Cheap Meal Ideas For Under £5

And no, it’s not Maccy D’s

When you’re feeling the pinch, it’s really easy to become uninspired.

But cooking on a budget doesn’t have to result in pre-made pizza and cheesy beans on toast.

There’s a vast array of options out there – granted a lot of them centre around eggs.

But guess what?

We’ve rounded up some truly delicious (and thrifty) recipes, to give you the lift you need.

Enjoy!

Tasty Toad in the Hole
Tasty Toad in the Hole

An easy win for hungry tums. Serve with lashings of gravy and homemade mash.

Recipe
3 Ingredient Pea Soup
3 Ingredient Pea Soup

Vegetable soups are a winner when it comes to saving cash, and this one tops the lot as you don’t even need stock.

Recipe
Batch it up Bolognese
Batch it up Bolognese

Unless you’re a family of 12, this recipe should see you through around 2-3 separate meals.

Recipe
Super Cheap Mac n Cheese
Super Cheap Mac n Cheese

With change left over to buy and add some bacon, it would be rude not to.

Recipe
Thrifty Frittata
Thrifty Frittata

Not only is this cheap but it takes minutes to make, and it’s sooo delish! No beetroot? Peppers and tomatoes work just as well.

Recipe
 Money-Saving Mushroom Risotto
Money-Saving Mushroom Risotto

A simple, yet delicious dinner that is only £1.57 a serving.

Recipe

How To Be School Run Ready

There’s nothing quite like that early morning dash before school. Trying to get everyone up, washed, dressed, fed and out the door on time is more often than not pretty stressful. Then add in to the mix those two minutes you have for yourself to chuck on some clothes and brush your hair, whilst you run around your room trying to find something to throw on. Well, we’re here to try and make it a little easier for you! Here’s 4 stylish looks for inspiration to help get you ready in the morning!

Keeping it comfy

The ultimate casual school run outfit. A tracksuit, because let’s face it we’ve all bought ourselves at least 10 through lockdown!

Looking like you’ve made more effort than you have

For a sleeker, slightly more polished look, adding a trench coat over a black silhouette is the way to go. Chuck on sunglasses to cover up those tired eyes from the multiple wake ups from the kids!

Ready for more than lounging

If you want to feel a bit more dressed and less in activewear then jeans with a t-shirt layered with a shirt are the perfect alternative.

Could be doing exercise, could not be..

For a more Spring transitional outfit, you can’t go wrong with a pile jacket. Add all black for a clean look and feel.

Perfectly Acceptable Parenting Lies We All Tell Our Kids

Honesty is the best policy; until your 4 year-old asks you where babies come from…

‘It’s Bedtime’ (at 5.30pm)

We’re all for kids learning new skills, but the day your child comes home from school with the ability to tell the time is, quite frankly, one of the most devastating days of our parenting lives.

‘You hide and I’ll count’

A.K.A ‘you hide and I’ll sit here flicking through Instagram for the next 10 minutes shouting arbitrary numbers and pretending I can’t hear you giggling behind that chair.’

‘You wouldn’t like it, it’s spicy’

If you had a turd in a bag your kids would want half. Repeat after us: ‘MUMMY DOESN’T SHARE FOOD!’

‘And they lived happily ever after, the end’

Losing your mind reading the same book over and over again? Skip a page or seven. THEY WON’T FUCKING NOTICE. Honestly, there’s really no need for the Gruffalo to meet the fox, the snake AND the owl. It’s total overkill if you ask us.

‘It’s closed today darling’

We have a sneaky suspicion that post-lockdown the park will be closed for a very, very long time.

‘You ate them all sweetheart’

READ: I ate the entire bag watching Line of Duty last night and give absolutely zero fucks.

‘Wow! I love it! What is it?!’

About 30% of being a parent is lying to your kids about how good the crap they make looks and/or tastes.

‘The alarm sensor means Father Christmas is watching’

See also: ‘if you don’t behave the policeman will come and arrest you’ and other mild threats we make on the daily.

‘The car wont start if you don’t put your seatbelt on’

SAFETY FIRST.

18 Great Pieces To Feel Stylish Whilst Breastfeeding

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

Breastfeeders, you’re in luck! Buttoned-down midi dresses, oversized blouson shirts and wrap blouses have become key players in the modern wardrobe, and they couldn’t have been more perfectly designed with easy access in mind.

Breastfeeding can be difficult enough to manage without public malfunctions, especially early on. Having some practical pieces that don’t make you feel you’ve lost your style identity helps no end. Think comfortable shapes with pretty details, and beautiful colours and fabrics that will boost your mood just hanging in the wardrobe.

Nothing makes for more discrete feeding than a button-through or wrap-front dress; throw on a thin, stretchy vest underneath and you’re in layering heaven. Add a pair of Converse or New Balance trainers for comfort, or sandals and a basket bag for a day out in the sun.

Shirts and blouses are as good as it gets, the more buttons the better. Cotton & linen blends are key for the summer; keeping cool and breezy is a must when there’s a hungry baby attached at all times.

Jumpsuits are not just comfortable but super-flattering on a range of different body sizes, especially when you’re post-partum and feeling less confident in your new shape. Here are a few TMC favourites.