• Family Life - parenting

    Returning to work and finding the right childcare

    July 4, 2018 - By 

    Photo by Joseph Chan on Unsplash I mentioned the other day that after 8 years as a freelancer and full-time blogger I’ll be returning to the world of work. Over the last 12 months I’ve dipped my toes in the world of working outside the home and now I’ve got a proper job. I’m ridiculously excited about all the changes that this will bring. For a start I obviously require a whole new wardrobe of clothes and a new Orla Kiely handbag. I’ll be making one more packed lunch every day, to add to the mountain that I already make. And the children will…

  • Cath Kidston - competition - CyberMummy 2011 - Day Zero - sewing

    Day Zero – Month Six (March)

    March 31, 2011 - By 

    It’s time to write an update on my Day Zero progress.   7.    Decide whether to return to work or not Well first I decided to return, then I changed my mind. You can read the whole sorry story.   38. Do at least one geocache a month We’ve been having loads of fun out and about now the weather is getting warmer. We found a couple in Bruges as well as London and Essex.   59. Successfully grow herbs We’re also spending more time in the garden and the herbs I planted last year are well established and living!…

  • maternity leave

    Returning to work – or not

    March 28, 2011 - By 

    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…

  • blogging

    What do I want to be?

    March 21, 2011 - By 

    Today I handed in my notice at work. I worked there for so long I can’t remember what I did before. Now I have the perfect opportunity to give some thought to what I want to be when I grow up (having a child doesn’t mean I’ve grown up, does it?). My first memory is of wanting to be  tractor driver. I was a complete tomboy growing up. Never happier than riding my bicycle around the neighbourhood or digging for worms. Tractor drivers, I thought, just sat down and drove up and down fields all day. Easy. After a bit…

  • Day Zero - handmade - Maclaren Quest Sport - Orla Kiely - pushchairs

    Day Zero – Month Three (January)

    January 27, 2011 - By 

    It’s been a while since I posted an update on my Day Zero progress as Christmas and New Year took over normal service. However I’ve managed to tick off a few more goals: The big decision was made about returning to work and we found a great little nursery for Edward I bought a new Orla Kiely handbag (a treat for the decision above) We’ve been watching a new film every month, mainly cheesy flicks but also An Education which I really enjoyed I’ve been busy cooking and this month I tried a new recipe – stovies I booked driving…

  • baby - maternity leave - nursery

    What a difference a day makes

    January 14, 2011 - By 

    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…