Archives for June 2021

BeWILDerwood Cheshire Adventure Park

Filed Under: ADVENTURES, DAYS OUT, LIFE // June 29, 2021

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Before COVID hit, we had planned and booked to go to BeWilderwood Original site in Norfolk as we loved the idea and the look of it. But then we had to cancel and a year later they opened a site in Cheshire which is much closer to us, safe to say we were really excited! BeWILDerwood Cheshire Adventure Park is the perfect family day out, it is based on the magical adventures of the books written by Tom Blofield, we haven’t actually read the books but we will definitely be buying them after our visit!

BeWILDerwood Cheshire Adventure Park

Cost, Location & Children Suitability:

Tickets are based on height so that the littlest amongst the family or the “Born to be Wild’s” are free and the taller you are (the more you can go on) the higher the price. Although we were given these tickets for free, we have already booked again to go and paid £78 total for us as we all fell under the tallest height bracket of 105cm and taller.

BeWilderwood is located in Whitchurch, Cheshire. It was about an hour drive from us in Manchester. Children and children at heart really are meant for here, every detail is just planned so that there is wonder wherever you turn. We saw children of all ages (grown up children too) enjoying all the different activities and truly enjoying themselves.

COVID Precautions:

We were asked to complete a track and trace document before we arrived, this is sent out via email. When we arrived there was hand sanitiser at the entrance and on literally every installation with signs prompting people to wash their hands regularly. There was also several signs dotted around the woods reminding people to give others space and that if an area looked busy to come back later on to try it again. As we were outside, no masks were required only within the gift shop. We were also given a leaflet when we entered just to reinforce the safety guidelines.

The Experience:

The whole experience was brilliant, the wood is basically a giant circle so you can easily get around and pick and mix the areas you want to visit and in whatever order you want. We started with the Treacherous Trail, a wonderful walkway with gorgeous purple flowers and hidden treasures for you to discover! We headed over to Telescope tower to climb our way to the top, the views really are breath-taking, and same with the Broken Bridge, and the views from the top were gorgeous. We spent some time on the Slippery Slopes where the kids (and Graham) really had a blast going down the big slides.

We got lost in the Mish Mash Maze and wandered around for ages trying to figure out the way back out but it was so much fun, each picking a direction and seeing if we were right or (mostly) wrong! We also loved the sky maze, and the wobbly wires were so much fun. We love a good zip line in our house and the fact we could go side by side was brilliant, I also noticed a zip wire made for younger children too which I think is a brilliant idea so they don’t miss out. We created Dens together, checked out Boggle Village and BeWilderville and walked around the marshy moss.

We decided to stop and get something to eat at the Cosy Cabin, it was really busy but the BeWilder Banger was lovely and the kids munch boxes were brilliant. We caught the end of one of the Storytime Shows and it looked like so much fun, we didn’t catch the whole thing but when we go back we will make sure we catch one.

Tips & Recomendations:

BeWilderwood caters for everything you need really but here are some helpful hints for our next visit or your first one:

– Take a picnic blanket! There are lots of benches to sit on but they were all full and it was really busy so we ended up having to eat our lunch on the floor.

– Wear thin layers! Inside the woods it was a little chilly compared to near the entrance. Wear layers you can take on and off easily.

– Wear sensible shoes! Something you can climb in but won’t get wet if there are puddles (or just jump in them and enjoy the fun even more).

Overall:

The kids really enjoyed themselves, exploring and climbing and working their way through the obstacles. It really is a full day out, I think we were there from around 10:30 and we left around 2:30 so a good 4 hours. We could have stayed longer too to catch the Story time or the crafts in the Big Hat but we had Alice’s party to sort out the day after!

~ Cost: 4/5 (Taking into account the cost of the food etc. with the tickets)

~ Kid Friendly: 5/5

~ COVID safety: 5/5

~ The Experience: 5/5

As always the kids pick the experience score so it’s a win from us! Check out BeWilderwood’s website here to get tickets.

*This post is a PR trip on behalf of That Mama Club, I was offered free tickets to attend and asked for content in the shape of Instagram stories, photos and a blog post. All observations and opinions are my own.

REVIEW & PHOTOS BY ASHLEE // @STICK_THE_KETTLE_ON

SUMMER BLOG POST IDEAS

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE // June 26, 2021

We’ve always found it is harder to get blog traffic during the Summer and that’ll be even more true this year – what with people not really being able to enjoy Summer last year. Not as many people might be going abroad but i’m sure we will all be taking advantage of family beach trips or fun days out with friends. That being said, we absolutely love writing seasonal content and it is a sure way to gain some traffic on your website! Constantly coming up with fresh and exciting blog post ideas can be really difficult so we have collated a selection of summer blog post ideas for everyone!

We are well aware that the pandemic is still ongoing and as we are writing this there are still restrictions in place so we have adapted this post to tie in with that.

SUMMER BLOG POST IDEAS

Summer Date Day\Night Ideas
Favourite Summer Recipes
Local Picnic Spots You Love
Summer Cocktail/Mocktail Recipes
Nail Inspo
15 Fun Outdoor Activities
Craft Ideas For Kids
Perfect Summer Dresses
Easy Summer Hairstyles
Summer Skincare Routine
Summer Self Care Activities
Food Ideas For BBQ’s
Summer Party Decoration Ideas
Low Calorie Summer Snack Ideas
Free Activities To Do This Summer With Kids
Easy Ways To Save Money This Summer
Summer Bucket List Ideas
Best Summer Playlists
Staycation Destinations You Love
Packing For Staycations With Children
Fun Summer DIY Ideas
How To Beat The Summer Heat
Refreshing Homemade Lemonade Recipes
Top Summer Travel Hacks
Beach Essentials With Children
DIY Summer Beauty Treatments
Boredom Busting Activities For Families
Back To School Lunch Ideas
Books You Want To Read This Summer
Your Daily Summer Routine
Your Favourite Summer Book Recommendations
Attend An Outdoor Concert Or Food Festival
Fruit Picking Experience
What Are Your Goals For The Next 12 Months
What Have You Been Watching On Netflix This Summer
Your Favourite Summer Trends
What You Are Looking Forward To In Autumn
Apps That Every Blogger/Content Creator Needs
Last-Minute Fun Ideas For Summer
Bullet Journal Ideas
What Is In My Bag | Summer Edition
Round-Up Of Your Favourite Bloggers
Summer Side Hustles To Help Earn Extra Money
No Heat Hairstyles
How To Make The Most Of Your Outdoor Space
What Summer Means To You
Find Your Happiness This Summer
New Hobbies To Start This Summer
Prepping Your Home For The Summer Season
A Lazy Summer Dinner Recipe

We hope some of these ideas help spark your creativity! Do you love planning seasonal content?

PIN FOR LATER:

I’M NOT THE MOTHER I THOUGHT I WOULD BE

Filed Under: GUEST POST, HOME, MOTHERHOOD // June 24, 2021

Finding out I was pregnant again after baby loss filled me with an almost ‘forbidden excitement’ – as if I shouldn’t get my hopes up, you know, just in case it happens again. The first time around it was quite a traumatic experience and even considering trying again took me a few months. However, fast forward 12 months to the day I found out I’d lost my baby, my beautiful boy, Jude, was born – on my birthday! You couldn’t write that could you?

Going through the loss of a baby also made me feel like I should be grateful for every moment and that I shouldn’t complain because I’m so lucky to have this baby. And whilst the latter is absolutely true – it’s okay to talk about how god damn hard it is at times – because it is, right?

Jude is now 9 months old and he is the loveliest little boy I could imagine – if you don’t follow me already, come say Hi @Journeywithjude and you’ll see my obsession in photo form! But it hasn’t always been, and still isn’t always smooth sailing. Whenever I talk to other Mum’s, I’m often taken aback by responses like “Oh thank god it’s not just me” and “No one ever tells you that, do they?”

NOT THE MOTHER I THOUGHT I WOULD BE

In a world where we’re so open and willing to stand up for the things that matter, who’s standing up for the struggles of Motherhood?

You’ll feel this immediate rush of love when your baby is born…

So this just didn’t happen for me. I’m not sure if it was the fact Jude came almost 4 weeks early or that the labour was less than 2 hours but I can only describe the feeling as completely overwhelming. It was such a daunting experience and to have my husband leave me after 4 hours (covid and all that) just added to my fear I think. It wasn’t until the next day I actually started to adjust to the idea I’d had a baby and he was all mine to take care of – not that I had any idea what I was doing!

Of course it didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels but I just want to reassure you that if you didn’t get that instant feeling – you’re not alone and it is okay.

I’ll definitely be happy to leave my baby after a couple of months…

Erm, hell no! I always thought I’d be more than happy to hand Jude over when he was a few months old so we could ‘have some time to ourselves’ – notwithstanding the fact we couldn’t actually go anywhere or do anything – I couldn’t have wanted anything less. I’m still adjusting now but I’m starting to relax and let go – I probably need to consider whether I’ll be back at work later this year.

Everyone talks about the issue of separation anxiety for babies but what about the parents?

I’d never let my baby sleep in my bed…

So, Jude has never been a good sleeper. I put a lot of the early months down to the fact he has reflux and that he spent so much of that time in pain or discomfort – what adult could sleep through that, let alone a baby?

But just as we got that under control with the right medication, the 4 month sleep regression hit and my god, I was not expecting to find it as hard as I did. Looking back now, I’m not sure how I made it through – the nights were so long, dark and lonely – and even with the amazing support of my husband, I still really struggled. I remember thinking about just walking out the door and driving away – I never actually did by the way – but those thoughts would creep in regularly.

We really hit rock bottom when we were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of Jude’s nursery and he’d end up on the mattress too, by 4am every morning, just so we could get some sleep. It was at this point we knew something had to give and we started the course from @Justchillmama. It wasn’t a miracle worker and we’re working on Jude’s night time sleep even now but his day naps are amazing and he’s learnt how to settle himself to sleep. And for any Mum struggling with sleep, you’ll hear me when I say, it changed my life!

These are just a few of the things I told myself before having Jude and I’m sure there are many more for you too. But just know, you’re not alone. We all imagine the Mother we’ll be and it’s okay to think ahead about how you want to do things but it’s also okay to change your mind or to ‘do what you need to do’ when all hell breaks loose.

We’re often our own biggest critics and if I’ve learnt one thing from reaching out to this amazing community, it’s that there is so much support out there, so make sure you use it! I’m always around for a little ‘pick me up’ too if you need it.

So from me to you – You got this, Mama! I am not the mother I thought I would be, and that is okay. I am still exactly what my baby needs.

WRITTEN BY AMY : @JOURNEYWITHJUDE

MEET OUR JUNE ADVERTISERS

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE // June 22, 2021

AD – FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ADVERTISING PACKAGES CLICK HERE

June is here and we can’t quite believe it! How are half way through the year?! June is a very exciting month for us here at TMC as it is mine & Charlotte’s birthdays and we also turn One! Not our website, this only launched in January – but That Mama Club launched on Instagram on the 21st June 2020 and it has been a crazy year! Thank you so much to everyone who has been a part of our journey and we honestly can’t thank the community we have built, enough.

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 June advertisers.

JUNE ADVERTISERS

Unique baby clothes and gifts handcrafted from vintage, recycled and pre-loved fabrics.
Peg was born out of concerns over fast fashion and unethical supply chains, with the aim of up-cycling and re-using instead of discarding.
All items are handmade with love and care, many are one of a kind, all are limited editions. Products include baby grows, hats, bibs, leggings and Peg’s bestselling baby slippers. Everything is cloth nappy friendly and safe (no ties, ribbons, buttons or loops) and all packaging is environmentally responsible. Little clothes refashioned, recycled, remade. Discount code for free delivery: TMC0621

Corinne is a lifestyle blogger for York who has blogged on Skinnedcartree for 9 years. Her blog covers blog tips, home & personal style, food & health. She has recently had a baby boy last November and often blogs about pregnancy and navigating life as a new parent. BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

6 TIPS FOR INSTAGRAM GROWTH IN 2021

WHAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST FOR THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR BABY

An established content creator trying to make her way in life. You can expect to find posts about lifestyle, eco swaps, veganism and Netflix recommendations. I create content that’s designed to make you feel better about things. I’ve been living in Harrogate, North Yorkshire for 5 years now and have grown to love its many charms. I enjoy walking in the Yorkshire Dales and documenting my travels. BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

COUCH TO 5K – A FIRST TIMERS EXPERIENCE

5 EASY ECO-SWAPS FOR YOUR BATHROOM

Zeen and Me is inspired by my daughter, Aazeen, and her fascination with books despite not being able to read yet. There are several different themed sets catering to ages 0-5 years. Each set also includes self care for you too. As Mums, we tend to neglect ourselves so my aim is to not only inspire the love of reading in children but to encourage you to take time out for yourself as well.

These would make a perfect treat for yourself or if you’d like to send a surprise to someone then I can help with that too by including a personalised message from you. Because we’re more than just a book box! Discount code for TMC: TMC10 for 10% off.

My name is Rhiannon aka Mrs. Slee-Jones. I’m a 28 year old woman from the very wet country of Wales. I have a very random thought pattern where I go from being that responsible adult planning my monthly outgoings to obsessing over the fact that I don’t understand why a vicar can marry and have sex but a nun cant (don’t ask!). Throughout my life I have been through some life changing experiences with my health leading me to be a bit of a medical mystery!! Now i live my life day by day with invisible chronic illnesses and my own struggle with mental health. BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH 101

PTSD | MY STORY

Hi, I’m Lauren and I run the lifestyle & parenting blog, Reality in Reverie. I started this blog when I first moved to the UK from the US as a way of keeping a sort of “diary” of my new life. Now, three years on from starting, it chronicles my life with my little family. I share parenting tips, beauty reviews, and just straight up try to keep it real as I navigate life as a new mum. BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT:

TRUTHS ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF MOTHERHOOD

NEW BABY ESSENTIALS : WHAT YOU REALLY NEED

I am a children’s book author from Cheltenham writing a series of books based on my goofball horse Dave! They follow his adventures with his best friend Darcy and so far they’ve been to the beach and the annual pony show. Their next story is all about Dave’s birthday party, which he gets to celebrate with his three best friends from Cotswold Riding for the Disabled where Dave does his ‘day job’. I will be donating 10% of my profit to Cotswold RDA to help them continue their fantastic work with disabled riders. I am planning to have 10 books in the Dave and Darcy series, so there will be lots more adventures for children to enjoy over the next few years!
Discount code – TMC1 to get £1 off the bundle of two books

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:

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO START DOING TO LIVE A HAPPIER LIFE

HOW TO FEED A VEGAN CHILD A HEALTHY DIET

Last but certainly not least for our June advertisers. We are a small black-owned business. We produce and manufacture luxury handmade products to women with dry, thinning and damaged hair. VTESSIA was birthed March 2020, after I’d Experienced postpartum alopecia after having my baby in 2019. Losing my hair had affected my confidence in ways I cannot describe. Everything I tried didn’t work so as a cry for help, I started blending until I found the perfect solution to regrow my hair. This solution was then turned into a brand because I wanted to help other women like me. I was inspired by my pain to prevent other women from experiencing the same demoralizing issue as I did.

We hope you have found some lovely new bloggers & small business owners to follow! We love our June advertisers and we hope you do too! Let us know who your favourite bloggers have been recently…

How To Keep Sex Fun After Having Children

Filed Under: HOME, LIFE, LIFESTYLE, SEX & RELATIONSHIPS // June 15, 2021

[AD – THIS IS A PAID FOR POST]

Sex can seem like a chore at the best of times, so throw in having children and it all goes out the window. Especially when you have young children and you have to decide whether you’d rather have an orgasm or an extra 10 minutes sleep.. i’m not gonna lie – sleep always won. I think I can count on one hand the amount of times me & my partner had sex in the 12 months following our first son’s birth. However since having our second child (he is 17 months old now for context), my libido is BACK and we are having sex again. More sex than we’ve had in a long time. We thought we would share our top tips on how to keep sex fun after having children.

TAKE YOUR TIME

You don’t want to rush in all guns blazing with a giant tentacle shaped butt plug wedged between your cheeks. Slow & steady wins the race. Ease yourself in. Don’t feel like you have to release your inner porn star (although if you do, HELL YEAH…). Please let’s also remember, just because you might be cleared for sex at your six week postnatal check (WHO IN THE FRESH HELL IS READY AT SIX WEEKS?!) that does NOT mean you have to do it. You don’t owe anyone anything.

NURTURE YOUR EMOTIONAL & EMOTIONAL NEEDS

We all know it’s hard to relax and let go when we have 20,000 things running through our mind. Think, what do you need to do for yourself to feel good? – it could be ranting to a friend about something you’ve been annoyed about, it could be taking a long bath, it could be enjoying a cheeky little pre-coital wank (wink..). Practicing self care as a couple is equally as important; whether it’s asking a family member to babysit whilst you for a date night or ordering a takeaway and watching a film once the kids are in bed.

THINK ABOUT WHAT TURNS YOU ON

Not your partner. YOU. What are you into? Communicate that with your partner! Just the conversation itself can be HOTTTT.

INTRODUCE SEX TOYS

The tentacle shaped butt plug I mentioned previously? that’s a real toy but i’m not trying to scare you. We have a few to share that are fun! A 10 Day Love Challenge Couple’s Box is filled to the brim with exciting sex toys and erotic accessories that will spice up your sex life and bring pleasure to you both. If toys aren’t your thing (they really aren’t for everyone!), then how about a sexy little version of Monopoly. The Monogamy Erotic Board Game features three levels of intensity for personalised play: intimate, passionate and steamy. It reaches its climax with the winner choosing one of the 50 fantasies to act out. Some of the cards have a “Treat” action that you carry out over in the days and weeks to come..

Okay, for those who fancy trying something a little more… butt appreciation.. we have the kit for you! This Anal kit for beginners contains everything you need. It contains everything you need to relax and open up to new pleasurable sensations – including step-by-step instructions.

MAKE SMALL GESTURES

You don’t have to plan big extravagant weekends away and luxurious spa breaks. Small gestures daily can really make all the difference; having a kiss at the end of every day, sending a sexy text message, your partner managing to unpair their crusty socks before they put them in the wash…

There are so many different things you can do to keep things fun and sinful 😉 What is something you have done with your partner to light the spark again?