I am super excited that the lovely Laura Hamilton, a well loved television presenter, has joined me for a chat on my blog!
When Laura isn’t busy presenting ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘Cowboy Builders’, she can be found renovating properties, writing a blog for Hello! magazine and being a mummy to two gorgeous children, two year old Rocco and eight month old Tahlia.
You first became a mum in 2013, what surprised you most about yourself?
I’ve always loved my job and I thought that when I had children, I would no longer be able to work. I surprised myself because by being super organised and having an extremely supportive family, as well as fantastic employers, it seems to be working out just fine.
Last year you became a mother for the second time, and had ‘two children under two’. What was the best advice you were given and what advice would you offer?
Be prepared for the first 6 months to be mental! Once you find a routine and your toddler accepts your baby it gets easier. The toddler is the one that ultimately demands the most attention and sometimes it hard because you have to leave the baby to cry. In the end it should be lovely because they will be so close in age and be able to play together.
Life is busy, but it’s important to take time out for you. How do you ensure you have time for yourself and how do you like to spend your time?
I regularly have my nails done and I often treat myself to having my lashes and brows done too. I love feeling pampered and having a massage. Just because you are a mum it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel glam. Also you shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time out for yourself. I tend to have ‘ME’ time when the children are sleeping during the day or when they go to bed at 7pm.
Since becoming a family of four, what do you enjoy doing together?
We love going for walks around where we live or when travelling together. I obviously travel a lot with my job, but my husband often misses out, so we make sure we have family holidays. On a rainy day, there is nothing better than staying inside with the children and doing puzzles or role play which Rocco loves at the moment.
For any ‘mums to be’ who are reading, what is the one baby product you couldn’t live without?
I absolutely love my Doona car seat/pram. It has changed my life with all the travel I do. When I’m at home I adore my Egg tandem pram, which is like the Range Rover of prams!
You’re currently presenting a ‘Place in the Sun’ and travelling abroad with two small children, comes as natural to you as going to the park. What advice would you offer parents thinking about taking their little ones abroad?
Don’t be scared about travelling with your children. You DON’T need to pack everything and the kitchen sink. Nappies and wipes are readily available abroad, as is travel wash, so you don’t need to take tons of clothes. The most important thing is to be prepared on the flight, snacks, teething toys and an iPad are useful, but it depends on the age of your child. Changes of clothes are a must incase of any toilet accidents.
What are your must haves to pack when going on holiday with children?
I usually take some Ella’s Kitchen pouches for the first few days for Tahlia, as well as a box of her milk. Rocco has a favourite cuddly toy called ‘Peg’ (a penguin from The White Company). I don’t take too many clothes because I sometimes hand wash bits, but I find they tend to live in their swim things and not wear too much because it’s hot. Sun cream is completely essential, as well as sun hats!
Your passion away from television is renovating houses and you have created a beautiful home for your family. What are the best finds you have found for decorating your children’s bedrooms?
I have a beautiful vintage horse for Tahlia’s bedroom from Louisa Grace. I have also recently made over Rocco’s bedroom with some fantastic pieces from Wayfair. Our house is soon to feature in OK Magazine, so if you keep an eye out you might see it.
How do you manage to store all the toys and baby products that comes with having small children?
I have some lovely trunks that double up as coffee tables and because I redesigned the layout of my house, I was able to create two big storage wardrobes in both of the children’s bedrooms.They have so much stuff it’s crazy!
You have been very focused on getting back into shape following your pregnancy. What advice do you offer new mums and did you feel under pressure to get back to your pre pregnancy shape?
I felt more pressure because of being on TV. I don’t necessarily think that is a good thing, but it’s the way I felt. Ultimately each individual needs to do what is right for them. What you have to remember is your body has made a baby and that is incredible. Take your time and only loose the weight for yourself if you want to, nobody else!
A big thank you to Laura for the chat and for supporting ‘dearbearandbeany’. I know time is precious when you are a mum and it means a lot to me.
Laura regularly blogs for Hello! magazine, follow her on Twitter @laurahamiltontv to hear more about her adventures and motherhood.
