GlamourBug

Hi I know this comes up from time to time, but I have a slightly specific query. I am trying to work out how working parents of small children manage the very long school holidays. Specifically recently I've seen a few nannies when out and about who seem to just do drop off and pick up during term time but then they cover all the holidays. Is this normal? How do you recruit for this? And would anyone mind sharing what they charge/would pay for this routine? Its all pretty new to me, and I am interested to find out how it works. thanks

Hello I'd be grateful for any recommendations about a local seamstress (ED/FH way)- I am specifically looking for someone who can alter a number of pairs of trousers. I would need to be able to try them on and have them pinned before being altered. Even if you know a good local dry cleaners who can do this that would be great, thanks.

Hello, I wondered how you had got on with your search? x

Hello all Not in ED but close... a lovely place called the PerryVale in Forest Hill is having its first babies group this Tuesday 9:30... a lovely way to meet new mums... a few of us, both FH and ED mums are going.https://www.facebook.com/theperryvale x

Ha- agreed- we need more posts like this! I love Bagman and Robin Hiro bags- they make them in the back of the shop: http://www.bagmanandrobin.com/collections/backpack But for roominess I ended up buying a Cath Kitson backpack which was v pretty. Cheaper but still v roomy and often stylish ones are found at Accessorise. x

Agreed too- in the same way shops seem to think girls like dazzling pink and sparkles, they think all boys want boring dull dark shoes... ok, not all shops, but alot of them, and you seem to have to pay alot for a bit of style, which seems a pity. So am interested in the suggestions given ...

Thank you EVERYONE! Its so helpful to have such a wide range of responses. Its helpful that others have had the same discussion and debate about this... and great to have so many options to choose from. A huge thankyou for taking the time to respond.

Hoping someone more experienced with doll-related shopping can help! I have a two year old boy and am about to have a little girl... I like the idea of giving my son a doll so he has a 'baby' to play with, and a few friends who have done this said that their child seemed to enjoy having their own 'baby' to dress up, feed etc. However... having never looked at dolls before I'm overwhelmed! Firstly, they are all pink which is a personal issue of mine :) Secondly, more importantly, I guess, I don't know what to go for...! I can't get my head around all the Baby Annabelles and Baby Borns... I finally decided on the Little Love Baby Talk Interactive doll which does something and seems pretty interesting (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Love-Baby-Talk-Interactive/dp/B00K854AM6/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t) but turns out the only 'baby' thing she can do is feed, you can't even dress her up... So ... any suggestions? Has anyone else tried this? Or has any suggestions about dolls... or maybe this is just a waste of money?!! The baby has already got him a puzzle which he will love, but this is an extra idea... Thanks!

Hi just wondered if anyone else had any thoughts. We have tried Tinnies but no luck. Will try Sitters. I'm surprised its this hard, but if anyone had any suggestions- including any local baby sitters etc... please let me know. xx

Yes Ebay, or consider whether you could do a bulk cost for the lot (ONO) and advertise on here as a start for a 'new mum'- I'd bet someone who just found out they are pregnant would be thrilled to grab a job lot.

My two year old has been going to Hectik Hair for almost a year- highly recommended, very caring and fun staff, very reasonable price ?10 and no problems since we started going there!

Thank you Jane123 and Pandrns for your posts on this question; don't know about Missjojo but we haven't found anyone yet. Never heard back from Dulwich Childcare, but will try your two recommendations. Thanks,

I think the one in the link is a smaller one to the one I have, although its just as comfortable... but you could go for the bigger size.

We have a Kub glider- similar to this http://www.johnlewis.com/kub-haywood-glider-nursing-chair-and-footstool-white/p231876461 not cheap... but have had it two years and really couldn't do with out it- mine is now 2 and its still comfortable for long cuddles, storytime etc

Will be watching this as in same position- also didn't hear back from Dulwich Childcare.

Wondered if anyone still had a recommendation for a good local driving instructor? Thanks

Thanks both, the AA would have been great! What a pity its paused.

Hi, I wondered if anyone could help me please? I've found lots of good recommendations on here for driving instructors but wondered if anyone had a recommendation for a 'refresher' instructor who can help me with getting used to a new car and London driving. I haven't driven for almost 8 years and we've just got an automatic (I learnt on a manual)... so need some help! Am happy to start refresher classes in a driving instructor vehicle and then move to mine. Thanks

Hi, jumping on here for the last time! It was great to meet some new mums last Saturday at the Forest Hill 'splinter group'! The next FH meet up will be at Canvas and Cream, at 2:30 on 7 March. If you're interested in coming, or staying on the email chain, PM me with your email. I'll take this meetup group off line thereafter. Look forward to bringing lots of FH mums together!... and see the ED mums at the next ED meet up K's organising x

Hi, it was great to meet some new mums last Saturday. The next FH meet up will be at Canvas and Cream, at 2:30 on 7 March. If you're interested in coming, or staying on the email chain, PM me with your email. I'll take this meetup group off line thereafter. Look forward to bringing lots of FH mums together! x

Hi I wondered if any mums had used a Fitbit (https://www.fitbit.com/uk/charge)? Am pregnant with my second and thinking it might be a nice way of measuring my activity pre birth and helping me get into shape post birth. Anyone else out there got one, thinking of it, found it useful? x

Hi Interested in hearing the responses to this. We visited Herne Hill and loved it, and I've heard great things about it, so interested to hear comparisons. x

Absolutely. My son is coming up to 2, I guess quite young compared to some of the other responses here but I can't wait to get him interested in theatre... so keep me in the loop. x

Brilliant! Thrilled to be on this, and thanks to KJ for ED meet up. I've organised a smaller, splinter Forest Hill meet up for anyone our end... or anyone just interested in spreading the net! So great to hear from many second and third time mums- I'm a second time mum, with an almost two year old. Happy Bumping all xxx

Great- we can't book a table so I'll be there from 2:30... I'm not bringing my little one but I'll pm my personal details so you can contact me if needed. For those who can't make it, the weather will be better post-Feb so will organise a Saturday playdate. Let me know if interested.