TMC’s Guide to Cornwall

Fancy a staycation but no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts. Find out the best things to do in Cornwall right now.

According to TMC Cornwall Host, Jess Robinson

Where To Stay

Best Hotel: Watergate Bay
Best Hotel: Watergate Bay

A luxury hotel MADE for families. Set right on the beach, they have an incredible kids’ club for most ages, which has complimentary sessions each day. A stunning pool and spa. Restaurants and activities for all, which include movie nights, yoga on the beach and of course surf lessons. They really have thought of everything here.

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Best Family Rental: Penpol House
Best Family Rental: Penpol House

Recently renovated, this gorgeous rental property has six sumptuous super-king sized bedrooms, two kitchens and plentiful gardens – all a stones throw from the water!

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Best Farm Stay: Macdonalds Farm
Best Farm Stay: Macdonalds Farm

If the thought of camping fills you with fear then Macdonalds Farm might change your mind. This small family run campsite has tons of amenities and things to keep the kids busy. From surf lessons to meeting and feeding the animals on site, you’ll never be short of things to do.

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Where To Eat

Best Brunch Spot: Fore St Café, Newquay
Best Brunch Spot: Fore St Café, Newquay

the most delicious brunch, caters for everyone and Tom Kerridge recently spotted here twice on his hols!

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 Best Date Night: The Tartan Fox
Best Date Night: The Tartan Fox

This is just about to open but judging by Adam Handling’s other restaurants this will shoot straight to our go to date night spot!

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 Best For a Special Occasion: Paul Ainsworth at No 6
Best For a Special Occasion: Paul Ainsworth at No 6

Celebrating something? Book here for the very best dining experience possible – an absolute must for birthdays, anniversaries and such.

Book Here
Jam Jar Kitchen,Crantock
Jam Jar Kitchen,Crantock

They do the best pizzas outside of Italy. We go EVERY Friday, because it’s just too good not to.

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Best Coffee & Cake: Ladyvale Bakery
Best Coffee & Cake: Ladyvale Bakery

Head here for beautiful and oh so delicious cakes! The best place to catch up with the girls (sans babies or not).

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Best Pub: Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek
Best Pub: Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek

Feels like stepping back in time, super menu, can paddleboard / sail round the creek and moor up on the jetty or do some crabbing while you wait for your food!

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Best Bakery: Gorse
Best Bakery: Gorse

Doughnuts to die for and the best sourdough around!

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Best Lunch: The Boathouse
Best Lunch: The Boathouse

Street Food on the Beach, overlooking Newquay Harbour. A wide variety of kitchens to sample, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, there’s also a place that sells delicious frozen cocktails, so you can be kept happy while the kids roll around on the beach.

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What To Do

Best Walk: The Camel Trail
Best Walk: The Camel Trail

Great flat walk or cycle that’s suitable for the whole family.

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Best Beach: Crantock
Best Beach: Crantock

A huge beach great for families. At low tide there are lots of little pools to play in and caves to explore, then at high tide it’s perfect for paddleboarding.

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Best Spa: The Headland
Best Spa: The Headland

A gorgeous award winning spa with the most relaxing treatments. For the best day away from the kids, team a spa day up with a few hours over in the Aqua Club, which has luxury swimming pools and a sunset spa serving delicious cocktails.

Book Here
Best Small Business: The Bottle, Newquay
Best Small Business: The Bottle, Newquay

This is a wine bar, deli and bottle shop all rolled into one. Serving up loaded sharing plates and lots of independent, small vineyard wines, it’s a great place to visit.

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Best Experience: Rogue Theatre
Best Experience: Rogue Theatre

Wild immersive theatre experiences popping up throughout the year. An incredible experience for all the family.

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Love of Lemons Vintage Boutique
Love of Lemons Vintage Boutique

After a treat at Ladyvale, I love nothing more than hopping across the road to the wonderful Love of Lemons. It is home to a uniquely curated mix of vintage clothing and sustainably produced small brands.

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Best Family Day Out: Healeys Cyder Farm
Best Family Day Out: Healeys Cyder Farm

A great family afternoon out that we do with lots of our visitors. There are tractor rides in the orchard, farm animals to meet, you can visit the production halls and there are lots of ciders to sample, as well as delicious Cornish cream teas! After all this excitement, hop into the car and less than 5 minutes down the road is Callestick Farm Ice Cream – you can see the dairy cows and visit the ice cream parlour!

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TMC Cornwall Brunch Club
TMC Cornwall Brunch Club

Meet like-minded women in your local area, or on your travels. Brunch, hot coffee and new friends!

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Must see

Must See: A sunset from the beach
Must See: A sunset from the beach

Find a spot on a west facing beach, grab a blanket and a cold bottle of wine and watch out for the green flash (a natural green light that occurs at sunset and sunrise if the conditions are right).

Must do

Have a surf Lesson
Have a surf Lesson

No trip to Cornwall would be complete with a surf lesson! We love Big Green Surf School at Crantock. They do surf lessons, stand up paddleboard & kayak tours as well as have great Dick Pearce wooden bellyboards for you to borrow for free!

Find out more

Best time of the year to visit

June or September. Either just before schools break up or just after the new school year starts. It’s quieter & the weather is normally amazing!

Travel notes

Cornwall can get all 4 seasons in one day. There’s a great saying here ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes’ so pack your Barbour & wellies, your swimmers & flip flops! Great knitwear and a beach blanket!

Shop! TMC’S Newborn Baby Wishlist

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

TMC’s Co-Founder Lauren is expecting her second baby. Here she shares the items she’s got her eye on this time round. From boujee buys to the essentials she can’t live without, here’s her ultimate newborn baby wishlist.

DockATot Deluxe+ Dock - Strawberry Thief - £150
1.
DockATot Deluxe+ Dock – Strawberry Thief – £150

These have become a lot chicer since having my first baby. And this Liberty-style pattern is number 1 on my wish list. Yes, they’re expensive, but it was such an essential item last time that I will definitely use it again.
 *Top tip: If you can afford it, it’s well worth getting a spare cover so you still use it when messy moments occur.

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Graco Side-By-Side Bedside Bassinet - £80
2.
Graco Side-By-Side Bedside Bassinet – £80

Having a cot that folds down and can be transferred from room to room is an absolute saviour. It’s also handy when you travel, as they’re used to their cot. A win for them and (hopefully) a better night’s sleep for you.

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Bambo Nature Nappies - £5.50
3.
Bambo Nature Nappies – £5.50

I love these nappies. They’re so soft and the best for looking after a newborn baby’s delicate skin. You can trust them as they’re dermatologically tested and perfume free, which means they’ll suit even the most sensitive of skins.
 

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Cubo Ai Sleep Safety Bundle - £339
4.
Cubo Ai Sleep Safety Bundle – £339

I was given this as a gift and I’m so excited because I had a rubbish monitor first time round. My friend has this one and loves it! It gives you real peace of mind and there are tons of snazzy features, like visual tracking alerts that tell you if your baby’s face is covered and an app that you can access from anywhere to play lullabies or white noise. But one of my favourite things about it is the sleep pad your baby lies on as it monitors movement and temperature – giving you the peace of mind, that all new parents need.

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BabyZen Yoyo Bassinet & Colour Pack Bundle - £675
5.
BabyZen Yoyo Bassinet & Colour Pack Bundle – £675

I already have the stroller from BabyZen, which meant I thankfully didn’t have to buy a new pram again and instead, I purchased the newborn attachment. It’s such a good pram as it goes down so easily, and it’s really light.
 

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Prada Re-Nylon backpack - £399
6.
Prada Re-Nylon backpack – £399

My last changing bag was too bulky, and I rarely used it. What I needed was a nice lightweight backpack, and I’ve loved this ‘goes with anything’ bag from Prada for ages. However, I felt like the £1300 price tag was a little too indulgent, so I’m going to get one second-hand instead. Still fancy, but I’ll be way less angry over any baby-related stains.

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Shnuggle Moonlight Night Light with Thermometer -  £29.99
7.
Shnuggle Moonlight Night Light with Thermometer – £29.99

Last time I spent a lot of time and money trying to find the best nightlight. I ended up loving this one as not only does it create a soft glow and has a built-in thermometer, but it’s also portable, so you can move it to any room, which is incredibly handy.

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BIBS Supreme 2 Pack Sage GLOW/Cloud GLOW - €12.95
8.
BIBS Supreme 2 Pack Sage GLOW/Cloud GLOW – €12.95

If you use a dummy, you’ll know one of the biggest struggles is finding it in the middle of the night as your baby cries because it’s fallen out of their mouth (again!). These pacifiers take that stress away as they glow in the dark and are easy to see even through tired eyes.

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 Etta Loves Animal Print Muslin 3-Pack - £27
9.
Etta Loves Animal Print Muslin 3-Pack – £27

I didn’t realise how essential muslins were when I had my first baby, and while I’ll undoubtedly have some scraggy ones that are used and used around the house, I’ll be keeping these for when I’m out and about. Not only is the material beautifully soft, but the patterns double up as a form of baby sensory – so handy when you need an emergency form of entertainment.

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Aqua Wipes Value Bag of 4 x 64 wipes - £10
10.
Aqua Wipes Value Bag of 4 x 64 wipes – £10

I love these wipes. They’re so soft and the best for looking after a newborn baby’s delicate skin. You can trust them as they’re dermatologically tested and perfume free, which means they’ll suit even the most sensitive of skins.

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10 Stages Of The Summer Holidays

Stage One: Excitement

Okay let’s look at the upshot here, 6 whole weeks of no school run. No ironing uniform. No screaming ‘JUST PUT YOUR SHOES ON PLEASE WE’RE LATE!’ five times a week. Days out, holidays, precious memories to be made. You’ve got this.

Stage Two: Logistics

Jesus six weeks is a long time to cover childcare. You’ve maxed out on goodwill from grandparents/mates/relatives and start to consider asking that lady you see in Sainsburys sometimes with the kind eyes.

Stage Three: The First Morning

On a typical school day, you have to drag them out of bed and feed them dry Cheerios in the car, but as soon as school holidays hit they’re up at 5am demanding Nutella pancakes.

Stage Four: Preparing to Fail

Trying to book absolutely anything is like attempting to bag tickets for Glastonbury; you have to plan months in advance for anything remotely entertaining and you’ll have to re-mortgage your house to afford the entry price.

Stage Five: The Day Out

After what seems like the longest car journey in human history, you arrive for a day out at the zoo only to find ten thousand other parents have had the same idea. Oh, and your kid couldn’t give less of a shit about the animals. The gift shop on the other hand…

Stage Six: The Holiday Abroad

Following the anxiety-inducing wait for the new passports to arrive, the record-breaking queue to get through security at the airport and the four-hour flight in a pressurised cabin with two small children; you arrive at your destination a shell of your former self. The hotel looks considerably less impressive than it did on Instagram and the air-con is broken but there’s a bar and a kids club and that’s all that matters.

Stage Seven: Blind Date

Facing a mountain of post-holiday washing, you attempt to negotiate strategic playdates with literally anyone that will take them. ‘What do you mean you don’t like Jacob?! Of COURSE you do darling, now go and play’. Agreeing to each one reminds you of that overdraft you got at university; you know you’re getting further and further into debt with these people and you’ll have to pay them back eventually, but that’s ‘future you’s’ problem.

Stage Eight: The Uniform Shop

Nothing makes you feel more like your mother than standing in Marks and Spencer declaring ‘He’ll grow into it’ as your kid tries on a blazer 5 sizes too big. Oh, and thank goodness for financially crippling footwear. It costs more than your wedding shoes and lasts approximately 3 weeks before they grow out of them.

Stage Nine: Surrender

By week five, the house looks like you’ve been burgled and the kids are feral. Screen time is at an all-time high, Netflix constantly asks if you’re still watching and now Jaffa Cakes are a regular at breakfast, because in your mind they completely count as one of their five a day.

Stage Ten: The Night Before

Uniforms laid out; lunches packed. You’re not sure how, but you’ve survived. You mentally prepare for the onslaught of front door pictures with the caption ‘where has my baby gone’ knowing full well you’ll be posting one too.

TMC Recipe Of The Week: Frosé (Frozen Rosé)

Ingredients

1 bottle rose wine , 750 ml (3.12 cups)
2 cups of frozen strawberries
2 cups ice
¼ cup lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons sugar , optional (try first)

Method

1. Put everything into a blender and blend until frosty.

2. Serve in your favorite glasses.

3. Garnish with strawberries and enjoy!

Shop! 4 New Stylish But Practical Outfits For You, And For Them.

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

Deciding what to wear each day can really add a load to our already over-stretched minds, let alone deciding what your kids should wear. Here we’ve pulled together some practical yet stylish outfits for you and the kids for your everyday trips out together.

To The Park

Meeting Friends

To A TMC Brunch

Chilling At Home

Stylish Backpacks That Double Up as Changing Bags

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

Jem & Bea Jamie Grey Leather- £315
1.
Jem & Bea Jamie Grey Leather- £315

Classic backpacks that don’t scream ‘I’m carrying nappies!’ If these look as if they’ve been created by high-end fashion designers, it’s because they are. Simple, chic, and with an accessories range you can have personalised. We’re sold.

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Tiba & Marl Elwood Black- £150
2.
Tiba & Marl Elwood Black- £150

T&M are the new wave heroes of mum’s wear. This brand has hit the nail on the head when it comes to designing things we actually want to be seen with, and it’s hard to go anywhere these days without spotting at least one Elwood. They’re gender neutral and TMC co-founder Lauren still wears hers every day.

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Kaos Ransel Changing Backpack- £83.40 (on sale)
3.
Kaos Ransel Changing Backpack- £83.40 (on sale)

These bags are all about the pockets; there’s a compartment for everything and always in exactly the right place. There’s even a padded changing mat in the front pocket for easy access.

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Burberry Leather Trim ECONYL- £650
4.
Burberry Leather Trim ECONYL- £650

Oh Burbs. Our 14-year old selves are bursting with excitement. Who doesn’t love the Burberry print? Don’t worry, it’s all inside. Practical, huge and quietly designer. We love!

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Louis Vuitton Christopher Backpack £2520
5.
Louis Vuitton Christopher Backpack £2520

It’s an investment but this is the bag TMC co-founder Jess used. It’s from Vuitton’s men’s range which means it’s pretty big and dad will carry it too. Plus, you’ll still love using it once nappies have turned to book bags. Buy once, buy well, right?

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TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Stuffed Red Peppers

Ingredients

100g wholewheat couscous , rinsed and drained
3 tbsp raisins
bunch parsley , roughly chopped
25g pine nuts
100g feta , crumbled
pinch of cinnamon
3 tbsp olive oil
290g jar grilled whole peppers , drained and rinsed

Method

1. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the couscous and raisins in a bowl with a pinch of seasoning and just cover with boiling water. Leave to stand for 5 mins.

2. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir through the parsley, pine nuts, half the feta, the cinnamon and 2 tbsp of the oil. Mix and season to taste.

3. Generously stuff the peppers with the couscous mix (any leftover stuffing can be served next to the peppers), then lay them in a small roasting tin and scatter over the remaining feta. Drizzle with the remaining oil and bake in the oven for 15 mins until hot and the feta has turned golden.

Recipe found on https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/stuffed-red-peppers

TMC’s Guide To.. East Suffolk

Staycations have always been popular but especially now more than ever! TMC will be releasing guides to the best holiday destinations and TMC clubs in the UK according to our local franchisees. Next up…East Suffolk.

According to TMC Franchise Owner Laura Wright

Where To Stay

Best Hotel: Fritton Lake
Best Hotel: Fritton Lake

For those that fancy either a luxurious stay at a gorgeous clubhouse or a more rustic cabin while surrounded by nature in all its glory, this is the place for you!

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Best Farm Stay: Wilderness Reserve
Best Farm Stay: Wilderness Reserve

If you’d like to splurge a bit and enjoy amazing views and activities with a big group, Wilderness Reserve has so much to offer

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Where To Eat

Best Baby Brunch Spot: Old Hall Farm
Best Baby Brunch Spot: Old Hall Farm

A fantastic place to bring the family at the weekend for a leisurely walk before or after a scrumptious brunch, a perfect way to unwind and keep everyone happy.

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Best Date Night: 1975 Wine Bar in Woodbridge
Best Date Night: 1975 Wine Bar in Woodbridge

Enjoy date night in style at 1975, the new gourmet wine bar has a very romantic, cosy feel.

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Best Cafe: Soul Café, Harleston
Best Cafe: Soul Café, Harleston

Soul café does the best coffee in town and who doesn’t need a coffee!

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Best pub: The Queen at Brandeston -
Best pub: The Queen at Brandeston –

The perfect Sunday roast, cosy fireside dining, dog friendly, and an amazing outdoor space to explore. The Queen ticks all the boxes.

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Best Bakery: Two Magpies Bakery
Best Bakery: Two Magpies Bakery

For all your baked goodies head to Two Magpies Bakery, their Croissants are to die for!

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Best Farm Shop: Goodie Food Hall
Best Farm Shop: Goodie Food Hall

Goodies offers the freshest, select, local produce.

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What To Do

Best walk: Woodbridge Riverwalk
Best walk: Woodbridge Riverwalk

Woodbridge is a beautiful and vibrant market town on the banks of the River Deben. The ‘gem’ in Suffolk’s crown. Woodbridge is the perfect base from which to explore the Suffolk Coast with the family.

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Best Beach: Southwold
Best Beach: Southwold

The pretty pier offers a range of shops, places to eat, and amusements, from traditional two penny pushers to Tim Hunkin’s eccentric inventions! Don’t miss out on the famous Water Clock which causes a snigger every 30 minutes!

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Best spa: Milsoms @ Kesgrave
Best spa: Milsoms @ Kesgrave

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Milsoms, put your feet up, and enjoy this absolute haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.

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TMC Brunch Club
TMC Brunch Club

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Must See: Sutton Hoo
Must See: Sutton Hoo

Delve into the world of the Anglo-Saxons and discover more about the incredible objects unearthed at Sutton Hoo and what they can tell us about this fascinating period in English history. A great day out with the kids.

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Must Do: Aldeburgh Carnival
Must Do: Aldeburgh Carnival

Bold and bright entertainment for all the family, for a fabulous 3 days out at the seaside come to Aldeburgh Carnival.

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Top Tips

Pack your wellies and your paddleboards
Practical clothing is a must, think Barbour and fedora vibes!

Learnings From A Year As A First Time Mum

A Bedtime Routine Will Almost Break You (But Then It Will Set You Free)

It’ll feel like Groundhog Day for at least twelve months, but once that babe is in a bedtime routine you’ll thank yourself for sticking it out. A year of routine for a lifetime of nights to yourself? Worth it.

If They Don’t Sleep In The Day, They’ll Be Ok

You’ll think everyone else has cracked it, but if your mum mates are driving around in their 4X4’s all day, it’s probably because the baby won’t nap without it. Seriously, don’t spend an entire day trying to get them to sleep. Get them up, play with them, do what you need to do and eventually they’ll conk out. A day here and there won’t ruin your routine, and it’s really not worth the stress.

Baby TV & Toast Will Save You In Almost Every Situation

Don’t fight it.

It Will Take At Least A Year (maybe more) To Feel ‘Normal’

It’ll take at least a year until you feel like you’ve got your shit together. And if you don’t ever feel like you do, that’s ok too!

Rely On Your Partner When You Can

Learn to let go. Your partner will have their own style (which will probably send you wild) but everyone will survive and you’ll get some ‘me’ time (/sleep).

Think Smart With Deliveroo

We learnt this the hard way. When you fill in your order, ask your Deliveroo driver not to ring the doorbell but to call you on arrival instead. Sleeping baby and a fed mum.

Never Underestimate The Power Of A Shower

Whether it’s a restless newborn or a non-napping toddler, pop them in their cot with something to stare at for five minutes and jump into the shower. Drench yourself in hot soapy water, shake off whatever happened the night before and push the restart button. Do this every morning. You’ll feel great for it.

No Housework Needs To Happen Right Now

Really.

Get Fresh Air Every Day, Even When It’s Raining

Wrap up warm (but not too warm for you; walking with a baby works up quite a sweat) and get out, even if it’s just to the local Co-Op to pick up supplies for an afternoon in. Small goals, big wins.

Never Be Without Calpol, Nespresso Capsules, Wine Or Chocolate

Bulk buying these is your new survival skill.

Baby Wipes Will Wipe Away Most Things

You’ll miss them one day.

They Don’t Need More Toys

Buy yourself something nice and let them play with the packaging instead.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Again, really.

COOK will save you

For the days when you’re not feeling terribly Nigella, load the freezer with some smart ready meals (COOK even do them for babies). You’ll end the day with everyone fed and watered and if your MIL swings by, you can even pass them off as your own.

You Will Forget The Birth

Even if it nearly killed you, it will blur.

Pay For The Help You Need

It takes a village, and sometimes you have to pay for it; especially if there’s no family nearby. If you can afford it, get the help.

You Will Never Know Love Like It

Never have we loved (or been loved in return) quite like this – except by our own mums. Your heart will burst daily with unexplainable, unconditional love. Every tear, every hour of missed sleep (yours and theirs), every teething tantrum, every pregnancy ache and pain. You’ll look into their eyes and it will all melt away.

The Internet Will Save You

Netflix at 3am, WhatsApp at 4am and Instagram at 5am. This is the year the internet will help you more than you could ever imagine.

You Will Gain A Whole New Perspective

The trivial things you once worried about will vanish: your awful commute/bad tempered manager/broken coffee machine/chubby thighs (well they don’t vanish but…). You’ll start looking at the world in a much bigger picture – the things that really worry you will be the ones that impact your kids and their future, not which size pants you can squeeze yourself into. And somewhere in all of this is remembering to prioritise yourself from time to time, which is another great learning – and perhaps the most important one of all to hold onto.

You’ll Love The First Year A Lot More Looking Back At It

Can’t see why others celebrate that first year birthday so much? It’s because you made it! The celebration is for you not the baby.

How To Make Airports And Flying With Children Much Easier!

Travelling with babies can be daunting, especially for a first-time mum. But holidays are a chance to get away from the daily grind together and the (good) memories you make will last a lifetime. Flying is the means to that end – it will get you and your family to your destination in the quickest possible time. And while that’s happening, a drip-feed of sugar and screen time is totally acceptable. So rule number one of flight club is to forget about rules and routines. Here’s what TMC never travels without.

A Travel Pushchair

Even if your child hasn’t been pushed around for a long time: bring one. While baby-free holidays began with a slow amble around Duty Free and a leisurely glass of prosecco at the bar, you’ll find that airports suddenly feel so much larger (and you’re so much slower) when there’s a baby or toddler involved. Don’t check in your pram at the front desk, let them know you’ll be taking it with you to the gate – you don’t want to be carrying your child any further than you have to.

A Packed Lunch

Airports are full of queues: for check in, for security, for the gate. Lining up for food is another queue you can do without, especially when small people are suddenly super hungry. Pack a lunch box, pack snacks and pack some yummy little surprises too. And pack so much more than you think you’ll need; children are happier when they’re well fed, which means you can speed through the airport and put your feet up in a restaurant (for you!) while waiting to board.

Lollipops For The Air

Babies and small children can struggle with the pressure change created by taking off and landing. Feeding your baby during an ascent or descent can save their little ears from any pain (bottle or boob, either will work). For the older ones, take a lollipop. It really will help no end.

A Change Of Clothes And ALL The Nappies

Even if you have older children who never spill a thing, pack spare clothes in your carry-on. Take one full set per child, including socks, shoes and even an extra jumper, and if you have a baby, take at least five all-in-ones. If your little one is still in nappies, take plenty of spares – we’ve heard horror stories about being stuck on tarmac for hours and running out. Oh, and consider taking a spare top and pair of leggings for yourself too. If your child ends up covered in sick/poo/orange juice, chances are that you will too.

Arts And Crafts

No, we’re not suggesting that you travel with half of Hobbycraft, but a shiny new pencil case, some fancy crayons, sparkly stickers, colouring books and a little notebook provides easy entertainment for little ones and gives you a few minutes of precious peace.

Home Comforts

Children often have a favourite toy, blanket, or special item they need at bedtime. Bring it! It will give them some comfort and security, and might even tempt them to have a little sleep on the plane. A couple of large, light muslins are a great idea for baby too.

Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen

Put it in your hand luggage, not your suitcase – and don’t forget the syringe. You’ll never know when you might need it, and you’ll be so grateful to have it ready to go.

iPad And Headphones

Now is not the time to say no to screens. They can play games, watch the 1000th episode of Peppa Pig, or binge on as many Disney films they want. A jazzy pair of headphones will make them love the iPad even more, and don’t forget to download before you fly. Then, let them at it!

Sanitiser, Wipes And Muslins

Fact is, children get dirty. It can’t be helped, but you’ll be glad you’ve got something to wipe them down with.

A Small Bag Of Toys

A few small (and lightweight) toys will keep them entertained if they become restless. Bring a small selection that can be used at the airport, on the plane, by the pool, in a restaurant or in your room: think little toy cars, figurines, or a small amount of Duplo.

Books/ Magazines

Bring some books from home – even babies will like to look at the pictures, and all children love the familiarity of a well-thumbed book. If you have time, go shopping for a magazine at the airport with your little one. The process will provide much excitement and they’ll love the purchase all the more.

So, happy packing, bon voyage and enjoy your holiday! You’ll have adventures you’ll cherish forever, so trust us on this – a holiday is totally worth the flight it takes to get there!

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Homemade Nutty Granola

Ingredients:

400g jumbo oats
6 tablespoons coconut oil
160ml maple syrup
Grated zest of 1 orange, plus a squeeze of the juice
70g sunflower seeds
50g pumpkin seeds
40g almonds, roughly chopped
60g cashews, roughly chopped
30g hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Method:

Preheat the oven to 140c, fan setting.

Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.

Heat the coconut oil and maple syrup over a low heat until melted.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the orange juice.

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a big bowl and pour in the oil and syrup mixture

Spread the mixture evenly over the lined tray and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden brown.

Recipe from: https://deliciouslyella.com/recipes/nutty-granola/

TMC Family Recipe of The Week: Really Easy Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce

The aaah there’s nothing in the fridge for dinner option.

Easy peasy and never not great.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 tsp vegetable stock powder or ½ crumbled stock cube
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp sugar
A few basil leaves or a pinch of dried basil (or if you don’t have those you can use any Italian style herbs)

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the crushed garlic, then gently fry for 1 min.
2. Tip in the chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock powder, tomato purée and sugar, then bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat, then simmer uncovered for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
3. To finish, tear a few basil leaves, then stir into the sauce.

*Add to any pasta you choose and serve with extra cheese!

TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: 2 Ingredient Banana & Peanut Butter Ice-Cream

Ingredients:

4 large very ripe bananas
2 tablespoons peanut butter

Method:

Peel bananas and slice into ½ inch discs. Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours.

Place the banana slices in a food processor or powerful blender. Puree banana slices, scraping down the bowl as needed. Puree until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the peanut butter and puree to combine. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream consistency. If you prefer harder ice cream, place in the freezer for a few hours and then serve.

*Note-if you have a hard time creating a creamy consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help puree the banana slices. Make sure you use a powerful food processor or blender

Recipe from: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/two-ingredient-banana-peanut-butter-ice-cream/

Image from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/best-banana-ice-cream/

How To Pack For A Weekend Away And Save Space

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We never thought that having kids would mean we’d have to downsize our wardrobe just so we could carry all their stuff!

But just because you’re compromising on space, doesn’t mean you have to do the same with your style.

Try choosing items that work for both day and night and spruce up your comfy indoor clothes so they’re more wearable in public.

You

Him

Kids