TMC Recipe of the Week: Turmeric Golden Milk

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TMC Recipe of the Week: Turmeric Golden Milk

TMC Recipe of the Week: Turmeric Golden Milk
Ingredients

2 ½ cups unsweetened and full fat almond or coconut milk
1 stick cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon more as garnish at the end
2 inches fresh turmeric sliced or 1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric spice
1 inch fresh ginger sliced or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey or more to taste

Method

1. Place milk, cinnamon stick, turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and black pepper in a small saucepan.

2. Cook, stirring frequently, until warm but not boiling.

3. Give it a taste and add in your sweetener.

4. If you used fresh turmeric and ginger, strain it to your cups. If not, divide it in two mugs.

5. If preferred, sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve.

Recipe and Image from https://foolproofliving.com/turmeric-golden-milk/

10 Ways Your Second Pregnancy Could Be Different From Your First.

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10 Ways Your Second Pregnancy Could Be Different From Your First.

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?)

Why Are My Periods So Painful After Giving Birth?

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Why Are My Periods So Painful After Giving Birth?

Why Are My Periods So Painful After Giving Birth?

You’ve had your baby, and spent nine months adapting to a gazillion changes, then birth happens, you hit the 4th trimester and a whole load of other experiences occur. 

Oh, and suddenly your period is back! 

But for some women, the strangest thing is that our familiar ‘time of the month’ can sometimes feel anything but familiar. And lots of mums report that their period is heavier and more painful than before. 

Sounds like you? Read on to find out why it’s happening and if there’s anything you can do. 

Why are my periods heavier?

If you were taking the pill before you got pregnant, and doing it for a long time, you might have forgotten what it feels like to experience your natural cycle. This is because contraceptive methods can suppress periods and make them lighter and less painful. So, for many who have been on the pill since their late teens or twenties, the discovery of their real cycle can come as a bit of a shock. Plus, changes women experience with their periods post-birth can also be due to a larger uterine cavity, which stretched to grow your baby. As it’s bigger, your uterus now has the capability to produce more endometrium (the mucous you shed during your period). And because there’s more, your cycle can feel heavier and more painful.

Can they naturally improve?

It’s very common for women to experience a few heavy or irregular periods after giving birth. It is incredibly normal for your cycle to fluctuate in length, time and intensity – especially if you’re breastfeeding. As your uterus begins to shrink back in size your cycle should start to feel more regular.

Can I do anything about my heavy periods?

Of course, you can buy over the counter painkillers to ease the issue – we don’t need to tell you that. But if you’re finding your period pain really difficult to deal with, it’s time to speak to your doctor. Your GP can check your estrogen levels and see if there’s an imbalance, test you for anaemia, and they can also prescribe you medication to reduce blood loss or increase iron levels. It’s also possible that they will offer treatments to alter your menstrual cycle.

Can I try anything natural to help with the pain?

Your liver and kidneys are put under a lot of pressure during pregnancy to help your body deal with removing toxins and chemicals. The liver especially, is tasked with detoxifying excess estrogen, which can be responsible for a heavy crampy cycle. So, helping your liver work more efficiently could be another way to help. You can do this by introducing a better variety of foods into your diet, increasing your fibre, staying hydrated and avoiding fatty, sugary and salty foods. If cramping is a real issue, you could be deficient in magnesium, which helps muscles relax and if you experienced restless legs in pregnancy then you will already be acquainted with the benefit of taking this as a supplement. Either way, it’s always a good idea to chat to your doctor first, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

Has gaining weight got anything to do with heavier periods?

You’re in the minority if you didn’t put on weight in pregnancy or when healing/inhaling cake post-partum, so don’t feel down about it. You just grew a human – so you eat those cookies and celebrate yourself. But yes, it’s true that if you put on some extra pounds, you will produce more estrogen in the new fat cells of your body, and this increased level can have a steer on how long and heavy your periods are.

Does everyone experience heavier periods?

Like all things pre and post-partum, it completely differs from person to person. You may even feel that your periods are lighter and shorter.

When will my periods return?

between 6-10 weeks after you give birth. If you’re breastfeeding, then the time it returns can vary as the hormone your body produces (prolactin) can stop you from ovulating and having a period.

Most Popular Baby Names In 2022

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Most Popular Baby Names In 2022

Most Popular Baby Names In 2022

Where do we start: too on-trend and your parents will never get on board, but when does traditional tip over into dull? Whatever you choose, it will be with them for the rest of their lives, nicknames and all. The pressure is on – but this list might just help.

For Girls

  1. Lily
    From the flower, a symbol of purity in Christianity. It’s a short version of Lillian and Elizabeth. Well-known Lilys: actress Lily Tomlin; Harry Potter’s mother.
  2. Sophia
    From the Greek for “wisdom.” The name was used by European royalty in the Middle Ages. Common variants: Sophie, Sofia. Well-known Sophias: director Sophia Coppola; actresses Sophia Loren and Sofía Vergara.
  3. Olivia
    Olivia is a Latin name that means “olive tree.” This sweet, vintage-sounding name lends itself to many winning nicknames and shorter versions including Liv, Livvy, Livia, Olive, Ollie, Via, and Vivi.
  4. Amelia
    Amelia is a name perfectly suited to girls who approach life with a desire to do their best. It means “industrious” or “hardworking,” and has a long history as a favored name among royalty. The name is German in origin, derived from the name “Amala.”
  5. Ava
    Ava’s origin is uncertain, but it ‘s widely suspected to be the diminutive of several medieval German names beginning with the element av, which may have meant “desire.” That said, this short and elegant name, pronounced “AY-vah,” could well have roots in Persian, Urdu, Hebrew, and Latin as well.
  6. Isla
    Isla is a Scottish girls’ name derived from Islay, the name of an island off the coast of Scotland. The name is also linked to the River Isla, a waterway in northeast Scotland. “Isla” also means “island” in Spanish, though it’s pronounced with the “s.”
  7. Freya
    A classic name steeped in Nordic tradition, the name Freya possesses a strong and modern vibe while giving a nod to Old Norse mythology. Derived from the name Freyja, it means “a noble woman.” It is the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
  8. Aria
    Aria has Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Persian roots and has various meanings depending on the culture it’s in. Aria is a gender-neutral name that can be used for boys or girls, and it ‘s primarily a name for boys in some parts of the world. In the U.S., however, it’s mostly given to girls. Possible nicknames include Ari, Ri and Riri. Aria can also be a nickname for longer names like Ariana and Ariadne.
  9. Ivy
    The name Ivy has English and Latin origins and means “vine.” It’s derived from the Old English word for the ivy plant, “ifig.” Ivy also has roots in ancient Greek culture as a sign of fidelity. Ivy is a short and sweet name on its own and doesn’t lend itself too well to nicknames, but some possible options include Vee and Vivi. Ivy could also be used as a shortened version of the name Ivanna.
  10. Mia
    Mia is a shortened version of the name Maria, which is derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. Mia has also been used as an abbreviated version of the Israeli girl’s name Michal. Mia has roots in Latin languages, like Spanish and Italian, where it means “mine.” This short and sweet name doesn’t lend itself well to many nicknames, but some options include Mimi and Mi.

For Boys

  1. Muhammad
    Arabic origin meaning “praiseworthy”. This name has a truly iconic status, staking its place as the most popular name in the world. This name can hold reverent weight to followers of Islam, who can share it with family members as a way of commemorating their commitment to their religion. Along with its religious importance, Muhammad is no doubt a classic name. It has a style and sophistication that will withstand the ages.
  2. Noah
    First and foremost, Noah comes from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. A less widely known story about Noah has him as the man who planted the earth’s first vineyard and discovered fermentation and its effects. Somewhat fittingly, the meaning of this sonorous name, pronounced “no-ah,” comes from the Hebrew word noach, which means “rest” and “comfort.”
  3. Jack
    A nickname for John and James that has become a name in its own right. It has long been used as a way to refer to any man, especially from the working classes, as in the expression, “a jack of all trades.”
  4. Theo
    A shortened version of the masculine name Theodore and has become very popular in its own right. Theo is already a pet form of the name Theodore, so it can be considered a nickname in its own right. However, since it is related to Theodore, a related nickname could be Teddy.
  5. Leo
    Lions are considered kings of the jungle, and we often associate the regal beast with leadership and dignity. This is one of the reasons why the name Leo, the Latin word for lion, has been a favorite of parents in the Western hemisphere for centuries.
  6. Oliver
    From the French name Olivier, probably derived from the Late Latin word olivarius (olive tree). Well-known Olivers: Oliver Cromwell; the main character in Oliver Twist; TV personality John Oliver; celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
  7. George
    George is a traditionally masculine name with Greek and English roots. The prevailing meaning of George is “farmer” — in Greek it comes from “georgos” which indicates a tiller of the soil.
  8. Ethan
    Ethan means “firm, enduring, strong, and long-lived” in Hebrew. The most notable, and perhaps the earliest Ethan, is mentioned in the Bible several times. In books and on screen, characters named Ethan are often handsome and mysterious heroes. Tom Cruise’s infamous secret agent Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible film series is just one example. But Ethans are more than smooth heroes, as the name has been given to actors, scientists, politicians, and athletes.
  9. Oscar
    The name Oscar is boy’s name of English, Irish origin meaning “God spear, or deer-lover or champion warrior”. Oscar, a round and jovial choice, is a grandpa name that’s fast taking over from such urban trendies as Max and Sam. Actors Hugh Jackman and Gillian Anderson chose Oscar for their sons.
  10. Arthur
    The name Arthur is both a boy’s name and a girl’s name of Celtic origin meaning ” bear”. Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by some stylish parents, emerging as a top contender among names for the new royal prince.

TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Healthier Sausage Rolls

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TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Healthier Sausage Rolls

TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Healthier Sausage Rolls
Ingredients

spray oil
8 (450g) turkey or chicken sausages
2 tbsp chutney
2 large tortilla wraps
1 medium egg
1 tsp sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200c and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spray a little oil over the surface of the paper.

2. Remove the sausages from their skins and add to a bowl with the chutney. Mix well.

3. Place one wrap on a chopping board. Take half of the sausage mixture and add it to the wrap, just right of centre.

4. Starting on the right hand side roll the wrap up as tightly as you can, making sure you finish seal side down.

5. Cut off the ends of the wrap then cut into six sausage rolls.

6. Repeat with the other wrap.

7. Place the sausage rolls onto the lined tray.

8. Beat the egg lightly in a cup or bowl and brush over the top of the sausage rolls.

9. Finally sprinkle on the sesame seeds.

10. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the sausage rolls are golden brown on top.

11. Leave the sausage rolls to cool for a few minutes before removing and serving.

Notes

-These sausage rolls are best served warm from the oven but they will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can reheat in the oven for a few minutes.



-If you want to get ahead of your Christmas cooking and get these all prepped now then you can make the sausage rolls but instead of baking them, flash freeze them on a tray or plate for a few hours until hard. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container to store in the freezer. When you want to cook them you can bake them directly from frozen. Add them to a lined and greased baking tray, adding an extra 10 minutes approximately to the cooking time.

    Recipe and Image from Christmas Recipes Archives – My Fussy Eater | Easy Kids Recipes

    TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Dairy-Free Banana Porridge

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    TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Dairy-Free Banana Porridge

    TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Dairy-Free Banana Porridge
    Ingredients

    50g porridge oats
    1 ripe banana
    1 tablespoon of peanut butter
    1 tablespoon of maple syrup
    125ml almond milk

    Method

    1. Cut the banana in half and place half of it into a small bowl, mash with a fork. Once soft, spoon the mashed banana into a small pan over a medium heat and add the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup (if using) and almond milk.

    2. Cook for 5-10 minutes until steaming and soft – you can add a dash more almond milk if it becomes too thick.

    3. Once cooked, spoon the hot porridge into a bowl and top with your favourite toppings – we love to serve this with the other half of the banana, an extra drizzle of peanut butter and a pinch of dairy free choc chips.

    Recipe from https://deliciouslyella.com/