mothercourage

We're going for 3 weeks over Christmas. Just wondering if anyone has any hot tips or advice that would make the trip easier (we've got a 5 year old and a 1 year old baby). We're thinking of bypassing Colombo. We haven't actually booked accommodation (have left it very late, I know) but thinking of something like Bentota-Galle-Marissa-Kandy. Wondering if the elephant orphanages will be fascinating for kids or likely to scar them for life - have read mixed reports about them. Any pointers would be gratefully received. Thanks in advance...

Hatchie, I've done LOADS of research on this very subject. In fact the last two months have been spent scouring the forum for recommendations and visiting people who've already had their windows refurbed. I had quotes from 6 companies and visits from even more. I finally whittled the search down to Sundial (they're mentioned elsewhere on here already). The company is owned by a guy called Steve Carter who's brilliant. Really knowledgeable, not in any way pushy, been in the business for ages, knows his stuff etc. He gave me some really sage advice and saved me from shelling out thousands for replacements. I spoke to other people who have used him and had only good things to say. I also went to see some windows that he'd done for someone else in ED which were very impressive. The thing that set him apart for me was not only his attention to detail but the fact that he refurbs the windows AND paints them. Not many others seem to offer that dual service. Give him a call on 07966493641. Feel free to PM me too if you want more info.

Please PM me as I have found something that belongs to her.

Loads of great places for me to check out. Thanks all x

Looks lovely. Unfortunately they're booked up but I'd definitely go there another time. Thanks.

Like it a lot. Great reviews. Thanks. I knew I could count on the forum...

OOOh thanks Jeremy. I've just read some good things about Zucca and Pizarro so will take a look at them now. You're a star.

I'm tasked with trying to find a decent place to eat for 10 people this Saturday around London Bridge. All rather last minute. I've been to Roast and didn't rate it so that's out the equation. Anyone got any other bright ideas...?

No more mice. Colin, you're killer. Thanks so much.

My daughter taking a big interest in bats at the moment. I know Dulwich Park sometimes does them but a quick search hasn't revealed any upcoming dates. A long shot I know, but wondered if anyone knows of any coming up around here? Thanks

I know there are other threads on here about the pros and cons. I'm just wondering if anyone who's actually had sash windows replaced with double glazing can give their side of the story. In terms of noise reduction and heating costs, has it been worth the expense in your opinion? I've been given so much conflicting advice that I just want to hear from people who've been there, done it, paid dearly and come out the other side. Is it worth it? Or not? Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Ditto all of the positive posts above. We've just moved to a new house that had a rather tricksy thing going on with the boiler/gas supply. John came out of his way to see us at very short notice and ended up saving us literally hundreds of pounds (we'd had a quote and 'advice' from another source). So pleased with the service he provided - we're definitely using him for all future boiler requirements plus installation of our underfloor heating. To save people going back to the start of the thread, his number is 07977 909339.

Thanks everyone. Islabikes seem to hit the mark (go for loads on ebay so good resale I guess) but will take a look at Blowfish too.

Looking at one of these for my daughter's 5th birthday. Just wondering if they're worth shelling out for? Any feedback much appreciated.

Thanks Gedwina, good advice. Our property is pretty much a one-off which makes it very hard to compare. As you say, it looks like we'll need to pay for a second opinion.

We've just had a valuation survey carried out on our property by our buyer's mortgage company and it's come back at ?110k under the estate agent's recommended asking price. It's not a case of overinflation as 3 estate agents valued it within ?30k of each other and we plumped for the middle figure. I know that mortgage companies are traditionally conservative but ?110k seems excessive to say the least. What's more the figure is not based on the property's structural condition - that's all totally fine - it's been based on the fact that it has no vehicular access. Just wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences lately? And if so, what did you do about coming up with a solution?

Like the sound of the Pilates class...

Thanks everyone. I must admit having the procedure done is not something I relish the thought of so will only do it if I really think it necessary. Good suggestion to go to Townley Rd clinic, will do that and see what they say. hellosailor, your bottle from boob switchover tips are absolutely brilliant. Will be going through them with a fine tooth comb and trying to implement the ones I haven't yet tried. Am going to give Dr Browns and playtex teats a whirl too - they're about the only ones I haven't stocked up on yet. Think there's a lot to be said for establishing a bottle in the early weeks but am determined not to give up! Thanks again for all your advice.

I'm desperately trying to get my 9 week old to take a bottle and have been for some weeks now. Have tried every brand of bottle and teat out there (from newborn to fast flow), different positions while feeding, various kinds of formula, expressed milk, I've varied the temperature of the milk, waited til she's super hungry, got my partner to try, done it at different times of the day...you name it. She gets irate but am wondering if that's because of an inability to suck on a teat due to her little tongue-tie? It doesn't affect breast feeding so I didn't get it snipped at birth but am wondering if it's something I should do now? No GP appointments at DMC for 2 weeks I've just been told so will try tomorrow morning to get a referral but in the meantime wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience with a positive outcome?

Good work Pickle! I'm ashamed to say I haven't had a weigh-in since the birth (for me or baby). Looking forward to seeing lots of you hopefully on Monday x x x

I'm selling a white Miracle blanket. I only used it twice so it's as new. Bought for ?15, selling for ?8. See thread here about how brilliant they are http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,756717,756875#msg-756875 I also have two grobag swaddles - one a natural colour and the other white with tiny coloured animals printed on it. Bought for ?10 each but selling for ?5 each. Will sell all three for ?15. Please PM if interested. (Smoke and pet-free home)

Well jel. Sounds great. If there's a meet up next week I'll be there.

Bee - whats on at the Ritzy on Fri?

Well done Pickle!!! Fabulous news and such a sweet name. Can't wait to meet all the new babes and good luck to all those with them still in the oven. Rest up while you can! xxx

I suffered from this too. It stopped when I started taking iron supplements (2 sachets of Spatone taken with orange juice to help absorption). Not sure if it was coincidence or not but worth a try?