Bonjour lecteurs! After 2 great competitions with Face Junkie and Revive Active, it’s time for un blog post plus personnel. As you know, I love reflecting each month and sharing all my highs and lows about being a French mum in the UK. January 2024 sounded like the longest month ever! Winter is not my forte; I am a summer gal and there have been many obstacles to overcome last month. However, I rated January quite highly as I feel that I established some great routines after a long Xmas break. And I did not let bad things stop me! L’opposé! It’s all now in my last monthly highlights.
Let’s Start 2024!
The first week was all about getting back to routines slowly.
Stanley only went back to school on the 4th, so not much was done.
But I got a haircut and felt très glam after. Nothing is better than new hair to be ready to kick the year!
And we also made it to one of our local gems, Boys Hall. Is there anything better than spending a Saturday with your loved ones and some good food?
I usually work les weekends, so it can go quickly. But it was just lovely to be out and about and have fun on our scooters!
Back To Stress…
Looking back at January 2024, I am glad I took the first week slowly.
Within a few days, it was back to stress and so much more. A lot is going on behind the scenes with our family.
It’s not always easy to deal with it and work has been a bit meh too.
But I tried my hardest to be mindful and I went for walks or even on the treadmill. Not that I love much that machine…
I can get bored so easily, but having said that, I know it’s been beneficial. When you have a lot on your mind or if a lot is going on in your life, walking or jogging always does some good!
And we still visited some good places to eat. Do you also use food as a comfort, especially in the winter?
British Museum & Chesterfield Mayfair
Another way to cheer me up? A fun day out in London! So off we went on the train.
Direction the British Museum where we discovered so many beautiful cultures and histoire.
This musée always reminds me so much of the MET in a way.
And to sweetness it up with the boys, we also had the most gorgeous afternoon tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel. J’adore this place, the bar full of Americans.
I put on one of my glam dresses et voilà! Exit mes problèmes! It was beautiful and Stanley loved all the food and sweets.
En plus, we also stopped by the iconic Lego Shop in Leicester Square, because guess what…
It was His Birthday!
And just like that, it was time to celebrate my cute Frenchie boy.
To think he turned 8 in January 2024! We made the most of it with our loved ones with some good food and more good food!
I want to be 8 again; kids live their best life at this age!
In between seeing everyone to celebrate the gorgeous boy, I even made it to the end of sales and got myself some new fab clothes.
I went to London for a fair and caught up with an old friend of mine and here we were, reminiscing about our babies!
Well, they are not any more! I felt so old suddenly and yet, I have so much to achieve and learn…
But I carry on every day with my learning journey. At the minute, I am so obsessed with Mel Robbins’ book and podcast.
If you also need some motivation to survive the rest of the winter, you have to check her out!
Mount Ephraim Gardens
And to finish January 2024 en beauté, we made it to the beautiful Mount Ephraim Gardens.
We had the most relaxing winter stay at its Bed & Breakfast. Imagine sitting by a fireplace, with a glass of prosecco, and looking at the countryside in the faraway.
Now, this is le paradis to me! I am at my happiest when I explore a new place with the boys. It was the best weekend in a long time, just the 3 of us, walking in the country.
Or catching up with family in a pub. I feel more and more that one day we will end up in a cottage in the middle of nowhere probably in Kent… I want my own Midsomer Murders life…without the crimes bien sûr!
January 2024 – The Longest Month Ever? Maybe Not…
Et voilà! January 2024 was over. Maybe not such a long month after all! Oh, and I even won a giveaway! Which felt pretty amazing given that I’m usually the one who hosts competitions. I decided to give it a go and see. Well, quelle belle surprise!
Pour être honnête, there have been many hurdles this year so far. 2024 has been harsh on us and I sometimes felt frustrated and unhappy. Family life, school, work…Pretty much all those aspects of life have been tough at times.
But I made it a clear choice to not let it put me down and I kept fighting for my worth!
Reflecting on January 2024, I know for certain what I want and what I don’t want anymore in my life! So time to make some décisions importantes for my future.
You Are Worth It!
So even if it was an intense month with many problèmes, I am still there and wanting it more than ever!
I said it before, 2024 is YOUR YEAR! And you can achieve anything you want!
So I hope my new monthly highlights post will encourage you to go after your dreams every single day. You are worth it!
What do you want to thank yourself for so far in 2024? Time to be your best cheerleader!
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.
I always find January a difficult month. It’s a big jolt back to reality after Christmas and still have to deal with the short days. I can’t wait for spring
I know it’s the longest month but how on earth did you cram so much stuff in one month. Amazing. What a month. Really happy for you. I’m just as restless as you so I am always up and about which is why if I do ever visit Kent, I will take you on that coffee/tea offer
Author
yes if you are in Ashford area, please message me on Instagram ! the fastest way to reach me for sure 🙂
Certainly seems such a long month – you managed to fit so much in – managed my first holiday in 8 years to see relatives in Ireland – do love my afternoon teas with friends
Author
oh how beautiful! Where about in Ireland?
It definitely felt like a long month for me. Spring is just around the corner though!
Author
yes, this! We must never forget 🙂
Looks like a busy month!
What a wonderful winter month!
Family struggles are hard. Literally had one of the biggest arguments with my husband today since a LONG time and it was brutal and stressful. But we always come out stronger and more understanding of each other once it’s resolved. A good haircut can do wonders and help you start fresh and create a new more confident you.
Oh I miss my kids when they were babies too. My husband and I keep talking about it and sometimes I miss them so much I feel like I am grieving.
Congratulations on your competition win. Can I ask what you won? Is it something you tagged me in ?????
Author
Yes, it’s not Grumpy Boyfriend, it’s just life in general. We both work hard and it can be stressful at times to be freelance, have your own business. Yes, I think I actually tagged you in that competition, it’s an Afternoon Tea in a beautiful hotel in Sussex. I am very excited, I was not winning anything so I was on the verge to give up already haha. A sign I must carry on
It cettainly seemed like a very long weather, the weather didn’t help but you still had time to have some good outings. Sorry you have been so stressed but hopefully with Spring on the way things will improve
January has been a real struggle with my health after Covid at Christmas, unlike any other Covid I have had, very severe, thank goodness I had my jabs without them I would have been in hospital for sure, even now I am not quite right and every little thing drags my health back down, I am so sick of being sick! Today the sun is out and I have opened all the windows to let in fresh air, they say spring hopes eternal, and I cannot wait to sit outside with the sun on my face again.
Looking after my husband who is not too well at the moment
Wow you have done so much already in 2024, I must take a leaf out of your book and get cracking!
January was a busy month for me too, a few birthdays and all my bills seem to come too. I was a hard month but glad it was over. You looked like you had lots on fun, out and about.
Happy belated 8 th birthday fabulous things you all been doing to!
I’m envious of your fun filled month!
I’m glad you had a good January, I always go in with positive intentions I never know why it is so long and depressing by the end of it I’m glad it’s over