MonkeyMoped

I was very happy with 4 Paws. They are based in Crystal Palace but collect and drop off. Really great with the dogs. https://m.facebook.com/4pawsforwalks/photos/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0

We used Prestige Build and Management for a loft and kitchen side-return extension. We chose them because they had a good local reputation; the quality of the work on their other projects; and because we liked the way that the quote was broken down to the last plug socket, which meant we could budget and limit spurious price increases. In the end, we did end up spending more that we originally agreed, but this was mostly due to us opting to upgrade windows etc; some was down to unexpected extra work on structural things once the build revealed the state of existing foundations and walls. Anything different or extra was always discussed and agreed with us before any work took place. We had a few issues which meant the project took longer than it had been due to, but Prestige dealt with this fairly and professionally. The guys were always friendly, considerate and hardworking, which makes a big difference when they're in your space for a long time. For such a big project, I wanted to be confident that we were engaging professional and competent tradesmen and I have been very happy with the quality of the work and the finish. I also wanted the reassurance that should anything go wrong (as things do) that they were going to deal with it promptly and properly. We recently had an issue with the roof and within a very short time of me letting Jay know, one of the guys came round and the whole thing was fixed less than a week later. This is exactly the sort of service you want when it comes to your home! I think Prestige quotes will likely come in more expensive than others, but (1) the quote is likely to be more comprehensive upfront that others' ballpark numbers and (2) having seen what friends have gone through with cowboys and comparing it to our experience, I think you do get what you pay for.

It's so hard when you're happy with your existing nursery, but I made the move to Heber for my youngest. I could not fault Heber nursery. My child was so happy there and the staff are wonderful. As previous posts say - far less turnover (none at all since I knew Heber), well trained, calm and caring staff. The activities they get up to are fantastic - have a look at 'Heber Early Years' @Heber_FS on Twitter to get a flavour for what they do. My experience is that resources (and belongings) are respected. I'd consider a closer commute twice a day is a big advantage, too :-)

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We love Mr Fruitcake! We saw him at a couple of parties and had him recently for our 4 year old's party. He keeps the kids' attention and has a great knack of getting them to behave! The kids all find him hilarious.

Another thumbs up for Lynlea from me! The thought of having an interior design always felt over the top and unaffordable. With Pinterest and Houzz, I thought I had all the inspiration I needed. But Lynlea has completely changed my opinion of what an interior designer can do for you, regardless of the size of the project or your budget. Coming to the end of a loft and kitchen extension, I thought I was getting to the exciting bit, where I got to finish the house as I wanted. But after months of making mundane decisions with builders, my enthusiasm was flagging and the endless possibilities for what I could do was rather daunting. I came across Interior Imprints by chance and immediately got Lynlea round for an initial consultation. I had a list of things I wanted some advice on, and Lynlea was able to understand my style preferences and make a number of suggestions for all of them. Importantly, she did something I really needed, which was to give me the confidence to give some of my bolder ideas a go. She also made suggestions, which at first look, seemed unusual and not to my taste. But seeing the whole package in a mood board, it all came together and you realise the value an interior designer can add. I really wish interior design is something I'd have factored in at the start of the project, as there are a number of things I would have done differently. I found Lynlea to be extremely friendly and professional. She had lots of great tips for finishes and a long list of quality suppliers and trades people. I'd highly recommend working with her.

I've been looking at this too, as we are about to get our kitchen done. Would be really interested in seeing the result. Also, if you could recommend any kitchen builders to get quotes on, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Gumboots Community Nursery in Crystal Palace Road turns 30 this year and we are having a party! We would love to get in touch with anyone who has been involved with the nursery over the years, particularly those who helped start it back in 1985. If you or someone you know has a link to Gumboots, or have any stories or photos of the nursery over the years, we would love to hear from you. Please send me a personal message via the forum. Many thanks, Kate

Gumboots Community Nursery in Crystal Palace Road turns 30 this year and we are having a party! We would love to get in touch with anyone who has been involved with the nursery over the years, particularly those who helped start it back in 1985. If you or someone you know has a link to Gumboots, or have any stories or photos of the nursery over the years, we would love to hear from you. Please send me a personal message via the forum. Many thanks, Kate

Animoto is not too bad. Only 60 seconds per film for free, but you can buy packages that lets you make longer ones. It's an app that lets you do everything on your phone. Think you might be able to do stuff on the website too. Plus you can share with friends.

By the number of builders' vans around here, EVERYONE seems to be getting building work done, so I'm hoping you'll. e able to give some helpful kitchen advice :-) I've seen the brilliant thread about kitchen ideas, but I'm wondering about costs. Other than 'how long is a piece of string?' ;-) how much does is cost to get a kitchen done? I know that the quality, size, finish etc are all down to personal choice, but I'd like to get an idea of how much these sorts of things cost: - ripping old kitchen out and taking it away - turning a window into French doors or a nice sliding door - installing new units and appliances - underfloor heating - installing spotlights What other sort of costs should I consider? Obviously there's: - new appliances - units - flooring - lights What else? Roughly, what are people paying for the whole lot? I have ?20k in my head, but some money/house websites say it costs quite bit less. We're not looking for top spec, just a decent job that would last a good 15 years without dating or perishing. Thanks a lot.

Hi I'm having my hair cut tomorrow (Milo and Davis in Herne Hill have Parent and Child Mondays where you can take you babies/children along) but would love to join you another week. My baby was born in June. Hope you and babies are all doing well. Kate

Great - see you there.

Hello, I have a two year old boy and am due 19/06. I've just finished work, so would love to meet up with some second time mums in the next couple of weeks. We could try a playgroup like Cheeky Cs or the park next week? I'm having Monday and Tuesday to myself while my son is at his chilminder's, so coffee would work on those (or other) dys, too. Kate

Not saying it was the same thing, but almost every day I see similar looking vans drive slowly around these streets (I live close to you) and I think they're often looking for scrap. When we've put things out that we don't want, vans like this often take them. Did you have something that looked / looks like it might be scrap in your garden? Worth noting though.

Thanks for all your comments - they're really helpful. I think we are thinking more along the lines of what Ole describes. We may or may not do more depending on demand. Have a great Easter weekend.

I agree with the time poor / cash rich point. We want to do something around our families and don't fancy spending every weekend away from them. Which might well mean this isn't the business for us!

Thanks for your comments - this is exactly the sort of stuff we want to hear, so keep them coming. I think we're aiming to be more of a mixture between Ocado or Hubbub, the EDF and Pinterest for parties rather than a Google. The difference being we take the hassle out of coming up with ideas, shopping for everything and deliver it to your door. Like the EDF or ED Tots, it's a place to go for ideas on a certain topic in your area. You can find ED info out on Google, but both of those sites add value eg honest reviews, great local tips, up-to-date info. Maybe it's more of a 'party in a box' where for ?x we deliver everything you need to throw a pirate party, a cooking party, a circus party etc. We'd also build up a list of tried and tested venues and entertainers etc But seriously, 'bunting gone mad' comments are genuinely useful, so please don't hold back - thanks :-)

I'd love your thoughts on a business idea a friend and I have. The idea is that we help parents plan / arrange / 'dress' their children's party - we wouldn't run it, but we would help with ideas for themes, venues, food, games, entertainers, decorations etc. We would source anything you needed to buy, if that's what you wanted, and deliver it to your home/venue. You could then take all the credit for hosting such a fab original party :-) It came about as we're both pretty creative mums, who have great ideas for our own kids' parties, but know that it can be hard to get it all organised in time. Thinking perhaps other parents feel the same, we've been wondering if it has any legs as a business. We'd like to know: a) is this a good idea? b) would you consider using it? c) what sort of price could you imagine paying for such a service? d) have you used a service like this? If so, who? We are ready to hear the brutal truth! Thanks very much.

x

I have a Hamax (sp?) seat and a Rixen and Kaul front basket. Weight/volume is sometimes a bit pushed, but on the whole, I could manage work clothes, shoes and handbag. I was able to leave towel and shower stuff at work, which helped. I haven't seen a back pannier that works with a seat (I used to use an Ortlieb), but would love to get recommendations. These are the baskets - super easy to click on an off http://www.klickfix.de/index.php?mod=21&lang=en Bon Velo in Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill stock all this and more and were really helpful.

My 22 month old loves Endless Alphabet, the ABC series (eg ABC sport, ABC music, ABC vehicles etc), and the Ladybird 'Who's there?' ones. The first two are free, the Ladybird ones cost something, but not much. He doesn't use them loads, maybe a couple of times a day, but they have made a massive difference to his vocabulary. I was really disappointed by the Fisherprice ones, so deleted them almost instantly. And you know you can turn in-App purchases off, right? :-) We have, you just have to watch out for adverts that get clicked on.

I'm due 19th June and would love to join you on Sunday - anytime works for me. Still planning The Gardens? I have a 22 month old son (who won't be joining me) but it would be good to meet other local mums-to-be, especially those of you with toddlers.