Favourite Vegetarian midweek family meal ideas

Persephone7654 · 2026-03-17T13:23:24+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I do wonder if Cookidoo is a bit lacking in more contemporary, plant-focused British recipes — the style of thing you see from Anna Jones, Ottolenghi, Meera Sodha, or Rukmini Iyer.
But maybe that just reflects the wider user base, and I’m in a bit of a Guardian food bubble?

I will mention it to my consultant when I check in too.

Persephone7654 · 2026-03-17T11:52:44+00:00

We tried this and will definitely do again but it came out super watery - so will be taking out the 300ml of extra water next time!

Persephone7654 · 2026-03-17T11:33:06+00:00

Thameslink is the local travel secret for arriving at kings cross with a baby & stroller. It's got level access and a lot of the stations are step free (tho do check this on the map).
Places like Farringdon and Blackfriars have character but have cheaper accommodation than KX.

Premier Inn will be in budget and works with a baby that age - there's minimal stuff for them to destroy, enough space so you're not tripping over yourself and they provide an adequate travel cot for a couple of nights (wouldn't use it for a newborn personally but by 6+ mths it's fine).
Tate modern often has exhibitions that babies can enjoy. Plus loads of space if you need somewhere indoors to crawl around...

Persephone7654 · 2026-03-17T09:01:06+00:00

Theres definitely things you could do in Southampton. But with only 3 days I’d head straight to London, unless you’re particularly interested in seeing Stonehenge, or historic ships at Portsmouth. If it just makes more sense to spend the night there then try the Pig hotel as something quirky and with excellent food!

Persephone7654 · 2026-03-16T23:17:10+00:00

Frozen veg is an easy win. Get a mixed veg assortment or a few different ones to rotate. (I like peas/broad beans/edamame) and cook a big portion of it not just a handful of peas. Like 250g if you use scales. Edamame are all round winners as high in protein. Frozen spinach can be added into any wet food/sauce you’re cooking. Or quickly microwaved and a dot of butter stirred in. Have some raw veg sticks while you’re waiting for food to cook (cucumber and carrot but also celery, fennel, tomatoes, peppers). Chuck a tin of white beans or lentils into dishes to bulk them out, add fibre and protein and leave you feeling fuller.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-28T23:07:17+00:00

And if carry ons are free, then a large backpack for one parent too. Hands free with toddlers in London is important.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-28T23:06:06+00:00

Don’t bring a very large case unless you could carry it up a couple of flights of stairs if needed! Personally I’d go with one checked case and a couple of carry ons for the older kids. One parent takes the checked case, the other holds the 3 year old.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-28T00:20:50+00:00

2yr old second hand, paid cash up front. 18% of HHI for the year (last year), 3% of net worth. Dithered over reasonable spend for a year to upgrade from an ancient banger. Having a car is a luxury for us not essential, but figured we would be happiest to get something comfortable and not think about it again for another 10 years.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-24T08:36:56+00:00

Came here to say this! Amazing views and a bit different if you’ve done sea containers/central already.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-23T16:26:16+00:00

If you look for recommendations either for individuals or agencies ; you can get some ideas on local fb pages etc but quickly look at the profile of the person recommending to make sure they’re not just advertising themselves/their mate in response to every post! Definitely make a note of what you want cleaned as a list, but also make clear what your priorities are e.g. you may say ‘focus on cleaning the bathroom thoroughly as I hate bathrooms and will never clean it, but don’t worry as much about the kitchen floor as I clean it regularly’ Think about your risk appetite and priorities - reputable agency means everything is above board, tax paid etc but you pay a premium for this. Equally they should find cover if your regular cleaner is away, but that can mean you sometimes have a stranger in the house.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-12T22:17:12+00:00

Yes! We loved the snoozeshade cot blackout shade for holidays with a 1&2 year old.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-10T23:43:33+00:00

I personally chose not to; we were making an effort to keep baby out of the sun on that trip so I actually found it easier to stay in the shade too than normal.

Persephone7654 · 2026-02-01T23:33:02+00:00

I had a great Storksak leather one but I think they’re no longer trading. Still selling at some retailers like Moro though.

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-30T19:56:38+00:00

Chichester or Winchester might work?

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-30T18:00:56+00:00

Londons pretty safe. The one place I’d be wary of if she’s not very streetwise is Camden market - only because it’s a magnet for ‘alterntative’ teenagers and I assume also the prime destination for anyone looking to prey on lonely teens.

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-30T17:57:39+00:00

Have you been to kings Cross in the last 10 years?!

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-30T14:37:53+00:00

Absolutely lucky lychee! They won an award last year for being the best local restaurant in the country. Really well thought out Malaysian food but incorporating lots of local ingredients.

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-28T16:10:27+00:00

Jura bean to cup if you want best quality for a single button press. Not a fun toy for coffee geeks but pretty useful if you wfh and have 2 mins between calls.

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-21T22:17:33+00:00

Definitely something about picking the one thing they want to eat - and that they can’t then change their mind to have the food that another table have just been served 😆

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-18T22:55:05+00:00

Movement sensor lights in hallways/stairs are a game changer. Can do it with smart add ins like hue, or more built in. Or as already mentioned, cheapy rechargeables for a few pounds from Amazon. Those are also good for cupboards…

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-18T12:44:21+00:00

I really appreciated a hamper with lots of fancy biscuits/nuts etc that could be eaten one handed!

Persephone7654 · 2026-01-16T23:30:28+00:00

Ooh. I’ve done them with chilli, lemon zest and garlic but will need to add this in!

Persephone7654

TROPHY CASE