Bonjour lecteurs! How is your Summer going? We’ve had a blast over July 2026. But I am well and truly over the school break already… Despite the good times, I’m struggling, and overwhelmed with balancing life and wok. I just want peace and quiet, not worrying about endless snacks and screentime management. I can’t wait for September and embracing my energy season fully. But let’s go back to July 2026 and all that it brought up for us.
More Moments Like This
Last month started with a bang as I went for a spa day at Eastwell Manor. Imaginez, hitting the pause button and just have a bit of ‘me time’ in this gorgeous location.
The spa has recently launched a new menu and they invited me to test it out. How divine! I loved being in the swimming-pools, getting a facial and walking around the stunning Kentish resort.
Stanley also had a great time at his local school fair. Sometimes, even the simplest little things can make you feel like you have it all.
South-West London Adventures
The following weekend, we made it to South-West London. After making his very own burger at Heard in Borough, we caught un train direction Teddington.
Oh but don’t you worry, we stopped by the Bentall Centre for a bit of shopping first… We also saw the last Minions movie (it was ok, but nothing special).
The best bit that weekend was our mini adventure at The Park Teddington and revisiting Hampton Court Palace.
I had not been there for years and it was so lovely to walk around the grounds, learning about the Tudors and more.
A few days later, I even made it back to London to see a sumo night in Greenwich. Quelle cool experience! Have you ever done anything like that before?
Gran Canaria Holiday
As the school was ending, we flew to Gran Canaria and stayed at the Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel near Maspalomas. We visited the area over a decade ago and I wanted to take Stanley there.
Au menu, lots of food, sunshine while chilling at the pool.
We also explored the famous dunes and visited some lovely coastal towns like Puerto de Mogán. How beautiful is this place?
A break in the sun was all we needed. It’s definitely my July 2026 highlight!
London Fun
Once back home, we had more fun in London. After walking around Regent’s Park, we spend the day at the London Zoo.
Not only we encountered some really cool capybaras, but we took part in some fun science experiments.
Ma section préférée was definitely the butterflies. I will never forget the first time I went there in 2007 and the feeling of joy it gave me.
We finished the day with some sushi before heading to the new Frameless exhibition. A day in London always makes me happy. I actually went back on my own for a cocktail workshop at Dim Sum Library and that was so much fun too!
Life In Kent
July 2026 ended with more chore memories in Kent.
We made it to the Cat Café in Canterbury for the first time and I must say that it was pretty cool! Personnellement, I am more of a dog person, but it was rather therapeutic to sit down with a cup of tea while stroking cats.
Plus, we stopped by Franco Manca to check out the Summer menu. That was another hit, especially their new hot dog made with the famous sourdough pizza.
We also came back to our roots (Bromley area) for a cheeky pub lunch at the Bull’s Head and enjoyed a local walk in the woods. Pretty simple moments, but it still made me happy.
Life In Your Early 40s
So many beautiful memories and yet, something is missing out… The summer has been a bit difficile emotionally. I’ve officiellement starting perimenopause and I am struggling a bit with my feelings.
The Summer holidays are always a bit tricky, trying to find the right work-balance. I know I should not complain as we do a lot and experience the best. L’autre plus? I’ve had some amazing work opportunities over the last few weeks. But I am frustrated because I can’t work properly.
I am sick and tired of endless meals prep and cleaning when the house never feels tidy. Don’t even get me started on the endless trips to the local park…
I am craving some quiet time on my own and my thoughts. I don’t want to feel ungrateful, but something is missing and I feel exasperated with the tiniest things. It must be hormonal…
July 2026 – Embracing My Energy Season
Life can be so strange at times. Last time this year around, I was starting my 40s with panache, feeling great. I was ready for the new decade ahead of me. But if you ask me today, I feel so done with it.
Everyone tells me that once you reach your 40s, it is going downhill from there. But I want to disagree with them. I don’t want to feel invisible!
Unlike the Western narrative of decline or “the end,” I want to follow the Japanese view on menopause and perimenopause. It’s called ‘Konenki‘ and it views this stage as a powerful transition into a season of wisdom & rebirth.
It’s like a biological promotion. So now more than ever, I want to embrace my energy season. Time to build a new identity and feel renewed. Wish me luck, two more weeks of summer holidays duties (so over it already!) and like the phoenix, I shall reborn stronger than ever! In the meantime, any tips that helped you survived the mental load during perimenopause, send them over 🙂 Merci!
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 in London. I hope it will inspire you to get on more family adventures.
