Reviewed By Us: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby MonitorRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 27 November 2023 Reviewed By Us: CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor Reviewed by Andi Venardos, Brand Partnerships Assistant Pros Simple to set up Easy to use All controlled from an app and app can be shared with up to 7 people HD night vision, true cry detection, danger zone alerts, temperature control and breathing sensor. Free standing mobile stand, floor stand and crib mount included Cons Expensive, but worth it App is a paid feature (1st year is free) Overall thoughts I was a little dubious about a baby monitor that costs as much as my first car. But it is an all singing all dancing piece of kit and we use it religiously and rely heavily on it. It’s easy to set up, avoiding any post natal meltdowns and most importantly very easy to use! What is it? And how do you use it? From telling you the temperature of the room to sending lullabies to sooth your baby it really has everything. You can – if you want to track your babies sleep, although if like me you’d rather not know this function can be turned off. The best bit is that it’s controlled from an app on your phone which doesn’t take a coder (or a divorce) to set up! It’s a BIG yes from us. Was it good value? 100%! The initial cost is a bit of a sting but we have absolutely got our moneys worth and at the end of the day, you can’t put a price on the safety of our baby. Would you recommend it? Most definitely, and I have already recommended it to all of my friends. Product Inclusions & Specs – CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor – Mobile Stand – Floor Stand – Crib Mount – Free App! 1-Year of CuboAi Premium – Breathing Motion Detection w/ AI Mode – High Accuracy AI Mode – Non-Contact – AI Covered-Face & Rollover Detection – True Cry Detection – Cough Detection – Body Temperature Detection – Sleep Analytics – Built-In Lullabies – Auto Photo Capture – Event Tags on 18-Hr Playback – Danger Zone Detection – Multiple Cameras Latest Deals From Retailers £199 View Now
What to Wear This WeekRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 21 November 2023 What to Wear This Week Need some new outfit inspiration? From the most stylish casual wear to the items to get when you actually want to make an effort. The Mum Club team bring you their favourite looks of the week… Andi Loves… “I’d wear this almost anywhere. From lunch to brunch and even dinner with my husband.” TMC Brand Partnerships Assistant, Andi Venardos. Sag Mesh Long Sleeve Top Next £31 Chunky Necklace Next £12.50 Reversible Faux Leather & Faux Fur Jacket Next £98 Borg Quilted Bag Next £34 Denim Maxi Skirt Next £39 Leather Forever Comfort® Knee High Boots Next £96 Harley Loves… “I’m all about comfort + style and this look ticks all the boxes.” Harley Waller, Affiliates and Admin Coordinator Khaki Teddy Borg Duffle Jacket Next £78 Nirvana License Band T-Shirt Next £26 Half Moon Cross-Body Bag All Saints £159 Black Denim Maxi Skirt Next £38 Knitted Beanie Next £12 Forever Comfort® Stud Biker Boots Next £69 Luzaan Loves… “Red is the colour of the season. I’m wearing this jumper daily as well as my very on trend silver flats.” TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw. 100% Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper Next £40 Belted Long Coat Next £65 White Pearl back-to-front earrings Next £8 Easy Barrel Jeans Mint Velvet £99 Geometric Cross-Body Bag Next £34 Mary Jane Shoes Dune London £85 Lydia Loves… “I’m obsessed with this trench, it’s classic but comes in an oversized style which is stylish and great to chuck on when you’re in a hurry.” Green Frill Jumper Next £36 Belted Trench Coat Next £98 Soft Oversized Beanie Joules £19.95 Lift, Slim And Shape Bootcut Jeans Next £48 Semi Precious Stone Necklace Next £12 Gazelle Trainers Adidas Originals £75 Jessica Loves… “I’m loving this girlish school skirt style that’s in fashion atm. But I’m making it look more grown up with a well tailored coat and high end looking accessories.” TMC Co-Founder, Jess Lawes. Premium Cashmere Jumper Next £198 Mabel Brown Coat All Saints £399 Huggie Earrings Beaverbrooks £30 Tailored Pleated Mini Skirt Next £22 Croc Effect Mini Bag Next £30 Forever Comfort® Mary Jane Shoes Next £32 Lauren Loves… “This jumper is the cosiest thing I’ve ever felt. I’ll be wearing it all winter, on the school run, at home and maybe even in bed!” TMC Co Founder Lauren Webber Damsville Cardigan American Vintage £130 Aztec Print Half Zip Fleece Borg Next £30 Marua Shopper Bag with Double Handle Mango £50 Cashmere Blend Socks Totes Ladies £16 Grey Knitted Lounge Joggers Next £26 Court Vision Low Trainers Nike £73 Created in Partnership with NEXT.
Reviewed By Us: eufy RoboVac 30C Robot Vacuum CleanerRead More Buy Now Post author By The Mum Club Post date 20 November 2023 Reviewed By Us: eufy RoboVac 30C Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviewed by: TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw Pros Very quiet compared to manual vacuum cleaners You don’t have to lift a finger Vacuum’s hard floor and carpet Stays within borders you set Drop-sensing technology to avoid falling downstairs and off ledges. Cons You’ve got to empty the 0.6-litre bin quite often. You need a regular vacuum to do the stairs. Overall Thoughts ‘Robo’ has been a game-changer for me and my family. It’s like we have a live-in cleaner – a really cute one. We (I) used to drag out the vacuum every other day with the kids constantly making a mess. And now we’ve got this little guy scheduled to clean at 4:00 AM daily, and he hustles for about an hour and 20 minutes before heading back to charge downstairs. The only downside is you have to empty the 0.6-litre bin quite often. But it’s not really a huge deal. The vacuum has sensors that help it avoid the top of the stairs. Plus, he’s best buds with Alexa and Google Home, which means I’ve saved myself from early wake-up calls by telling Google to turn him off when he gets stuck on cables in the morning after forgetting to clear the floors before bed. The vacuum is also really sleek to look at, and we’ve stashed the charging station under a cabinet, so you don’t even notice him hanging out there. Was it good value? Absolutely, especially if you buy one in the upcoming Black Friday sales. Buy Now Would you recommend it? My Sister-in-law has one, and that’s where I discovered it. I have been recommending it to everyone! I think for mums especially, who already have so much on their plates. This is an absolute game-changer. I wish I got it sooner. Buy Now Product Specs •Model Number T2118211 •Colour Black •Product Dimensions 32.5 x 32.5 x 7.25 cm; 2.7 Kilograms •Capacity 0.6 litres •Power / Wattage 1500 watts •Compatible Models Alexa •Special Features Scheduling •Item Weight 2.7 kg Buy Now
Recipe of the week: Chicken and Ham Puff Pastry PieRead More Original recipe taken from Mrs Jones’s Kitchen Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 November 2023 Recipe of the week: Chicken and Ham Puff Pastry Pie Mrs Jones’s Kitchen’s creamy chicken and ham pie is a firm family favourite. Made with a single layer of pastry on the top, it is lighter in calories than a pie with a pastry top and bottom – and there is no danger of a soggy bottom! Ingredients… 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 chicken thighs 1 tablespoon plain flour 200 ml stock chicken or vegetable 100 ml milk 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard 125 g ham roughly chopped 1 onion chopped 1 clove garlic crushed 2 sprigs fresh thyme salt black pepper 1 egg beaten, optional – for glazing top of the pie, or milk Pre rolled puff pastry Method… 1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. 2. Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken for 5 minutes each side, until golden. 3. Remove from the pan to a plate. 4. Add the other ½ tablespoon olive oil to the pan and cooked the onion for 5 minutes until soft. 5. Add the crushed garlic and fresh thyme and cook for 1 minute. 6. Stir in the flour. 7. Add the stock, milk and mustard and stir. 8. Chop the chicken into bite size pieces. It will still be a little raw in the middle, don’t worry, it will finish cooking in the sauce. 9. Add the chopped chicken to the sauce and simmer for 30 minutes. 10. Pour into a 17 x 26cm (6.7″ x 10″) dish and cool. Once cool, add the chopped ham and stir to combine. 11. Preheat the oven to 200˚C fan /220˚C / 392˚F convection / 428˚F 12. Lay the pastry over the chicken filling and using a sharp knife, cut around the egdes of the dish, leaving a slight overlap. 13. Use any scraps of pastry for decoration, fixing them to the top with a little beaten egg or milk. 14. Cut a couple of slips in the top of the pastry to let the steam out. 15. Brush the top of the pie with beaten egg or a little milk and place into the oven for 30 minutes, until the pie is golden brown on top and bubbling at the edges. Original recipe taken from Mrs Jones’s Kitchen
Real Life Stories: What it’s Really Like To AdoptRead More “My husband and I have always had a relaxed attitude to life. After all, it took us 11 years to get married.” “And as many people do, we assumed that… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 November 2023 Real Life Stories: What it’s Really Like To Adopt A TMC reader reveals the process she went through and what it feels like to finally have her happy ending. “My husband and I have always had a relaxed attitude to life. After all, it took us 11 years to get married.” “And as many people do, we assumed that we’d try and have a baby, and it would just happen. However, after eighteen months of trying, we grew to realise that IVF might be our only option. But two cycles and a frozen embryo later, we reached a point where my body, emotions, and bank balance, couldn’t take it anymore, and we decided to stop the process and grieve for what could have been.” But What if it Wasn’t Over? What if We Adopted? “After great consideration, we found ourselves at an open evening for potential adoptive parents. The talk seemed to be designed to scare a few people off, but it did the reverse for us. And even my slightly hesitant husband was now incredibly keen. So, on we went.” Our first big step was to have a one-to-one meeting with a social worker to assess if they felt it was suitable for us and to give us a chance to ask questions. At the end of the meeting, we were told that we were the type of couple they were looking for. At last! Our first positive outcome on the road to parenthood! That evening we reflected on everything and agreed that if there were ever a point one of us changed our minds, we would have to walk away from the process. We were either both 100% in, or not in it at all. The Adoption Process… After completing application forms, a full medical, submitting references and DBS checks, we were ready to begin stage 1 of the approval process. Stage 1 involved completing quite a bit of homework and attending training sessions over several evenings with other potential adoptive parents. The stuff we learnt, was emotional to say the least. Fortunately, we passed through this and moved on to stage two. This consisted of eight meetings over three months, where everything and anything you can think of was discussed. And, before we knew it, we were sat in front of a panel of ten people who would decide if we could be parents. After a few simple questions and a short interlude, we were given a unanimous YES! I immediately burst into tears. At last! We were finally getting closer to what we’d always wanted. That evening, bubbles were popped, and glasses were clinked. But little did we know that the hard part was just about to start. Finding a Match… Initially, there was a flurry of children presented to us, but we had to be realistic about the type of child we could support and sadly, none fit our criteria. We even tried using a site called Link Maker, which helps parents find a better match, but the competition was huge, and as time passed by, it began to feel like this would never happen for us. That was until we met our fairy godmother, aka our new social worker. We told her that we’d recently shown interest in a little boy, but we hadn’t heard anything back. So, she got straight on the phone and convinced his social worker to read our profile. After that, it just snowballed. Both sides agreed it was a great match, and before we knew it, we were attending the adoption panel meeting. I couldn’t hold back the tears. All the emotion of the past six years came flooding out. The answer we’d been waiting so long for. We were a match! And we were about to become a family. It was the best gift I’ve ever received. Now all we needed to get through was the longest wait to meet our beautiful boy. Meeting Our Son… Finally, the day came, and as soon as I walked into the lounge at his foster parents’ house and saw him in person for the first time, I knew he was our boy. I didn’t have time to cry because he was in my arms. It was as if he’d been waiting for us too. Over the next ten days, we spent more and more time together. Until the final day. Moving in day!! The start of life as a family of three. The date was Friday the 13th but it the luckiest day of our lives. My Advice to Others I hope this helps anyone who is considering adoption, going through the approval process or waiting for their little one. To this day, we still think about the children we said no to and hope they have now found a forever family. I have only scraped the surface of our experience, as it is a challenging journey and not one to be taken lightly. It will test you but don’t give up and it will happen for you. There were times when I didn’t believe it would for us, BUT it did! Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse
TMC’S 2023 Next Christmas WishlistRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 November 2023 TMC’S 2023 Next Christmas Wishlist Save yourself time this Christmas and head to Next – the one-stop shop for gifts for the whole family. For the Homebird “I’m all about getting cosy in the festive season and Next is the best place to cure my cravings.” TMC Co-Founder, Lauren Webber. Anik Shearling Brown Bag All Saints £395 Fluted Oversized Mug Truly £12 Lemongrass & Ginger Scented Candle Next £18 Gingham Flannel Pyjamas Next £42 Burford Cosy Throw Next £ 35 Borg Buckle Mule Slippers Next £ 26 For the Glam Multitasking Mum “I love that Next has so many different brands. It makes shopping for the family (me) so easy.” TMC Co-Founder, Jess Lawes. Velvet Bow Next £10 Flinton Wooden Accent Chair Next £399 Chunky Sole Patent Black Loafers Armani Exchange £200 Carmen Wool Blend Ribbed Socks Reiss £18 Wool-Cashmere Blindseam Coat Reiss Atelier £695 Luxe Cashmere Ribbed Hat Next £26 For the One Who Keeps It Classic “From classic items to seriously good homeware. This lot is 100% on my list. TMC Editor, Lydia House. Folie D’Une Soir Eau De Parfum Goutal £100 Trench Coat Next £98 Winter Thyme Scented Christmas Candle Next £10 Valencia Marble Mango Wood Bedside Table Next £450 Gold Plated Semi Precious Stone Necklace Next £12 Cable Detail Pie Collar Layer Jumper Next £36 For The Fashion Lover “Next is the best place to look for on trend items that are delivered so quickly to your door.” TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw. Berry Red Faux Leather Trench Coat Next £98 Camden Accent Chair Next £225 Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper Next £40 F***ing Fabulous – Eau De Parfum Spray Tom Ford £386 Malvern Glassware Champagne Saucer Next £18 Silver Gradual Platform Penny Loafers Dune London £110 For the One That Loves Christmas “I love how you can get your festive frock, perfume and Christmas gifts all in one place.” TMC Brand Partnerships Manager, Charlie Rooney. Velvet Single Breasted Suit Blazer Reiss £298 Flare Platform Sandals Next £39 Pleated Metallic Midi Dress Next £89 Black Opium Eau De Parfum Yves Saint Laurent £65 Faux Fur Alphabet Christmas Stocking Next £14 Fragranced Christmas Reed Diffuser Next £15 For the Person Who Is Hard to Buy For “I’m admittedly hard to buy for and these eclectic bits will impress even the most difficult to please.” TMC Brand Partnerships Assistant, Andi Venardos. No Riff Raff Cushion Next £26 Monogram Supersoft Dressing Gown Next £32 Ultimate Satin Lipstick Next £8 Embellished Sparkle Top Next £38 Aruba Floor Lamp Next £125 Signature Leather Pull On Boots Next £110 For the Girly Girl “These items are girly with serious dollop of style.” TMC Franchise Coordinator, Jessica Aanensen. Metallic Crinkle Satin Sandals LK Bennett £329 Textured Gem Button Cardigan Next £42 Bloom Eau de Parfum Gucci £130 Pleated Bow Clutch Bag Next £35 East End Prints Pink Van Print Sisi and Seb £42 – £110 4 Pack Sienna Wine Glasses Next £32 CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXT Tags CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS GIFT, gift guide, next christmas
Can’t Mum Without – Nicola KilnerRead More The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So what items make your mum life that bit easier? We spoke to The Ordinary and DECIEM CEO and Co-Founder, Nicola… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 13 November 2023 Can’t Mum Without – Nicola Kilner The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware. So what items make your mum life that bit easier? We spoke to The Ordinary and DECIEM CEO and Co-Founder, Nicola Kilner, to find out her life, style, and mum must-haves. 1. How I Save Time “Using FamCal helps my husband and I stay organised with commitments and who is doing what/where, and when. Our eldest daughter, Mila, started school this September, so I have a ritual of preparing everything the night before to save any morning panics. You can never predict if you might have a night with wake-ups etc… and be tired in the morning rush.” Download it 2. How to Make Skin Look Less Tired “I’m lucky to have a great skincare wardrobe to choose from. My everyday staple is The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc %. To me, this is the product that makes my complexion appear so much clearer and brighter. It was the product that really transformed my skin and made me feel comfortable not wearing foundation.” The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc %. 3. My Favourite Stylish Baby Item “It is a splurge, but I used my Artipoppe carrier so much with both of my children. My three-year-old even goes in it now. I loved having one that looks great as well as being super comfy and easy to use.” Artipoppe Carrier 4. My Favourite Place to Stay With the Kids “We love a staycation in the UK. We recently visited CBeebies, which the kids loved. We’ve found that whilst the kids are little, we tend to enjoy active holidays a little more, whether that is a city break or we’ve been lucky to do Disney too. The children are still a little young to enjoy being in the pool all day, so we prefer being more active at this stage of their lives.” CBeebies Land 5. An Item That Made the Newborn Stage Easier “I chose to breastfeed and, from my experience, found it helped with soothing, was easier for night feeds and meant no sterilising. When we did combi feeding, the Minbie bottles were great to help with nipple/teat preference. With both our children, my husband and I had a routine where I would do the night wake-ups, and he would then take over 6-9 am so I could get some deep sleep in. The level of deepness I would sleep in when my body was not listening out for a child always amazed me.” Buy now 5. What I used for Post-Partum Hair Loss “The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Hair Density Serum was also a huge win for me when coping with all the baby hair post-birth.” The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, 60ml How to Deal with Mum Guilt? “I think it’s more Mum sadness than Mum guilt. It’s not guilt, as I believe I have the right balance for what is needed, considering all factors. It’s sadness that I don’t get to savour every moment. This is contrary to much advice out there, and I say it only to show a different viewpoint of what works for me, but I don’t factor much ‘me time’ in, and I’m happy with that. Children are young for a limited time, and I know there will be a time they choose to spend it with their friends and on their own activities over time with me. So, then I’ll have extra time to read the books I want, choose massages, go to the gym etc… So, at the moment, most of my free time out of work I dedicate to spending with them.” Best Tip for Working Mums “Having the right support system around you that suits your lifestyle and schedule. I use working in a global position to my advantage. I can do calls with our team in Toronto/New York in the evening when the children are asleep, and in turn, I’ll take the time to do school pick up or take my youngest to playgroup etc… I believe the one good thing that came out of the pandemic is a more flexible working style. My husband and I are also good at doing bedtime and then going for a quick dinner to catch up every week, whilst one of our mums looks after the children when they sleep.” Best Advice for New Mums “Firstly, I think we shouldn’t underestimate the pressure on parents today. Not only is there pressure to have it all, but also constant pressure from social media. I open my feed and see continuous reels of parenting advice. Whilst some can be very helpful, it’s also important to remember the reels we see on parenting advice don’t know us, they don’t know our child, and they don’t know our situations. You have to figure out what is right for you and your family, and what is right is likely to change often. I also read a great quote that says happiness is a measure of reality relative to your expectations.” Advice on Parenting with Your Partner “There are things my husband is great at and things he is less so at. And vice versa for me. And whilst we can all try to improve on what is needed to make us a happy functioning parent, I believe being equal isn’t about both being good at everything but accepting your strengths. And where you both need help. Basically, I have learned to accept I’ll always be better at packing the kids’ bags and expecting differently will result in my unhappiness, but I also never have to drive on any family trip, which to me is a fair trade-off.”
Reviewed By Us: Naturalmat Baby The Coco MatRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 8 November 2023 Reviewed By Us: Naturalmat Baby The Coco Mat Reviewed by: TMC Brand Partnerships Assistant, Andi Venardos Pros 100% natural and organic, chemical-free Comfortable and breathable Sustainably handmade in Devon Hypoallergenic & fire retardant Bedbug and dust-mite resistant Overall Thoughts Naturalmat Baby’s The Coco Mat ticks all the boxes – safe, chemical free and comfortable. When creating my son’s nursery, I wanted to do everything in my power to ensure he slept well – not only for his physical and cognitive development but also to help my husband & I get some rest too. Is it worth the money? Definitely – I believe this is one of the most important purchases I’ve made for my son. The fact that it’s handmade, chemical-free, non-toxic, naturally fire retardant, hypoallergenic and comes with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee just proves the mattress is an investment for his health and quality of sleep. He’s safe, secure, and comfortable at night – and it’s made an enormous difference to his sleep. Would you recommend it? Without a doubt – especially for those who have children who suffer from allergies. Not only is the mattress incredible quality, but the customer service I received was second to none. Product Specs – Mattress depth 8cm (approx.) – Handmade in Devon – Materials: Organic coir, organic wool – Excellent customer service – 5-year guarantee – Complies with all standards (BS7177, BS 1877 Part 10, BS 5852-2:1982) – Chemical-free, non-toxic, and naturally fire retardant – Hypoallergenic – Quilted cover is removable and machine washable at 40°c (delicate/wool cycle recommended). – Standard size mattress available within 3-5 days and made to measure around 10-15 days Latest Deals From Retailers £195+ View Now
What to Wear This WeekRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 6 November 2023 What to Wear This Week “We love a bodysuit and this one is in the colour of the season. Pair with high waisted jeans and on trend silver flats.” Belted Wool Coat &Other Stories £225 Initial Necklace Missoma £125 Wool Bodysuit Zara £59.99 Box Clutch with Chain Mango £49.99 Tapered Jeans &Other Stories £85 Leather Ballerinas Arket £149
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Toad in the HoleRead More Recipe from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-2993772/Tom-s-time-favourites-Toad-hole.html Post author By The Mum Club Post date 6 November 2023 TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Toad in the Hole Ingredients 4 eggs 300ml (10fl oz) milk 220g (8oz) flour For the onion gravy 100g (3½oz) butter A splash of oil 3 English onions, sliced 1tbsp flour 1tsp caster sugar 200ml (7fl oz) stout 3 whole sprigs of thyme, plus a few extra to garnish 600ml (1pt) beef or chicken stock 8 lovely sausages from your butcher 100g (3½oz) lard or dripping 1tbsp picked thyme leaves Method 1. The day before you are planning to make your Toad In The Hole make your Yorkshire batter in advance, so it has a chance to rest. In a bowl whisk the eggs and milk together, then whisk this into the flour. If you have a few lumps, that’s OK as they will break down overnight. Place in the fridge. 2. The next day make the onion gravy. Heat a heavy-based saucepan, add the butter and oil and melt until foaming, then add the onions and fry until they’re an even dark colour. This will add sweetness to the sauce. Once the onions are ready, stir in the flour and sugar. Add the stout and thyme sprigs and simmer until reduced by half. Add the stock and again simmer until the sauce reduces by half. 3. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Next, heat a medium baking dish on the hob and fry the sausages in a little oil until coloured. Remove the sausages and set aside. Add the lard to the dish and pop in the oven to melt for 5 minutes or so. Remove the dish from the oven then carefully pour in the batter. Arrange the sausages in the batter and bake for 35-40 minutes until the batter is cooked. When ready to serve, sprinkle with thyme and serve with the onion gravy. Recipe from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-2993772/Tom-s-time-favourites-Toad-hole.html
TMC’s Guide to… GlasgowRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 November 2023 TMC’s Guide to… Glasgow TMC Glasgow hosts Lesley and Steph, reveals the best things to do and see… Where to Stay… For a Bit of Luxury – Kimpton Blythswood Square A landmark hotel with gorgeous Georgian architecture, superior service (everyone here is friendly), recently renovated rooms, a well-loved spa and a destination restaurant. The five-star property continues to define Glaswegian luxury as the only hotel in the city with AA accreditation. And you can’t beat the location, with private gardens right outside its doors and the city centre just beyond. Find Out More A Boutique Stay – Dakota Glasgow Offering Manhattan-style accommodation, this beautiful brick building is set in the bustling commercial district and a 13-min walk from the Gallery of Modern Art, a 14-min walk from George Square and 8 miles from the airport. And the food here is delicious. Find Out More Where To Eat… Best for Breakfast – Eusebi Deli Eusebi Deli is my favourite. I always order the ‘eggs energia’ and a flat white. They do excellent coffee, and if you’re early enough in the day, you may even get a little fresh doughnut on the side! Leaving here places you in the perfect spot to explore Kelvingrove Park and take a walk up to the iconic building of Glasgow University. Book Now For a Special Occasion – Ox and Finch One of our faves (that you have to book in advance). This excellent restaurant in the West End serves Scottish fare with a twist. It’s in the bustling heart of Finnieston, home to many fabulous bars and restaurants, meaning you’re not short of options for a drink before or after. Book Now Best for an Indian – Mowgli Head to Mowgli for the best Indian in town. Always brilliant service, and the food is consistently good! Book Now What To Do… Come to a TMC Glasgow Brunch Club If you want to meet local, likeminded mum friends on your trip why not attend a TMC Brunch club. We’d love to meet you even if you’re not a local. Book Now Peruse Interesting Wallpaper Prints – Timorous Beasties It’s 30 years since Glasgow School of Art alumni Paul Simmons and Alistair McAuley launched the riotous textile house Timorous Beasties before setting up shop on Great Western Road in 2004. Now, they’re one of the city’s most celebrated design exports. Find Out More Shop for Interiors – Hoos Alongside fashion and beauty accessories, Hoos offers an impeccably curated homeware edit, championing chic Scandinavian wares – think Hay, Ferm Living and Muuto – plus patterned textiles from designers such as Niki Jones and up-and-comer Beatrice Larkin. Find Out More What To See… Soak Up Some Culture – House for An Art Lover No design lover’s trip to Glasgow would be complete without paying tribute to art nouveau trailblazer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. His distinctive hand is evident in several buildings across the city. Still, you’ll find a concentrated dose at House for an Art Lover, the architect’s 1901 concept lovingly realised 85 years later within Bellahouston Park. *This is the current home of TMC Glasgow Brunch Club Events, so come and visit us here if you’re in the city! Find Out More Eat Cake and See More Art – The Lighthouse CRM also designed The Lighthouse, a petite art and design centre, which houses an airy café, a viewing platform and a permanent Mackintosh exhibition. Find Out More Take a Trip Out to Loch Lomond You’re a stone’s throw (40 min drive) from Loch Lomond. Plan a trip there if you can and spend the day in nature. It’s absolutely beautiful, and you could even treat yourself to a stay at the famous Cameron House and indulge in a spa. This is a little treat I’ve booked for myself in December amidst all the Christmas craziness, and it’s always enjoyed. Find Out More Go for a Walk in The Botanic Gardens Just off the bustle of the famous Byres Road in Glasgow’s west end, you’ll find The Botanic Gardens…a great place to walk and play. Find Out More Head to A Museum… Zaha Hadid’s Riverside Museum At the other end of the architectural spectrum, Zaha Hadid’s Riverside Museum draws visitors for its zig-zagging zinc roof alone, but the 3,000 exhibits that track the history of transport design are worth a muse. Find Out More Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Brilliant for kids and adults alike… you can also get a decent cup of coffee! Notable exhibits include Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross, Sir Roger the Asian elephant, the Avant armour, and paintings by the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists. Find Out More Take the Kids Here… The Science Centre Equally striking is the titanium-clad crescent of the Science Centre, said to resemble a ship’s hull. The science centre is a MUST if coming with kids aged 3/4+ – it’s incredibly entertaining and educational for them. But do leave yourself enough time…and my top tip is to start at the TOP and work down (the play area is at the bottom, so you won’t be able to get them out! Find Out More Our Top Tip for Glasgow Use the Subway It’s so easy and will allow you to travel cheaply and easily from the city centre to the west end. However, you will need a foldable buggy as they don’t allow full prams.
Reviewed By Us: Beauty PieRead More Skincare Quiz Virtual Consultations Post author By The Mum Club Post date 31 October 2023 Reviewed By Us: Beauty Pie Reviewed By: TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw Pros High-end products at exclusive member prices A vast range of products Great quality Beautiful packaging Cons You’ll want to buy everything! Overall thoughts “I love trying new products, and Beauty Pie makes it easy and very difficult because I have fallen in love with every product I’ve tried so far!” Would you recommend it? “Absolutely! You get SO much more for your money as the normal markups you get on luxury beauty brands are removed. The membership means you can shop award-winning, high performance skincare at amazing prices. Some of my favourite products are the Super Healthy Body Cream, the Vitamin C capsules, the Japan Fusion Cleanser and their Superluminous Serum. I love everything I’ve tried and can’t wait to try more.” Try Beauty Pie for Free with TMC Activate your FREE 3-month Beauty Pie membership* (worth £30) to shop luxury beauty products direct from the world’s leading skincare, makeup and wellness labs for up to 70% off Typical Retail* Sign Up Now Was it good value? “It’s such good value if you become a member as the savings you can make are incredible. I’m obsessed with their Youthbomb Double Retinol Serum, and instead of shelling out £150, members pay only £44.” How to find the right products for you… Not sure about shopping online? We strongly recommend that you take the beauty Pie skincare quiz! This is a genius way to establish the best products for you! You can also get personalised recommendations and skincare routines via Beauty Pie’s complimentary consultation service, which allows existing and new members to book a 20-minute Zoom call with one of their skincare or makeup consultants. Skincare Quiz Virtual Consultations
The Best Christmas Gifts for GrannieRead More A big thanks to the real heroes in our lives. MILS, Mums and Step Mums – we couldn’t do it without you! *P.S. Sorry about nearly killing you with the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 October 2023 The Best Christmas Gifts for Grannie A big thanks to the real heroes in our lives. MILS, Mums and Step Mums – we couldn’t do it without you! *P.S. Sorry about nearly killing you with the latest nursery bug. Gifts that are sure to please… Speculoos Sandwich Biscuits Biscuit Boutique £12 Trio Wine Gift Case amie £58 Christmas Chalet Hand-Painted Teapot Anthropologie £52 The Ultimate Treats hamper Selfridges £100 Champagne by Antik Batik Boizel Blanc de Blancs £67.75 Clear Striped Vase Anthroplogie £28 Gifts Under £50 From personalised recipe books for the family’s answer to Nigella to pampering beauty products for glam grannies, these thoughtful (but not-too-pricey) gifts are bound to impress. Al Fresco Personalised Recipe Book Papier £29 Old Havana Jug Anthropologie £38 Cheers Napkins (Set of 2) Anna + Nina £20.99 Tiger Stripe Candles Set of Two Anna + Nina £28 The O.G. Tangier Stripe Tissue Box Cover Alice Palmer & Co. £35 Miracle Balm Jones Road £32.40 (Sale) Cucina di Amalfi Ursula Ferrigno £18.90 Egg Cup Plate Matilda Goad £35 Gifts Under £100 If she’s done her fair share of date-night babysitting duties this year, these gifts are guaranteed to bank a few more for 2024. Shop our edit all under £100, from cosy cashmere to cool coffee cups. Keshi Pearl Drop Stud Earrings Monica Vinader £95 Wave Mugs (Set of 2) Fazeek £78 Pilo 2 Fabric Shaver – Sage Steamery £55 Queen Cleanser Omoroviza £69 Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser NEOM £50 Electric Wine Opener Cuisinart £50 Wool & Cashmere Blend Cardigan Massimo Dutti £89.95 Anya Sheepskin Slippers Whistles £79 Gifts £100 and Up With an ever-growing list of nieces and nephews to buy for, Christmas is getting costly. Club together with the siblings and get her something she *really* wants. *An even better score when your very organised sis-in-law buys and wraps it. GG Flora-print Silk Scarf Gucci £380 Handpainted Garden Trug Edit 58 £140 Natural Scalloped Rattan Breakfast Tray Mrs Alice £134 Perfect Pot Our Place £140 Felix and Isabelle Tana Lawn™ Cotton Pyjama Set Liberty £157.50 (Sale) Large Pave Necklace Mejuri £368 Vicky Throw Soho Home £185 Artisan Stand Mixer KitchenAid £519 Thoughtful Gifts Be the envy of all come Christmas Day with one of these heartfelt, thoughtful gifts. *Serious brownie points scored. Fabric Photo Book Rosemood From £87 Personalised Metal Photo Keyring Create Gift Love £29 Scallop Trim Notecard Set Papier £36 Gold Biography Locket Neckace Astley Clarke £195 My Fav People Call Me Granny Cushion The Linen Works £50 Personalised House Sketch Letterfest £42 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. Tags CHRISTMAS, gift guide
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Creamy Tomato Soup + Grilled CheeseRead More Recipe from https://daniliciousdishes.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 October 2023 TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Creamy Tomato Soup + Grilled Cheese Ingredients Creamy Tomato Soup 2 tablespoons plant-based butter regular works too 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided 2 large carrots diced 1 small sweet or white onion diced 1 tablespoon coconut sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons salt divided 3-4 cloves garlic finely chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings 1 tablespoon flour 1 28 oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes with basil and garlic not drained. 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 1 1/2 cups chicken or veggie broth 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 bay leaves 1/4 cup heavy cream optional 3 cheese grilled cheese 8 slices whole grain bread 4 slices sharp cheddar 4 slices havarti 4 slices smoked gouda 2-4 tablespoons plant based butter softened, regular works too 1 teaspoon garlic salt Method 1. Sauté Veggies. Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot over medium heat until butter is fully melted. Sautéed onions and carrots. Add in the diced carrots and onions and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season veggies with 1/2 teaspoon salt and add in sugar and stir until sugar is fully mixed in with veggie mix Cook for another 7-9 minutes or until onion and carrots are golden brown and caramelized. 2. Add in seasonings. Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning and stir for another 1-2 minutes or until the paste begins to brown and turn a slight rusty color. 3. Add in Flour. If pan seems dry, add another 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Then add flour, cook for another 1 minute. Add liquids. Pour in the tomatoes, chicken or veggie stock, balsamic vinegar and bay leaves and again season to taste. I add another 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase heat to high and cook fo 8-10 minutes. Blend. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until velvety smooth. Or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender, and blend on high until smooth. Return to the pot, Taste and season again to you liking. 4. Make it creamy. Return the pot to low heat on the stove and stir in cream. Taste once again for any additional seasonings needed. 5. Assemble the grilled cheese. Spread desired amount of butter on one side of each slice of bread and season with garlic salt. With butter side down, top each slice of bread with one slice of each kind of cheese. Top each sandwich with other slice of bread, butter side up. 6. Make the grilled cheese. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sandwiches to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until first side is golden brown. Flip and top skillet with lid (this helps cheese fully melt and become gooey). Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until second side is golden brown. Repeat until all sandwiches are cooked, wiping skillet clean if necessary. 7. Enjoy! Serve warm grilled cheese with a bowl of soup. Recipe from https://daniliciousdishes.com/
