September 2023 – Mamas Can Have It All

Bonjour lecteurs! October is already a busy one and with everything going on at once, I have not really had the chance to reflect on September 2023. After such a beautiful summer, I was a bit worried about going back to school and routines. It can be so much pressure for mums to get back to it after 6 weeks or so slowing down with the kids at home. So I decided to look after myself and take it slow. And you know what, I actually feel that Mamas Can Have It all. Reflecting on my life to write my new monthly highlights, I realised it was possible as long as you prioritise what you really want and put on aside the other things that don’t matter.

Back To School!

Going back to l’école might now feel like a distant memory, but like many other families, September 2023 was all about it.

He is now in year 3 and I can’t believe how grown-up he looks these days. Not so long ago, he was starting in reception, what happened to my baby?

How did it all go for you? I suppose you are probably all settled now. Do your children like their new class and teacher this year?

Stanley was not the only one to get back to routines.

New Morning Routines

I actually started a new morning ritual with free writing, meditation, and extra reading in the mornings before he wakes up and we get ready for school.

I had paused a bit on that as it was the school holidays and it felt so good to go back to some routines to get started inspired and happy for the rest of the day. If you are looking for new ways to look after yourself, I found a new free meditation app called Smiling Mind.

I really enjoy those small pauses in my days instead of rushing like crazy.

I have also gone back to free writing so that I put all my thoughts, bad and good, on paper and then I feel lighter.

Do you have a morning ritual? What do you usually do?

Family Days Out In Kent

The life of a maman is a constant juggle and I love it this way.

But in between the house, school, and work, I also like relaxing and spending some good quality time with my boys.

We made it to some places fabuleuses in September 2023! Have you ever been to the Folkestone Harbour Arm?

The place has completely changed over the last few years and it is now THE COOL PLACE to be. We checked it out one weekend with a cheeky glass of prosecco for moi and some pizzas too.

Such a refreshing Saturday! We will definitely go back this Winter as there is a Xmas market.

We also made it to one of our faves, Leeds Castle with its Festival of Craft. The weather was fabulous too, so we were very lucky.

A Solo Trip To Normandy

We were barely fully back to routines when I got l’opportunité to go on a solo trip to Normandy!

You know how much I love sharing family-friendly places in Kent.

But j’adore aussi la France and its diversité of cultures and landscapes. My dear home country has so much to offer and I had a beautiful time with Visit Normandy.

It was a sporty trip where la région locale wanted to show all its fabulous nautical sports and I got to be even more adventurous than usual. I went coast walking,  paddle boarding, and even sand sailing!

But don’t worry, I also found some time to test some yummy food 🤤

Fashion!

Sadly, I had no time for a bit of shopping.

But not to worry because I was quick to catch up on my fave sports once back in the UK.

I had the most beautiful pub lunch with the boys when I came back and then it was back to school and work again.

But I still made it to Sandro sales and bought a couple of cute pieces from the new collection.

What do you think of this outfit? Cute, right?

Hyatt Regency London Stratford 

And pour finir September 2023 beautifully, we made it to London during the last weekend.

I told you before, once a Londoner, always a Londoner, and even the train strikes did not stop us. Well, it was a pain on the M20, but we eventually made it to the beautiful Hyatt Regency London Stratford for a family stay.

I will share my review soon: it was fabulous to be back in London and we certainly enjoyed our cheeky sunday roast lunch at Mama Shelter too.

I can’t wait for our next adventure in London!

World Mental Health Day

Like many other mamans, I have doubted that girls ran the world. My own experience as a first-time mum back to work got a bitter taste.

Long story short, I decided to go freelance and do my blog as a full-time job because I wanted to have a better work/life balance.

Truth be told, it is never easy; I often feel guilty as a mum and it has at times taken its toll on my mental health.

Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme is ‘Mental health is a universal human right‘.

This post is your reminder that your mental health is important too and you deserve to do what makes you happy!

September 2023 – Mamas Can Have It All!

If anything in September 2023, I did not rock on all fronts.

I probably missed some opportunités for the Frenchie Mummy. But on the other side, I worked hard and produced a lot of good content on my blog and social media channels. I am usually always looking for fresh idées and eager to learn.

But last month, I let go of my perfectionism and the mum guilt and said yes to a fab trip to France! It was okay for me to be away for a few days from home.

Grumpy Boyfriend took over with Stanley and they survived. If anything, they probably loved it deep down 😆

Sometimes, it is alright to think about yourself first and not care about what others think.

Oui mamas, you can have it all! You can have your cake and eat it without feeling guilty! I did so and I had a beautiful month. Those targets I forgot for a few weeks can wait a bit. I am now ready more than ever to go for them.

Life is too short, make the most of it and do what makes you happy 👌 Even if it is something as simple as going for a walk when you have deadlines.

I hope you have a beautiful October 2023 ahead and you make the most of the stunning weather. Go out there and get some sunshine with your kids, before it gets cold and miserable and we feel the blues 🙌🍂🍁

 

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.