36 Stylish Outdoor Dining Items

Who knew a bevelled or scalloped edge would bring us so much joy?

Even if we’re not awake to light them, we love a candle decorated table.

Let’s here it for all the prints and colours. We’d never be this bold indoors!

Pick items that bring you joy and each year you bring them out they’ll make you so happy.

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

The Best Salads to Serve at a BBQ

We’re all about the sides…

Crunchy Pomegranate Salad
Crunchy Pomegranate Salad

Crunchy slaw that’s anything but sloppy and makes even burnt burgers taste delish.

Recipe
Spring Burrata Salad
Spring Burrata Salad

Packed full of zesty freshness, this is the spring/summer salad of dreams. And pairs so well with rose.

Recipe
Summer Squash Salad
Summer Squash Salad

Whack your squash in the oven, chuck in some leaves, nuts and pomegranate and you’ve got yourself the most moreish dish.

Recipe
Lemon Orzo Salad
Lemon Orzo Salad

Pasta is salad when you add some veg and this one is as delicious as they come.

Recipe
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon Feta Salad

The one we always forget. And the one we can never stop eating.

Recipe
Summer Burrata Salad
Summer Burrata Salad

If you haven’t paired peaches with Burrata, then your world is about to change.

Recipe

What to Wear This Week

The perfect outfit for the warmer weather, featuring a fab Ganni dupe!

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

The Best Stretches to Ease Back Pain

Constantly feeding? Or your toddler is allergic to walking? This wiil help…

If You Have 10 Minutes…

Release tension in your upper, middle and lower back by doing 10 minutes of stretches, which are designed to help you reduce tension, and gain more relaxation and body awareness.

If You Have 20 Minutes…

Ok, 23! But this 23-minute yoga session is specifically designed for the upper back and will really help with the effects of daily life that contribute to upper backaches, pain, and tightness.

If You Have 35 Minutes…

When you have a little more time on your hands this 35 minute pilates routine will not only strengthen your back and work your core to keep your back healthy but it helps with posture too, which really takes a hit when you have a baby.

Reviewed by Us: SmarTrike Xtend Scooter

Reviewed by: Charlie Rooney, TMC Brand Partnerships Manager

Pro IconPros

Lightweight and easy to fold for travel and storage

Grows with your child and the base lengthens as well as the handlebars

Easy to put together

The wheels flash as they go

Con IconCons

My son kept trying to push the logo, thinking it was a button that did something

What is it?

SmarTrike Xtend Scooter
SmarTrike Xtend Scooter

A scooter with a one-of-a-kind 3-stage extendable footboard, which means it grows with your child and can be used from 3+ up to pre-teen years of 12+. Easy to manoeuvre and XL LED wheels that flash and can go over rough surfaces.

Overall Thoughts…

“My son loves this scooter. He’s had other ones, but this is the one I feel he is the most comfortable with, and I feel safe with him using it. He’s quite small, and most scooters are too large, but this is great as it adapts to your child’s size. I’m so fed up with buying new things every time he grows, but this is an excellent option as it can be used up to the pre-teen years. He loves the flashing lights, and the scooter turns and manoeuvres well, which makes it easy for him to use.”

Any Downsides?

“I couldn’t think of anything other than he thought the logo was a button at first and got upset that it didn’t do anything when he pressed it. But not much can be done about that; it’s just kids being kids. I suppose it’s a little more expensive than some other models but the fact that your child can use it for such a long amount of time makes it so worth it.”

Where to Buy it…

Xtend Scooter
Xtend Scooter

Buy it now

This product was gifted to our editorial team. However, this review has not been paid for and we always offer honest reviews.

The Hotlist: The Best Things to Do in June

With good weather, tons to do and the excitement of summer. We think this might be our favourite month of the year!

Join Us At Camp Bestival

Upgrade Your Camp Bestival experience with TMC
Upgrade Your Camp Bestival experience with TMC

Planning on coming to Camp Bestival in Shropshire? We are too! And this year, we’re giving all The Mum Club members access to the Paradise Garden area. All you have to do is buy a weekend ticket, email us via the link below, and then we’ll add you to the list!

Find out more

Take The Kids to a Festival on the Beach

Arts on The Beach, Watergate Bay 15th and 16th June
Arts on The Beach, Watergate Bay 15th and 16th June

If you’re near Newquay this June, then head down to Watergate Bay for the most amazing free family weekend. With a whale theatre, aerial performances, dance, music and creative workshops. And… a 13-foot roaming puppet. You’re sure to be entertained as much as the kids are.

Find out more

Visit London’s Coolest New Hotel & Rooftop Bar

The Broadwick Soho, London
The Broadwick Soho, London

Newly opened in November 2023, this elaborately designed jewelery box hotel, is hidden behind a very large pink door, next to the Ivy Soho. Inside there are luxurious rooms, restaurants, and a very cool rooftop bar (Flute). With incredible views, drinks and a Dj, you could have the best night of your life there. However you will end up a lot poorer as prices are sky high. So one to save for a worthy treat.

Find out more

Join Us for a Picnic

TMC June Events
TMC June Events

The weather is usually pretty great in June, and we’re never not happy in the sun. Make the feeling even better, and join us at one of our picnic, walking, or even river punting events.

Find Your Nearest Event

Have an Ice Cream Coffee

Rosslyn Soft Serve Coffee
Rosslyn Soft Serve Coffee

We love ice cream, and we love coffee, so we’re not sure why we haven’t thought about combining the two sooner. Luckily, cool London coffee shop chain Rosslyn has. And they’re now serving the delicious whip to queuing customers desperate to get a fix.

Find out more

Book a JoJo Maman Bébé Family Festival Event

JoJo Maman Bébé Family Festival
JoJo Maman Bébé Family Festival

This month, JoJo Maman Bébé is running some seriously exciting events. Alongside their exclusive brunches with us (info below). They’re also bringing you some incredible events in store. The JoJo Family Festival is running from the 29th of May to the 9th of June, and is two weeks of in-store events, that are happening all over the UK. All about motherhood, community spirit, and helping children be children, you can expect everything from storytelling to postnatal yoga. And the best bit? They’re completely FREE. Find out more in the link below.

Find out more

Get Yourself a Summer Style Kit

A flattering swimsuit. Check. New (cover my massive eye bags) sunnies. Check. A t-shirt you wear everywhere and every day. Check. A dress you can wear for all occasions. Check. And a glowy highlighter that makes your skin look less, ‘I’ve only slept for 3hours’, dead. Check, and double-check!!

Swimsuit, And Other Stories
1.
Swimsuit, And Other Stories

Buy Now
Sunglasses, Le Specs
2.
Sunglasses, Le Specs

Buy Now
Stila Heavens All Over Glimmer
3.
Stila Heavens All Over Glimmer

Buy Now
Lemon T-shirt, Ganni
4.
Lemon T-shirt, Ganni

Buy Now
Dorotha Dress, Sezanne
5.
Dorotha Dress, Sezanne

Buy now

Watch This…

Camden, Disney + and Hulu, 29th May
Camden, Disney + and Hulu, 29th May

A 4 part docu series produced by Dua Lipa, which tells the untold stories of the legendary area of London, which has produced and shaped iconic music acts like Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, The Libertines and Dua herself. An informative, uplifting and nostalgic watch.

Watch the trailer
Bridgerton, Season 3, Part 2, Netflix 13TH June
Bridgerton, Season 3, Part 2, Netflix 13TH June

We need to know what happens next for Pen and Colin. And if you’re not up to speed, our advice is to watch season 1, skip season 2, and join us on season 3.

Watch here
I Am Celine Dion, 18th June Amazon Prime
I Am Celine Dion, 18th June Amazon Prime

A tell-all documentary featuring the iconic Celine Dion and her struggle with illness and how she’s fighting on. Hard-hitting and emotional and one we’ll 100% be watching.

Watch the Trailer
Bear, Season 3, Disney Plus, 27th June
Bear, Season 3, Disney Plus, 27th June

The intense cookery drama returns to Disney Plus this June, and we’re using the time in between to catch up on the last two series and find out what all the fuss is about.

Watch the trailer

Read This…

All Fours, Miranda July
All Fours, Miranda July

Thought-provoking, funny and a brilliant read to escape to after the kids are in bed. The story is about a mum who reinvents herself and explores a lot of out-of-the-box thinking. Expect a lot of laughs, some bashful reading and for your mind to be blown a little.

Buy Now

Eat in Reverse With Heston

Topsy Turvy Menu, The Fat Duck, ends 30th June
Topsy Turvy Menu, The Fat Duck, ends 30th June

Love food? Always look at the dessert menu before anything else? Well, this might be for you. Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-star restaurant The Fat Duck is offering diners a limited chance to enjoy a tasting menu in reverse, starting with dessert. From the 7th of May to the 30th of June, alongside the classic menu, guests can start the meal with dessert and graduate to savoury flavours before finishing with a refreshing nitro-poached appetite-whetter.

Find out more

Save Yourself Some Cash

ChaChing app
ChaChing app

With all the wining and dining you’re doing with Heston and The Broadwick Soho, you’re going to need to save some cash. And this new app is one of the best ways to do it. With the best prices on nappies and a lot of baby gear, you can also earn cashback as you spend.

Find out more

Have a Festival at Home

Camp Bestival at Home
Camp Bestival at Home

Whether you’re joining us at Camp Bestival or not. You can replicate the fun at home with their new activity book. Packed full of the best ideas for creating your own festival fun at home, it’s a great one for rainy days or to cut through the monotony of half-term or summer holidays.

Buy now

Book a Holiday With Someone You Trust

@familiatravelclub Holiday Travel Experts
@familiatravelclub Holiday Travel Experts

The very lovely (and well-travelled) Ally from TMC Wimbledon, has set up a travel agency that can help you find and pick the perfect holiday for your family. Familia Travel Club is on hand to find and book unforgettable family escapes, without compromising on quality. Ally created this boutique consultancy to empower mothers with young kids to enjoy exquisite holidays tailored to family needs, while regularly sourcing the best rates. Saving you time and money, so you can focus on making lasting memories and hopefully some relaxing moments.

Find out more

Shop Pre-Loved Designer Style

Wear Luxury's New Site
Wear Luxury’s New Site

With prices soaring, buying pre-loved items is the savviest way to shop for designer style. One of our favourite sellers, Wear Luxury, has launched a spangly new site. *Credit cards beware!!!

Find out more

11 Black Swimsuits That Don’t Make You Feel Mumsy

Swimwear is another of those things we didn’t expect to change irrevocably once we’d had children – and we’re not just talking about body shape.

What passed for secure before there were tiny hands coming at us from all angles may as well be tied on with tissue paper, and even the most modest bikini feels inappropriate in a baby swim class (if you know, you know). A chic black one-piece is our new happy place. With pretty detail and shapes that are sleek but not necessarily sporty, the following are anything but basic.

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

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Frozen Banana Yoghurt Pops

Recipe:

3 bananas peeled and cut in half

3/4 cup vanilla yoghurt or flavour of your choice

Sprinkles or toppings of your choice

Popsicle sticks

Method:

Halve and peel each banana. Insert a popsicle stick into each banana half.

Dip bananas into yoghurt, using a spoon to coat each banana evenly. Let excess yoghurt drip off.

Add sprinkles or topping of your choice.

Place bananas on a plate covered in wax or parchment paper. Freeze until the yoghurt has hardened, about 2 hours. (Allow for more time if you would like the banana to be frozen through).

Recipe from: https://www.theproducemoms.com/frozen-banana-yogurt-pops/

The Best Places to Have a Summer Holiday in the UK

From dreamy seaside locations to staycations with spas, family travel experts Tiny Travelship, say these are the best places to book…

The New Forest

Wild horses, bike rides and picturesque picnic spots. The New Forest is a dream world come to life.

Stay at: New Park Manor

For: child-friendly luxury, newly renovated rooms and fairytale forests.

With it’s recent renovation, New Park Manor is our summer staycation of choice. A former royal hunting lodge, adult aesthetics and next-level touches for tots sit against a backdrop of the fairytale forest. Going the extra mile to make parents’ lives easier, mental-load-minimising touches include; prams and bibs to borrow, a puree menu at dinner and godsend bottle cleaning service. Yes, it’s a family first hotel, but with tots having the time of their lives in the (free) Kids Club. Adults canl enjoy decompressing down time in the swish spa and grown-up-feeling restaurants, bars and lounges. Boasting a sparkling outdoor pool and sunny strolls to meet the resident wild ponies, New Park Manor is hidden summer holiday haven.

Book now

The Lake District

There’s no denying the South of England is rich in summer staycation choices. But, as beautiful as Cornwall is, a day spent trapped in a car with pint-sized passenger princes and princesses testing out the maximum volume of their lungs, is hardly a joyous start to a holiday. Swerve the gridlocked traffic and head to Ullswater instead. You’ll be swapping sand and sea for forest and fells, but the luscious lakes will keep water babies in their element.

Stay at: Another Place

For: Wild swimming, boat trips and excellent childcare.

A utopia for soaking up the sunshine in the great outdoors, everything from kayaking and stand up paddleboarding to wild swimming is on the agenda here. Cast aside any notion of children cooped up inside, the complimentary (yes, you heard us right) Kids Club here includes Forest School sessions, with archery, orienteering and canoe lessons. Another Place is definitely a celebration of England’s green and pleasant land, but this hotel is much more than just a nature-rich retreat. If the weather gods aren’t playing ball, parents can retreat to the super slick Swim Club spa, which boasts (we’d argue) England’s most inviting indoor infinity pool. With a creche that welcomes babes as young as 6 months, delicious dining and design-led decor, we’re crowning Another Place the King of the North.

Book now

Devon

Whilst it’s anyone’s guess what the British weather will be doing this Summer, there’s few places more sublime to up your dose of Vitamin D than Devon.
From lovely animal attractions, like farms, zoos and aquariums, to places you can ride a tram or a steam train. You can really invoke your children’s curiosity here.

Stay at: The Creamery

For a private hideaway, pretty villages, sunbathing and seaside fun.

Sleeping up to 4 guests, The Creamery is set between the quintessential fishing villages of Appledore and Clovelly and is a super cute barn set back from the crowds. This is a self-catering property that offers a life far from the hustle and bustle in the city. You can relax from the comfort of the extremely stylish barn or venture out to Greencliff beach to explore further. The Creamery has a private garden backed by sunny yellow fields of rapseed in spring, ever changing with the seasons. There is a perfect spot for sunbathing in the summer on the south-facing deck, so grab a bottle and some glasses and set up for the day! If you run out of luck with the weather, head across to the summerhouse, complete with fire and sheepskin underfoot for total comfort. Woolacombe beach is only a short journey away so make sure you head there for some seaside fun too, that’s if you can bare to leave the comfort of The Creamery!

Book now

Stay at: Gitcombe Estate (South Devon)

For: A self-catering stay with soft play, hot tub soaks and tranquility.

A self-catering stay with a luxury difference not usually found outside of hotels. The sparkling outdoor swimming pool here is nothing short of magic in the sunshine. Families can work up a sweat on the tennis court, scurry on over to the seaside or simply allow the storybook-scenery to give their serotonin a much needed boost. If the skies do decide to open, fret not, the indoor pool and small soft play will keep boredom at bay. Elevating your standard self-catering stay to sky-high heights, is the ‘genie in a bottle’ attitude of Gitcombe’s concierge. Bending over backwards to cater to your every whim, families want for nothing at this serene spot

Book now

Cornwall

With stunning coastlines, relaxed restaurants – that really welcome families! Tons of activities, and the best weather in the UK – you can see why so many people make the long journey down.

Stay at: The Headland Hotel (North Cornwall)

For: a dreamy spa, excellent food and a taste of the best beach life.

The Headland Hotel weaves quintessential seaside fun into a gorgeous grown up getaway. With a premium postcode overlooking Fistral Beach and walking distance to Newquay, there’s ample opportunity for salty fish and chips, technicolour sticks of rock and sinking your pennies into retro slot machines. It also has a world-class spa and guests are treated to complimentary access to a sunset plunge pool, oceanfront Jacuzzis and hydrotherapy experiences. And children have their own dedicated splash zone with water fountains and a much-loved mushroom shower.

While not a family-focused hotel, parents’ needs are clearly prioritised. Busy books are handed to children at check in, kids menus come complete with colouring in, babysitters are available and ocean family suites are decked out with a seriously boujee bunk beds.

Book Now

Stay at Treworgey Cottages (South Cornwall)

For: animal encounters, spa treatments and endless play areas.

If the price tag of a hotel break is adding to, rather than easing, your stress levels, we’ve got the solution for you. With 2 bed cottages starting from as little as £90 per night (that’s £45 per room!)Treworgey’s prices are unbeatable. Dotted across a lesser-visited Cornish hillside (only a stone’s throw from the coast), your home-from-home here is a chocolate-box pretty bolthole. Brimming with granny chic charm, the seriously cheap cost doesn’t come at a compromise to style, or substance. We’re not exaggerating when we say the beds could go toe-to-toe with any 5* boudoir. It also packs a serious punch in the wholesome activity stakes – with guests treated to the use of a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and spa treatments. And there’s a huge outdoor playground, indoor playroom (with small soft play), daily animal feeding, weekly Animal Antics sessions and riding lessons.

Book now

North Yorkshire

If you’d like to avoid the bevy of bodies swarming Britain’s beaches this summer, consider a rural retreat to North Yorkshire instead.

Stay at: The Range

For: a breath of fresh air, sparkling stars, and beautiful countryside.

There’s few places in the UK more appealing for a restorative reset than the twin luxury barns at West Cawthorne. Guests can choose between The South Range (sleeping 6) or The West Range (sleeping 4), whichever you pick, interior goals take on a whole new meaning.Set in a pastoral paradise of rolling fields and picture perfect panoramas as far as the eye can see, this relaxing retreat is the ultimate antidote to the non-stop carousel of shopping, cleaning, parties and pick ups. Days can be spent devouring the fresh country air outside, where Mother Nature is undoubtedly the matriarch, whilst the private hot tub is made for evenings chillaxing under the stars

Book now

North Wales

With beautiful scenery, ancient castles, pristine swathes of beach, friendly towns and adventurous activities, North Wales is a great family destination for all.

Stay at: Harwarden Estate

For: Chic camping, endless activities, a relaxed attitude and open-fire dining.

Against a backdrop of impossibly beautiful grounds, The Hawarden Estate is bringing chic to summer camps with elegantly elevated al fresco fun. Inspired by wholesome American summer camps, kids can spend their days wild swimming, paddle boarding and making new friends. Whilst the tiniest of travellers are looked after in the camp curiosity creche.

There’s a packed schedule of artsy workshops and activities – but the vibe here is very much go-slow, with classes designed to be dipped in and out of with no prior booking necessary. Food is very much at the forefront with an open-fire cooked dinner included. There’s free ice cream for all, plus the estate boasts its own Gastropub, Deli, Bakery and Coffee Shop. Guests can choose a pre-erected tent, or to pitch their own, and glamping tents are available.

Book now

Dorset

With beaches, castles, farms and even dinosaurs to discover. Dorset really does have it all.

Stay at: The Pig on The Beach

For: delicious food, spa treatments, stylish interiors and roaring log fires.

Known as the “mellow yellow house” situated along Studland Bay, this offers a real home from home feel with the added benefit of gorgeous sea views. Not only does The Pig offer a variety of stylish, cosy and higgledy piggeldy rooms; they also have a few unique options for something a bit different – The Pig Hut, The Bothy & The Lookout. Some rooms have stunning sea views and others look out over the surrounding countryside – what more could you ask for? Whilst staying at The Pig, you can over-indulge in the sea view conservatory restaurant or take a stroll down to the ‘Sheep Hut’ for a revitalising spa treatment in total peace – not exactly what you may expect to find in a Sheep Hut, but it works. Take a walk down the private path to the beach in the summer or cosy up by the roaring log fires in the winter, there really is something for everyone – it’s personal, lived-in, and not overly perfect. *Even though it is.

Book now

Find Your Next Holiday With Tiny Travelship

A New Holiday Search Service
A New Holiday Search Service

Giving Google Maps a serious glow up, Tiny Travelmap is a new service by Tiny Travelship, which features every single recommendation they’ve ever shared on @tinytravelship, allowing their members to explore thousands of visited and verified hotels, hotspots and hangouts around the world. Taking on Tripadvisor, discerning parents no longer have to sift through faceless reviews, as their pins link through to Instagram, and you have the ability to connect with other parents and ask questions, too! And because who doesn’t love a cheeky discount they’re also offering members parental perks each month.

Find Your Perfect Holiday

The New Money Saving App to Buy Your Baby Items On

Meet the savvy new app that pays you to shop. ChaChing is a new app that lets you search and shop for must-have baby items and style, giving you incredible savings and cashback.

Make Savings as You Shop

The best place to shop for your newborn, *and some! ChaChing houses leading brands like Babymoov, Tommee Tippee and Pampers and saves you approx 20-50% cashback on all your purchases.

How Does It Work?

Download the ChaChing app and search or scroll for an item. The cashback you’ll receive is clearly shown on each product.

Once you’ve found a product you can run a price check to see how other retailers are pricing it online.

When you’re ready to purchase, you’re directed to the retailers’ site. And shortly after you’ve made the transaction, your cashback is delivered straight into your ChaChing account, which can then be withdrawn.

What’s The Catch?

There isn’t one! Because of advertising fees, big tech platforms like Google or Meta are often paid 10-50% on everything you spend online.
Advertisers pay them to promote their product and get you to shop on their site. But ChaChing can quash these fees and give you the money instead.

The Best Bit…

It’s really easy to use and…

You get your money in minutes!

What Can I Shop There?

We found loads of incredible products like the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine, our favourite baby seat Babymoov Swing Chair, luxury Bamford Baby products, trusted vitamin brand Wild Nutrition and many other brilliant buys.

It’s Also The Best Place to Shop Nappies

ChaChing is currently the best place to get your nappies, and it has the lowest prices in the UK across all platforms and retailers for Pampers and Huggies.

Download Cha Ching

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHACHING

Savvy Spending: Our Favourite Money Saving Hacks

How we live a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget…

How I Stay on Trend
1.
How I Stay on Trend

“I’m a self-confessed shopaholic and love staying afoot of the latest trends. Sadly, my budget doesn’t allow me to be frivolous, so I have to find areas I can save so that I can buy myself stylish treats. Other than doing the food shop in Aldi, I’ve found one of the best ways is to rent parts of my daughters’ wardrobe. There are some great sites now, like Fashion Diaries of a Cool Kid and Bundlee, which stock some really cool clothes. And then for the bits I do buy, I look on Vinted and then sell on there too.”

TMC Style and Content Creator, Luzaan Shaw,

Find out more
How I Get Free Holidays
2.
How I Get Free Holidays

I’ve received over 20 free hotel nights by booking all my holidays and trips on Hotels.com. The site’s reward programme gives you a free night stay after accumulating 10 nights on your account. And the great thing is they don’t have to be all in one booking, they just average out the amount you’ve spent on each stay and give you back a voucher that reflects the total. You can imagine why I’m always offering to book accommodation for friends or family if I go away with a group.


TMC Editor, Lydia House

Find out more
How I Have a Wardrobe of Designer Clothes
3.
How I Have a Wardrobe of Designer Clothes

I love designer clothing, and to fund my addiction, I’ve been using apps like By Rotation and Hurr, both as a lender and a renter. They are especially good if you’re pregnant and need clothes for special occasions as it means you don’t have to invest in a new item you might not wear again.
They’ve also allowed me to make money by renting out items from my wardrobe that I’ve never worn or only worn once. I also feel like I’m doing a little bit of good for the environment – or avoiding fast fashion, at least!

TMC CRM, Andi Venardos

Reviewed By Us: By Rotation Clothing Rental App
How I Afford Regular Gel Nails
4.
How I Afford Regular Gel Nails

“Getting a gel manicure is one of the few regular things I like to do. But recently, the prices have skyrocketed, and it now seems such an indulgence to get it done all the time. I recently bought this after seeing a video on Instagram showing their little removal pods, and I’m now hooked. It’s saved me so much money, and it’s straightforward to use. The brand also uses natural, eco-friendly alternatives to keep your nails healthy, which makes me feel a lot happier about applying gels.”


TMC Co-Founder Jess Lawes

Find Out More
How I Keep Up My Expensive Coffee Habit
5.
How I Keep Up My Expensive Coffee Habit

It might seem like an absurd solution to suggest buying an expensive coffee machine to fix a pricey coffee-purchasing problem, but I’ve honestly saved so much money by buying my Sage/Breville coffee machine. The initial cost might seem quite a lot. But when I add up what I used to spend on daily coffee runs, this machine is a great investment. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, or just really tired all the time and NEED coffee, I’d say this is a a game-changer and worth every penny.


TMC Co-Founder Lauren Webber

Reviewed by us: Breville (Sage) Barista Coffee Machine
How I Afford to Do Fun Things with The Kids
6.
How I Afford to Do Fun Things with The Kids

One of the best ways to save money and do fun things is to use the National Rail website, which offers 1/3 off some of the most popular UK attractions. All you have to do to qualify is to use National Rail to travel to your chosen attraction, and you can save so much! I also make use of all the kid’s eat-free offers that are out there. There are so many now, and I’m unsure why more people don’t use them.


TMC Franchise Co-Ordinator, Jessica Aanensen

Kids Eat Free At These Cool Restaurants

What to Wear This Week

We’re so over things shrinking in the wash or falling apart after a few wears. Now we’re investing in pieces we’ll wear for a lifetime! *Or until we’re over our leopard print era.

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

Top Ten Sods Laws of Parenting

‘It’s like raaaiiinnnn on your wedding day. It’s a giant poo, when you’re already late.’

No matter how recently you’ve changed them, the second you place a fully dressed baby in the car seat they will instantly soil themselves. The more layers, the higher the probability. If they’re wearing a pram suit, it’s practically a given.

They NEVER nap, except when you desperately need them not to.

Shout out to the Mum’s reading this from the car outside their house; temporarily incarcerated by the small snoring human in the car seat in the back. Said small child can easily stay awake for an entire 6 hour road trip; yet somehow develops narcolepsy the second you need them to stay awake for a short drive to the supermarket.

The one time you forget the spare clothes, you will never need them more.

We’ve been hauling round a Spiderman backpack stuffed with more outfit changes than a Cher concert for the last 2 years; the ONE TIME we leave it at home you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll be wiping their arse with your socks and fashioning them a pair of trousers out of a old towel you found in the boot.

Nothing cures kids faster than a trip to the Doctors waiting room.

Following stern words with the receptionist to secure the appointment (‘Yes it’s urgent Karen, I KNOW MY OWN CHILD OKAY?!”) the kid, previously at death’s door; springs back to life the instant their name is called. This leaves you wishing they were slightly more unwell than they now appear, so the Doctor won’t think you’re a crazed hypochondriac.

Oh Ducking Hell

You’ve been forking out £15 a lesson for Baby Spanish for an entire year with not so much as a ‘Hola’ back; but guaranteed the ONE TIME you tell Daddy to go fuck himself and THAT’S the word they repeat.

‘Oh they won’t eat that’*

*Unless they’re at your Mother-in-Law’s, or at nursery, or in the care of literally anyone else but you.

The week you go back to work they will be ill like they’ve never been ill before.

You: Wants to prove you’re a capable, together individual who can juggle motherhood and her career, no problem. Also You: Has to call IT on day 2 because the baby vommed on her Macbook.

You can’t wait for a night out, only to spend every second missing them like hell

It’s a universally accepted truth that you’ll spend the entire evening scrolling through your camera roll and discussing your baby’s bowel movements. Extra points if you’ve got pictures on your phone of your baby’s bowel movements.

The one day you forget the pram

You’ll have to carry the kid around like a 20lb kettlebell until your arms feel like they’re about to fall off.

The moment you think you’ve got this shit down

It all changes and you realise you haven’t got a clue.

Weaning: The Six Recipes We Used On Rotation

Easy is our speciality

Weaning can be so much fun. It’s so cute seeing their little faces tasting foods for the first time. It can also be bloody annoying. Especially when you’ve spent 45 minutes making elaborate quinoa patties that just end up on the floor.

Plus, it’s a prime-time opportunity for Mums to be put under pressure.
But just because Amy from NCT is making extravagant meals every day, it doesn’t mean you’re the Devil if lunch is served from a pack. Your kid. Your rules.

However, If you want to give the cooking thing a go and don’t want to spend hours slaving over a stove, you might want to check out the following recipes.

Butternut Squash Bolognaise

From 6 months old
From 6 months old

Use these cubes to add flavour to pre-made packs and mix it into everything from couscous to pasta. It’s also tasty on top of toast or potato – sweet or plain.

  1. Step One
    Chop one onion and sauté in a pan with a smidge of unsalted butter.
  2. Step Two
    Add 1-2 cans of chopped tomatoes, a generous squish of tomato puree. One crushed clove of garlic. One tsp of Italian herbs and some pepper.
  3. Step Three
    Simmer for 10 minutes, then let the mix cool.
  4. Step Four
    Meanwhile, boil one pack of pre-chopped butternut squash/sweet potato until soft.
  5. Step Five
    Once cooled, mix, blend, and then transfer into large ice cube trays and freeze.

Want your baby to try meat? When you’re ready, add 1/4- 1/2 a pack of cooked mince (lamb or beef).

*Top tip: Boil an extra pack of the butternut squash/sweet pot mix and leave some out to mash. Decant into ice cube trays and freeze. It’s a great back up to increase the veg of any meal and also mixes well with avocado or banana.

Pizza Toast

From 6 months old
From 6 months old

Baby crying and doesn’t want to be put down? This is our go-to meal when there is zero time (or brain cells) left.

  1. Step One
    Cover one piece of lightly toasted bread with puree (We like: veg lentil bake or tomato and lentil bake from Ella’s kitchen).
  2. Step Two
    Finely grate mild cheese over the top.
  3. Step Three
    Grill until it bubbles.
  4. Step Four
    Cut off the crusts and slice into small portions.
  5. Step Five
    Serve with some leftover puree that you can spoon-feed.

Leftover Porridge Muffins

From 7 months old
From 7 months old

Constantly making way too much porridge? This recipe from Leading Children’s Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed, is a great way to use up lefties.

  1. Step One
    Take porridge leftovers from the pan.
  2. Step Two
    Add more oats if it’s quite watery and stir through.
  3. Step Three
    Add to muffin cases or press into a greased tin.
  4. Step Four
    Bake in the oven for around 30 minutes for tomorrow’s quick or on the go breakfast.

Peanut butter & Banana Cookies

From 6 months old
From 6 months old

This recipe makes too many for your baby to eat before they go stale. Which sadly means you have to eat some – sorry about that.

*Recipe adapted from

https://babyledkitchen.co.uk/recipe/peanut-and-banana-cookies/
  1. Step One
    Preheat your oven to 190C/375F.
  2. Step Two
    Mash 1 small banana in a bowl.
  3. Step Three
    Warm 1 level tbsp of coconut oil, then mix with the banana and 1 tbsp of desiccated coconut, 2 heaped tbsps of plain flour and 2 level tbsps of (unsalted unsweetened) peanut butter.
  4. Step Four
    Make about 12 balls and flatten into cookies.
  5. Step Five
    Place on a pre-lined tray, then bake for 15 minutes and leave to cool.

Easy Peasy Brunch

From 6 months old
From 6 months old

Breakfast for lunch or dinner, is a real saviour when you’ve run out of ideas on what to make. *Top tip: Always make extra, so you don’t steal their whole meal.

  1. Step One
    Scramble one egg and cook for 1-2 minutes in a pan.
  2. Step Two
    Add a squish of veg puree to a bowl or plate.
  3. Step Three
    Serve with avocado, either on small slices of toast or mashed up with a touch of lime and pepper.

Freeze Me Fish Pie

From 7 months old
From 7 months old

A great one to whack out in front of the Mother-in-Law. These make you look like a Supermum with hardly any effort. Plus, you can reduce the number of ramekins you make and steal half the mix for a grown-up dinner. Just add in more fish and smother some mash on top.

  1. Step One
    Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6
  2. Step Two
    Melt 15g of butter in a pan with 1 finely chopped onion and 1 thinly sliced leek.
  3. Step Three
    Cut approx. 350g white fish fillets into cubes and fill the bottom of approx. 6-8 ramekins
  4. Step Four
    Stir in 1 tbsp of plain flour into the leeks and onion mix and then gradually add in ½ pint of full-fat milk.
  5. Step Five
    Stir in 50g of grated cheese, then spoon the mixture over the fish.
  6. Step Six
    Sprinkle a little more cheese on top of each one, then bake for 20minutes until golden.
  7. Step Seven
    Cool, cover with foil and then freeze.

*To reheat microwave for approx. 2mins, stir and then let it cool. Serve with some veg. We like to use sweet potato mash or offer soft broccoli or carrots as finger foods.