supergolden88

Would love to go for a long weekends at a cottage somewhere not too far from London... But problem is I am not from the UK and have zero idea where to go. Any ideas? Must be dog friendly and kid friendly!

We have a baby gate now and last night was up until 1am telling him to go to bed... Hilariously the alarm on the little clock I put behind the sofa cushion for the 'heartbeat' effect went off that the worst possible moment!

Thanks everyone. We need to get a baby gate to block access to our bedrooms. The downstairs is all open plan so we cant really block him in a room unless we use the crate. Don't mind him sleeping on sofa as long as I can sleep in my bed! Will try the clock and probably get him a proper bed too.

I don't want him sleeping in our bed because I think we need some boundaries and the kids would get very frightened if a dog jumped in their beds during the night. So while I don't mind him visiting the bedrooms but I do want to discourage him from sleeping there.

Hi everyone - hope this is the right thread to post this.

A week ago we adopted a rescue puppy from Cyprus. He is 7 months old Jura hound cross. He is loving, affectionate, gentle with people and other dogs and a little bit naughty/crazy as still a puppy.

One main issue we have is that he won't sleep on his own. He sleeps happily through the night if one of use sleeps on the sofa with him but whines and tries to go upstairs if on his own. He was in foster care before we got him and had several puppy pals he was sharing a bed with.

We have a dog crate we can lock him in but he gets very upset, noisy and bites the bars aggressively. The vet suggested we put him in the crate and let him cry it out for a day or more until he basically submits to sleeping there. Not convinced it's the way to go as he gets so upset.

Any advice from personal experience or any recommendations for books/trainers? We have started training classes - only done one so far though.

Thanks in advance

Lucy

I have an unused thumbguard if you want it

It only looks so clean and tidy because the photos were taken soon after completion. I have cluttered it up really well by now! Full of props and kitchen gadgets

I second Kate and 102 interiors - fantastic

If anyone wants to take a peek into my finished kitchen there's a small write up here. It has been a year since the project was completed and it has really changed our lives for the better! Totally worth the dust and anguish http://ao.com/life/home/inspiration/kitchen-makeovers-contemporary-shaker/

Thanks for the replies!

I had a cocker spaniel when I was younger and it is definitely the type of size/breed that appeals but I would almost prefer a mixed breed if possible to find a pup that size.

You mention waiting lists ? should I apply or register with rescue centres? Any particular ones? We got our cats from Battersea Dogs Home over 13 years ago...

I realise it is going to be a lot of work (though I am sure I am not prepared for how much) but I really have my heart set on getting a dog.

Can't go wrong with a roast ? chicken is usually kid friendly and I have recently been making a lot of lamb. You can add soup as a starter if you want to make it more of an occasion meal.

There's so many gluten-free dessert options as well ? chocolate mousse or souffl?, pavlova, panna cotta etc

I have wanted to get a dog for such a long time and we are now finally seriously considering it.

Although I had a dog when I was a teenager I have not cared for one as an adult. Both my children (nearly 9 and 4 1/2) are very excited about the idea of having a dog and are happy around dogs in the park etc. We also have 16 yr old cat (still fairly active, mostly outdoor).

Ideally I would like to adopt a puppy or young dog from a rescue centre. If anyone has experience about how to go about it or any comments and helpful info please get in touch via this thread or PM.

And if you have any comments about how to integrate a rescue dog (or any dog) into a family home, training etc please do get in touch.

Help! I need to choose some paving stones to go just outside the large kitchen doors. Had chosen tumbled limestone but now not too sure! Anyone can recommend something that will look nice, not be too slippery and wears well? Thanks in advance!

Oooh good point! I will mention it to our project manager. The units have arrived but not fitted yet.

I have a really cheap one from Andrew James. It does the job just fine, the bowl is not too big but it can't make large quantities of ice cream

http://www.supergoldenbakes.com/2014/09/salted-caramel-ice-cream-and-ice-cream.html

If you fancy taking a look I have written a post about surviving a kitchen renovation on my blog. We are now into our 4th month...

http://www.supergoldenbakes.com/2014/12/how-to-survive-installing-new-kitchen.html

Mr Fruitcake was a huge hit at my son's 4th birthday. The kids absolutely loved him and he performed at the nursery as we are having the kitchen done at home. My son is normally quite shy ? have never seen him so engaged and happy at a party.

http://mrfruitcake.co.uk/

Has anyone tried this before or maybe doing it this half term? My daughter is very keen but we have had no reply after leaving various messages.

I wouldn't want her to go if it is all boys and all older than her...

I have a slow cooker but don't use it very much. I find I get much better results with a cast iron pot in the oven (or stovetop). The thing I dislike about slow cookers is the steam is enclosed and has nowhere to go making all dishes a bit watery. Having said that lots of people swear by them.

The room will be largely square shaped. I still cant picture it until they clear everything and tear down the walls. The kitchen was so small before - I realised it was actually smaller than the bathroom even with all units taken out!

Yes it is an option but they tend to be smaller - more of a table or butchers block than actual island.

Photo: my kitchen yesterday

Well the project is now officially underway and old kitchen has been ripped out. We are camping it out in the living room - ironically a better (temporary) kitchen that the actual kitchen ever was.

A very specific question re: kitchen islands. Yes? No? Do you love or hate them?

I am in two minds. I don't like the permanence of it but it makes sense in terms of maximising counter space etc. Photos very welcome.

Yes I have same problem. Not sure whether to install cupboards after certain height as only way to access them would be via a ladder...

Project starts MONDAY (now freaking out and panicking)

ladyruskin I think I love you

Wow! I don't my house is ever that organised.

Any suggestions for decking /and or paving outside bifold (or other type) doors to garden? We are tearing down an old extension and using that space to enlarge garden slightly. So it will need to be decked or paved. And in fact the garden needs to be completely redone from scratch too...

That organiser looks good. The tupperware issue will remain unresolved unless they all fit into each other and lids are stored separately.

Makes me want to throw everything out and start from scratch. Which, in a way, is exactly what I am doing. Feels cathartic!