Jessica Rowe is a Squizer. How cool is that? The TV presenter, mum and mental health advocate is one busy lady. And she’s also an author with a new book out called Diary of a Crap Housewife* and it’s about taking pressure off ourselves and accepting we’re not perfect. We’re thrilled to have her as part of the Squiz gang so please welcome Jessica to this week’s Three Minute Squiz.

How and where do you Squiz?
I always Squiz first thing in the morning! A wonderful way to get my news fix…

We saw you through the window of a Canberra restaurant when you worked there many years ago and you were so damn glamorous – then and now. Is there intense pressure to keep up appearances as part of the TV crowd?
Ohhhh- my Canberra days! I loved living there – it was where I got my first ‘proper’ TV job working as a journalist and weather presenter for Prime. And I’ve always loved clothes and the transformative power of fashion! You can dress for your mood and ‘role’… I always overdress but life is far too short to leave your sparkles and prints in the wardrobe for only ‘special occasions’. And I’ve never wanted to fit in with the crowd. The older I get the less I worry about fitting in.

You’ve left Ten’s Studio 10 to be at home with your two daughters. What’s one thing you wish you could tell past-Jess about the decision?
I don’t want to look back… We need to be present in the present.

Which is a good segue into your new book… How did you learn to be kind to yourself?
It took a looooong time… but it’s all about letting go of the stuff that really doesn’t matter and holding onto and nurturing what endures. And what endures for me is my family, friends, cats, mince and strawberry Freddo Frogs.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?
That you’re ‘good enough’, you’re doing the best you can. And laughter is often the only way to deal with everyday crap!’

Your #craphousewife content is a delightful dose of reality in the shiny Instagram-world. Which #craphousewife meal resonates the most?
Spag bol and my panko crumbed schnitzel!!

How does your family deal with clutter?
My daughters are used to mess… My husband can’t stand dirty dishes in the sink. Lucky for me he finds washing up ‘therapeutic’.

If you’re a perfectionist, do you think you can learn to walk on by the things that aren’t spot on?
Yes, I believe you can. I was a perfectionist in my professional life – but realised I had to let go as the pressure I put on myself wasn’t helping me or my mental health.

Your favourite book or writer?
It’s impossible to have just one…I dabble in all sorts of genres and literary styles depending on what mood I’m in, and how much time I have… Recently I read Beartown by Fredrick Backman. And loved it! I’m obsessed with Scandi noir books and want Camilla Lackberg to write more in her series. I inhale anything by Lianne Moriarty.

First album?
We didn’t have a record player… but my friend gave me a compilation cassette tape of Bananarama, The Cure and Robert Palmer.

What skill or talent do you not have but wish you did?
To sing! I’d love to be a musical theatre star!!!!

The best piece of advice someone excellent gave you?
When you’re faced with boldness be bolder.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Having a clean and tidy house.

What’s your worst and best habit?
My worst habit is my returning phone calls. My best habit is laughing long and loud.

You can pick four people (living or dead) for a dinner party. Who are they, and what are you cooking?
Michelle Obama, Oscar Wilde, Erika Jayne (Real Housewives of Beverley Hills) and David Walliams… And we’re ordering takeaway and drinking French Champagne and rosé.

We’re thinking of going for a short hair cut soon. Give us the pitch…
Audrey Hepburn.

What would you say is the most currently overlooked news story Australians should know about but don’t?
Mental illness impacts on so many families across Australia. And children are often the ‘hidden carers’ looking after their parents without the support or respite they need. We need to do more for these kids.

*If you buy this book using this link, The Squiz will get a little commission.