During the holidays I've been taking mornings... gently. Which is to say, we've all been utter slobs, reluctantly sloughing off our pyjama cocoons well after 10 or 11am. And it's usually quite a fight. The other day, though, M surprised me by wandering out of his bedroom fully dressed, entirely without prompting, never mind asking… Continue reading Kids get bigger: 5 things 14.8.2017

I moan a lot about my day job (8 hours a week of mostly data capture), but I have a semi-regular freelance gig that's a complete treat. I write blog posts for a software firm about architecture – everything from mid-century houses to apartments from film or TV. I get to spend time reading and learning… Continue reading Stop whining: 5 good things

It's the lack of structure that I really struggle with. I can make time in the day for my stuff, in small chunks at least, and the kids don't need me EVERY second (just always the wrong ones). But somehow facing down a whole day without a clear routine to it just wipes me out.… Continue reading 5 things about school holidays, 31.7.2017

Whoops, missed out the #52recipes update on this morning's post. No 26: I made raspberry-topped lemon muffins at the very last minute before going away; I'd bought the raspberries especially in order to use up some lemons, but then I failed to do the baking timeously so had to throw out half the raspberries. Domestic… Continue reading I done forgot!

Since the in-laws have a holiday flat in Davos, we go there pretty regularly. Which is of course a great luxury – almost free holidays in sought-after mountain resort! – but honestly, it's not where I'd naturally choose to go. I know, I know, my diamond shoes are too tight. I'm not complaining. There it… Continue reading 5 things about Davos, 24.7.2017

Last week of term! LAST! WEEK! And almost my last Maximonday (the new kindergarteners start only on Tuesday, all other kids on Monday, so I'll have one more after the holiday). You see, Mondays have been my special day with just me and my boy – no big sister, no spielgruppe. And as much as… Continue reading 5 things 10.7.17

There are two things I'm not very good at that are pretty much essential for daily life. One is speaking German. The other is driving. Look, I'm not terrible at either of them; I get by. I can hold a conversation. I can get where I'm going without causing accidents. But they both stress me… Continue reading Confidence tricks