matnurse1983

Thanks Strawbs. Just sitting down to my search now.

Good point Tinyem, where else do I look? I'm going to search the web today. There must be some dedicated sites.

Wow! Thank you so much for the great response everyone. Sorry for the late reply - it's been one of those days. I hope that I will have that "feeling" when we meet the right landlord and find the right property. It is so reassuring to hear that you have had positive experiences with private landlords long term. We were lucky to get our current property and tbh it has spoiled us with the amount of space we have. It's going to hurt when we have to move. I am keeping my eyes peeled and watching the property section (though I believe only ED and very close properties are allowed in there). I am open to suggestions in terms of area. Neither of us drive so a good commute to work is very important. I found that even renting through a housing association threw up a lot of hidden charges. When you are sat in that office and just want the keys - they slap an extra ?1000 :O I rented privately at university and we had a beautiful house share (between 5)in Lincoln. Our landlord had 4 other properties and we were really well looked after. It also helped that he lived locally so that is something that I will keep in mind for our current search. Thanks again everyone :D

Hello EDF, My partner and I are looking to move towards the end of the year and I am considering the pros and cons of renting long term from a private landlord or an agency. We are considering moving to East Dulwich or Nunhead. Our current landlord is a housing association and we can stay here for a maximum of 5 years (3 years in). We are on a very busy and dirty main road next to a fire station so keen to move :( :( Do any forum families currently rent long term? I'm talking at least 4 years in the same property. Also, do any of you rent from a private landlord? What has your experience been like? Would also like to hear from families whose property is managed by an agency long term. Are you happy with them? I am most worried about settling in to a place only to have the landlord say that they are moving back and we need to be out in 2 months. I've known this happen to a couple of close friends Thanks for reading D

I hope that you found some Midivydale. X

Congratulations Midivydale! That is fantastic news. I am so happy and you both. Enjoy the lovely times ahead. X X

Thanks Hellosailor I haven't been able to get Claphammums to work on my laptop or my phone. Perhaps it has something to do with cookies/my browser settings/antivirus. :( I dunno.. I have a play date set up and a library group to attend so that's a start. :)

Hello everyone, I am a nanny, new to Clapham and working with a little boy of 7 months. We are looking for groups and play dates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday mornings and Fridays. I know that this is the East Dulwich forum but I was hoping for a few lurkers who have relocated. I am aware of the Nappyvalleynet forum but it is not as active as this one. It would be really lovely to meet up with other nannies and mums or dads. Looking forward to meeting you. Delithea [email protected]

Lesson one: get to groups early. The Rye Oak drop in groups often get full up quickly.

Hi Leecass I'm so sorry that you were turned away. I fully understand how hard it is when you've spent all morning telling your child you were going to a particular activity only to have to change plans last minute. Popular East Dulwich groups get so full. I often found myself queuing at least half an hour before the start time. Goose Green is so popular that people are turned away almost every day. Perhaps the lady you met at the door was having an off morning. I do hope that she reads this too as people sometimes need a reminder of the effect that their words and attitude can have. I work as a nanny and make a point not to clog up the parent groups. I am now part of a well established break-away group of nannies and mums who meet on a weekly basis. If you feel confident enough, I would have a chat with other mums and dads and arrange a couple of play dates. If I spot you I'll say hi. :) I'm not saying don't attend groups, everyone needs somewhere to escape to. I also agree that there are brilliant groups that get overlooked. Perhaps we should start a praise section on the forum for baby and toddler groups I hope that you found somewhere warm and welcoming to play and that you don't get too much backlash after your vent. Take care D

Hi Berbel, You are so sweet. A tin of biscuits or chocolates always goes down well. Plus you can write individual cards for the staff to give it that personal touch. Having worked in nurseries previously I can assure you that the staff are not expecting individual presents. I'm glad that you have found a lovely nursery. All the best Delithea

Thanks Vch, I love carrot cake. I am going to Borough market this week. Will check it out :)

Great blog Pebbles, I have two people very close to me who suffer with insomnia and there is nothing better than finding out that you are not the only one. I will direct them to this at once. Fantastically written :)

Hi all, WAG free were brilliant. However, I am having to put all cake dreams on hold for a while. I am reacting to almost everything I eat so now I am waiting for further tests and an ultrasound. At the rate this is going It looks like I'll be celebrating with nothing but a candle in some blu tack :(

Hi all, I am going down to brixton this weekend to enquire and hopefully taste some :) I've loved the Ponyo cake ever since I first saw it. I've had a few suggestions via PM too. Will keep you all updated and posts a pic. February feels like such a long way off. Re the almonds - my brother has a nut allergy but can eat everything else. If I go the almond route I'll have to buy him a separate little cake :)

Thanks Fi :)

Hi EDF, I'm wanting a cake for Feb and I really like this Ponyo cake (see pics). I need a dairy and wheat-free cake and also one without too many additives/preservatives is vital. Maybe using natural food colourings? See these sites - http://www.cakekraft.co.uk/ingredients/colourings/liquid-colours/pme-food-colouring-liquid http://www.anandafoods.co.uk/india-tree-natures-colours-collection.html Has anyone had a dairy and wheat-free cake that tastes as good as the "naughty stuff"? Have you ordered one from somewhere great? All help will be greatly appreciated. Please PM me is you make cakes or know someone who makes them. Needs to feed 16 roughly. Thanks, D

That talk was fantastic. I feel I may have the mind of a 5-year-old :s