candj

God, was it last night? Doubt it was my husband...

Can you tell me if it's okay to defrost frozen chicken in hot water?

Is this East Dulwich specific? Perhaps the Nunhead Forum should be alerted.

(?)

I can't remember if Grafton Dance Academy moved location and used to be on Half Moon Lane (and their old premises has their sign still). I remember hearing something like that! My daughter just started at Dulwich Ballet School and loves it. They have both ballet, tap and also modern dance.

Hi Vulfin, Aside from the recommendations above, you should do a search on the forum for both Charter and Kingsdale the two state secondary schools in the area both having really good reputations and both getting increasingly difficult to get into. Besides Alleyn's and JAGS, there are also other private schools for girls including Streatham and Clapham and Sydenham High to look into. Saying it all is a minefield is putting it lightly! Good luck with your move. -C ps-I'm also an American living in ED.

Hope you are all feeling better soon. My daughter came home with a note second week of school saying someone came down with swine flu so we're all bracing ourselves for it. Both my kids have been sick last week (just sniffles, congestion and coughing), but nothing severe so I'm certain it's not the swine, although who knows. Thanks for posting and take care.

Camber Sands near to Rye/Hastings in East Sussex. It actually has huge sand dunes. The hotel across the street has a nice restaurant, as well, for lunch or dinner.

You mean Ikebana, Pesh?

I remember that one! I love it.

It's really strange about the Heber catchment area because this year has had the most school run cars parking on our street (not Heber) than any other year.... why if the catchment is so small (like a one block perimeter around the school small).

I think the road layout is much better because the traffic on Townley has the right of way at the junction with Calton Avenue which keeps the traffic moving in front of the school with less of a build up. Also, they've put in a more obvious pedestrian crossing where the road is raised which forces people to slow down anyway, hopefully.

lol!

Don't miss the really amazing (and sometimes creepily organic) architecture of Antoni Gaudi (the Sagrada Famillia Church and all the apartment buildings he did in and around Barcelona are something else). Also, the Picasso Museum is worth a visit. You can't really go wrong with any of the tapas bars as all are very yummy and uber reasonable, or the outdoor cafes on Las Ramblas serving different varieties of paella. I think there is a big market off of Las Ramblas (more a food market than flea market) that is worth seeing, as well. Have fun!

I think it's normal practice to immediately give the child Calpol after the MMR to combat any possible fever/pain in the arm. First child had it at 14 months with no side effects and then the pre school booster at 4 years and aside from her fear of doctors/jabs forever, had no ill side effects. Second child had the MMR at 16 months and no problems either - didn't even cry or notice the needle! Good luck!

Crikey! Some people are just so (and I hate to use this word) STUPID!

I try to limit my shouting to the witching hour (ie, 6-7pm) when the children are running around like wild animals and I'm trying to clear up loads of fiddly plastic Ikea plates, bowls and every single fork and spoon in the house, while simultaneously running their bath and searching desperately for the matching pink 'teddy bear' pyjamas and keeping baby sister from smacking older sister in the head with the Gruffalo book, when my only real concern is that I haven't been able to locate my bottle opener. Don't beat yourself up! ;-)

It is supposed to be finished by next summer 2010, from what I understand. Whether it's on schedule, I cannot answer! I believe that members can use the pool at Peckham Pulse (or even Beckenham).

Sorry TheePope, certainly mean to sound patronising! I meant what I said and I don't use that PO because I find it rather gloomy and would rather use the one near to my husband's office which is much bigger and has faster moving queues. Alas!

Same here, had a load in different colours to match every babygrow... never used one! In fact, the nurses in hospital just told me to use socks instead. Or the best thing would be to get the babygrows that have the built in ones that fold over as legalbeagle said. But just keeping baby's fingernails trimmed (use a nail file when they sleep as it will make less sharp edges than nail clippers) would be the best solution!

We've been in ED only 8 years (minus 18 months living abroad) and I've been in the EDPO a handful of times as I try to avoid the place at all costs (the last time was when standing in the queue, a member of PO staff tried to sell me electricity or insurance or something and I told him they should concentrate on distributing the mail to the right addresses). We've only ever bought wine from Green & Blue and without a doubt neither me nor any family members have been in the White Stuff! Bleck!

Good luck to you both Mockney and Iain.... I'll tell 'J' to watch this space and you all can meet up for a pint.... if it's sans children/babies I'd even suggest The Castle as I wouldn't have to go !

I have to agree 100% with Fuschia too. Why don't you have a big play date in your sitting room with your little one and 6 of her friends and get a cake with one candle so everyone can sing happy birthday. You can add some balloons to make it festive and have fun music on that she likes. The babies will entertain themselves. My eldest's first birthday was spend sitting on a kitchen counter transfixed by the lit candle on her birthday cake while everyone sang happy birthday. My youngest's first birthday was spent on a 13 hour flight back to the UK from Shanghai. It's only when they get a bit older and can remember that you have to start being creative! Good luck! Edited for pathetic typos.

Spooky.

St. John's church is on the corner of East Dulwich Road and Adys Road.