TMC’s Changing Bag EssentialsRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. It can get be quite overwhelming knowing what to pack… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 26 May 2022 TMC’s Changing Bag Essentials All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. It can get be quite overwhelming knowing what to pack and what not to pack in the bag that will practically be attached to you for the next couple of years! Don’t worry TMC have got your back! Here is what we have found worked for us, after many a trial and error we have pretty much worked out what the essentials are just add the milk of your choice! Baby Bum Cream Dr Barbara Strum £31 Set of 4 Muslin Cloths Liewood £34 Nappies Kit & Kin £32 12 Packs Baby Wipes Aqua Wipes £28.50 Ransel Changing Bag Kaos £139 Stainless Steel Baby Food Flask Babymoov £14.99 Biodegradable Nappy Bags Kit & Kin £2.50 Pouch TMC Free at any TMC event Ana Banana Teether Oli & Carol £17.90 Washable Nursing Pads (4Pk) Lansinoh £6.39 Insulated Leak-Proof Drinks Bottle Chilly’s £30 No Bake Energy Balls TMC Varies Pale Pink Collapsible Coffee Cup Stojo £12.99
10 Lies We All Tell Our Health Visitor/Midwife (But Probably Shouldn’t)..Read More If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’re a proper full grown-adult. So you might find yourself questioning why, in the presence of a health professional, you suddenly regress to… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 25 May 2022 10 Lies We All Tell Our Health Visitor/Midwife (But Probably Shouldn’t).. If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’re a proper full grown-adult. So you might find yourself questioning why, in the presence of a health professional, you suddenly regress to feeling like a naughty teenager and telling the teeniest of fibs in order to make yourself look and/or feel better. Here’s 10 lies we all tell our Health Visitor or Midwives (but probably shouldn’t)… Bad Habits When asked how many units (pre-pregnancy) of alcohol you consumed a week; we find the tried-and-tested same rule applies as when your spouse asks how much your new handbag cost or the number of sexual partners you had before them; halve it and then halve it again. Feel free to also omit from your medical record the 3-day hen weekend you attended before you found out you were avec-child which made you vom so violently you mistook morning sickness for alcohol poisoning. ‘Are You Taking Your Prenatal Vitamins?’ Yep. Every day. Religiously. Except the 2 days a week you forget entirely and wake up at 2am thinking ‘FUCK! FOLIC ACID!’ The iron tablets make us constipated, and in the first trimester swallowing anything bigger than a smartie before breakfast made us heave; so you could be forgiven for skipping a few days here and there. Your nutritious varied diet of dry toast and digestive biscuits will more than compensate though, right?! Exercise Apparently, you should treat pregnancy like training for a marathon; and that doesn’t just mean buying stretchy leggings with elasticated waists and drinking Lucozade before 10am. You might have good intentions at the start of pregnancy; but who could blame you for forgoing the HIIT workouts when you feel like death 24/7 and need a nap after changing the bedsheets? The Birth Plan This one isn’t exactly deliberate, but we can understand why midwives often don’t pay a whole load of attention to a first-time mothers laminated ‘birth preferences’ for a water-birth using just lavender oil that ends up with her screaming ‘GIVE ME THE FUCKING DIAMORPHINE’ 12 hours in. Perineal Massage Around the 34 week mark, you’ll be encouraged by your health care provider to spend 10 minutes each evening fumbling around your vagina like your inexperienced teenage boyfriend. You’d be forgiven for finding this weird/avoiding doing it altogether, despite being terrified of your gooch splitting in two during labour. ‘Are You Sleeping On Your Left-Hand Side?’ Well we start off like that, yeah. Before waking up 4 hours later on our stomach/back gasping for air/panicking we’ve squashed the baby and spending the next hour poking it awake to check it’s okay. ‘Breast is Best’ Feeding is the ultimate motherhood hot-topic, so much so that you may find yourself saying you’re ‘considering’ it, despite having zero intention and the Perfect Prep machine already taking pride of place on your kitchen worktop at home. You’ll also find yourself post-birth making excuses as to why you’re not feeding from the boob. Our advice? Ditch the guilt – your baby, your decision. The Sleepyhead If you’ve got one, we guarantee you stuffed it behind the back of the sofa before your Health Visitor arrived for fear of judgement from the safe-sleep police. If it makes them nap long enough for us to shower, we’re using it (and yes we’ll watch them very closely!) ‘How Are You Feeling?’ Oh fine, thanks. Yesterday we cried because there were no chocolate twists left at Starbucks but apart from that; TOTALLY emotionally stable. Pelvic Floor Exercises *Bet you’re doing them now though*.
10 Ways Your Second Pregnancy Could Be Different From Your First.Read More Ding ding, round 2! Whether you loved or loathed your first experience growing a small human, no two pregnancies are the same. The chances are that you might find yourself… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 19 May 2022 10 Ways Your Second Pregnancy Could Be Different From Your First. Ding ding, round 2! Whether you loved or loathed your first experience growing a small human, no two pregnancies are the same. The chances are that you might find yourself feeling completely different with baby no. 2. Here are 10 surprising ways your second pregnancy could be different to your first… 1. You’ll Get a Bump Earlier You might have managed to stay in your normal clothes until 20 weeks with baby no.1 with little more than the tried and tested hairband hack, but we guarantee you’ll be cracking out the maternity jeans the second you pee on the stick this time. Firstly, because your body will ‘remember’ and therefore stretch earlier *read: your stomach muscles are probably fucked* but also because you know the sheer comfort of those stretchy pants rival no others so why the hell not. 2. Morning Sickness Whether you spent your entire first pregnancy with your head down the toilet or sailed through without so much as a dodgy burp, there is zero guarantee that you’ll feel the same this time. It might be because you’re expecting a different gender, or sheer good/bad luck; either way with any luck the worst *should* pass after trimester one. Hang in there Mama. 3. You’ll Feel More Tired The final months of your first pregnancy consisted of yoga sessions, meditation and daily afternoon naps. Between nursery runs and picking up 36797 pieces of lego, this time you’ll be lucky if your first born lets you have as much as 5 minutes a day to pee in peace never mind time to book in for a pregnancy massage. 4. Weight Gain This could swing either way; yes your bump will appear earlier, but if you took ‘eating for two’ a little two literally last time you might find yourself indulging a little less now that the novelty has worn off. Add to that you’ll be chasing after your first born and living off leftover toast and half eaten apples; whatever happens, don’t stress. You’re growing a human being, so cut yourself some slack. 5. Time Goes Faster First Baby: ‘I’m 26 weeks and 3 days today and my baby is the size of a pineapple.’ Second Baby: ‘Babe, can you get the car seat out of the loft? My waters have broken.’ 6. You’ll Feel Them Move Earlier Now this one is actually really nice; due to your now non-existent abs and the fact you know what to look out for, you could feel the baby move as early as 16 weeks this time around. 7. You’ll Be More Relaxed This is not your first rodeo, so chances are you’ll feel less need to Google every niggle or to call triage after the earliest twinge. This also translates post-birth, where most veteran Mums develop a laissez-faire attitude to sterilising dropped dummies and ironing muslin squares. 8. Packing Your Hospital Bag is a Hella Lot Easier We’ve got a feeling that the hands and footprints set we rammed into our suitcase last time might be swapped out for the only essentials you really need; 20 pairs of giant black M&S knickers and a pack of Tena Lady incontinence pants. 9. You’ll Know When You’re Going Into Labour Oh trust us, you’ll KNOW when you’re in labour. Whether you’re booked in for a second section or are waiting for things to kick off on their own; safe to say it will be abundantly obvious having experienced it the first time that it’s the real deal and not just Braxton Hicks. 10. Your Birth Might Be Faster You’d think so, wouldn’t you? Given you’ve already had a practice run, your body *should* know what it’s doing and research shows second births are statistically shorter overall. You might also opt to skip the laminated birth plan and take the drugs the second you arrive on labour ward (or is that just us?)
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Bang Bang Crispy CauliflowerRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 May 2022 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Bang Bang Crispy Cauliflower Recipe: 3 large eggs 2 cups whole-wheat Panko bread crumbs* or gluten-free as needed 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1½ teaspoons garlic powder Salt and pepper ¾ cup all-purpose flour* ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot starch 1 large head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, cut into florets ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon honey Thinly sliced scallions, serranos, and sesame Method: Preheat oven to 450°F (232ºC) with racks set in upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat eggs together in a shallow bowl. Combine Panko, oil, garlic powder, 1¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a second shallow bowl. Whisk together flour and cornstarch in a third bowl. Dip a piece of cauliflower in flour mixture to coat; shaking excess flour off. Transfer to egg and dip, turning to coat; let excess egg drip off then dredge in Panko mixture to coat. Transfer coated cauliflower to prepared baking sheet. Repeat breading process with remaining cauliflower pieces. Bake until cauliflower is crispy and golden, 22–25 minutes, flipping pieces and rotating pans halfway through. For the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, vinegar and honey.
TMC’s Top Sleep Aids To Help You Get A Better Nights SleepRead More Good sleep can be a challenge at the best of times, throw in a few kids and the weight of the world on your shoulders we’re all having more difficulty… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 April 2022 TMC’s Top Sleep Aids To Help You Get A Better Nights Sleep Good sleep can be a challenge at the best of times, throw in a few kids and the weight of the world on your shoulders we’re all having more difficulty then normal to achieve the optimum nights rest. We’ve tested out some sleep aids to help you drift off more calmly and quickly. From the high-tech – sound machines, weighted blankets and the perfect eye masks, we’ve trialled the lot. Our favourites not only helped us sleep more peacefully and deeply, but reduced the anxious anticipation of bedtime and the pressure to rest well, and we found we woke up feeling more refreshed and positive. Albeit it with a toddler stuck to our side. Mum Picks Pillow Mist Neom £20 Maternity Pyjamas Chelsea Peers £140 Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask Current Body £89.99 Silk Pillow Case Slip £68 Weighted Blanket Mela £74.50 50% off! CBD Oil Four Five £90 Calming Tea WelleCo £48 White Noise Machine Marc Pac £64.95 Kids Picks Groclock Sleep Trainer Tommee Tippee £25.44 Ollie the Owl Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind Tommee Tippee £34.99 Baby Sleeping Bag, 1.0 Tog Snuz £29.95
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Chocolate Meringue NestRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 14 April 2022 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Chocolate Meringue Nest Ingredients: 100g milk chocolate 300ml double cream 200g fromage frais 1 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 175g mini chocolate eggs For the meringue 6 egg whites 180g golden caster sugar 165g icing sugar 1 tbsp cocoa, sifted Method: To make the meringue, preheat the oven to gas 1, 140°C, fan 120°C. Line a large baking sheet with nonstick baking paper and draw a 20cm circle in pencil. Turn the paper over so the pencil won’t rub off on the food. Using an electric whisk, beat the egg whites, caster sugar and a pinch of salt in a clean, dry mixing bowl on high speed for 4 mins, or until stiff peaks form. Add the icing sugar and gently whisk until incorporated. Increase the speed and whisk for 3 mins, or until thick, stiff and glossy. Add the cocoa and whisk briefly to mix. Using the pencil circle as a guide, spoon the meringue onto the paper in a nest shape with a deep hollow in the centre, keeping the sides tall. Bake for 1 hr 30 mins, or until slightly cracked in places and firm to the touch. Turn the oven off, pop the door slightly ajar and leave the meringue inside to cool. Meanwhile, make the chocolate curls. Using a vegetable peeler, scrape the chocolate from the flat, long side of the chocolate bar to make long curls. Set aside until needed. In a mixing bowl, lightly whip the cream and fromage frais with the icing sugar to soft peaks. Spoon into the centre of the cooled meringue and top with the mini eggs and chocolate curls. To serve, dust with a little extra icing sugar.
Expecting Or Know Someone Who Is? Here Is The TMC Team’s Guide To All Things Baby.Read More Babies need stuff-and lots of it! Whether you’re expecting yourself or buying a gift for someone you know who is, it can be overwhelming sifting through the internet to find… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 5 April 2022 Expecting Or Know Someone Who Is? Here Is The TMC Team’s Guide To All Things Baby. CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXT Babies need stuff-and lots of it! Whether you’re expecting yourself or buying a gift for someone you know who is, it can be overwhelming sifting through the internet to find the right products ….say hello to our handy edit. Next has you covered for every essential for new arrivals from strollers to muslins and car seats to cribs a one-stop-shop to all your newborn needs. The TMC team shows you their favourite picks to make life a little easier… Lauren Webber Co-Founder & Editor I am about to have my second baby, nearly 6 years after my first. I feel like I am starting from scratch all over again. I love that I can one-stop shop and get everything I need, I need all the time savers I can find! Lauren loves… Moon & Stars 100% Cotton Sleep Bag Next £20-£24 Car Seat Doona £330 Sophie La Girafe Plush And Sophie Bag Sophie La Girafe £27 Teddy All-in-one Trotters London £75 Personalised Baby Embroidered Sleepsuit Next £12 Jessica Lawes Co-Founder & Head of Brand Partnerships With four children I feel like I have tested every product on the market. I am a big believer in sleep routines and good skin products for my children. Jessica loves… Evolux Bouncer Childhome £109 Pramsuit Fleece All-In-One Joules £35 Hooded Hydrocotton Towel The White Company £26-£28 Baby Sleep Massage Oil 50ml This Works £12 Oxford Stone Grey Cot Bed Mamas & Papas £669 Luzaan Shaw Editorial Assistant My girls are older now, so I am all about the gifting. Looking through this baby collection is enough to make me consider another! Luzaan loves… Ambient Room Thermometer Groegg 2 £30 Boys White Stan Smith Trainers Adidas £35 Baby Animal Romper Myleene Klass £12-14 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Baby 3-in-1 Swim Duo Pack Bloom & Blossom £10 Elephant Rocker Mamas & Papas £89 Andi Venardos Brand Partnerships Assistant I am not yet a mummy, but love to browse gifts for my friends babies. The Next website has EVERYTHING. I love that I no longer have to browse the whole internet to find the perfect gift. Andi loves… Rainbow Patchwork Pram Shoes Little Bird By Jools Oliver £14 Mini Baby Food Blender Tommee Tippee £25 Set of 3 Animal Cotton Wash Mitts Next £14 The Ultimate Mother and Baby Box Next Brands £25 Pink Newborn BabyGift Set In A Bag Next £35 Jessica Aanensen Franchise Co-ordinator You never have everything before your newborn arrives. The bulk orders the day the baby arrives home are always the ones full of key items you have forgotten. Jessica loves… Sleep Time Top to Toe Wash and Cream Duo Aurelia £44 Highchair Evolu 2 Childhome £150 Teething Toy – Airforce Blue Matchstick Monkey £10 Dalmatian PVC Changing Mat Cuddleco £!5 Leather First Walker T-Bar Shoes Next £30
TMC Talks To Lisa Furuland Kotsianis Founder Of DockAtotRead More Visit https://eu.dockatot.com/collections/all-docks-1 Post author By The Mum Club Post date 24 March 2022 TMC Talks To Lisa Furuland Kotsianis Founder Of DockAtot What is the story behind DockATot? When I had my first son, Ilias, in 2006, I felt there was something missing in the baby market that answered the multitasking needs of modern parents. After combing the market unsuccessfully for solutions that were both functional – providing parents a safe and comfortable spot for babies to lounge – and beautiful, the dock was born. At the core, I wanted something that could multitask, but in believing style and parenthood do not need to be mutually-exclusive, I sourced exceptional materials and fashion led designs that could live in any room of the house. How did your journey into design begin? I studied art history at Stockholm University and then professional photography to move on to studying architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. So, there’s always been creative elements in my life. That background as well as my Scandinavian upbringing have resulted in a design sensibility that favours eclecticism. My belief is that all the solutions we make must look as good in the living room as in the nursery. What has been your biggest challenge? Finding the time to fit everything in! As a creative and entrepreneur, I am always exploring new designs, new mediums, and new solutions. My mind is like a buzzing beehive! What does your day or week entail? A typical day in my life involves struggling to get the boys out of bed in the morning – they have always stayed up too late the night before! I work from home, so I retreat to my office right after the kids leave for school – or right after a workout – and then it’s back-to-back phone calls, approving designs, checking in with all my teams around the world and answering many emails. I resurface after the kids get home and make sure to always have dinner together as a family. I used to resume work at night after putting the boys to bed, but these days the boys are in their teens and their bedtime is often later than mine! There is still plenty of night work, though; when you’re global, your teams and partners are in various time zones. This is not ideal in any way, as rest should also be a priority, but it is the way it is, and I am happy to have such a skilled and diverse team across various continents so it’s hard to stay away from the computer and all ongoing convos. Was Aristot always in your plans and how did this come about? The Aristot story started with a vision of creating an heirloom-quality bassinet that grows with families. As children age out of the baby stage, these pieces transform from bassinets into beautiful ottomans and tables. I thought it would be a good idea to bring fashion and style into the nursery for those who prefer the baby to sleep independently, in their own space, and then still leave you not with a redundant outgrown bassinet, but with a piece that takes shape of a statement piece of furniture. Something you’ve learnt that is crucial to either your job or to success: Be clear about what message you’re trying to convey to the public and stick to it – don’t compromise for mass appeal or popular opinion. Greatest piece of advice you’ve been given? And worst? Best advice is always “Don’t be afraid to take risks.” I always do something I am a little not ready to do. And it seems to work. That’s how I pave the way for things to happen. I stumble and fall at times, but what’s a small bruise in the big scheme? The worst advice I ever got was when it comes to parenting. Any variation on cry-it-out or separating babies from parents during the night was always something I instinctively rebelled against. Who/what are you most inspired by? I draw my inspiration from art, design, architecture, photography, and fashion. I take inspiration from the world around me and have been fortunate enough to move with my family to Athens which provides a plethora of inspiration. The history, architecture, flora and fauna found in Greece has contributed to a lot of my most recent work. Our entire DockATot community always continues to inspire me. I love hearing their stories and watching them grow. How important is it to switch off? As mentioned, it’s imperative – especially in an always-online world. As much as I can, I prioritise family time before work. I know that these precious days when the children are still living in our home won’t come back. When they are older, I know I won’t be thinking ‘Oh, I wish I had gone on more conferences and business trips when they were young.’ My boys are now in their teens and it is starting to feel as if they’re slipping through my fingers, which is incredibly bittersweet. How do you manage your work / life balance? There is no work-life balance, just life. And if we’re lucky, a life in harmony. The life of an entrepreneur is filled with irony. If you’re happy on a personal level, you become more productive and creative professionally. And if your professional life makes you fulfilled, then you’re more content at home. We can’t always do only what we love. But we can always find the love in what we do. And for me, this is made easier by my actual career path; that of the entrepreneur’s – where I am actually at the reins of my destiny (somewhat at least!). What has been your proudest moment of DockAtot to date? E.g. Working with NHS? I am very proud that DockATot is being used in a number of NHS hospitals and we are in touch with the hospitals regularly who keep us informed regarding how they are using our docks. Our initial thoughts when working with the hospitals is that we could create a much cosier space inside big hospital beds, especially for children who may have prolonged hospital stays. However, we have been delighted to hear how helpful the docks have been during procedures and scans, especially with younger babies, as the docks help to calm them during stressful examinations and procedures that may cause them stress. It’s also a wonderful tool since it lets them recover and rest, which is such an essential part of recovery. How do you manage mum guilt? I try not to feel guilty as I hope I’m teaching my kids a solid work ethic and a sense of pride. My goal is that my kids will feel like they, too, can accomplish whatever they set their minds to. As a mother to two sons, it’s also my obligation to show them that women can be just as much as a force as men in the work world. Words you live by Practise gratitude. I daily take a brief moment, sometimes several, to notice and reflect upon the things I am thankful for. We all have struggles in life, across various aspects of life, but we also have things that bring us comfort and joy and pleasure. By reflecting on things that are positive in one’s life, the way one perceives situations changes by adjusting what we focus on. In turn, this gives life a heightened sense of meaning and happiness. Visit https://eu.dockatot.com/collections/all-docks-1
Why It’s Important For New Mums To Get OutsideRead More Who knew leaving the house could be so hard? Not only does it feel like you’re packing for a holiday (we wish!). But you need to navigate feeds, nappies and… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 21 March 2022 Why It’s Important For New Mums To Get Outside Who knew leaving the house could be so hard? Not only does it feel like you’re packing for a holiday (we wish!). But you need to navigate feeds, nappies and tantrums, all while making yourself look presentable (ish). And then when you finally feel ready, you realise the ever-disappearing red book or bank cards have gone AWOL again! But what if we told you that getting outside can not only improve your mental and physical health but can also help with a whole host of other things too – including sleep! Interested? Well, to give you the kick you might need, we’ve teamed up with outdoor clothing specialists and family-focused brand Regatta to explain how getting up and going doesn’t need to be a huge stress. 5 Reasons to Get Outdoors You’ll feel happier When you’re exhausted it’s tempting to hide your tired face from the world. And, of course it’s important to try and recoup lost sleep, but if you can slot in a little walk, we guarantee your mood will improve. Integrative Health Coach Rosie Underwood says, “A lot of my clients that are new Mums find it hard to step outside as getting out of the house isn’t as easy as it used to be.” “But it’s important to make it a priority”, says Rosie. “It reminds you that you’re part of something much bigger. Walking outside is a natural anti-depressant. It helps calm the mind and body, and it can improve breathing and help connect you back to yourself”. It is also scientifically proven that natural light suppresses melatonin (the sleep-inducing hormone), which means getting out into the daylight during your waking hours can help conquer a low mood. And it doesn’t have to be a trek. Even just 10-15 minutes will make a massive difference to your day. It breaks up the day Ever entertained your child with a game, looked at the clock and realised only a few minutes have passed? When you go for a walk, you can waste away a good hour, which really breaks up the day. It’s guilt-free entertainment Feeling guilty about putting your little one in front of another episode of Peppa Pig? Sometimes, when we lack energy, a highchair, snacks, and a screen can feel like the only option. Try taking a walk instead. Popping your child in the pram gives them 360 degrees of entertainment and It’s also a great way to teach them about animals and objects. And the best bit? It lets you have a moment of peace. Whether you use the walk to make some phone calls, catch up on texts or take in some fresh air, you and your kids will reap the benefit of this brilliant alternative to TV. Your skin will glow A brisk daily walk will increase blood flow and, in turn, help your skin to glow. Hello bright happy skin! You & your baby will sleep better There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air to tire out toddlers, babies and even adults. This is because there’s more oxygen outside than inside your house, which increases your serotonin levels and makes you feel calm, happy, and relaxed. Studies have shown natural light and air can help encourage a better night’s sleep for all. And that includes you – hopefully! How to leave the house like a pro. No, seriously, it’s a skill. Go in the morning Fill your cup with some morning goodness, and no, we don’t mean coffee – but that’s a great excuse to leave the house. Integrative Health Coach Rosie Underwood says, “Go out before lunch, and you’ll feel better for the rest of the day. It’s always best to go for a walk first thing as we tend to leave it too late and then never go”. Forget any chores like washing up or laundry and deal with them later. Be prepared Always feel like you’re in a rush? Pack a bag or fill your pram the night before and then get your outfit ready. It might feel like the last thing you want to do but trust us, it will save you so much time, effort, and stress in the morning. Make your life easy Save time spent weighing up the weather, and if you should pack and umbrella and invest in the perfect “chuck on” coat. Our suggestion is something comfortable, waterproof and trendy (so you don’t need to worry too much about what’s underneath). The Adasha Waterproof Jacket is ideal for spring walks; featuring Isotex fabric and a hood, you will be fully protected if and when the heaven’s open. It also features a pull-cord waist to give a feminine and flattering silhouette. Reward yourself There’s nothing better than coming home from a cold walk to a hot cup of tea or chocolate. Get the heating on and stock up your cupboards with some treats, so you have something to look forward to when you get back indoors. Now that’s what we call incentive. Buddy up Commit to your daily dose by meeting a friend. That way you’re more likely to do it as you don’t want to let them down. And even if you end up sheltering in a café, you’ll have made it out of the house and will feel a million times better for it. Get the right gear Soppy wet shoes and clothes can make anyone feel sad. Make sure your outerwear has you protected by choosing high quality outerwear and footwear. Here are some of our favorites: Blakesleigh Waterproof Jacket Regatta £69.50 Bayarma Lightweight Jacket Regatta £59.95 Women’s Harper Low Wellies Regatta £24.95 Women’s Holcombe Low Walking Shoes Regatta £62.95 Longley Quilted Jacket Regatta £50 Why TMC readers love Regatta Sarah Juggling the motherload can only be done by getting outside. I used to train a lot pre-babies, and I was always told there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad kit. And yes, my life has changed a bit, but I still live by that motto, and I have a Regatta jacket that I always wear when I’m walking the dog (and the kids). Lydia Whether I’m on a nursery run or taking my baby out for a stroll, I always rely on Regatta clothing to keep me warm and dry. I love my Regatta coat, and when I throw it on over leggings and a jumper, it makes me feel instantly put together. Emma I had a caesarean in January, and I was nervous to even start walking but I found getting out for a few minutes a day and then building up my strength helped boost my mood and improved how I felt after my traumatic birth. My Regatta coat was an absolute lifeline, and it made it seem easy even when it was crazy cold. CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH REGATTA OUTDOORS
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: PancakesRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 28 February 2022 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Pancakes Ingredients: 100g plain flour 2 large eggs 1 tbsp caster sugar 250ml milk 2 tbsp melted butter, cooled a knob of butter, for frying Method: Sift the flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt and make a well in the centre. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar, milk and melted butter, to combine, then pour into the well. Using an electric hand whisk (or balloon whisk), whisk the liquid into the flour until you have a smooth batter. To cook the pancakes, heat a teaspoon or so of butter in a small frying pan until hot and foaming, a 16-18cm pan is ideal. Add 2-3 tablespoons of batter for each pancake, swirling it around the pan as you add it. The batter should make 10-12 pancakes in total. Cook each pancake for 1-1½ minutes, then flip over for a final minute on the other side. As the pancakes are ready, layer them between sheets of nonstick baking paper.
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Chicken BroccoliRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 27 February 2022 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Chicken Broccoli Ingredients: 3 cups frozen or fresh Broccoli Florets 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1 cup cubed bread 2 tablespoons butter, melted Method: Preheat oven to 200°. In a small saucepan, cook broccoli in water until crisp-tender; drain. Place in a greased 11×7-in. baking dish; set aside. Combine the chicken, soup, mayonnaise, cheese and curry powder; spoon over broccoli. Top with bread cubes and butter. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 25-30 minutes.
5 Maternity Outfits To Wear On Repeat.Read More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 9 February 2022 5 Maternity Outfits To Wear On Repeat. All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Nursery Run Veja V-10 Trainers Arket £120 High-Neck Pile Jacket Arket £99 You Got This Soxygen £14 Medium Triumph Bag Celine The Co-Ord Nine The Label £195 Running Errands Maternity Comfort Leggings Oysho £25.99 Tyler Sweatshirt Anine Bing £149 Forum 84 High Adidas £119 Maternity Ultimate T-Shirt Asos £8 Black Padded Bag Nell And Digby £35 Into The Office Harper Stripped Knitted V Neck Reiss £198 Mama 2-Pack Ribbed Vest Tops H&M £12.99 Leather Shopper Bag Mango £49.99 3 Ring Lightweight Loafer Russell & Bromley £245 Mama Trousers H&M £19.99 Dinner With Pals Tanya Patent-Leather Mules By Far £290 Mini Chubby Hoop Earrings Missomi £98 Quilted Leather Mini Zara £49.99 Mama Slit-Hem Ribbed Trousers H&M £17.99 Mama Slit-Cuff Ribbed Top H&M £14.99 Not Leaving The House Arizona Big Buckle Shearling Birkenstock £135 Mama 5-Pack Hipster Briefs H&M £12.99 Cashmere Socks Marks & Spencer £30 Pregnancy Pillow Bbhugme £145 Girls Night In Maxi Pullover Free People £87.07
8 Children’s Books That Celebrate Black Girls And BoysRead More The social unrest we’ve seen over the last couple of years shows we still have a long way to go to truly tackle racial inequality. We can all contribute towards… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 2 February 2022 8 Children’s Books That Celebrate Black Girls And Boys The social unrest we’ve seen over the last couple of years shows we still have a long way to go to truly tackle racial inequality. We can all contribute towards implementing change through gestures both big and small. That said, it’s never too early to introduce our children to the enriched, multicultural world we are living in by ensuring they have a diverse range of books. According to a survey reported on TheBookSeller.com, books featuring Black, Asian or minority ethnic characters continue to be underrepresented in the publishing industry, with only 4% of children’s books featuring black or brown main characters. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of 8 of our favourite children’s books that feature positive and empowering black main characters. Bold Women in Black History – Vashti Harrison Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is the debut book from Vashti Harrison. Based on her popular Instagram posts from Black History Month 2017 it features 40 biographies of African American women that helped shape history. It is a 96-page paper over board book published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers. Buy Now 1. Ella Has a Plan – Davina Hamilton Ella Has a Plan is the third instalment in a series of children’s books written by Davina Hamilton featuring young black central characters, which aims to inspire children to truly believe they can achieve anything their heart desires, whether professional or personal goals. Following its bestselling predecessors Riley Can Be Anything and Riley Knows He Can, Ella Has a Plan sees Ella learning how to develop conflict resolution skills so she can put a stop to her quarrelling cousins’ spat and enjoy her mummy’s big party. Aimed at four- to 14-year-olds, this is an awesome book for encouraging young children to confidently tap into their emotional intelligence. In usual Davina Hamilton fashion, the book is bright, beautifully illustrated and features memorable rhyming verses. Buy Now 2. Lily and the Magic Comb – VV Brown Lily and the Magic Comb is a beautifully inspiring book written by multi-platinum recording artist VV Brown. The book is centred on the young character Lily who through the power of her imagination can be transported to anywhere her heart desires with the assistance of her magical comb. Enhanced by the book’s unique, vivid illustrations and its powerful message on confidence and identity, this is a terrific book for children of all backgrounds to bolster their self-belief and an inner knowing that anything is achievable. Buy Now 3. The Mega Magic Hair Swap – Rochelle Humes Mai has hair that is curly, whirly and spiral shaped. Rose meanwhile has blonde hair that’s long and straight – the total opposite of her best friend. They both wished they had each other’s hair. So, when a magical coconut comes along and grants them their wish, they are jubilant at first before discovering that ‘perfect hair’ is not always what it seems. This is a brilliant debut book by TV personality Rochelle Humes, which will no doubt resonate with children with curly/Afro hair who often feel that their hair texture is seen as inferior in comparison to those with straighter hair types due to the dominance of the Eurocentric beauty ideal. Buy Now 4. Miles & Mia A to Z – Michaela Alexander Based on the young sibling duo Miles and Mia, this is the first instalment of their book series, which spotlights the traditional alphabet but offers a slight twist. Comprised of rhyming text and colourful illustrations featuring the formidable duo, the book uses references specific to African/Caribbean cultures in the most vibrant and delightful way. The book series is the brainchild of Miles’ and Mia’s mother Michaela Alexander who felt compelled to create it after noticing a distinct lack of children’s books featuring black and characters when her children were younger. Buy Now 5. Anansi The Trickster Spider – Lynne Garner Anansi the Spider is a classic character within West African/Caribbean folklore, known for his ability to use his smarts to outwit the animals and people in his village with creative thinking. Each Anansi story serves as a life parable, and this book is a great introduction to the trickster spider, featuring 16 short stories all replete with teachable moments for young children. Buy Now 6. Zeki Can Swim – Anna McQuinn There’s nothing quite as magical as splashing around in a swimming pool, and in the book Zeki Can Swim, we join baby Zeki on his swimming lesson as he sploshes and splashes while being held by his loving and supportive Dad. Filled with bright illustrations that jump out from the page, as well as a diverse range of families from different racial backgrounds, this is a great book for teaching young children what to expect when attending a swim class. Buy Now 7. Look Up! – Nathan Bryon This fun, educational and informative picture book introduces us to the character of Rocket – a confident, space obsessed black girl who harbours dreams of space travelling and becoming an astronaut. Look Up! bursts with enthusiasm and wonder, underpinning a poignant message about connecting with the Universe and the world around us instead of being caught up in our phones and other forms of modern technology. Buy Now 8. Baller Boys – Venessa Taylor The young football enthusiast in your life will love Baller Boys, a heart-warming story of two best friends, Shay and Frankie, who eat, sleep and breathe football. When an opportunity comes for the pair to attend trials for a sought-after football club, they enter a world of fierce competition which makes them wonder whether their friendship will survive the experience. This is an excellent read for teaching children about the tenacity required to achieve life goals, and how to deal with the inevitable challenges that life brings. Buy Now
TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Salmon BowlRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 31 January 2022 TMC Family Recipe Of The Week: Spicy Salmon Bowl Ingredients: FOR THE SALMON 80 ml low-sodium soy sauce 80 ml extra-virgin olive oil 60 ml chilli garlic sauce Juice of 1 lime 2 tbsp. honey 4 cloves garlic, crushed 4 (115g) salmon fillets FOR THE SPICY MAYO 120 g mayonnaise Sliced pickled cucumbers 2 tbsp. Sriracha 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil FOR THE BOWLS Cooked brown rice 1 avocado, sliced 1 medium carrot, grated 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced Cilantro leaves, torn Sesame seeds Coriander leaves, torn Sesame seeds Method: Make salmon: Preheat oven to 180°C (160ºC fan) and line a large baking tray with foil. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, chilli garlic sauce, lime juice, honey, and garlic. Add salmon and gently toss to combine. Place on prepared baking tray and bake until salmon is fork-tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Make spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sesame oil. Assemble bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with salmon, pickled cucumbers, avocado, carrot, red onion, coriander, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with spicy mayo.
