October 2019 – An Emotional Half-Term But Many Good Memories!

Bonjour lecteurs! Time to reflect on October 2019! If I am being honest, I found Half-Term really tough, trying to juggle it all. I was physically exhausted when it was over. But now that I sit down to write my monthly highlights, I come to realise that we made so many good memories!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Time to reflect!

Red Smart Women Week

September ended with a bang as we had a blast at the Royal Opera House and we loved testing the new kids’ menu at Brasserie Blanc. So I had high hopes for October 2019.

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
All the glam at the Red Women Smart Week!

It did not disappoint as I went to the Red Smart Women Week. This is such an empowering event taking place each year at the Carlton House Terrace.

I will make sure to book my tickets again in 2020!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
I will come back! The cupcakes are too good to be true!

A Solo Trip To France

But after having all the fun with my girls, it was time to see my family. For the first time ever, I went to France as a solo parent. No Grumpy Boyfriend but just the two of us, Baba and moi.

I was a bit worried about travelling with him on my own. So I packed a very light suitcase and off we went! It didn’t start well as my train was late in Paris Nord…

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
He made sure to wow the French ladies…

Not easy to keep him busy for an hour in the gare…But we made it and it was so lovely to see Baba interacting with my family!

And he enjoyed some French goodies such as pain au chocolat and other famous pastries! 🙂

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
He loved the French food of course!

He tried un peu to speak français. And bien sûr, he got spoiled with attention and kisses!

Breast Cancer Campaign

I must say that after surviving a  3 hours journey on my own with Baba, I felt like Wonder Woman!

More seriously, I also got the opportunité to support a great cause! Indeed, I took part in the Breast Cancer campaign featuring Chantelle with Estée Lauder.

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Not easy to take a selfie in my bra!!!

And together, we reached 370,000 people! More importantly, Chantelle donate £2,000 to Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign to help this cause!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
All the fabulous ladies taking part!

Remember to check yourself, ladies! C’est super important!

Work & Fun In October 2019

The second half of the month also involved me making a Bitter Chocolate Moelleux at the stunning Langham Hotel with the gorgeous Giovanna Fletcher.

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
A fun afternoon with the famous lady!

Check me out pretending I am even good at this! This event was so much fun!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
That face Franca was making! Doubting my French baking skills?

But I also got to work hard! Indeed, I helped to organise the first UK Kids Around Press Day! OMG!!!

I am so excited to have achieved this. You know me, I am a huge fashionista. I keep dressing Baba in the label’s clothes so when they asked me to be involved, it was kind of insane!

The day was busy crazy but such lovely feedback from my fellow mummy bloggers!

Half-Term Worries

But it was soon to be Half-Term! And as per usual, I overdid it… Silly me!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Nothing is too good for my little prince…

I took on many projects while I knew I would have Baba with me 24/7 that week. And let me tell you that it was a long one!

There have been a couple of tears. I just go frustrated I could not do all my work in the daytime and I was waking up at dawn and going to bed way too late to meet deadlines.

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
We dreamed of this house while at Kew Gardens

I was feeling so guilty of asking Baba to entertain himself and watch some TV.

Usually, I have a good work-life balance as a mum working from home. I have very strict boundaries so that I can manage (and enjoy!) it all. But not this time! I was physically exhausted 🙁

Hever Castle & Kew Gardens

I made the decision that next time, I will put him one day or two at the nursery. And I will not feel guilty about it.

Because I still need to work and make an income as a freelancer, holiday or not…

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
We loved our stay at Hever Castle Bed & Breakfast!

That being said, looking back at our pictures, the remorse is partly gone. We had some fabulous adventures with Baba and I am glad I made him the priorité!

He absolutely loved staying at Hever Castle Luxury Bed & Breakfast for Halloween!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
He had such a blast at the famous château!

And Kew Gardens was another succés!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Another day out…

So hurrah! I am not such a bad maman in the end…

Me Time

It is so difficile sometimes to not feel guilty. Even if I know that I am in such a privileged position to do a job I absolutely love. La morale? I will have to pause and not take on so many projects next time!

No money is worth this worry and the pain! ‘Work Hard, Play Hard!’ they say…

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Halloween fun for the mamas!

Well, after all this work, it was time to get some ‘Me Time’. And I had a lovely day out with my friends shooting at Eastwell Manor and the Secret Garden! How about that for party time! ?

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Tried a bit of posing

It was just what I needed! And I did not even feel guilty when we did not go trick or treating.

October 2019 – Work-Life Balance

Big lesson learnt in October 2019! No work is worth feeling miserable and making yourself physically unwell!

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
Baba was away one night so we went out for dinner!

So I am taking it a bit slowly this month. I am out on my bike and I get some fresh air. I meditate more and I switch off a bit earlier than usual.

A friend also suggested that I started pilates. Have you ever tried? How did it feel for you? I will test it this month, so wish me luck!

Thanks again for reading my monthly highlights and your lovely support! 

October 2019, Monthly Highlights, the Frenchie Mummy
And it’s a wrap!

Each time I publish those monthly highlights, it really reminds me to be grateful for what I have. And your comments are always very much appreciated!

 

 

Disclosure: This post may feature some sponsored content I recently published but it is merely a list of my highlights of the month! And a post for me to reflect and learn too!

40 Comments

  1. MARIA ROGERS
    November 7, 2019 / 9:38 am

    It is so important to look after yourself and not get caught up in the work merry-go-round especially when self employed. I was like you, a working mum, self employed, feeling guilty all the time, ran myself into the ground and even now I am suffering with my health because of it. Keep doing your meditation, pilates etc, I do mindfulness to find my inner calm and focus. Look after yourself so that then you are able to look after little baba who needs his mama 100% well.

  2. Priscilla Stubbs
    November 7, 2019 / 7:19 pm

    A very interesting post. We all need time to ourselves

  3. November 8, 2019 / 11:20 am

    We can all over do things and things we need to do if we don’t do them are so easy to feel guilty about . I think you do a fabulous job don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do everything You need time out. A really good idea is to try some yoga. My daughter teaches it she used to get stressed but not much now it’s really done her good. It helps to keep you calm toning the body up. Glad you had some fun too x

    • Emma Betts
      November 28, 2019 / 3:52 pm

      I loved this post it’s great that your taking time for yourself x

  4. Rich Tyler
    November 8, 2019 / 1:41 pm

    Giving yourself time, to be you.

  5. Margaret Gallagher
    November 8, 2019 / 3:00 pm

    Everyday is filled with joy – sometimes its harder to see ! It is always there

  6. Nadia Josephine
    November 8, 2019 / 4:13 pm

    I love giovanna fletcher that must have been an amazing experience! I love reading about your wonderful adventures!

  7. Tracy Nixon
    November 10, 2019 / 6:43 pm

    What an inspirational post! And I love your dress in the top photo!

  8. Nadia Josephine
    November 10, 2019 / 7:03 pm

    Well done for helping to raising awareness and lots of money for Breast Cancer!

  9. Julia Kerr
    November 10, 2019 / 7:05 pm

    Wow, you managed to pack a lot in to one month

  10. Alice Gilkes
    November 10, 2019 / 11:00 pm

    Great blog post.

  11. Joanne dawkins
    November 10, 2019 / 11:02 pm

    Wow! You did more than I probably do in 6 months! I’m trying to make more time for myself at the moment but it’s so difficult!

  12. Ruth Harwood
    November 11, 2019 / 7:56 am

    Sometimes half term can be hard, but it looks like you filled it with fun for the whole family! xx

  13. Annabel Greaves
    November 11, 2019 / 2:29 pm

    Lots of interesting activities, great to read

  14. charlotte isobelle
    November 14, 2019 / 9:49 am

    so many uplifting things

  15. Natalie Burgess
    November 14, 2019 / 10:04 pm

    So many brilliant ideas here, thank you! Xx

  16. Alex Telford
    November 15, 2019 / 10:02 pm

    Wow, you achieved so much, but important to take time for yourself too!

  17. Susan B
    November 18, 2019 / 6:01 pm

    Oh, yes, deadlines are really stressful. You got through October, though, and both you and your baba are looking fabulous.
    Being at home in France must have been a joy for all of you. Hope November is going well.

  18. James Travis
    November 19, 2019 / 3:54 pm

    Great post, lots of interesting stuff

    • Gillian Peachey-Green
      November 24, 2019 / 8:09 pm

      Fab blog post. Wow you’re so busy. We all need a bit of time to ourselves.

  19. Hannah Rowley
    November 21, 2019 / 7:25 pm

    Wow fantastic!!

  20. Anthea Holloway
    November 23, 2019 / 6:33 pm

    Well done – you were very brave undertaking this journey and it worked out fine for you.

  21. Mrs Rachael Sexey
    November 24, 2019 / 2:33 pm

    Wow you have achieved loads I hope your super proud of yourself

  22. Tracy Nixon
    November 25, 2019 / 2:15 am

    Great post thanks! We all need time to ourselves!

  23. paula cheadle
    November 25, 2019 / 11:36 am

    Wow, you had a busy month

  24. Anthony Green
    November 25, 2019 / 4:09 pm

    Fabulous looks like you all had fun

  25. Tracy B
    November 25, 2019 / 9:26 pm

    Great post, sounds like you had a hectic month but very rewarding and you achieved a lot, well done

  26. Amy Jo McLellan
    November 25, 2019 / 9:40 pm

    I haven’t tried pilates either but I’m thinking of it too! On another note, that pink coat is FAB.

  27. Sharon Freemantle
    November 26, 2019 / 8:56 am

    Very interesting post. Great that you are raising awareness for breast cancer.
    You look absolutely stunning and it looked like you had a fabulous time

  28. Gemma Hendry
    November 26, 2019 / 10:20 am

    wow you were extremely busy, well done on 3 hour journey with little one lol

  29. Justine Meyer
    November 26, 2019 / 7:07 pm

    What we could all get up to with some time to ourselves looks like it was fab

  30. Natalie Burgess
    November 27, 2019 / 10:33 am

    What a fantastic half term!! Flying to France as a solo parent is so so brave but so worth it to see your family and spend precious family moments together xx

  31. YOLANDA DAVIS
    November 27, 2019 / 9:45 pm

    What a great post. The photo’s are brilliant.

  32. Ruth Harwood
    November 28, 2019 / 6:50 am

    Life can get so crowded at times that we forget the little things that are important! Sounds like a busy month!

  33. belinda porter
    November 29, 2019 / 11:36 am

    we all need to recharge our batteries

  34. Rich Tyler
    November 29, 2019 / 9:41 pm

    So busy!

  35. Fiona jk42
    November 29, 2019 / 10:28 pm

    You’re not a “bad mother” for trying to work over half-term! Many of us who work when our kids are small also feel guilty, but in the long run the children benefit in so many ways.

  36. Ruth Harwood
    November 30, 2019 / 7:10 am

    goodness, what a wonderful time you have with and without your kids – our children are always happier when we feel refreshed and happy in ourselves as we don’t have that mum ‘short fuse’ that’s all too common!

  37. Shelley Jessup
    November 30, 2019 / 10:10 pm

    I love your sense of style, everything I see you in I want!

  38. ashleigh allan
    December 4, 2019 / 9:05 pm

    great post

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