This Organised Life

16/08/2026

If your little one starts school next month and you’ve suddenly had that horrible thought -

“Should they be able to read by now?”

Please don’t panic.

School readiness really isn’t about cramming as much learning as possible into these last few weeks.

Teachers will teach.

Right now I’d be much more interested in helping them get a little more confident with everyday things - shoes, coats, drinks, toilets, asking for help and looking after their belongings.

And they don’t need to have mastered all of those either.

Pick one little thing to practise and then get back to enjoying the rest of the summer.

They are still only four. 💕

Save this for the next time the “are they ready?” panic hits.

15/08/2026

If you’re a childminder, you’ll probably already know how much I LOVE Not Just a Childminder magazine 💕

And I can’t believe it’s about to celebrate its FIRST ANNIVERSARY! 🎉

A little birdie tells me the fab Autumn Anniversary Edition is on its way back from the printers as we speak and I’m very excited to have another three articles tucked inside.

For September, we’re talking Bananas, Brain Dumps and Better Weeks 🍌 - that slightly chaotic start to the new term, getting everything out of your head and why a little planning can make such a difference. I’ve also included my Sunday Reset - Childminder Edition for you to photocopy and use.

Then in October, it’s Mirror Moments, Magic and Memories 🎃 - where my childminding world meets another part of my life that some of you might not know about: nearly 20 years as a professional face painter! I’ve included a really simple step-by-step Halloween face painting guide that even complete beginners can have a go at.

And finally, November brings Presents, Planners & Perfect Hiding Places 🎁 - because Christmas has a habit of sneaking up on us, no matter how organised we think we are! There’s another free printable in there too - my Calm Christmas Gift Planner to help you get ahead before December madness descends.

And that’s just my little corner of the magazine - there is SO much more inside from an amazing collection of contributors.

I know not everyone who follows me is a childminder, but I also know there ARE rather a lot of you lurking around here! So if you’ve never picked up a copy before, this anniversary edition might be a rather good place to start.

I’ll tag the lovely editor Claire Hassall, who can tell you exactly when copies are available and how to get your hands on one.

Happy 1st birthday, Not Just a Childminder. What an achievement - and I’m very proud to be a small part of it. 🥂

11/08/2026

A little update from me 💗

I’ve made the decision to take a bit of a “sabbatical” from This Organised Life for the time being.

Life behind the scenes has changed quite a lot recently, and my caring responsibilities are taking up more of my time and energy. I’ve realised that, for now, I need to give myself permission to put more of my focus into my family and the people who need me.

And actually, that’s very much in keeping with what This Organised Life has always been about.

Being organised isn’t about managing to do everything, all of the time. It’s about looking at the life you have right now, working out what matters most and putting your time and energy there.

Sometimes life changes. Sometimes our priorities have to change with it. And for the moment, mine need to.

I’m not disappearing and This Organised Life isn’t going anywhere.

I’ll still be working on ideas and projects behind the scenes, and I’ll pop up on social media when I have something I want to share. I’m just taking the pressure off myself to feel that I have to be consistently “present”.

If you’re a member of my This Organised Life Facebook community, I’ll probably be even quieter in there for a while too. But the group is still very much open — and I’d LOVE you to use it.

Pop in with a question. Share something you’re struggling with. Tell everyone about a system that’s working brilliantly for you. Ask for ideas when life admin is driving you mad. Help somebody else if you’ve found a solution to something they’re battling with.

You don’t need to wait for me to start the conversation.

After all, there’s a whole community of women juggling homes, families, work and all the other stuff life throws at us. We probably have an awful lot we can learn from each other.

I’ll still be dipping in when I can, both there and here on social media.

So this definitely isn’t goodbye.

It’s simply me practising a little bit of what I preach and recognising that, right now, something else needs to move to the top of my list.

Same heart. Same mission. Just a different season. 💗

Claire xx

05/08/2026

Going away this summer?

I’ve just revisited one of my favourite blog posts because it’s that time of year again when we’re all standing in front of an open suitcase wondering -

“What have I forgotten?” 🤦‍♀️

I’ve been using the same master packing planner for years.

It started when I travelled regularly for work, then followed me through family holidays, girls’ weekends, beach trips and everything in between. Instead of writing a brand new list every time, I created one master checklist with all my regular essentials already on it.

Yes - I even laminated it. 😄

If you’re heading away over the next few weeks, you can read the blog and download my Perfect Packing Planner for just over £1.

Because holidays should start with excitement - not a last-minute panic about whether you’ve packed enough knickers.

Link in bio.

29/07/2026

One of the biggest fears parents have before September is getting it “wrong” before their child has even started.

So they focus on the “measurable” stuff.

Letter sounds. Writing. Numbers to 20.

But after years of helping get children ready to walk through that classroom door, the things that actually matter are simpler than that.

Can they ask for help when they need the toilet?

Can they cope when a friend won’t play the game they wanted?

Can they get their own coat on without a meltdown?

That’s what actually makes those first few weeks feel manageable - for your child and for you.

If you want a quick starting point, comment SCHOOL and I’ll send you my free high-level checklist - the essentials to focus on over the summer, without the overwhelm of trying to “prep” for everything.

And if you want to go further than a checklist - because let’s be real, most of us need more than a list when our child is starting school - my full guide On Your Marks! Get Set! SCHOOL! walks you through exactly how to build that confidence and independence at home, step by step, so you’re not just ticking boxes, you’re actually getting them ready.

Link in bio.

18/07/2026

Honestly, this list has saved me hours of time rifling through my cupboards and fridge over the years! Saves me money too!

If you want me to help you create yours, drop me a DM 👍🏻

17/07/2026

Not sure where to start? Here’s how This Organised Life can help you right now.

Free - grab these today via the link in my bio:

- No Matter What Checklist - strip your day back to what actually matters

- Free Pack without the Panic Checklist - for stress free prep for your next trip away

- Follow my blog

- Join me and other helpful ladies in my Facebook Group

- Subscribe to my newsletter

Links in bio - or head straight to linktr.ee/thisorganisedlife

16/07/2026

Most of us are never going to have ALL our ducks in a row.

There’ll always be one waddling off in the wrong direction. One that’s completely disappeared. And for me, one that’s somehow been replaced by a seagull.

That’s just life.

But there’s a difference between the odd rogue duck and feeling like the whole flock has scattered - and that’s where This Organised Life comes in.

This is a place for women who are carrying a lot behind the scenes.

The mental load. The invisible admin. The things no one notices until they go wrong or until you’re not there.

I create simple, practical systems, tools and checklists to help you get your ducks just a little more in a row - without the pressure of pretending they were ever perfectly lined up in the first place.

Think ahead. Plan ahead. Stay ahead.

That’s it. That’s the whole idea.

If you’re nodding along, you’re in exactly the right place.

Come and join us - mailing list or private Facebook community, both links in my bio. It’s warm, it’s honest and nobody has their ducks perfectly in a row all the time!

15/07/2026

I believe I DO understand the off side rule even if I can’t explain it!

BUT - who the heck am I! Rushed my after-work pack down and clean up - to be match ready?!!!

Come on England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

15/07/2026