February 2024 – Just Keep Going! You’ve Only Got One Trip…

Bonjour lecteurs! Time to reflect and post my last monthly highlights. February 2024 certainly kept me on my toes with life, work and some lovely travels all across the UK. And while preparing for this write up, one quote from the so inspiring Iris Apfel came to my mind: ‘You’ve got to try it. You’ve only got one trip, you have to remember that’. So that’s why I decided to name my post: February 2024 – Just Keep Going!

Listen To Your Guts

You know when people say that you should make the most of it, especially the petits moments? It sounds so cliché, yet it is so true.

The start of February 2024 was pure bliss after a busy January and Stanley’s birthday.

I made it to a local retreat in Kent for a relaxing day with my friend Angy. It was stunning to drink green tea by the pond after a very relaxing body massage.

We talked a lot about life and our children. School has been challenging for Stanley this year due to external factors and I had so many doubt. But it’s always so good to get l’opinion of someone else you trust. My friend was so helpful with great advices and I came home more collected. Always surround yourself with inspiring peeps!

Reflection On Life…

One of the topics we discussed as well was work. I have been feeling a bit lost lately with my blog and my day time job.

If I am being honest, it sometimes felt like I was rushing from A to B and I missed silly things like going on my bike etc.

Another thing was missing: my work / life balance. I have always been so adamant that it was the most important to me and yet, I was not living truly that life.

I missed being with the boys at the weekends, always working. So some things needed to change and I made une grande décision for ma famille. 2024 will be MY YEAR! Actually, it is going to be OUR YEAR with Grumpy Boyfriend.

Still A Party Animal

Putting it into writing on here, I hope, will help me remembering this. But it’s not all dull and gloom! You know me, I am a party animal. Even if my parties nowadays are more family-friendly than ever! Lol.

We are not going to the clubs, dancing until dawn before catching an early bus home…

Instead in my thirties, I go au cinéma with my boy to see the last Miyazaki movie or we visit his fave shop in London!

And having stunning afternoon teas in some of the most beautiful locations in London like the Sheraton. J’adore cet hôtel. We stayed there a few years ago around Christmas time and it was truly magical.

Home & Chest Infection

That was too cool to be true… After the sunshine always comes a bit of rain. We we had a little storm in the house. Stanley got really sick with a chest infection.

He ended up staying at home for a week and obviously, I lost a bit my mojo.

Because he kept waking up at night, nobody was sleeping much and the weather was gloom and dark.

Sometimes, there is just one little thing that acts like a domino and it unsettles all your life. Nothing dramatic, but it’s not the same and you get frustrated. I am sure all the mamans out there get what I mean.

I was so frustrated and worried that he was missing so much school etc. But I did not let it stop me!

Just Keep Going!

On top of it, my laptop suddenly died on me. Oh joys! 10 years ago, I would have lost it, but I kept calm. I am so proud of myself…

I mean, at the end of the day, it’s just a physical object. But the most scary was to think I could have lost all my pics from the last 8 years or so.

Those moments are precious! I am glad I saved it onto the cloud so we could retrieve all my files. Hurrah! I am no IT wizard, the opposé actually… But I am glad that for once, I listened to Grumpy Boyfriend and backed up all my files.

Let’s Do Half-Term Properly

All this happened during half-term and at this stage, Stanley had been sick at home for a week and a half.

So Valentine’s Day went like a fog. No splashing evening for us. We did it at home with a good meal, watching the movie One Day. Et voilà!

It was time to do half-term properly and get that party going again!

I felt that I deserved it… So we made it to the opening of the local pub in Westerham, the White Hart. Check it out next time you are in the area. It was very good. We can’t wait to take Nanny S there again one day.

Trip To The New Forest

In the end, Stanley got better and we still managed to make it to the New Forest.

It’s a such a beautiful area, you have to go with your famille one day.

We stayed at the beautiful Montagu Arms Hotel and made it to Beaulieu National Motor Museum again.

We’ve already been there 2 years ago and we had such a blast, especially on the monorail.

And before going home, we stopped by Park House Hotel in Sussex.

I actually won a competition and we enjoyed a lovely Afternoon Tea after going for a little walk in the area.

Before going home, we stopped by one of our faves from the National Trust, Petworth House. Dreaming of a house like this…

This was l’excuse parfaite to celebrate our anniversary! We have been together for 14 years now!

Bankside Hotel

After going back to school for him and work for me, we had one last fun trip in London.

We stayed at the gorgeous Bankside Hotel and even visited the Young V&A.

I’ve always wanted to go with Stanley and we had such a lovely time! I recommend you stop by if you are in East London.

After such a beautiful weekend, I felt happy and rested. And just like that, February 2024 was over. A short but sweet month.

February 2024 – Just Keep Going!

Well not quite! We had some frights but in the end, it worked out.

And most importantly, I remember to just keep going despite les obstacles.

I was actually pretty resilient, starting a new pilates course with a sick child at home. It was my way to keep it all together and not crumble.

Women have this super power. And today is your reminder to Just Keep Going! You’ve got this and it will work out ok!

What’s Next?

With this in mind, I made the decision to resign from my day job. It’s been on my mind for a few months and I was worried to let down my team. But nobody is unreplaceable. I am sure they will do fine without my Frenchie touch!

And now, what is next for me? Well, I have a couple of projects I am excited about. But also, I am looking to some brighter days to go and explore new places with the boys.

I am also planning to be more active, going for bike rides, maybe go back to yoga, and I am starting a new work adventure with Grumpy! Now more than ever, we are ready to take the word ‘teamwork’ to its fullest extend!

Are you ready to follow me in this new journey? What would you like to see more on my channels? As promised at the start of the year, I made it a mission to give you more exciting competitions. But let me know if you have anything else in mind!

And remember, ‘ You’ve got to try it. You’ve only got one trip, you have to remember that’. Iris Apfel.

 

Disclosure: This post might feature some sponsored content I recently published but it is merely a list of my highlights of the month! This a post where I share some reflections as a mum in the country and London. I hope it will inspire you to get on more family adventures.