Chickens in a box

Finding myself in between projects I decided to dip a toe in the world of retail and host a handbag party. How hard could it be to have a few friends round for lunch and flog some fabulous italian bags at the same time...? As you've probably already worked out, this selling malarky is a hell of a lot harder than you think, and after a morning setting up the room and preparing the drinks/canapes I was already knackered. But it was a lovely lunch and everyone enjoyed themselves, Diane set up a nail bar in the snug and did manicures for us all too which worked really well - and I did actually manage to sell some of the stock (which was a relief). By 4.30 everyone had gone and the dishwasher was on overdrive, as was I - just time to whip off the wrap dress and heels, get back into my usual uniform of jeans + fleece and pick up the boys. I've never been a natural sales person, never wanted to be - but post-party I have a new found respect for people in the retail business. It...

In between jobs and teetering between manic NCT action (coffee mornings/halloween parties/cheese and wine) and honing my body into perfection (yeah right...). Last week felt utterly manic, a whirlwind of social activity, school runs, catering and hours and hours spent either tidying the house or washing up. Alas I'm now left with mountains of laundry and a set of minging bathrooms all requiring my attention. With half-term upon us and no clients, have retreated into my shell, donned a particularly nasty pair of tracksuit bottoms and my trusty slippers and am preparing to launch myself into the housework. Well, in a minute maybe, after I've checked Facebook....and written a couple of emails...could go another coffee too.....need a wee....ho hum...

It died. NEVER again. I am sticking to mammals in future, bring on the dog!

Mothers are difficult people to employ. So many businesses can't get their heads around flexible working. Surely if you make yourself available via iPhone/laptop etc and do your work to a high standard, on time and on budget it shouldn't matter where or when that work is done? The problem is that it does matter. It matters a lot. Companies like 'bums on seats;' to be able to physically see the people they employ. This was a problem when I went back to work after having William, even working 1/2 a day out of 5 from home proved such an issue that I ended up having to come in for that 1/2 day rather than working remotely. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be able to go back to the corporate world I know so well and love being a part of. You cannot have it all. You cannot raise your children yourself and expect to be able to come back to work on a flexible basis, to the same standard you did before becoming a mother. I do see that it's difficult for compani...

William, " I like poos." Me, "Why?" William, "That's coz, I like the sticky bits."

With her doting Godmother. Fweet!