Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana BarsRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 29 August 2023 No Comments on Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana Bars Charlotte Stirling-Reed’s Baked Banana Bars “I LOVE an on-the-go brekkie idea and these porridge bars have been SUCH a hit with my kids. They work great as a snack as well, and are very easy to put together. They take a little time on the cooking front, but next to no time to prep, and are well worth it. They freeze well so are perfect for batch-cooking, and you can vary what you make them with according to what you have in your fridge.” Ingredients 100g porridge oats 180ml milk of choice 2 large, very ripe bananas (around 200g in total) 85g sultanas (or raisins, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots) 1/2 tsp mixed spice (or ground cinnamon or nutmeg) 3 tbsp mixed seeds (ground for babies/toddlers Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan and line a 20cm square shallow baking tin with non-stick baking paper. Mix all the ingredients together (except the seeds), then mash it well with a fork to completely break up the bananas. Once everything is well mixed, scoop it into the baking tin and level the top. Sprinkle the mixed seeds on top (leave off or grind if serving to babies and young children). 2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. Once cooked, remove from the tin using the baking paper and leave to cool on a rack until either warm or cooled to room temperature. 3. Slice into 24 small squares, or 12 larger bars to serve. The bars will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or can be wrapped in cling film/beeswax and frozen individually, then defrosted on the counter overnight ready for the morning. You can also reheat them uncovered in a microwave for 30 seconds if you’d like them warm.
What’s the Best Age to Become a Parent?Read More If there’s a perfect time to have a baby, we’re still waiting for the memo. However, the most popular age bracket to get knocked up is now 30-34, with the… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 17 August 2023 What’s the Best Age to Become a Parent? If there’s a perfect time to have a baby, we’re still waiting for the memo. However, the most popular age bracket to get knocked up is now 30-34, with the average first-time mum being 30 years old. And if you’re over 40, the conception rate is at a record high! So could later really be better? Your Late Teens/ Twenties The Pros Just Call Us Fertile Myrtle Since fertility declines with age, you have a higher chance of conceiving naturally the younger you are (bar any pre-existing issues). An estimated 25 percent of women between 19 and 25 get pregnant within the first month of trying. You’ll Have the Gift of Time With any luck, you’ll enjoy your kids (and their kids) for decades to come. The Cons The Financial Hit is Harder At this age, you’re probably still finding your financial feet. Prams and nappies don’t come cheap, so if you’re dealing with student debt or working to get on the property ladder, it might not be ideal timing. You Haven’t Found Your Village Yet A solid support system is hugely important when bringing up a family. Chances are your mates are still making inappropriate life choices and partying 24/7. Which means they might not be that empathetic with your struggles. *They might be up at 3am, though! Your Mid-to-Late Twenties The Pros You’ve Still Got the Energy It wasn’t that long ago that you were stumbling out of the club at 5am and pulling all-nighters to finish your dissertation. Night feeds might not feel so bad. You’ve Got Time for a Second Wind When the Kids Leave Home An empty nest by your late forties, and you’re free to live your best life. Ibiza, here you come! The Cons Your Career is Just About to Take Off Just as you find your dream job, you’re about to step away for a year of mat leave. It shouldn’t matter, but (let’s face it) it sometimes it does. Thirties The Pros You Know Who You Are You’ve survived the crippling insecurity years and finally feel happy in your skin. You’ve got this. The Party Feels Tired You’ve travelled and tried every sharing cocktail out there. And you’re a little over drinking out of inanimate objects (for a bit, anyway). The Cons It Could Be Harder To Conceive Mother Nature is glorious, but she can also be a bit of a bitch. While your career and confidence are in full bloom, your fertility takes a hit. Forty+ The Pros You’ll Have High Achieving Kids A recent study in the US suggested offspring of ‘advantaged maternal age mothers’ had better educational outcomes, including higher test scores and better graduation rates. You’ll Have More Patience (hopefully!) With life experience comes an understanding that sometimes things are outside of your control. If anyone can sit back and ride out the tantrums, it’s you. The Cons Pregnancy and Birth Can be Riskier Women over the age of 35 are typically at a higher risk of health issues. There’s no single right time to have a baby that works for everyone. Whenever you decide to try for children is entirely up to you and it’ll all work out in the mix.
Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese TwistsRead More TMC’s Tandridge Host, Sophie, shares her favourite way to sneak veg into a snack. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 August 2023 No Comments on Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese Twists Sophie, TMC Tandridge’s Tuna, Spinach & Cheese Twists TMC’s Tandridge Host, Sophie, shares her favourite way to sneak veg into a snack. “I make these for my children as an on the go snack or serve with veg for dinner and they absolutely love them.” Ingredients 1 can of tuna in spring water (drained) 60g grated cheddar cheese 3 blocks of frozen chopped spinach 60g cream cheese 1 x 375g sheet of pre rolled puff pastry 1 egg “They can be kept in the fridge for 2 days or frozen for 2 months.” How to make them: Defrost the spinach in boiling water or in your microwave (avoid cooking). Using a tea towel or kitchen roll squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach. Drain the tuna, and in a large bowl combine this with the grated cheese, cream cheese and spinach until well mixed together. Unroll the premade puff pastry onto a chopping board with the longest side of rectangle facing towards you. Cover the lower half of the pastry sheet with the tuna mixture leaving a small boarder round the edges to seal. fold the top section of the pastry towards you and completely over the filling and press down the outer edges with your fingers. Cut into 12 – 14 strips, then gently lift each strip, holding onto the folded edge and twist the pastry several times until a spiral is formed. Then place on to a lined baking tray. Whisk the egg in a bowl and add a generous egg wash to each twist. Cook in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes until they are golden and flakey!
Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do OneRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 14 August 2023 No Comments on Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do One Self-Care Myths That Really Need To Do One Basic Personal Needs = Self Care Instagrammable bubble baths don’t count as #selfcare if you’re being constantly waterboarded by a toddler. Other basic human rights include peeing alone, drinking a hot cup of tea and/or sitting down to eat. Being Tired is Just Part of Being a Parent We might have signed up for sleepless nights and early mornings; but actual exhaustion is no joke. Rope in as much help as you can and feel no shame about shipping them off to Grandma’s for the night so you can get full 8 hours. Self Care Costs Money Don’t get us wrong; we love a good 90 minute hot stone massage as much as the next person, but you don’t need to splash out on a spa day to fill your proverbial cup. Activewear is not essential (but elasticated pants are 100% required). We Have to Earn the Right to Practice Self-Care It’s easy for Mums to feel like we have to constantly justify ourselves especially if you’re on Maternity Leave ‘with nothing to do all day’ (LOL). Keeping a tiny human alive requires 100% of your energy and focus every.single.day. There’s a Right or Wrong Way The definition of self-care is ‘the practice of consciously doing things that preserve or improve your mental or physical health’. For some people that might be running 10k or practicing yoga; for others it might be binge watching Netflix and consuming an entire Easter Egg. No judgement. Self Care Has To Be Complicated You don’t need to meditate for 4 hours or cover yourself in organic Indonesian yak butter to practice self care. Some days, it can be about taking the time to apply some make up (if you like), or putting on a t-shirt not covered in baby vom. Self Care Means Being Alone Sometimes lying in a dark room alone is absolutely what we need; and sometimes seeking out friends and the company of others fills our soul. There’s nothing a coffee, cake and a chat with a good mate can’t fix. Self Care Is Only For Women Boys need me-time too (that’s why they spend 3 hours a day sat on the loo).
Frankie Gaff’s Super Green Veggie Pasta Read More Watch the video now Post author By The Mum Club Post date 1 August 2023 No Comments on Frankie Gaff’s Super Green Veggie Pasta Frankie Gaff’s Super Green Veggie Pasta “This is SO delicious. Perfect for adults and babies. You can mix it up with any green veg you like, spinach, kale, and peas all work.” Ingredients Unsalted butter 3 leeks 2 courgettes 4 cloves of garlic 150ml Low salt vegetable stock (use normal if for adults) 250ml Single cream Cheddar cheese (as much or as little as you like) Pasta “If you need to sell it up to a fussy eater you can nickname it ‘Dino Pasta’.” Method Dice up the veg and add to a pan with the unsalted butter. Once softened add the garlic. Once everything is super soft, add to a blender with the stock and blend. (*Let it cool if your blender doesn’t blend hot substances). Pop your pasta on. Add the mix back to the pan and blend in the single cream and cheese. Once your pasta is cooked, mix it with the sauce and enjoy. * “This makes about 2 adult portions + 3 kids portions. I freeze any left overs to use for my son Theo.” * “When making for adults, I’d add a little more garlic and season with salt.” Watch the video now
Stylish Backpacks That Double Up as Changing BagsRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 July 2023 No Comments on Stylish Backpacks That Double Up as Changing Bags Stylish Backpacks That Double Up as Changing Bags All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. 1. Ganni Leopard Print Backpack- AED 926.27 You know what’s really awesome as a changing bag? A leopard print backpack. Seriously, it’s the perfect blend of style and functionality. That bold pattern adds a whole lot of personality, and the roomy compartments make it a breeze to keep all those baby essentials in order. Plus, it’s hands-free! So you can rock that trendy look while juggling everything that comes with being a parent. Stay stylish, stay prepared – the leopard print backpack has got your back, literally. Buy Now 2. Tiba & Marl Elwood Black- £150 (Ships to UAE) 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. Buy Now 3. Prada Re-Nylon Medium Backpack AED 8,600 A great lightweight backpack that goes with anything and will stand the test of time. It’s super durable and easy to clean, perfect for handling any spills or messes that come with parenting. It also offers plenty of room and compartments to keep all your baby’s essentials organized. Plus, let’s not forget that the Prada style adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to your on-the-go parenting adventures. Buy Now 4. Burberry Leather Trim ECONYL- 3,490 AED 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! Buy Now 5. Luis Vuitton Christopher Backpack 12,900 AED 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? Buy Now
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Frozen Yoghurt BarkRead More Recipe from https://feelgoodfoodie.net/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 3 July 2023 No Comments on TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Frozen Yoghurt Bark TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Frozen Yoghurt Bark Ingredients Yoghurt Fruit Granola Method 1. Spread the yogurt evenly over a lined baking sheet. 2. Top with chopped strawberries. 3. Top with blueberries or any other fruits. 4. Finish with granola and freeze until firm. Recipe from https://feelgoodfoodie.net/
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: 15-Minute Crispy Chicken (GF) (DF)Read More Recipe from https://rachaelsgoodeats.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 3 July 2023 No Comments on TMC Family Recipe of the Week: 15-Minute Crispy Chicken (GF) (DF) TMC Family Recipe of the Week: 15-Minute Crispy Chicken (GF) (DF) Ingredients 3 large organic chicken breasts trimmed, tenderized, and sliced in halves 1.5 cups Almond crackers 2 tbsp ground flaxseed 1 tsp dried rosemary 1/4 tsp pink salt 1 pasture-raised egg 3 tbsp avocado or coconut oil Method 1. In a food processor or blender, add crackers, flaxseed and spices. Pulse until it reaches a flour-like consistency. Pour mixture in a deep dish bowl. 2. In a separate deep dish bowl, whisk one egg. 3. Once chicken has been trimmed + tenderized (pounded down to the same thickness), create your assembly line of chicken, egg, and cracker breading. Using tongs or a fork, dip chicken in egg wash, making sure to cover the entire breast, then let excess egg drip off before transferring to breading mixture. Cover entire breast in cracker mixture, then transfer to clean plate. Once all chicken has been breaded, heat your large skillet with avocado oil on medium. 4. Transfer chicken to skillet and let cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-6 min. Can turn down the heat and cover to allow center of chicken to fully cook. Once all golden brown, let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! Recipe from https://rachaelsgoodeats.com/
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Fruit & Veg Ice LolliesRead More Recipe from https://www.annabelkarmel.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 20 June 2023 No Comments on TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Fruit & Veg Ice Lollies TMC Family Recipe of the Week: Fruit & Veg Ice Lollies These zero-sugar fruit and veggie lollies are delicious and not only a healthy treat but will also soothe sore gums if your little one is teething. Ingredients Strawberry, Beetroot and Apple Lollies 50 g/2 oz cooked beetroot, peeled and diced 70 g/3 oz strawberries, chopped 50 ml/2 fl oz apple juice Carrot, Kiwi, Mango, Banana and Orange Lollies 25 g/1 oz kiwi, peeled and diced 50 g/2 oz ripe mango, diced 50 g/2 oz ripe banana, peeled Method 1. Put all the ingredients into a jug. Blend using a stick blender until smooth. 2. Pour into 6 lolly moulds and freeze for 6 hours. Recipe from https://www.annabelkarmel.com/
A Guide to Baby’s First FoodsRead More Babies sure know how to test us. Just when it starts to feel a little bit easier, you’re given a whole new other job to learn. But weaning doesn’t have… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 3 June 2023 No Comments on A Guide to Baby’s First Foods A Guide to Baby’s First Foods Babies sure know how to test us. Just when it starts to feel a little bit easier, you’re given a whole new other job to learn. But weaning doesn’t have to be as daunting as it might seem and it can actually be (dare we say it) quite fun. Especially great for hilarious snaps of them covered in mush or videos of them wincing over pureed peas. So to aid your adventure we’ve rounded up our best weaning tips. The best tips for weaning your baby Go easy on the pressure. You don’t have to be wonder mum + chef, all while keeping your shit together – just do what you can. Aim for variety. Offer veg first and blend veg with fruit if things are getting tricky. Struggling with anything green? A bit of banana never hurt anyone. Hold the salt and sugar for under ones. You can add baby’s usual milk to loosen the food when making purees. Finger foods should be around 6cm long and soft enough to squish when pinched. Peel off any skin from fruits and vegetable, as this can present a choking hazard early on in weaning. Ensure food has cooled down before serving. Good quality food pouches are okay. Not everyone has time to cook, and not everyone wants to. If you can, go organic. First foods should not replace baby’s usual milk feeds. Offering around one tsp of first purée is fine; they’re just exploring for now. Babies are already accustomed to slightly sweeter tastes such as breastmilk or formula, so it is likely that they will accept sweeter foods such as fruit and root vegetables more easily than complex flavours. Based on this, many mums give their little ones neutral foods before introducing more bitter ones. Avocado for example (filled with healthy fats, creamy in texture and not too sweet) swiftly followed by bitter greens and root vegetables. Which is why we’ve put together a list of single foods to start feeding your baby with (regardless of whether you follow spoon-led or baby-led weaning) all grouped by ease of preparation. Because let’s face it, we mums need all the help we can get. Weaning foods that take minutes to make Mash it up: 2 min preparation time Avocado Banana Mango Papaya Steam/stew and blend to a purée: 15 minutes prep time. Green beans Spinach Courgette Peach Blueberry Pineapple Raspberry Apple Pear Plum Nectarine Strawberry 20 minutes prep time. Broccoli Kale Sweet Potato Carrot Potato Cauliflower Butternut Squash Pumpkin Swede Parsnip Learning to eat is a major challenge that leads to an important life skill. Go easy on yourself. You and baby will have good days and bad, so be patient and stay calm, and good luck!
