Undiscovered

It's something we've considered, we kind of could have space. However my babies are 1 and 2 which I think is too young for an au pair (I was told there was an under 3 rule - may be completely misinformed!!) thanks hun

Again I turn to the lovely EDF. So..... I'm back at work after girl no 2 (currently 14 months and other is 3 next month). They're in a 8am-6pm nursery at the moment, but am moving to term time only in September for both. The wrap around care is good but only 8am-430pm. I work 4 days but am hopefully about to get a promotion which, I believe, will be full time. I need help... My ideal would be a housekeeper/nanny. I don't have enough hours for a nanny alone (except in holidays) as they both have nursery, but I could still find enough for someone to do - shopping / cleaning / house management. Does anyone have this set up? If not I think there's a real gap in The market!! As always - thank you!

We got the Axkid mini too and will get another once no 2 pops out the top of her 0+. Husband can drive in front of it. Bought a mirror for my nearly 3 year old and she's absolutely fine (she was forward facing for overs year previously too). I travelled 200 miles last week sat in between the two seats ( I have a Ford Focus) and there was plenty of room - more than with forward facing as the bulky bit isn't next to your bum (if that makes sense). She happily crosses her legs and slept soundly. The seat lasts til 25kg which for my little lady will most likely be high school, so well worth the investment.

Just wanted to add a big thumbs up. After struggling to get am ERF seat to fit previously (big hubby!) Margaret has managed to sort us out. Picking it up next week when she'll also fit if for us. Highly recommended!

The Fine Cotton company do gorgeous ones in Organic Cotton and not pinky girly. I searched for months!! http://www.thefinecottoncompany.com/childrens-baby-and-nursery-bedding/organic-cotton-childrens-duvet-covers/

Can I jump on this.... I am interested in bamboo as love bamboo products for sustainability (although I'm not that good, I will get the best solution for my house over and above Eco credentials - boo hiss - sorry!). I'm currently doing my kitchen and having ufh. Have been assuming tile throughout (we have engineered oiled and brushed in the front of our house) but am starting to worry about the kids dropping things on tiles. I just really worry about the hard wearing aspect, especially staining. Do you guys have it in your kitchen? Thanks much! Love the website, it's ridiculously reasonable too, no??

Reviving this thread as ours is about to begin - going between excitement and pure fear! Having a painted wooden kitchen but big thing I don't have a view on yet is The worktop. Any tips?

My two are currently in a nursery locally (that we're very happy with), but my eldest is most likely starting DPL in September. We've also been offered a place for my younger one at DUCKS in the toddler room (18 months in September) and are currently debating whether to move them too, to marry up terms, pick ups etc (were in ED as is our current nursery) and then get help both ends and hols given the reduced hours. I wonder if anyone has done a similar thing, and what their experience has been? My worries include traffic especially in the morning (my hope is that I'll do the drop offs) and moving a currently very happy child, and getting a nanny to help with the hours required. Please pm if you have any input - as we've discussed at length and got nowhere!! :0) Many thanks

Found it. https://m.facebook.com/CraftyExplorersNunhead?id=1415899398654027&refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCraftyExplorersNunhead&_rdr As I mentioned I can't recommend as such, just saw it and looked interesting....

I walked past The Nunhead Corner on the way to the fishmongers yesterday - it appeared to now be a crafty place that does child's parties. No more idea than that (does anyone else?) but might be worth investigating... Looked a great space.

Watching with interest although I am looking at Kindergarden, which I understand does not have any wrap around care. This is good to know for the future, but would love to hear from any working parents who did Kindergarten at HHS?

I would highly recommend Queen Bee styling for help if you are struggling with places to shop. I used Sally before going back to work, and she completely transformed my wardrobe. I was still bfing so couldn't leave my little one for long, and I got a whole new wardrobe in 3 hours. It really gave me my confidence back as I'd completely forgotten how to shop - and I used to be so good at it! I am desperate to use her for casual clothes as soon as I have enough money to spend. She's a mum from Dulwich herself and is just lovely, and will save you SOOO much money as everything she got for me is worn. Highly recommend http://queenbeestyling.com

Another vote for Spatone. I had low levels during my first pregnancy and hated the tablets. I'm also a veggie, and now and again take Spatone when I get a little tired. A bit more random, I also cook in cast iron pots (like Le Cruset although mine are Sainsburys) because allegedly this can increase iron content of your food. As Saffron says, iron deficiency can have significant effects on how you feel, more than I'd ever imagined. I hope that this solves the issues you are facing, it sounds horrible. Good luck xx

Thanks ladies, good to know. Not sure how long I'll continue bfing once at work ( intentions and practical implications are two different things) but after bottle battles with no 1 I'm happy it's happened!

Evening, My little one is about to start nursery (in the new year) and she has extremely helpfully dropped down to 2 milk feeds a day - allowing me to continue to breasfeed without expressing and forcing a bottle on her - I will just feed her both sides of work. My concern is, is this too fewer breastfeeds for a 9 month old? She's a terrific eater (baby led but my oh my it's defo getting in), likes water, sleeps amazingly and is tracking 75 percentile (not that I care about those blooming graphs but it makes me feel more relaxed). I just don't know any other 9 months old on only 2 feeds. I actually know kids my elder daughters age (2.5 years) who have more feeds. I know there all different. Has anyone else had such an early dropping of milk? Not sure why I'm asking as no idea how I could give her more milk if she doesn't want it??

I would love to in theory but have a little baby, a 2 year old as well as the in laws coming - I've not even found time to order a pre made one, so it doesn't bode well! I will do a search though - thanks :0)

Finally got round to ordering for Christmas and both Abel and Cole and Riverford have sold out! Does anyone know anywhere local that does them (ideally organic but beggars can't be choosers!!)

I have these for both of mine and they do Ikea sizes and feel lovely. Look for discount codes for them too. Sure I got 10% off through MumsNet and also they often do other codes. http://www.naturalmat.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=710&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=19

Sem just came and did my eyebrows and she was great. Reasonable and pain free - and great with my baby. Highly recommend!

Just been to me on Upland Road. Been before, told them as before I have an alarm (not from them) and it still works, please take me off your list. Don't like door to door, especially when it comes to security.

Got a build coming up and wanting to start some batch cooking, so need to invest in some suitable containers. Any suggestions of good ones for this purpose? Thanks!

Wowzers! Thank you so much. Love all of these suggestions.... Now the task has turned in to narrowing down a list - yippee!! Thanks :0)

Any recommendations (local preferable as always) for a rag doll? Have taken the plunge and bought a lovely cot but my little one only really has teddies. Trying to steer clear of tiny tears and similar until she insists on it! Thanks

Love the unwrapping but hate the amount paper! Anyone know of where I can get recycled stuff? Thanks

Used Wickham Security - family business in West Wickham with one of the suns living in ED. Got them from the forum and very happy with them. They do a full survey first and give you the best advice on what to have.