Rebecca Hastings She left us at Ikea and went off to find herself

At Ikea there is a room filled with colourful balls where children can be left while you browse the heady delights of affordable groovy homewares. I have never done this but I know plenty of mothers who have, but I don’t judge…

Nevertheless, I too am guilty of craving me-time – even a nag-free trip to the shops. I’m not ashamed to admit my yearning for those days when home was a panacea to my busy life, a haven to sink back into (complete with neo-retro design and tangerine detailing).

And so to the ball-room my cherubs, so mummy may dream of a world that is calm, organised, and unsullied by hardened breakfast cereals.

- Rebecca Hastings, 2015