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  • Red Friday Event Up to 40% off all 2026 breaks, with flexible deposits starting from just £1 per person!

    Butlin’s Red Friday and Black Friday 2025 : Huge Savings on 2026 Family Breaks, New Shows and Exclusive Add-Ons If you’re already dreaming of your 2026 family holiday, Butlin’s has just launched one of their biggest events of the year. Their Red Friday and Black Friday offers are back, running from Monday 17 November until 23:59 on Tuesday 2 December 2025. Families can expect major savings, brand-new entertainment reveals, and exclusive add-ons designed to make your next break even more memorable. And this year, the focus is firmly on what makes Butlin’s so special: stand-out entertainment, all-weather activities, and unforgettable family moments. Below, we break down exactly what’s included and why these limited-time offers are worth grabbing early. What Is Butlin’s Red Friday? Red Friday is Butlin’s headline event for families planning a 2026 break – and the savings this year are impressive. Main Offer Up to 40% off all 2026 family breaks Flexible deposits from just £1 per person For parents planning ahead, securing the dates you want with such a low deposit makes next year’s holiday feel far more manageable. Whether you prefer term-time stays, seaside summer breaks, or the buzz of February Half Term, this is the best time to lock it all in. Exclusive Red Friday Add-Ons This year, Butlin’s has doubled down on value by adding Red Friday-only offers on dining and drinks packages. Extra 10% off Dining Plans A Red Friday exclusive . This stacks on top of existing offers and applies to all 2026 breaks.Perfect if you want the ease of pre-planned meals, especially with little ones who get hungry fast. Extra 10% off All-Inclusive Drinks Packages Another Red Friday exclusive, helping families budget more easily and relax without worrying about the extras. Combined with the main 40% discount, families can save significantly by booking early. First Look at Butlin’s 2026 Entertainment Line-Up Entertainment is at the heart of every Butlin’s break, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of their biggest years yet. Highlights include: Diversity Returning for Summer 2026 The iconic dance troupe will once again take the stage with a brand-new show created exclusively for Butlin’s guests. New Masked Singer Costumes & Mystery Celebrities The popular live show returns with fresh costumes and surprise guest stars. Kids and parents alike love trying to guess who’s behind the mask. Max Pro Wrestling High-energy action and family-friendly fun, ideal for children who love excitement, characters and drama. Peppa Pig and Baby Evie Perfect for younger children, this year’s line-up continues to bring the most-loved preschool characters to life on stage. These shows are a huge part of what sets Butlin’s apart from other UK family resorts . If entertainment is your family’s top priority, Red Friday is the moment to secure the best seats and the best accommodation before they sell out. February Half Term 2026: A New Season Showcase Brand-New Shows Debut in February Be the first to experience the new season entertainment before the summer crowds arrive. Indoor Fun for Cold and Rainy Days February in the UK isn’t known for sunshine, but Butlin’s is built for all-weather fun. Indoor pools, soft play, live shows, arcades and craft sessions mean little ones can run, jump and explore regardless of the forecast. Flexible Booking with Low Deposits (£5 per person) Alongside the usual £1pp offer, February Half Term breaks include flexible booking and a Lowest Price Guarantee, helping families spread the cost. Why Families Book Red Friday Every Year 1. Locking in School Holiday Dates Early Half terms and summer weeks book up fast. Red Friday gives families first pick. 2. Managing Costs with Low Deposits and Payment Plans Spreading the cost of a family holiday often makes the whole experience feel less overwhelming. 3. All-Weather Entertainment From circus acts to live music, toddler shows to headline performers, Butlin’s offers something for every age group. 4. A Guarantee of the Lowest Price If prices drop after you book, Butlin’s will adjust your booking automatically. For busy mums already juggling schedules, planning ahead with confidence is a real gift. If Butlin’s is on your radar for next year, the Red Friday and Black Friday 2025 offers are the best opportunity to secure the break you want at the lowest possible price. With up to 40% off, exclusive dining and drinks discounts, and the first glimpse of the 2026 entertainment line-up, it’s an ideal moment to plan something lovely for your family. Book Now!

  • Easy Dinner Ideas for Family, Think Delicious, Affordable, Stress-Free Recipes!

    Looking for easy dinner ideas for family? Discover healthy, budget-friendly, one-pot and vegetarian-option family recipes perfect for busy mums and weeknights. When you’re juggling work, children, and everything in between, dinner can quickly feel like a daily challenge. You want meals that are quick, nourishing, and affordable — without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where our collection of easy dinner ideas for family comes in. From one-pot wonders to vegetarian favourites and budget-friendly recipes, these family meals are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and bring everyone together around the table. One-Pot Wonders: Fuss-Free Family Recipes The beauty of one-pot cooking is in its simplicity: fewer dishes to wash, less time spent hovering over the hob, and big flavours everyone can enjoy. One-Pot Chicken and Rice A classic family favourite. Brown some chicken thighs, add garlic, onion, and a handful of mixed vegetables, then simmer with stock and rice until tender. The result? Comforting, filling, and only one pan to clean. Hearty Beef Stew Perfect for cooler evenings. Slow-cooked beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth that fills the house with the cosiest aroma. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love. Pasta Primavera For a lighter option, cook pasta directly in stock with seasonal vegetables like courgette, broccoli, and peas. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan or nutritional yeast for a satisfying, fuss-free dinner. Vegetarian Family Recipes: Healthy and Delicious Adding more plant-based meals to your weekly routine is not only healthy but also budget-friendly. These vegetarian family recipes  are packed with flavour, protein, and nutrients to keep everyone satisfied. Chickpea and Spinach Curry A warming dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and curry spices, add tinned tomatoes and chickpeas, then stir in fresh spinach. Serve with rice or naan for a wholesome meal. Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Veg Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with cooked quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until golden — colourful, fun, and full of goodness. Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup Red lentils simmered in a rich tomato and coconut milk base. It’s hearty, protein-packed, and pairs perfectly with toasties for a cosy family dinner. Budget-Friendly Easy Dinner Ideas Feeding a family doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. With a few clever swaps and cupboard staples, you can create delicious meals that go far without costing much. Vegetable Stir Fry with Egg Noodles Grab whatever veg you have in the fridge — carrots, peppers, cabbage — and toss with soy sauce, garlic, and egg noodles. Ready in 15 minutes and endlessly adaptable. Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils Swap half (or all) of the mince for lentils to cut costs while keeping it hearty. Top with creamy mash and bake until golden — comfort food at its best. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toppings Roast whole sweet potatoes until soft, then let everyone add their own toppings: beans and cheese, sautéed veg, or even tuna mayo. A simple, hands-off dinner that feels customisable for picky eaters. Tips for Stress-Free Family Dinners Batch cook when you can : Doubling a recipe means leftovers for lunchboxes or another night. Get kids involved : Little ones can stir, sprinkle cheese, or wash veggies — making mealtime fun. Use store cupboard staples : Tinned beans, pasta, rice, and frozen veg are your secret weapons. Plan a theme night : Tacos, pasta, or “fakeaway Fridays” make dinner feel special without extra work. Easy dinners don’t have to mean boring or repetitive. With a little planning and some go-to recipes, you can create family meals that are quick, nourishing, affordable, and loved by everyone at the table. From hearty one-pot wonders to vibrant vegetarian dishes and budget-friendly classics, these family recipes are here to make weeknights less stressful and more joyful. 🌸 For more mum-approved meal inspiration, wellness tips, and parenting support, join us inside the Carol App  - your trusted friend in motherhood.

  • Postpartum Hair Loss - Why It Happens and What New Mums Can Do

    Experiencing postpartum hair loss? Learn why it happens after pregnancy, when it usually stops, and the best tips and treatments for new mums. You’ve made it through pregnancy, birth, and those early newborn weeks - but suddenly, your hairbrush and shower drain are full of hair. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Postpartum hair loss (also called postpartum alopecia ) is a very common experience for new mums, affecting up to 50% of women after pregnancy. The good news? It’s usually temporary. But understanding why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do to support your hair and confidence can make all the difference. Read More : Navigating the landscape of Postpartum Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen? During pregnancy, higher levels of oestrogen  and progesterone  keep your hair in its growth (anagen) phase for longer. This is why many women notice thicker, shinier hair while expecting. After birth, hormone levels drop suddenly. This causes: More hairs entering the shedding phase (telogen)  all at once Hair loss that feels much heavier than usual Shedding most noticeable between 3–6 months postpartum It isn’t usually true “hair loss” (like alopecia areata), but rather a catch-up shedding  of hair that would normally have fallen gradually. Read More : Postpartum & Beyond When Does It Start and Stop? Starts : Often around 2–4 months postpartum. Peaks : Shedding is usually most noticeable around 4 months after birth. Improves : By your baby’s first birthday, most mums find hair growth and shedding return to normal. If hair loss continues beyond 12 months, or you notice bald patches, it’s worth speaking to your GP to rule out other conditions (like thyroid imbalance, iron deficiency, or stress-related hair loss). What Does Postpartum Hair Loss Look Like? Shedding large amounts when brushing, washing, or styling Thinner ponytail or more visible scalp Baby hairs regrowing along the hairline (often wispy or uneven) Thinning particularly at the temples or crown It can be alarming, but it’s a normal, temporary part of postpartum recovery . Tips for Coping With Postpartum Hair Loss While you can’t stop postpartum shedding completely, there are plenty of ways to support healthy regrowth and make your hair look and feel fuller. 1. Nourish From the Inside Your body needs nutrients to recover from pregnancy and support hair growth. Focus on: Protein  – hair is made of keratin (a protein). Include lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils. Iron  – blood loss during birth can lower iron. Eat leafy greens, red meat, fortified cereals. Omega-3 fatty acids  – salmon, walnuts, flaxseed to support scalp health. Biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins  – all linked with healthy hair. 💡 Tip: If you’re breastfeeding, continue taking your prenatal or postnatal vitamins (but always check with your GP). 2. Gentle Hair Care Use a wide-tooth comb  to detangle wet hair. Switch to a gentle, volumising shampoo  rather than heavy, moisturising formulas. Avoid tight hairstyles (pony tails, buns) that pull on fragile strands. Limit heat styling (straighteners, curling wands). 3. Switch Up Your Style Try shorter layers or fringes  to disguise thinning around the temples. A volumising blow dry  or root-lift spray can give instant fullness. Headbands, clips, and scarves can stylishly cover thinner areas. 4. Manage Stress & Sleep (As Best You Can!) Easier said than done as a new mum — but stress can worsen hair loss. Try: Rest when you can (yes, even a 20-min nap counts). Gentle movement like walking or postnatal yoga. Relaxation techniques: breathing, guided meditation, or journaling. 5. Scalp Massage Massaging your scalp with fingertips or a soft brush for 5 minutes a day boosts blood flow to follicles and can encourage regrowth. Some mums like to use a few drops of rosemary oil (diluted in a carrier oil). 6. Professional Help if Needed If hair loss feels severe, see your GP or a trichologist. They may check for: Iron deficiency anaemia Thyroid issues  (postpartum thyroiditis can cause shedding) Other nutritional gaps Treatment can be simple once the root cause is identified. Myths About Postpartum Hair Loss “It means you’re not eating well.” Not true — shedding is mainly hormonal. Diet supports recovery, but it doesn’t “cause” it. “It won’t grow back.” In almost all cases, it does. New regrowth often looks like baby hairs at first. “Breastfeeding makes hair loss worse.” There’s no evidence that breastfeeding directly causes more shedding. Hormones and genetics play a bigger role. When to See a Doctor Postpartum hair loss is usually harmless, but book a GP appointment if you notice: Hair loss lasting longer than 12 months postpartum Bald patches or circular areas of loss Other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings (could signal thyroid issues) Postpartum hair loss can feel like an extra challenge at a time when you’re already adjusting to new motherhood. But remember: It’s normal, temporary, and usually resolves by 12 months. Gentle care, good nutrition, and a little styling creativity can help you feel more confident. If you’re worried, always reach out for medical advice — you don’t have to navigate it alone. 🌸 Want more expert-led advice on the ups and downs of motherhood? Download the Carol App  : your trusted friend in postpartum and beyond.

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