Whats Hot Mama

My daughter tells me she is a ‘fashionista’. She is constantly giving me advice on what to wear (and she is generally right) and she likes to make sure that her own ‘look’ has a certain edge. Gone are the days where she was happy if it was pink, these days she tells me she is a ‘rock star sort of girl’. Not for her the standard shoe laces that come with her shoes – she likes to mix up the laces and has even been seen out and about in two different runners because ...

There are plenty of post baby books to help interprit the poos and the burps and the chucks and the snot, but when I had my first baby there weren't any books about how to look after 'me'.

I was sometimes lost in a sea of doubt. And my doubt was not always about how to be a great mum and how to look after my baby. Often my doubts were how to be a 'great me'. Frankly I felt a bit lost - who was I now? I had gone from being a corporate high flyer to a poo covered zombie in the blink ...

I remember well when I was a new mum. It is an exhilerating, wonderful and scary time. I remember the uncertainty, the newness and often feeling like I was just not sure. I also remember that everyone seemed to have an opinion.

Most people were happy to share this opinion, even when I didn't actually ask for their advice. I'm not quite sure where this compulsion to bestow parental advice comes from. But often it is invasive, upsetting and can cause you to double guess your own ...

What I would have LOVED for Mother’s Day 12 years ago…

The Insurance Industry Group has announced it will pay 14 weeks’ parental leave PLUS it will pay its female staff double their full salary for the first six weeks on returning to work. The company’s new policy is part of a suite of initiatives to keep more of its female staff in senior roles. They have even promised pay reviews for women already on maternity leave, to ensure they don't fall behind. ...

I love a good shopping trip as much as the next gal. These days with my kids at school shopping is much less challenging but it was not so long ago that I would tackle a trip to the shops with three kids under three. Yep.

Planning a trip to the shops with small kids needs to be planned with military like precision: wipes – check; nappies – check; snacks – check; water – check; favourite toy – check. But how to keep the kids happy and entertained long enough for you to ...