If you are anything like me, and my friends, chances are you’ve had the ‘what character in Friends/Desperate Housewives/Sex In the City do you most resemble?” conversation. Two. maybe three, years ago I would have said I was a mixture of Carrie/Pheobe and the one played by Terri Hatcher. Today, as of about half an hour ago (following conversation in my mind while taking Immy to the crèche and myself to the gym) I reckon I’m now the crazed love child of Monica/Charlotte and the DH character with the red hair – i.e. a neurotic, control-freak nutter, so much so I don’t recognise myself sometimes. This morning was a perfect example. I got upset about the fact Andrew and my mum-in-law kept putting plates and cutlery in the sink (as opposed to the dishwasher) and then when Andrew admitted he hadn’t had time to call the DVLA (we need to change our address to get the road tax renewal form) I flipped out and accused Andrew of being lazy. Now, having taken a few deep yoga breaths, I realise I must have had one of those irrational housewife moments. And I also realise I may be trying to do a bit too much. Still, there is one good thing about being an organised control freak – all our Christmas shopping is done. (Mind you, having been the one to go on GMTV and tell viewers they should have it all sorted by 10 December (I helped write the Christmas planner on www.gm.tv) I can’t really not have!)

My sister and mum had – what I thought – was a rather inane conversation on Sunday. They were moaning about how rubbish bread bins are. ‘You both have too much time, if that’s what bothers you’ I told them. Yesterday lunchtime I went to make a sandwich from some lovely granary bread I bought on Monday. As I opened our designer special bread bin a cloud of green dust emerged, yep – it had gone off. I’m just about to text my sister ‘you know what you said about bread bins…

Life insurance – finally bought it

We’ve sorted out our life insurance and critical illness. Phew!!! We used the people at Lifesearch, an independent financial adviser which specialises in protection insurance to buy a policy which guarantees a monthly payment just in case the worst happens to one of us. The policy pays out an income which covers bills, mortgage and food. I also opted for a relatively low cover critical illness policy, in case I or Imogen gets a critical – but recoverable – illness. I have to say I was inspired, if that is the right word by my dear friend Rebecca who has been battling cancer since December 2007. She believes a CI policy is what every mum should have. It pays out a lump sum which can be used either to top up the family income or help with treatment. I’m paying £30 a month, but I hope this is one policy that doesn’t need to be cashed in.

Hair today but gone tomorrow

I also have a correction to my last blog. Much as I liked my fringe after my T&G hair cut I found that after washing my hair it was completely unstylable – unless I’m prepared to use straightening irons on it. As I’m about to start presenting a programme (filming starts tomorrow) I couldn’t get an appointment with Indira. I managed to get one with a local lady who cuts hair at home. She did a brilliant job of adding a few layers. especially as I practically begged her to work on her day off – thank you Trudy!

More teeth (and Baby Butter please)

Imogen now has three more teeth. She’s been so good, sleeping through the night (mostly) that I feel truly blessed to have her as my daughter. We’ve been going back to doing baby massage and I must say the Waitrose Baby Bottom cream is lovely. Even better though is Palmers Baby Butter (£3.89 in Boots) version – it smells like chocolate and baby powder mixed together. You can buy Waitrose Bottom Butter for £2.49 and it’s popular with mums too. I think the Palmers pips the post though.