[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":582},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-finding-time-not-just-mummy":3,"related-finding-time-not-just-mummy":72},{"id":4,"title":5,"author":6,"body":7,"category":57,"cover":59,"date":60,"description":13,"excerpt":61,"extension":62,"featured_image":61,"legacy_id":63,"meta":64,"meta_description":65,"meta_title":5,"navigation":66,"path":67,"seo":68,"sponsored":66,"status":69,"stem":70,"subtitle":19,"__hash__":71},"posts/finding-time-not-just-mummy.md","Finding time to be ‘me’ and not just mummy!","Lisa Collette",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":54},"minimark",[10,14,22,25,36,42,45,48,51],[11,12,13],"p",{},"Being a parent can be the most rewarding job in the world, it can also be the most stressful. Two years into the parent life I’ve found it’s easy to lose yourself, and your identity. It feels like you’ve lost who you were pre-parenthood.",[11,15,16,21],{},[17,18],"img",{"alt":19,"src":20},"","/images/2018/08/bravado_nursing_bra_02.jpg","It’s not easy to find time to be yourself, not with children in the mix. But I’ve realised it’s important at least to try!",[11,23,24],{},"I’m making it my mission to make time for me. Which will probably start with the little things.",[11,26,27,28,35],{},"I’d love nothing more than getting together with friends and booking in some much-needed pampering for ourselves. Think spa day or girls holiday… I’ve never done either of these things but the thought alone is relaxing! Maybe when the children are older I can ",[29,30,34],"a",{"href":31,"rel":32},"https://www.mottramhall.com/spa-and-health-club",[33],"nofollow","look at spa days in Cheshire",". Until then, it’s the water parks for me!",[11,37,38,41],{},[17,39],{"alt":19,"src":40},"/images/2018/11/Konfidence_alton_towers49.jpg","With two little ones, I doubt embarking on a journey of self-discovery is practical, but I can try.",[11,43,44],{},"Starting small I’m challenging myself to make time to read again. That’s right, just the simple task of reading a good book. Something I did frequently pre-parenthood. I was a book blogger, I used to read 8 books in a month. I loved it. Over the last two years, I haven’t scratched that! It might only be 10 minutes before bed but it’s 10 minutes more than I’ve been reading up to now! It’s easy to pass time scrolling through social networks, but I’d get more enjoyment out of a good book.",[11,46,47],{},"Baths are another thing I think about but never do, that does not say I’m a smelly Nelly! I do shower each day. I just don’t indulge in the luxury of a soak in a tub full of bubbles or a luxury face mask. Maybe I should? I’ve had some Lush bath bombs in a drawer for months, I’ve waited so long Little Fox has started using them! I’ve also been eyeing up Origins masks and moisturiser for a while now. Thanks, beauty vloggers, that social influencer lark we do for a living sure does work! I may pop them on my Christmas list.",[11,49,50],{},"Admittedly these are little things, but ultimately that gives me more chance of succeeding. Taking just 10 minutes here or there to be me. A small moment out of a busy day has to be beneficial compared to nothing!",[11,52,53],{},"What do you to take time out for yourself? I’d love to know and see if I’m missing out on anything.",{"title":19,"searchDepth":55,"depth":55,"links":56},2,[],[58],"parenting","/images/2017/09/not_just_a_mummy.jpg","2019-01-29T09:00:00Z",null,"md","10340",{},"Finding time for self-care as a mum. Simple ways to reclaim your identity through reading, pampering and taking small moments for yourself as a parent.",true,"/finding-time-not-just-mummy",{"title":5,"description":13},"published","finding-time-not-just-mummy","KBfWX_MBXSOTw1HAcshiNgB2FBN9HVepgoB8A2CmtE4",[73,340,472],{"id":74,"title":75,"author":6,"body":76,"category":329,"cover":330,"date":331,"description":80,"excerpt":61,"extension":62,"featured_image":330,"legacy_id":61,"meta":332,"meta_description":333,"meta_title":334,"navigation":66,"path":335,"seo":336,"sponsored":337,"status":69,"stem":338,"subtitle":19,"__hash__":339},"posts/let-ai-decide-whats-for-dinner-tonight.md","Let AI decide what's for dinner tonight: a busy parent's lifesaver",{"type":8,"value":77,"toc":318},[78,81,84,89,92,96,99,103,109,112,115,128,132,135,138,185,188,192,195,234,238,241,244,258,262,265,268,271,274,278,298,302,310,313],[11,79,80],{},"It's 5pm. The kids are hungry, you're tired, and you're staring into the fridge hoping dinner will magically assemble itself. Sound familiar? I've been there more times than I'd like to admit, and honestly, \"dinner decision fatigue\" might just be the most underrated stressor of parenting.",[11,82,83],{},"The good news? You can now outsource that mental load to AI. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot can look at a photo of your fridge and tell you exactly what to cook. No meal planning, no recipe scrolling, no 6pm panic. Here's how to do it in under five minutes.",[85,86,88],"h2",{"id":87},"why-this-actually-works","Why this actually works",[11,90,91],{},"Modern AI chatbots can \"see\" images. That means you don't have to type out a list of every sad carrot and half-used jar of pesto lurking in your fridge. You snap a photo, upload it, and let the AI do the reading. Then it suggests a meal built around what you already own, which saves money, cuts waste, and means no emergency trip to the shop.",[85,93,95],{"id":94},"step-1-pick-your-ai-tool","Step 1: Pick your AI tool",[11,97,98],{},"Any of the major free chatbots will work. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot all accept image uploads on their free tiers. Download the app on your phone, or open it in your browser, whichever is easier when you've got a toddler clinging to your leg.",[85,100,102],{"id":101},"step-2-take-a-good-photo-or-two","Step 2: Take a good photo (or two)",[11,104,105],{},[17,106],{"alt":107,"src":108},"Taking a photo of the fridge contents to share with an AI chatbot","/images/2026/04/taking_picture_for_ai_dinner.png",[11,110,111],{},"Open the fridge, pull out any drawers where things are hiding, and take a clear, well-lit photo. If your fridge is stuffed, take a couple of pictures from different angles so nothing important gets missed. Do the same for your pantry or cupboard if you want the AI to factor in pasta, tinned tomatoes, rice, and so on. Don't forget the freezer if there's something in there worth using up.",[11,113,114],{},"A few quick photo tips:",[116,117,118,122,125],"ul",{},[119,120,121],"li",{},"Good lighting matters. Turn the kitchen light on.",[119,123,124],{},"Move things around so labels are visible where possible.",[119,126,127],{},"If something is in an opaque container, mention it in your message (e.g. \"there's also leftover roast chicken in the blue tub\").",[85,129,131],{"id":130},"step-3-write-a-prompt-that-actually-tells-the-ai-about-your-family","Step 3: Write a prompt that actually tells the AI about your family",[11,133,134],{},"This is where the magic happens, and it's the step most people skip. The AI is only as helpful as the information you give it. Don't just say \"what should I make?\". Tell it about the humans you're feeding.",[11,136,137],{},"Here's a template you can copy and adapt:",[139,140,141,144,147,182],"blockquote",{},[11,142,143],{},"Here's a photo of what's in my fridge and pantry. Please suggest a dinner I can make tonight using mostly what you can see.",[11,145,146],{},"A few things to know:",[116,148,149,160,166,169,172,179],{},[119,150,151,152,156,157],{},"I'm cooking for ",[153,154,155],"span",{},"number"," people: ",[153,158,159],{},"list them, e.g. 2 adults, a 7-year-old, and a 3-year-old",[119,161,162,165],{},[153,163,164],{},"Child's name"," doesn't like chicken, so if you suggest chicken please give me a quick alternative for them",[119,167,168],{},"Nobody in the house will eat mushrooms or olives",[119,170,171],{},"My youngest prefers plain food, nothing too spicy",[119,173,174,175,178],{},"I've got about ",[153,176,177],{},"30/45/60"," minutes and I'm knackered, so nothing too fiddly",[119,180,181],{},"We try to include a veg where we can",[11,183,184],{},"Please give me one main suggestion, plus a plan B in case I'm missing something you couldn't see in the photo.",[11,186,187],{},"That's it. The more specific you are about likes, dislikes, allergies, and time, the better the suggestion will be.",[85,189,191],{"id":190},"step-4-add-the-details-that-change-everything","Step 4: Add the details that change everything",[11,193,194],{},"Little bits of context make a huge difference to the quality of what the AI gives you back. Think about mentioning:",[116,196,197,204,210,216,222,228],{},[119,198,199,203],{},[200,201,202],"strong",{},"Fussy eaters."," \"My 5-year-old doesn't like chicken but everyone else does\" means the AI can suggest a meal where his portion gets swapped for something simple like fish fingers or a cheese toastie, while the rest of you eat the same dish.",[119,205,206,209],{},[200,207,208],{},"Vegetables specifically."," Kids are notoriously particular. \"She'll eat carrots and peas but not peppers or courgette\" is genuinely useful information.",[119,211,212,215],{},[200,213,214],{},"Allergies and intolerances."," Always flag these clearly at the top of your message. Don't rely on the AI to remember from a previous chat.",[119,217,218,221],{},[200,219,220],{},"Your energy levels."," Seriously, tell it you're tired. AI will happily suggest a one-pan traybake instead of a three-component meal if you ask for \"low effort.\"",[119,223,224,227],{},[200,225,226],{},"Equipment."," If you want to use the air fryer or slow cooker, say so.",[119,229,230,233],{},[200,231,232],{},"What you're trying to use up."," \"The spinach needs using today\" will push the AI to build the meal around it.",[85,235,237],{"id":236},"step-5-chat-back-and-forth","Step 5: Chat back and forth",[11,239,240],{},"You don't have to accept the first suggestion. Treat it like a conversation with a friend who happens to be a chef. If the AI suggests pasta bake and you had pasta last night, just say \"we had pasta yesterday, give me something else.\" If it suggests a curry and you're missing coconut milk, say so, and it'll pivot.",[11,242,243],{},"Some useful follow-ups:",[116,245,246,249,252,255],{},[119,247,248],{},"\"Can you give me the recipe with exact quantities for four?\"",[119,250,251],{},"\"Make it 20 minutes faster.\"",[119,253,254],{},"\"What can I swap the chicken for, for my daughter?\"",[119,256,257],{},"\"What's a quick pudding I could do with what's left?\"",[85,259,261],{"id":260},"a-real-example","A real example",[11,263,264],{},"Let's say your fridge photo shows: half a pack of mince, a red pepper, a bag of salad, some cheddar, a tub of Greek yoghurt, a lemon, and a few sad spring onions. Your pantry has rice, tinned tomatoes, and taco seasoning.",[11,266,267],{},"You tell the AI: two adults, two kids (6 and 4), the 4-year-old won't eat peppers, 30 minutes max, nothing spicy for the little one.",[11,269,270],{},"Back comes: easy beef tacos with rice on the side. Cook the mince with the tinned tomatoes and taco seasoning, keep a plain portion aside for the 4-year-old before adding the spice, chop the pepper into the adults' portions only, shred the lettuce from the salad bag, grate the cheese, dollop of yoghurt instead of sour cream, squeeze of lemon.",[11,272,273],{},"Dinner sorted. You haven't thought about it once.",[85,275,277],{"id":276},"a-few-honest-caveats","A few honest caveats",[116,279,280,286,292],{},[119,281,282,285],{},[200,283,284],{},"Always sense-check the recipe."," AI occasionally gets cooking times or temperatures slightly off. If something sounds wrong, trust your instincts.",[119,287,288,291],{},[200,289,290],{},"Double-check allergens."," Never rely on AI alone if someone in your house has a serious allergy. Read ingredient labels yourself.",[119,293,294,297],{},[200,295,296],{},"It won't always spot hidden things."," If half your fridge is in Tupperware, the AI can't see inside. Tell it what's in there.",[85,299,301],{"id":300},"the-real-win","The real win",[11,303,304,305,309],{},"The point of this isn't really the recipe. It's that you don't have to ",[306,307,308],"em",{},"decide",". For busy parents, the hardest part of dinner isn't the cooking, it's the thinking. Letting AI take that mental load, even a few nights a week, frees up a surprising amount of brain space for the stuff that actually matters.",[11,311,312],{},"Give it a go tonight. Snap the fridge, tell it about your lot, and see what it comes up with. Worst case, you ignore the suggestion. Best case? Dinner is handled, and you didn't have to think about it once.",[11,314,315],{},[306,316,317],{},"If you try this, I'd love to hear how you got on, so let me know over on the leeleeloves.co.uk socials.",{"title":19,"searchDepth":55,"depth":55,"links":319},[320,321,322,323,324,325,326,327,328],{"id":87,"depth":55,"text":88},{"id":94,"depth":55,"text":95},{"id":101,"depth":55,"text":102},{"id":130,"depth":55,"text":131},{"id":190,"depth":55,"text":191},{"id":236,"depth":55,"text":237},{"id":260,"depth":55,"text":261},{"id":276,"depth":55,"text":277},{"id":300,"depth":55,"text":301},[58],"/images/2026/04/cooking_dinner_ai_happy.png","2026-04-27T14:30:00Z",{},"A quick, honest guide for busy parents on using ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini to plan dinner from a photo of your fridge, in under five minutes.","Let AI decide what's for dinner tonight | LeeLee Loves","/let-ai-decide-whats-for-dinner-tonight",{"title":75,"description":80},false,"let-ai-decide-whats-for-dinner-tonight","zqluxL50H06jKAgkE-0RoxFbWNWClmtr92YzgAhVO4g",{"id":341,"title":342,"author":6,"body":343,"category":462,"cover":356,"date":463,"description":347,"excerpt":61,"extension":62,"featured_image":464,"legacy_id":61,"meta":465,"meta_description":466,"meta_title":467,"navigation":66,"path":468,"seo":469,"sponsored":337,"status":69,"stem":470,"subtitle":61,"__hash__":471},"posts/getting-back-to-routine-easing-children-into-the-new-term-after-the-christmas-holidays.md","Getting Back to Routine: Easing Children Into the New Term After the Christmas Holidays",{"type":8,"value":344,"toc":453},[345,348,351,357,361,364,367,371,374,377,381,384,387,393,397,400,403,407,410,413,417,420,423,427,430,433,436],[11,346,347],{},"The festive period is wonderful, but let's be honest – getting back into the swing of school routines after Christmas can be tough for the whole family. Late nights, lazy mornings, and days filled with excitement suddenly give way to early alarms, packed lunches, and homework. The shock of those cold, dark January mornings is real for both children and parents alike.",[11,349,350],{},"As a mum of three, I know firsthand how challenging this transition can be. Here are some practical ways to ease your children back into routine now that the holidays are over and we're facing those early wake-ups and dark evenings again.",[11,352,353],{},[17,354],{"alt":355,"src":356},"bedtime routine","/winter_bedtime_routine.png",[85,358,360],{"id":359},"start-the-wind-down-early","Start the Wind-Down Early",[11,362,363],{},"If you can, begin adjusting bedtimes a few days before school starts. Move bedtime forward by 15-20 minutes each night so the first day back isn't such a shock to their system. The same goes for wake-up times – resist the urge to let them sleep in right up until the last day of the holidays.",[11,365,366],{},"During the holidays, screen time rules often go out the window, and that's fine for a special break. But as you approach the new term, start reintroducing boundaries around devices, particularly in the hour before bed. The blue light from screens can interfere with sleep, making those early mornings even harder.",[85,368,370],{"id":369},"get-organised-the-night-before","Get Organised the Night Before",[11,372,373],{},"Those frantic morning searches for school shoes or PE kits add unnecessary stress when you're already fighting against the clock. Make life easier by getting everything ready the night before: uniforms laid out, bags packed, and lunch boxes prepared where possible.",[11,375,376],{},"I find it helpful to create a simple checklist with the children so they can take ownership of getting themselves organised. Even younger children can tick off items like \"reading book in bag\" or \"water bottle filled\" which builds their independence and takes some pressure off you.",[85,378,380],{"id":379},"reintroduce-structure-gradually","Reintroduce Structure Gradually",[11,382,383],{},"Children thrive on routine, but jumping straight from the relaxed holiday schedule to rigid school-day structure can feel jarring. In the last few days of the holidays, start reintroducing elements of your normal routine: regular meal times, quiet reading time, or even just sitting down together for breakfast rather than grazing throughout the morning.",[11,385,386],{},"This doesn't mean you can't still enjoy some quality family time – just add a bit more structure around it so the complete freedom of the holidays doesn't end abruptly on the first day of term.",[11,388,389],{},[17,390],{"alt":391,"src":392},"baking_after_school","/back_to_school_routine.png",[85,394,396],{"id":395},"embrace-the-cosiness-of-dark-evenings","Embrace the Cosiness of Dark Evenings",[11,398,399],{},"Rather than fighting against those dark January evenings, lean into them. Make after-school time cosy and comforting with warm lighting, hot chocolate, and perhaps some quiet activities like reading, drawing, or board games. Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere at home helps children decompress after their day and makes the dark evenings feel less gloomy.",[11,401,402],{},"Consider introducing \"cosy time\" as part of your evening routine – half an hour where everyone winds down together with a book or gentle activity before moving into the homework and bedtime routine.",[85,404,406],{"id":405},"keep-some-holiday-magic-alive","Keep Some Holiday Magic Alive",[11,408,409],{},"Just because Christmas is over doesn't mean all the fun has to stop. Keep some of that holiday joy going by planning things to look forward to: a special weekend activity, a movie night, or even just making Saturday morning pancakes a regular treat. Having something to anticipate helps children stay positive about the routine.",[11,411,412],{},"You could also look ahead to half-term or plan some winter walks and family days out. Here in the North West, we're lucky to have plenty of beautiful places to explore even in winter, and getting outdoors at weekends helps everyone stay energised.",[85,414,416],{"id":415},"be-patient-and-understanding","Be Patient and Understanding",[11,418,419],{},"Remember that you're all adjusting. Some children bounce back into routine quickly, while others take a bit longer. There might be tears, tantrums, or tiredness in those first few days, and that's completely normal. Don't expect perfection from yourself or your children.",[11,421,422],{},"Keep communication open – ask your children how they're feeling about going back, what they're looking forward to, and what they're worried about. Sometimes just acknowledging that the transition is hard can help everyone feel better about it.",[85,424,426],{"id":425},"look-after-yourself-too","Look After Yourself Too",[11,428,429],{},"Finally, don't forget that this adjustment period is tough on parents as well. Those early mornings are hard for us too, especially when we've also enjoyed the slower pace of the holidays. Make sure you're getting enough rest, and don't be too hard on yourself if everything doesn't run perfectly smoothly straight away.",[11,431,432],{},"Before you know it, you'll all be back in the swing of things, and the routine will start to feel normal again. Until then, take it day by day, support each other through the adjustment, and remember – we're all in this together.",[434,435],"hr",{},[11,437,438,452],{},[306,439,440,441,446,447,452],{},"How are you finding the back-to-school transition? I'd love to hear your tips for easing children back into routine after the holidays. Connect with me on ",[29,442,445],{"href":443,"rel":444},"https://instagram.com/leeleeloves",[33],"Instagram"," or ",[29,448,451],{"href":449,"rel":450},"https://twitter.com/leeleeloves",[33],"X",".",{"title":19,"searchDepth":55,"depth":55,"links":454},[455,456,457,458,459,460,461],{"id":359,"depth":55,"text":360},{"id":369,"depth":55,"text":370},{"id":379,"depth":55,"text":380},{"id":395,"depth":55,"text":396},{"id":405,"depth":55,"text":406},{"id":415,"depth":55,"text":416},{"id":425,"depth":55,"text":426},[58],"2026-01-08T20:33:00Z","winter_bedtime_routine.png",{},"Practical tips for getting children back into school routines after the Christmas holidays. From bedtime schedules to morning prep, ease the whole family back in.","Getting Children Back to Routine After Christmas","/getting-back-to-routine-easing-children-into-the-new-term-after-the-christmas-holidays",{"title":342,"description":347},"getting-back-to-routine-easing-children-into-the-new-term-after-the-christmas-holidays","YQHUfyu_W60Sv8RtXNF0vNOasB_95YekfejMxeO7Fjo",{"id":473,"title":474,"author":6,"body":475,"category":572,"cover":573,"date":574,"description":479,"excerpt":61,"extension":62,"featured_image":61,"legacy_id":575,"meta":576,"meta_description":577,"meta_title":474,"navigation":66,"path":578,"seo":579,"sponsored":66,"status":69,"stem":580,"subtitle":19,"__hash__":581},"posts/get-kids-good-sleep-routine.md","How to get your kids into a good sleep routine",{"type":8,"value":476,"toc":570},[477,480,485,493,510,513,518,527,532,537,546,551,554,559,564,567],[11,478,479],{},"Every parent knows the struggle of getting their children to wind down for bed at the end of the day. They’re still hyper and eager to stay up, so you’ll be looking for a quick and reliable routine that works a treat in getting your kids to go to sleep on time every night.",[11,481,482],{},[17,483],{"alt":19,"src":484},"/images/2016/02/snuz_deisgnz_bedding_cot_sleeping_baby.jpg",[11,486,487,492],{},[29,488,491],{"href":489,"rel":490},"https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html#:~:text=toddlers%2520(1%25E2%2580%25932%2520years)%253A,years",[33],"The average amount of sleep that children need can range anywhere from 8 to 14 hours","%253A%25208%25E2%2580%259310%2520hours) depending on their age. This sleeps is important to their alertness the following day and general cognitive development too. Children that don’t get enough sleep may have the following symptoms:",[116,494,495,498,501,504,507],{},[119,496,497],{},"Can’t pay attention",[119,499,500],{},"Low energy",[119,502,503],{},"Bad moods",[119,505,506],{},"Reduced social skills",[119,508,509],{},"Falling asleep at the wrong times the next day",[11,511,512],{},"With so many negatives of children not sleeping properly, you’ll be looking to avoid it completely. To help, we’ve prepared the ultimate sleep routine that will keep your kids falling asleep at the right time every night, so that they’re ready for the following day.",[11,514,515],{},[200,516,517],{},"Exercise during the day",[11,519,520,521,526],{},"Make sure that they are active during the day so that they are tired come evening, even just for a 30-minute daily walk. The NHS also recommends that ",[29,522,525],{"href":523,"rel":524},"https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-guidelines/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people/",[33],"every child should do a certain amount of exercise every day"," to keep their bodies healthy too.",[11,528,529],{},[17,530],{"alt":19,"src":531},"/images/2015/11/bubbaroo_sleeping_cot_cute_reading_joey_Swag.jpg",[11,533,534],{},[200,535,536],{},"Relax before bedtime",[11,538,539,540,545],{},"Creating a relaxing environment for them can also help them to feel more sleepy at night. ",[29,541,544],{"href":542,"rel":543},"https://hmv.com/store/music/cd?page=1",[33],"We recommend you put on a CD with some soothing music"," or read them a book in a slow and calm voice.",[11,547,548],{},[200,549,550],{},"Check the light in their bedroom",[11,552,553],{},"Make sure it’s as dark as possible to encourage them to sleep but keep a lamp or nightlight nearby in case they need it. Encourage them to avoid their phone and other devices too close to bedtime as the blue light emitted will disrupt sleep and keep them awake for longer.",[11,555,556],{},[17,557],{"alt":19,"src":558},"/images/2015/04/brother_max_bear_lamp_3.jpg",[11,560,561],{},[200,562,563],{},"Stick to specific times",[11,565,566],{},"By encouraging them to go to bed at the same time every night, they’re more likely to get into a familiar routine and keep their body clock regular. This will also help them to get up on time the next day too.",[11,568,569],{},"These changes are by no way majorly different to what you’re probably already doing. However, when you ensure that these practices are being done ever",{"title":19,"searchDepth":55,"depth":55,"links":571},[],[58],"/images/2016/01/Bubbaroo_baby_sleep_diary_blanet_review_01.jpg","2023-01-27T00:09:00Z","11948",{},"Get kids into a good sleep routine. Daily exercise, relaxation techniques, bedroom lighting tips, and consistent bedtimes. Essential parenting sleep advice.","/get-kids-good-sleep-routine",{"title":474,"description":479},"get-kids-good-sleep-routine","k50Nk0AV8NgjQ1lajLjmUhuc4AFan1OexRly8jmtZXI",1777287792320]