So, a suggestion: why not try the Internet? It's got loads of sites that offer practical tools for making women's lives easier.

Let's start with periodwatch -- 'your personal menstrual calendar and reminder service' -- that predicts and reminds you when your periods are due, via email. All you have to do is register and feed in some information about your cycle dates. The site also answers questions, like how to be ready for your first period or how to prepare your daughter for hers.

There are other tools, too. HealthAtoZ has a 'fertility calculator', because "you're more likely to get pregnant in a particular month if you have intercourse during your most fertile period". This calculator indicates that period for you, after you've fed in the information it requires.

Once you do get pregnant, parentsplace builds a customised calendar that details the day-by-day development of a baby right from its foetal stage to birth. You can also sign up for a personalised pregnancy newsletter, a weekly guide with tips on enjoying your pregnancy, eating well and preparing for parenthood.

Next. After the baby, it's getting into shape and looking good that matters. The Makeover-o-Matic helps you find the style that suits you best in just a few clicks. 'Go ahead and get beautiful' is what it says. And who can resist? You can also try these fitness calculators.

Is your weight too high, too low or just right? The Body Mass Index Calculator tells you this and more. Also, if you're wondering whether you resemble an apple, pear or any other fruit, the waist-to-hip calculator gives you the answer. The Women's Health America weekly newsletter also covers a range of related issues like nutrition and stress management.

Now, if only someone would manage your money too, huh? Try momsbudget for its handy tools like financial directories, a savings calculator, stock calculator, budget worksheets and more.

Last stop: women's enews. It tells you "what news looks like, when women matter." Simply choose between the daily or weekly newsletter and keep yourself abreast of what's happening to women the world over.

There you have it. All the tools you need, without having to pay for a personal assistant.