February 2021 – Our Anniversary & Carpe Diem

Bonjour lecteurs! Time to reflect on February 2021! I know it seems a bit late to write my monthly highlights now, but March has been so busy! I have made a conscious choice to lower my expectations since Baba returned to school and concentrate on fewer goals. So I  am working less and spending more time with him. But let’s crack on with what February 2021 was to us!

Snow and Sun!

Can I just start my monthly highlights by talking about the weather?! Boring? Well, February 2021 was an odd one, to say the least!

I am sure you had a blast with the kids in the snow? As I was still homeschooling Baba, we had a couple of afternoons off to celebrate the magical white stuff.

And I can tell you that he loved throwing balls at me!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy

But it was so beautiful to walk in the country, all snowed in!

And then to have such a heatwave some weeks later! Well, I think we can say that Spring is coming over!

Country Life

Once more, we made the most of living in the country with numerous walks in our area.

And I also enjoyed some fabulous bike rides! I missed it a lot in January. But I think I have been braver last month. I decided to embrace the Friluftsliv movement.

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy

I am totally obsessed with the Danish culture at the minute and it is a cool nordic concept that encourages you to get out into the great outdoors, whatever the weather! It literally means “free air life” in Norwegian and I really tried to do it with Baba!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy

That and reconnect with nature: touching trees, observing birds and other animals. Just stopping by and really enjoying it.

Carpe Diem

This is why I called those monthly highlights ‘Carpe Diem’, ‘Seize the Day’. I am sure you are aware of this Latin aphorism.

But you know what, even if it is one of the most fascinating idées, I reckon I only fully understood it now!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy

The truth is, we are a society made to feel like being busy is THE way. Having projects and being on the go all the time is supposed to make us happy. New technologies are not helping either in the matter as our mind is always active, eager to consume and live.

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy. Brockhill Country Park

But what about simply being present? Stoping this constant thinking and trying to reach goals?

I have taken the habit to go for a long walk in nature more often and I feel so good! ?

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy

I have rediscovered what nature has to offer. I slowed down and I felt so much better. En plus, I have truly enjoyed those simple moments with my family, not feeling guilty to take my son to the park.

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

Or simply enjoying a couple of Tom and Jerry episodes on Sunday morning rather than being on my phone or thinking about my next project.

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

This is the réel meaning of ‘Carpe Diem‘ and doing it as much as possible.

Our Anniversary

On a more personal note, we also celebrated our 11th Anniversary with Grumpy Boyfriend. Nothing as decadent as last year (we were away in Brighton and had dinner at the Ivy).

2021 was low key in a lockdown world with pizzas and dancing in the living room with the boys.

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

We actively practised those good moves thanks to Dua Lipa and the Weeknd.

And I tell you what, I had not danced like that for ages! I can’t actually remember the last time we had a boogie on the dance floor!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

I miss those fun times during the lockdown. I felt very nostalgic on our anniversary and some part of me really wished I was 25 again!

Don’t we all feel like that at times? ?

February 2021 – Our Anniversary & Carpe Diem

February 2021 was definitely not an exciting one. But rather a month full of good memories and reflection.

The ‘Carpe Diem’ was a big revelation for me because, for the first time in my life, I could experience this feeling of contentment on a regular basis. Not just on a rare occasion.

I paused purposefully, without thinking about what I could do in those moments.

And it was so refreshing! Even better, I did not feel guilty because I saw those times as very valuable.

And I intend to keep implementing those new habits. I will make a conscious choice to stop and spend more time with Baba, especially on weekdays, after school!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

Watch out! Next, I will start hugging trees and talking to them! Well, I might already be doing this… ?

But one thing is for sure, I am so looking forward to Spring and some sunny days!

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

I can not wait for our first pub lunch when restaurants reopen! Will you book a table to enjoy some food with your family when we can do it again on the 12th of April? Have you already booked something?

What will you do during the Easter Holiday? I must try to organise something with the boys to make more memories 🙂

February 2021, Monthly Highlights, Carpe Diem, Country Walks, Reflection, the Frenchie Mummy,

Disclosure: This post might feature some sponsored content I recently published but it is merely a list of my highlights of the month! A post where I share some reflections as a mum in the country. I hope it will help you to reflect too and empower your decisions even more!

 

 

 

 

 

57 Comments

  1. Carly Belsey
    March 15, 2021 / 5:43 pm

    Wasn’t the snow great, my children loved it as it is the first proper snow my daughter had seen. I cannot wait to go for a pub lunch, it will feel amazing. I havent made any plans for Easter as I would rather just be spare of the moment to be honest rather than potentially be disappointed as you never know what can happen by then these days!

  2. Fiona jk42
    March 15, 2021 / 7:28 pm

    Congratulatons on your 11th anniversary. You are right, it is so important to consciously spend time with our children, instead of viewing childcare are something of a chore.

  3. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 9:59 pm

    Lovely photos ? It sounds like you had a nice time with your Baba, children grow up so fast so cherish the moments and make lots of memories! ?

  4. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:06 pm

    I am excited for spring and summer days too ? I’m looking forward to eating in a restaurant once this lockdown is over! ?

  5. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:12 pm

    Congrats on your 11 year anniversary! I hope you enjoy your first pub lunch when everything finally reopens, hopefully not too much longer to wait! ?

  6. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:15 pm

    Great blog post – February was definitely an odd one with the crazy weather changes hopefully the warm weather will be here soon ?

  7. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:20 pm

    It sounds like you had a lovely time, I would love to live in the country, it is always lovely to go for a peaceful walk or a bike ride and see the beautiful nature ?

  8. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:28 pm

    Lovely photos! I hope you enjoy plenty more times of ‘Carpe Diem’ ?

  9. Chloe
    March 15, 2021 / 10:32 pm

    I haven’t made any plans for Easter weekend yet, I will prob enjoy my time off work & enjoy a takeaway! ?

  10. Alice Gilkes
    March 15, 2021 / 11:10 pm

    Great post.

    • Alice Gilkes
      March 15, 2021 / 11:11 pm

      Would be nice to get out and about again once lockdown is finally over.

  11. ashleigh allan
    March 16, 2021 / 8:11 am

    Happy Anniversary!

  12. March 16, 2021 / 8:33 am

    I think it’s because Winter seems so long and never-ending that everyone looks forward to Spring so much! The fact we’re getting more light, more sunshine, just lifts the national mood and somehow makes us more optimistic.

  13. MARIA ROGERS
    March 16, 2021 / 10:52 am

    Life is such a juggling act, in my 20’s I was so career driven and my success meant we had a wonderful lifestyle, but when I hit 30 I sat and thought about what was important in my life and stopped, just plating my girls hair for school was such a treat as I never had time to do it before. I also suffered from ‘burn out’ my body was so exhausted, sometimes it is important to stop and take check on your life.

  14. Margaret Gallagher
    March 16, 2021 / 11:13 am

    Happy anniversary – such a wonderful journey – every moment is so precious – enjoy

  15. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:26 pm

    It sounds like you had a lovely anniversary & a lovely time with Baba ?

  16. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:32 pm

    I’m happy spring is finally on the way after crazy weather changes in February, I’m looking forward to more sunshine ?

  17. Margaret Clarkson
    March 16, 2021 / 2:33 pm

    Congratulations on your anniversary. It is lovely to read of your happy family life.

  18. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:36 pm

    Happy anniversary! It sounds like you had a fun time despite lockdown ?

  19. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:42 pm

    I would love to live in the country! It is so peaceful and pretty, your more brave than me going for bike rides in this weather ?

  20. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:47 pm

    I’m looking forward to when the pubs and restaurants open, Im missing normality but hopefully things will improve by spring / summer! ?

  21. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 2:54 pm

    Lovely photos! It looks like it was a fun month for you both, I like your coat for the snow photo ?

  22. Chloe
    March 16, 2021 / 3:16 pm

    The ‘Carpe Diem’ sounds like your having fun and enjoying life! It’s so easy to get caught up and not enjoy the moment ?

  23. Elinor Fisher
    March 16, 2021 / 3:29 pm

    It’s so true that we all find it hard to relax and do nothing as we feel guilty if we’re not thinking of the next job or project that needs doing. Usually the only time we fully relax is on holiday and, as we can’t have these at the moment, we need to give ourselves some ‘holiday’ time at home when we just do nothing and don’t think about what needs doing!

  24. Amanda
    March 16, 2021 / 11:05 pm

    Cant wait until easter ????? i am gonna miss my egg hunt with the grandchildren xx

  25. Alice Gilkes
    March 16, 2021 / 11:51 pm

    Congrats on your 11th anniversary.

  26. Gill HM
    March 17, 2021 / 8:32 am

    Many congrats on the anniversary! If you’ve been over here all that time, no wonder your English is so good! And if I were to ask what you miss most about France, I’ll bet your answers would be food-related…. your lovely baguettes and pastries, all your amazing cheeses and, of course, that huge variety of amazing wine!

    • Cecile Blaireau
      Author
      March 18, 2021 / 7:43 am

      Yes definitely missing the food and my family a lot too lately

  27. Priscilla Stubbs
    March 17, 2021 / 11:42 am

    Congratulations on your anniversary and what lovely photos.

  28. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:20 pm

    It sounds like you’ve been very busy, making the most of every day and enjoying your time with Baba ?

  29. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:24 pm

    Atleast the weather is slowly improving and spring will be here before we know it, it’s nice that you spent some time in the snow with Baba even if he ended up having a snowball fight with you ?

  30. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:35 pm

    I would love to live in the country, it must be lovely to go for bike rides in the country side and see all the nature ?

  31. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:39 pm

    I agree with you as a society we are made to feel like being busy is THE way, I’m always really busy so I’m definitely going to do some more Carpe Diem myself ?

  32. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:45 pm

    Happy 11th anniversary! It sounds like you had an amazing anniversary regardless of lockdown ?

  33. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:50 pm

    It looks like you had lots of fun times and made lots of memories with Baba ?

  34. Chloe
    March 17, 2021 / 6:56 pm

    I can’t wait for lockdown to be over so I can enjoy a lovely meal in a restaurant ?

  35. March 18, 2021 / 8:45 am

    Nothing planned at the moment. Just hoping the weather is nice so people can get out and about or start working on their back gardens. I’m hoping my sister is going to cook a roast lamb lunch with all the trimmings for Easter Sunday for all the family. It did’t happen last year, so fingers crossed it will this year – as lamb is my very favourite roast meat.

  36. Chloe
    March 18, 2021 / 4:30 pm

    I can’t wait for the weather to improve, it has been abit miserable, at least it isn’t long until spring and Easter ?

  37. Chloe
    March 18, 2021 / 5:11 pm

    Happy 11th anniversary! It sounds like you had a lovely time! I haven’t been to The Ivy before, I may have to visit this year as I never get round to it ?

  38. Carol Thomas
    March 19, 2021 / 12:39 am

    Happy anniversary. Congratulations ? Can’t wait for the clocks to go forward the hour so we a bit more daylight and can get out in the garden too. Looking forward to visiting the grandchildren at the end at the month. That’s the most important for us right now

  39. Chloe
    March 19, 2021 / 8:01 pm

    I’m looking forward to work Easter and spring! It will be nice to sit in a pub garden once the weather warms up ?

  40. Chloe
    March 19, 2021 / 8:10 pm

    Great blog, it is so true what you said in your blog that we are a society made to feel like being busy is THE way. I feel like I rarely seize the moment because I’m always trying to keep busy so I’m going to definitely focus on Carpe Diem myself ?

  41. Julia Kerr
    March 19, 2021 / 11:35 pm

    I love nature, I think the past year has done nature the world of good

  42. Chloe
    March 20, 2021 / 5:48 pm

    It sounds like you had a lovely month on February, hopefully your enjoying march just as much ?

  43. Chloe
    March 20, 2021 / 5:55 pm

    I would love to live in the country side so peaceful and nice to go on long walks or bike rides ??‍♀️

  44. Chloe
    March 21, 2021 / 4:27 pm

    It sounds like you had a really busy February with Baba ?

  45. Chloe
    March 21, 2021 / 4:31 pm

    I’m looking forward to Spring and Easter, I’m not a fan of snow or cold weather! ?

  46. Chloe
    March 22, 2021 / 8:37 pm

    Happy 11th Anniversary! It sounds like you had a lovely time regardless of the lockdown ?

  47. Chloe
    March 22, 2021 / 10:24 pm

    I know the feeling! I’m looking forward to having a lovely meal in a restaurant once lockdown is over ?

  48. Chloe
    March 23, 2021 / 9:58 pm

    It sounds like you had a really busy February, hopefully you are enjoying March just as much as February ?

  49. Chloe
    March 23, 2021 / 10:04 pm

    It sounds like you had a blast with bubba in the snow ?️

  50. Chloe
    March 24, 2021 / 11:36 pm

    It sounds like you had a lovely February with Baba, I wonder how your getting on in March, hopefully plenty of Carpe Diem moments ?

  51. Chloe
    March 24, 2021 / 11:40 pm

    I would love to have a beautiful walk in the country, when it is all snowed in! I bet it is so beautiful when it snows ?️

  52. Chloe
    March 25, 2021 / 7:31 pm

    I can not wait for lockdown to be over and the restaurants to reopen ?

  53. Chloe
    March 25, 2021 / 7:37 pm

    I would love to live in the countryside and go for bike rides and long walks ?

  54. Chloe
    March 26, 2021 / 3:11 pm

    Happy 11th Anniversary! It sounds like you had a lovely time despite lockdown ?

  55. Chloe
    March 26, 2021 / 3:19 pm

    I am so looking forward to Spring and some sunny days too, I hate this weather ?

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