Life as a mum is a constant balancing act—school drop-offs, lunch boxes, sports days, and the never-ending to-do list that somehow always gets longer. But this year, I’m adding something new to the mix: going back to university! Yes, amidst the chaos of mum life, I’ve decided to take the leap and pursue higher education. If I’m being honest, I’m feeling a mix of emotions—excited, nervous, and maybe even a little under confident. It’s been years since I’ve been in a formal learning environment, and the thought of studying while managing a household can feel overwhelming. But deep down, I know it’s time to do something for me. With my youngest now in prep and my oldest settled into school, I finally have a window to invest in my own growth. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I know it will not only enrich my life but also set a strong example for my kids. After all, we always encourage them to chase their dreams—why shouldn’t we do the same?

Overcoming the Doubts

It’s easy to feel like I might be out of my depth or that I won’t be able to keep up. But I remind myself that I’ve already mastered multitasking in ways no one could have prepared me for—hello, school projects, birthday parties, and keeping tiny humans alive! If I can do all that, I can handle lectures and assignments too.

And I know I’m not alone. There are so many mums out there who are studying, working, and still making magic happen at home. If you’re thinking about going back to study, just know that it’s possible, and you are capable. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let that stop you from taking the leap.

The Big Picture

This journey isn’t just about earning a qualification—it’s about growth, self-belief, and showing my kids that learning never stops. I want them to see that it’s never too late to follow a passion or take on a new challenge. So here’s to a new chapter! To all the mums out there chasing their goals—whether it’s study, a career shift, or a personal project—know that you’re not alone. We’ve got this!

I’d love to hear from other mums who’ve returned to study—how did you manage the juggle? Any tips? Let’s support each other through this adventure!

Here in Australia, Christmas means sunshine, BBQs, and backyard fun! 🌞 So why not embrace the warm weather with a festive and refreshing activity for the kids? Christmas-themed ice painting is a perfect way to beat the heat while sparking creativity.

All you need are some Christmas-themed ice moulds—think candy canes, stockings, and gingerbread men. Freeze water in the moulds overnight, then hand the kids washable paints or food colouring. As they paint, the ice melts, creating a magical swirl of colours perfect for a summer’s day.

This activity is not just fun but also a sensory treat, combining cool textures and vibrant colours. Bonus: It’s a mess you can hose down outside, making clean-up a breeze!

So grab those icy creations, find a shady spot in the backyard, and let the kids enjoy some Christmas-themed fun in the Aussie sun. 🎄☀️

“Note:” For this activity, I used the Christmas-themed silicone moulds from Kmart.

If you’re a parent who’s dabbled in the world of Elf on the Shelf, you already know—once that little elf enters your home, there’s no turning back. What starts as a sweet and magical holiday tradition quickly snowballs into late-night panic sessions, creative bursts of genius, and yes, a few laughable “what-was-I-thinking” moments.

At first, it’s thrilling. You imagine your kids waking up to see their elf, Charlie (yes, our mischievous little guy!), building a gingerbread house out of sandwich crackers or riding the Wayfinding Boat toy across the living room. The joy and giggles? Totally worth it.

But let me tell you, it doesn’t take long before the daily elf antics go from fun to frazzling. One night, you’re feeling ambitious, setting up an intricate playdough snowman scene. The next, it’s 11:30 PM, and you’re desperately rummaging through the Christmas decorations to make Charlie “decorate” the tree with leftover tinsel. Sound familiar?

Stuck? Help is on the Way!

If you’re feeling the pressure to keep the elf magic alive, don’t worry—I’ve got your back. My YouTube channel has a treasure trove of easy, funny, and (mostly) mess-free Elf on the Shelf ideas to help you through the season. From DIY elf props to quick setups for those “oops-I-forgot” moments, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep your little ones smiling.

Because let’s face it, even when we’re frantically rearranging candy canes at midnight, we wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. The joy and laughter our little mischief-maker brings are what make the holiday season so special.

What are your funniest Elf on the Shelf moments? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to hear your stories.

“In Australia, Halloween has traditionally flown under the radar, especially compared to the full-blown celebrations seen in other parts of the world. But lately, it’s starting to gain a little more traction, thanks to TV shows, movies, and the endless fascination kids have with all things spooky! Though you won’t see entire neighborhoods decked out in cobwebs or streets full of trick-or-treaters, there’s a growing excitement for Halloween ‘Down Under.’ As a mum, it’s been a joy to add a bit of spooky fun into our week, from crafting to surprise Halloween lunchbox treats, bringing just enough magic to make it memorable!”

Check out our YouTube and Instagram at Hey Mumzy to see all the Halloween magic we’ve created!

I often get asked how my home stays so tidy, especially with kids running around. The truth is, it’s not magic or a superhuman effort—just a few simple things I do every day to keep things in order. Don’t get me wrong; our home is lived in, and mess is definitely part of the package. But I’ve found that sticking to a routine helps me stay on top of things, so the chaos doesn’t completely take over. It’s all about finding that balance between enjoying life and maintaining some sense of order.

1. Make Your Bed

Trust me, it does make a difference!. Starting the day by making your bed sets a positive tone. It instantly makes the bedroom look tidy and gives me a small win before I even leave the room. Plus, there’s nothing better than getting into a neatly made bed at the end of a long day.

2. Quick Kitchen Cleanup

Before I head out for school drop-offs, after the kids have enjoyed their hot breakfast and turned the kitchen into a mini mess, I take a few minutes to wipe down the counters, put away any dishes, and start the dishwasher if needed. I make sure the sink is clear so it’s ready for the rest of the day’s meals. A clean kitchen keeps me in a good mood, especially since it’s the heart of our home, and it’s nice to come back to a tidy space after the morning rush.

3. Laundry Load a Day

Laundry can pile up quickly, so I do one load every day. Whether it’s clothes, towels, or bedding, staying on top of it prevents the dreaded laundry mountain. I put the load on in the morning and try to fold it and put it away before bedtime.

4. Daily House Sweep/Vacuum

I do a quick sweep or vacuum of the living areas almost daily. I absolutely love my Roborock, which takes care of the vacuuming for me. It’s perfectly okay to take advantage of available tech! On days I’m not using my big vacuum, I turn on the Roborock before leaving the house. It’s a great way to keep on top of things and ensures I come back to a clean floor after the morning rush.

5. Evening Kitchen Reset

After dinner, I like to do a final kitchen cleanup. I load the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, and take out the trash if it’s full. This way, I wake up to a fresh, clean kitchen, which makes the morning routine smoother.

6. Nightly House Reset

Before heading to bed, I do one last sweep of the house. I pick up anything that’s out of place, fold any blankets on the couch, and make sure the house is generally in order. I also get the kids involved, having them pick up and put away their toys, books, and anything else they’ve left around. It’s a calming way to end the day and ensures I’m not waking up to chaos the next morning. Plus, it teaches the kids the importance of tidying up after themselves.

7. Declutter Frequently

Finally, I make it a habit to declutter frequently. Every day, I aim to get rid of something we no longer need. Whether it’s old books, a toy the kids have outgrown, or that kitchen gadget that’s just collecting dust, letting go of items we don’t use keeps the house from getting cluttered.

These daily habits don’t take up much time, but they make a huge difference in keeping the house tidy. It’s all about creating routines that work for you and your family, so the cleaning doesn’t feel like a constant chore. And remember, a tidy house is a work in progress, especially with kids in the mix—so don’t stress about perfection!