Bonjour lecteurs! Can you believe that 2025 is nearly over? Time to reflect on what November 2025 was for us. If you asked me a few days back, I would not have been very positive about it. It felt like all we did was work, work, work. There were many deadlines to meet. Between Grumpy Boyfriend’s work and my own business, we worked relentlessly to the point where I lost all mindfulness at times. I am usually quite good at setting boundaries, but we may have overdone it this time around. Nevertheless, looking back at my photos, I am proud of all that I achieved while looking after my family. I’ve always loved the phrase ‘Progress Over Perfection’. Well, November 2025 was l’exemple parfait of this.
Family Time Before The Storm
Is there a time of the year that is always a bit more challenging for you? The end of the year is always a bit tricky for me. Is it because winter is definitely on its way, and I thrive in summertime? Or because the deadlines tend to pile up for both of us, then?
Either way, I knew it was going to be hell, so I made the most of it before it all kicked in.
Au programme, walks in the country, pub lunch with the boys or even a quick escapade to London.
Selfridges looked ever so pretty with its special display with Disney and I loved browsing the shops on South Molton Street.
Work, Work, Work
Once it started, it would not stop. We worked endlessly, in the evenings, at the weekends, when it was sunny, when it was cold.
It’s not much fun being on front of a screen all day long. You feel bad because you are not really there for your child, even though let’s be honest, he probably does not need me that much. But it was boring and monotonous. Still, it needs to be done! I am not sure what is the worst in that scenario. You feel and look exhausted, you don’t even want to try anymore, even for 15 min.
Plus, I did not have much time for workouts and I felt guilty about it. I’ve made so much progress with my fitness, developing my strength training and eating more protein. It’s funny how you establish some great routines and they can just disappear overnight.
I think the worst is the lack of motivation and the guilt that follows. I am usually quite good at multitasking but in between my job and supporting his business, it was a bit much.
Silver Linings
Still, there are silver linings in all situation. I caught up with my ex-colleagues from Sandro for dinner and it was so lovely to see everyone. I also made it to Tunbridge Wells: such a lovely escape in Kent.
Admittedly, I had to cancel many fun events and parties, but I learned a lot along the way.
Helping him with his job involved looking at other content creators and it really inspired me. It’s so interesting to see what others do or not. There are so many possibilités in my job and I reckon this little experience actually helped me with my own creative outlet.
Christmas Is Coming!
We also managed to make it to the annual Christmas Trail at Leeds Castle and it was so beautiful, as always.
My fav part has to be the castle itself. It’s just stunning and the team certainly makes it nice every year. If you’ve never been, I really recommend it.
But we also checked out the festivities at Chessington Park this year. I had not been there for over a decade with our niece and nephew, so I was quite excited to be back. Stanley loved staying at the Safari Hotel. Plus, he won a prize at the Winter’s Trail, so not a bad day for him!
Personnellemment, I just had a blast on the rides and rollercoasters. Even the rain did not spoil the fun. At that point, after 2 weeks at home, I was just desperate to be out and about LOL.
The following week, we even went to Port Lympne Illuminated. It’s the first ever Christmas trail at the reserve, so that was quite something.
Our Little Date
Don’t you worry, it was not all sunshine and roses. I forgot to pack his wellies for his forest school days and other mum fails along…
It’s a real juggle at this time of the year. Come the end of November and I felt a bit overwhelmed at times. So, to make up for all the missed bits, I took him to London for a day, just the 2 of us.
Truth is, Maman also needed it 🤭We started at St Pancras where we admired the annual Christmas Tree, before some yummy food at The Breakfast Club. You need to check it out. It’s SO GOOD. We go every year and it’s always un succés.
We also made it to The Curzon to see Zootropolis 2 before a cheeky afternoon tea at The DoubleTree By Hilton in Victoria.
And just like that, November was soon to be over. We spent the las day at home chilling and making some yummy profiteroles.
November 2025 – Progress Over Perfection
Not that bad after all! It might have seemed like a monotonous month where days look the same. But I ticked many boxes off stage.
First of all, we are all alive and very much looking forward to the Christmas break. Still working a lot and finishing up with some projects, but I can’t wait to break up, put my feet up with a glass of wine and watch lots of TV. I am usually not a binger, but I can’t wait for Emily in Paris and I feel no guilt whatsoever about it!
We are also spending Christmas Day at my mother-in-law and it will be just lovely to be altogether and play charades, games around some yummy food.
I still have a lot of shopping to do for Christmas, but let’s not think about it… What matters is that I still managed to work towards most of my goals despite being extremely busy. I will take it as a win! Tomorrow is another day and I am only human after all.
This is your reminder that progress over perfection is the way forward in 2026, she says, thinking about all the other millions things she must achieved before Christmas 😆 My head is spinning, already planning next year and thinking about what I want to achieve in the months to come.
What are your plans (big and small) for 2026? Inspire me with all your brilliant idées. Wishing you a Joyeux Noël, see you in 2026.
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.
