|
Last month, I celebrated my birthday, I told you about it in my article Happy Me. Well, if I love this day of the year so much, apart from the fact that I love celebrating myself, especially since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, it's because I don't age. Even better, I rejuvenate! That's what my friends and family keep telling me. Recently, one of my aunts, who hadn't seen me for a year, said to me, "You have to stop at some point, because you look 20 now!! » Certainly, my aunt is very generous, and I don't wish to look that young ahaha. Nevertheless, for proof a photo without filter, without editing, without makeup, just me on July 1, 2022 after my shower!  My 40th birthday (2 years ago therefore) was a turning point in my life, not that I dreaded this date, on the contrary since I had to celebrate it outrageously (but the pandemic prevented it), and obviously I was stunning (reread my article Turned 40), but on that day I chose a new challenge, to fulfill one of my wedding vows, the one that said “I would never stop being a better version of myself.” Since My Solo Wedding in Santorini, I adore myself all the time, it’s absolutely impossible for me to diminish myself. When you love yourself, it is for life! However, this time not only aging wouldn’t affect me, but I chose a new quest, that of youth. An adventure that would transform me and make me meet extraordinary people. (Pictures below of my birthdays from 2017 to 2021)  From there, I signed up for courses, seminars and other videos, I wanted to know everything about nutrition, fitness, neurology, epigenetics, energy, and I continue because I find it fascinating. Of course, as with any learning, it takes dedication, determination and discipline. But all this doesn’t work without the right motivation! And as far as I’m concerned, I had 2 essential reasons: 1/ I still want to be a mother one day and although I froze my eggs in Madrid, I don't know if I will use them or resort to other procedures or adoption. Reread Gift from Science 2/ My dearest dream is to go to the planet Mars (Read In the Air 2) and for those who have been following me for a few years, you’ve already received your invitation. For others, here it is: When I was 20, if someone had told me I’d look this fabulous, I wouldn't have believed it. It must also be said that at that time, I was overweight, insecure, trying to succeed in all areas to conform to standards and society. Today, I can say that I’ve never felt so good, not to mention the fact that I’ve never been so fit and healthy, no more glasses, no more medication or dietary supplements, no more migraines, sleep trouble nor health problem, a healthy mind in a healthy body. I’ve already shared a lot about my beauty and health routines: I encourage you to read them again: And I really don't miss my glasses... (Photos from 2011 to 2016)  Obviously when you decide to stay young, there’s no chance of not talking about exercise! I never saw myself as a sporty person, overweight from a very young age until I was 27, playing sports at school was my pet peeve and I voluntarily avoided it for a good part of my adult life. No chance of dragging me to a gym, but confinement has been good since online classes have developed and especially my passion for dance and ballet – an entire chapter is dedicated to it in my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini" - has introduced me to Lydia Melmeth, my current fitness coach and former dancer of the Queensland Ballet. I encourage you to follow her on Instagram and her YouTube channel, she now lives in London and teaches at the Royal Ballet and in many fitness centres. Yes, remember, I talked about the Royal Ballet in my Article Happy New Year 2020! Keeping my 2 motivations in mind and my iron discipline, from 30 minutes/week in 2020, I practice today 5h/week! If I can do it, you can too! Thanks to Lydia, her energy and her very varied classes, I learned to do grand pliés as well as squats. And speaking of squats, impossible not to mention the extraordinary Pauline Adeleke, to whom I dedicate all my squats!! Pauline is 70 years YOUNG, as she likes to say (I love it!) and lives in New York. Although she has already lived several lives, 2 years ago she created her own business to help people of her age to stay in shape. She’s a real mine of information and her energy is contagious! Especially her attitude towards life is a fabulous example to follow, for her, age is just a number, and one should never limit oneself on this basis. Neither too young nor too old, anything is possible with determination. I have huge respect and admiration for her, she’s my new role model and I like to call her SuperWonder Pauline! I love this woman so much! Follow her on Instagram and on her YouTube channel Ageless Fitness Lifestyle, where she distils her fitness and nutrition tips. I can't remember which of my teachers mentioned this, but several years ago a study was conducted with a group of elderly people with all sorts of age-related symptoms and disorders: osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's, low muscle mass etc. They had them live for several weeks in a house with 70s decor, which reminded them of a past time in their lives. At the end of the experiment, their health had improved, and some symptoms had even completely disappeared, without any special diet or medication. Because of their environment, their brain believed that they were younger and their metabolism with it. Incredible but true! Like nature, if you have strong roots, the right environment, good care, you will bloom again and again... And I feel like I'm blooming better and better, year after year. But for me the absolute secret is to have fun and do what I love! Anything that makes me smile is good for my cells. Moreover, this summer I decided to regress completely and practice the activities that I loved to do as a child: horseback riding and golf. Plus, they're outdoor activities, which is a bonus. There’s no age to start something new, in fact, I took my dad for his 65th birthday to have his first golf lesson and he loved it! And last week, to relax after the launch of my book - the past 2 months have been intense to stay polite - my sister invited me to a beautiful spa. A very handsome young man, the sexiest of the 4,000m2 of aquatic space, only had eyes for me, despite the lovely young ladies in microscopic bikinis. Proof that my method works and that there’s no age to be fabulous!! Do like me, live life to the fullest so that it has no hold on you! And even more to discover about me and my life in my autobiography “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”: LINK FOR THE BOOK By the way, this article is an addition to my Superwomen Series: read here. Have a fabulous week! Love & Joy, L. 
0 Comments
GET YOUR COPY HEREI’m so excited and delighted that my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini: or how I saved my life” is finally published! For the moment only the English version is available: HERE But don't worry, the French edition should follow in a few months, moreover for those who wish, I continue to raise funds to be able to realise this new version: LINK  And of course, I also prepare the Greek version. Why Greek? This country and its people have welcomed me with such kindness and generosity since my solo wedding in Santorini, that for me it’s unthinkable not to have my book in this language. Not to mention, I've been in the news a lot (check page MEDIA), including on TV, and a lot of people are waiting for the full version of my story! Check my article: TV Interview. For all those who have been part of this adventure, of course, I wanted to thank you personally: Transcript of the video: My book my Solo Wedding in Santorini is out! It has been quite a journey I have to say. And if you don’t have your copy yet, check my website www.blogaboutl.com When I married myself 5 years ago after my fiancé left me, if you had told me that I was going to publish a book talking about it, I would have called you crazy! And here we are! I’m so moved by all the amazing and kind messages I’ve received these past few days. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everybody who was part of this incredible adventure. Some of you follow me for years, since the creation of Blog About L. com I’m so grateful for your love, support, and your loyalty. This book was made of tears and sacrifices. I wanted to give up so many times. But you kept me going. This is why when you go after your dream, it is so important to surround yourself with the right people. You have so many doubts and worries and fears during the process that you can’t afford to have unloving, judgemental energy around you. During this journey, my relationships, my friendships changed, absolutely. But most of all, I changed to be aligned with my purpose, my dream and this is how I’ve attracted incredible souls into my life. This book, my story my Solo Wedding in Santorini is your story too! Live your dream life! And as I like to say “The best is yet to come…”  ORDER THE BOOK HEREThe goal now is for it to become a bestseller, and on the 2nd day of its publication, I woke up with the happy surprise of being 4th in the Amazon ranking in the wedding book category! So don’t hesitate to share with your friends, family, on social media. My success is also yours! Here’s the description of the book: “May 27, 2017, Santorini, Aegean Island (Greece). I am about to go down the magnificent stone stairs holding my father's arm, to participate in the wedding I have been waiting for, and preparing for a year and a half. The guests are seated. The weather is capricious. However, this ceremony is special, the groom is not here. He left the marital ship three months before, and I took the decision to marry without him, to marry myself!”
|
| | |
My book
The best for last as they say, I’ll soon realise one of the biggest dreams of my life.
What an accomplishment!
I talked about my book and its creation in the podcast.
Even though I've been writing since I was a child, I had never written a whole book before, I just needed the right story to tell.
I can't give you a release date yet, some things don't depend on me, but it's taking shape and obviously you'll be the first to know!
Don't forget that you can be a contributor to the book: DONATIONS.
Being able to rejoice and be fulfilled by my life every day is an immense satisfaction.
I had to find within myself the essential resources and love to discover my true destiny.
And it's only the beginning!
I couldn’t be prouder than today, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of my Solo Wedding in Santorini.
I had to find within myself the essential resources and love to discover my true destiny.
And it's only the beginning!
I couldn’t be prouder than today, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of my Solo Wedding in Santorini.
I strongly encourage you to re-read my previous articles, each as exciting as the next.
(Small note: due to the expansion of the website, some links are no longer valid, so if you have any error messages, don't worry, I'm fixing the problem.)
And I end with 2 videos I made for you for my wedding anniversary in 2020 and 2021:
| | |
Don't forget, you're amazing! Be yourself and love yourself!
Love & Joy,
L.
This week, I am very excited to announce that my website is getting bigger!
And yes, after 4 years of existence and having been asked many times, I’m finally ready to share my pages.
Starting in June, some of the articles will be written by guests, friends, coaches, mentors, writers...
I select the topics, make recommendations, specifications, review and translate into French or English depending on the original language of the article.
In short, I become Editor-in-Chief!
Pretty good, right? I love it!
And yes, after 4 years of existence and having been asked many times, I’m finally ready to share my pages.
Starting in June, some of the articles will be written by guests, friends, coaches, mentors, writers...
I select the topics, make recommendations, specifications, review and translate into French or English depending on the original language of the article.
In short, I become Editor-in-Chief!
Pretty good, right? I love it!
Believe me, you’ll love it, thanks to them, we’ll expand our knowledge, and open our minds and hearts even more.
Obviously, I’ll personally introduce each of the guests, coming from different universes, however they all fit very well into my tribe.
I like the idea of being able to bring people together, give, share, exchange and inspire.
To be able to give you even more the desire to be yourself and to surpass yourself.
No one influences me, but everybody inspires me!
How so?
If you subscribed to the newsletter, nothing changes for you, the links will take you directly to the articles.
(You can subscribe at the bottom of the Home Page or the Blog Page)
Nothing change on the home page, direct access to the article.
The only difference will be if you click on the BLOG button in the menu.
- Either you click on it and you will open a summary with:
- Or under the Blog button, the 2 options will appear & you can directly click and access the one you want.
Lately, it was difficult for me to offer you an article every week, in this way I hope to be able to satisfy you.
This should free me some time to devote myself to the publishing of my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”, and hopefully I’ll announce a release date soon!
Don't forget that you can become a contributor, depending on the amount you donate, you may be entitled to get a numbered & signed copy, and even your name in the acknowledgments of the book!
Thank you to those of you who have already participated!! I love you!
All the details: HERE.
Together let's continue to grow, bloom and be happy!!
Welcome to Laeti’s Tribe!
Love & Joy,
L.
It's been a long time since I took you to an exotic destination, and with summer coming, I wanted to make you dream a little, a lot... madly.
This week I'm showing you one of my favourite places on our beautiful planet: Heron Island in Queensland, Australia.
And as a reminder, all the photos are mine, and it was very difficult to select them, each one so beautiful than the other!
Located on the Great Barrier Reef, in the northeast of Australia, on the Tropic of Capricorn, this small island of 16 hectares is a real paradise.
It can be reached by boat, which means 2 hours of seasickness for my sister who was accompanying me, or by helicopter, but this time this mode of transport did not fit into my budget.
If you have a feeling of deja vu, it’s because I’ve already shown you several of these photos in my articles. But really, I never get tired of it!
There’s only one hotel on the island, the Heron Island Resort, which makes it a very privileged area and when I say hotel, it’s actually small wood cabins scattered in the vegetation.
So relaxing and rejuvenating to be immersed in such an environment.
And my sister is touring you 😉
Obviously, we didn’t come all this way not to swim.
Pool or beach, the dilemma of the day…
Although you can go around it quickly, only 800m long (2,600 ft) and 300m (980 ft) wide, its charm and its particularity lie in its fauna and flora.
In summer, nearly 200,000 birds inhabit the island. We observe them everywhere and especially we hear them! Well, be clear here, some songs are more melodious than others…
And no, contrary to its name no heron on the island, the English explorer, Lieutenant Charles Bampfield Yule, who discovered it in 1843 would have confused egrets with herons.
To be honest I'm very bad at bird species so I don't blame him, and then in the end, it sounds good Heron Island!
And then, there are sea turtles too!!
But maybe you remember, I told you about it in my article My Favourite Animals.
And yes, it’s an island where Green sea turtles and Loggerhead turtles (or Caretta Caretta) come to nest.
I had the pleasure of witnessing the nesting and hatching period, so magical!
No photos of the mothers, they come to lay eggs during the night, so we observe them from a distance in the dark so as not to disturb them.
However, I have some memories of baby turtles trying to reach the sea...
At low tide, walking on the island is just as surprising, there’s plenty of time to admire this rich fauna and flora.
This is also a perfect opportunity to visit the University of Queensland research station, one of the most important in the world for research on the coral reef.
I knew that I had not chosen the right course of study, spending my days in a bikini on a tropical beach watching fishes, wonderful…
There are of course a lot of sea excursions organised to admire the Great Barrier Reef, I don't take underwater photos, I prefer not to have any distractions in case a shark decides to take me for its snack hahaha.
From the beach too, you can see rays, sharks and all kinds of fish. Magical!
Heron Island is one of the places I’d revisit with pleasure, and a memorable memory with my sister.
Besides, she would have loved to get married there, finally she got married in a magnificent castle in France, it was very good too!
Finally, this place was heavenly for my creativity.
And some of my favourite photos:
My Previous Articles about Australia:
- Travel Lover
- Superwomen 5
- Christmas in Brisbane
- Moreton Island
- Palm Cove
- North Stradbroke Island
- Sunset
- My Favourite Animals
- Australia
- In the Air 3 (Sydney)
- Hill Inlet
No article next week, multiple projects are taking shape and I'll tell you about it next time.
Have a fantastic week everyone !
Love & Joy,
L.
Today I chose to talk about me, about us, about our journey together.
When I’ve created Blog About L., I needed to share my story, my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and show people how I was achieving my dreams and living my life without limitations.
I had explained to you my intentions and they are still featured on the page ABOUT ME of this website.
My name wasn’t mentioned anywhere, I wanted it anonymous, mysterious, I’m a very private person.
The only obvious reference the letter L, for my first name Laëtitia, Laeti's blog for close friends...
Anonymous, I didn't stay that way for long, 6 months after the creation of the blog, my name was in the international press, everywhere on the internet and on TV, and I was telling about the breakup with my fiancé and my Solo Wedding in Santorini!
Media link to access TV interviews, press articles, etc.
When I’ve created Blog About L., I needed to share my story, my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and show people how I was achieving my dreams and living my life without limitations.
I had explained to you my intentions and they are still featured on the page ABOUT ME of this website.
My name wasn’t mentioned anywhere, I wanted it anonymous, mysterious, I’m a very private person.
The only obvious reference the letter L, for my first name Laëtitia, Laeti's blog for close friends...
Anonymous, I didn't stay that way for long, 6 months after the creation of the blog, my name was in the international press, everywhere on the internet and on TV, and I was telling about the breakup with my fiancé and my Solo Wedding in Santorini!
Media link to access TV interviews, press articles, etc.
However, it took me a long time to put my name on my website, my social media. Out of modesty, out of fear too.
Social media… Even today, one of my best friends, Christophe, reminds me that 10 years ago I told him that I’d never have one!
Today, I have nearly 2,000 readers, followers, all platforms combined, and I spend a large part of my days on them… Not to mention the upstream work, writing, creativity, photos, videos etc…
As for my name, it's not easy to expose yourself so openly, I had to learn, grow, accept. But sharing my story with authenticity demands me to be it as well, and that I show myself to full light.
Life, circumstances, make us change our mind, make us change altogether, sometimes for the worse and fortunately also for the better.
This week, someone thanked me for the content I provide daily on Instagram.
It’s my greatest satisfaction, knowing that my inspiration helps you, gives you pleasure, makes you react, act...
Besides my Solo Wedding in Santorini, I show you amazing jewellery, snow in a spa in Las Vegas, animals from all over the world, sunsets...
This is what I like to share with you, to take you to places you dare not go, to make you discover art, magnificent destinations.
So yes, I must admit that I became more, I became a role model, an influencer as they say.
Every day, people who subscribe to the sites I recommend, follow my life advice, ask me for my opinion.
I want to show you with my eyes how I see the world, full of possibilities and wonders!
"A strong woman makes a good out of bad. Love your story!" B. | "I dare say that's epic you owned it and wrote about it." D. |
"Oh my goodness, thank you for this! You're a gorgeous lady and your story is breathtaking!" A.
This is who I am, I see beauty and joy in everything I do.
Even breathing or meditating is exciting for me, meditation that I practice every day (read again the article Meditation).
I'm a dreamer, I’ve always been, and that's what I said in my wedding vows, for me everything is possible, even going to Mars for my birthday in 2070!
And then my book I’m currently self-publishing…
Yes, I'm scared, it's always hard to step out of my comfort zone and do something new, but as Bill Baren said, "only action overcomes fear".
And it’s also for all these reasons that I ask for your help, your participation, to help me spread my message, my transformation, and my vision of life through the publication of my book:
Donate Here
No article next week, I’ll be busy with, among other things, the recording for a L.A. podcast, and also something new coming on my website!
Stay connected here and on my social media, subscribe to the newsletter (bottom of the home page).
Read my previous articles:
And happy Easter to my Greek friends, celebrated this weekend by the Orthodox:
Καλό Πάσχα!
Have a great week everyone!!
Love & Joy,
L.
If you want to help me for my book or for the blog:
DONATE HERE
Snow surprised us in France last weekend, and I wanted to stay in this enchanting atmosphere this week, although I like spring and its comforting sunshine!
You know that I remain a child at heart, that I believe in unicorns, Santa Claus, Superman and Cupid... So, when my sister suggested to go see Disney on Ice, obviously I couldn't resist!
You know that I remain a child at heart, that I believe in unicorns, Santa Claus, Superman and Cupid... So, when my sister suggested to go see Disney on Ice, obviously I couldn't resist!
'Find your Hero’ is the name of this new production which features brave characters on ice such as Ariel the Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, Moana and Maui, and of course Anna & Elsa.
But also, all their companions…
I admit that Moana and Elsa are my favourite heroines, moreover I’ve talked about them in my article ‘Merry Christmas 2020’.
It must also be said that no Prince Charming comes to their rescue, their character thus reminding me of My Solo Wedding in Santorini!
However, my favourite moments of the show are: the Little Mermaid which is visually very successful, we believe we are underwater with her, and as for Frozen, we are totally caught in a snowstorm!
But the magic also comes from the sets and costumes!
The shows are prepared in Florida before going on tour around the world.
About twenty professional skaters, who are asked to push their limits both in terms of acting and physicality.
Try skating with these amazing costumes…
And a special mention to Ariel, the Little Mermaid, who delivers a breathtaking rope aerobatic show! As a reminder, she has skates on her feet!!
Don’t hesitate to dive back into my previous articles:
- Musicals
- Princesses
- Happiness & Gratitude
- Unicorns
- Letter to Santa
- Letter to Cupid
- Childhood
- Asterix Park
- Disneyland Paris
No article next week, I have many projects in progress which I’ll tell you about soon, and I also plan to celebrate Easter with my family in the Alps.
Have a fantastic week everyone! And Happy Easter!!
Love & Joy,
L.
We celebrated on March 20, the International Day of Happiness, which I told you about in my Article Happiness.
The arrival of nice weather and spring certainly puts me in a good mood.
However, these days, what really makes me happy is to work on the publication of my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini", by the way don't forget that you can help me by sharing the link below but also by becoming a contributor: LINK.
Choosing to self-publish allows me to keep control over the creative process but it has a price, and for this reason every euro counts and your participation is precious to me!
The arrival of nice weather and spring certainly puts me in a good mood.
However, these days, what really makes me happy is to work on the publication of my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini", by the way don't forget that you can help me by sharing the link below but also by becoming a contributor: LINK.
Choosing to self-publish allows me to keep control over the creative process but it has a price, and for this reason every euro counts and your participation is precious to me!
Of a joyful and optimistic nature, I’ve told you already about my experience and my tips on several occasions to see life on the bright side:
I am happy because I choose to be happy
I explained this concept extensively in my Article Be Positive, but if there’s one aspect that prevails, it’s the importance of gratitude in my life and my daily life.
I’ve also made several videos on the subject, remember:
| | |
But read also my article Thank you!
And in recent weeks, I’m very happy to have seen the snow, having lived a long time in Australia enjoying the fine sandy beaches, but this time it was the white snowy beach (hahaha)!
Reconnecting with nature and its beautiful landscapes has been pure happiness.
“It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy. "
Brother David Steindl-Rast
I highly recommend you read The Book of Joy, a conversation between the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Their wisdom, experience, and incredible joie de vivre despite the terrible hardships they’ve overcome, provide us with a tremendous opportunity to grow and elevate ourselves.
When I see the pictures of conflict or natural disasters, when many see sadness, desolation and horror, I see the courage, compassion and generosity of millions of people who overcome the unthinkable or help each other.
You perceive what you are
I choose to see the beauty of our world and our humanity.
It is learned, maintained and it is also grown!
This doesn’t mean denying reality, but on the contrary accepting it to highlight what deserves to be.
No article next week, my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini" deserves all my attention...
But I give you more videos on happiness at the end of this article 😉
Have a happy week!!
Love & Joy,
L.
| | |
You know how much I love art, and being able to spend the past 2 months in Paris has given me countless opportunities to satisfy my curiosity.
And there’s a place that I adore and that I never tire of visiting, the Petit Palais.
Inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, in the same way as the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, it became from 1901 the Museum of Fine Arts of the city of Paris.
Located next to the Seine, and between the Champs Elysées and the Jardin des Tuileries, this is the perfect place to take a break during a long walk, to protect yourself from the rain or the heat wave, depending on the season.
And there’s a place that I adore and that I never tire of visiting, the Petit Palais.
Inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, in the same way as the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III, it became from 1901 the Museum of Fine Arts of the city of Paris.
Located next to the Seine, and between the Champs Elysées and the Jardin des Tuileries, this is the perfect place to take a break during a long walk, to protect yourself from the rain or the heat wave, depending on the season.
In addition to its absolutely magnificent architecture, what I like about this museum is the variety of its collections, whether they are eras, artists or genres: sculptures, paintings, furniture and objects…
Sculptures
First of all, the sculpture gallery, located immediately to the left of the main entrance, welcomes the visitor in a masterful way.
Whether in plaster or bronze, they all testify to the creativity and inventiveness of the artists: Ernest Barrias, Charles Valton, Auguste Bartholdi, Paul Roussel (former student of Barrias), Alexandre Falguière, Jules Desbois...
Some of these plaster statues were the models of bronze sculptures, many of which were melted down during the Second World War, such as the dancer Sacha-Lyo by Serge Youriévich.
You’ll notice the height of the ceilings with their splendid paintings.
But many sculptures are scattered throughout the museum, with among others a large space dedicated to the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
There’s also a bronze by Renoir, but also marbles: Rodin with "Amour et Psyché" or Auguste Clésinger's "Bacchante".
What beauty and poetry in this museum…
Paintings
Flemish, French, Italian painters, and from all eras, this is what makes the richness of this museum, we go through history through these artistic discoveries.
Rubens, Poussin, Sisley, Pissarro, Géricault, Cézanne, Delacroix, Monet and many others… To name but a few.
And then some figures that we recognise on the paintings, such as Sarah Bernhardt, the great French actress of the 19th century-early 20th century, painted by Georges Clairin in 1876.
Furniture
If the city of Paris has acquired many pieces from this museum, in particular the sculptures, it should be noted that generous donors have enriched the collection.
Thus, most of the furniture, objects and decoration come from private collections bequeathed over time.
Greek Antiquities
The following photos will certainly remind you of my articles Cretan Pottery or Rainy Day in Athens.
Greece, my adopted country since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, and I admit I love learning more about its history and culture.
Here too a very beautiful collection, rich and varied.
Icons
Since 2017, a new room has exhibited an incredible collection of Eastern Christian arts (Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece...), from two private collections and bequeathed to the museum.
Its café nestled in the middle of the garden is my favourite place!
So calm and peaceful to forget for a moment that we are in the heart of Paris.
The chirping of the birds, the vegetation and the gardens are conducive to daydreaming, and when the sun is out, it's like being transported to some exotic destination, or even to another era!
This Petit Palais has everything of a great museum, but with fewer people, I strongly encourage you to visit it.
Note that the permanent collection is free for all!
The Museum also regularly hosts magnificent temporary exhibitions (with fee).
My Favourite Articles about Paris:
- Garnier Opera House
- Versailles
- Luxembourg Garden
- Eiffel Tower
- Monet's Water Lilies
- The Louvre
- A Glimpse of Paris
No article next week, I'm working on the publication of my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini, or how I saved my life. "
Next post: March 26, 2022
Have a fantastic week everyone!!
Love & Joy,
L.
International Women's Day is in a few days, on March 8, and like every year, I’m writing a special article for the occasion.
This week, I choose to pay tribute to all these women, whose names we don't necessarily know, but who every day elevate, inspire, support someone...
Whether they are the muses of great artists, the wives of influential people, or the mothers of great people.
We owe them a lot! So, thank you!
This week, I choose to pay tribute to all these women, whose names we don't necessarily know, but who every day elevate, inspire, support someone...
Whether they are the muses of great artists, the wives of influential people, or the mothers of great people.
We owe them a lot! So, thank you!
There are no great men without great women behind them
I'm sure a lot of names come to your mind, or even you know someone in your life who makes this world a better place just by being there.
Many women have helped me build my personality and many more continue to guide me to become a better person. I wouldn't be who I am today without them.
And the list is far too long to name them.
Obviously, my Solo Wedding in Santorini wouldn’t have happened without their influence on my life.
Not to mention the valuable advice I currently have for my book!
Every day, they live in me and emanate the light that I share...
And in these troubled times, I’d like to pray for all those women who are fighting for their freedom or for others'.
Freedom, is precisely symbolised by a woman in the magnificent painting by Delacroix, "Liberty leading the people" and which is exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris (read my article Louvre 2 to find out more).
This magnificent painting, repeatedly censored and sidelined, is nonetheless one of the most reused and visited artworks in the world.
Because we can’t silence freedom, hide it or destroy it, it is our essence, our divine birthright!
My 8-year-old goddaughter gave me a white rose for Valentine's Day, and I'd like to give it virtually to all women around the world, as a symbol of love, peace, communion and hope.
You are not alone...
Read my previous posts from the Superwomen Series:
Happy International Women's Day!
Love & Joy
L.
Videos:
| | |
It's already been 5 years since my fiancé left me, it was 3 days after Valentine's Day, so of course I still think about it every year.
However, although this date is associated with a painful memory, it’s also a symbol of strength and courage.
It was in the face of adversity that I revealed myself, that I discovered in myself more love than I’ll ever have from someone else.
My life had to implode for me to find my truth.
Two weeks later, I was making the decision to marry myself...
A year later, I chose February 14 to launch Blog About L. with my first post “My Solo Wedding”.
As if to counter a spell and show the whole world that love has many faces.
Sharing this episode of my life was far from being easy, it took me months to talk about it, but I owed it to myself, to externalise this exceptional event born from a drama of my life.
I also owed it to the rest of the world to inspire hope and self-love.
And a worldwide response – MEDIA – which would exceed all my expectations.
An incredible and loving support, which has never stopped in 4 years, on the contrary, it continues to grow and to reach new horizons: Australia, USA, the UK, Greece, France, Egypt, India, Spain , Russia, Brazil...
And which also increases in the age groups from 8 to 92 years!
I want to tell you that you are an inspiration, you're wonderful and you're worthy. Keep going, you have a beautiful life story!!!
You are a true leader! Thank you for leading the path for so many ! | All your positive energy is always shining so bright! |
You are so brave to share your story! It takes true courage, I admire that about you! | I dare say that's epic you owned it, and wrote about it! |
Truly is a powerful message to be sent to the world. Continue being you and celebrate who you are!
The Renewal of my Vows last year (watch the Video), widely shared on my social media is another proof of my desire to inspire and to share more about my life and my actions.
I continue to grow, to evolve, to assert myself in all my greatness and my authenticity.
Above all, I love myself more day after day, accepting my flaws, my past mistakes and my fears.
I forgive me!
"Keep growing to bloom" L.
My Previous Articles:
- Chocolate, sweetheart
- Happiness activist
- Single
- Proud to be a Solo Bride
- Happy February
- Letter to Cupid
- Pink, my love colour
My Solo Wedding: Link
Excerpts from my book (not yet published): My Solo Wedding in Santorini or How I Changed My Life.
I’m so proud of what I have accomplished and of everything I can still achieve.
So today I'm not just celebrating Valentine's Day, but who I am and my eternal love for myself!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!
Love & Joy,
L.
While we’re still in January, and I still continue to work on my intentions for the year 2022, I remembered a wish I had last year: to balance my feminine energy.
Although the renewal of my vows from my Solo Wedding in Santorini had already brought me a lot, I was looking to find out more.
And precisely during a very specific course on this topic, I had the opportunity to discover the incredible story of Mary Magdalene.
And after telling you about Paris, where I'm having an incredible stay (follow me on Instagram), I'm taking you to the South of France, to discover the Sainte-Baume cave.
Although the renewal of my vows from my Solo Wedding in Santorini had already brought me a lot, I was looking to find out more.
And precisely during a very specific course on this topic, I had the opportunity to discover the incredible story of Mary Magdalene.
And after telling you about Paris, where I'm having an incredible stay (follow me on Instagram), I'm taking you to the South of France, to discover the Sainte-Baume cave.
Mary Magdalene also called Mary of Magdala or the Madeleine is an important character of Christianity, she’s also the most present woman in the New Testament.
Disciple of Jesus, she’s the witness of the Passion of Christ and attends his resurrection. In charge of informing the apostles, she became the Apostle of the apostles.
Theories diverge as to whether Mary Magdalene was also Mary of Bethany - the one who poured perfume on Jesus - but also the sinful woman - delivered from 7 demons and converted by Christ.
According to legend, during the persecutions against Christians after the Ascension, she’d have left Galilee (Palestine then) with other disciples, to land at Saintes-Maries de la Mer, in the south of France.
She settled in Marseille for a while, and evangelised the region then, following the divine call, she walked to the cave of Sainte-Baume to live the last 30 years of her life.
And just like her, to be able to access the cave, you have to cross the forest of Sainte-Baume.
Called relic forest because it has remained identical to that present at the end of the Tertiary, it has never been touched by man.
In addition, it’s home to very different plant species from what is usually found in Provence: oaks, beeches, Aleppo pines, yew, holly, maple, lime, mountain ash, fir trees, cedars...
But also, incredible flowers: orchids, narcissus of the poets, violet, broom, Martagon lily, ferns...
A set of 138ha at an average altitude of 2,460ft (750m) rich in very varied fauna and flora.
Crossing it while it wears its fall colours is a delight, and being able to reconnect with Mother Nature in such a setting is a great opportunity.
Of course, I couldn't resist hugging a tree!
On the side of the cliff, the sanctuary appears to us in the middle of the foliage...
Since the 2000s, 8 Dominican friars live there and welcome the 500,000 annual visitors.
But since the 5th century, monks have been guardians of this place, Kings, Queens and Popes coming to worship and pray.
Although looted during the Wars of Religion and destroyed during the French Revolution, the sanctuary was rebuilt in the 19th century and expanded.
Today it’s also a place of pilgrimage for parents who have lost a child.
The view is breathtaking, no wonder why Mary Magdalene found this place perfect for prayer and devotion.
With some emotion, I enter this natural cave which has been dug by erosion.
Much larger than I expected, it extends over 2 levels, the lower level being devoted to the prayer of deceased children.
A platform behind the altar contains the relics of Mary Magdalene.
You feel protected by this rock but in no way confined thanks to the serenity of the place.
And to finish this journey, we climbed to an altitude of 3,600ft (1,100m) to enjoy the incredible view at the top of this 12km long rocky bar, which appeared during the secondary era.
I thank my friend Magali and her aunt for accompanying me on this pilgrimage. It’ll remain an unforgettable memory.
No article next week, I planned lots of visits in Paris to satisfy your curiosity and mine.
Have a brilliant week!
Love & Joy,
L.
As I mentioned in my last article Happy New Year 2022, I’m back in Paris for several weeks, which will give me the opportunity to show you even more of this magnificent capital, and this time in winter.
So, get your coat and your boots, and follow me!
So, get your coat and your boots, and follow me!
Obviously the first place I went to, my favourite park in the capital: the Luxembourg Gardens.
The seagulls have invaded the flowerbeds (without flowers) and it’s very surprising and exotic to hear them in the middle of the city.
The bare trees make the atmosphere very mysterious and bring out the many statues in the park even more, which almost seem to be alive!
But the Tuileries gardens near the Louvre Museum are also very pleasant.
What I love about this time of year is that it’s even more peaceful and the perfect place to sunbathe when the sun is out.
The French capital has no less than 200 religious buildings, so visiting them can be a wonderful way to walk around the city.
And I’ve just discovered the Saint-Augustin Church this week that I didn’t know.
In a very different, but equally solemn style, the Parisian cemeteries have many famous people buried and searching for their graves is fascinating.
So, I added that to my list, and I’ve already visited part of the Montparnasse cemetery.
I haven't had time to go to the museum or see an exhibition yet, I've given priority to reunions with friends and good meals!
However, you can imagine that I already have several visits in mind…
Check out my previous posts:
No article next week, lots of plans but follow me on Instagram to find out what I'm doing during my stay.
Next Article: January 29, 2022
Have a great week everyone!
Love & Joy,
L.
I hope you had a good holiday season, despite the pandemic situation, some of you told me that you had to change your plan or even worse to be isolated.
For my part, I was in bed on December 24 and part of the 25th, following the 3rd dose of the vaccine. However, I made up for it afterwards and made the most of my family and friends.
In my last article of the year Merry Christmas, I mentioned my childhood dreams, including the fact that in 2022 I wanted to restart ballroom dancing.
So, for this first post of the year, I've decided to tell you more about my intentions and wishes, and maybe you'll feel inspired!
For those unfamiliar with vision boards, this is a blank canvas or large piece of paper on which you add pictures of things you’d like to have or accomplish.
In short, you put your dreams and aspirations on it. And you look at it every day. For my part and since I travel a lot, I have a digital version on my tablet.
It has been shown that this exercise not only allows us to manifest our desires but above all to do it more quickly.
This is called the "Law of Attraction".
For those who are sceptical or are not interested in the laws of the universe, this visualisation tool is nonetheless effective, you can imagine that seeing every day, several hours a day the photo of a dog makes you want to have one!
And precisely, while I’ve just updated my vision board, next to a professional dancer, I added a photo of a beach because for those who follow me for a long time, you know how much I love the sea.
No wonder then that in 2022, I want to return to new shores, exotic if possible ...
While waiting to be there, here’s a photo I took last week, in my native region, at the beautiful Lac du Bourget.
I'm getting closer to my goal ...
Photo Credit: Aix-les-Bains - Dec 2021 I Laëtitia Nguyen
My friend Mari Curteanu, Wellbeing Coach and Founder of Bodysome, in one of her precious Instagram posts, made us wonder what we wanted to keep from 2021.
I loved taking a moment to think about it, because too often we follow habits without really congratulating ourselves or questioning their interest.
What I’ll pursue in 2022:
- Meditation - my article Meditation told you everything I love about it
- Gratitude - There is no shortage of articles and videos! Find the list & access at the end of this article
- Taking care of myself and my environment - reread Detox your Life, Beauty Routine and also Healthy Routine
- Writing of course - my blog, my books and more ...
- Above all, I'll continue to believe in magic and in unicorns!! Check again Unicorns
My other friend Fadela Hilali, Life Coach - whom I already told you about in my article Christmas Gifts - recommends focusing on the emotions you want to feel in 2022, rather than talking about resolutions.
A fantastic advice that I've immediately adopted!
And this gives, among other things:
- Success and excitement in all my endeavours - and I tell you all about it in this blog
- Feeling on top of the world in all categories of my life - my article Proud to be a Solo Bride is a perfect example.
- Do the right things to go to Mars one day - reread In the Air 2
- Be serene and in harmony - like when I lived in Greece My Christmas in Crete
- Feeling fulfiled every day – video Let’s Grow Together
I find it to be a great exercise and instead of focusing on the outside elements that very often don't depend on us, we set an inner goal.
"A flower blossoms for its own joy." - Oscar Wilde
Photo Credit: Paris - Sept 2021 I Laëtitia Nguyen
So here is my recipe for 2022’s intentions, a good quantity of gratitude and perseverance, added to positive and well-balanced emotions, all sprinkled with visualisation!
And voila! A first manifestation that arrives very quickly, whereas I wished many people to travel in 2022, well last-minute trip, I’ll be in Paris tomorrow to take care of my godchildren 😊
In the meantime, check my previous articles & videos:
Once again, I wish you all a very happy new year 2022! May it be rich in love, health, adventure and miracles!
Love & Joy,
L.
(A special message from Dr. Dravon James at the end)
And here is yet another Christmas for creating new memories and magical moments.
On that side, you know I'm the Queen, especially with my Solo Wedding in Santorini!
Because as far back as I can remember, I've always been able to enchant my world, and I'm not just talking about Christmas Gifts, which I talked about extensively last week.
The magic of Christmas is believing in an old man who crosses the planet overnight, with flying reindeers, to distribute happiness to children.
And here is yet another Christmas for creating new memories and magical moments.
On that side, you know I'm the Queen, especially with my Solo Wedding in Santorini!
Because as far back as I can remember, I've always been able to enchant my world, and I'm not just talking about Christmas Gifts, which I talked about extensively last week.
The magic of Christmas is believing in an old man who crosses the planet overnight, with flying reindeers, to distribute happiness to children.
This magical atmosphere reveals the best of us and makes us dream of the impossible!
The story of my life… Which made me thought about my childhood wishes, let’s see if any of them had come true:
Astronaut
I must have been 5 or 6 years old so, I used to go the planetarium every week to take astronomy lessons, I was so fascinated by the stars and space and I definitely left my head up there!!
But I told you about it in my article In the Air 2 and my wish to go to the planet Mars.
And my guests have already received their invitation for my birthday on Mars in 2070 😉
Dancer
As soon as I could walk, I started waddling, as can be seen from the photos below, when I was 14 months old and dancing with my teddy bear!
Although, I only took dance lessons when I was 30, this passion never really left me and grew within me, eventually leading me to compete in ballroom dancing for 2 years.
I haven't danced with a partner for 4 years, but I continue to train in my bedroom and I hope 2022 will bring me back to the dance floor ...
As soon as I could walk, I started waddling, as can be seen from the photos below, when I was 14 months old and dancing with my teddy bear!
Although, I only took dance lessons when I was 30, this passion never really left me and grew within me, eventually leading me to compete in ballroom dancing for 2 years.
I haven't danced with a partner for 4 years, but I continue to train in my bedroom and I hope 2022 will bring me back to the dance floor ...
Beautiful and famous
Nothing very original, and yet it took me a lot of effort and time to have the confidence that I have today, to accept myself with all my flaws. Check my video below “Let’s grow together” to know more.
Above all I discovered self-love with my Solo Wedding in Santorini.
As for fame, enough has been said about me in the Media to satisfy me.
And of course, the best for last:
Writer
I've been writing with passion since I was 8 years old, and there isn't a day that I don't have some text running through my head. I think about it when I wake up, in the shower, when I do my gym, when I eat, I sleep… well, all the time.
And since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, it has become my main activity with this blog and with my book, and those to come ...
Writer
I've been writing with passion since I was 8 years old, and there isn't a day that I don't have some text running through my head. I think about it when I wake up, in the shower, when I do my gym, when I eat, I sleep… well, all the time.
And since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, it has become my main activity with this blog and with my book, and those to come ...
Reread my previous Christmas articles:
- My letter to Santa
- Christmas around the world: Dubai - Brisbane - New York - Paris - Crete
- Merry Christmas 2018
- Merry Christmas 2019
- Merry Christmas 2020
- Christmas Gifts
Dreams that continue, that evolve, and always this craziness that pushes me to want the moon and the stars around ...
No wonder my creativity is increased tenfold at this time of year!
My Christmas videos:
No wonder my creativity is increased tenfold at this time of year!
My Christmas videos:
| | |
| | |
Thank you all for your fabulous photos!
I enjoy so much receiving your pics every year...
Courtesy of Dr. Dravon James
And I've even received a photo and a special message to share with you, from Dr. Dravon James, Author and Founder of Every Day Peace, whom I told you about in my last article Christmas Gifts.
Thank you very much Dr. Dravon James!
Thank you very much Dr. Dravon James!
Let's continue to believe in Christmas magic to end this year with stars in our eyes, and allow us to dream big in 2022.
We just have to wait for Santa now and see what he brings us this year ...
No article next week, I’ll enjoy the holidays, and meditate to have a fabulous energy to start the New Year…
Next article: January 8, 2022!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Love & Joy,
L.
You know how much I adore this time of year, there is no lack of articles on this topic and I have to admit that I’ve been lucky enough to satisfy my curiosity on numerous occasions:
- I love December - London
- Christmas in Paris
- Christmas in NYC
- Christmas in Brisbane
- Christmas in Dubai
- My Christmas in Crete
- Merry Christmas: 2018 - 2019 - 2020
Not to mention everything I post on my social media:
And precisely at this time when the pleasure of giving and helping others is increased tenfold, let's talk about Christmas gifts ...
“Give to receive. " L.
I'm sure some of you still have some last-minute gifts to buy, so I thought sharing my experience was welcome.
Certainly, I’ve already talked about it in:
- My letter to Santa (with a video from Santa answering me)
- I love December
- Merry Christmas 2019
Although I love luxurious and extraordinary gifts, sometimes even imaginary ones, I have the right to dream!!
This time around, I'm showing you how to create Christmas magic!
“Give meaning to your gifts. " L.
This year, I chose to create the gifts myself, I can't say more here but I'm sure there are plenty of things you can do yourself: personalised calendars with photos, knitting a scarf, painting, cooking chocolate truffles ...
Or quite simply, have a photo printed on a t-shirt, a mug, a teddy bear, there are plenty of easy-to-use websites to help you achieve them, and the ideas are endless!
And if you find that it takes too long or is still too complicated, my solution:
PERSONAL VOUCHERS
Last year I gave my family and friends special vouchers like cooking a dish of their choice, babysitting, catsitting, organising a birthday party, a hug ...
All those things that people often are too shy to ask.
In short, I offered my talents and services to those around me to help them during the year.
For example, my brother-in-law claimed chocolate mousse which I do very well, and my sister opted for me to decorate their Christmas tree this year (shopping included).
All those things that people often are too shy to ask.
In short, I offered my talents and services to those around me to help them during the year.
For example, my brother-in-law claimed chocolate mousse which I do very well, and my sister opted for me to decorate their Christmas tree this year (shopping included).
HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES, FREELANCES,
BUY BOOKS...
But you can also help your entrepreneur friends by buying your gifts from their businesses, or maybe some are gym teachers or coaches, offer sessions to your family & friends.
Maybe they even wrote a book, and precisely speaking of that, here are 3 books that I highly recommend (only available in English for now):
Stuffed by Fadela Hilali
Fadela is an incredible woman, life coach, who chose to write a book to tell about a special experience in her life: her emotional connection with food and how she overcame it.
Just like me with my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”, she knows that sharing this intimate moment can help so many people.
This book is truly inspirational, offer it to someone, or better yet to yourself!
Find her on her website: fadelahilali.com and on Instagram: @fadelahilali
Fadela is an incredible woman, life coach, who chose to write a book to tell about a special experience in her life: her emotional connection with food and how she overcame it.
Just like me with my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”, she knows that sharing this intimate moment can help so many people.
This book is truly inspirational, offer it to someone, or better yet to yourself!
Find her on her website: fadelahilali.com and on Instagram: @fadelahilali
Transformed by Remi Adeleke
Remi Adeleke is a character all by himself, a former Navy Seal, who has become a writer, actor and movie director!
I discovered this book by chance and I loved it.
This is a wonderful life lesson, which shows that determination, discipline and self-confidence make you overcome adversity and realise your wildest dreams.
Not to mention the energy of Remi that shines through his writing and brings you a lot of serenity and courage.
And if you want an even more special gift, contact him on Instagram / Twitter (@remiadeleke) to request a signed book!
Freedom is your birthright by Dr. Dravon James
Okay I'll be honest here, I haven't read this book yet, I asked Santa for it, but what I can tell you is that I love Dr. Dravon James, and more specifically her Everyday Peace podcast, weekly on Unity Online Radio in the United States.
Here again, her journey is incredible, pharmacist, she became an actress and now she’s a life coach. How not to be inspired?
And by the way, she invited me to participate in her podcast, so stay tuned to find out more!
Visit her website: drdravonjames.com
 |  |
- For those who use Amazon, I recommend using smile.amazon.com
- And I invite you to enter the Beautiful Fighter contest on Instagram (@facethefight) to win special gifts!
Be sure to watch my video at the end of this article which sums up everything I just told you but on top of that, my gorgeous smile and Christmas energy!
Don't forget to send me your Christmas decoration photos, they’ll be published in the next article.
Let's create some magic this week!
Love & Joy,
L.
“Art is my Lifestyle and Vice Versa!” L.
You know how important Art is in my life, how much it inspires and nourishes me, just as I love endlessly creating and revisiting my way of life over and over again.
While we’ve already reviewed the travel category in my previous article Travel Memories, this week I’m choosing to check the other articles: Art & Lifestyle.
I certainly spoiled you in 2021 with lavish exhibitions, amazing museums and majestic churches:
I haven't failed to share my life with you this year, and all the amazing things I do and care about:
Your favourite article this year was: Happy Pride!
In fact, one of the photos in this article is actually in your Top 3 on my Instagram.
Not to mention the most important event of the year for me: the Renewal of my Wedding Vows!
In fact, many of you watched the video, I put it back at the end of the article.
Without a doubt, 2021 has been a year rich in discoveries and surprises of all kinds. So grateful for all these adventures and the people who came with them.
Don't forget to send me your Christmas tree photos to be published in 2 weeks!!
Have a brilliant week everyone!
Love & Joy,
L.
I hope you enjoyed my last article Travel Memories to get some air and dream of far-off horizons.
This week, I look back on a special December in my life, while I was writing my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini"!
I am therefore taking you to Crete, which I’ve talked about a lot previously - reread the Crete Series - to share with you an intimate and personal moment of my life.
And if you were already following me on my social media back then, this article will bring back some memories.
This week, I look back on a special December in my life, while I was writing my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini"!
I am therefore taking you to Crete, which I’ve talked about a lot previously - reread the Crete Series - to share with you an intimate and personal moment of my life.
And if you were already following me on my social media back then, this article will bring back some memories.
I arrived in October 2018, when my story was going viral in the international press & on the internet, and when I was invited on TV - check out Media.
I had already spent several months on this island at the beginning of summer, and I thought it was the perfect place to write my book, in the solitude and quiet of winter, when most of the businesses and hotels were closed.
A friend of mine introduced me to the owner of the building where he lived. A flat was available for the winter season, that was ideal!
So, for 7 months, I lived in a very small flat in Kokkini Hani, not far from the capital Heraklion:
The furniture was traditional but charming and functional.
Simple fixtures, just a stovetop, mini fridge, no oven or microwave, no TV, little shower pressure, and random and temperamental hot water / internet / electricity.
Despite that, it was my home, and after spending over a year in hotel rooms or on a sofa (reread Spring in Madrid), I was happy to be able to unpack my bags for a while. Even more so to fulfil one of my dreams and do what I love most in the world: writing.
Obviously, as a talented interior designer (yes, another of my gifts), I bought some linen, decoration, rearranged the space to feel in perfect harmony, my little haven of peace ...
So, this environment was perfect for my artistic creativity, I wrote my book in 6 months, continued to feed my blog every week.
When the internet was unavailable, I was going to a café 5 minutes walk from my house, some of my favourite posts were created there:
I also grew my Instagram presence around this time and started thinking about what videos I could create.
Above all, I did a lot of artistic photos which I share with you from time to time, on my social media & on the blog, as in the article: The 4 Elements.
What I liked in December was being able to admire from my window, the snow on the peaks (the island is mountainous) and the New Year's fireworks!
It rained a lot that winter, more than usual apparently, I kept telling myself that this was the perfect time to stay home and write ...
Well, I only had the heater for a few hours a day, so I wrote a lot under my duvet, fortunately I had bought a heated mattress topper, a blessing!
I spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve on my own by choice, I wanted the experience of loneliness to the end, and I loved it!
It is only when you come face to face with yourself that you realise how great company you can be ...
No Christmas tree but a little bit of decoration though, no crèche this time but I had a sheep 😊
My family and friends had sent me lots of gifts, including a unicorn (reread my article Unicorns to find out my passion for this animal).
I prepared a feast with lots of local and French specialties.
And even too good since I lost a tooth, which led me to find an emergency dentist on December 26th. What can you do? I like challenges!
My café/bar had also transformed for the occasion, and I even took a short trip to Heraklion to really get in the mood.
Christmas 2018 is really an excellent memory 😊
You’ll find even more details about what I just said in my second book now in writing.
The first book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini" is still pending publication, but I have a feeling that 2022 will be its year 😉!
Read excerpts from my book: HERE
Reread my previous Christmas articles:
Start sending me your Christmas decoration photos, like every year, I’ll publish them in my article on December 25!!
Have a brilliant week!
Love & Joy,
L.
After taking you on a trip to Australia with my last article Hill Inlet, I'm going to keep this category this week, as it's time to start taking stock of the past year ...
Although I didn’t take a plane in 2021, thanks to my incredible archives, I was able to show you 17 of my adventures including one about my Solo Wedding in Santorini:
Click on it to access:
Thank you for your comments on the blog & social media 😊
Here are the top 3 of your favourite photos on Instagram in 2021:
And I take the train tomorrow for the south of France with some new adventures to tell you soon ...
Have a fantastic week!
Love & Joy,
L.
Hill Inlet (Australia) - Oct 2013 I Laëtitia Nguyen
As the cold takes hold in Europe and winter is just around the corner - I can already see snow from my window in the Alps – I’ve chosen to warm up with a destination that is simply my favourite place in the world.
Having lived almost a decade in Australia has given me the chance to visit amazing places and for me who loves the beach, the sea, and the sun, it has been a real blessing.
No surprise that I stayed in Greece after my Solo Wedding in Santorini…
But without further ado, let's take a look at the map to see where exactly Hill Inlet is located:
This inlet is located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach - one of Australia's most famous beaches - on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays.
This archipelago - mostly uninhabited - lies in the Coral Sea, between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
Obviously, to get there, the boat is essential, whether it’s a big yacht, a sailboat or a small motorboat, the important thing is to arrive at the destination.
I’ve had the chance to go there a few times and each time it has been an extraordinary adventure both from a human point of view and by the beauty of nature ...
(FYI all photos are mine, without filter or retouching)
Covering an area of nearly 109 km2, the island enjoys a tropical climate.
It was populated by the Ngaro aborigines for 8,000 years before being expelled under British colonisation.
The name Whitsunday was chosen by James Cook when he discovered the island in 1770.
To access the best viewpoint of the island, you’re going through the forest, a nice walk that allows you to learn more about the many wild species of the island: birds, plants, varans, rays and reef sharks.
I never tire of this extraordinary view with multiple shades of blue and crystal clear waters.
Beauty in its purest and natural state, no filter or retouching, here any photo is a postcard...
And even going back to sea level, one continues to be amazed and enveloped by this wild nature, so vibrant and yet peaceful.
Thank you to keep preserving this amazing place!
And of course, you noticed this magnificent white sand, as far as the eye can see ...
So thin, it sings when one stepped on.
You can leave me here anytime; this is my heaven on earth!
My Previous Articles:
- Travel Lover
- Superwomen 5
- Christmas in Brisbane
- Moreton Island
- Palm Cove
- North Stradbroke Island
- Sunset
- My Favourite Animals
- Australia
- In the Air 3
Have an amazing week!
Love & Joy,
L.
After showing you 2 Art exhibitions I love, “Florae” and “Water Lilies by Monet”, this week I talk again about my Solo Wedding in Santorini, to tell something very intimate that everyone experiences at least once in their life: shame and blame.
Three years already that my incredible story was revealed in the international press, still so much to say, to share with you.
An adventure that never ceases to take me on unknown and exhilarating paths ...
And recently, I was interviewed again, but this time by a bestselling American author who is currently writing a book, and the discussion we've had inspired me the text below, which I’ve chosen to share with you:
"When my fiancé left me, I was ashamed, embarrassed, I know I shouldn’t have been, but I was.
But that’s ok, even if we shouldn’t be ashamed, feelings are what they are, and our strength is to transform them.
Tv host, Eleonora Meleti asked me, during the late night show in Athens, if I had blamed myself, of course I did, but it didn’t last, I was strong enough, confident enough to know that I didn’t do anything wrong. It helped me.
But the shame stayed for a while though.
I didn’t talk too much to people before my solo wedding, that’s why my guest list was small. I never mentioned solo wedding or self-marriage in my vows, I said "rebirth", in fact the entire event was called like that.
The following year, I couldn’t talk easily - as I do today - about my ceremony and everything that happened. The pain from the heartbreak, but not only, again, the shame.
And I had a double challenge, first saying that I married myself, which seemed very weird for people who had no idea of what it was, plus explaining the breakup.
That was so embarrassing.
I’m not easily afraid of being judged, and I can say that this experience even made disappear what could have left of fear. “Live your life unapologetically” was my new rule.
It’s important for me to talk about it because I realise so many people are experiencing shame under different circumstances, and that’s not easy to get rid of.
I know I’m strong and courageous, I look like I can do anything, but believe me it doesn’t happen without challenges, hard decisions, patience and sometimes shame and blame.
I’m human, I have feelings and what I learned since my solo wedding in Santorini, is to accept all my emotions. Nothing to be ashamed of. I am who I am.
When I started the blog and the linked social media, it was so hard to share my photos. During the TV interview (mentioned before), during an hour I fought back my emotional state and my tears.
I was proud of what I did for myself, it really empowered me in many ways, but this is really when I saw the response and the impact, inspiration that I was giving to people, that I realised I should be very proud.
The shame vanished and my purpose, my mission began.
During the interview, I said one must continue to smile despite the pain, the sorrow, because life is a precious gift. Today, I’d like to add, despite the shame, keep shining!
There’s no better way to overcome it that to accept it, embrace it and release it.
Shame and blame can’t live in a healthy, loving, proud environment...
And today, I’m a Proud Solo Bride!" Laëtitia Nguyen
Read:
Access to:
- My previous wedding articles: LINK
- My book (not yet published): My Solo Wedding in Santorini or How it Saved My Life
- Media: LINK
Have a fantastic week!
Next article: November 13, 2021
Love & Joy,
L.
Author
Confucius said nature makes men identical, life makes them different.
I think that everything happens for a reason and every moment helps to build our personality. I don't like rules, I follow mine. It is time for me to share my unconventional life and my unusual experience...
Categories
All
Art
Beauty
Lifestyle
Solo Wedding
Superwomen
Travel
Archives
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
RSS Feed