 Last week I took you to Dubai, the perfect place where luxury meets adventure. And like in a Thousand and One Nights tale, if there's one important thing it's the princess! I have no problem playing divas and queens, my Solo Wedding in Santorini is the perfect example. However, if there’s one time of the year when this aspect of my personality stands out most, it's Christmas!! And yes, in some photos I have navy blue hair (reread Navy Hair), and often a glass in my hand, which it's explained in my article Champagne ... So today, I’ve chosen to take you to a universe that everyone knows, which continues to make me dream even adult, and which even drives my 36-year-old little sister completely crazy: Disney Princesses! Stories have evolved a lot since 1923, when the Walt Disney Company was founded ... The first Disney princess was Snow White in 1937, followed by Cinderella in 1950 then Sleeping Beauty in 1959. But Snow White remains my favourite, I discovered her when I was 4 years old, at the same time as I went to the cinema for the first time, a very small one where I grew up in a ski resort in the French Alps (read Childhood)…  Well, I admit that now I rather prefer the evil Queen of the American series Once Upon a Time, a series that lasted 7 seasons, and which masterfully takes up all the fairy tales in a fantastic scenario with incredible details, costumes and actors. But let’s check the Princesses who inspire me today: Moana The adventurous princess who rescues her island! Story that takes place in Polynesia, where I’ve never been, but where some of my friends lived and whom I think about a lot during this period of the year! Mulan The warrior princess posing as a man! Merida The Princess who doesn’t want to get married ... Disney constantly makes us travel, thanks to the diversity of countries and cultures picked, which makes me think of: Pocahontas If you watched the second movie, well she has two lovers! So modern!! hahaha This reminds me of my articles: I’m a fan of this song and find it more relevant than ever: And then, the one that surpasses them all, obviously Queen Elsa, you know I'm a fan!! Queen, no man (well in the first film) and a magical superpower… We look so similar: D I will spare you here the ultra-famous song from this movie, but I give you a song from Frozen 2. Please tell me who your favourite princess is in the comments below! Reread my previous articles:  And during this holiday season, regardless of our age, we all become children again, little elves, princes and princesses. Whether you are with your parents, children, grandparents, uncles and aunts or friends. We all are someone's precious little thing. Many of you will not be able to celebrate it as usual; create your own moment, invent a new tradition for yourself. Don't let the current situation take away the magic of Christmas. I’ve lived abroad for over 10 years without being able to celebrate it with my family, no matter where I was, I’ve always had a lot of joy and wonderful times, alone or with friends. And when we were reunited with my family, we took the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and birthdays, all in once, whether in March or July... This year has shown us more than ever that we don't know what tomorrow will bring, so live the moment! This is the tip in my last video: And for this reason, every year I ask your photos of trees and decorations, to have you with me and always in my heart!! Thanks again to everyone for sending me your photos, they are beautiful, you rock! If there's one Disney movie that I recommend for the whole family, young and old people: Ralph breaks the internet. Released in 2018, it’s completely topical, covering the internet, social media and it's full of winks! A very beautiful film, funny and with a very good moral. And since it's the Christmas holidays, I add more videos from movies at the end of this article. I wish you all a Wonderful & Merry Christmas! Love & Joy, L.
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After my article Louboutin last week, let's stay in luxury and creativity, I promised you an article on Dubai, here it is, and at Christmas of course! Change of scenery guaranteed and even more decadent than in my previous articles:  I know you’re already dreaming! The beach and the skyscrapers probably remind you of Christmas in Brisbane with South Bank Beach in the middle of the city. I love it! And for those wondering, yes, we wear bikinis at the beach, Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city that is home to many nationalities and cultures. It’s quite confusing at first, but you quickly get used to the mix and it’s quite fun & inspiring. You’ll surely recognise the Burj Al Arab hotel, the highest in the world and 7 Stars please, with among others a heliport and a restaurant at 200m above sea level (Video at the end of the article). A real aesthetic and technical feat, built on stilts (250 pillars of 1.50m in diameter!) And able to withstand storms and frequent earthquakes in the region. I couldn't visit it, but it made a perfect background for my selfie! And yes, my hair was a bit longer at that time, read or reread my article Titanium Heart to know everything about my haircuts ... In my article Desert, mentioning the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, I said that everything was possible in this city, the proof again here with the different activities that you can find in the gigantic shopping centres out of sand: luxury shops, art, cinemas, aquariums, and even an ice rink and ski slopes, this is Christmas anyway! No chance to be bored in Dubai ... And cuz it’s Christmas, window displays and decorations are in the spotlight. Oh Louboutin, did you read my last article? However, I strongly advise to wear sneakers to visit these immense galleries, I sprained my ankle walking these endless alleys ... Of course, we think of luxury and extravagance, I won't lie, I’ve experienced them a lot: caviar buffet, champagne, luxury shopping, restaurants, bars ... It reminds me my Solo Wedding in Santorini somehow. I also took the opportunity to wear my jewellery and designer dresses: Outfit 1 – Dress Anne Fontaine, Bracelet Tiffany & Co, Ring Chanel, Earrings Swarovski, Chanel beauty, Shoes Stuart Weitzman, cigarillos Romeo y Julieta Outfit 2 – Dress Zimmerman, Earrings Coach, Chanel beauty You think I'm exaggerating, so what are you going to think of the air-conditioned bus stops and police driving Ferraris ... Let's continue in the spectacular with the fountains ballet like in Las Vegas, with the famous Burj Khalifa tower illuminated in the background. With a height of 828 metres (2,717 ft), 163 floors, it’s the tallest tower in the world since 2009. However, the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia is expected to overtake it by 2024 by reaching 1000m (3,281 ft). The Burj Khalifa tower is nonetheless an incredible construction, like many others in Dubai. And just another building that many have seen before, the 5 Star Atlantis hotel. Huge complex with 1,539 rooms including 2 underwater suites, a water park, an aquarium, 17 restaurants and bars ... There’s even a skytrain to access it. The Atlantis was recently (October 2020) the backdrop for the new largest fountain in the world called The Palm Fountain, because located on the Palm Jumeirah island (Video at the end of the article). Dubai can also be visited by sea, by yacht to blend in perfectly with the scenery, although mine was almost invisible compared to the size of the others ... Sea Trip Outfit - Dress Hermès, Sunglasses Prada, Belt Salvatore Ferragamo But by air it's even better, by seaplane please. You know I like flying (read the article In the Air). We then realise the immensity of the work that has been required, and all the construction in progress. Let’s not forget that it was only in the early 90s that it all started ... Have fun recognising the buildings and places mentioned above 😉 There’s a photo, however, that must have seemed strange to you ... And yes, the old town is not so far with its traditional boats still in use, but also the spice market and especially the gold market! I've never seen anything like it, and yet you know I've travelled a lot in my life. I also highly recommend visiting The Dubai Museum, it’s absolutely beautiful, housed in the old Al Fahidi Fort. Rich in number of artefacts from the region but also from around the world, thanks to trade, it also exhibits local life before the oil era. Besides, do you know what was Dubai's main wealth? They were mainly pearl fishermen; actually Paris was the pearl capital of the world at the end of the 19th century and had strong trade links with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Dubai is the perfect embodiment of the past and the future, perfect at the end of the year when we reflect on what we have accomplished while setting new goals ...  To keep you busy while waiting for Santa, several videos at the end of the article that highlight what I told you in this article. Don't forget to send me your photos of Christmas decorations, they’ll be published in my next article: Contact Have great Christmas preparations!! Love & Joy, L. Last week I told you about Gratitude and how it’s a great exercise to be happy, this week I want to be grateful for the month of December because this is my favourite & for shoes!! For those who follow me for a long time, you know how addicted I am to luxury shoes, with more than 130 pairs in my closet, you can also re-read my previous articles full of photos:
You also know that my shoes for My Solo Wedding in Santorini were Louboutins!  During my 2nd Honeymoon in Paris, I had the chance to visit his exhibition at the Palais de la Porte Dorée: L’Exhibition [niste]. It’ll be accessible again from December 15, 2020 to January 3, 2021, online reservation is of course mandatory: LINK. All the following photos of the exhibition are mine, as always in each of my articles :D Follow me to discover 30 years of creation and inspiration ... A designer is above all an artist, and Christian Louboutin has his own universe. From the 80s, in his tiny room, he explored genres, whimsical and funny, made of waste material and a lot of DIY ... Some meetings were decisive like with Roger Vivier, and in 1991, he created his own brand. The stained glass windows were designed by the designer and made by the Maison du Vitrail in Paris, they refer to the world of Christian Louboutin such as travel, theatre, couture, art, craft, Parisian women, innovation and sexuality. Obviously, when we think of Louboutin we think of luxury and magic. Precious materials, original, timeless and inimitable designs ... My favourites, the fuchsia obviously in crepe de chine, satin and cock feathers! Exceptional and meticulous work, some models have Swarovski crystals which are placed one by one by hand... To respect the model's arch, each shoe size has its own heel height to maintain the same silhouette. There’s also a workshop for "special orders", custom-made, and many personalities use it: Mika, Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Dita Von Teese ... And celebrities who loved his creations from his debut such as Madonna, Princess Caroline, or Anna Wintour who published an article in Vogue at the very beginning. More recently, we can’t forget Beyoncé for the 2018 Super Bowl or Blake Lively, stunning on the red carpet of the 2018 MET ball, alongside Christian Louboutin who had made for her an exclusive model for the occasion! But these stars also inspire him since some models are called: Mika, Dita ... Obviously dance and music have always been great sources of inspiration for him. My favourites are the fringed boots inspired by Tina Turner called For Evertina, and the So Baker, for Josephine Baker (remember, she’s mentioned in my article Proud to be a woman). Louboutin, it’s also an erotic and fetishistic universe, dear to the creator. The invention of nude in 2009, a revolution ... Designed to adapt to any type of skin tone, it’s about further lengthening the silhouette by making the shoe disappear. Today there are 8 shades of nude. His inspiration is endless and comes from multiple worlds, which he was kind enough to share in this exhibition. You will no doubt recognise Andy Warhol's painting Flowers (rediscover my article Andy Warhol), which inspired Louboutin's very identifiable Pensée model. His calling happened when he was a child, because of a sign that prohibited heels to preserve the mosaic floor of the Palais de la Porte Dorée, everything starts with a drawing and any drawing is the source of a creation ... As a kid from the neighbourhood, he often came here, this is the reason why he chose to exhibit in this building. Thank you very much Mr. Christian Louboutin for inviting us into your world, your life, your creation ... But the Louboutin brand is also perfume, lipstick and nail polish, I even got some as a gift for My Solo Wedding in Santorini! Every day until Christmas, I put in my stories on Instagram, dreamy things to give you gift ideas, also take the opportunity to reread my article from last year Letter to Santa. (Photo Credit: Alexander Hadji) In the meantime, I’ll do as Jennifer Lopez in the song at the end of the article, I’ll throw on my Louboutins and write to Santa! By the way, the Palais de la Porte Dorée is absolutely magnificent, an Art Deco building built in 1931 (but I'll talk more about it another time, don't worry). My favourite period, I'm sure I lived at that time in another life: I drink whiskey, smoke cigars, love parties, art and short hair, I dance Argentine tango, foxtrot, quickstep, and I love pearls! Pearls that will be in the spotlight on December 9 and 10 at the School of Jewelry Art (Van Cleef and Arpels), during their free online conference "Pearl merchants: the forgotten history of a trade between the Gulf and France ”. I highly recommend you to register, it only lasts an hour and it’s always absolutely fascinating!! Link Till then, I’ll do as Jennifer Lopez in the song at the end of the article, I’ll throw on my Louboutins and write to Santa!  Have a great week!! Love & Joy, L. I’ve talked many times about gratitude on this blog and in my videos, for me it’s the ultimate tool in the pursuit of happiness. So today, I'm going to dwell on it and tell you how it works for me!  First, this is an exercise I do twice a day. And yes, I say exercise, because it’s by practicing it regularly that it becomes a habit. By the way, remember in my article Be Positive, I taught you the 21-day method, time to form a new habit, and after 90 days we even talk about lifestyle! But do it at your own pace, once a week, on weekends for example, then once a day, at the end of the day remember 3 things that you were grateful for. It’ll become automatic and without realising it you’ll naturally do it several times a day. For my part, I do it in the morning just after my first meditation, it helps me charge my positive energies and put me in a good mood, like getting a shield to protect myself from the bad vibes that will hit throughout the day (like the news on TV for example!). Then I do it again in my bed just before to fall asleep, this time to release the pressure of the day, congratulate myself on what I’ve accomplished and just to feel happy. And if there’s one thing that I’m very grateful for today, this is the internet! I couldn't share my experience without it. It was actually my video on social media last week: There are 2 methods that work for me. If I feel perfectly balanced, well connected with my inner self, I just say things out loud, but it's important to express it clearly & audibly to increase the frequency of our vibrations and to be heard by the universe. On the other hand, if I’m feeling a little confused, frustrated, sad, or depressed, I write all the things I'm grateful for on a piece of paper, and read it several times a day. Start by looking around and jotting down the obvious, simple things like electricity, tap water, a roof over your head, clean clothes, food in the fridge. Lots of other things will naturally come to your mind and you’ll eventually mention more important topics like love from your children, support from your friends, nature ... And I add here my first video on gratitude: A video summarising this article will be on social media in a few days: This year, I’m grateful for being confined, it allowed me to participate in world events I couldn’t have been to otherwise, like seeing His Holiness the Dalai Lama live! Being stuck at home doesn’t mean being disconnected from the world, quite the opposite ... And you, what are you grateful for this year? Take a few minutes to answer it.  And of course, in my life, I am extremely grateful for My Solo Wedding in Santorini, it opened the doors to infinite possibilities and made me discover my tremendous self-love. Obviously, I was going to forget, especially be grateful for what you are, this is how I begin my exercise of gratitude. Listing your qualities to enhance yourself is essential, we too often forget how strong and full of potential we are. It's good to remember that. Express yourself, unleash your true you, and shine gold like Paloma in the song at the end of the article! Read or reread my previous articles: Have a great week ! Christmas is coming… Love & Joy, L. "The whole world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page.” St Thomas Aquina And as we can’t travel anymore, I’ll continue to show you virtually the wonders of our world. I realised that I regularly talk about the sea and the ocean, but not that much about the desert which nevertheless occupies nearly 20% of our beautiful planet. Certainly, I’ve already told you about Las Vegas which is located in the middle of the Nevada desert, but this doesn’t count. Previous articles:  I'm not going to lie to you, the reason that brought me to visit this desert, well it's a spa! You know it's one of my passions after reading my article Spas Around the World. And I'm not talking about a mirage, but a magnificent establishment nestled in the sand. Today I’m taking you somewhere where the word impossible doesn’t exist, in the desert of Dubai ... When it comes to Dubai, you think of luxury, and for sure the 5-star Al Maha resort and spa is no exception. In the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, just 45 minutes from the city, this is the perfect place to regain your energy in contact with nature, and to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Lounges filled with traditional furniture and local antiques immediately transport you to another world. Relaxing here is nothing difficult especially when you see a gazelle by the pool. And when you have lunch with a view of the desert, it’s a truly unique and magical experience. Without forgetting that the 42 suites of this luxury hotel are hidden in the dunes and the vegetation, notice the small white tents… Another reason why I’ve been there is for the animals. I admit none of them is mentioned in My Favourite Animals, but yet I’ve always wanted to see oryxes, gazelles and antelopes in the wild. Follow me, a guide takes us in a 4x4 to visit the reserve ... Thanks to conservation efforts since 2004, the reserve now has more than 70 plant species, 140 bird species and 44 mammal and reptile species. It has received numerous awards for the protection of nature and local wildlife. All the activities and excursions organised within the reserve respect its ecosystem. With its 225 km2, representing 5% of the emirate of Dubai, it’s the largest area protected by the government of the United Arab Emirates. I’m delighted to have discovered this reserve of Dubai, totally magical and unreal, with its dunes as far as the eye can see, drawn by the wind, a soothing and timeless silence. And sometimes a landscape that reminds me of Mars (reread In the Air 2) ... I hope you’ve enjoyed this article. It’s a wonderful memory for me. And don’t worry an article about Dubai is coming very soon ... Have a wonderful week! Love & Joy, L. As I said in my article last week Greenwich Meridian, many of us are confined again. Besides, I’d very much like to use time travel if it existed, to be able to relive some of my trips, and why not even redo My Solo Wedding in Santorini!!  At that time in 2018, I was in Crete writing my first book, an extraordinary and very emotional journey, I was realising a childhood dream while healing my love wounds. I've shared a lot about this beautiful Greek island:  Then, in 2019, I was in London, I was working on the English version of my Book, and I took the opportunity to show you around this city that I particularly love: No idea where I’ll be in 2021, but who knows today with the uncertainty around us. Nevertheless, I posted a video on my social media last week, to keep our physical and mental health! When the news broke of a new lockdown, many of you confided in me, expressing your worry and anxiety. The idea is that moving your body with music is a great benefit to your health (body and mind), so I ask everyone to choose a song every day and to dance on it, anytime during the day. It’s simple, easy and I promise it makes you smile every time!! And on my Instagram, every day I remind people to dance, those who wish can even make a little video, tag me and I'll repost it. Many people have embraced this idea and are spreading it around them in addition to practicing it, which makes me extremely proud and happy. Happiness comes from small things and I keep telling you it on this blog: And in my videos:
All videos: here  However, this time and unlike the first Quarantine, I intend to continue to follow my Healthy Routine! Reread therefore:  If you need to occupy yourself, don't hesitate to sign up for the free webinars of the School of Jewelry Arts (Van Cleef & Arpels), I've already mentioned this school in my article Bird Paradise. These live talks (in French & English) hosted by specialists and teachers from the School are extremely interesting and last only an hour and a half. Coming up : New York Architecture & Art Deco Jewelry - November 18 & 19, 2020 Flora in Jewelry Arts - November 24 & 25, 2020 From the Gulf to France, the Forgotten History of Pearl Merchants- December 9 & 10, 2020 Register online for details: Link.  Have a lovely week everyone and don't forget to dance!! Love & Joy, L. You know how much I love travelling, just re-read all my travel articles, especially the latest one about Palm Cove in Australia. We also experienced Time Travel together in one of my previous articles, and that’s what we’re going to do again today. Several countries have changed the clocks and I thought that travelling back in the past to understand time and space was welcome. So I'm taking you to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich near London!  GMT, does that mean anything to you? Greenwich Mean Time, and yes, the mean solar time at the Greenwich Meridian has long been used as a world standard for time, based on Earth's rotation. And if you remember my article Pantheon in Paris, there was a huge clock on the floor that operated with the movement of the Earth. But you wonder why Greenwich in England? This is quite arbitrary, because while latitude is measured by the equator and separates north from south, longitude, on the other hand, has no benchmark to separate west and east. In the 19th century, many countries used their own meridian based on their national observatories. However, in 1884, at a conference in Washington DC (USA), Greenwich was recognised as the Prime Meridian (O° of longitude) as an international standard, because the majority of shipping companies and the American rail system were already using the British system. In addition, they took the opportunity to adopt a world time based on this same meridian. Thus, the Greenwich Meridian, which crosses the Observatory, was the world's benchmark measurement of time and space. However, France didn’t adopt it until 1911, preferring to use the Paris meridian of course.  However, since 1972, GMT has been replaced by UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), a more precise calculation method. That’s the reason why you sometimes see Paris UTC + 1 or Los Angeles UTC-8. The Greenwich meridian or prime meridian crosses England, France, Spain, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana and the Antarctic. You’ll observe in the photos, the names of the cities, their longitude in degrees and a letter (W for west and E for east), and of course Greenwich is on both sides of the line. Here I am, I stand above the Meridian of Time and Space, between West and East! In the observatory you can admire the telescope invented and used by George Biddell Airy (7th Royal Astronomer), to calculate the prime meridian. You’ll notice the system to open the roof ... But how did it all start? Located in east London not far from the Thames Barrier, which I described to you in my article Technical Feat, the Royal Observatory was established in 1675 by Charles II of England. At that time, the sailors and their precious cargo encountered a major problem, they knew how to calculate their north-south position (latitude) but had no way of knowing their longitude (west-east). Many were lost at sea and perished. John Flamsteed was the first Astronomer Royal, responsible for improving star maps to aid mariners. Royal astronomers over time have thus created more precise tools and methods using various instruments, some invented at their request, several are on display at the observatory including a telescope from the Victorian era (1893), which is still in use today! Moreover, the red ball on the roof of the house (installed in 1833), goes up shortly before 1 p.m. (in summer, noon in winter) and at the exact time falls, this allowed the boats which were on the Thames to reset their instruments before going to sea. I’m speaking in the present tense because the ball is still used today. Another major discovery was the invention of the marine timekeeper for boats. It was essential to consider the rolling, the temperature changes and the salt which rusted the pieces. After 45 years of work and research, and 4 versions of the clock, John Harrison invented the H4 in 1760 and revolutionised watchmaking. The measurement of time was an essential discovery, the observatory has a large collection of sundials, clocks and watches. It’s interesting to see this evolution until the wristwatches that we know today, these were initially created for ladies, men preferring the pocket watch, however during the WW1, they lost them in the trenches and decided to strap it to their wrists… Today the wristwatch is adopted by everyone. The bronze planetarium was installed in 2007 on the property which makes this place a place full of enrichment and discovery. The Observatory and the Greenwich Park where the building is, offer incredible panoramic views over Greenwich and the City of London. The splendid building that extends below was a royal residence including the Royal Navy Hospital, now it’s the National Maritime Museum. A very pleasant and relaxing environment, inspiring to daydream and new inventions ... I admit, this article was a lot of reading, but as we are confined again, I figured this would pass the time for you. Don't hesitate to re-read the articles about my Solo Wedding in Santorini if you’re looking for a bit of hope and courage. You can also review my articles on London, and then, at the end of the article, a video on the best attractions in the city! Have a fantastic week everyone! Love & Science, L.  Happy Halloween everyone!! We must admit that this year we don’t really need to scare ourselves, Covid 19 is largely taking care of it. In addition, many cities and countries around the world don’t allow house tours to celebrate Halloween properly, such as in France where we are confined again since yesterday! But don't let that prevent you from eating sweets or watching horror movies, or even disguising yourself while keeping your slippers on ... You can also read my previous Halloween articles: Or re-read my article from last week Respect with excerpts from my book My Solo Wedding in Santorini. In short, as I repeat on this blog and in my videos, there are always many ways to smile and to be happy, you just have to be creative and keep an open mind, moreover, I put one of my videos below:  I lived in Australia for 7 years, I can tell you that nature makes you shiver every day, and if you ever find yourself lacking in thrills you can always go to the beach! And today, I'm going to tell you about one of my favourite spots, Palm Cove. Located on the east coast, in the north Queensland, not far from Cairns, this adorable little town of 2,000 inhabitants owes its name "Palm Cove" from the row of trees along its white sandy beach. I love palm trees; it reminds me of my article Las Palmas on Gran Canaria Island. Dreamy beaches ... You don't understand why it’s scary, yet I've covered it before in: And yes! Among jellyfishes, crocodiles and hydrocution, you must choose hahaha. Don't worry, you can swim in the large nets set up by lifeguards. It’s strange the first time, but you quickly forget about the net and feel perfectly safe. And on unsupervised beaches, there are bottles of vinegar available, for your information it's to relieve jellyfish burns, not to season your salad! In addition, Palm Cove is very popular with anglers looking for mackerels, giant trevallies and sharks ... Along the beach there’s a lovely promenade with shops, restaurants and cafés, which makes it a very pleasant place to wander and relax. For those who don't like the ocean & its inhabitants, they can always choose a nice residence to stay in, like mine which had several beautiful swimming pools. In addition, Palm Cove is located near the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, 2 natural sites not to be missed if you visit Australia. Have a great week! Love & Thrill, L.  I’ve meditated a lot last week to find today's topic, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the benefits of my article Meditation. Today, I’d like to share with you new excerpts from my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini" (not yet published), these extracts are from a very important chapter for me: Men’s opinion. I have to admit that when I started sharing my story in February 2018 on my blog, I thought I was primarily speaking to women, but surprisingly, men showed me the most support and affection. It was obvious to me then that I talk about them in my book, this chapter was written in November 2018, at the very beginning of writing. I’m also extremely proud to say that I reach perfect parity between my female & male readers! "Courage is when we are afraid, but we go anyway". Unknown author  Excerpt from “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”: “I am myself and proud, I live my life and make my own decisions accordingly, without worrying about what people can think. Yet this does not mean that critics do not affect me, I am human like everyone else. We learn to accept, to listen to them when the remarks are constructive and to let them go when they are unpleasant. Of course, some people do not understand what I did, especially those who only read the articles in newspapers or online. When you meet me, many more things make sense, my personality and my smile can lift mountains, and convince the most refractory person.  Discover or rediscover my articles on the respect I have for myself:  Just 2 years ago, on October 23, 2018, my story and my testimony were broadcast on the largest Greek television channel (see TV Interview). Another important step in my healing and reconstruction, and above all the acceptance of my new mission on Earth: to inspire you to be happy! Excerpt “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”: “I have surpassed fears that many would like to overcome. Especially, I have shown the way. It cannot be so scary now; I hope others will follow my example to keep on hoping and being happy. I do not necessarily mean a solo wedding, everyone can create their own beneficial event, something that speaks to them and has a symbolic meaning. The respect I have for myself has determined my courage many times in my life. To love, respect, listen, accept who you are and pursue your dreams is for me the combination of courage. I did something extraordinary in an ordinary world to cope with a universal drama. All this in a magical place.” L.  Being yourself is the greatest form of respect you can give yourself, so don't be afraid, follow your heart and listen to your soul. More excerpts from my book: here. "Step outside of the box and you’ll find love, hope, wisdom and happiness ..." L. Have a great week! Love & Joy, L. “If people are suffering, then they must look within themselves…  Last time I took you to the top of the Eiffel Tower, for my 2nd Honeymoon, today we’re going to stay calm at home. For those who follow me regularly, you know that your well-being is very important to me and I widely share my experience and my tips for being happy and positive on a daily basis, whether in my videos or on the blog: And above all, reread my Healthy Routine where I gave you all the keys to my well-being and my foolproof mind, meditation being an essential element in my life.  The word meditation comes from the Latin meditari which means to think, to reflect, to contemplate. It has been translated from the Sanskrit dhyana, a method used in Eastern spiritual practices, such as Hinduism or Buddhism. Thus, meditation exists since 1,500 years B.C. Today, I’ll put aside the religious and spiritual aspect, to talk about meditation as a technique for achieving a calm and peaceful emotional state. This practice usually involves focusing on an object, thought, or activity. It’s a very effective way to relax, but not only. Meditation can reduce blood pressure, stress, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and pain. It would also help to increase our grey matter, our memory and our spatial vision. In short, it improves our concentration and in general our health and well-being. Yet too few people practice it regularly in Western countries, although nowadays it’s introduced in companies and schools (and yes, children can perfectly practice meditation).  I started practicing hatha yoga at the age of 14. Well, at the time I was an alien, no one knew what yoga was, and my group of yogis (name for people who practice yoga) who accompanied me were only elderly people, who could no longer practice sports ... I was just 20 years ahead of the trend and when you love you just keep going. In addition, I had the chance to be trained by the Indian master Sri Mahesh Ghatradyal who introduced yoga in France in the 1950s. , he had begun his apprenticeship at the age of 5 in an Indian monastery. Once a month, I was practicing yoga nidra, a meditation based on breathing, visualisation and concentration on different parts of the body, with the use of a sankalpa, a positive self-affirmation. These sessions provided deep relaxation and great self-confidence. It certainly helped me develop my love for myself (although I didn't know it yet) to be prepared for My Solo Wedding in Santorini. “Be a lamp for yourself. Be your own confidence.  Today, I practice up to 3 meditations per day, of varying duration, mostly guided, which means that a person gives certain instructions regarding concentration, breathing, images to visualise and / or the emotions to be felt. My morning meditation is different from the evening one, and depending on my mental or physiological needs, I’ll focus on one meditation rather than another such as boosting my energy, strengthening my self-confidence or being more grateful. Most of the time I prefer to recline with my legs and hands apart, like in yoga nidra, a posture called shavasana, but I also do it sometimes while sitting, standing or walking! The more you meditate, the more you’ll learn to discover the posture that is best for you, but for beginners I recommend sitting or lying down.  Lots of videos, audios and apps are available for free on the internet, try several and see what works for you. If you're just starting out, once a week is a good start, and ideally you should do it every day... If you have any questions, please contact me: here. My favourite method is the 6-phase meditation by Vishen Lakhiani. It lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and explores compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, future, perfect day and blessing. Many athletes and personalities use this guided meditation. It’s accessible to all (adults), simple, clear and reinforced by binaural music that intensifies relaxation and its effects. And if you’re interested, here’s the link to learn all about this method with Vishen himself (completely free and a great program): link. I’m a huge fan of Marisa Peer, although I mainly use her talents for hypnotherapy, as I mentioned in my article Quarantine, she also offers free guided meditations, you’ll find them on YouTube and if you want to find out more, visit her website, there are several free audios and courses available: https://marisapeer.com/ In search of more spirituality, every day I practice a meditation of Michael Beckwith, in particular the "Life Visioning". But I recommend it for people who are already used to meditation. He regularly offers courses, retreats and seminars, see his website for more information: https://michaelbeckwith.com Besides, do not miss the Global Oneness Summit "The Power of Love", from October 17 to 24, it's online and free, register here: link. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be present, as well as many personalities such as Michael Beckwith and Marianne Williamson. Have a great week! Love & Joy, L.  Back to France this week, I hope you enjoyed our getaway last week with Rainy Day in London. In Honeymoon 2 I told you about all the amazing things I did during my stay in Paris and I started to give you details of my visits: Today the Eiffel Tower, admittedly this is not the first time I mention our pretty iron lady: But this time I take you to the top for the sunset! 1st floor at 190 ft high ... 2nd floor at 380 ft ... The first elevator reaches the first 2 floors, then you must take a very small elevator to reach the last level. The ascent only takes a minute and a half, but you quickly gain height, reaching 905 ft high! We thus arrive on a sheltered and fully glazed floor, then a metal staircase brings us to the external platform located at 915 ft and protected only by wire mesh. The view is breathtaking, Paris below us, luminous and majestic ... And for those who know this city, have fun spotting the Sacré-Cœur, the Pantheon, the Montparnasse Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, the Grand Palais, etc. Gustave Eiffel its creator had installed an office on this floor, it’s certain that with such a view, one can’t lack inspiration ... As a reminder, it was built in 2 years and inaugurated in 1889 for the World Fair. It is 1,063 ft high, the base of its pillars forms a 410 ft square and its metal frame weighs 7,300 tons. It’s served by 5 elevators, already present in 1889, a real technical feat for the time, and 2 of them are still in use today. If you want to know more about how they work, click on the link below: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/the-monument/lifts A magnificent park has been built under the tower with a few ponds, which makes it even more romantic and peaceful. With the restrictions related to Covid, you must take your tickets online on a specific day and time, so there’s no longer a line, a huge advantage. Link: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en And here is the sun setting ... The night ends up enveloping us, the Eiffel Tower shines with a thousand lights and nourishes us with its gentle and quiet strength ... Paris is truly magical and captivating, I keep discovering it on each of my visits. Read previous articles:
By the way for those who love jewellery and gems, I strongly recommend that you register for the Diamond, Art and Science seminar: link. It's organised by the Ecole des Arts Joailliers with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels. October 14, & 15 free and online.  I've been making my dreams come true since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and I feel so proud and fulfilled every time I realise one. Just pure happiness. Try! It’s really worth it ... Have a great week!! Love & Joy, L.  After a rainy week secluded in my cave as I like to call my sanctuary where I write and work, inevitably I started to think of London! First, because last year at this time I was living there, second, for those who follow me on Instagram, I’ve widely shared my stories about the rainy days in London. In fact, I also talked about it in one of my videos, I put it at the end of the article. I needed the perfect outfit to be able to go out there and my favourite store: Burberry on Regent Street. The building is period, built in 1820 for the Prince Regent (hence Regent Street), later King George IV. I've discovered this place in 2017, during my hen's trip, one month before my Solo Wedding in Santorini. The building was completely restored by the brand and its then Creative Director, Christopher Bailey. It took 2 years of renovation before it opened in 2012, this is the brand's largest store with 44,000 sq. ft of space, no less than 8 elevators and 26 stairs! This magnificent boutique is worth a visit on its own, especially if you like architecture. Well, I admit the welcome is so charming and personalised that I took up residence lol, and depending on the time of day, I am offered a coffee, a tea or champagne… One tip from me, leave before emptying your entire bank account, everything is so beautiful here ... Well covered up, I’m not afraid to explore the city on foot, even in the greyness there’s a lot to discover in the streets of London ... Just in time for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! Another very touristy place, the Tower of London. The place is already quite austere in normal times (medieval style dictates), but on a rainy day we can perfectly imagine Anne Boleyn locked in the dungeon several weeks before her execution… You know, the 2nd wife of King Henry VIII; accused of adultery and high treason, she was beheaded. Fortunately, at the Tower of London, there are also the crown jewels to admire (unfortunately photos prohibited), and then we understand better why Anne loved being queen so much ... By the way, thanks to The Tudors series, I don't think I’d have remembered British history so much without watching Henry Cavill in panthoses, it was surely a good practice for him before Superman! And the animal statues are there to remind us that in the past this fortress housed a menagerie (on the other hand the crow is real). Nothing better than to take refuge in the many museums of the city for shelter like the British Museum my favourite, you can also go to see a musical or a ballet: reread Happy New Year 2020. Check again: All these visits make me hungry: scones or cupcakes, so hard to choose (Read Article I love December). But it’s already 6 p.m., dinner time here, if we opted for a specialty:
It was a good day, for those who really don't like the rain, there’s always the option to watch it fall and the squirrels pass by, or to wait for spring to return to go back to the magnificent parks and gardens of the city, like in my Article my Birthday in London. Have a great weekend everyone! Love & Joy, L.  Autumn is here, the rain and the cold with it, I’m back in Europe for 3 years since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and I still have a lot of trouble getting used to the seasons here. I loved to be in flip-flops and wearing a summer dress most of the year ... In Australia, however, it’s spring! Although I had a fantastic month in Paris for my Honeymoon 2, I admit that I miss the Pacific Ocean, so this week I take you with me to Australia, to discover a wild island full of treasures ... North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) called Straddie by locals, is an island located in Queensland, not far from Brisbane. The only way to get there is by boat or ferry. This island is 38km (23.6mi) long, 11 (6.8mil) wide, with 2,000 inhabitants for 275 km2 (106 sq mi). This little haven of peace offers an exotic getaway and a great way to reconnect with nature. Moreover, only one hotel for the whole island, camping is privileged. Only the north of the island is inhabited, the south is totally wild and I find it very interesting to visit it by catamaran. Otherwise, nothing better than a 4x4 to get around the island and the beaches, of course you need a special licence, which is valid for one year. Be careful with the tides, however. Nature is truly incredible here, no matter the point of view, the forests, the endless white sand beaches, & BBQ on the beach, my favourite! All beaches are magical, and sunbathing from beach to beach is my favourite sport 😊 But beware some places can be populated by jellyfishes and sharks, below a sign that we often see in Australia ... I’ve already discussed this in my previous articles: If you're afraid of the ocean, you can always go swimming in the many lakes of Straddie: the two main ones are Blue Lake and Brown Lake, its name is due to the colour of the waters, which comes from the tannin of the surrounding plants. In fact, depending on the light, the water is even red! It’s very surprising and very funny to bathe in it, especially as it’d have beneficial properties for the skin. Another activity that I love, spotting koalas in the trees, it's not always easy to see them (check the photo below to demonstrate your talent), and I admit that sometimes I feel a bit like a voyeur lol but they’re so cute!! This is a great opportunity to observe nature, all the animals and birds we find on this beautiful island, and it’s even better when we have a chance to see turtles, dolphins or whales! Straddie has some great vantage points and the Gorge Walk (little path along the cliffs) is really perfect. In addition, walking is excellent for your health ... And when you see this type of sign, totally normal for Australians but completely unbelievable for us Europeans! I love Australia ...  Travelling to the other side of the planet is not for now as far as I'm concerned, but I’ll take comfort in reading again my article Spas around the world and applying my own advice from the Happy Summer video ( at the end of the article). Have a great week everyone! Love & Joy, L.   I couldn't wait any longer to unveil this wonderful palace to you, because in fact I was so amazed that I absolutely wanted to share this discovery. And for those who have visited it before, I hope you will enjoy seeing it again from all angles. You are familiar with my interest in architecture and art, just remember some of my previous articles:
As I told you in my last article Honeymoon 2, visiting the Garnier Opera house was one of my dreams. I’ve already visited magnificent opera houses such as Sydney, Madrid, or the Royal Opera House in London, which I told you about in my article Happy New Year 2020, but the Palais Garnier opens the doors to Parisian splendour and French elegance ... Have you deciphered the words hidden on the ceiling medallion (photo above)? “JEAN LOUIS CHARLES GARNIER ARCHITECT 1861-1875”. And yes, he’s the one who gave his name to this building. It was completed in 1875 following a competition organised by Napoleon III, after the old opera house Le Peletier was destroyed in a fire. Garnier Palace is one of the emblematic monuments of Paris. After passing the Rotonde des abonnés and the Bassin de la Pythie, let us be enchanted by the grandiose and luxurious atmosphere of the Grand staircase. With a little imagination, we can easily imagine ourselves in a ceremonial outfit, we’re transported to the 19th century ... An eclectic architecture that combines modern techniques and classic decoration. The whole structure, frames and beams are in metal, which is camouflaged with a lot of stucco, plaster, stone, paintings, gilding, onyx, copper, and marble! No less than 3 different marbles for this majestic staircase. So many corridors, we don't always know where they lead to, but we gladly wander, and we often stop to admire the little details ... Meeting with the other spectators before the performance, in the Avant-foyer, enhanced with multiple ceramics and gilded chandeliers. Then, we finally find our loge, and we discover the auditorium located in the very heart of the palace. Admittedly, this is no longer the original ceiling painted by Lenepveu, Napoleon III's favourite painter, but a creation by Marc Chagall designed in 1964 at the request of André Malraux, Minister of Cultural Affairs at the time. It represents the history of the arts of opera and dance. The first painting, however, is safely stored underneath. The chandelier is 16 feet high with a diameter of 13ft and weighs 6.5 tons. It reminds me of the magnificent chandelier in the Radio City Hall in New York. An impressive room 102 feet wide, 105 ft deep and 66ft high to accommodate nearly 2,000 seats. We cannot remain indifferent to such a creation ... But this is the intermission, let's stop for a few moments to say hello to our friends in the splendid Grand foyer and its adjoining salons, it feels like being in Versailles, surrounded by gold and mirrors ... Let's get my glass of champagne in the Rotonde du Glacier before the show restarts, does anyone want something else: coffee, orangeade, pastries? It's hard to imagine that above this magnificent painted ceiling hides a dance studio, and yet... Let's finish with the palace library and museum, 600,000 preserved documents, scores, photos, sketches, letters and no less than 100,000 books. But also 8,500 objects including paintings, set models and stage jewels... From inside to out, Charles Garnier meticulously designed and planned everything. He chose all the craftsmen himself: painters, mosaicists, and sculptors. An eclectic and very rich decoration for an opulent but nevertheless elegant result. If you use the multimedia guide for the visit, he'll explain himself all the mysteries of his work. This interactive tablet is really complete, you sometimes seem weird pointing your tablet at the ceiling, but it's definitely worth a look. You'll thus discover certain places that are not accessible to the public, such as the dance studio above the Rotonde du Glacier, the Foyer de la Danse which is behind the stage, or the costume room where the tutus are stored ! I didn’t buy anything at the gift shop even though several dancers wanted to be adopted ... So cute! Next time I’ll go to see the magnificent Paris Opera Ballet, there’s no doubt I’ll feel the presence of the architect all around me! “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others. " Salvador Dali Love & Joy, L. As I told you in the previous episode Honeymoon in Santorini, I chose to spend some time in Paris this year, after my birthday. Alone, or with my friends, I had decided to make some of my dreams come true, you know how much this is part of my personality, read again: A special year for me, my 40th birthday, which I couldn’t celebrate as I imagined it & my 3 years of marriage. And yes, My solo wedding in Santorini was in 2017 ... So, what a better idea than to spend a second Honeymoon in the most romantic city in the world. A magnificent gift to myself that will remain etched in my memory.  Although I often go to Paris, I never get tired of this city, there’s so much to discover here. You’ve already followed me in my articles: I must admit that even in July, I had never seen Paris so deserted, that's what encouraged me to stay and visit places normally crowded with tourists ... I'm a dreamer, and what I love most of all is creating new dreams over and over again. This is probably what drives me to achieve them. I don't just make a wish list and leave it in a drawer, they're in my head all the time, and I was going to dust off one that had been waiting for over 20 years ... The last time I visited this famous museum, I stood in line for hours, and I couldn't get a photo with the star of the place. So, it was my dream to be able to come back and this time I really immortalised the moment! Of course I’m talking about the Louvre, but in addition to having had my photo alone with Mona Lisa, I was able to admire from all sides the Venus de Milo, to take photos of the painting "Liberty leading the people" by Eugene Delacroix, or "the Raft of the Medusa" by Théodore Géricault. Strolling all day in this sumptuous building with sometimes no one in the same room, was a huge privilege. Let's continue with one of the most visited attractions in France, after the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles. I’ve visited it several times in my life, I talked about it in my article Christmas in Paris, but I had never been able to go to the top, to the 3rd level. Obviously, for my Honeymoon 2, I couldn't say no to myself, and even more extraordinary to be there for the sunset, this wonderful dream came true with exaltation. Imagine I was the only Asian!! I'm not even sure this ever happened in story’s Eiffel Tower… You know my passion for dance and ballet, remember in my article Happy New Year 2020, I wondered which company I was going to see this year. Well, in the meantime, I went to visit a place that has been on my list for a very, very long time: the Garnier Palace. Again, only a few visitors, I was able to admire this beautiful construction from all angles and be inspired by its luxury and prestige. To tell the truth the building and its history are simply fascinating, and I’m very happy to have made this dream come true, especially as the architect Charles Garnier himself played the guide ... There are always great exhibitions in Paris, and this one was on my list: L'Exhibition[niste] by Christian Louboutin, the famous shoemaker that I’m not presenting anymore, I’ve already talked about him with my wedding shoes, in Shoes Forever. This incredible exhibition takes place until January 3, 2021 at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris, it tells the story and the journey of Christian Louboutin, obviously with countless pairs of shoes on display. I encourage you to visit it if you like art and shoes. Don't worry, I’ll come back in detail on this incredible exhibition and the magnificent monuments mentioned above. You can review my previous articles in the meantime: Obviously, you are now used to my culinary escapades, especially if you follow my Stories on Instagram, so yes, I also took the opportunity to treat myself during my stay. No pastry like in Christmas in Paris, I try to follow my Healthy Routine, but that didn't stop me from going to Ladurée for a very elegant avocado toast. Okay, I sometimes fell for a few desserts ... But it's so good!! Add a coffee on the terrace, a drink on the quays, and you get the perfect cocktail for a second honeymoon full of wonderful memories… I was going to forget, Paris by night is just as exceptional and enchanting ... I still have so much to tell you about this beautiful city, stay tuned ... Next Article September 12! Love & Joy, L. This is something journalists asked me, if I’ve had a honeymoon. This is common practice after a wedding, so the question was legitimate even for my Solo Wedding in Santorini. To tell the truth I hadn't thought about it and so hadn't planned anything, however, I stayed in Santorini for several months after the wedding, so I admitted it was my honeymoon. And frankly I couldn't have asked for better. Especially since the strict definition is: the 29 days following the wedding, the lunar month, hence the "moon"; “honey” because apparently this is the sweetest moment for a couple ... The term was used already in the 16th century, however the practice spreads in the 19th century in Europe. Honeymoon refers also to the vacation taken by newlyweds. So, Santorini was my honeymoon for sure. “Go where you feel the most alive.” Unknown author "I spent time discovering, taking pictures, eating and sleeping" Discovering enchanting places, hidden locations, beaches, sunsets ... Pictures that you discover on the blog and on my social media, photos that have been finalists in art competitions on several occasions ... Eating, I never forget to photograph all the good things I taste. Sleeping including naps at the beach, nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves as background music. Drinking too lol but responsibly as much as possible (well I try hahaha). Previous Articles: Another question asked during my TV interview with Eleonora Meleti (reread article), if it hadn't been too hard to be alone. I'm used to doing things and travelling on my own for a long time, so it wasn't new or difficult for me. I've already talked about it in my article Single. In addition, I befriended several people upon my arrival, and they introduced me to other friends, I was never alone. The Greeks are incredibly generous and welcoming. I feel so connected to them that I feel at home everywhere in Greece… That’s the reason why I couldn’t write my book anywhere else but in this adopted country. Also read: And as that wasn’t enough, I treated myself to a second honeymoon this year, to celebrate my 3 years of marriage but also my 40! Article coming soon ... The song that ended my wedding ceremony at the end of this article. Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Love & Joy, L. Back in Paris in July to celebrate my birthday, what you certainly haven't missed if you follow me on Instagram. It reminded me of last year (Article My Bday in Paris), then made me think back to 2018 and 2017, I take you with me on a little trip through time and space! 2017 The year of my rebirth, the new me, I was already happy and fulfilled before, but certainly not as much connected to myself as I am since my Solo Wedding in Santorini. My birthdays are always memorable, I’m surrounded by amazing people, I hadn’t celebrated my birthday in France for more than 10 years, and my sister surprised me this time. We were going for a weekend somewhere, that's all I knew, it was a surprise ... Departure from Reims station (France). Reread: For an unknown destination because I wasn't allowed to look at the signs and I had headphones on my ears ... I might as well tell you that everything was possible in my head, and I was leaning towards Holland or Ireland. It was finally my favourite city, Paris, and I don't say that because I'm French, it's unique and romantic, the atmosphere is magical and inspiring in all weathers. But it wasn’t yet my surprise ... Direction the Parisian metro, exit "Bercy" then with my amazed eyes I discover: Celine Dion concert! 2018 Returned to my magical island I missed terribly after 6 months of absence. And my heart filled with joy as the ferry approaches Santorini’s cliffs. My friend Emanouela oversees the festivities, I’ll be staying at Ampelonas Hotel again, the one of my Solo Wedding. Black sand beach, drinks with friends and restaurants, I don’t have time to be bored during my short stay, as for my birthday, it’ll remain etched in my memory. Breakfast prepared by my friend, overlooking the caldera, dinner with girls at my favourite restaurant, Rosemary at Pyrgos. Greek specialties of course as for my Wedding Menu. For this unique occasion, I’m wearing an incredible dress by designer Adolfo Dominguez, a dress that I bought myself a few weeks before in Madrid, after the freezing of my eggs. Then a bar with a DJ, surrounded by my many Greek friends, to dance and blow out my candles. Please note the cake is very special, it's my wedding cake! Finally, I couldn't end the night without going dancing in the Greek club of the island, where each time I find myself being the only foreigner, which amuses me a lot and makes me feel half Greek ... 2019 I've told you a lot about it last year: Other friends, and even more madness: unusual places like the bar on the roof of the Moulin Rouge or the famous Magic Mike Live London show. And obviously walks, restaurants and lots of cocktails, always in excellent company! I never stop being ecstatic and rejoicing in front of so many new things and discoveries, the world is fascinating ... To tell the truth, since it was my 40th birthday (reread my special article), I was planning to celebrate it with decadence in Cuba, with a hundred guests invited, luckily my intuition made me give up this fiesta in 2019, long before the Covid appears, I warmly thank my guardian angel! Everything was organised at the last minute, according to desires / ideas and available people. So, I started the party the night before, in Reims, with girlfriends, in a secret bar run by a friend, contact me here if you want to know the address 😉 A very nice place on the roof of a hotel, with a breathtaking view of the city and especially the Cathedral! You know that I love Rooftop bars, I made you discover a few already: Paris, London, Athens ... Then at midnight, I was officially celebrating my birthday with candles, champagne and macaroons, accompanied by one of my Wedding songs: The Best by Tina Turner (video at the end of the article). A few days later, I walked through the gates of an indomitable Gallic village, Parc Asterix! I like celebrating my birthday in a Theme Park, I’ve done it in the past, especially in Australia, and anyway you know how much I love that: And finally, Paris with my best friends. Bistro and bar on the terrace in the purest Parisian tradition ... And now I’ve finally decided to extend my stay in Paris to make other dreams come true, a 2nd honeymoon, 3 years after my Solo Wedding in Santorini. I’ll tell you everything in detail, I promise! All of my birthdays are unforgettable, and I make more of my dreams come true each time, not to mention I create new ones right away. Stay tuned to find out how I'll celebrate it next year ... And thank you to everyone who participated and wished me my birthday this year, lots of bisous! Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Next Post: August 15. Love & Joy, L. We’ve just celebrated Bastille Day, National Day in France, unfortunately this year with the Covid restrictions, the fireworks of the Eiffel Tower took place but without spectators. You can celebrate anyway watching the replay at the end of the article, or by reading again my article from last year: My Bday in Paris Or the one from 2018: Superwomen And yes, again in Paris in July to celebrate my birthday among other things. I’m very grateful to be in Paris, some people dream of it all their life as in the film The Extraordinary journey of the Fakir, mentioned in my article Summary (in which besides I reminded you of my articles on incredible constructions.) The atmosphere of this magical city inspired my last video: However, on this very special day for the French, I wanted to tell you about a monument that honours our patriotism, and all the people who have contributed to it: The Pantheon in Paris. But before that, it was a Christian basilica, built in 507 by King Clovis. It became the Church of Sainte-Geneviève, named after the patron saint of Paris, because she had protected the city and its inhabitants from the barbarians with Attila at its head. A large mural depicts the life of Saint Geneviève, as well as her apotheosis under the dome. These are the oldest paintings dating from the First Empire. In 1755, Louis XV commissioned Jacques-Germain Soufflot to build a prestigious basilica in honour of Sainte-Geneviève, to whom the King credits his recovery from a serious illness. The architecture is Greek and Gothic, the dome is inspired by Saint Paul's Cathedral in London and the Invalides in Paris, the monumental peristyle is inspired by the Pantheon of Agrippa in Rome. Soufflot wanted to compete with Saint-Pierre de Rome, he died before the end, his building was completed in 1790 by his collaborator Rondelet. At its centre, there’s also the Foucault pendulum invented in 1851, in order to prove the rotation of Earth. Finally, in 1791, the basilica was converted into the National Pantheon, however it changed twice into a religious building during the 19th century. From 1874, paintings were added to the monument recounting the key moments of the Christian and monarchical origins of France, Clovis, Joan of Arc, Saint-Louis, Charlemagne are notably represented. Obviously, we can’t miss the masterful representation of the French Revolution "The National Convention" embodying Marianne surrounded by soldiers and revolutionary deputies. The original text of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen as well as the Constitution of the 5th Republic can be found in the Pantheon. There are also many statues and inscriptions to pay homage to various personalities. I can’t speak of the Pantheon without mentioning the crypt of course, many illustrious personalities who contributed to the glory of this country are buried there: Voltaire, Rousseau, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Louis Braille, Jean Monnet, Pierre & Marie Curie, Simone Veil to name a few ... We emerge humble and moved by this beautiful monument, not to mention that we remember a part of the history of France. A visit that I highly recommend if you’ve never been before. Follow me on Instagram (@blogaboutl) to see more of my adventures! Next Post: Saturday August 1st. Love & Freedom, L. “It is better to dream your life than to live it, even if living it means dreaming it.” Marcel Proust Yes, I shout it from my blog and social media, because I’m very proud to be 40 years old! Not that my life is perfect but more because I take happiness where it is, I expect nothing from life and so I’m resplendent and serene to use the words of my best friend.  Lifestyle It took time and patience to reach this fulfilment and I keep learning about myself and looking for the best in myself. This was part of my vows during my Solo Wedding in Santorini: “I promise to always raise the bar in everything I do because the most important is not to achieve goals but the path to reach them.” My lifestyle reflects my personality, I don't like rules, then I’ve created mine: “I promise to continue doing nothing like everybody because everyone is unique.” I’m sharing this with you in the Lifestyle category But also, my happiness tips on the Videos page Not to mention all the articles about my Solo Wedding in Santorini: Link.  Beauty “To promise oneself things is the hardest of challenges, the best is to take them up.” And one of my current challenges is to beat time and stay young!! I have to admit that genetics have been generous to me and I look younger. It must also be said that since I was 14, I’ve been taking care of my skin and anti-aging creams have no secrets for me. Great habit because I’ve never been so proud to say my age. Reread: You also know that I take care of my body and my mind, and I’m not going to stop since I want to visit the planet Mars one day (read again In the Air 2), so I must stay in perfect shape!  Travel “Today and forever I promise myself to follow my instinct and to trust my lucky star.” My life has been, and is always rich in adventures and meetings, my happiness is in this constant search for novelty and open-mindedness. My curiosity is limitless, and my lucky star is always there to guide me in the right direction… I’ve lived in 6 different countries and visited no less than 25 countries in the world, some of which I’d never have imagined discovering one day like Papua New Guinea! I’ve already shared with you many of my trips: Check Travel Category  Art “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.” Living my life is art ... I live in the moment, regardless of tomorrow or what people think, I don't fit in any box, and an A4 sheet wouldn't be enough to describe myself. There are so many people and artists who inspire me every day, celebrities as much as Anonymous: Category Art. Writing is my medium of expression as I show you on this blog and with extracts from my book: link. Photography is also important to me as I told you last week in The 4 Elements. Art is a lifestyle and I’ve adopted mine, without compromise or pressure, with love and respect.  Superwomen “A thought for all young ladies, women, spouses, mothers around the world, being a woman is our strength.” I couldn’t finish this article without talking about women obviously, I often put them in the spotlight on my website and on my social media: Superwomen category. I’m fortunate to be a 40-year-old woman, independent and free to live my life as I wish, I’m extremely grateful, it’s a precious gift and this is the reason why I must be happy. Finally, for those who haven’t watched it yet, the video I’ve recorded for my birthday: “My life is a constant series of dreams and I promise to keep following this way!” It’s never too late to live your life and realise your dreams. Don't be afraid, life is beautiful! During summer holidays, I only publish fortnightly. Next article: July 18. Love & Joy, L. It was my sister’s birthday this week and we celebrated it wearing Disney princess dresses & watching Frozen 2, fun is not just for kids! It’s sometimes good to go back to childhood to let our imagination wander and express itself freely. Dreaming is good for your health ... Besides, I should have mentioned this in my article last week Healthy Routine, because it’s certainly part of my daily life. Re-read my previous articles: So, this animated film gave me inspiration for this week’s article.  The 4 elements: Air, Fire, Earth and Water come from a Greek hypothesis dating from the 5th Century BC according to which everything in our world would be composed of one or more of these 4 elements. This then extended to cosmology, describing the cosmos as coming from these 4 elements. In addition to Ancient Greece, many other cultures believed in a similar principle: Persia, Babylon, Japan, India and China. It was during the 12th century, during the Crusades, that the Occident discovered this belief. Modern physics demonstrated that this theory was inaccurate, by discovering the presence of many complex atoms. Nevertheless, the 4 elements are still a philosophical subject, and some tribes still believe in their power. So, have we really discovered everything?  Today, I’ll focus on the inspiration that these 4 elements give me. You know that I love photography, I widely share my photos on this blog & on my social media: And I’ve already been a contest finalist as I’ve mentioned in: Like any self-respecting artist, my photos are always associated with specific circumstances and obviously have a story of their own, it’s probably my writer side that stands out. I take you with me to discover the magic of our planet Earth, seen through my eyes.  Earth Planet Earth, the closest thing to us, not only our home, it’s also our centre or our inner self. In fact, in the representation of the universe in cosmology, the Earth is at the centre. It represents stability, solidity, abundance, it’s also the element of speaking. Cold and dry element according to the principles of Aristotle, it’s associated with autumn. This photo, like all the photos in this article, was taken in Crete in 2018. This one more specifically in June 2018, after the Freezing of my eggs in Madrid, and I was in great need of refocusing on myself, after several months of stress and 3 attempts, finally crowned with success. The softness of the light at the end of the day is very soothing and comforting, a way of reconnecting with the Earth and with myself.  Air Air or wind depending on the culture, it can move things like clouds or seeds. It’s the flow of energy, it allows to breathe, it symbolises the breath of life. It reflects the mood, our soul and it’s associated with knowledge. The element is humid and hot like steam, and corresponds to spring. This photo is very symbolic for me, I took it in November, while I was writing my book My Solo Wedding in Santorini. I like observing clouds, this pic made me want to create a series on them. There’s an expression I often use: “sky is the limit”. I love it. Believe in your dreams and never stop chasing them, even in dark times, this is what this photo means to me.  Fire Fire is associated with spirit, heart, physical strength, courage and passion, but it’s also a symbol of purification and resurrection. Besides, phoenix is represented as a fire bird. This element is hot and dry, and therefore represents summer. It’s both light and heat, I think my photo captures this image quite well. I love sunsets as you discovered it in my article on this, with pics taken from all over the world. There's something magical and fascinating, hypnotic about a sunset. Crete is a beautiful place for that, and I was able to have fun with my camera, this light is an essential element of my recovery.  Water Essential to our planet and our body, because they're both made of 70% water. This element exists in different forms and circulates in cycle. It’s also soothing and beneficial, it’s linked to our health, and more particularly to our immune system. Wet and cold, you guessed it, winter is its season. I saved it for the end, because I love water, I’m a water sign, nothing surprising therefore. My travel destinations often have the sea as a landscape: It’s something that relaxes me a lot and I live by the water whenever I can, or I go to a spa or even both! Re-read Spas Around the World. Definitely what I would miss the most if I had to live on Mars, planet without water (read Article Mars)… While I was writing my book, I was going for a walk by the sea almost every day, right in front of my flat. It gave me strength, energy, peace and of course inspiration! In this photo, I wanted to show that we can be soft and peaceful (by the colours), while being strong and powerful (the waves). This is the mindset I’ve discovered during my introspection, and this is what I’ve chosen to keep ...  No article next week, I have a few days off. Next Article: Saturday July 4! Have a good week! Love & Joy, L. Following my excesses as Quarantine Queen, back to good habits… After celebrating mums with my article Cretan Pottery, last week, today I’m going to give you my tips for staying young, fit and sharp at any age, especially as my birthday is approaching!  Mind It’s important to keep a brain activity throughout your life, it helps to maintain and create more neuronal connections, essential for memory, learning and motor skills for example. Jim Kwik mainly inspired me for this:
You'll find your brain sharper after that, your memory will improve, you’ll find solutions more easily, you’ll be less clumsy and your concentration will be better.  Spirit
Also read my article Thank you.
For example: "I am fit and healthy" becomes "Why am I fit and healthy? ". Mind likes solving problems, and affirmation as a question would help to be more proactive. I use both forms, according to the message, one model speaks to me more than the other. It's up to you to try both. I put my last video at the end of this article, it's about my Personal Notes.
 Body
With the confinement I kept dancing, ballet & ballroom, which I can practice alone at home, really great.
 Nutrition
Here's a non-exhaustive list with my preferences:
But generally speaking, everything natural and non-industrial is good for your health. It’s up to everyone to find their own dietary balance, especially if you have allergies or intolerances. I’m against restrictive diets, I've tried lots of them until I was 25, it works only temporarily and above all it dramatically stresses our body and mind. However, eating and choosing healthy food becomes a habit when you do it regularly ... There are all kinds of apps to help you check that your daily intake of vitamins and minerals is satisfied, and especially to show you where the hidden sugars and salt are.
Obviously keeping a social and family life is important, so adapt this principle to your needs. When I dine late on weekends, I stick to have at least 12 hours between the end of dinner and breakfast. Each person is different, and this rule can of course vary. This method has been proven to burn fat more easily, especially it gives your stomach time to self-clean and repair, what it can't do when it’s full or in the digestive phase.
 I’ve created my healthy routine over the years, and I continue to improve it with exceptional coaches and mentors: Vishen Lakhiani, Jim Kwik, Ronan Oliveira, Paul McKenna, Marisa Peer, Mat Boggs, Jon & Missy Butcher, Michael Beckwith... It’s important to do this every day, and to combine all this, I get up an hour earlier in the morning to apply the Robin Sharma power hour: 20-20-20, 20 minutes of exercise , 20 minutes of meditation and 20 minutes of learning. Time for myself whatever happens during the day ...  Be aware that our life expectancy is getting longer, so taking care of your body and mind is essential to get the most out of life. And I repeat it to you constantly but being happy improves our health and our longevity, so take advantage of happiness! My previous articles: If you have any question or want more advice, contact me here or leave a comment below. Love & Health, L. We’re going to celebrate Mother’s Day in France tomorrow, which made me think of pottery, because let's be honest who never offered one for Mother’s Day, or even made one at school? To tell the truth, I already thought of writing this article previously, but it had been replaced by Single and Superwomen 4. Especially on this Saturday June 6, I celebrate something very special to my heart: the freezing of my eggs in Madrid! I’ve mentioned it last week in my article Happy Anniversary. Maybe one day I will have the chance to have a pottery too... But for the moment, let's go back to Crete, great place of this craft, still very popular today. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum (one of the most important in Greece) is a great place for pottery, from the Neolithic period to the Roman period, and obviously from the Minoan period too. At first, pottery was ornamental, representing human forms, and sometimes animals or objects. They were used for rituals, magic, or as amulets or toys. Then, widely developed as funerary objects, they filled the graves and tombs of the deceased, before finally becoming utensils for everyday life. You will notice the colours, shapes and patterns which are sometimes very elaborate. Cretan pottery is one of the most beautiful pottery I’ve ever seen. As a reminder, the pottery is made from terracotta. These objects were found in various places of the island, in the tombs and the ruins of the palaces, including Knossos, remember I’ve talked about it in my article Crete Episode 1. They cover more than 5,500 years of history! I’ve rarely seen a collection so rich and so well preserved; this museum opened in 1883. Also, the tiny Archaeological Museum of Chania (city that we visited in my article Crete Episode 4) displays a small but very nice collection. Above all, some artefacts date from the Roman period, or they're from workshops in Corinth and Athens (I’ll tell you more about it in a future post). We can see toys, perfume bottles and very pretty figurines too… And for those who love history and artefacts, my previous articles: Obviously, I went to visit a pottery and ceramic workshop, on the Lassithi plateau (place mentioned in Crete episode 3), to see what it looks like. They still use a potter's wheel and all the objects are painted by hand. I’m sure you won’t see pottery the same way now… And at the end of the article, the trailer of an animated film highlighting a Super mum! Have a great week everyone! Love & Joy, L.  And here we are, another year has passed, another place to celebrate it, yet different circumstances and more goals achieved ... But still this pride that doesn’t leave me but grows more and more every day. Just out of bed, I’ve expressed my gratitude and recognised that hardships in life happen to make us stronger and wiser. "The future can awaken in a more beautiful way than the past." George Sand 2017 Everything started in Santorini, this magical island in the Aegean Sea, which brought me back to life on May 27, 2017. I was to marry the man I loved, but I found myself on my own before the altar. I had no idea of my future, only the present mattered to me then, and my Solo Wedding was my lifebuoy. 2018 The Spanish capital, Madrid, I’ve never thought I would be there on May 27, 2018. I was preparing for a third attempt to freeze my eggs; I was on hormonal treatment and I was doing the daily injections myself. I was alone and extremely emotional because of the hormones, not to mention the stress of a possible new failure. Despite this, I’ve celebrated my 1st wedding anniversary with fun, starting with churros for breakfast, or rather porras (Madrid specialty, like churros but bigger)!! I stayed for several months, which allowed me to spend time in museums, especially in the Prado, my favourite museum. I was also very active on the blog and shared many of my discoveries with you. Read again: 2019 I had just left Crete, my book was finished! So happy with what I had just accomplished. All these months of loneliness and introspection, without TV and sometimes without internet for several days, had just given birth to one of my most beautiful projects, and certainly one of the most necessary. Reread: Why a Book? A fabulous retreat on one of the most beautiful Greek islands, and I’ve largely praised its beauty: 2020 A very weird year for everyone, under the threat of Covid-19 and confinement. Previously: Since I couldn't travel as planned, I had plenty of time to make videos and develop my social media: My anniversary day was great, I had a lot of fun and relaxed at home, with pina coladas and sun, especially I ate churros!  Re-read my previous articles: The providers of this unique day:
 "Having a purpose is fundamental after a breakup, especially do not give yourself time to feel sorry for yourself, it does not prevent pain or tears, but it helps not to collapse. Some people take refuge in work, I preferred to focus on myself only. My personal life had just crumbled, I had decided to devote fully to myself for the rest of the year. I was going to put my energy to the benefit of my quest for happiness, all those things that I wanted to accomplish and that I kept postponing. Taking time for me, thinking about what I really expected from life, what would make me happy again, the things I was dreaming of, but also what I would like to do in the near future and more distant, either personally or professionally. Above all, listening to my heart and asking what it wanted, taking the time for my feelings, letting my emotions express themselves." L.  Find all the articles here Link or click on the titles below:  I don’t know what the future holds and what I’ll tell you in a year, but I’m confident, I know I’ll have many wonderful things to speak about. Have a great week! Love & Future, L. After such a long confinement, it’s not always easy to go back to our former routine and good habits, such as following a timetable, managing the pressure at work ... So being patient and understanding with yourself is essential, and above all being kind. The words we use affect our mind enormously, so avoid saying I'm useless, I'm an idiot or I'm ugly. Something that we apply naturally with children, so why not with us? Besides, as our brain believes everything we say, we can go wild:
Confidence comes from within and believe it or not, but it will subconsciously inspire you to make an effort. Remember I gave you a whole list of positive thoughts in my article Be Positive. Not to mention all the nice words I used in my wedding vows during My Solo Wedding in Santorini!  In my last video (below), I explain the benefits to surround yourself with objects with positive messages:
But the trick I've always used, post-its! I stick them on the walls, the fridge, the mirrors… Like that, I’m sure to see them, no need to think about them or spend a special affirmation time. And each time I want to improve an aspect of my personality or my lifestyle, I create a new one, the latest one: I love working out at home! If you read my article from last week Quarantine Queen, you understand why ... I also like to surround myself with colourful objects or that represent characters or animals that I love, nothing better to make me smile and de-stress. Reread: Unicorns My Favourite Animals  "Believe in your dreams and they may come true. Believe in yourself and they will surely come true. " You know how much I love meditation and if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it. I’ll dedicate a special article about it soon. But for today, at the end of the article, an easy meditation of 20 minutes that everyone can do, beginners too. It's guided by Jeffrey Allen, thanks to Mindvalley. My other favourite coaches of the moment: Paul McKenna, Michael Beckwith, Jim Kwik, and Marisa Peer (I’ve already mentioned her in my article Quarantine). Read my previous articles:  Have a great week everyone! Love & Kindness, L. Last week, I gave a recap of all posts and videos during the confinement, today I'm going to give a very personal point of view of this. I’ve wonderfully managed this quarantine, I even proclaimed myself Queen of Quarantine, beautiful as always even in pyjamas! Ok, well, I'm going to be honest, it was time for the confinement to end because I was going to become an alcoholic, obese and crazy woman! I didn't really follow the advice I’ve given in my article Quarantine (to re-read). Aperitif every night, it was fun and it reminded me of the holidays, but the tomato juice and the cucumber were not really invited: And yes, obviously we’re a lot to have eaten too much during these 8 weeks. The good side is we’ve learned to cook with what we had in the cupboards, and especially we’ve discovered lots of new recipes. Goodbye home delivery, welcome good homemade meals. I was very lucky, my sister loves cooking, I’ve only had to enjoy, my curves know it! Don’t forget Sunday brunch, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc hahaha!! My favourites: brioche bread with scrambled eggs and pan-fried foie gras, baked egg with cream / bacon and hazelnuts, grilled halloumi, whole hazelnut cookies. So, nothing surprising I’ve gained 8lbs, being sedentary - understanding watching TV all day - especially when Gene Kelly and Franck Sinatra are in the same movie (Anchors aweigh). Well yes, frankly the first weeks who wanted to sweat in their living room?? Personally, just watching dance and fitness classes on my screen, I was already tired. Of course, when I started to feel squeezed into my pyjamas, I’ve made some effort, because there was no question of removing brunch or wine time! Thanks social media and all the amazing people who helped us stay in shape or just not gain more weight. The Wii Board helped too, out from a box in the garage, and apparently I'm a star… I’ve sometimes occupied my time in an interesting way, doing a unicorn make-up for example, manicure included. Remember I love Unicorns (read the article again). A few more weeks, and there was a good chance I stay like this permanently. For once I can acknowledge the French Government for something ... Then, we celebrated it with a Tropical Party! (Power to the Minions?!?)  I didn’t go out at all this week, it takes 21 days to change our habits, remember I've explained it in my Article Be Positive. So, I have 3 weeks to know what I'm going to do. I started to make a list, in this order:
This is all I can do within a 62mi radius, unfortunately my family and friends are too far, patience ... In the meantime, I'm working and napping. But now I have an extremely difficult decision to make, which pair of shoes am I going to wear for my very first day out? Ahhhh my precious shoes, I missed you, read again: At the end of the article, the trailer of Smallfoot; no matter who we are, we can all live in harmony if everyone makes an effort ... Love & Fun, L. |
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