Goodliz

I started working for myself after having my first son in August 2004. The situation I was in was very lucky as I was offered redundancy from my old job just before I went on maternity leave. I had already trained to become a Personal Trainer (a complete career change) specialising in ante and post natal exercise. The hours are great as you can fit them round the kids. I also work evenings and Saturdays so that is a bit of a bind but it has to be done to make up the extra money. Getting the work in is more difficult now as my eldest has started school and the days are so much shorter than when he was at nursery. Luckily my husband has the proper job with a more dependable (if you can say that in a recession) income. I teach Powerpramming and can bring the kids with me to the classes when I need to. It has ups and downs like any other way of wrking but I honestly think I would be totally stressed out in my old job as I would be constantly worried about getting to work on time as it was in town and then picking up the kids in time etc etc. I would also find it very difficualt phoning a boss to say my kids are sick as they inevitably are from time to time. My way of working suits me perfectly so I would say the only downside is the drop in salary. A small price to pay though as I can be around so much for the kids - by the way, that is not a dig at anyone who works full time etc. No offence meant as this can be a delicate subject.

Home made garlic bread Crush a clove or 2 of garlic. Mix well with about 1/3 block of butter. Cut some thick slices of bread. Spread on the butter and put in oven about 150 degrees for about 10 mins. Hey presto garlic butter without all the additives and salt in the shop bought one.

Good idea Pickle. Sometimes I start the day thinking 'oh god, what am I going to make for tea?' Sad I know but it happens! On the odd weekend I make a massive lasagne which takes nearly a whole day to do. We have some that evening and then I freeze the rest in portion sizes. We have that once a week for about a month so it is well worth the effort (and cost). Like you I have 2 little ones along with me and my husband. Roast dinner on a Sunday always has left overs to use on Monday. E.g. chicken with noodles/ rice/ pasta etc. Mixed up with a selection of spices it comes put really nice. Can't believe I am writing this - it makes me feel so old and sensible!

dc Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Clinton McKenzie's gym at the Half Moon has > recently moved around the corner to Norwood Road: > British Boxing Interview > Although many of the references on his own website > are still to the Half Moon: Clinton McKenzie > Website Yes, this gym is now on bigger premises than the last venue above the pub. The new venue is by the junction of Norwood Rd and Tulse Hill. Clinton is a great trainer and you will certainly get in the ring, do some sparring, have plenty of bags to punch, do lots of skipping and be screamed at! If you have your own gloves I'd bring them with you as their ones are a bit sweaty (a girly comment I know). I just wish I had more time to go there regularly.

We have seen this happen on loads of occasions. Cars stopping and people getting in and out quickly etc. The streets round here are so quiet and free of police that dealing drugs is easy.

Hi Sooty. Sounds great. I have sent you a PM as I run Powerpramming which you mention plus some other things that may interest you. Thanks.

I agree. Go and have a good time. Thanks for getting the forum back up and running.

I can see why lots of sessions do a pre-booking scheme - after all they need to earn a living and cover their running costs. Sing and Sign is supposed to be great from what I have heard. With regards to franchise fees - yes they are very high but there is always the option of setting up your own independent group. Once word travels that it is a good group you get plenty of people attending. I used to take one of my sons to 'The Tickle Shop' about 3 years ago. It was run by Gilly who was independent of any franchise and it was great. Not sure if it is still running now. The classes were packed as so many people had heard how good it was. You did need to book onto a term which I was a bit reluctant about at first but once I saw how good it was I did not mind at all. Just thought I would also jump in and shamelessly give my new session a plug: Beenie Bounce - fitness and fun for pre schoolers. It is drop in so no need to pre-book. Mondays at 10.45 at East Dulwich Community Centre on Darrell Road (next to the back of Dulwich Medical Centre) The sessions are very active and use lots of equipment. Suit ages 2-4yrs. Cost ?5 Additional siblings over 2yrs ?3.00 (discount includes twins) No charge for siblings under 2. I hope some of you will give it a try.

I bought a bike from the new bike shop this weekend. I am really pleased with it and the owner fitted a child seat on the back for me. He also spent time with me demonstrating how to remove the seat and put it back on. The service I had from the shop was excellent. I would recommend them.

Thanks for the understanding I am glad I am not the only one to think that was off. I've even calmed down now!:)

okcomputa Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > OMG you must be so bored - what is the > point/motivation exactly of your post? I couldn't > count the number of times I've been short changed > or incorrectly billed etc in life - sometimes it's > my fault, other times not. I suppose it does come across like that! I was just really cross as he made the mistake and I'm fed up of shops trying to rip people off. I wanted to know whether there was some kind of rule that people should check their stuff before they leave a shop as they don't have any grounds for complaint otherwise. Anyway, it just goes to show I should never say anything while I'm still angry!

Today I went into the yellow shop on Crystal Palace Road - the one sort of opposite the Castle Pub - to buy a zone 1-2 travel card. I paid my ?5.30 for what I believed was a travel card. When I got to Elephant and Castle to get on the tube I discovered I'd been sold a bus pass. So I had to spend another ?5.30 at Elephant and Castle on a travel card to get into town. I went back into the shop just now to tell them what had happened - I am a regular customer. The man said it was my responsibility to check I had the right item in the first place. I told him I believe it is my responsibility to pay the right money for my goods and it is his to sell me the right things. We ended up more or less having an argument in the shop and his wife came out and of course supported him in the answer that is up to me to check I've been sold the right thing. He said he had never made that mistake before which was a lie as he has done the same to my husband. I said I am an honest person who uses the shop regularly. I am supportive of small businesses and have even pointed out to them when they have out of date food on their shelves so they can take it down. They even sell individual items from multipacks which actually have 'not for resale' written on them! I said that although they are not accountable to anyone as it is their own business they still need customers. His very angry parting words were 'I don't need customers.' So rather than getting a full refund of the ?5.30 he just gave me the difference between the travel card and the bus pass even though I had to buy another travel card to get where I needed to go. I really hate slagging off local businesses especially as I run a small business in the area myself. I just wandered whether people had experienced this kind of mistake themselves and whose fault it is.

Dulwich Park Runners hold the beginner's courses throughout the year. Each course lasts 6 weeks. It is worth checking back on the site in a little while to see when the next course may start. They are on www.dulwichparkrunners.com They seem to get bigger and bigger every time. It is a fab course and a great way of meeting other people in the area. If there are any of you out there who missed out on the beginner's course and would like to get started straight away perhaps you could PM me. If we could organise a mutually convenient time I would be more than happy to run a progressive beginner's course with you. When I say beginners I mean beginners e.g. starting with run for 1 min followed by walk for one min. I am a qualified personal trainer working in the area.

I am a fan of Macey's too. The Pharmacist has a great gift of being able to remember my children's names which makes me feel very special!!!

I visited this shop today and the selection of clothes was great. Brands like French Connection, Jigsaw, Kookai, Earl Jeans along with vintage stuff. The prices were very reasonable and the staff lovely. Earlytowers, I hope it was a success for you. Are there any chances it could become a permanent fixture?

Working class: Piccalilly Middle class: Mango chutney off the North Cross Road stall

I think something must have gone on previously today as the police were apprehending 2 white males armed with wooden sticks/ clubs. Apparently when they were apprehended the 1 of males could be heard saying: 'You weren't around when the 13 black guys jumped us'. There was alot of scuffling between the officers and the 2 whites, meanwhile a third person male, on moped/scooter/motorcycle was telling his mates to calm down. Do you think it is time for a neighbourhood watch or the Guardian Angels!

I never knew there was a fancy dress shop! What about Target Arms? It always makes me laugh - I think of it as an organic gun shop what with it being on Lordship Lane and everything! I have never had the courage to go in though.

Ha Ha Buggie you have me sussed! It is not till next week tho! Plenty of time to work hard in between. Yes, been to Infernos (my hen do) and I agree it was very cheesy. Dancing with people dressed up as bears etc -very strange. Not sure if they were the clubbers or the staff. East Dulwich could defo do with somewhere to go and have a dance. Is the room still going behind Kebab and Wine? I've never been brave enough to go in there.

Thanks. Apparently there are some good places for a boogie under the church in Brixton.

I am planning a girls night out next Thursday and we may end up going for a dance later on. Can anyone recommend anywhere local/ localish to East Dulwich please - not The Vale! Thanks

That was genuine - honest!

Just come home after a visit to the new cafe and it is LOVELY. There is lots of choice of what to have to eat and drink. The staff are really nice. It is very spacious and well laid out. There are lots of high chairs and little toys for little ones. I did not go into the toilets but one of the girls said they have a nice changing table for the babies with a mobile hanging over it. We went in after our Powerpramming class and the staff did not mind that there were loads of us with prams. The hot chocolate and muffins were gorgeous! Look forward to going back again next week.

There is supposed to be a good children's one at St Barnabas in the village. Not sure of times etc but I guess they would be able to tell you if you phone them. I grew up catholic and that experience has put me off as I never go to church now! Recently I thought my son should know about Jesus so I got him a book from the bookshop on North Cross Road called 'My first Bible Book'. It is really nice. They also do nice bible story books. Good luck - I hope you find a nice church - I imagine they are much more informal and child friendly these days.

Just wanted to say that the book shop is really good and has a great selection of multi ethnic greeting cards. I don't work there, I just spotted them. They are so hard to get hold of round here!