Live Below the Line Recap - GOAL: $100 AMOUNT RAISED: $2591!! RANKING: 15 out of 11358 Australians

It's been a super busy 2 months and I haven't been able to blog as much as I would have liked to, I have a growing pile of drafts lined up waiting to be edited and published that I will get to as soon as possible but here is a recap of one of the highlights of my past two months - my LIVE BELOW THE LINE challenge.

A challenge whereby you live (in terms of food and drink) at the poverty line (1.34€ I worked out in euros) for 5 days to help raise awareness and raise money towards providing sustainable change to those in poverty through, education. The ultimate key to breaking the poverty cycle. It is through education, that young generations will be able to lift their nations out of poverty and this is exactly what this campaign is about - empowering those in poverty so they can help themselves.

I started off with a goal of $100, and before I knew it, friends and family and anonymous donors all over the world had collectively donated well over $2500 - CRAZY!! With 5 days left before the campaign closes on June 30th, I am sitting at number 15 (tied with another fellow Aussie Live Below the Liner) with a grand total of $2591 raised out of 11 358 Australians taking part in the challenge.

New Hôtel de Ville Exhibit - Paris in 1914 and 2014 - Stratégique Forêt

There's a new exhibition in town at Hôtel de Ville (the Paris Town Hall) and it's free for all. As part of the World War I Centenary Commemoration (1914-2014), this exhibition aims to demonstrate the role of forests in terms of contribution to the war effort, as well as the reconstruction of destroyed forest landscapes.

Running from June 15th until June 29th, it's an impressive set up with two GIANT 20 X 25 metre maps laid out in from of the town hall, creating two 500 square metre maps. Large enough to walk around, it's a great way not only to 'explore' Paris both in the present 2014 and the past 1914 but also to revisit those memorable places that are special to you and only you in Paris. Everyone who has been to Paris has a personal memory of Paris. Somewhere that immediately transports you back to that very moment you stepped into your very first apartment, your very first hotel, your favourite little street. A flashback to your favourite area, your favourite little shop, your favourite park, where you first got lost. A little reminder as to where you first fell in love with this beautiful city. 

You will be able to find the exact location on the Paris 2014 map on your right, then trace back to the identical location in 1914, on the map to your left. It's a little bit of time travelling as you shuffle from side to side, and great for the kids as well to see how many landmarks they can recognise! 

Pâtisserie des Rêves

For a beautifully modern take on your classic pâtisserie favourites, head to La Pâtisserie des Rêves (Pâtisserie of Dreams), like right now. Seriously, I'm not kidding. Even if you aren't hungry just head there to have a look at their displays, you will quickly change your mind I can assure you.

I love wandering through their stores just to admire Philippe Conticini's beautiful creations in those big glass cloche-like things. While it doesn't have the warm, traditional feel of your typical around-the-corner French pâtisserie, La Pâtisserie des Rêves does not fail in seducing your senses, albeit in a rather unconventional way - minimalist clean lines, modern playfully pink decor and a surprising almost laboratory-like feel. 

Either that, or I am just easily seduced by all things pâtisserie related ;)

Check this out..!