This week is our first anniversary so we thought it was a good time to tell you a bit more about how we started. The Squiz is the perfect name for us – we’re your shortcut to being informed. It was a name suggested to us way back when we were mulling over quitting our job to give it a go. It was also perfect for another reason – it’s the nickname of our dear friend Emma Bromell. We first met her at school when she was Emma Taylor, hence the gangster reference. She’s one of the busy women we have in mind when we sit down to write each day. So please welcome Squizzy, the original and the best, to the Three Minute Squiz.

How and where do you Squiz?
Either first thing in the morning with a strong black coffee or whilst I am waiting in my car for one of my busy children.

How did we meet?
At school in 1987! I was a boarder and you were a day girl who had ‘real food’ to share.

Is it weird seeing an email popping up in your inbox every weekday morning knowing it is named after you?
I find it amusing!!

You’re a country girl from Merriwagga, NSW now living an urban life between Brisbane and Colorado in the US. If you had to choose – bush, beach or snow?
Until recently my answer would’ve been most definitely beach … but since living in Colorado for a few years I am now very attached to the cold Rocky Mountains.

Your hubby Ian travels a lot with work and you have four kids aged from 9-15yo. How many people tell you”I don’t know how you do it” on a regular basis?
A lot of people tell me that! I wish I could say “my four children are wonderful helpers with no attitude and no demands”. But we are a normal family, normal stresses and lots of commitments. It’s all about priorities.

What was the first album you ever owned?
First album was the Grease Soundtrack. I think I was in grade two…. You’re The One That I Want was a fav.

What’s your guilty TV-watching secret?
Most definitely period dramas. Anything historical, romantic or wartime!

Name four people – living or dead – you’d love to sit down to dinner with.
My late grandmother, Coco Chanel, Princess Mary of Denmark and… The Squiz.

Your favourite book of the last few months?
Between a Wolf and a Dog by Georgia Blain.*

What skill or talent do you not have but wish you did?
I so wish I could play the piano really, really well.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Tolerance.

Best holiday location?
I had an amazing holiday on the Amalfi Coast last year but I’d have to say the best was Acapulco in Mexico.

You run – a lot. What’s that about?
I enjoyed long distance running at school but started running a lot more in my early 20’s due to a heart concern. After I had children it became all about ‘time for me’. Consequently the more kids I had, the further I ran.

Tell us about your New York Marathon experience
I’ve run several marathons over the years but New York was always one of my bucket list races.Let’s just say I was a DNF and I’m going back in November this year to make amends.

What’s your best recipe you can share with the Squiz crew?
Pistachio crusted lamb racks. Always impresses.

You’re a busy woman with commitments all over the shop – and you do it in style. What’s your top tip for the frazzled and frantic among us?
Say no when you cannot or do not want do something and be a little selfish about ‘me time’.Also – if and when you can make it happen… have an afternoon nap!

What would you say is the most currently overlooked news story we should know about?
Knowing I face the next 10 years with teenagers in my house I think the effects of social media on our teenagers needs more attention.I also fear that my children will belong to a politically correct generation with absolutely no common sense!

*If you buy this book using this link The Squiz gets a little commission from Booktopia.