Spring Burrata SaladRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 3 June 2023 Spring Burrata Salad Burrata is never not a good idea… Ingredients… 1/2 lb fresh burrata 1/2 lb cantaloupe, sliced into crescents 1/4 lb prosciutto 2 heirloom tomatoes, thinly sliced into rounds a few fresh figs halved or peach slices handful fresh basil, roughly torn extra virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar sea salt cracked black pepper Method… 1. Place the burrata rounds on the platter, either just one in the center or around the platter depending how many rounds you have. 2. Wrap each wedge on the melon in the center with a strip of the prosciutto. 3. Alternate layering the tomato slices and cantaloupe slices around the burrata. 4. Tuck in the figs or peach slices in the remaining gaps. 5. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top. 6. Add a good glug of extra virgin olive oil and a splattering of balsamic vinegar. 7. Season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Recipe taken from… The Outdoor Table “Perfect for anyone who is searching for innovative hosting ideas, is a fan of fresco dining, or has an open-air space that is ideal for outside fun, The Outdoor Table gives you the tools to take your get-togethers from mundane to fabulous.” Buy it now
Dreamy Hotels with Kids Clubs for Under 3’sRead More In search of a parent-pleasing holiday with a side of childcare? But struggling to find kids clubs that take the teeniest of people? Well, have no fear, as we’ve enlisted… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 May 2023 Dreamy Hotels with Kids Clubs for Under 3’s In search of a parent-pleasing holiday with a side of childcare? But struggling to find kids clubs that take the teeniest of people? Well, have no fear, as we’ve enlisted our pals at Tiny Travelship to lend us their travel expertise. Whether it’s a boho beach club in Greece or an Italian spa hotel with complimentary childcare, parents are spoilt for choice with these dreamy hotels with kids’ clubs for under 3s. Laid-back Luxury in Crete Daios Cove, Crete An antidote to beige buffets, plastic fantastic waterslides, and garish mascots, Crete’s luxurious Daios Cove is reframing the notion of a family-focused All Inclusive, where fine dining and top-notch service is served alongside first-class childcare (welcoming infants as young as 4 months). Ripping up the rulebook, the reinvention of the high rise is the first traditional trope architecturally triumphant Daios Cove turns on its head. Cubist villas and rooms, many with private pools, are scattered around a private cove with soul-stirring sea views from every angle. Parents are treated to a wealth of wellness at the world-class spa, to-fly-for gastronomic dining and a constant supply of cocktails in hand. Tiny Travellers will appreciate the safely sloping sands and welcoming waters on the beach, children’s cinema screenings and shaded outdoor playground. It’s a win for all. Find out more Parent-Pleasing in Portugal Martinhal Sagres, Portugal Every tiny touch at Martinhal Sagres has been designed with parents’ needs in mind. Curved-edged tables and large comfy seats and beds set the laid-back tone for this Portuguese pad, where the design-led decor is beautifully baby proofed. From story to music time, babies from 6 months old are expertly cared for in the coveted creche. It’s the definition of a family holiday without compromise. Parents are free to relax by the pool, pamper in the spa or sunbathe next to the sea, all while youngsters are expertly entertained. And the helping hand doesn’t stop there; each on-site restaurant has an activity corner where kids can colour or read, all supervised by childminders. And the genius baby concierge service allows for hassle-free packing as you can pre-order carriers, prams, nappies and more. Find out more Free Childcare in Italy Feuerstein Nature Family Resort A mountain carpeted with flowering meadows greets guests at Feuerstein Nature Family Resort, a parent-pleasing wellness retreat with 70 hours of FREE childcare a week! Catering to kids as young as newborn, their Montessori-led activities focus on creativity, with a painting studio and wood workshop designed to let imaginations run wild. Home to Europe’s first family spa, kids are treated to mini massages, waterslides, and saunas. Outside, travellers of all ages are encouraged to connect with nature, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find a setting more spectacular. Family activities include high ropes, hiking (on pram-friendly trails), plus pony rides, and petting zoos. Grown-ups can truly relax as the delicious dining, pampering treatments and wine-tasting sessions are designed to recharge even the most drained batteries. Find out more Villas for All in Greece The Peligoni Club Villa vibes brilliantly collide with 5* services at The Peligoni Club. A Grecian getaway rich in style, sublime sustenance, and chic childcare. The expertly curated crèche would give even London’s top nurseries a run for their money. Tots from 4 months old are welcomed into the beautiful boho space, with gorgeously designed indoor and outdoor play areas and comforting cots to encourage fight-free snoozes. Things are done a little differently at Peligoni. There’s no accommodation on site. Instead, guests choose from a range of villas surrounding the club. Individually owned, there’s something to suit everyone’s design taste, from the aesthetically authentic to show-stoppingly modern. Find out more A UK Stay That Makes Perfect Sense Moonfleet Manor If you’re looking for a stylish stay on home soil, look no further than Dorset’s Moonfleet Manor, part of the Luxury Family Hotel group. True to their name, no one does luxury, family-friendly holidays better in the UK. Far from just parenting in a different location, Moonfleet Manor is a masterclass in hassle-free holidays. There’s 90 minutes of free daily childcare in the Ofsted-registered Woolley Bear’s Den (12 weeks plus), complimentary baby listening devices that work anywhere in the hotel, a ‘milk butler’ service that delivers sterilised and heated bottles and an extensive list of baby paraphernalia provided. An excellent option for children of all ages as older kids will love the new Science Room, Escape Rooms, cinema, retro arcade games and crazy golf. A true haven for frazzled families, you can’t help but leave rested and recuperated. Find out more What is Tiny Travelship? www.tinytravelship.com is a new website that makes choosing a holiday even easier with a searchable tool that enables you to find destinations that are bespoke to you, factoring in things like your kid’s age, weaning and sleeping requirements and also the distance from the airport. The site contains vetted recommendations of places akin to the holidays you used to have. It’s like having a personal travel agent who really knows the score. And if you want even more inspiration, you can also follow them on Instagram for daily inspiration, itineraries, insider reviews and the chance to share your own recommendations. Find out more Follow Tiny Travelship on Instagram
Reviewed By Us: iCandy MiChairRead More Buy Now Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 May 2023 Reviewed By Us: iCandy MiChair Reviewed By: TMC Reader Jessica Issit Pros It lasts from newborn to six years (rocker to highchair to seat). It has multiple features like the toy bars. Great supportive cushion. Very aesthetically pleasing. Cons Not the quickest to build Overall thoughts I love this highchair. It’s so sturdy, feels very secure, and supports my son well. It blends into the home and is the perfect height to place at our dining table. Unlike other highchairs, it doesn’t sit in the middle of the kitchen getting in the way. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, which I think is incredible and really makes you trust the brand. Parenting can become extremely expensive, so knowing that we have made that investment which will see us through our son’s childhood is great. Was it good value? It is an expensive addition, but if you were to break down the costs of purchasing a highchair, a rocker and a young child’s chair, as well as the added features like the toy bar, it suddenly seems very affordable. Especially when you consider that it is so stylish, and all the components look great in the home. Would you recommend it? Yes, I would. It is one timeless item that grows with your child throughout the years. So you don’t have to think about the next purchase for each stage. It is sturdy and secure as well as stylish and discreet—10/10 from me. Product specs: -H87 x w60 x d56,5Cm -Weight 6,6Kg -A blend of natural materials and soft fabrics. -The Newborn Pod features two lockable height positions and has a detachable toy bar. It can be used as either a rocker on the floor or docked onto the MiChair. -The MiChair is complete with a highchair, removable tray, T-bar, one-touch buckle harness and adjustable footrest. -The MiChair transforms into a toddler chair by simply removing the T-bar. Buy Now
The Hotlist – The Best Things to do in JuneRead More From the non-boozy bar to a tipsy afternoon tea – let’s make some excellent plans this month! Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 May 2023 The Hotlist – The Best Things to do in June From the non-boozy bar to a tipsy afternoon tea – let’s make some excellent plans this month! Order Cocktails at This Non-Boozy Bar Coco Grill & Lounge, London “Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or just not up for the hangover when you have young kids, Coco Grill & Lounge is an alcohol-free restaurant and lounge that is a long way from boring! Decked out in velvet and hanging flowers, with a waterside shisha terrace and a cosy indoor dining space, there is plenty to look at. And best of all, the extensive cocktail list, which is 100% alcohol-free. From giant ice and edible flowers to bubbles which disappear in a puff of smoke, they were an adventure to look at as well as to drink. Their Eastern-inspired menu came with plenty of food theatre too! Delicious crispy shrimps floated on a sea of mist, and there was also an option to add 24-carat gold to the steaks!! A great place to make memories – that you’ll actually remember.” TMC Havering Host, Jo Lennon Book now Join Us at a Bugaboo Brunch Bugaboo Dragonfly Event – Wimbledon & Salford Join us for an extra special brunch as Bugaboo will join us for the launch of the Bugaboo Dragonfly pushchair. All mums, mums-to-be, bumps, babies and toddlers are welcome. Your ticket includes a delicious brunch, drinks and a TMC goodie bag, including goodies from Bugaboo. Book Wimbledon – 22nd June Book Salford – 21st June Plan Your Next Holiday Tiny Travelship Launch a New Site The travel Instagram account we rely on for family-friendly inspiration now has a website. www.tinytravelship.com makes choosing a holiday even easier with a searchable tool that enables you to find destinations based on your kid’s age, weaning and sleeping requirements and distance from the airport, as well as the details important to you. Containing vetted recommendations of places akin to the holidays you used to have, it’s like having a personal travel agent who really knows the score. Get searching Attend a Fashion Festival Park Fair 30th June – 2nd July, Oxfordshire Love fashion, food and music? But never have time to enjoy them? This month Park Fair comes to the Cotswolds and is a festival made for those who like the finer things in life. Kid-friendly, it runs for three days and showcases some amazing brands like AMUSE la BOUCHE, Jigsaw and Bobbi Brown. The food and drink will be supplied by Amie, The Cotswold Guy, and Pizza Boys Bicester, to name a few. And live music by Leigh Coleman. Meaning you can combine a lot of your favourite things while the kids are entertained. Did we mention unlimited fairground rides are included in the ticket price and mini makeovers? So, make a date of it and come along on your own or get the whole family involved. See you there! Join us at The Mum Club Camp Camping With a Toddler -Camp Bestival Shropshire “We had the best time at Camp Bestival. We camped, and I was so nervous about doing it with a 2-year-old, but as soon as we arrived, I didn’t know what I was worried about. Plus, all the fresh air meant we didn’t have a single 5 am wake-up. I loved how relaxed it felt and the constant smiles – there was no rush to get anywhere and so much to see – from farmyard performances, soft play, and circus skills to the fancy dress parade. And, of course, there was incredible music and dancing. Usually, at festivals, you are hustling for room, but everyone was so respectful of prams, festival trolleys and little ones. The weekend was finished with a spectacular fireworks display! I’m so excited to be going again this year. I can’t wait to get back and create more magical memories!” TMC Solihull Franchisee – Charlotte Johns Find out more Have a Holistic Mum-to-be Massage Pregnancy Treatment at Grey Wolfe, London Looking for a treat before you give birth? Book in for The Nurturing Earth Mums to be Crystal Massage at Grey Wolfe. As soon as you step into the tranquil setting you are asked to remove your shoes to ground you. And almost instantly all pregnancy stress melts away. It calmed my whirring mind as the therapist used manifestations, crystals and sound to completely relax me and the massage was so incredible. Not like other pregnancy massages where you just feel like you’ve been stroked, they really tailored the massage to my needs & stress points so I felt cared for & special. The baby moved so much during my treatment, and it felt so magical to connect as I’m usually so busy rushing around to do anything like this. I left feeling so recharged and relaxed.” TMC Walthamstow Host, Rose Abbott Book now Get a Slice of Naples ‘O ver London We’d happily live on Italian food for the rest of our lives, tbh. And while we muster up our new life in Capri, we’re leaning on this incredible restaurant to serve us up the good stuff. With two London locations, one in St James and the other in Borough, both offer a delectable menu that’s hard to choose from. Why? Because everything is so damn good! Yes, the famous pizza is incredible but our favourites (among the many) are the tuna carpaccio and the parmigiana. A great spot to book for dinner or for a fancy lunch with a pal. Book now Watch these… Black Mirror – June, date tbc After a four-year break, Black Mirror returns for its sixth season with a cast that includes Salma Hayek, Aaron Paul, Annie Murphy, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, Michael Cera and Rory Culkin, among others. Tune in if you dare! Watch here Selling Sunset Season 6 – Available now Watched it yet? We finished it in under a week and couldn’t believe how much flipping drama there was. Who needs Christine when this lot is around?! Watch it now Mother – Available now In our eyes, J-Lo can do no wrong. And she’s pretty good in this film. Her stunt work is incredible (obvs), and the mum and daughter story got us a little teary – which, let’s be honest, isn’t very hard these days. Watch it here And Just Like That – 22nd June We cringed our way through the first season, and we’re ready(ish) to take on the next one. Whether you like it or not, it’s back and due on our screens at the end of this month. Watch it here Rain Dogs – Available now We expected this to be much more of a comedy than it was, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t enjoy it. Far from it. It’s a beautiful and gripping drama that spotlights the struggles of single mum Costello (played by Daisy May Cooper). Yes, there’s a laugh or two, but it’s the plot that will keep you hooked. Watch it now Get Tipsy at Afternoon Tea Tipsy Tea, K West, London London’s unique West London hotel, K West, has launced a Tipsy Tea. Where the hotel’s mixologist and head chef have come together to curate a selection of carefully concocted cocktails which represent some of the nation’s favourite bites from a traditional afternoon tea. Cocktails are made to share in glass teapots and are paired with platters of delicious food served on a retro record turntable. The menu includes a Merry Victoria Sponge Cocktail with lemon infused gin, a Tipsy Cucumber Sandwich Mar-Tea-Ni, combining peppermint infused gin, apple and lemon juice and fresh cucumber and a Sozzled Scone and Strawberry Jam Cocktail, with green tea infused gin, Chambord, MB Fraise, cranberry juice, and a swirl of strawberry jam. Book now Read this… The Bump Plan by Hollie Grant This new book for expecting mums provides illustrated trimester-by-trimester plans on what exercises you can safely perform at each stage of your pregnancy, guidance about the physical shifts you can expect, information on how to move and get back to doing the exercise you love after your baby has arrived, and nutrition and pelvic health advice. Buy it now
TMC Recipe of the Week: Skin Boosting SmoothieRead More 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,… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 29 May 2023 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 SmithRead More 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… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 25 May 2023 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. 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!” Buy Now 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.” Buy Now 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!” Buy Now 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 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!!!” Buy Now 6. The best bikini brands “Seafolly, INC (It’s Now Cool) and Billabong are some of my go-to’s.” Buy now 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 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 PalomasRead More Recipe from: https://bromabakery.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 24 May 2023 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 CrapRead More 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… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 23 May 2023 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. Aykasa £24.50 H&M £24.99 John Lewis £40 Ikea £50 Mustard Made £319 Zara £69.99 Edit 58 £85 Zara £69.99 Grimms £48.99 GLTC £88 (Sale) Play & Go £33 H&M £69.99 H&M £22.99 Buddy & Hope £21 Gimars £14.99 Little Dutch £53.96 Ikea £45 Graham & Green £38 Tags 2minuteread, newDesign
Kids Summer Fashion You’ll Want to Buy NowRead More 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… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 23 May 2023 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 New York Kids Sandals Birkenstock £50 Tie Dye T-Shirt Zara £10.99 Patterned Cotton Dress H&M £3.99 Super Comfort Bermuda Shorts Zara £12.99 Poplin Dress Five of Us £80 Heart Sweatshirt lindex £12.99 Monochrome Backpack Zara £17.99 Embroidered Cotton Dress Mango £27.99 Ditsy Collar Dress Whistles £45 Waffle Knit Set Zara £15.99 Grandslam Trident Strap Trainers Gola £55 2 Piece Cotton Set H&M £17.99 Checked Seersucker Dress Lindex £29.99 Corduroy Shirt H&M £12.99 3-piece Terry Set H&M £34.99 Frill Detail Dress Next £13-£16 Sweatshirt Claude & Co £29 (Sale) The Big Olita Sweatshirt Zara £14.99 Straight-Fit Denim Trousers Arket £35 Colour Block Cap Arket £22 Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirt Gap £8 Flower Sustainable Sunglasses Kidly £14.00 Stripe Jacket Whistles £50 Baby Denim Two Piece H&M £18.99 Short Sleeve Wrap Bodysuit Lindex £12.99 2-Piece waffled Jersey Set H&M £14.99 Shark Sandals Salt Water £50 Knit Crochet Dress Zara £22.99 Knitted One-Piece Suit Mango £19.99 Ribbed Clever Zip Sleepsuit Mori £32.50 2-piece Linen Set H&M £19.99 Quilted Jacket H&M £18.99 2-Piece cotton Set H&M £19.99 Lilac Ribbed Clever Zip Sleepsuit Baby Mori £33.50 Short Sleeve Top Lindex £9.99 Striped Ribbed Body Suit Zara £14.99 Textured Tulip Playsuit Zara £14.99 Round Sunglasses H&M £5.99 2-Piece Patterned Set H&M £14.99 Jogging Set Zara £11.99 2-piece Cotton Set H&M £19.99 Patch Pocket Dungarees Boden From £29 Henley T-Shirt Zara £6.99 Blue Soft Textured Dunagree Next £14-£18 Short Denim Jumpsuit Arket £35 Sandals H&M £12.99 Gingham Jumpsuit Zara £18.99 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
10 Things That Happen if you Return to WorkRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 May 2023 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 MeatballsRead More Recipe from The Best Ever Vegetarian Meatballs – Broma Bakery Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 May 2023 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 CreditRead More 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… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 May 2023 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 Floral Print Maxi Dress Dóen £320 Cat Eye Sunglasses Celine £300 Charlotte Hoops Mejuri £400 Gold Chain Necklace Monica Vinader £595 Raffia Tote Bag Loewe £795 Leather Sandals AEYDE £225 Debit Ditsy Print Midi Dress WAT. THE BRAND £90 Rectangular Silhouette Sunglasses & other Stories £27 Waffle Mini Hoop Earrings Missoma £85 Chain Necklace Missoma £169 Large Straw Shopper H&M £17.99 Woven Leather Sandals & other Stories £85 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
Reviewed By Us: IKOS AriaRead More For more information head to the IKOS website Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 May 2023 Reviewed By Us: IKOS Aria Reviewed By: TMC Editor, Lydia House Pros 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 Cons 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? 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? 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? 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 SaladRead More Recipe from https://www.alexandradudley.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 May 2023 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/
