We can't all be Gisele

But us mothers sure do learn fast how to compromise, how to make things easier on ourselves. Gone are the days where I could spend ages doing my hair and picking an amazing outfit from my huge wardrobe (Oh how I miss my clothes and shoes). Now my 10m old daughter comes to the loo with me and I only wear a necklace so she can play with it. But along the way I have found a few things to make life easier but to still look reasonably good. This list isn't solely useful for mothers but anyone who has their hands full with busy lives 24/7.

1. Havaianas.

I keep a stack by the door in varying colours. Easy to slip your feet into as you are running out of the door. Gone are the days of boring flat designs for thongs, these days Havaianas make me feel like I at least have something interesting and practical on my feet.

2. Hoola Bronzer

I have been in love with Benefit products for years, this one I have owned since it came out. If you get to do nothing to your face bronzer makes things all better. Great for hiding tired eyes and pasty skin when you have had no sleep. An instant confidence boost. I keep it opposite the loo for a quick touch up whenever I actually get to go to the bathroom.

3. Spray on moisturiser

Putting on body moisturiser is one of my pet hates (along with washing and drying my hair AND putting on sun screen - so time consuming). But the Sanctuary body spray moisturiser has changed all of that. No rubbing in required. Now when I get out of the shower a few seconds later I am moisturised too. Yay. I have to get this sent to me by my UK friends as its only sold in Boots. But Priceline in Australia have just started a small like by the Sanctuary so lets hope this product gets added.

4. White singlets - lots and lots of them.

I have a hook in my wardrobe where I hang about 6 white singlets from Bonds, Cotton On, Witchery and the likes. They go with and under anything and I cannot live without them. I throw them on daily whether its to go out or be around the house. I don't even hang them, Just a nice big hook by the door.

5. Palazzo pants

I have so many pairs of these. Easy to chuck on, Elasticated waist for a bit of extra left over pregnancy 'stuff', pockets to chuck phone and keys. And baggy enough to hide pretty much everything, but added bonus they are comfortable and in keeping with this years trends. Country road have had these blue ones in their sale which I bought and love, and my good friend Kitty from Marikit made me these green ones! (I also have 2 more pairs custom made by her, check out her FB page HERE)

6. The blow dry bar

Ok so this one is a little indulgent but I HATE washing and drying my hair. It takes so long and is so curly and annoying that when I get time I am happy to spend $40 and 30m getting it done. Once its done it lasts 5 days and I don't have to touch it. I love the blow dry bar, they are all over Melbourne and are cheap fast and no fuss.

7. 1000 hour eyelash tint

Before baby Chevali came along I used to get my eyelashes tinted when I had a facial. No time for that now so I've started doing it at home. Spend 10m a month doing this and you never have to wear mascara and you look good day and night! It takes a bit of getting used to but its so worth it.

8. Facial at home? Clarisonic!!

So yes I used to indulge in lovely 6 week facials. Now I have one of these and I use it in the shower. Its a bit pricey but the results are fantastic. Your skin soaks up any products you use and generally looks happier and healthier.

9. Dry shampoo

I have been a huge fan of dry shampoo for almost 10 years now (see earlier comment about hatred of hair washing). Thanks to brands like batiste you can now buy this anywhere. I've been known to wash my hair once a week thanks to these little beauties!! Cannot live without.

10. An enormous beach bag

With a baby you need a lot of stuff. I've tried nappy bags, I've tried converting my old big leather bags, and instead I've settled on a huge beach bag to cart everything around with me in. In fact the one I am using right now was free with Instyle magazine, Score. Inside it I keep everything separated in large sandwich bags (also an item I cannot live without) so no baby food, or toys, or nappy stuff gets mixed up. Incredibly handy as its always full and ready to go and hangs on the pram, but doesn't look like its screaming nappy bag. Especially in summer!

There are lots of other things I have done along the way, like make silicone teething jewellery part of my life, baby Chevali can chew on and they don't look totally shit. Or having a stack of lipsticks and moisturisers, lip balms etc in the car so that at the lights I can do my hands, or attempt to look like a functioning human being. I also have bottles of water everywhere. In the car and all over the house so I never forget. I'm sure as mini me grows up there will be other things I get to do as I get more time and other things that I have to let go of. But for now I feel like I'm doing ok! What are your tips and tricks??