For as long as I can remember I have always had a love and deep fascination about Paris - it of course is part of the reason why I’m planning on going there this year in April. But of everything that I read about this wonderful city (and at the moment it’s anything I can get my hands on) almost everyone who goes there has a similar love and passion for this great city. From the food, fashion, style culture and of course way of living - to me it’s just perfect. Part of the reason why I have been reading so much about Paris (even though I have been there before) is that I want to know more about why, and how, people are able to carve out a new, exciting and fulfilling life for themselves. I find it so inspiring to read memoirs about women who have chased their dreams and then in turn end up building a life that they love. And at the moment, I can’t get enough of empowering stories - it’s helps squash the doubt, fear and nerves.

I read My Paris Dream, by Kate Betts over my summer holidays and completely fell in love with it. It’s a memoir about Kate’s life in Paris during the 1980’s - when after finishing school she threw caution the wind, followed her dreams and started her life in Paris. From there it’s a fast paced, elegant and beautiful story about her passion for journalism and how she quickly worked her way up the ranks and worked alongside, and with, some of the most desirable names in fashion. While also mastering the French language and of course learning all of the ins and outs of this beautiful city - from not only a business side, but also a personal one. I don’t want to spoil the story for you - but through her hard work in Paris, and starting her apprenticeship at Women’s Ware Daily, she then ending up editing for Vogue and Harpers Bazaar and had the absolute thrill of being apart of the fashion world before iPhones. For anyone with a love of fashion, food or of course Paris, you really will enjoy this wonderful book - Kate also kindly shares some of her favourite places, songs, french words and recipes that she learnt while in Paris. And the Chocolate Cake recipe shared by her close - which you can find here - is too good not to try, and naturally is perfect to enjoy while reading this book. And as Kate’s Parisian family would help her learn - “Seize the Moment. Pay attention to you life right now”. x