Archives for July 2021

5 TIPS TO LIVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE, SUSTAINABILITY // July 31, 2021

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To teach our children good values, we need to lead by example. Living a green lifestyle is increasingly important, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are so many simple changes you can make to go green. Let’s start off with these five great ideas to live a more sustainable lifestyle:

1 . Switch up your diet

According to a study from the University of Oxford, ‘cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73 percent.’ You might not be ready to try veganism straight away, and it is a big step. Consider first reducing the amount of meat you consume. When you feel ready, you might start with vegetarianism.

To help you make a start, try using the GreenKitchen app, here you’ll find plenty of delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes. The app is easy to use, and includes plenty of photo and video guides.

Conserve water

To live a greener lifestyle, try to save water around your home. To help you out you can purchase water- efficient shower heads. These showerheads push the water through tiny holes while adding jets of air. You can also buy flow-restricting fixtures to use on your taps. For a few other ways to conserve water, try these:

Purchase a rainwater collector.
Try a low-flow toilet.
Get into good habits, like not running the taps for so long.

Support Sustainable Companies

To live a green lifestyle, it’s important to support sustainable companies. Look for brands that are eco-friendly, cruelty free and ethical. Focus on earth-kind and biodegradable materials. If you need help researching sustainable companies you can try using the ‘Good On You App’. Here you can get the low-down on plenty of brands, helping you to practice more mindful shopping.

Grow Veggies

Growing your own foods is a great way to live more sustainably. There are plenty of vegetables and fruits that you can grow in your garden. If you have kids, growing food is a great opportunity to teach them about living green. Kids love playing in the garden, and you can turn vegetable growing into a fun game. There are so many benefits to gardening, you’ll get some exercise and improve your mental health too.

Drive Less

Reducing your driving time is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Before you jump in the car, consider taking your bike and going for a stroll. If you do drive, an electric vehicle is the most sustainable option. EVS don’t need fuel, so you’ll also save some money. Driving can be a big expense, but there are lots of ways to save. Before you renew your car insurance, look around for new deals. There are plenty of very cheap car insurance options out there. You might also consider opting for a second-hand vehicle.

To look after the planet we all need to try and live more sustainably. When you live sustainably you can also boost your savings.

LIFE AFTER RESTRICTIONS | WHAT NOW?

Filed Under: LIFE, LIFESTYLE, MOTHERHOOD // July 22, 2021

LIFE AFTER RESTRICTIONS

Becoming a mum is a big and new experience for any woman, especially for the first time; but how about doing it during a worldwide pandemic? We are struggling to adapt to life after restrictions.

I found out I was pregnant in January 2020, and had my first scan in February, fast forward one month later the lockdown began. At this stage I wasn’t really too worried as I thought surely this won’t still be going on in September when I was due to give birth, how wrong was I!
I enjoyed my pregnancy, and the extra time I spent at home with my husband, we live with my parents and brother and sister (full house – I know!) so I was grateful for this as it would’ve been very different if I couldn’t see them too, and I really feel for the new mums that couldn’t see family.

Jacob was born on 6th September 2020 after a 10 hour labour, the first 6 hours I was alone in the hospital, having to keep yourself calm while trying to communicate to the midwifes what was happening was really difficult; the midwifes didn’t believe how fast I was progressing so kept telling me to get some rest. After a lot of begging for someone to check how dilated I was, the midwife quickly apologised, said I was 7cm and to call my husband to get here as soon as he could. He had popped home to get a blanket, expecting a long night of waiting in the car so he raced back to the hospital in record time.
Due to Jacob being back to back I couldn’t get him out so after around 4 hours of pushing and a lot of blood, sweat and tears (an episiotomy and suction cup too!) he was born.

Jacob is now 10 months and with lockdown rules eased I can’t help but feel anxious for what is to come. Having been told my whole pregnancy and Jacobs whole life to stay away from people, this included friends and loved ones; I now can’t imagine people touching and holding Jacob.

When we have seen people – at a distance and always abiding by the rules; he is always so excited to see a new face so I hope he is too young to have truly been affected by it all. I’ve spoken to other mums who have older children and have had instances where they’ve had to tell their child to stay away from other children at the park; which is obviously not really what we want to be teaching them.
The most we’ve done in Jacobs life is go for walks to our local park or coffee shop, and these small activities feel so daunting to me, obviously as this is my only experience as a mother I couldn’t say what I would’ve been like without the pandemic, but I don’t imagine I would’ve been this nervous.

It feels like we are so used to not being around family and friends, we are now so well trained in how to live life the way we currently are, isolated and distanced, that the thought of getting back to some kind of normal seems impossible.
I think it’s really important for us mums to remember that just because the rules are changing we should still do what we are comfortable with. We go through so much to bring this tiny human into the world so it’s understandable we feel nervous, pandemic or not.

I worry all the time, is Jacob doing enough of what he should be doing at his age? Is he playing enough? Is he watching too much tv? Is he interacting enough? Getting enough fresh air? All the normal worries mums have I’m sure, heightened by this lack of normality he was born into. But then when I look at this happy little boy I realise I must be doing something right and it’s just going to take some time getting used to and easing our self back into the new version of “normal”

GUEST POST WRITTEN BY @_JACOBSMUM

SUMMER SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Filed Under: FAMILY RECIPES, FOOD, HOME // July 20, 2021

One of my favourite things about Summer is smoothies! Usually, in the colder months, smoothies aren’t number one. But this is where they shine, and they’re super healthy! So if you’re trying to cut back on sugar but are craving something sweet, this is for you. Not only are they nutritious and sweet, but they’re also filling and customizable. Drink these for breakfast, before your workout, an evening snack, midnight snack, etc. Smoothies are an all-day thing, and with these summer smoothie recipes, they’re about to become your favourite thing.

(Protein powders are optional in all of these)

Instruction

The instructions for all these are pretty much the same, add the ingredients into a blender. And blend. Then serve, you can add ice if you want a colder and smoother taste. Or you can freeze the milk into ice cubes if you don’t want to add water.

Banana Chocolate Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is really creamy, and is a healthier version of a chocolate milkshake! Most of these recipes have 4 main ingredients with additional add-ons.

Ingredients

½-1 banana sliced
½ cup yogurt (this makes it creamier and thicker)
½ cup milk
2 cardamoms (optional)
Chia seeds and/or flaxseed (optional but makes it healthier)
Chocolate protein powder (I’ve found that chocolate protein powder goes best with bananas and apples)
Ice(optional)

Mango Smoothie with a Kick

This is the smoothie version of mango lassi. Which is a blend of yogurt, water/milk, spices, and mango.

Ingredients

½-1 cup mango chunks or whole mango fruit
½ cup yogurt
½ cup milk
2 Cardamoms
A thin slice of ginger
Protein Powder(optional, but I haven’t found one that goes well with mango)
Ice(optional)

Orange Milkshake Smoothie

Ingredients

Half an orange cut in slices
¼ cup yogurt
½ cup milk
cardamom(optional)
Chia seeds and/or flaxseed (optional but makes it healthier)
protein powder (optional)
Ice(optional)

Apple & Banana Smoothie

If you want more than one fruit in your smoothie, then try this apple and banana smoothie.

Plus, if you want to add more servings of the fruit, go ahead! This is your smoothie.

Ingredients

½-1 banana sliced
Half apple sliced
¼ cup yogurt
½ cup milk
cardamom(optional)
Chia seeds and/or flaxseed (optional but makes it healthier)
protein powder (optional)
Ice(optional)

Mixed (Frozen) Berry Smoothie

One of my favourite things about the mixed berry smoothie is that it needs the least work. If you’re in a rush you don’t need to peel/chop up fruits and can just use frozen berries.

Another smoothie tip is to freeze the fruit ahead of time, so if you’re in a rush you can make it quicker.

Ingredients

1/4 cup yogurt
¼ – ½ cup milk
½ cup frozen berries
Chia seeds and/or flaxseed (optional but makes it healthier)
protein powder (optional)
Ice(optional)

Veggie Green Smoothie

Ever wanted a healthier smoothie? This is the one for you, with your favourite veggies you can make a veg smoothie for the trip.

You can also use beetroot, carrots, celery, etc for other vegetables.

Ingredients

¼ cup yogurt
¼ -½ cup milk
spinach/kale
Avocado (optional)
Any other veggies you like in smoothies!
Chia seeds and/or flaxseed (optional but makes it healthier)
protein powder (optional)
Ice(optional)

Those are 6 smoothie recipes, perfect for breakfast or just a cool evening drink. If you want to replace a meal with it, try adding protein powder so you’re more fuelled for the day.

One of the best things about smoothies is that if you’re trying to eat healthier, you don’t have to be stuck with bitter, boring food you don’t like! Smoothies can be sweeter with honey and riper/sweeter fruit, plus thicker if you add nuts or more yogurt.

There’s no one size fits all, so experiment with your smoothies! I own a NutriBullet blender, and I’ve had it for about 2 years now, and it’s great! But any blender you have will do, so enjoy your smoothie and let me know if you have any favourite recipes.

I love expanding my smoothie list and would love to hear what you think about these smoothies. Thanks for reading!

And thank you That Mama Club for letting me guest post on their blog!

About the blogger: Hey there, I’m Sejal! I’m a blogger that helps people on their journey to become the best versions of themselves. You can find me sharing guides, tips, sarcastic remarks, and more on my blog, The Lazy Gal. Everyone is welcome in that little corner of the internet, read more about me here.

You can find Sejal on her socials here.

Changes All Adults Should Be Making To Live A Healthy Lifestyle

Filed Under: HOME // July 19, 2021

As the end of the year approaches, many adults are beginning to consider their new year’s plans and the goals they will set for themselves in order to live a healthier lifestyle. It is, however, never too late to begin a new healthy lifestyle routine. Even with large holidays like Christmas to look forward to, we can all make modest, simple changes to stay active and healthy.

Take a look at some of the simple guidelines for leading a healthy lifestyle listed below:

Keep an eye on your diet

This isn’t to say that you should count calories, join a fad diet, or keep track of every mouthful of food you eat. This isn’t an effective approach to reach your aim of living a healthy lifestyle. It’s all about balance. So, instead of making yourself feel bad for eating that mince pie or drinking your favourite drink while curling up to watch a Christmas movie, think about the quantity and how often you do it. Always keep in mind that a healthy diet isn’t about deprivation; it’s about being aware of your body’s demands. You can indulge in a treat every now and again as long as your main diet consists of dairy, healthy carbs, protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.

Make it a point to get some exercise every day

To live a healthy lifestyle, you do not need to be able to run a marathon. All you have to do now is figure out how to incorporate exercise into your everyday routine. Try walking instead of driving to the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and setting aside thirty minutes each day for a brief walk or an exercise DVD. If you think about how you spend your evenings, you’ll probably discover that you have more than enough time to squeeze in a quick workout. If you’re new to working out, you should look into the best activities since if you don’t do it correctly, you risk getting hurt. If this happens to you, you might want to check out some CBD Oil UK to aid with any joint or muscle discomfort.

Mind

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, most people only consider food and exercise; however, your mental health is just as vital. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly are natural ways to help, but there are some additional things you can do to aid even more. Take some time to meditate or maybe enroll in a yoga class. Yoga is a fantastic way to workout while also taking care of your mental health. If you ever feel that you can’t cope with stress, anxiety, or pressures on your own, it’s best to get professional help.

As you can see, these changes aren’t difficult, and if you make a point of doing them they will become second nature in time. These three areas are where you should concentrate your efforts if you want to live a healthy lifestyle. Do you have any other advice or tips to contribute in the comments section below?

POSTPARTUM SEX DIARIES

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE, MOTHERHOOD, POST BABY, POSTPARTUM, SEX & RELATIONSHIPS // July 19, 2021

The Unedited Guide to Your Postpartum Sex Life…After Baby Number Two

THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

Hi folks, lovely to meet you, how’s the weather? It’s the first time that I’ve written anything for That Mama Club’s website, so now that the pleasantries are out of the way, welcome to my nether region. You’re about to learn about all its activities in the past twelve weeks since I gave birth to my second baby, a little girl named Bea.

Now I am sure some of you are reading this thinking, TWELVE WEEKS? She’s got a twelve week old baby and she’s writing about sex? Whilst here I am up every hour of the night and no time to shave my armpits never mind hop in the sack?!?!

I’ve been there. In fact I wrote a very similar article after a long and hard recovery after my first child, in which it took me twelve weeks to gird up my loins and brave post-partum sex, and a full nine months before I felt anything remotely resembling a libido again.

I approached the post-partum stage with something akin to military strategy this time around. Instead of sandbags, I had many many bags of mattress like maternity pads. The freezer was full of pre-made meals. And I had routinely wiggled my tank-like pregnant butt back against my partner, and demanded that we get it on…. ‘Because you know it might be a long time before we can again!’ And it’s partly this preparation for the newborn phase that meant my recovery was a lot better, which has really aided how I feel about myself and sex.

Well, before I spoil all the juicy details for you… here’s my post-partum sex diary, second time around.

24-48 hours after giving birth

I’m euphoric. I love my new baby. I love my first born. I love my partner SO SO much. Wow. The dreamy emotions, and outpouring of love don’t quite dull my aching vagina, womb, in fact every bone of me is aching. I’m going to pop some paracetamol and take a (cat) nap.

3 days after giving birth

I ignore my own advice and peer over my slowly deflating stomach with a handmirror to examine my stitches. I had a second-degree tear and tore up towards my urethra as well, so whilst things are stingy to say the least… its recognisably my vulva. I audibly sigh with relief as I spot that my two big vaginal varicose veins have gone down. I sobbed snottily through my mask at my midwife when I discovered them despite her reassurances that they would disappear soon after birth. Whilst the tangle of pubic hair proves my pre-birth trim wasn’t as thorough as I’d imagined, I can still make out that the varicose veins are indeed vanishing.

It’s a great day for my labia.

2 weeks after giving birth

I’m in a Facebook group for people who were due in the same month of me, and already the queries have started popping up in the group. ‘I’ve had sex and I only had my baby ten days ago, will I b ok?’ I read these open mouthed. Now I’m no doctor so I’m not going to say yay or nay as to when you can hop back in the saddle, but bravo to these ladies’ vaginas.

I’m still joining the baby in wearing a nappy, my boobs are out of control, and my stomach muscles are so shredded I currently struggle even lying down comfortably. Sex is most firmly off the table.

4 weeks after giving birth

Ok, so this is unexpected. I’ve stopped bleeding. After two long recoveries, following my first birth and a miscarriage, the packs of maternity pads I stockpiled are still sitting in the cupboard unopened. I’ve also been doing my kegels and well, it all feels pretty normal. I’ve been hiking, and I think toting the tiny one round in a sling for a month has had the unexpected benefit of engaging my core as that seems to be feeling a lot better too. I’ve mentioned all this to my partner, and he’s most definitely very *ahem* encouraged, but I say I want to rest and recover a few weeks longer.

6 weeks after giving birth

I remember being unimpressed with the GP ‘check-up’ after my first birth, going into it thinking I’d be getting an internal MOT and instead being asked a sum total of two questions.

‘How are you feeling’

And

‘Have you thought about contraception’.

Well this time around, those questions were asked over the phone but in all fairness I actually am feeling very much ok by this point. Ok enough to think that YES, lets do this, I’ll wiggle my way into a almost-fitting bra and pants set and go for that voluptuous spilling-over look, that’s sexy right? Lets do this. Lets GET IT ON.

7 weeks after giving birth

We still haven’t had sex. And to be quite honest I haven’t had a single ‘spark’ since I’ve had the baby. Not one fanny flutter. Not one tingling. Not a single case of the fizzy knickers. Folks, I’ve not been aroused in the slightest. But instead of going into brain meltdown I remember that I felt like this for a lot longer with my first birth, and its all down to those pesky breastfeeding hormones.

Still, one night, when everyone else in the house is asleep I summon up some thoughts of bare chested men and Robin Hood (yes the fox, don’t ask) and slide a hand into my knickers.

I’m awakened four hours later by the baby crying. Hand still firmly in my pants.

I fell asleep doing myself. Ok, that’s a new one.

8 weeks after giving birth

WE STILL HAVEN’T HAD SEX. Last week I even shaved everything from my neck down, bar a landing strip (I say landing strip, I swear each pregnancy makes me hairier, it’s now more like the M1), moisturised, plucked my eyebrows and shimmied out of the bathroom feeling pretty damn good about myself. But after everyone else’s bath-time, a rousing two-hour bed time and then a baby deciding that this was the best evening to spend the whole evening on the boob, well we were both too tired. A second attempt was foiled by the ever-familiar call of ‘Mummmmyyyyyyyy’. And then I myself foiled another, by deciding that we would continue a session of heavy petting upstairs, but of course when I gingerly lifted the sleeping baby to put her to bed first… she woke up.

9 weeks after giving birth

It happened. It wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t amazing, it was over pretty quickly, but it happened. And it felt gloriously, wonderfully, familiar. And that’s exciting. I was expecting it to feel different somehow, after all my body has changed, I pushed a baby out of my vagina mere weeks ago and yet it felt the same as always. That’s not to say our sex life is never glamorous or amazing – but somehow having run-of-the-mill spontaneous weeknight sex was the perfect way to get back on that particular horse. No pressure, no worries about what I was wearing, if I had done enough kegels or if I was ‘exciting’ enough. It was great, it reminded me that actually I really enjoy sex, and it made me feel a little bit like the old me.

12 weeks after giving birth

And that brings us to today. Twelve weeks after giving birth and sex is currently firmly back on the table. Yes, it sometimes feels like a military operation, but I think that’s part of having two children one of whom is a newborn… everything feels like a military operation! But I’ve learnt to be a bit more spontaneous, if the moment arises just to go with it and enjoy it rather than worry about the laundry pile or the unsent emails.

Finally, yes, I’ve got my libido back. And very strangely it happened exactly the same way as last time around. I had a night of very sexy dreams and woke up in the morning with a little more sashay than the night before.

I know things will be up and down, and at the moment as we are still sleeping with the baby in the room it does feel a little bit strange to be getting down to it.

But we are doing, and I’ll take that as a win for now.

Becqui Jean x

EXCLUSIVELY PUMPING AND WHAT IT MEANS

Filed Under: GUEST POST, MOTHERHOOD // July 16, 2021

Hello! I am Rae, mummy to Ivy and I am sharing my experience exclusively pumping. In the lead up to Ivy being born, I was so focused on the birth, I didn’t really think I needed to learn about breastfeeding and just said to myself, and when people asked, I’ll give it a good go and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. However, it wasn’t as straightforward as that, it wasn’t easy to give a good go and it wasn’t easy to just give up either. For me, I just couldn’t bring myself to give up, despite breastfeeding being physically and mentally hard, and on a number of occasions sobbing with Ivy in my arms, whilst she was crying too saying to my partner ‘I just can’t do it anymore’. For something deemed ‘the most natural thing in the world’, it really doesn’t come that naturally.

It takes time and practice for both you and baby, and no one really tells you that…I fed little Ivy directly for 2 months, there or thereabouts, it was so tough, and I believe, the trigger of my post-natal depression. When she fed well, I felt like I was coping, but when she didn’t, I was a bag of nerves, constantly worried – worried whether she was getting enough, how heavy her nappies were, how heavy she was, was she gaining enough weight? Is she hungry or not, should I wake her to feed her, is my latch efficient enough, is she getting enough hind milk? …etc, etc, the list goes on.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

I now know that all the above was fine and manageable, I had a forceful let-down (the reflex of milk being released from the breast) and didn’t handle it very well…rather than pull baby off to let the initial release of milk subside, I let Ivy choke and splutter on the fast milk like a firefighter putting out a burning building, because I was worried she wouldn’t get enough otherwise. This resulted in her shallowing her latch to slow the flow (clever little thing), causing my nipples to become misshapen after feeds and very, very sore. I tried so many times to deepen the latch, and she would start off ok, but then gradually slip to be more shallow and in the end we just could not correct it.

I gritted and battled through this pain for about 3 weeks, called the breastfeeding helpline countless times, spoke to my midwife, spoke to my health visitor, had them come watch me feed and saw a IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), twice. Went to all the drop-in clinics to get help too, but in the end, lockdown kicked in and the face-to-face help I favoured the most was not there like it used to be and honestly, my mental health around the matter was so skewed, I don’t think it would have made a difference how much help I’d got, I just didn’t have the confidence to master it. So, after a very long conversation with my HV, I decided to express for Ivy during the day and breastfeed her directly at night when she was more relaxed and sometimes fed better, but that very quickly became me just expressing as it still just bloody hurt!

And so from there I started regularly expressing and, I just sort of never stopped.

The rest is history, I think it took me about 4/5 bottles of formula to catch up with Ivy’s demand and it’s now 15 months later and I’m somehow still going. When I started, the only thing I knew about it was that I should pump every 2 hours and that the middle of the night pump was super important… But I’ve learned a hell of a lot over those months, there’s so much more to it than that and that’s why I’d like to share with you a beginners guide on how to get started, tips to ensure you can keep your supply and just general information it’s handy to know. So here it goes…

What is Exclusive Pumping?

In a jiffy, Exclusive Pumping, also known as EPing, is feeding baby solely on milk pumped at regular intervals from the breast and fed via bottle (sometimes supplemented with formula).

Why choose to pump?

There are many reasons why people choose pumping as their feeding method, ranging from baby being premature/in the NICU, to mental health (like in my case) or wanting to share responsibilities with other caregivers. So, it’s a good option to have in mind from the offset, knowing that there’s not only 2 options – breast or formula, there’s 3 including EPing, so you can continue your feeding journey in this way if you want to continue giving breastmilk and perhaps breastfeeding isn’t working for you.

How often do I need to pump?

Depending on how old baby is, it varies. The rule is, to produce milk, you need to keep removing milk. So, if you’re starting from scratch with a new born, then it is recommended to pump between 8-10 times in 24 hours, as to mimic the feeding pattern of a newborn. This might look a little something like the below:

6am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 12am and 4am (10 pumps)

6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 12am and 4am (8 pumps)

It is recommended that something that looks like the above schedule is kept up for the first 8-12 weeks to establish and maintain your supply. It varies for everyone though, so you may be able to do less or have to do more, it’s very individual so you can work out what’s best for you.

After those 8-12 weeks, you can gradually drop pumps, there are loads of sample schedules online if you type it into a search engine, and can accommodate them to you, so have a play around to see what works best for you and your lifestyle.

How long should each pump be?

The more you pump the shorter your sessions can be, making sure they are a minimum of 15 minutes, otherwise your supply may decrease. As you drop pumps, it is best to add the time you are losing from that pump and spread it across the other pumps left in your day. Making sure that the minimum time pumped in a 24-hour period is 120minutes, and you should be golden!

What do I need?

The basic requirements to get you going are:

o Hospital grade double breast pump

o Pumping bra

o Nipple balm/coconut oil

o Manual pump

o Drying rack

o Bottle brush

o Wash bowl

o Storage/feeding bottles

o Freezer bags for breastmilk

This lot will get you well into your pumping journey, whatever stage you’re at, the list could go on, but stripping it back, this is all you really need!

How much is enough?

This is a hard question, because honestly it really varies! But just know that when born, a baby’s stomach is the size of a cherry, so it doesn’t need a lot. At first it might not look like much but keep pumping and feeding when baby’s hungry and ideally you should make enough, but if not then topping up with formula works for many. If you have all the right things in place, then there’s no reason you won’t make enough, but however much you manage, it’s incredible stuff! The amount babies drink varies also, but on average I read they take about 600-750ml per day. Just go with baby’s cues and you can’t go wrong.

What pump setting?

Most pumps have a massage and expression mode, the massage encourages a let-down and then you switch to expression once the let-down commences. There are different strengths for these, slowly work up until you feel it’s uncomfortable and then take it down a notch to where it isn’t.

Things to know…

o Pumps parts need to be disassembled, scrubbed with warm soapy water and air dried in between each pump, as do bottles.

o Double pump – pump both breasts at the same time

o Use a separate wash basin and brush for your parts

o Lube your flanges before every pump

o Correct flange size is so important!

o Never give up on a bad pump

o Power pumping can help increase supply

o Pumping shouldn’t hurt, you need to troubleshoot!

o Look up milk storage guidelines from the offset

o @onewiththepump @pumpmamapump and @exclusive_pumping will collectively give you all the information you need to know and are great accounts to follow

o It’s ok to mourn if your feeding journey isn’t how you expect.

o Baby might take a while to get used to a bottle

o Mindset is everything

I could literally write a trillion things about the above and more, but I will spare you the 100,000,000,000-word count. So that’s it, in a nutshell. If you wish to crack that nut open and have a bit of a nibble, or just want to chat it through, I am always happy to help, which is why I started on my journey with @exclusivelypumpingme and if you’re about to embark, you got this mama, go smash it and I wish you every success on your journey!

Have you exclusively pumped?

TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL

Filed Under: HOME // July 15, 2021

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Parenting is never easy, but it has perhaps been more challenging than ever for some during the pandemic. As restrictions ease and children get used to being back at school, here are some tips to support your child.

Encourage open conversation

One of the best ways to support your child at school is to encourage and facilitate open conversation. Chat daily, catch up on what has been happening in classes and make sure your kids know that they can come to you if you have any questions or concerns. Take the time to listen to your child and let them talk if you sense that they have something on their mind. Make talking part of your dinnertime regime or take five minutes during the evening to check in and make sure that you’re up to speed.

Help out with learning

Some children find school much easier than others, but most will struggle at some point. There may be specific subjects they find difficult or topics or exam questions they can’t get their head around. Try to help out if you can, offer explanations and guidance and consider getting extra help, such as a private tutor if your child is falling behind, they lack confidence or they could do with additional support in core subjects. Be patient with your child and reassure them that there are solutions if they’re finding it hard to keep up.

Enjoy quality time together

Life can get hectic when the kids are back at school and you’re working long hours. Spending quality time together is beneficial for every family member. Use your evenings and weekends to hang out, de-stress, relax and have fun. From chilled out movie nights and Sunday lunches together to long walks or trips to the cinema, bowling alley or wildlife park, taking time out away from working and studying can lower stress levels and help everyone recharge their batteries.

Encourage socialisation outside of school

Some children waltz into school without looking back and they connect with others and make friends instantly, but for others, socialising can be a challenge. If your kids find it hard to forge relationships, or they’re shy or lack confidence in social settings, try and encourage socialisation outside of school. You could set up playdates or organise days out with a couple of the children they get on best with and gradually build up to larger groups as they become more confident. It can also be beneficial to ask your child if they want to join clubs, try different sports or take up new hobbies. Extra-curricular activities can provide opportunities to meet people with similar interests and make new friends.

It has been a topsy-turvy year for children of all ages and their parents. As kids adjust to life back at school, there are ways you can support your children and encourage them to get the most out of the time they spend in the classroom. Help out with learning where possible, encourage your kids to communicate openly with you, enjoy quality time as a family and have fun together outside of school.

10 Summer Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes

Filed Under: FOOD, HOME, LIFE // July 7, 2021

I am a sucker for a cocktail, especially in the warmer months! They are so refreshing and I love how creative they can be! I have my firm favourites but recently I have definitely been branching out – I recently had a Watermelon Daquiri when out with my best friend and it was DELICIOUS! We are sharing 10 Summer cocktail & mocktail recipes. When I was pregnant with the boys I never wanted to feel like I was missing out so opted for non-alcoholic alternatives!

PIN FOR LATER:

SUMMER COCKTAIL & MOCKTAIL RECIPES

ALCOHOLIC

These cocktail recipes are for those who enjoy a lovely summer tipple – we have something for everyone! From gin lovers to you vodka fiends.

PINK GIN SPRITZ – RECIPE CREDIT TO CRAFT GIN CLUB

INGREDIENTS;

25ml QVT Dry Gin Édition CGC
25ml Pink Gin Spritz cocktail syrup
100ml London Essence Soda Water
Grapefruit slice, to garnish

METHOD;

Pour all the ingredients into a wine glass filled with ice and give it a quick stir to combine. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve.

STRAWBERRY MOSCOW MULE – RECIPE CREDIT TO MY FOOD STORY

INGREDIENTS;

4 Strawberries stem removed and cut into half
2-3 Sprigs fresh Mint
60 ml Vodka
Juice of a Lime
120 ml Ginger beer (approx)

METHOD;

Add strawberries and mint leaves to a glass and muddle till the strawberries are broken down into tiny pieces.
Add ice, vodka, lime juice and top with ginger beer. Stir to mix well. Serve immediately.

VODKA STRAWBERRY LEMONADE – RECIPE CREDIT TO HEATHER CHRISTO

INGREDIENTS;

FOR STRAWBERRY PUREE

1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup waterFOR LEMONADE
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup water
1 cup vodka
mint and lemon slices for garnish
ice cubes

METHOD;

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and strawberries and bring to a simmer until the sugar is dissolved.
Throw into the jar of a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
Add the lemon juice, water and the vodka to the strawberry simple syrup.
Fill the glasses completely with ice cubes and add some mint and lemon slices. Pour the cocktails over the ice and serve immediately.

PEACH ROSE SANGRIA – RECIPE CREDIT TO RECIPE RUNNER

INGREDIENTS;

1 bottle rosé wine
1/4 cup brandy or peach brandy
1 cup peach juice or nectar
3 peaches, pitted and sliced thin
1/2 pint raspberries, washed
Sparkling water

METHOD;

Add the sliced peaches and raspberries to a pitcher. Pour the rosé, brandy and peach juice over the fruit. Stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least an hour or longer.
Pour the sangria along with some of the fruit into glasses. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh peach slice.

PASSIONFRUIT MARTINI – RECIPE CREDIT TO SUPER GOLDEN BAKES

INGREDIENTS;

Passionfruit Liqueur
3 passion fruits
50 ml (1.7fl oz) vodka
50 ml ( 1.7fl oz) clear pressed apple juice
1/2 tbsp liquid egg white (optional)
Passionfruit Puree
Passionfruit Syrup

METHOD;

Fill your martini glass with ice. Halve the passionfruit. Slice one thin sliver and set aside. Scoop the rest out the flesh / seeds into a small sieve. Press at the pulp with the back of the spoon and extract the juice (into your cocktail shaker).
Add all the remaining ingredients and fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frost forms on the outside of the shaker.
Discard the ice from the martini glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Decorate with a fine slice of passionfruit.

MOCKTAILS

We are fully aware that alcohol isn’t for everyone so we are also sharing five amazing mocktail recipes!

SUMMER BERRY HIGHBALL – RECIPE CREDIT TO CRAFT GIN CLUB

INGREDIENTS;

1 Strawberry
3 Raspberries
15ml Elderflower Syrup
15ml Lime Juice
45ml Apple Juice
50ml Soda Water
Mint and raspberries, to garnish

METHOD;

Add the raspberries and strawberry to a shaker and gently muddle them. Add the gin, elderflower syrup, lime juice, apple juice with ice and shake well. Strain into a Highball glass over ice and top with soda. Garnish with raspberries and mint.

GRAPEFRUIT AND GIN SPRITZER – RECIPE CREDIT TO LAUREN CARIS COOKS

INGREDIENTS;

1 part Grapefruit Juice
2 parts Ginger Ale/Beer
Ice Cubes
Cranberries and Mint Leaves for garnish (optional)

METHOD;

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, and fill 1/3 full with grapefruit juice. Top up the remaining 2/3 with ginger ale, then add some cranberries and mint leaves for garnish if you like!

CRANBERRY FIZZ – RECIPE CREDIT TO THISTLEWOOD FARMS

INGREDIENTS;

Cranberry simple syrup
Freshly squeezed lime juice
Sparkling water
Ice
Rosemary sprig (optional)

METHOD;

Into a lowball glass, add ice.
Pour in the cranberry simple syrup and the lime juice. Top with sparkling water.
Stir to combine, then garnish with a rosemary sprig if desired.

NON-ALCOHOLIC SANGRIA – RECIPE CREDIT TO BBC GOOD FOOD

INGREDIENTS; (serves 10)

2 cups orange juice – chilled
1 cup white grape juice – chilled
1 cup light cranberry juice
1 liter sprite – chilled
2 cups assorted fruit (for garnish)
For garnish mint sprigs – fresh

METHOD;

In a large bowl or pitcher, stir together chilled orange juice, grape juice, and cranberry juice.
Add the sprite; stir gently. Fill each of the 10 glasses about 2/3 full with ice. Divide fruit among glasses. Pour juice mixture into glasses.
Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

WATERMELON & LIME MOCKTAIL – RECIPE CREDIT TO TESCO

INGREDIENTS;

1 watermelon
2 limes
1 tbsp white sugar or runny honey
500ml (17fl oz) chilled soda water
10 mint leaves, plus a few mint sprigs for garnish
about 10-15 ice cubes to serve, plus extra (optional)

METHOD;

Halve the watermelon and cut the flesh into chunks, discarding any seeds and the rind – you’ll need about 450g (15 1/2oz) flesh in total. Transfer to the freezer, in a suitable container, and leave for an hour to get really cold.
Slice 2 thin round slices from each of the limes and set aside for garnish, then squeeze the juice from the remaining limes into a blender.
After an hour, remove the watermelon from the freezer and add to a blender, along with the sugar or honey, chilled soda water and the mint leaves.
Blend until smooth, adding a splash more soda water if you prefer a thinner consistency, then stir and pour into a jug filled with the ice cubes.
Garnish with the reserved lime slices and the mint sprigs. Serve in tall glasses, filled with more ice, if you like.

JUNE BOOK CLUB PICK 2021 | THE WHISPER MAN BY ALEX NORTH

Filed Under: BOOKS, HOME, LIFESTYLE, THAT MAMA BOOK CLUB // July 3, 2021

This blog post may contain affiliate links. To learn more, please read our disclaimer.

I can’t quite believe we are over half way through the year already – and that we have been running our book club for 6 months! Our June book club pick was The Whisper Man by Alex North. After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town: Featherbank. Featherbank has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window.

Meet Our July Advertisers

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE // July 1, 2021

AD – FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ADVERTISING PACKAGES CLICK HERE

Happy July! It blows my mind that we are over half way through the year already. Is it too early for the C-word? LOL. We absolutely love doing the monthly advertising with some of our favourite bloggers & they are also a great way to discover new favourites! Time to introduce you to our July advertisers.

The lovely Claire from Claire Mac. Claire has been a long time favourite blogger of ours, we love the online space she has built. She is an advocate for empowerment in motherhood & on a mission to provide others with the confidence to feel just as fearless being themselves as they do being a mother.

BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

HOW TO HAVE A SEX LIFE WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN

CREATING A GALLERY WALL WITH POSTER STORE

Blue Brontide is an award winning children’s gift site founded on the belief that children’s items should not only be beautiful but built to last, made for keeps & designed to be passed down the family gathering memories & character along the way. Find amongst our pages beautiful heirloom toys, tableware & more in sustainable materials & ethically made because the very best things are made under the very best circumstances.

DISCOUNT CODE: MAMACLUB for 10% off

Steph is a 33 year old award winning blogger and podcaster from Bristol. Mum to Ciara 5, with a baby boy imminently pending, Steph can be found blogging in brutally honest fashion about her experience of parenting and pregnancy whilst living with chronic health conditions and invisible disability.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys family days with husband Shaun. Self confessed over-swearer and over-sharer, Steph is also an avid bookworm who loves nothing more than curling up with a book and a cuppa.

BLOG POSTS TO READ:

PERINATAL ANXIETY AND ME

THE PROS AND CONS OF HAVING A OPEN SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT

A not-very-maternal mum of two just blogging her way through the daily challenges of parenthood…one glass of fizz at a time.
On Jess’s blog you will find all sorts – Prosecco Mum is predominantly a parenting blog with most posts centring around the kids and what chaos they cause daily. If you’re after a perfect parenting blog this is probably not the one for you – there’s no curated perfection here; you will see the good, the bad and the downright frustration.

BLOG POSTS TO READ:

FIRST YEAR AS A SCHOOL MUM

A LETTER TO MY CHILDLESS SELF

Shayla is a fit mama lifestyle blogger based in the UK and you’ll usually find her blogging about all things from how to maintain healthy habits to fitness, recipes and parenting. She made The Daily Shayla to share my experiences and various life journeys with everyone to read and learn from; given to you with an extra splash of pink!

BLOG POSTS TO READ:

HOW TO FIT EXERCISE INTO A BUSY SCHEDULE

12 MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES TO INSPIRE YOU

Izzy, an author and full-time blogger at izzymatias.com. I help content creators build their dream blogs, make money and create a life of freedom. I share the good, messy and in-between of building a blog and online business while having fun.

BLOG POSTS TO READ:

HOW I BECAME A FULL TIME BLOGGER

THE ONE THING THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH CONSISTENCY

We hope you enjoyed meeting our July advertisers! Have you discovered some new accounts to follow? Who has been your favourite blogger recently?