supergolden88

While I have not done WW I thought I would share my experience which was that early on despite drastically changing my diet I had very slow or no weight loss at all initially. It seemed that my body needed a fair few weeks to get the message and things changed dramatically once I exercised consistently. I think overall it took 3 months or more to reach my goal weight. Having said that I need to start dieting again my good work is coming undone with my inability to go running (and eating too many cake pops may have something to do with it). I may join you good people on this thread. nunheadmum if you want to kick start weight loss I found that having high (lean) protein diet with veg/salads etc. did the trick. If you can do protein only for a few days then even more dramatic loss. But very boring. And not great health-wise

I have a small one that you can have for free - has been used but it's still fine overall

ooohhh just looked up Baker Ross - great find loving these http://www.bakerross.co.uk/product-Make-Your-Own-Foam-Torch-Kits-EV550.htm

Is Baker Ross online? Thanks Fuschia I think we may be ok for plates etc. overstocked last time! Although if all you can think of a way to serve good to 20 kids on the floor let me know! There's simply no way they will fit around table(S) and even if they did not enough chairs or space.

My daughter has invited the entire WORLD to her 6th birthday party that I have very unwisely decided to host at our house. I am literally going into a panic about how to fit nearly 20 girls in the house and the logistics of food/drinks etc. Can I get some suggestions for creating party bags that are not super expensive and will go down well? I personally loathe party bags but recognise they serve a purpose (getting the guests out the door happily). I can't stand the various bits of cheap plastic toys that are useless but collectively cost a lot. Your creative input is appreciated!

I did get imapmywalk just wondering how it calculates the speed etc. I used to have a nike+ sensor in my shoes (which works Nike+) but stupidly washed the shoes so sensor is now dead and if memory serves you are plenty fast Molly I would not be able to keep up with you running!

Any groups out there or just other mums willing to join me? Have started power walking (well my version of!) as I am not able to run at the moment. Feel VERY silly doing it while all the runners pass me by and also not sure I am doing it right. If you have done a course and can give me some pointers let me know. Have looked at online videos but not sure about my speed or technique. If you know of any iphone apps that can accurately track calories/speed etc let me know. I use isteps and it said my last 40m walk burned over 400 calories which is not possible!

thanks for that! Does sound like a bit of work. Will keep you posted if I try it... when you put the sticks in do you dip the sticks in chocolate then put in the cake pops and then dip the whole thing in chocolate again?

were they worth the hassle?

I know I have been looking at the same thing. Not same as making cake pops but if it works could offer interesting options. Supposedly there's a 12 cake pop maker but seems to not be available in the UK at least not that I can find.

Trying to think of something cute for my daughter's party bags/school giveaway. Really fancy trying my hand at cake pops but they seem a little fiddly. Has anyone made these? Let me know your thoughts and any recipes, tips etc. this is what I mean http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-cake-balls-78637

I think I could handle recorder lessons but not violin! Wish I could figure out what (if any!) instruments my daughter has some affinity with. Somehow she has latched on to violin (possibly because a friend does it not sure) but not sure she knows what it involves

That's helpful thanks. It seems like whatever you do it will be a big financial commitment. Can I ask why do parents have to be present? Is it to help with the practicing?

Not that I know anything about sewing (although I would love to) but I think Moo Too shop on Lordship Lane has both books and patterns you can buy as well as fabric I believe. Look for Amy Butler on Amazon she has some lovely books/patterns

My daughter is desperate to start violin lessons. She is 6. I am hesitant as I know it's not an easy instrument to learn and I am not sure she has the discipline to really practice. In any case her school (Ivydale) offers violin lessons but parents have to be present. Both my husband and myself work full time so unable to attend the lessons (during weekday work hours). We will contact the violin teachers to see if weekend lessons are on offer but would welcome recommendations for music teachers in Nunhead or nearby. I would be interested in piano lessons as a different option as well. Please let me know what the costs are I am still debating whether we can afford this longterm!

Glad he's not the only one still having bottles. He has gone through phases recently of eating a lot - clearly a growth spurt - and then he'll have more bottles as well. I may try to reduce the intake in the morning and see if he will have more breakfast but to be honest mornings are frantic.

My son is 18 months. He eats solids ok - has good days and bad. When he is unwell or teething he refuses most solid food. My problem is that he is still having bottles of formula - one when he gets up in the morning and one or even two before he goes to bed - even if he's had a really good meal. Sometimes he even has one at night if he wakes up hungry. Tried switching him to full fat cow milk but think it upset his tummy. I am not sure how to make him stop having bottles or having at least fewer of them. What is everyone else doing at 18 months? He can take water and so on from a cup or sippy cup or straw but I think he likes the comfort factor of the bottle and the fact that he associates it with going to sleep. He did not really take to bottles or formula until about 10 months - he would have them but not with enthusiasm and certainly did not use to drink as much (but he was still breastfeeding/mixed feeding). I am not overly concerned with him still drinking from a bottle - it's the frequency and quantity. I can't remember how I did it with my daughter I think one day she stopped having them and basically refused to have milk in a cup.

she will be 6 I think something bit more grown up. I like the pyjama party any ideas to flesh it out as theme? Was thinking 'Midnight' feast pillowfights (hmmm dangerous) hair braiding /dressing up

I am warming to the idea of hosting my daughter's birthday party at home but think maybe it needs a theme to make it more special. Any ideas? I was thinking of a pyjama party even though it will obviously take place during the day...

I have to say that Ivydale is still very creative and thankfully slightly improved on the chaotic. My daughter seems to be doing really well in year one and she is very excited about learning and school (although less enthused about doing homework). Her reading is fantastic and even math which was not as strong has been massively improved lately. On the extra curricular front the amount of clubs and music/gymnastic/drama activities on offer is mind boggling. I hope this is reflected in their results. Nunhead mum any idea when next inspection is due?

cycling I have been told is ok - though I must say doing spinning at home on your own is not the same (and right now no time or funds to go to gym). Rowing not sure. confusingly some Pilates exercises are very good for PF but some are not allowed. Any pilates instructors out there willing to pitch in?

You are very brave. I may have to resort to the house but there's the crazy boy to consider getting under everyone's way... Wish we could count on good weather and go to the park but last year there was a complete downpour on June 6 other venue recommendations most welcome

yes sorry I realise it was not clear - pilates exercises that bear down on pelvic floor (such as the pilates 100) are also out. Heavy lifting is bad as you say. I find deep squats uncomfortable although they are part of the Hab-it DVD which is all about pelvic floor rehabilitation (although after you have strengthened the PF muscles) The aim is to strenthen the TA muscles (transverse abs) and not the rectus abdominals (your six pack). Strengthening the bum/core/thigh muscles is also good for PF weakness. I believe planks are ok and they strengthen the abs but I find them a bit limiting in terms of exercise. this is a good resource http://www.hab-it.com/?page_id=120

I did get an alarm but running is out for the time being. I have to remind myself to carry it (in my bag) I have a fear of setting it off accidentally. But yes the police did not have a case they did not catch him. I still think about it months later and get very angry

Resurrecting thread to note that after urodynamics test and internal exam I have been diagnosed with mild prolapse of bladder/bowel and womb. Physical therapy is the next step and I have booked a private physio appointment next week (the NHS one is not till July). I have been through the 5 stages of grief - and after a lot of denial, anger and depression I have finally reached acceptance. I have bought myself a Kegel8 (similar to Athena I think) and am trying to do the Hab-it DVD when life allows. Trying to figure out what types of exercise are acceptable. To all who have been in touch through this forum I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the many messages and advise.