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What a year!! I know I keep telling you every year that I'm making my dreams come true and I'm so proud and amazed by everything that happens to me. You know me well enough now to know that this is my way of life! And no sooner have I accomplished a dream, a project, than I already invent new ones and set off on an adventure. 2022 has been special on so many levels and I thank you again for your support, love and loyalty, being able to share all these achievements with you is my greatest achievement! Although I’ve published little on the blog this year, we’re still talking about 28 articles (complete list and access at the end of this article). On Instagram: 118 posts and reels, 2158 stories! I made you travel again, discover many exhibitions, share my experiences. More and more people following me from all over the world: Greece, the US, the UK, France, Australia, India, Nigeria… My book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini: or How I Saved My Life" has won your favour on my social media and in the top 10 of your favourite posts, there are 4 about it! However, the others that made you dream concern Santorini, Heron Island in Australia, the musical Frozen in London and the exhibition Thierry Mugler, as well as Yves Saint Laurent exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Read again: Obviously, the self-publishing of my book in English in July 2022 and in French in November 2022, is my greatest pride! With 2 particularly interesting interviews with The Spinster Life Podcast: Reread my article: 5th Wedding Anniversary But also, my first public signing session: LINK. In addition, this week I received messages telling me that Santa had placed several of my books under the tree. I’m so happy. But I also helped him since I donated one of my books in French to a free street library in France. I thought this would be a nice Christmas present for someone who needed to hear my message, because I believe in the Laws of the Universe, and that everyone gets the answer they need at the exact moment they need it. I went back a week later, and my book was gone! This makes me so happy ,and I’m confident that this action produced a ripple effect... My greatest joy in 2022 was to have been chosen to be in the video presentation of the Global Joy Summit in which the Dalai Lama is an integral part. Being able to actively contribute to sharing the values and teaching of His Holiness is an immense privilege, and I hope to do even more in 2023!  No article next week, I'm already working on many projects, and then everyone will be busy getting back to normal. Happy New Year 2023! Keep shining and being inspired! Love & Joy, L. Articles 2022:
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You know how much I love this time of year! And of course, you wonder what I do for the holidays. My life is always very original, I rarely do things like everyone else, and I'm certainly not going to break that rule again. And for some reason beyond my control, I'm going to celebrate Christmas a total of 5 times. And yes, when your family can't be there at the same time, we have even more fun!!  It’s true that I often travel in December, as my previous articles attest: And although initially I wanted to travel, this year has been particularly busy for me – especially with the release of my book in 2 different languages "My Solo Wedding in Santorini" - so I wanted to rest with the irresistible desire to watch TV all day under the duvet, eating chocolate! (Reread my article Chocolate, Sweetheart) To tell the truth, it lasted less than half a day, since this is in these moments of pause that creativity calls me, and in this case, I’m talking about my 2nd book in progress. In any case, it’s important to rest, to take care of yourself despite all the people you’re going to see in a very short time. And the universe takes good care of me since the circumstances mean that I’ll be alone on Christmas Eve, I’m going to wait for Santa in my pyjamas, pure happiness! Last year, I was sick and lying in the guest room because of the 3rd dose of vaccine. Fortunately, the years follow each other and are not alike...  This year I also realised a lifelong dream, having a tree in my bedroom! To tell the truth, I haven't had a tree since 2016, traveling a lot, and although I lived almost a year in Crete, I hadn't bothered to have one even if that had crossed my mind. As I spend my days working in my bedroom, it creates a very festive atmosphere. And I can hug a tree when I get up in the morning, I love it! Read my previous articles:
No matter where you are and what you are celebrating, I'm thinking of you! Have fabulous Holidays!! Love & Joy, L. For those who have been following me for a long time, you know that when I created this blog, talking about my dreams was one of the priorities (see page About Me), and I remain very attached to showing you that it’s never too late to achieve them. And precisely this year 2022 have seen the birth of incredible achievements including my book "My Solo Wedding in Santorini"! A few days ago, my horoscope said that someone from the past would come back into my life this week… I wasn’t expecting it to be my best girl friend from junior high school!! She said, “It reminds me of so many memories from school together. I’m so happy for you, you did it, you wrote THE book!” I had forgotten how publishing a book was a dream for me for a very long time… I’ve been writing since I was 8 years old, but thought it was a hobby, it took me 30 years to understand that it was my true nature, my divine essence. I had to lose everything (my job, my home, my fiancé) to put me back on the right path, but it was so worth it!  And soon my book will be available in French! Another accomplishment that I am very excited about. Knowing that I self-publish and must manage all aspects of publishing including editing/proofreading but also artistic direction (cover, layout, marketing…), I can be proud. Less than a year ago, I didn't know any of this. It took me a lot of determination and discipline, but they are nothing without the right motivation. Mine: to give hope and courage to people so that they discover self-love and become free to finally be themselves! But obviously all the support I receive is a huge strength and just this week, one of my favourite authors quoted in chapter 22 of my book, Steven Pressfield, sent me words of encouragement that really touched me. I never thought I’d meet so many exceptional people during this journey, every day a new miracle happens, I am extremely grateful.  My life is a constant series of dreams and I promise to keep following this way! Exactly! Speaking of which, last month while I was in London, I had the opportunity to realise a dream that I had been waiting for 3 years!! Yes, at the end of 2019, I left the London capital after having lived there for several months (check my articles), promising myself to come back to see a certain musical… Some probably have guessed, I talked about it many times on this blog… Frozen!! And I was certainly not disappointed, the most incredible show I have attended, and it even dethroned number 1 on my Top 10: Singing in the rain. Remember that I’ve seen a hundred shows in my life, so I highly recommend this little tour to Arendelle (the village where Queen Elsa lives). I had goosebumps for 2 hours, the sets and costumes are breathtaking, the actors / singers / dancers are amazing, and the special effects add even more magic. No doubt I will go again! And the trailer at the end of this article. My previous articles:
Never give up on your dreams, that’s how we change the world. Have a magical week everyone! Love & Joy, L. I'm back! It's been a month since I posted on the blog, I admit that it wasn’t planned but life is full of unexpected events and surprises, and if there’s something I know, it’s accepting everything that happens with adaptability and positivity. First, I went to London for a week, and no I wasn’t there for the Queen's funeral, I left just before, but I had a great time seeing my friends and meeting new ones, but also to sign my book “My Solo Wedding in Santorini”, no doubt that I really feel like an author now. Of course, I’ll tell you all about it in future articles, especially since I discovered some very interesting new places! Then my return to France was eventful, my parents and I moved to a new city, which comes with its share of challenges – you know that I don’t use the word “problem” anymore (read Kind Words and Be Positive) - like, for example, not having internet, which makes it very difficult for me to publish on the blog or on my social media. It was the first time I witnessed a moving in from the balcony, certainly an experience!  And apparently the universe wanted to make sure I took some time off from my digital activities, my mobile phone slowly abandoned me, it had even started in London, hence my silence on Instagram and Facebook – but I promise I will catch up soon. Above all, it allowed me to breathe, enjoy the moment, completely disconnect, something that has never really happened in the last 4 years since the creation of the blog in 2018. It was interesting to no longer think in hashtags and stories, to contemplate life and nature without distraction.  Photo Credit: Mari Curteanu Despite this, not everyone was in detox like me, and it’s of course during that time that you are asked to do interviews, including 2 for Netflix! And yes, we're going to start talking about us more widely, the sologamists/self-married people, which makes me very happy. Self-love is the way to true happiness, a message that I’ve been sharing for 5 years, since My Solo Wedding in Santorini; the more of us talk about it, the more people will be inspired… And I’ll keep you updated about the shows I’ll participate in.  In the meantime, you can read “My Solo Wedding in Santorini” (English version): LINK Have a great week! Love & Joy, L. 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.  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!”
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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!
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:
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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.
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:
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.
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:
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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.
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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 old!
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.
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:
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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 filmmaker!
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
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- 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.
And here we are in October, after the start of the school year, I always find it interesting to take stock of the current year so that I can concentrate and refocus on this last quarter!
I’ve just returned from Paris where I had a wonderful stay again, I can't wait to tell you about my discoveries but in the meantime, here are my tips for happiness to end the year in style, perfectly aligned with your mood, your desires, and your energy.
And to help me for this article, I’ve chosen to use 3 of my videos.
I’ve just returned from Paris where I had a wonderful stay again, I can't wait to tell you about my discoveries but in the meantime, here are my tips for happiness to end the year in style, perfectly aligned with your mood, your desires, and your energy.
And to help me for this article, I’ve chosen to use 3 of my videos.
"Sometimes to act is to do nothing" L.
1 / Everything comes in time
My experience taught me to be patient and not to envy people.
There’s no need to rush anything, appreciate what you have already.
Dreams demand time & resilience, if you really desire them, they’ll come true…
"Don’t be jealous and above all don’t compare yourself to others." L.
2 / The Red Ball
At the end of the year, we want to achieve all the goals we set for ourselves, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves and stress for nothing.
Not to mention the season changed, and our body must readjust as well.
There’s no point in forcing things, on the contrary, take more care of yourself, relax and stay open to opportunities.
Don't miss life because of the Red Ball...
"Each flower blooms in its own way, we are not that different." L.
3 / Let's grow together
I made this video in early 2021 and I'm so excited to continue to share my experiences with you.
Like flowers and nature, keep growing at your own pace and keep blooming!
"Celebrate every victory, big and small!" L.
Let’s keep going with the flow, let’s have an open, positive and compassionate attitude, towards others but especially towards ourselves.
And let's not forget to be grateful, for everything, big and small things, all the people in our lives, big and small victories ...
Enjoy what you have, enjoy the moment.
I am so grateful for all the love and support I had this year, both personally and professionally.
I met incredible new people and had access to amazing opportunities, not to mention some ongoing collaborations that I’ll tell you about very soon.
That’s why there’ll be no article next week, I have a few imperatives with my Solo Wedding in Santorini, regarding some exciting projects to come.
In the meantime, reread my previous articles:
- Happiness
- Thank you
- Kind Words
- Healthy Routine
- Be Positive
- Meditation
- Gratitude
- Happiness activist
- Detox your life
Watch all my videos here: LINK
(also available on YouTube and IGTV)
Discover my new page: My Solo Wedding
The Medici Fountain - Jardin du Luxembourg Paris - Oct 21 I Laëtitia Nguyen
"Reflect… Meditate… Dream..." L.
In this last quarter of the year, let's take some time ...
Don’t focus on what you haven’t accomplished yet, realise everything you’ve already done, including all the unexpected things that turned into amazing opportunities.
Even more than usual, I take care of myself, my body, my mind, I cherish & nourish them beautifully.
Is there something you really want to achieve this year? Yes. So, keep the faith and don't give up.
Celebrate your growth, your resilience, your patience, your self-discipline.
Fill your heart with love, compassion, hope and courage.
You are a wonderful being, capable of the very best.
Have faith, you’re going to finish this year in awe!
Have a great week!
Next article: October 16, 2021
Love & Joy,
L.
Many of you asked me what I did during my last trip in Paris, and although I shared a lot on my social media, I don't blame you for being curious!
So, here it is, I’ve chosen to give you a glimpse and of course many of my visits and experiences will be the topic of specific articles ...
To be honest, I never tire of talking and commenting on this magnificent French capital which amazes me every time.
So, here it is, I’ve chosen to give you a glimpse and of course many of my visits and experiences will be the topic of specific articles ...
To be honest, I never tire of talking and commenting on this magnificent French capital which amazes me every time.
Here’s a summary I made in Paris:
And yes, I wore a Chaumet tiara, well let's be more specific, a metal replica, it’s still magnificent and obviously I couldn’t resist the temptation to try on a few diamonds (Chaumet)… You know how much I love jewellery, reread My Wedding Ring.
For those who are familiar with the place, you recognised La Samaritaine in the background, after 15 years of closure and an incredible renovation, this department store has reopened its doors to the public and I had the immense privilege of discover it in a unique way. Of course, an article will be dedicated to it ...
Museums... Here are the ones I visited this time:
- Carnavalet Museum
- Cognacq-Jay Museum
- National Archives Museum
- MAHJ
- Delacroix Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- Yves St Laurent Museum
- Petit Palais
- Louvre Museum
And also churches...
I also had the opportunity to see 2 magnificent exhibitions organised in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels:
- Jean Vendôme at the Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts (remember my article Bird Paradise)
- Precious stones at the National Museum of Natural History.
In addition, I went to admire the incredible Van Cleef & Arpels Private Collection, Place Vendôme (photos not allowed).
I’d like to warmly thank Van Cleef & Arpels for their hospitality and kindness, and I look forward to seeing you again!
I also let myself go with the wind, walking through the streets and parks of Paris ...
Besides seeing my friends, I made many new ones.
Especially Thibaut, an incredible artist who did my portrait based on the photos of My Solo Wedding in Santorini!
Because Paris is all of that, luxury, art, architecture, history, beauty & new friendships ...
And also, some pleasure! 😊
After my article on art with the Louvre, I wanted to choose another universe that I love, you know how much I love theme parks!
Reread:
Last year, family & fiends took me to Gallic territory to celebrate my birthday and I had a great time despite the cool and capricious weather for a month of July ...
Reread:
Last year, family & fiends took me to Gallic territory to celebrate my birthday and I had a great time despite the cool and capricious weather for a month of July ...
From the height of his 7m (23ft), weighing no less than 4 tons, Asterix observes the arrival of visitors, perched at a height of 30m (98ft)!
It was one of his dads, Albert Uderzo, who had the idea of a theme park in 1981. However, it will take 8 years of reflection, preparation including 2 years of construction, before his dream was born in 1989.
Since 2002, the park belongs to the Compagnie des Alpes, a French company that manages several ski resorts including Méribel, where I grew up, but also other tourist attractions such as Futuroscope, Walibi and the Grévin Museum.
Today, Parc Astérix is in 3rd place (number of visitors) in France, behind Disneyland Paris, the Disney Studios and ahead of Futuroscope.
Rich in sumptuous decor and full of humour, you immediately feel immersed in Gaulish country and in a good mood ...
Obviously, none of this would exist without the boundless imagination of the French comic book creators, René Goscinny, screenwriter and Albert Uderzo, designer.
Friends for many years, they chose to create historical characters, Asterix, Obelix and all the indomitable Gauls were born in 1959.
Gauls who resist the Roman Empire thanks to a magic potion made by their druid Getafix.
Albert Uderzo continues the series alone after the death of his friend in 1977, then since 2013 Jean-Yves Ferri and Didier Conrad are in charge of perpetuating this great adventure.
Albert Uderzo died in 2020 at the age of 92.
And a fabulous story with 38 books, translated into 111 languages and dialects!
And nothing is funnier than looking for all these characters across the park ...
Look, it looks like Queen Laeti is visiting.
Asterix and Cleopatra is one of my favourite books and here it is widely represented with a whole universe dedicated to it:
But my favourite area, Greece of course!
Since my Solo Wedding in Santorini, you know I’m kind of half-Greek now 😊
Of course, what I also like about this park are the rollercoasters!
And knowing that I tested many of them around the world, I can tell you with certainty that this park is full of great surprises.
Oz Iris at 40m (131ft) high and more than 90km/h, the Tonnerre de Zeus, certainly one of the most impressive that I’ve seen because it’s an entirely wooden construction, 84km/h and above all a vertiginous drop of 29m (95ft). And I've heard that the Tonnerre 2 Zeus is currently in progress ...
Goudurix, my favourite, 7 times upside down at 92km/h and up to 36m (118ft) in height, or 12 floors of a building!
But also, the Trace du Hourra, the Cheval de Troie and the last one, Pegase Express, rich in new technology, it combines thrills with great fear… but I won't tell you more…
Be prepared to be thrilled!
But we also have the right to do more relaxing rides ...
And after such a day, the souvenir shop is essential ...
Anyway, wonderful memories and an unforgettable Gallic adventure!
As a reminder, during the summer vacation (July-August), I only publish 2 articles per month.
But find my daily photos of Paris on Instagram ...
Next Article: August 14, 2021!
Love & Joy,
L.
If you follow me on my social media you know I celebrated my birthday with style, and even royally!
This is always a celebration that I particularly honour, and since my Solo Wedding in Santorini I must say that I've certainly followed this rule (re-read Time Travel).
And after Santorini, London and Paris, I was planning to celebrate it in Milan, however with the current situation, I preferred to stay in France and do it with my family in the Alps where I grew up.
However, being born in July, a summer baby, I chose an aquatic atmosphere ...
This is always a celebration that I particularly honour, and since my Solo Wedding in Santorini I must say that I've certainly followed this rule (re-read Time Travel).
And after Santorini, London and Paris, I was planning to celebrate it in Milan, however with the current situation, I preferred to stay in France and do it with my family in the Alps where I grew up.
However, being born in July, a summer baby, I chose an aquatic atmosphere ...
After the cancellation of Milan, the mermaid theme immediately came to my mind, yet I'm not a particular fan, you know I love Unicorns (read my article Unicorns).
And in Disney's Little Mermaid, I much prefer Ursula, the wicked octopus.
I admit I like the vilains a lot: Cruella (101 Dalmatians), Maleficent, the Evil Queen (Snow White).
My shrink would definitely have something to say about it if I had one.
In short, while this decoration is normally easy to find in specialised stores, it turns out that the main suppliers for this theme are American and weren’t able to supply the shops with the Covid ... So, I had to be creative to satisfy my marine desires.
Siren comes from ancient Greek, and in Greek mythology this is a half-woman, half-bird creature (hence my wings at the beginning of the article), while in the Scandinavian culture she’s half fish (as in The Little Mermaid, the tale of Hans Christian Andersen).
While it’s true that on ancient Greek pottery they’re clearly distinguished as birds, in my recollections in Homer's Odyssey they are described as naked women by the water ...
In French, the same word is used “sirène”, while in English, "siren" is used for Greek sirens, and "mermaid" for others.
In both cases, they’re associated with the sea, and the myths, tales and stories about them are still fascinating.
I decided not to discriminate anyone, I’m the Queen of all, sirens & mermaids 😊
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I love organising events and decorating is my thing. So, I was able to please my heart & the result reached my expectations:
- The Beach Candy Bar with seaweed skewers and pearls,
- The Buffet Table Under the Sea,
- The Depths of the Ocean Guest Book corner,
- Without forgetting the relaxation area, A drink with the Jellyfish…
"Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Leonardo DeVinci
For those who know me, well you never get bored with me ...
Then, polaroid photoshoot with accessories, nothing better to relax and have some good laughs.
The guestbook required a little effort from my guests, they had to paint a picture of their choice and add a note.
And the Under the Ocean Game, blindfolded, we had to stick a unicorn in the place chosen by the other participants (back of the turtle, fish, seabed…). Everyone loved it, young and old alike! And my mum won!!
Ocean Water to rehydrate and Seaweed Juice to refresh (love the colourings!).
(Fake) crabs, octopus, stars and real Greek dishes (Greek salad, pita, spanakopita) to remind us of Ulysses and the Odyssey.
Obviously, the cake, well the cakes ...
My pastry chef, my sister!
Mermaid tail, bikini and rubber ring, everything you need for a mermaid at the beach despite a rainy day ...
I had never had a themed birthday party like this before, there is no age for having fun ...
Thank you to my family and friends for a wonderful birthday party, yet another unforgettable year, looking forward to what next year has in store for me!!
My previous articles:
And I’d like to end this article with the caption I posted on my social media on my birthday:
Happy Birthday to me!!
Still young & more fabulous than ever!
Today I celebrate myself and all the incredible people in my life. I wouldn’t be who & what I am today without them.
I don’t believe in aging, I believe in the power of the mind, peace, harmony and an environment that reflects who I want to become.
My life is certainly unconventional and I’m proud of it.
Since my rebirth, my Solo Wedding in Santorini four years ago, I’ve realised more dreams than I could have ever imagined: retreat in Vietnam, created a blog, wrote a book in Crete, been on TV, 3 cover magazines, Christmas in NYC, eye laser surgery in Canada, frozen my eggs in Madrid, been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, lived in 3 new countries…
And I grew so much along this incredible journey, without talking of all the amazing people who impacted my life & are still by my side today.
I’m so grateful…
And so happy to be me! With my flaws & my qualities, all these imperfections that make me human & my colourful personality that makes me unique (mermaid?).
But I have to admit that my biggest strength is that I turn everything into a big celebration! My first name Laëtitia comes from Latin and it means JOY. It makes perfect sense.
No matter how life challenges me (a fiancé who left me before our wedding for example!), I always fight to keep my peace & my positive attitude because after all, life is very precious gift & we must honour it.
Keep smiling, life is wonderful, you are wonderful!
For my birthday, let’s celebrate humanity & mermaids!
Love & Joy,
Laëtitia Nguyen
Have a fantastic week!
Love & Joy,
L.
PS: Luca is a wonderful movie ;)
Today, there’s the LGBTQIA+ pride in Paris, as a fervent ally of this community I wanted to honour them this week!
Long called gay pride, today we only say pride, to bring together everyone and no longer just homosexuals.
And for those unfamiliar with the term LGBTQIA+, it means: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more, as the acronym can have even more categories, in its full form:
LBTQQIAAP
One of the A's stands for Ally, like me, for all those who support equal rights.
But if you only remember the first one, that's great!
(The photos in this article were taken in Paris in June 2019)
Long called gay pride, today we only say pride, to bring together everyone and no longer just homosexuals.
And for those unfamiliar with the term LGBTQIA+, it means: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more, as the acronym can have even more categories, in its full form:
LBTQQIAAP
One of the A's stands for Ally, like me, for all those who support equal rights.
But if you only remember the first one, that's great!
(The photos in this article were taken in Paris in June 2019)
While many cities around the world have already celebrated it, more will take place in the summer, an event always eagerly awaited and even more so this year as many were cancelled last year.
The first march took place in June 1970 in the United States, to commemorate the Stonewall riots in New York.
Indeed, on June 28, 1969, a police raid took place at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village (NYC). A bar frequented by gay and transgender people. Recall that at that time in New York, it was forbidden to serve alcohol to homosexuals, as well as to cross-dress.
Only this time, the police face a rebellion. Five days of riots followed. 2,000 participants and 400 policemen were reported during the first night.
This event undoubtedly gave birth to the LGBT movement in the United States and around the world.
This is why June is considered Pride Month in many countries, and every year since 1970 more and more cities around the world have joined the movement.
You probably noticed this month, small multicoloured flags on the internet, social media, some store windows ...
This is the flag of the LGBTQIA + community.
It was created by an American, Gilbert Baker in 1978. The first 2 flags were hand-stitched & dyed by the artist and used in the march of San Francisco on June 25, 1978.
Each colour represents a particular word:
Red LIFE
Orange HEALING
Yellow SUNLIGHT
Green NATURE
Blue HARMONY
Violet SPIRIT
Originally the flag had 8 stripes, the pink (sex) and turquoise (magic) have been removed to facilitate mass-production.
However, the colour brown (inclusivity) and black (diversity) were added in 2017 for more inclusion towards people of colour.
The video below tells the story of this flag very well:
In my article Superwomen 3, I talked extensively about same-sex marriage around the world, as well as the right to parenthood, and all the inequalities that still exist.
I recalled in my article Superwomen 5 that lesbians in France are not allowed to freeze their eggs or to have IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk about donating blood, because in most countries in the world, homosexuals and bisexuals are not allowed to donate blood or under certain conditions such as several months of abstinence before blood donation. (Australia, United States, France…).
The UK made a change to their law about ten days ago, allowing people in a monogamous relationship for more than 3 months to donate blood without restriction.
France is expected to allow anyone over the age of 18 to be an unrestricted donor next year.
Still too many laws are unequal and inadequate today, it is up to everyone to support equal rights for all.
Today is also the birthday of my godchildren, Hannah and Noam, the twins of 2 amazing dads!
I witnessed the difficult journey for them to become a family, the laws, the disappointments, the failures and finally these 2 miracles.
Love has no gender, colour, religion, border. Love is Love.
So today, I'm not just celebrating their birth, but also determination, courage and love ...
I am proud of you, I love you!!
Reread my articles from the Superwomen Series here: LINK.
But also, all the articles of My Solo Wedding in Santorini: LINK.
No article next week, it's my birthday on the 1st of July!! I'm going to celebrate for a few days...
Next Post: Saturday July 10
Happy Pride!!
Love & Joy,
L.
Since last week I spoke again about my egg freezing in Madrid, I thought an update on this very personal topic was a good idea.
As a reminder, I received this Gift from Science one year after my Solo Wedding in Santorini.
And for this article, I’ve chosen to use my photos of clouds, all the photos are mine, like for my article Meditation.
The sky is a great source of artistic inspiration and to me it represents hope.
Hope I wish to radiate and spread in this patriarchal world ...
As a reminder, I received this Gift from Science one year after my Solo Wedding in Santorini.
And for this article, I’ve chosen to use my photos of clouds, all the photos are mine, like for my article Meditation.
The sky is a great source of artistic inspiration and to me it represents hope.
Hope I wish to radiate and spread in this patriarchal world ...
First of all, I’d like to point out that in June 2021, France is still one of the 3 countries in Europe (Austria and Malta) that don’t allow egg freezing for singles and lesbians!
In 2019, a law was passed to allow all women to use this procedure, unfortunately this law was rejected by the Senate recently, and right now we have absolutely no idea when it’ll be possible one day ...
As we celebrate Pride Month for the LGBTQ + community of which I’m an unconditional ally, it seemed important to me to recall this system anomaly.
At the present time it seems unthinkable that single women and lesbian women can’t freeze their oocytes and use IVF!
However, women who rebel, like Teresa Xu, a 31-year-old single woman who went to Chinese court in 2019 - another country that bans freezing for single women - to demand equal rights.
Unfortunately, again, no hope was obtained. An injustice even more outrageous since Chinese men can freeze their sperm, which is not the case in France, no gender discrimination on that side (good or bad, the debate is open!).
After 40 years of IVF (in-vitro fertilization) and 30 years of freezing technique, we’re moving too slowly.
And more and more women who travel to foreign countries (myself included) to have this type of procedure, which is sadly reminiscent of the case of abortion.
Not to mention that the cost of treatment and travel is not accessible to everyone.
Incredible women who never stop fighting for our happiness, Australian Dr. Debra Gook opened the world's first egg bank in 1994 at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne (Australia). After 5 years of intense research, she’s the one who discovered the technique of freezing oocytes.
Despite this great advance, the medical world was reluctant, yet the practice of freezing sperm dates from the 1970s ...
Then another woman, Dr. Eleonora Porcu, Italian, decided to follow in her footsteps, followed by Dr. Nicole Noyes in the United States.
Thank you to all these women, and the men who support them, who support us, for making a difference and offering future generations the freedom to choose!
Reread my previous articles:
And I’d like to highlight my Superwomen series:
Keep your head in the clouds, the only place you see the sun, stars, and rainbows!
Love & Joy,
L.
While I’ve just renewed my vows and celebrated the 4th Anniversary of my Solo Wedding in Santorini (read the Article again), here I am celebrating another anniversary, just as unique and special: the freezing of my eggs 3 years ago!!
I’ve explained extensively why and how it all happened in my Article Gift from Science, I invite you to re-read it:
And for those who follow me for a long time, you know that I made this wish come true in the magnificent Spanish capital: Madrid.
That’s the reason why I’ve chosen to show you more this city that I adore, and where I lived for several months for the success of my cryopreservation.
I’ve explained extensively why and how it all happened in my Article Gift from Science, I invite you to re-read it:
And for those who follow me for a long time, you know that I made this wish come true in the magnificent Spanish capital: Madrid.
That’s the reason why I’ve chosen to show you more this city that I adore, and where I lived for several months for the success of my cryopreservation.
If there's one place I've spent a lot of time, it's the Retiro Park, located in the heart of Madrid and very popular with locals, especially on sunny days.
First, with its large rectangular ornamental lake adorned with an imposing bronze equestrian statue from 1904, the place is romantic and relaxing for a rowboat ride.
Or the many gardens, perennials, French flowerbeds or the rose garden that I told you all about in my article: Rainy Day in Madrid.
In the first heat, taking refuge under the 15,000 trees in the park is a real breath of fresh air. Moreover, built between 1630 and 1640, it was for a long time the royal secondary residence.
Today there are 2 palaces, the Crystal Palace built for the colonial exhibition of 1887 and the Velazquez Palace, both rich in know-how and architecture that serve as an exhibition hall.
And with the many fountains and statues present in this park, it’s a really pleasant and peaceful place.
Another area where I walked daily, the Royal Palace.
In its surroundings, you’ll obviously find the Almudena Cathedral, to which I devoted an entire article, many gardens including the Plaza de Oriente located between the Palace and the Royal Theatre.
Old or modern buildings, strolling through Madrid is always fascinating and you sometimes come across architectural surprises such as the Temple of Amun.
Temple built in Debod in Egypt and dating from the 2nd century. It was donated by Egypt to Spain in 1960, as part of the safeguard of the monuments, which were to be flooded by the waters of the Aswan dam.
Another very famous place, the Plaza Mayor, which is always crowded.
From 1590 to 1854, it changed and transformed many times to finally retain the style that we know today, with an equestrian statue of Philip III dating from the 17th century.
This square measures 423ft (129m) by 308ft (94m) and is pedestrian only, which is in fact a privileged place for meetings, it’s also surrounded by many restaurants.
Strolling the surrounding streets immerses you in the historic atmosphere of this vibrant capital!
And at the end of the day, nothing better than going for a few tapas at the San Miguel Market.
In these sumptuous covered market from 1916, a heritage of Spanish know-how for iron architecture (like the Crystal Palace), you can taste all kinds of specialties and delicate meals prepared by the greatest Spanish chefs, but also international and Michelin-starred chefs.
For more than a decade, this space has been considered the first gastronomic market in Madrid.
No wonder then to find caviar as much as traditional paella ...
Bon appétit !
This city with its many famous museums is exciting for lovers of history and art. I’ve already introduced several of them with some very fascinating exhibitions:
I hope you enjoyed this walk as much as I enjoyed sharing my memories with you ...
Have an amazing week everyone!
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...
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