiling, she puts me at ease instantly. Eleonora Meleti is a well-known and popular journalist in Greece. Everyone on the set is adorable, they come to greet me, support me. There is even a half Greek Frenchman. The atmosphere is very relaxed. They explain the process, install me and adjust my microphone, I take a deep breath and concentrate. Making my first TV appearance was certainly not something I was prepared for. Especially when it comes to 30 minutes of interview. And to make the exercise worse, because as you know I don’t like when it’s simple, Eleonora was addressing me in Greek, the translation was given to me in English, so I answered in English making sure I was looking at my hostess, while the translator translated into Greek instantly. You’ve followed?? Because even me, I’m lost hahaha. So, in summary, my brain heard Greek and English at the same time and I had to try to answer without always remembering the questions! But I think that watching the video doesn’t need any comment, my interview starts from the 36th minute, unfortunately it’s in Greek, the subtitles are not yet available, however there is a nice video at the beginning (Photo Credit: Alexander Hadji) You can find all the videos of the show on Alpha TV website: www.alphatv.gr/?vtype=generic&vid=34809&categoryId=4&showId=923 Greece, the country of my solo wedding, and where so many people have shown so much interest, support and love for my story. I feel good in Greece... I’ve received even more sympathy after the show, and some people recognised me in the streets of Athens. Thanks again to Eleonora Meleti, Sotiris Skouloudis, the whole team of Meta ta Mesanyxta and Alpha TV. 6 / Return to the hotel and I admit that it’s difficult to regain my senses. So much excitement and emotions in such a short time ... 7 / Of course I couldn’t leave Athens without going for a walk and relaxing with my friends. Above all, I couldn’t let you without having made you discover this beautiful city! And all my favourite addresses will be in a future article dedicated to this city. To conclude, a song by P!nk that I particularly like, and which says: I will never surrender, there is nothing but a victory! Well, it could be Athena's words, couldn't it? Love, L. In preparation for my first TV interview in Athens, it seemed obvious to talk about my solo wedding again. Regarding the different interviews I’ve had recently Media, a question came up often, what did you eat? And as I've already mentioned champagne in a previous article champagne.html here is the logical continuation. Greece was not chosen by chance, I like Greek cuisine! So obviously for my solo wedding in Santorini, the menu was traditional. Just thinking about it, I salivate, all these Mediterranean flavours, olive oil, olives, octopus, squid, feta, taramosalata, moussaka ... To be honest, any excuse was good to eat, so the day before the ceremony we’ve had a rehearsal dinner, and the day after the wedding, a lunch by the beach (article to come with my favourite addresses). The feature of Santorinian cuisine comes from some products that are not found elsewhere, such as some small tomatoes and favas, small yellow beans. Thus, some recipes are typical of the island such as fava purée or tomato fritters. And precisely, it was impossible for me to choose among so many delicious dishes, I wanted everything for my wedding dinner! So, the buffet was the best option.  Santorini BBQ Wedding Buffet provided by Spicy Bites Catering: Selection of breads & kalamata olives Santorinian salad – Greek – with feta cheese, capers and virgin olive oil Taramosalata – Dip prepared with fish roe Eggplant & tomato slices, cooked in the oven with feta cheese and oregano Tzatziki – Yoghurt dip with cucumber and olive oil Fava – Santorinian yellow split peas with onion rings Tomato fritters, local recipe Grilled chicken fillets with lemon juice Grilled lamb chops with oregano Grilled swordfish fillet Grilled vegetables Baby roasted potatoes with fresh onion and oregano Fruits Variety of Greek desserts My guests and I enjoyed it, we often talk about it with a bit of frustration because we would like to eat it again! Of course, a wedding is not a real wedding without a cake and mine was created by Petranart, Megalochori, Santorini. A cake with fresh strawberries and vanilla cream. Unfortunately, in the euphoria of the evening I ate only one piece. I had such a regret that when I returned to Santorini this year, to celebrate my first wedding anniversary and my birthday, I reordered the same cake! When we love, we don’t count hahaha... Thanks again to Spicy Bites Catering, Mr Petros from Petranart, but also Venetsanos Winery for the venue, Alexander Hadji (photographer), and of course Maria Alexopoulou & Katerina Panagopoulou from Divine Weddings Santorini. Thanks also to my culinary partners who shared all these wonderful moments immortalised in these photos. What would we be without food?? Hahaha  καλή όρεξη Bon Appétit ! I admit, any occasion is good to drink champagne because it’s my favourite drink!  And I have something to celebrate with my rising celebrity, read my last article life-changer.html Keep tuned because lots of news in the next weeks! All this excitement makes me dizzy and not only because of bubbles ... I put down my luggage in Reims, France, a year and a half ago. During this period, I’ve had time to enjoy this beautiful region, and especially to visit vineyards and champagne cellars! Heaven on earth exists and I found it. Big champagne houses are mainly in Reims and Epernay. However, there are countless producers. The region has just over 300 champagne houses, with nearly 16,000 people, producing around 300 million bottles a year. The big particularity of champagne cellars is its chalk pits, long tunnels dug underground, stretching over 200 km. To visit them, you must first go down between 20 and 40 meters deep. Depending on the house, this is done by majestic stairs or a tiny spiral staircase. The temperature drops to 10 degrees Celsius. During the two world wars, these undergrounds enabled the survival of millions of people, sheltering a whole city with its school, its hospital, its bakery ... Thus, bottles age here in this maze of chalk and history, in darkness, freshness and humidity. The highlight of the visit is obviously the tasting and the shop. I made some provisions because it's not every day that I'm in magazines ... Women have had a key role in the fame and champagne that we know today. Rosé champagne, for example, was invented by Mrs Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin in 1818, 200 years ago…  In 1861, another widow, Mrs Jeanne Pommery created champagne brut (unsweetened) to satisfy English tastes. Nowadays, the United Kingdom is the largest importer of champagne in the world ahead of the United States and Japan. Innovative, braving male diktats and continuing to produce during the war, women of character for an exceptional drink. The harvest took place recently, which allowed me to better understand this expertise and the hard work that requires. In addition, I was extremely privileged, and I was able to visit a few presses in action. For two weeks, the entire region and its inhabitants, all generations combined, live only for these grape harvests. Not to mention the endless ballet of trucks, tractors and buses ... Although marrying myself in Santorini, Greece, it was impossible for me to skip champagne. So after visiting several producers, my choice finally turned to a delicate but powerful champagne. Pinot noir (40%), Pinot meunier (20%) and Chardonnay (40%). In addition, a bottle with feminine curves with the name of a famous king, the First King of France, Clovis (Champagne Batillot & Fils). It could only be my champagne for a Queen wedding, my solo wedding in Santorini. Finally, no need for excuse to drink a glass of champagne, enjoy life, cheers!  And then, there are those we meet, who we hardly know, who tell you a word, a sentence, give you a minute, half an hour, and change the course of your life. Victor Hugo I had to write an article about what's going on in my life right now. My solo wedding in Santorini is going viral in the international press: the United Kingdom, Belgium, Greece, Thailand, Vietnam ... They even talked about my story on television in several countries. I obviously celebrated with bubbles, and what beautiful bubbles! It's exciting and disturbing at the same time. I’m very much in demand for interviews, for the moment I don’t measure the impact on my blog and my life in general. I’ve never searched for fame, even if I like to stand out; I often prefer loneliness and lock myself in my cocoon, but when I made the choice to create a blog, I knew that I should manage the public exposure. With this media whirlwind I learn to control my emotions. A new experience ... A great opportunity for my blog, I’m incredibly grateful to the people who encouraged and supported me. Not to mention all the messages of hope and love that I receive. Being able to share my experience to inspire other people, that’s the reason of my blog. Of course, a big thank you to Alyce Collins and Media Drum World, this journey, it's thanks to you! I’ve created a Media page where you can already find some of the published articles Media and more articles to come!! For all those people who changed my life at a particular time, and for all those to whom I will change their life: "Be you! The world will adjust. " Unknown author.  My song of the moment that puts me in a good mood, enjoy! Today, I attend the wedding of friends in Paris, so obviously my article of the day could only relate to my marriage, I am obviously inexhaustible on the subject! I love flowers, it's beautiful, delicate, fragile and colourful like me! Another of my priorities for my wedding after dress and shoes (read article shoes-forever.html ). I chose fuchsia pink in little touches in my outfit, to modernise my classic dress: nail polish, lipstick, shoes and even a few false eyelashes! But also because it's a color that I love and that suits me perfectly. By extension, and for the sake of harmony, the flowers had to be matched.  In addition, I wanted local flowers that symbolise my wedding in Santorini, and nothing more obvious than the bougainvillea that are found absolutely everywhere on the island. With Bougainvillea, we added roses, my favourite flowers but also some olive leaves. According to the language of flowers, rose symbolises true and tender love. Thus, the perfect combination for my bouquet, my crown, centerpieces and even the cake! Everything was so beautiful, I couldn’t wish better. Many thanks to Betty Flowers Santorini and my wonderful wedding planner Maria Alexopoulou from Divine Weddings Santorini. And like James Arthur in the song to follow, I define and I design my recovery! Flowers for a new start ... I haven’t talked about my solo wedding for quite a while, so here is a new article about it, and a subject which will please girls! If obviously the dress was my first concern, the shoes came immediately after. I have a real addiction for shoes! I must have about 130 pairs of shoes from all brands: Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Celine, Nicholas Kirkwood, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Weitzman, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Michael Kors, Kurt Geiger ... In psychology we call it Cinderella syndrome, we don’t stop buying shoes because we haven’t found the one! Knowing that I married myself and that I no longer look for Prince Charming, I risk collecting shoes for a long time! Hahaha And my friends know me well because they’ve given me very personal birthday cards: I display my shoes as pieces of art because for me they are more than accessories to walk. Depending on my mood and who I want to be for the day, I will choose a specific pair. Shoes give me confidence, they connect me to the ground and make me sexy when it's necessary. And to be a superwoman, as in my last article superwomen.html we need great shoes and designers are not lacking in this area. Sometimes I can spend a whole day wearing different models at home just for fun ... One of my little pleasures. I even have some pairs that I’ve never worn but just to have them in my closet boosts my ego. Moreover, Freud said that foot is the symbol of power for a woman. Obviously, for my wedding I had to do very thorough research and surf hours and hours on the internet. I sifted all the designers: Oscar de la Renta, Ralph & Russo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Emmy London, Dolce & Gabbana, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, Roger Vivier, Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Sophia Webster, Tamara Mellon, Gucci, Nicholas Kirkwood, Jimmy Choo, Kurt Geiger London, Aquazurra, Freya Rose, and many more ... I needed the perfect pair for my big day! And nothing better than my best man to accompany me to the Parisian shops. Dior, Chanel, Valentino, Givenchy, Ferragamo, Louboutin ... I don’t know how many pairs I’ve tried! But I really enjoyed it! Finally, Cinderella smiled, she found the right one: I couldn’t imagine a better pair than this one. A delicate fabric like my fragility, my favourite colour bright and feminine in the theme of my flowers, a stiletto heel very sexy but not too high to be able to perform the 3 choreographies of my evening. And that red sole that all women cherish and that makes men blush. In addition, I have the chance to buy them in the famous shop of Rue Saint Honoré in Paris, that's magical. Being beautiful from head to toe, to start the first day of my new life and celebrate my rebirth. Good in my head and on my high heels! Wear your favourite shoes, be confident and dance on this hit of 1966: First, for those who haven’t read the first article: gift-from-science.html All women are not equal to egg freezing, in addition to the laws prohibiting it in some countries (see first article) the cost can be high, it’s not accessible to everybody and it’s necessary to devote time and to have minimum of stress. Stress my worst enemy. On 2 occasions I couldn’t start the ovarian stimulation treatment because of ovarian cyst which had developed just at the wrong time. Besides me who always had perfect planned period, from my first appointment at the clinic, everything went unplanned! I must admit that even being a tower of strength, there were many ups and downs. It's not easy to manage and you must be very well surrounded, and I don’t tell when I was under treatment, I passed from laughter to tears permanently! My friends have been extraordinarily supportive, I can’t thank them enough for having been there for me, and my best friend told me during the first failure, I quote " friends are not only there in good time... "I love you. 10 ultrasounds, blood tests with pages and pages of results and 18 injections in total. My ovarian follicles were growing slowly, we had to extend the treatment which was 10 days initially, and apart from that I shouldn’t stress ... long live yoga (and sangria drunk responsibly obviously). Injections to self-administer every night before bedtime, it's rather impressive, if you are afraid of needles I strongly advise not to do it! The few days before and after the collection, my ovaries were huge and painful, which made me difficult to move and walk. You must be very motivated. In addition, no one could accompany me this time I had to manage it completely alone, well with a million messages and phone calls to my friends!  A first appointment with the doctor and an ultrasound to establish a first assessment. A very detailed explanation with pictures and diagrams of the process and the expected results. Then, a list all the tests to perform. Finally, I get a quote. For me, my decision was made without any hesitation, I just had to decide when to come back. When all the conditions are right, which for me took a few months and my body's control by the pill, we start the treatment with injections to activate the production of oocytes. 10 years of fertility in this box: Then, it’s necessary to prevent oocytes from coming out of the follicles, thus another injection in complement with the first: Finally, the last injection and not a small one for the final maturation before the collection. In addition to being intimidating by the size of the needle, this one must be filled by yourself with a certain quantity of mixture that you make from 4 bottles ... No, no, no stress at all... I never had to defuse a bomb but I think it's pretty close hahaha. If you are nil with your hands, get help!! The collection was performed under general anaesthesia, and I had a few hours to wake up gently, before being told the number of my eggs that will be frozen: 10! The clinic is very well equipped and very welcoming. Private lounges allow you to wait in privacy. I only met 2 patients during all my visits. My doctor spoke English but the rest of the staff spoke French, my mother tongue. Everyone was very accessible and it was also easy to contact them. I have absolutely nothing wrong to say about the organisation, they are very professional and attentive. I recommend them without hesitation and the day I decide to follow up I will call them again. A little reminder of biology since one of my friends asked me some details. Women produce several eggs per cycle but only one will be released in the hope of being fertilised, while the others will die. As part of the freezing process, hormonal treatment ensures that as many eggs as possible are mature for collection. I don’t know if I will use my frozen eggs one day, but it's the assurance of not having regret. Obviously even with 10 eggs I'm not sure to have a child. All eggs won’t survive freezing, then there is thawing and sperm injection. Next the growth of fertilised eggs in a laboratory and the uterus to prepare to receive one egg or more. Finally, being pregnant or not and reach full term. Somehow, I'm happy to see that nature still impacts even though it can be a hard reality to accept when no treatment works ... This practice has been developed a lot in the last 5 years. Moreover, research and methods are progressing, which increases my chances of having a child with my frozen eggs. In addition to cryopreservation of oocytes, today it’s possible in some countries such as the United States to cryopreserve embryos. Recently also some doctors talk about ovarian rejuvenation by injecting the patient's blood cells into the ovaries, which would restimulate egg production. Research never stops ... I’ve been 4 times in Madrid to achieve my goal but what a great accomplishment. On the top of that, it gave me the opportunity to visit Madrid, this fantastic city, full of charm and history. Some people expect from life a happy ending, my happiness I build it myself day after day, one step after another! Believe in your dreams and give yourself the means to achieve them! Love, L. Song: Calum Scott & Leona Lewis-You are the reason. A new milestone in my life, modern medicine has just offered me 12 years of fertility; June 6, 2018, 10 of my oocytes have been frozen. A year that I think of doing it, but only 6 months since my first appointment at the Eugin Clinic in Madrid, a clinic specialised in fertility. What a relief! I’m feeling that I can plan the rest of my life again, my future is safe in a… freezer.  To be honest if my ex hadn’t left me, I would have never considered it. And yet from my point of view, every woman should do it as soon as possible. How many women have had difficulty having a child? Cryopreservation gives you another chance ... It's a life insurance, an insurance to give life. Like most women, I imagined finding Prince Charming, getting married, buying the house of our dreams, adopting a beagle or a chow-chow, and then having wonderful children. Just now, life has decided otherwise. As for marriage, well I have already satisfied my dream with my solo wedding in Santorini. Now, I wish to become a mother. The problem is that my body and my ovaries have an expiry date that is getting close. Before age 27, the probability of becoming pregnant is around 80%, by the age of 37, there is a 52% chance of being pregnant and it decreases day after day. Probability of pregnancy (chart provided by Timefreeze) WITHOUT frozen eggs WITH frozen eggs  After 41 years old, the percentage plunges and there is only 36% of chance of being pregnant when you’re 42. Of course, it also depends on your health and your body, these are statistics and there are always exceptions. Let's be clear, storing frozen eggs is only the first step, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be pregnant... I then decided to opt for the cryopreservation of my oocytes, a process that will postpone my infertility by 10 years. To my surprise, I discovered that is not allowed in 3 European countries, Austria, Malta and France! However, in France it can be accepted for medical reason or egg donation. French women usually go to Belgium or Spain to perform this procedure. In Australia, the first country where women had access to this method, it’s a common practice and it’s encouraged there. Now living in Europe, I’ve chosen Spain which is the European leader in the field and performs more than 60% of oocyte collection. The time and money to finance this project is what I save for later. This is the price for not having regrets. A friend told me how emotionally it was easier to handle this situation alone than in a relationship. So yes, it's difficult to manage all of it alone but I'm strong and resilient, and it's for a good reason. I do it for myself but not only, I think about my future partner who may want children from me. I also think of one of my gay friends who wants to become a father someday, and then to my little sister. Who knows who may need my resources? Men can procreate more or less at any age, they are not aware of this but they should because unless they are in a relationship with a very young woman, they will experience too the problems of infertility. If this is the gentleman who has a disorder, madame will be able to wait for him to be in good shape. From now on, big American companies have understood this need and are financing for their employees the measures of procreation and access to parenthood. To name just a few: Apple, Facebook, Estée Lauder, Spotify, Netflix, Patagonia ... You never know what life will be and unfortunately this preservation is strongly recommended in the case of endometriosis, or before starting chemotherapy for cancer. I took the liberty to prolong my fertility, a freedom that is priceless! And I hope a right to women that will be acquired in the coming years as are the right to contraception and abortion. Thanks to the team at the clinic who cared for me from A to Z, and a special thanks to Dr. Manuel Izquierdo and the nurse Beatriz, so attentive and very kind. Read Part 2: gift-from-science-part-2.html Song : Only love can hurt like this by Paloma Faith One year already!! My first wedding anniversary! Time is flying. In this particular day I wanted to write a special article and give you more details about the ceremony. For those who haven’t read my previous articles, I married myself on May 27, 2017 on the wonderful island of Santorini in Greece. The first solo wedding celebrated there and probably the first French citizen to do so. The reason for this particular event: my fiancé who abandoned me in full wedding preparation 3 months before the D-day. Everyone has had a broken heart once in a lifetime. The most difficult thing is to find energy when there is no left. Even so, very deeply in your heart, there is love for yourself and you must use it to nourish new energy. Alicia Keys said: " Sometimes you just need to start again in order to fly". I wrote all the proceedings of the ceremony; my two witnesses made a speech and I exchanged vows with them and with myself. An official ceremony with a celebrant, a photographer, a Greek buffet, a DJ, fireworks, everything was there but nevertheless a celebration in intimacy with 8 guests. I knew that I would have the support of my family and my friends, they are used to my adventures but I didn’t know how my wedding planner would react... Her response was extremely touching and encouraging. She later confessed that it had been a great source of hope and inspiration for her. In the end, a great party that freed me from my painful past and made me look at me with a benevolent and loving eye. My rebirth! Nothing is too good for you, be selfish, money is only a piece of paper if you don’t spend it. I pursued my grandiose ideas and I offered myself the wedding of my dreams. Happiness belongs only to you! Everything was absolutely perfect; my guests were delighted with everything and I was literally thrilled! Here is the list of the great providers of this extraordinary day: Dress: Atelier Pronovias, Shop Brides of Brisbane - Brisbane City (Australia) Alterations: PQ Fashions, Brisbane City (Australia) Shoes: Edward Meller (Day), Christian Louboutin (Evening) Ring: Antique Cameo, Shop Precious Stones Brisbane (Australia) Jewellery: Cassandra Lynne (U.S) Tiara: JJ's House Clutch bag: Forever New Jacket: Yves Salomon Hairdressing, Makeup, Manicure: by myself Wedding Planners: Divine Weddings Santorini, Maria Alexandrapoulos & Katerina Panagopoulou, Santorini (Greece) Venue: Venetsanos Winery, Megalochori, Santorini (Greece) Celebrant: John Kavallaris, Santorini (Greece) Photographer: Alexander Hadji, Santorini (Greece) Flowers: Betty Flowers, Santorini (Greece) DJ & Light: Multimedia Events, Santorini (Greece) Catering: Spicy Bites, Santorini (Greece) Drinks: Wine from Venetsanos Winery, Champagne Cuvée Clovis (Maison Batillot & Fils, France) Wedding cake: Petranart, Megalochori, Santorini (Greece) Fireworks: Skylight Santorini Fireworks, Santorini (Greece) Accommodation: Ampelonas Apartments, Imerovigli, Santorini (Greece) Thank you all for making this day the beginning of my new life, it is engraved in my heart! Next step? After the wedding, people usually buy a house, have a baby, take a dog in... Stay tuned for the next episode of my life! I couldn’t finish this article without wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all mums and also to those becoming one! Love, L. Song: Rise Up by Andra Day For 10 years, every important stage of my life I offer myself a ring, it's my 5th. I admit that this time, this ring represents a very unusual event of my life. You notice that I’m talking about a ring and not a wedding band. From my vision of sologamy, I wanted a ring that affirms my personality, not a band that would repel potential suitors. Initially, I wanted a pearl, a diamond even a black diamond or a pink gem. These elements fit me pretty well, I like it when it's elegant with character. I was looking for something really special and I found it in a shop that sells antique jewellery in Brisbane (Australia). This is a cameo circa 1900 made in the United States, depicting a portrait of a woman, with yellow gold and a diamond. I always wanted a cameo. It's historical, timeless, it's passed down from generation to generation. A miniature work of art, hand carved from a technique dating back to Ancient Egypt. Cameos were very popular in Rome and Ancient Greece, then during the Renaissance and the 19th Century. While France, England, the United States and Germany have produced many cameos, Italy remains unquestionably the major place. Moreover, the word Cameo comes from Italian meaning "to engrave", which would come from the ancient Arabic "khamea" for amulet. Some of my friends like to call me Lady L. because of my good manners and elegance, so I wanted something that looks like me. When I saw this ring in the window it was obvious. A woman to celebrate another woman. My previous acquisitions were modern, I wanted an antique to lead me to a better future thanks to its past vibes. I imagine that this ring belonged before to a woman with temperament and a very sure taste. I was therefore a legitimate heiress. In addition, the colours and style of the ring went perfectly with my skin tone, my Renaissance style dress, my accessories and even the theme of the wedding. I’ve decided to wear it on the left middle finger. Several years ago, when I bought my 3rd ring, I went to Chanel Joaillerie, Place Vendôme in Paris. The shop’s manager who looked after me, told me to avoid the ring finger to always give the chance to a new lover. I continue to follow her advice... Finally, a ring made in the United States, bought in Australia for a ceremony in Greece. It seems that this lady likes to travel exactly like me!! To conclude, my guests took place on this song, which already set the tone for the ceremony: Superwoman - Alicia Keys You like my article, click on the links below and/or add a comment:
My solo wedding is the first ever organised on the beautiful island of Santorini. I am not sure but it’s possible that it’s also the first in Greece and even the first solo wedding of a French citizen. What is good with novelty is that there is everything to create and I love it! I’ve written the entire ceremony, I’ve decided everything and made this event a perfectly customised event. The celebrant and the wedding planners gave me carte blanche and just followed my instructions on the day. Yes, I wanted an official to attend even if sologamy is not legally recognised. I’ve been inspired by solo weddings in Japan and the United States where this practice exists for more than 10 years. In Japan, the wedding focuses more on the fashion side: to wear a beautiful dress, perfectly hair-dressed with a gorgeous make-up and to have beautiful photos as memory. In the U.S., on the other hand, the symbolic aspect is stronger, it is a pact with yourself. I’ve chosen to do a mix and basically it was like a traditional wedding without a groom! Lots of emotions that day, it was not something that I was prepared for, it was supposed to be the formalisation of several years of life with the man I loved. Instead, I found myself alone in front of the celebrant, alone to pronounce vows but not so alone really, my family and friends were there supporting me. On the top of that, Santorini, this magical island that carries me. To understand better, here are the details of the ceremony:
My witnesses carry my train all along
Today, front of your family and friends, we promise to remind you your vows while you lose faith and confidence in yourself.
I put the ring on my left middle finger.
To conclude this article, I would like to acknowledge the celebrant, the photographer, my 8 guests, and especially my 2 wedding planners. Nothing would have been possible without all of you! Thank you!! You like my article, click on the links below and/or add a comment:
 Pieces of my life, shameless outpouring on the pixelized surface of a screen. I’ve never had Facebook, twitter, instagram or other social network, it's the first time I want to share widely these very intimate episodes of my life. I’m usually very secretive and discreet regarding my private life but I feel ready and I think this turnaround is necessary, a kind of shock therapy. My fiancé broke off our engagement 3 months before our wedding ceremony, it was a year ago. It leaves permanent scars. To avoid being engulfed by my grief and drowning in my own tears, I’ve coped with my own weapons, I’ve created a survival bubble, I’ve refocused on myself and as usual I’ve shaken up standards. I’ve organised a solo wedding or self-marriage on a paradise island. I always do crazy and unconventional things which is certainly my main personality trait. It will take time to be able to swallow, to turn the page properly, to forgive also. I’m like a phoenix, I reborn from my ashes at every hardship but sometimes we must admit that we are weak to be stronger. That's why I’ve created this blog. I could evacuate my anger and sadness, highlight my passions and my actions. To let myself go, to accept the support of my friends, one shoulder to cry on is sometimes all that we need. You have to know how to forgive to move forward and I'm not ready yet, but everything starts here with you. People tell me that I am strong and brave, that I am a fighter, and if for once I lower my defences for a few seconds, if I accept my defeat to better get up later. I’m not here to shout to the world that I’m unhappy, I am here to demonstrate that each of us can realise his dreams and be happy without following a pre-established pattern. Shake up standards, get out of the stereotypes, create your life, surprise the utopians, convince the detractors! Many people were touched and inspired by my experience, that’s why I’ve decided to share my story. I like the idea to inspire people and change their lives positively. Just as so many people inspire me every day, I also wish to pay homage to them in this blog. Writing is my means of expression, my safety valve; I let go, I let off steam, I lay on paper what I dare not say. Maybe you'll recognize yourself in my stories, maybe not. In this blog, of course I will tell you in detail my solo wedding, but I will also talk about my mood, my favourites and all my follies! A book is also in preparation ... Thank you to everyone who encouraged me in this project, expressed their reservations and gave their wise advice. Good discovery! Here is my blog, it's my life, my dreams, my inspiration ... L. A very appropriate song for this article: Burden down by Jennifer Hudson. I had no choice. When you hit rock bottom there are only two options, give up or stand up. I could have remained cloistered in my bed for months after my fiancé cancelled our wedding or fleeing very far away with my girlfriends on D-Day. The problem is that we cannot erase a day of our life, it’s here now and forever. And rather than dwell on this bad day, this specific month, this damn year in my mind for an unlimited duration (a state that would probably have led me into a certain madness), I’ve anticipated and with the little strength, energy and self-confidence that were left, I’ve turned a dark moment into a magic moment full of hope. From now, the 27th of May is not associated with a failure but with a victory. An extraordinary communion with myself, my family and my friends. My rebirth! There is a lot to say but don’t worry, I'll talk about it in detail in different articles. To begin, here are the vows that I’ve pronounced to myself during my ceremony, it should immerse you in the atmosphere and help you to understand this event: To promise oneself things is the hardest of challenges, the best thing is to take them up. Today and forever I promise myself to follow my instinct and trust my lucky star. I promise to continue doing nothing like everyone else because everyone is unique. I promise to always set the bar higher in everything I undertake because the important thing is not to achieve goals but to give them the means to achieve them. I promise myself to enjoy every moment as if it were the last, to shake up the codes and to create opportunities because time is an eternal present. A thought for all young ladies, women, spouses, mothers around the world, being a woman is our strength. Marcel Proust said: "It is better to dream one's life than to live it, even though living it is also dreaming of it. " My life is a constant series of dreams and I promise to keep following this way! To conclude this article in a very positive note, the song that closed my ceremony: Girl on fire - Alicia Keys. |
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