• maternity leave

    Returning to work – or not

    The last few weeks have been hectic, emotionally and physically. My little boy started to walk, turned 1, we went to Bruges for a couple of days and I celebrated my birthday. Then last week, just 2 weeks before I was due to return to work I decided I couldn’t. I’ve spent the last couple of months trying to decide what was best for us as a family – to return to work part-time or give up my job to enjoy watching my son grow up. With the deadline looming, nursery place sorted and a new set of work clothes…

  • baking - blogging - sewing

    I’m having the time of my life!

    The last few weeks have been busy which is what I need to take my mind off my imminent return to work. Maternity leave is a a wonderful bubble and I’m glad I discovered the world of parent bloggers to help keep me company. A couple of weeks ago I went to work to discuss reducing my hours. It’s taken me a while to post about the results of the meeting because although the outcome was favourable it all left me feeling really unsettled. In a week or two I will be going back to work part-time. My boss doesn’t…

  • Christmas - clothing - maternity leave - NCT - shopping

    10 top tips for saving money whilst on maternity leave

    Whilst I love spending time with my little boy my maternity pay recently came to an end. I’ve been trying to save my pennies until I returning to work in a few weeks. I thought I’d share my 10 top tips for saving money whilst on maternity leave: Buy second hand toys Little ones go through toys quickly so buy second hand where possible. Ebay, NCT sales, charity shops and toy swaps are great places to find new to you toys. The toys are usually in great condition and your little one doesn’t care where they’ve come from. Make your…

  • baby - maternity leave - nursery

    What a difference a day makes

    Yesterday we visited a nursery and a childminder. Today I asked to return to work part-time. How did this come about when just a few weeks ago I had decided I didn’t want to return to work? After speaking to  friend I realised that it would be easier to return to work and see how I felt rather than not go back but have to find a new job if I was bored/needed the money.  I only decided this over Christmas so we’ve spent the last few weeks contacting nurseries and childminders who’ve all got long waiting lists. I wondered…

  • baby - daddy

    2011 a new me?

    I’m so excited about what 2011 will bring. 2010 has had its’ highs with the arrival of Edward as well as the lows with my husband being hospitalised twice. We’ve spent a large part of the year away from home due to his illness which put a dampener on my maternity leave. However we have a lot to look forward to with planning for baby number two and I need to decide whether to return to work or not in a couple of months. I HAVE to learn to drive this year. Every year I promise myself I will take…