September 2022 – New Projects & Challenges

Bonjour lecteurs! Back to publishing my new Monthly Highlights. After a beautiful summer in France and many adventures, I was ready to get back into routines in September 2022. How did you find going back to school? It sounds like such a far away memory now.

Well, it’s all done, and reflecting on last month, it’s been the toughest in so many ways. I have had a very busy schedule with new projects and many challenges. But I feel like we have a good routine in place now.

Back To School!

Stanley is in year 2. He was super excited to be back to school and find his friends.

And I started a new project/work locally, so it was all very exciting.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

Overall, we both love our new routines but the first 2 weeks or so have been quite stressful.

I had to adapt to a new schedule and therefore I am not as much at home.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

It’s ok, I feel that Stanley is big enough now and he has his own little life with school and all. So it was time for me to start a new project.

Still, I have endured the guilt of not being there every time. But the good news? I LOVE my new job!

The Queen

I was barely used to my new diary when Queen Elizabeth II passed away.

It was just very strange. I did not feel like posting much. It was not really appropriate and in all honesty, I saw a lot was already said online.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

There were so many debates about the monarchy on social media. I am not much of a royalist myself, but it was very strange to see people have such a strong opinion on either side about a person they did not even know personnellement.

Health Issues

On top of it, I have carried on my bad luck from this summer.

I had to do different tests at our local GP and it was a bit of a disaster. Apparently, I now have high blood pressure.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

Going back and forward for different tests and check-ups was so depressing. It felt like it was the only thing I was doing when not working…

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

And the NHS has such poor service at the moment, so there has been no proper follow-up. So all this drama is very unlikely to be over as I am still waiting for further results as I write those lines! 😅

But Good Things

But good things happened too! I managed to make it to London in between my work, deadlines, etc.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

I got a lovely facial in the heart of Soho and it felt so good to be back in town.

I also treated myself to some Elemis beauty products. L’excuse parfaite to look after myself.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

We also tried to get out and cycle beaucoup. Stanley absolutely loves it. He was a bit reluctant at first as we got him a new bike that was quite big. But now, he is rocking it! He loves having une competition to see who is the fastest…

Weekend in Canary Wharf

And we also had a beautiful adventure in Canary Wharf.

If you missed it, we stayed at the stunning Cove Landmark Pinnacle for one night.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

We had such a great time! I even caught up with an old friend of mine and it felt so good to see her after all those months.

This is an area of London we’ve not visited much. But after staying at the Sunborn Hotel in the Royal Victoria Dock for my birthday, I really wanted to get back nearby with Stanley.

We had a little tour by night and it was so much fun! At least, after weeks of doubts and stress, I was in my element!

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

My Little Dino Fan

And while we were there, we made it to the Natural History Museum for my dino fan to explore the prehistoric world. And so much more.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

I have so many memories of Kensington, going to the Ambassade, etc.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

It’s one of my faves areas in London.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

And we finished the day with a Jurassic Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel. How fabulous does it look?!

Country Life

Eventually, after so many doubts, I was back on track.

And to finish September 2022 en beauté, we enjoyed some beautiful country walks with our doggy friend Jarvis.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

Nope, he is not our dog, but how gorgeous is he?

I would love to have a puppy one day. Such a beautiful day out in the Kentish countryside.

September 2022 – New Projects & Challenges

Really, I have not done much in September 2022. It’s been an interesting time where I had to readjust after a relaxed summer.

Now I look back, it was a bit chaotic at the start. But I think we are there and I have a more harmonic work-life balance.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

I also feel better physically. It makes such a difference when you are feeling 100%!

Looking back, Life threw a lot of challenges at us over the last few weeks. But we are more determined than ever to make it work.

Live By Your Values

And actually, a good reminder that your life is a reflection of your choices. There are times when you can’t do it all. And that’s ok.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

It’s for you to prioritise. I am a strong believer that to be truly happy, you need to consider your values and principles. They are the ones that should lead the way. Otherwise, you will just feel incomplete.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

When you act accordingly to your values, you can be more authentic and have a happier life.

The Rest of 2022

And because I love reflecting and reviewing my yearly goals, I decided to prioritise 3 areas over the last months of 2022:

  • I want to spend more time outdoors, so no more gym for me. I will probably get back to it. But for now, I want to be more in nature for the pleasure of it rather than ticking a box
  • I will also prioritise being more productive.Working hard doesn’t mean you have to do more hours. I need to do it more effectively so I can spend quality time with my loved ones.
  • And last but not least, I want to learn and educate myself even further. I have been so tired lately, I have not been great with my readings. When usually, I am always so eager to learn and discover more.

September 2022, Monthly Highlights, At Home, Country Life, Mum in Kent, the Frenchie Mummy

Let’s do it! Less than 3 months into 2022. So what do you want to prioritise over the last quarter?

What are the most important values to you? What matters the most? Do you sometimes feel like you give too much importance to silly things that should not even invade your mindset?

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. I hope it will inspire you to get on more family adventures and rock those dreams of yours, always 😘

 

 

30 Comments

  1. Siobhan N
    October 7, 2022 / 7:32 pm

    My boys used to love the natural history museum when they were younger. I saw your afternoon dino tea on your instagram. The smoke effects were amazing!

  2. Margaret Gallagher
    October 8, 2022 / 6:49 am

    Priorities are key to happiness – harder sometimes to stay with them

    • Gemmavictoria__
      October 22, 2022 / 11:19 am

      Wow what a busy month. Hope Stanley is enjoying being back to school. Dinosaur afternoon tea looks rather cool

      • Cecile Blaireau
        Author
        October 23, 2022 / 10:27 am

        He loves being in year 2, thank you so much 🙂

  3. MARIA ROGERS
    October 8, 2022 / 8:48 am

    Work smarter not harder is a lesson I learnt in my 30’s. Sometimes we are on this merry go round of life and it gets faster and faster, we have to jump off and appreciate life instead of it whizzing past in a blur. Hope you feel better soon!

  4. Jennifer Toal
    October 8, 2022 / 1:09 pm

    Love this I have learnt since the pandemic and losing someone in 2021 that life is for living. Making memories are what life should be about

  5. Joanne Hall
    October 8, 2022 / 2:37 pm

    I have loved the outdoors and doing stuff out and about more and more as I have grew up and even more so now I have kids. Love the great outdoors.

  6. coldi
    October 8, 2022 / 6:04 pm

    My son is such a massive dinosaur enthusiast, he really wants to go the natural history museum!
    My priorities for the remainder of the year is to completely declutter my house before christmas!

  7. Jade jones
    October 8, 2022 / 7:14 pm

    As a mummy with a rare genetic disorder I know how hard it can be with the constant appointments and check ups. Chin up you’ll get there it just takes time 💝💝

  8. Margaret Gallagher
    October 9, 2022 / 7:41 am

    My little Dino fan looks like he’s having so much fun
    Prioritised my health – hopefully improves soon

  9. claire woods
    October 9, 2022 / 9:10 am

    Always good and bad in a month. Glad you had some good things too.

  10. Wendy Lam-Vechi
    October 9, 2022 / 9:36 am

    Very well said! Life shouldn’t be just doing things people expect from you, or what society expects of us. It shouldn’t be about ticking boxes but ultimately carving our own pathway in life, going in the direction that makes us happy. In the end we have just one life and we shouldn’t just follow the footsteps of others or do things to please people. We do should live life to fullest our needs and our goals too. So ultimately, if spending more time outdoors and with your family is what you want to do, then make it happy, The people around who love and care for you will accept that if they want you to be happy.

    I think you’ve done great despite what life has thrown at you. The NHS can be awful but you manage to focus on the bright side of things like your travels in London and your family. I am very fortunate to be living in Greenwich and I honestly love being around the Millwall and the rest of the Dockland area. The walk from Emirates to Sunborn Hotel is so nice and peaceful. Of course I also feel very lucky that we have so many free museums in London that we can take our kids to and educate them about the world.

    I hope you can achieve all your goals and aspirations in the coming months. I have no doubt you will make the most of it like you always do x

    • Cecile Blaireau
      Author
      October 9, 2022 / 10:38 am

      oh thank you so much, such a beautiful comment and I think you summed up very well what life is about.

      • Wendy Lam-Vechi
        October 10, 2022 / 12:28 pm

        You’re welcome. Sorry for my poor grammar. Should have crossed check it before I hit the sent button 😅

        • Cecile Blaireau
          Author
          October 11, 2022 / 9:30 am

          Don’t be silly! It’s always lovely to see what my followers think and I love chatting with you! My grammar is not perfect either!

  11. Priscilla Stubbs
    October 9, 2022 / 4:54 pm

    Life is full of ups and downs but you have still managed a full month of activities with Stanley. Sometimes we just have to change our priorities and think more of ourselves

  12. Laura F
    October 9, 2022 / 6:27 pm

    My daughter now matters the most to me.. and the family I still have alive. ♥

  13. Kellie Collister
    October 11, 2022 / 9:32 pm

    We just want to get the house renovations finished so it’s one less stress

  14. Sarah morris
    October 12, 2022 / 1:12 pm

    Looks like you had amazing days out

  15. Sarah Moth
    October 12, 2022 / 1:19 pm

    Wow that Jurassic Afternoon Tea looks amazing! Definitely one for my list of things to do with my son!
    Family means the most to me and I definitely want to get outdoors more like you have said. I’m usually a sucker for days inside during the winter months but I know my son would be outside come rain or shine!

  16. Amanda Botterill
    October 12, 2022 / 1:22 pm

    Wow what a busy month you have had

  17. Emma England
    October 12, 2022 / 2:41 pm

    We’ve had some health issues in our family too the past few weeks. Looks like you’ve had a great month though. My kids were also very excited to go back to school

  18. Amanda w
    October 12, 2022 / 10:03 pm

    Looks like you had a lovely time in London! I’m so jealous of the facial! Just don’t seem to get any me time at the minute!!

  19. Jennifer Rhymer
    October 13, 2022 / 2:27 pm

    It’s always great to visit London, there is always something different to do. Sorry to hear about your high blood pressure and the problems you have experienced in the NHS. Love to see that you’re so positive and keep going! You have to with kids!

  20. lynn neal
    October 13, 2022 / 8:39 pm

    The dinosaur afternoon tea looks amazing fun for little ones!

  21. Mama syder
    October 14, 2022 / 11:48 am

    I constantly feel I give too much time to things that don’t really matter. I try to make a point of not sweating the small stuff but it’s not always easy.

    • Cecile Blaireau
      Author
      October 14, 2022 / 12:40 pm

      yes I totally agree, it is not always easy

  22. Natalie Hillier
    October 16, 2022 / 11:08 am

    I have 3 year old twins and would love to do something like London with them. I would love to do more with them but the two together and just me, isn’t really possible. I am definitely outnumbered.

  23. ashleigh
    October 16, 2022 / 2:03 pm

    Afternoon tea looks amazing

  24. Abbey wales
    October 23, 2022 / 9:04 am

    I want to get into a better position to be able to move

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