TMC Recipe of the Week: Skin Boosting Smoothie

Naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich berries help to support the micro-circulation of the delicate skin around the eyes, lifting dark shadows and giving eyes a healthy sparkle.

Beauty benefits: anti-ageing, skin smoothing, skin calming, skin firming, and nail strengthening

Ingredients

100ml coconut yogurt
75g blueberries
75g raspberries or strawberries
1 banana
½ pineapple, peeled and sliced
1 heaped tsp coconut oil
2 ½ tbsp chia seeds
400ml (14fl oz) water

Method

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender, setting aside a few berries and chia seeds.

2. Blitz until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve with a sprinkling of berries and chia seeds on top.

This recipe was taken from Neal’s Yard Remedies Eat Beautiful by Susan Curtis, Tipper Lewis and Fiona Waring

Can’t Mum Without- Steph Claire Smith

The juggle is real! As we’re all very aware.

So what items make your mum-life that bit easier?

We spoke to founder of Kic app, Steph Claire Smith to find out her life, style, and mum must-haves.  

The most stylish nappy caddy
1.
The most stylish nappy caddy

“I swore by my nappy caddy. I even kept one in my car, so I always had access to the necessities when out and about. I got the Bunnie Caddie nappy caddy and still use it to this day. When Harvey was a newborn, needing a nappy change every hour, it was handy to have in the boot of the car, so I had a change station with all the necessities everywhere we went. I love it. It’s my favourite baby shower present to get someone expecting!”

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The best beauty item to make you feel amazing
2.
The best beauty item to make you feel amazing

“I rely on good skincare. Find moisturisers or serums that make you feel amazing and take your time to do your morning and nightly routine. I feel so much more put together if I’ve made the effort – nothing fancy, just something. No time? I love a good face mask. If I have a breakout, I like to use a clay mask like James Cosmetics Reset Pore Purifying Clay Mask, when I am running around the house getting things done. I also like to apply their Hydrate and Firm Silk Face Mask when I’m having a bath.”

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Best workout item for use in pregnancy
3.
Best workout item for use in pregnancy

“Honestly, it’s a foam roller!!! They’re so handy for pre & postnatal workouts. But your body is also going through so much, and taking a heavier load, stretching is particularly important, and foam rolling is incredible for this. There is a Pregnancy Friendly Pilates flow in the Kic app I loved following called Stretch and Strengthen. Christina, one of our Pilates trainers in the app, takes you through a fantastic flow using a foam roller!”

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The best baby monitor
4.
The best baby monitor

“I highly recommend the Cubo ai baby monitor. I love being able to see him at any point from anywhere because I can view it from my phone. I sleep at ease, knowing I can see/hear him whenever I need.”

Buy now
Best toy to keep kids entertained when travelling
5.
Best toy to keep kids entertained when travelling

“You don’t have to go and buy anything new – but I find bringing a few different ‘touch and feel’, or flap books keeps him pretty entertained. Also, LOTS of snacks!!!”

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The best bikini brands
6.
The best bikini brands

“Seafolly, INC (It’s Now Cool) and Billabong are some of my go-to’s.”

Buy now
The best style item to flatter all shapes
7.
The best style item to flatter all shapes

“Activewear… Just wear it all day every day. That way, you’re ready to run around and fit a workout in if you can.”

Buy now
An app that helped you in the early days
8.
An app that helped you in the early days

“I think it would be rude not to give Kic a shameless plug here! If you’re easing back into exercise or need pregnancy-safe workouts, I highly recommend our KICBUMP program.”

Download now

Steph Clare Smith’s Best Post-Partum Exercising Tips

How did you find the motivation to work out in the tired no-sleep stages?

“If you’re sleep-deprived, rest is important. But I know for me, time on the mat means a lot more than just a workout. On the more tiring days, even taking 5 mins to do some stretching made me feel good inside and out. Take the pressure off and know that there will be points where you have the energy and times where you won’t, and that’s okay. Make the most of the time when the baby is either asleep or being minded by someone else. When someone reaches out and asks you if they can do anything, take them up on that offer and take yourself out for a walk or to the mat at home and move your body.”

Easiest way to edge yourself back into exercising?

“Everyone is different, but I was very much used to being able to push and challenge myself at least 5x per week before pregnancy and having a baby. When I was cleared to exercise PP, it was all about taking it very slowly and rebuilding my deep core muscles and pelvic floor before getting back into anything intense. This should be everyone’s goal PP, but I also had a slight bladder prolapse, so if I didn’t take it seriously, I could’ve done a lot of damage in the long run! I followed our KICBUMP postnatal program, and once I was through that and felt up to other workouts, I listened to my body and took it easy. It was hard mentally to begin with, but when I accepted that my new routine would look a little different as I was juggling a lot more, I cut myself some slack and celebrated the little wins. I lowered my expectations and ended up finding a new, more sustainable, and flexible routine that suits the new me! My advice would be to find support, whether within a community like Kic & through our programs or via your health professionals – it’s a daunting and delicate time, and you need to go easy on yourself in the transition back to exercise.”

TMC Recipe of the Week: Frozen Palomas

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups 100% grapefruit juice*
3 ounces lime juice
3 ounces tequila
1 to 1.5 ounce agave (or to taste)
rock salt

Method

1, Pour the grapefruit juice into ice cube trays and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.

2. Once you’re ready to make your frozen palomas, combine grapefruit ice cubes, lime juice, tequila and agave in a high power blender.

3. Blend on high speed until the frozen palomas are a slushy like consistency. If they taste too tart, add a bit more agave. If they are too thick, add a splash of grapefruit juice.

4. If desired, serve in glasses with a salt rim and garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge. Serve cold!

Notes

We used freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit, but you could also use store bought juice–just make sure that it’s 100% juice.

Recipe from: https://bromabakery.com/

Stylish Solutions for Storing Your Kid’s Crap

No matter how long you hold out, the plastic will come.

You think it won’t, but just like the iPad you said you’d never use in a restaurant, nothing ever works out the way you planned it.

And if you don’t buy it. Then Grandma will.

So here are some beautiful ways to store it.

Kids Summer Fashion You’ll Want to Buy Now

Kids’ fashion is soooo good at the moment. Shop baby Summer pieces that will make you want to try for another one (Jokes we are keeping or legs crossed) and toddler wears that we want in our size, please!

Toddler

Baby

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10 Things That Happen if you Return to Work

You’ll Have Imposter Syndrome

After spending nine-ish months with just your baby and Cocomelon for company, it is perfectly normal to have legitimate concerns your brain may have turned to mush. You’ll worry about everything, starting with how the hell you’ll manage to get out of the house by 7.30 am every morning. You’ll also worry that everyone thinks you have no idea what you’re doing. Do not panic. Within a few weeks, you’ll both be in a routine and completely nailing your ‘new normal’, and you’ve more than got this!

You’ll Give Nursery 3000 Notes They Won’t Care About

‘She likes to go to sleep with bunny’s left ear slightly over her face, but not covering her nose and for goodness sake, DON’T wash it. Oh, and when you feed her, you’ll need two spoons, one for each hand. Are you writing this down?’ Newsflash: nursery staff have actual magical powers. You might struggle to get your baby to sleep in the comfort of their pitch-black temperature-controlled room, but they can get 20 kids to drop off simultaneously on paper-thin plastic yoga mats. Don’t stress – they’ve got this!

You’ll Achieve Absolutely Nothing on Day 1

Your first day back will mainly consist of resetting long-forgotten passwords, deleting 12,000 unread emails and trying to remember the new people’s names. Someone is sitting in your old seat, and there are a thousand new acronyms to remember (just smile, nod and google them later). Have patience and be kind to yourself. The first few weeks are bound to feel like information overload.

Nothing and Everything will Have Changed

Wait a second, wasn’t this action literally on the agenda of the last meeting you attended NINE months ago? Your pass might not let you into the fancy new building, but your workmates are still complaining about the same old shit and within a week, we guarantee you’ll feel like you never left.

First, You’ll Feel Guilty. Then You’ll Feel Free

However much you love and miss your baby, there’s nothing like being able to drink a hot drink without having to reheat it and peeing without an audience. For the first time in what feels like forever, you’ll be called by your first name instead of ‘Mummy’. And best of all, when you’ve settled back into work, there will be a moment when you have time to do something for yourself on a real-life lunch BREAK!

You’ll Forget What it’s Like to Wear Real Clothes

If, like us, you spent the last 9 months wearing a wardrobe that largely consists of leggings with holes in and jumpers covered in baby vomit; you can understand why your eldest child’s teacher asks you to confirm your identity when you arrive to collect them in workwear for the first time.

The Sickness will Nearly Break You

When they said ‘you can have it all’, you didn’t realise they meant Strep A, Norovirus and a never-ending string of other nursery-spread illnesses. It’s hard to look like you have your shit together when you receive ‘that dreaded call’ in the middle of a v. important meeting, and you have to leave to collect them early (again). Remember, it takes a village, so don’t be afraid to ask a few favours if you can. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it does get better as they age.

You’ll Have Tons of New Skills

Patience, multitasking, and the ability to concentrate on the most tedious tasks on just 4 hours sleep. If you can get a toddler to put their coat and shoes on without a fight, we guarantee your skills in persuasion and negotiation are now shit-hot.

You will be THAT Parent

No matter how solemnly you vow *not to mention the baby* it’s literally impossible when their key worker sends you adorable pictures of them all day playing with their mates at nursery. Just resist telling your boss the graphic version of your birth story or showing Sandra from Finance your c-section scar in the toilets.

You’ll Find a Way to Make it All Work

You’ll join the mass exodus of other stressed-out parents hurtling home to collect their kids before they incur a giant late fine. But it will get easier, and you’ll realise the best is all you can do. It’s incredible how quickly you’ll fall into a new routine, and the baby (and you) will stop crying at drop-off. You’ll start to remember who you were pre-baby, and you’ll cherish the time you get to spend with them even more.

*Or all failing, you’ll go back to the Dragon’s Den idea you thought up on mat leave and become a millionaire.

TMC Family Recipe of the Week: The Best Ever Vegetarian Meatballs

Ingredients

1 pound Beyond Meat ground meat (or whatever brand you prefer!)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 white onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt

Method

1. In large bowl combine all ingredients for the meatballs, using a fork or your hands to mix together.

2. Cover the bowl and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 8 hours if you’re prepping ahead of time.

3. When ready to bake, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400°F.

4. Use a large cookie scoop to make 2 inch round meat balls and place a few inches apart on your cookie sheet.

5. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn the oven up to a broil and broil until the meatballs are sizzling and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Serve hot! My favorite is with homemade tomato sauce and fresh pasta. Enjoy!

Recipe from The Best Ever Vegetarian Meatballs – Broma Bakery

What to Wear this Week: Debit vs Credit

Dóen excels at creating the most charming summer dresses. Perfectly styled here with comfy sandals, chic sunnies and a raffia tote, here is how to get the look whatever your budget may be.

Credit

Debit

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Reviewed By Us: IKOS Aria

Reviewed By: TMC Editor, Lydia House

Pro IconPros

It’s beautiful and luxurious

The beach is all inclusive and includes service to sun lounger and you can order all inclusive room service with no extra cost.

If you’re deluxe you get a private free shuttle from the airport, Tattinger in your room (and on tap) and access to additional quieter pools and beach area. And an exceptional restaurant.

The food in some restaurants is incredible.

It has a great kids club and playground

Con IconCons

It’s expensive

The spa therapists seemed inexperienced

You have to pre book a lot of activities and restaurants before you arrive

There are queues for the restaurants when they open

The timings of restaurant and kids club openings could be better to suit families

Overall thoughts

IKOS Aria makes holidaying with children as easy as it can be. With a fabulous kid’s club and babysitters, highchairs dotted everywhere, and all-inclusive room service with kiddie amenities on call – it’s hard to find something they haven’t thought of. And hey, who can complain when there’s Tattinger on tap? However, I did find the pre-booking of the spa, creche and restaurants a little irritating, and there was a slight lack of flexibility when we were there. The extortionately priced spa and treatments were a disappointment, and even though the staff were so friendly, the service was sketchy in parts. Most of the meals we had were incredible, bar one, and we loved riding our bikes around the resort and playing in the multiple pools and on the glorious private beach. Could you do it for less? Probably. But the ease of it all was pretty brilliant.  

What is it?
What is it?

A luxurious all inclusive resort in Kos, Greece that has deluxe bungalows, multiple restaurants and pools and a private beach. The resort also has a nightclub, lobby bar and spa. You can hire bikes, organise tennis lessons and take part in classes like pilates and yoga. There’s a kid’s club, an open air theatre and a babysitting service.

Was it worth it?
Was it worth it?

As much as we loved our stay I think overall it was overpriced. I’ve stayed in quite a few 5-star hotels that aren’t all-inclusive and I’ve spent less and still experienced many moments of luxury. The spa was extortionately priced and both my husband and I found our therapists to be inexperienced. We may have stayed on week 1 of the season and we experienced unusually bad weather but the service and reaction to this situation wasn’t great. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and happy to help with anything but things like the open air restaurant we booked carried on as usual even in the rain, there were queues everywhere for restaurants that seemed empty when you went in, drinks or orders were forgotten and at moments it felt a little bit like Faulty Towers. Things improved as most things do when the sun came out, but little things like ordering seafood linguine and receiving penne pasta were just a bit off from what you’d expect when paying so much.

Would you recommend it?
Would you recommend it?

I would but I’d suggest going a little later in the season once the staff had found their feet. I’d also make sure you book all of your restaurants before you go. Personally I’d swerve the spa unless you have a free treatment as part of your package. It just wasn’t worth the money. Make sure you go to Seasons restaurant for lunch or dinner if you’re Deluxe and put your children in the kids club so you can enjoy a lunch or two at Ouzo. The Spanish restaurant Oliva and Asian Anaya were also great. And make full use of the all-inclusive offering for room service so you can feed your children when the restaurants aren’t open and don’t be scared to ask for something that’s off menu that your children normally eat like a bowl of strawberries or banana.

Facilities

– 8 restaurants
– A variety of pools including adult only and kids
– Sports centre
– Bike hire
– Luxury rooms
– Spa
– Kids club
– Babysitters
– Playground
– Small shops
– Nightclub
– Open air theatre

For more information head to the IKOS website

TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Summer Squash Salad

Ingredients

1 butternut squash
2 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cayenne pepper
100g hazelnuts
50g sunflower seeds
50g pumpkin seeds
100g spinach/watercress/rocket or a mix
1 pomegranate
Handful rosemary

For the dressing

4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp clear honey
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp mixed spice

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200° fan setting.

2. Chop your butternut squash into roughly 1cm cubes. (see note for seeds)

3. Place the chopped squash onto baking tray. Sprinkle over the mixed spice and cayenne pepper, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Massage to coat with your hands. Roast for 40 mins until cooked and charred in places.

4. Place hazelnuts onto a separate clean baking tray and cook for 8-10 mins until they begin to smell nutty. Remove and allow to cool before roughly chopping.

5. Place your seeds into a clean frying pan over a medium heat and toast, tossing continuously for about 5 mins until they have browned and popped a little. Transfer to a plate to cool.

6. To prepare your pomegranate seeds quarter the pomegranate and fill a bowl with cold water. Using your hands, place the pomegranate quarters one by one under the water and release the pomegranate seeds. This ensure the juice doesn’t fly everywhere and allows the white pith to rise to the top of the water.

7. Allow the pomegranate seeds to sink to the bottom and then scoop the pith from the top. Drain and transfer to a plate lined with kitchen roll.

8. To make the crispy rosemary place a good glug of olive oil in a frying pan. Add one leaf to test the heat. When the leaf begins to sizzle you know the oil is hot enough.

9. Place all the rosemary leaves into the hot oil (taking care is it will spit) and let it cook for 15-20 seconds before removing with a fork and placing on a kitchen towel lined plate to drain the oil.

10. To make the dressing whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl.

11. When ready to serve place your roasted squash, salad leaves, roasted hazelnuts, seeds and pomegranate seeds (reserving a few to sprinkle on at the end if you wish) into a large mixing bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently using your hands. Transfer to a large serving plate and sprinkle over with the crispy rosemary. Enjoy!

Recipe from https://www.alexandradudley.com/

8 Ways to Stop Sun Cream Tantrums

It’s not liquid acid guys! We’re just trying to protect you.

Copy this Tik Tok tip
1.
Copy this Tik Tok tip

A why didn’t we think of that moment. Ex-Paramedic @TinyHeartsEducation shares her novel tip on getting kids to wear sun cream.

Watch now
Let them do it
2.
Let them do it

Solar Buddies is an ingenious sun applicator that can be filled with any lotion and makes applying sun cream fun and easy for kids. Of course, you need to ensure they’ve applied it correctly, but the toy-like packaging will get you an in.

Buy now
Make a song and dance of it
3.
Make a song and dance of it

We hate ourselves. But singing daily tasks really does help with getting kids to comply (sometimes).

Play this
Use the best cream
4.
Use the best cream

We find creams are better than sprays as they’re quicker to get out of the bottle and apply. Kids have short attention spans, and the sprays seem to stress them out. Of course, it’s always child dependent, but we’d always go for a cream or use the solar buddy applicator.

Buy now
Make it fun
5.
Make it fun

Make silly dots or stripes on their arms and yours. Or create a game, start a timer on your phone, and then challenge your toddler to see how fast you guys can work together to get them covered up.

Dress them in some UPF clothing
6.
Dress them in some UPF clothing

Especially great if you’re on holiday or in the back garden, some upf clothing now even passes well as day wear. Sun-protective clothing will make you feel more at ease if you’re unsure if the rugby tackle and tussle of cream vs child worked, and it means you just need to be more thorough on the areas left on show.

Buy now
Do it yourself FIRST!
7.
Do it yourself FIRST!

Not only are you leading by example, but you can get them interested (and hopefully on board) by applying it to you first. Plus, it’s easy to forget yourself after enduring a sun-scream shitfit. Apply yours before the tussle, and you won’t forget.

Create a routine
8.
Create a routine

Just like putting on shoes, if you keep it part of the process by visiting the sunscreen station before you step outside, they will hopefully become used to it and understand it’s what needs to happen if they want to play in the sun.

TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Walnut Blueberry Energy Bites

Ingredients

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup walnuts
½ cup tahini, or sub your favorite nut butter
½ cup dried blueberries
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch salt
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Optional: chopped walnuts & freeze dried blueberries to sprinkle on top

Method

1. Add the oats, walnuts, tahini, dried blueberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend together for 45-90 seconds, scraping the sides down in between.

2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and roll about 1 tbsp into balls. Layer them on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can wet your hands when rolling if the batter is too sticky. 3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set

4. Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30 second increments in the microwave until smooth, mixing in between. Once melted, drizzle over each energy bite and sprinkle finely chopped walnuts and crushed freeze dried blueberries on top.

5. Keep stored in the freezer for up to 2 months, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe from https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/

Reviewed By Us: BabyBjörn Mini Baby Carrier

Reviewed By: Anastasia Tomane Mum to 10 month old RiRi.

Pro IconPros

Easy to put on and clips on at the front

Use from newborn – 12 months

Affordable

Helps support your back  

Con IconCons

My daughter outgrew it at 4 months

Overall thoughts

I purchased a more expensive carrier before buying this one, and I wish I got this to begin with. It is so easy to use, and as it clips on the front, which means I don’t need to be a contortionist to put it on or take it off.  It allows me to get on with my day, enjoy a coffee with both hands and take my dogs for walks. It says you can use it up until 11kg or 75cm but my daughter outgrew it at 4 months as she is tall.

What is it? And how do you use it?
What is it? And how do you use it?

An easy-to-use baby carrier for up to 11kg or 75cm. The quality is exceptional and it’s so easy to put on and take off by yourself. Most carriers fasten behind your back but BabyBjörn Mini Baby Carrier doesn’t – it clips onto your front and the baby clips in too. I used it from when my daughter was 1 week old up until 4 months of age. The clip-in feature allows me to take my daughter out safely without disturbing her if she has fallen asleep. It’s so comfortable to wear and easily fits my husband, who is tall and broad. 

Was it good value?

Let’s be honest, most carriers are expensive. But I think this one is so worth it, I’ve used it so much more than the style led one I bought before. It’s supportive on my back and my husband also likes using it.  

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely, it’s so easy to put on and my daughter also went through a stage where I always needed to stand with her to rock her to sleep, and this enabled me to do so without getting tired arms or a sore back.

Product specs;

– Cost: From £85
– Hands-free
– Small + compact
– Takes up very little space
– Soft against the skin + flexible
– Sturdy with adjustable head support
– Made from 100% BCI-Certified cotton
– Comes in a variety of colour ways
– Machine washable

Latest Deals From Retailers

Latest Deal
Latest Deal
£105.00

What to Wear This Week

Date night coming up? We’ve got you covered. This wrap dress is a great one-piece that you can elevate with accessories.

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.