Self Care Myths That Really Need To Do OneRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 9 January 2024 Self Care Myths That Really Need To Do One Basic Personal Needs = Self Care Find yourself now asking if it’s ok if you go and have a shower? Or you’re announcing every time you leave to make tea or go for a pee? Just remember your basic human rights and maybe next time just go! Self Care Can’t Include Sleep When You’re a Parent We might have signed up for sleepless nights and early mornings; but actual exhaustion is no joke. So make sure you take a break. Throw away all the shame and nap when and wherever you can. Whether it’s sleeping while grandparents come over or leave a cushion in the car so you can snooze when kids inevitably sleep after swimming. Try inputting things like rotating lie ins with a partner or scheduling in time where the children are shipped off to Nannie’s for the night. Whatever works, it’s all essential to prevent you burning out. Self Care Costs Money Don’t get us wrong; we love a good 90 minute massage but you don’t need to splash out on a spa day to fill your proverbial cup. You can do simple things like switching off the TV and breaking into the book you’ve been dying to read. Or leaving a house full of washing to meet a friend for a walk. Even just stopping for a moment and taking in a big deep breath or stretch will do wonders for your body and brain. We Have to Justify Self-Care When someone helps us with the kids, we’re not sure why we feel we have to justify why we’re taking time out and saying things like; “Oh, I’ve been so stressed and ill recently and my hair is just out of control. I’ve not had it cut in a year. I promise I’ll only be…. We’ve even found ourselves saying we’re at the doctors or physio, when in reality it’s massage or mani. Remember, you deserve that break. So take it with pride. *And take longer than you need! There’s a Right or Wrong Way According to the NHS the definition of self-care is ‘the practice of consciously doing things that preserve or improve your mental or physical health’. Translation: It’s an essential and integral part of keeping you healthy. For some people that might be running 10k or practicing yoga. For others it might be binge watching Netflix and consuming an entire Easter Egg. Do what makes you feel better. If it’s a few hours where you just do nothing, then so be it. Move, or don’t move. You do you! Self Care Has to be Complicated Keep hearing about how others feel incredible now they meditate daily, have a Matcha instead of a morning coffee and their screen time is basically zero? Well, while that’s great for them. Some days are just about survival. Self-care doesn’t have to be unrealistic or stressful. Instead it can be tiny things that make you feel good, like taking the time to apply some make up or skincare, sitting in the sun with a coffee or putting on a new dress that’s not covered in baby vom. Self Care Means Being Alone Sometimes lying in a dark room alone is absolutely what we need; and sometimes seeking out friends and the company of others fills our soul. There’s nothing a coffee, cake and a chat with a good mate can’t fix. Self Care is Only for Women Boys need me-time too! (*And possibly why they spend 3 hours a day sat on the loo).
Reviewed By Us: AIRE Ancient BathsRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 8 January 2024 Reviewed By Us: AIRE Ancient Baths Reviewed by: TMC Editor, Lydia House Pros Relaxing and warming experience Feels like another world You completely relax Cons It’s a little pricey What is it? “Underground ancient baths and spa, which help you completely shut off and make you feel transported to another world and experience Roman, Greek and Ottoman traditions.” Overall Thoughts “I can’t tell you how amazing this experience is. I’m pretty fussy about spas, and I couldn’t fault it. Even though it was fully booked when I went, I never felt like I didn’t have my own space. I went with my husband, and it was an incredible treat. After we changed into our robes and swimmers, we met our host, who suggested the best way to experience the baths, and then he left us to it. While you’re inside, they want you to shut off and not worry about time, so instead of you having to think about heading to a waiting area, they come and find you when it’s time for your treatment. I usually hate couples’ massages, but we felt so relaxed going into the treatment, and both my husband and I agreed it was the best massage we’d ever had. We were allowed to return to the baths afterwards, but instead, we sat in our robes in one of the relaxation areas and enjoyed a glass of fizz and chocolate truffles. It was just bliss!” Is it good value? “Prices start from £115 for the baths and then £178 with a treatment. It’s quite expensive but I wouldn’t say it’s that bad considering most London massages are over £130 anyway and you don’t get this incredible experience with it. I’d 100% recommend paying for a package that includes a treatment, as the baths were great, but the massage really enhanced the experience. I’d also say to go in a colder month as the experience is so warming, so perfect for winter.” Would you recommend it? “Over and over again. It felt like we’d been transported to another time and we were left feeling elated as well as relaxed. It’s such a great treat to do on your own, with a partner, friend or parent.” How to Book… AIRE Ancient Baths Not just the UK, AIRE have ancient baths all over the world. From Barcelona to Chicago. Find out more
Can’t Mum Without – Jessica RolphRead More The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So, what items make your mum life that bit easier? We spoke to Lovevery Co-Founder Jessica Rolph to find out her life,… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 8 January 2024 Can’t Mum Without – Jessica Rolph The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So, what items make your mum life that bit easier? We spoke to Lovevery Co-Founder Jessica Rolph to find out her life, style, and mum must-haves. https://lovevery.co.uk 1. The Best Food Item to Help Children’s Brains Develop “We try to eat eggs often for breakfast and liver (with chopped bacon) once a week as they’re the best sources of Choline, a nutrient proven to have a lasting link to a child’s brain development. When my little ones get tired of scrambled eggs, I try to mix it up with egg-in-a-(toast)-hole, or pre-make a batch of frittatas with spinach that are easy to heat up in the morning.” Buy Egg Cups 2. The Best Unknown Baby Item “I got these nail scissors as a gift and have used them for years with all my kids. They are so expensive but worth it. It is easy to nick little fingers and toes when cutting nails, and these are just about foolproof!” Buy Now 3. What Helps Your Children Sleep Better? “This was a game changer for us; my daughter picks the colour she wants to wake up to, and then she stays in bed until it turns that color. It has saved us soo much sleep!” Buy Now 4. An Item That Helps You Get to Sleep? “Lunya silk pyjamas are my favourite end-of-day luxury to crawl in bed.” Creating a calm and peaceful sleep environment is key to unwinding when you have a million things on your mind. Pair that with a few luxury items like a pillow mist spray and silk pjs, and you’re much more likely to drift off as it helps create the correct signals to your brain and helps it switch off.” Buy Now 5. Something That Helps Reduce Screen Time “The Yoto App has been a great way to entertain my kids without screens. It pairs with their Yoto audio player at home or on the go, and they are particularly fond of the Yoto Daily podcast, which offers funny jokes, play-along activities, and fun facts. I challenge even parents not to laugh while playing the game “Sausages.” Buy Now 6. Best play time tip for parents to keep you interested “Play is about a child’s exploration of the world and how they interact with it. Try to practise being loving and helpful supporters of play—rather than directors. This allows children to discover more about themselves and what they can do. So much of a child’s day is spent being told what to do and going from transition to transition. So, play can also be looked at as the child’s opportunity to explore in a way that feels important to them. The Lovevery Play Kits are designed to support this purposeful play through a stage-based approach by offering a child what they are already hungry to learn and making the most of the micro-development windows that are opening and closing in your child’s brain over time.” Buy Now 7. Best way to cull toys after Christmas “Practise toy rotation – a classic Montessori technique where only a few toys are kept out at a time, arranged on open, low shelves with the others put away out of sight. This can help your child follow their natural interests and build independence. Start by arranging around 9 to 12 items on a low shelf so your child can pick a toy to focus on. Over the next few weeks or so, pay attention to the objects that attract your child the most and how they like to play with them. Starting toy rotation doesn’t mean you have to get rid of any toys—though this can provide an opportunity to clear out and donate by focusing on the playthings that engage your child the most. It’s more about creating an environment to foster more profound and independent play opportunities.” 8. Best tip for organising “I’m biased, but I genuinely love our Lovevery Playshelf. It’s a storage solution allowing parents to incorporate Montessori play principles at home easily. We’ve blended modern design with function, sustainable materials, and Montessori-inspired learning to offer more than just a piece of furniture. The open shelving in the front displays the optimal number of playthings at a time. It includes hidden storage and trays in the back to allow for easy cleanup (and less clutter), making it the perfect spot for out-of-rotation toys to live until they’re called upon again. The shelf even features a child-safe lid with soft-close technology – to protect tiny fingers.” Buy Now What’s the story behind Lovevery? “The idea started when I became a parent. I watched my baby play with one of those plastic toys with flashing lights. My question was, why do toys like this exist, and what do they do for development? As co-founder of Happy Family, the US’s leading organic baby food company, I was already interested in children’s health and development. I felt confident about how my baby’s food was helping his body grow, but I wasn’t so sure about how his toys were helping his brain.I discovered a doctoral thesis on infant brain development with all these detailed, nerdy things I could do with my baby. The approach felt natural and straightforward, and I never looked at my children’s toys the same way again. After hundreds of hours of play studies with families testing our prototypes, we launched our first product, The Play Gym, which became an instant top-seller in the category. A year later, we introduced our stage-based early learning program, The Play Kits, and are now excited to expand our offering with the launch of our Play Kits for 3-year-olds. Your Exclusive TMC Discount We have an exclusive discount from our brand partner Lovevery that entitles you to £20 off a new Play Kit Subscription (T&Cs apply). Simply head to our, Member Perk Page to access the discount and redeem it. Member Perks Page
Where to go When It’s F*cking FreezingRead More The Air Nanny tinytravelship.com is a brilliant website packed with parent-pleasing stays all visited and verified by a fellow family. Making booking your next trip easy, you can filter holidays by… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 January 2024 Where to go When It’s F*cking Freezing We’re big fans of autumn, Christmas, and all the festivities. But come January, we’d rather be anywhere else. We say swap the layers for loungers with a much-deserved parent-pleasing holiday courtesy of the family travel experts at Tiny Travelship… The Maldives Yes, it’s expensive but the sapphire seas and blinding white sands of the Maldives are something to dream about during night-feed fantasies. And if you’re serious about it, January is a great time to go as it is blessed with highs of 27c, a cooling breeze, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. And it’s a lot more kid friendly than you’d think! *Hold the baby! Sea turtles we’re coming for you. The Best Places to Stay in The Maldives With Kids The Fantasy Desto Luxury hotels are two a penny in the Maldives. However, few resorts combine sustainability, reef protection and a seamless no-need-to-lift-a-finger service, like the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. The Zen-inducing spa, eco-friendly Kids Club (4+) and thriving marine scene (complete with resident Manta Rays) really puts it above the rest of the fantasy fray. *Go now before they start school! InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau The (Slightly) More Affordable Family Stay Ok, it’s still not cheap but this is straight off a postcard, and amidst a sea of honeymoon hideaways, the Conrad offers a genius family-friendly solution as the resort is split into two private islands, one for tiny travellers (with a brilliant Kids Club for 3+) and one for adults only. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island St Lucia A week (or two) in St Lucia will break you out of any winter slump. Drenched in rum and sunshine, February offers dry skies, warm waters and fabled sunsets. Suiting both experience-seekers and horizontal-holidayers, St Lucia has it all. Not only does it provide clear cobalt waters and sunkissed shorelines, but there are also towering piton peaks to hike, jungles to explore and a wealth of waterfalls and wildlife to fill your camera roll. The Best Places to stay in St Lucia With Kids A Home from Home (But Better) You’ll find both traditional rooms and spacious whitewashed villas at Windjammer Landing. Which allow broods to make themselves at home with fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping spaces and private pools. Plus, the legendary Kids Club (4+) is one of the most beloved in the country. Windjammer Landing Best For Ultimate Luxury Sugar Beach is one of the most super luxe beachfront boltholes, where some rooms have their own private Jacuzzi, plunge or infinity pool. Sugar Beach Tulum, Mexico Swap your bed socks and blankets for barefoot strolls on a heaven-sent holiday to Tulum. You’ll find some of Mexico’s best beaches and most talented chefs in this neck of the jungle. Between sunbathing sessions, there are ruins to explore, cenotes to swim in and jugs of mezcal to be drunk. *This can be a slightly trickish one to get to, so make sure you pre book a transfer with your hotel. The Best Places to Stay in Tulum With Kids Kind on the Purse Strings Tempted by Tulum but have a smaller budget to stick to? For a seriously kind on the purse strings stay (with prices starting from £90 a night), head to Hotel Tiki Tiki, an in-town alternative with Palm Springs vibes. Hotel Tiki Tiki Family Friendly *but Luxe Tucked between the jungle and a crystal-clear coral reef, Jashita offers a Tulum twist on family-friendly hotels, expertly bridging the gap between grown-up vibes and tot-tastic facilities. There may not be a Kids Club, but the spacious suites and secluded shoreline (which is the safest and shallowest around) majorly tick our parent-pleasing boxes. Jashita Dubai Love it or (think you) loathe it, Dubai’s extreme child-friendliness is unquestionable; you can pre-book car seats in taxi apps, there are highchairs in all restaurants, hotels stock baby paraphernalia, and you’re never far from a boredom-busting waterpark. Effectively having only two seasons (hot and hotter), temperatures pleasantly sit at around 24C in January. For a faff-free winter fly-and-flop, it’s a no-brainer. The Best Places to Stay in Dubai With Kids The Best Family Stay Sprawling Jumeirah Al Naseem is the Middle East’s answer to Sani: 5 pools, a complimentary Kids Club, a pristine private beach, over 40 restaurants and even its own water park! Jumeirah Al Naseem For Those Unsure on Dubai Torn between Dubai and the tropics? Head to Anantara, on the corner of the Palm, for the best of both worlds. With the only over-water villas in the UAE and Thai-inspired buildings, this cultural melting pot offers serene seclusion away from the maddening crowds. Anantara Morocco Looking to escape the bitter cold but can’t face spending ten-plus hours in economy? Don’t underestimate the parent-pleasing power of a mere 3-and-a-half-hour flight with tiny travellers in tow. With highs of 22C, Morocco might not be our first beach break choice this time of year, but it’s perfect for a spot of sightseeing and shopping underneath a sunny sky. Best Boutique Bolthole, Marrakech A stylish sanctuary proving Pinterest dreams can become a reality. Offering the best of both worlds, this hidden hideaway is footsteps from the main city sights, yet the owners have done an incredible job of creating an oasis of peace and tranquillity – not an easy feat in this non-stop neck of the woods. Le Riad Yasmine Best for Sandy Beaches, Essaouira Looking for a slower pace of life? With wide sandy beaches and a more manageable souk, Essaouira is considered by those in the know as the most family-friendly city in Morocco. The unique set up at serves guests spacious self-catering riads with hands-on help and hotel amenities; think a heaven-sent hammam, tennis, volleyball and roaming resident turtles. Rebali Riads Tiny Travelship’s Top Tips for Long-Haul Family Flights “Whilst the thought of being stuck in the sky with a travel companion prone to meltdowns might not sound like the most fun you’ve ever had, we’re here to reassure you there’s no need to fear the flight.” “Planes basically act as giant white noise machines, and the younger the babe, the easier it is to travel.” “That being said, if you’re looking for an extra helping hand, we always recommend roping in the grandparents (and ‘accidentally’ booking seats far, far away). If you’re feeling super boujee, splash the cash with The Air Nanny, an in-flight childcare chaperone. Finally, for the ultimate ease, book a transfer directly with your hotel *and don’t be afraid to ask for photos of car seats. Happy holidaying!” The Air Nanny What is Tiny Travelship? tinytravelship.com is a brilliant website packed with parent-pleasing stays all visited and verified by a fellow family. Making booking your next trip easy, you can filter holidays by the age of your children, weaning and sleeping requirements, distance from the airport, and the details important to you. You can also give them a follow on Instagram for daily inspiration, itineraries, insider reviews and the chance to share your recommendations. Tags family holidays, winter sun
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Hairy Biker’s Very Good Chicken BaltiRead More There’s so much to love about this recipe – not least that you can prep it in stages then throw the final meal together at the last minute, so it’s… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 January 2024 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Hairy Biker’s Very Good Chicken Balti There’s so much to love about this recipe – not least that you can prep it in stages then throw the final meal together at the last minute, so it’s easy to fit into your day. There’s also not a huge amount of washing up, which is no small win either. Recipe • 15g butter • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 2 large onions, roughly chopped • 3 garlic cloves, sliced • 25g fresh root ginger, roughly chopped • 3 tbsp medium curry paste, or balti curry paste • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in to bite-sized chunks • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 4 fresh ripe tomatoes, quartered • 200g baby spinach leaves Method: 1. To prepare the sauce base, melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan with a lid (or a large saucepan, if your frying pan doesn’t have one). Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, then cover with the lid and cook over a low heat for 15 minutes until very soft, stirring occasionally. 2. Remove the lid from the pan and turn up the heat. Cook the onion mixture for 2-3 minutes more, stirring constantly until well-coloured. Add the curry paste to the pan, turn down the heat slightly and cook with the onions for 3 minutes more, stirring frequently. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the tomato purée. 3. Blitz the spiced onion mixture with the stick blender or processor and blend until smooth as possible. Tip the onion mixture into a bowl and set aside, even up to 3 days. 4. Place the pan used to cook the onion mixture back over a medium heat and add the remaining oil and the chicken pieces. Fry the chicken for 3 minutes, turning often until lightly coloured all over. 5. Add the spiced onion mixture, 175ml just boiled water, salt, sugar and tomatoes, bring to a simmer and cook for 4 mins. Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, allowing each handful to soften a little before adding the next. Cook for a further minute stirring regularly, or until the chicken is cooked through, the tomatoes are softened and the spinach has completely wilted. 6. That’s it done! We sometimes make this ahead and heat it up when we need it. Serve with rice and or with naan bread.
TMC’s Guide to DubaiRead More Thinking about visiting Dubai? But no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts. Find out… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 January 2024 TMC’s Guide to Dubai Thinking about visiting Dubai? But no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts. Find out the best things to do in Dubai right now. The Best Things to Do in Dubai by Franchise Owner, Jo Hartley & Jessy Griffiths Where to Stay Best Family Friendly Hotel: Le Royal Meridian “In the heart of Dubai Marina this hotel is great for all the family. With a private beach, swimming, lap pool, children’s pool AND waterpark. The hotel boasts complete luxury, making it perfect for a family vacation.” Book Now Best Hotel for Couples: The One & Only Royal Mirage “The ultimate in luxury hotels and complete indulgence. The interior is royalty worthy and the whole place oozes opulence.” Book Now Best Hotel Overall: Atlantis “Dubai’s most iconic resort, it has everything you could want under the same roof. Countless world class restaurants, aquarium, beach, pools and of course the world’s largest waterpark.” Book Now Where to Eat Best for Dinner with the Kids: Wavehouse “This is a great spot for a casual family outing within Atlantis. A one-stop-shop for family fun and entertainment with a bowling ally, arcade games, a surf machine and a soft play for the little ones.” Find Out More Best for Views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dancing Fountains: Karma Kafe “Best dinner views in Dubai with delicious Asian cuisine.” Find Out More Best for Authentic Arabic Cuisine: Arabian Tea House “This is a must visit, the flat breads alone are worth the journey.” Find Out More Dinner with the Girls: En Fuego “Lively, fun and energetic. Exactly what you want when you’re out for a fun evening with the girls.” Find Out More Best Coffee Spot: Nightjar “Coffee fans, don’t miss this one. A super cool industrial interior, house music and a regular DJ, I promise you’ll have a great experience whilst getting your caffeine boost. We’d recommend trying the nitro brew on tap.” Find Out More Best for a Sunset Dinner: The Beach House, Anantara “I love this because the kids can play on the sand whilst you have a relaxed dinner with great sunset views.” Find Out More Best Saturday Brunch Spot with the Family: FamilyFest at Bluewaters Beach Hotel “Everything you want from a fun family lunch out. The most incredible selection of food with extensive entertainment for the kids including magic shows, face painting, slime making and crafts.” Find out More Where to Relax Best Adult Only Beach Club: Twiggy by La Cantine “Mediterranean beach club, with super cool vibes. You’ll want to hangout here again and again.” Find Out More Best Place for Beauty Treatments: Blended Wellness “Come here for your beauty and aesthetics treatments. They stock the cutest beach wear items and accessories and host wellness classes including, Pilates, breath-work and meditation with the coolest salt cave which rests and calms you.” Find Out More What to Do Take a Walk: Kite Beach “This place comes to life at night with countless street food vans, kilometres of walking track and when the winds up there is an impressive display of kite surfers.” Find Out More Go to the Zoo: The Green Planet “A fully immersive indoor rainforest that actually has an hourly thunderstorm! Lots of beautiful exotic animals and flora to explore.” Find Out More Visit a Theme Park: IMG World of Adventure “Dubai’s best indoor theme park with 4 adventure zones including, marvel, cartoon network, IMG boulevard and the lost valley. There’s something for every age and there is even massage seats for a little mid-day relax and recharge.” Find Out More Visit a Museum: Museum of the Future “A gateway to a future world, you’ll be blown away with immersive theatre, themed attractions and exhibition that you can explore and interact with.” Find Out More TMC Dubai Breakfast Club “If you want to meet local, likeminded mums friends on your trip why not attend a TMC Breakfast club.” Book Here Best for Sightseeing: Burg Khalifa and the Dancing Fountains “A must see captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai.” Find Out More Best for Shopping: Dubai Hills Mall “With the many malls Dubai has to offer, this one is our fave. It has an expansive selection of fashion, accessories, home and family friendly attractions. Plenty of parking and a pleasant atmosphere.” Find Out More Best Family Day Out: Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark “The world’s largest waterpark. It has rides to suit all thrill seeking levels and numerous infant and toddler pools. It’s worth getting the fast pass to avoid the long queues.” Find Out More Must See: The Desert “You can choose a number of ways to experience the desert, but we love visiting the Sonara Camp for a great dining experience with entertainment and an options to partake in like drumming, sandboarding and archery.” Find Out More Make a Trip to: Hatta “An incredible escape to nature with the most breath-taking mountain views. Located 130km from Dubai there is a vast array of activities you can do here like kayaking the turquoise waters of Hatta Dam, cycling the extensive mountain bike tracks, hiking, zorbing, zip lining and even horse riding.” Find Out More Go to: The Spice Souk “This is a traditional market in Dubai, its colourful and aromatic but it’s not for the faint hearted. Be prepared to haggle and barter, the shopkeepers can be intense, and we’d advise to cover up and go in a group.” Find Out More Top Tip Best Time of the Year to Visit Dubai “October to April is the best time to visit for the most enjoyable temperatures that are perfect for sightseeing, sun bathing and long days enjoying the waterparks and beaches.”
Reviewed By Us: InvisalignRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 January 2024 Reviewed By Us: Invisalign Reviewed by: TMC Co-Founder Jessica Lawes Pros Straighter teeth! Quicker and usually cheaper than fixed braces and less visible My treatment included bonding and whitening at the end. Cons You can’t eat when you have them in, although it was good for stopping me from snacking. Easy to lose as they are little invisible trays! What is it? Invisalign is a treatment that uses clear aligners that can help straighten minor to complex teeth misalignment. The length of treatment can take, on average, six months, but this is dictated by your Invisalign doctor, depending on how complicated your case is. Most people feel a difference wearing after three months, and results are usually noticeable after six months. Overall Thoughts I have been pleased with the results. For such a short time wearing the aligners, I have been so impressed with the results and for very little work or discomfort. When I initially went for my consultation, I needed more alterations than expected as I only had a small amount of crossing over on my bottom teeth. But even then, I only had 14 weeks worth of aligners to get me to the goal I wanted. The appointments have all been really quick, even when fitting the first set, and my dentist made me feel so comfortable and at ease. I’m thrilled with the results and my new smile. Is it good value? It is not cheap, but I received regular check-ups, all my aligners, whitening and bonding within my fee. You can also choose different payment plans to help spread the cost. Would you recommend it? “Yes, if your teeth are a concern, I would 100% recommend going down this route. It is worth the investment. I have felt more confident in my appearance since having Invisalign. “ Where I went Euston Dental Practise, Leamington Spa Get 10% off Invisalign With TMC Quote ‘The Mum Club’ and get 10% off your Invisalign quote. *Please note this does not apply to the Clincheck Scan (£300) or retainers. Book your free consultation Find Out More
Steph Claire Smith’s Oatmeal CookiesRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Miller (@stephclairesmith) This was taken from the KIC app. Download the app to see more. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 January 2024 Steph Claire Smith’s Oatmeal Cookies Packed full of oats to keep your body fuelled. Ingredients… Ingredients… 125grams rolled oats 90grams spelt flour 110grams coconut sugar 50grams desiccated coconut 0.25tsp baking powder 0.25tsp bicarbonate soda 0.25tsp ground cinnamon 0.5tsp salt 110grams coconut oil 50ml hot water 1tsp vanilla extract Dark chocolate cubes (optional) • If the dough is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of hot water. • To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten free oats and substitute the spelt flour for plain gluten free flour. Method… Step 1 Preheat oven to 175°C and line a tray with baking paper. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, spelt flour, coconut sugar, coconut, baking powder, bicarbonate soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the melted coconut oil, hot water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir together until incorporated. Step 2 Roll dough into balls (approximately 1 tbsp. per cookie), place on the baking tray and flatten slightly with your palm. Step 3 Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Watch How to Make Them View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Miller (@stephclairesmith) For More Nutritious Recipes… This was taken from the KIC app. Download the app to see more.
What to Wear This WeekRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 1 January 2024 What to Wear This Week Whether you’re working out or just plan to wear athleisure for the foreseeable, this is a great look for both. Oversized Sweatshirt Anine Bing £180 Chunky Hoop Earrings Daisy London £89 High Neck Pile Jacket Arket £129 3 Pack Monochrome Socks WAT. THE BRAND £25 High-Rise Leggings Varley £78 2002R Trainers New Balance £130
Recipe of the Week: Christmas Leftover PieRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Gregory-Smith (@johngs) Post author By The Mum Club Post date 21 December 2023 Recipe of the Week: Christmas Leftover Pie Ingredients Serves 4 130g cubed pancetta or bacon 1 tbsp olive oil 2 large leeks, thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp plain flour 300ml double cream 2 tsp English mustard The zest of 1/3 a lemon 500g leftover turkey shredded 320g pack ready rolled puff pastry Salt and pepper Method… 1. Preheat the oven to 200c fan. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add the pancetta. Leave for a minute or until the fat starts to render and then cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set to one side. 2. Add the oil to the pan and chuck in the leaks. Season well with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until wilted right down. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally for 30 seconds. 3. You might need to transfer everything to a bigger saucepan at this stage. Heat it up over a medium heat and add the leeks and bacon. Mix well. Add the flour and mix. Pour in 150ml of water and stir together. Cook this for 1-2 minutes for the water to thicken. Add the turkey, cream, mustard and lemon zest. Mix well. It should be getting thicker but still nice and moist. Check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. 4. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish, little baking tin or oven proof pan. Top with the pasty. Keep it very rustic and don’t waste any. Brush over the egg wash and season with salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve immediately. Watch How to Make it… View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Gregory-Smith (@johngs)
The Best Things to Do Over Christmas and New YearRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura Greenhalgh (@laurahome_) Post author By The Mum Club Post date 19 December 2023 The Best Things to Do Over Christmas and New Year It’s called: eating leftovers and spending all day in your jammies. Feel Festive Without Having to Plan… The Best No Book Activity If you can’t be bothered to book, you can usually rely on your local National Trust site for a festive activity requiring zero planning. And all failing, the local garden centre will always serve up the goods. Find Out More Make Something For The Kids… Easy Festive Cake Pops Cake pops are so easy to make and will impress everyone You can even do it with the kids or pre-make some on your own and then let them go wild with a few!. Recipe Use Your Kids Weaning Trays to Make These View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura Greenhalgh (@laurahome_) Test Your Family & Friends With Our Quiz… TMC’s 2023 Quiz of The Year Your festive entertainment sorted! Take the Quiz Get Yourself a NYE Stay-at-Home Kit Mexican Taco Extravaganza Whether you are entertaining or not, this is a great one to order in and enjoy. Shop Now Fancy Pj’s The chicest pyjamas you’ll lay your eyes on. Great for New Year’s Eve in. *Or out! Shop Now Get That Glow ‘Tis the season to show yourself some love with this kit from Patchology. The nourishing skin care set includes two pairs of eye gels, two sheet masks and a foot mask. Shop Now Watch these… Genie, Available Now on Sky Cinema From the makers of Love Actually and Notting Hill comes a festive film that is sure to lift your spirits. Available to watch from today on Sky Cinema. Watch Now Hannah Waddingham Home for Christmas, Available now, Apple TV One to have on while you wrap the presents. Hannah has the most incredible voice and this easy watch offers a calming festive feeling made for hours sat on the floor covered in sellotape. Watch Now Family Switch, Netflix, 30th November A must-watch if you loved 13 Going On 30 in your younger years, as Jennifer Garner returns with another body-swapping comedy. Starring alongside Ed Hems, against a Yuletide backdrop, the married couple with three children have their family life suddenly flipped into chaos by a supernatural body swap. A little silly but some much-needed respite from all the festive madness. Watch Now The Velveteen Rabbit, Available now on Apple TV One for older kids or if you read the book as a child and want to feel nostalgic. This is a beautiful festive watch that will reignite the magic in you. Watch Now Tabby McTat, BBC1, Christmas Day Who doesn’t love a bit of Julia Donaldson at Christmas? Little fans of The Gruffalo will be enchanted by her latest BBC adaptation, which follows a busker’s cat named Tabby McTat, as they navigate life’s twists and turns. You’ll recognise voices from the likes of Jodie Whittaker and Rob Brydon in this charming and heartfelt tale. Nigella Amsterdam Christmas Special, December 2023 Date TBC The dulcet tones of Nigella return for a Christmas special, this time, taking us on a Yuletide trip to Amsterdam, where she spends most of her Christmases. Expect Christmas fairs, artisan food shops, recipe ideas and Nigella’s unwavering charisma. Inside M&S, ITVX Following on from the inside at M&S series comes their Christmas special and we’re here for it. Watch here
TMC’s 2023 Quiz of The YearRead More *It would be insensitive not to mention the hurt and suffering many have experienced this year. However we hope you understand that we have decided not to include highly upsetting… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 December 2023 TMC’s 2023 Quiz of The Year Your festive entertainment sorted! *It would be insensitive not to mention the hurt and suffering many have experienced this year. However we hope you understand that we have decided not to include highly upsetting topics within this quiz. Round 1 Questions… 1. After winning four more Grammys, Beyoncé broke the record for the most wins. But how many does she now have? 2. Why did the Dalai Lama apologise? 3. Who released the tell-all book Spare? 4. What was the Chinese Zodiac of 2023? 5. Which AI chatbot caused trouble because children used it to do their homework? 6. Which nation replaced its Kuna currency with the Euro? 7. Who won the Rugby World Cup? 8. Match the celeb to the baby’s name a) Sky b) Riot Rose c) London 9. Ring camera footage was the catalyst for which celebrity couple’s divorce? 10. Which Simply the Best singer died in May this year? Round 1 Answers… 1. 32 2. He was videoed asking a boy to suck his tongue. 3. Prince Harry 4. The Year of the Rabbit 5. Chat GPT 6. Croatia 7. South Africa 8. Baby Names a) Sky – Jessie J b) Riot Rose – Rihanna c) London – Paris Hilton 9. Jo Jonas and Sophie Turner 10. Tina Turner Open another bottle, get the cheese out of the fridge and get ready for another round. Ding ding! Round 2 Questions… 1. Ariana DeBose went viral after rapping at the BAFTAS. But who did she say ‘Did the Thing?’ 2. What was the most-watched English-language Netflix series of the year? 3. Where was the Eurovision Song Contest held? 4. Which film won Best Picture at the BAFTAs 2023? 5. What company flew tourists into space in August for the first time? 6. Who was pregnant as they performed at the Superbowl? 7. In April, which country became the 31st country to join NATO? 8. The King’s Coronation was planned using which secret code name? 9. Which celeb struggled to find her seat during the coronation? 10. Who won the Women’s Six Nations? Round 2 Answers… 1. Angela Bassett 2. Wednesday 3. Liverpool 4. All Quiet on The Western Front 5. Virgin Galactic 6. Rihanna 7. Finland 8. Operation Golden Orb 9. Katy Perry 10. England Whoever is in the lead better know their Tik Tok trends and Barbie film facts. Because this round could change everything! Round 3 Questions… 1. What is the name of the TikTok trend where women showcase mismatched, humorous or sparse meals? 2. How many months did the WGA strike go on for? 3. Which reality star revealed her pregnancy via a banner at a concert? 4. Which actress was cast as Barbie before Margot Robbie was given the part? 5. What did the film Barbie cause an international shortage of? 6. What was the most popular girl’s name in the UK in 2023? 7. Which new social media app arrived in July in a bid to rival Twitter? 8. Who beat England in the women’s football World Cup? 9. Which presenter was caught up in huge controversy over an Only Fans account? 10. Who narrated the audiobook of Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me? Round 3 Answers… 1 .Girl Dinner 2. 4 months (from 2 May 2023 – 27 Sept 2023) 3. Kourtney Kardashian 4. Amy Schumer 5. Pink Paint 6. Olivia 7. Threads 8. Spain 9. Huw Edwards 10. Michelle Williams The final round that could make you King (Queen) of Quiz. Round 4 Questions… 1. In September, which epidemic saw Paris streets filled with old chairs and mattresses? 2. Which became the fourth nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon successfully. 3. Who was crowned King of the I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Jungle? 4. Which singer shaved his hair off in November, making many fans unhappy? 5. Which former British Prime Minister was appointed Foreign Secretary? 6. What was the most popular baby boys name of 2023? 7. Which former Friends star died in October? 8. Who became the new Doctor Who succeeding David Tenant? 9. Dated November 27th 2023 What was the number one played song on Spotify? 10. Which quiz show was axed after a record breaking 50-year run? Round 4 Answers… 1. Bed Bug invasion 2. India 3. Sam Thompson 4. Harry Styles 5. David Cameron 6. Muhammad 7. Matthew Perry 8. Ncuti Gatwa 9. Blinding Lights By The Weekend 10. A Question of Sport
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Gingerbread MenRead More Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 December 2023 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Gingerbread Men Ingredients: 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ½ tsp salt 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 heaped tsp ground ginger ½ tsp cinnamon 50g unsalted butter 100g soft brown sugar 100g golden syrup Method: STEP 1 Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Sieve the flour, salt, bicarb, ginger and cinnamon into a large bowl. Heat the butter, sugar and syrup until dissolved. Leave the sugar mixture to cool slightly, then mix into the dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 mins. STEP 2 On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Stamp out the gingerbread men shapes with a cutter, then re-roll any off-cuts and repeat. Place your gingerbread shapes on the lined trays, allowing space for them to spread. Cook for 10-15 mins, then remove from the oven and leave to cool. When You Can’t Be Arsed to Bake 1. The Ones That Can Go On Your Tree Ours definitely won’t look this good but they’ll still have fun. Buy Now 2. The Easiest Ones to Decorate The easiest fuss free kit we’ve found. Buy Now 3. Low Sugar Alternative Trying to reduce sugar fuelled tantrums? These should help. Buy Now Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products.
What to Wear This WeekRead More Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 December 2023 What to Wear This Week Your comfy, but chic, Christmas Day outfit sorted. Knitted Cardigan H&M £29.99 The Serena Dress Nine The Label £190 Large Pearl Crystal Stud Earrings Soru £110 Red Lipstick Byredo £40 Wool Blend Slippers Zara £29.99 Velvet Bow Headband Oliver Bonas £24 Our editorial team has selected all products on this page, however, we may make a commission on some products.
