Anna27

So I've decided on solid tier on tier shutters, getting quotes from The New England Shutter Company very nice but expensive, waiting on The traditional shutter company to measure up. As previous people have said I also prefer the frame to sit behind the shutters something that both these companies do. I'm just wondering now though if it's better to get a carpenter to make them? Or stick with a specialist, because we're going solid now I imagine this might be cheaper but I don't want to compromise on quality etc.. Anyone had experience with this? Thanks

I think you have to take the commute into account over an hour to get to school is too long, I used to travel from ED to Orpinton for college. Looking back I should have chosen a local college, most days I felt unmotivated to go, plus getting up so much earlier, not a great start to the school day. Something to consider...

It wasn't until my little boy started nursery school that we also discovered this, I thought it was a bit odd. I told him to tell one of the teachers when he needed a poo, although they couldn't help they kept wipes in the cupboard so he always asked for a wipe. He was never as clean as I would have liked, he was one of the youngest too. No major disasters using this system, one of his teachers became his 'poo buddy' she though it was quite funny. I'm all for them learning but if they have an accident someone needs to step in! They would however get them changed if clothes were wet or soiled. He's just started school and we have had a few wetting himself incidents that have gone unnoticed, he gets too involved in playing to stop and go, I have asked the teachers to remind him, their still young, completely agree sitting in wee or poo part of the day is more unhygienic!

I have to admit it is in the back of my mind, I'm not sure what I would do probably panic! I don't feel in danger but it does make me a bit nervous when dogs are off their lead weaving about the kids. I've told them not to approach dogs as I would rather they be wary of all even if the dogs are friendly.

This is really helpful thanks everyone. I have decided that I need to see a few houses and possibly visit the New England Shutter Company's showroom to be sure of what I'm after. Think we will go for tier on tier but I don't want them to look too traditional, love the solid ones or the simple slatted shutters with the pole hidden. I did have a rough quote from the Traditional Shutter Company working out at ?2080 for our bedroom bay window plus a single small sash to the side of the bay, this seems like a lot, but they do produce them in the UK and the frame sits behind the shutters rather than around, same for the New England Shutter Company. This still seems like quite a lot!? I will investigate the other suggestions, I'm assuming the ones from china are of a good standard if quite a few of you are recommending them but as of yet I have seen nothing in the flesh. the New England Shutter Company quoted ?1847 plus fitting, they have 25% of their white range at the moment, this was the discounted price, but unfortunately they are the ones with the shutter rod in the middle, other ranges and styles will be considerably more! Too many options!! Also from street view they all seem slightly green or off-white is this just because the glass distorts them? do most of you have white ones that appear different from the outside? Thanks again!

Thanks j-mo that was a concern of mine too but I thought by the time I'm in bed anyway its dark and during the day it's privacy that we need for getting changed etc. I suppose the solid ones would block more light out but like Belle said I not sure if they are right for my bedroom but I do love them! Bellenderbear I did actually read through the other thread but it wasn't particularly helpful, normally the family room is the best place for these things ;) Thanks my research continues! Along with a new front garden path and pathing, the list is endless. My eldest has just started school so I'm making it my mission to get these things finished!

Thanks everyone! Can you tell me if you looked around any showrooms or do they come with samples when they measure? Also I've noticed that some of the frames are around the shutters and some behind, not sure how important that is? Also worried about the lead time, John Lewis told me if would be 10-12 weeks! Would like them up before Christmas! Affordable shutters seem to have a good reputation. Belle thanks for your recommendation too, The shutters will be for our bedroom which is a good size but like most victorian terraces we need to be able to have privacy from the houses opposite especially during the day without blocking all natural light out, it's a difficult decision, initially I thought roman blinds with the window film on the lower window, this is still costly and I do like to be able to look out into the street. How do people feel about having the top section moving independently from the bottom or does it look better as one panel? Really helpful getting feedback from people currently living with them. Belle do you regret not getting the solid shutters or are you happy with your decision? Thanks again!

Fellow mums hoping you can help me out I'm after plantation style shutters for our victorian terraced house, I just need them for the top floor, I haven't actually been in a house that has them but they look nice from the outside and would solve privacy issues. Possibly going for the solid ones rather than slatted, any experience you have with them would be a great help! There seem to be hundreds of suppliers. I have a few questions, it's a bright bedroom will they cut the light out dramatically? Top and bottom of bay windows or just the bottom section. I couldn't decide on curtains or blinds/window film, figured this would solve the problem! Recommendations of suppliers and rough prices would also be useful, Thanks in advance...

We had the same issue with the food, unfortunately we all ordered burgers, way too much pepper! Kids wouldn't eat theirs. I did mention it to the waitress. Might be time to find a good chef, first impressions and all that! Hope the standard of the food improves...

As a parent myself If I want a child free pub experience I would go after 7pm most are in bed by that time, almost like avoiding rush hour! It was packed at tea time today full of families, children were running about but it was a nice community atmosphere. Chips and beer were excellent, almost too much choice!

Sanity girl...the pain I get goes right through me normally on the left hand side and some months are worse than others, I put this down to it possibly being when I ovulate from the left ovarie. With my first child it settled down about a year after having him, it's much worse now after my second who's nearly 2! Definitely hormonal, my skin gets bad around this time and I'm more emotional, complete lack of energy. I also suffered with post natal depression for a while, I feel that it's all linked. I have found that exercise is key for me, I tend to do 2 or three classss a week, really lifts me and actually give me more energy. Pilates and aerobics, it's not helped with the ovulation pain though. Great indicator, no need for an ovulation kit! but going fur number 3 that's another debate!

Pink and blue versions at decathlon, my son used this for about a year, the wooden ones look nice but in my opinion have quite a wide seat (some of them) which can be an issue when upgrading to a 'first peddle bike' he's just turned 4 and we upgraded to an 'Isla Bike' love them, super lightweight, he made the transition in a few days no need for stabilisers! Was quite expensive, invest in the bike not the balance bike. Hope that helps... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/run-ride-girl-id_8185820.html http://www.islabikes.co.uk/

Townley Rd, but I think they are full

Same problem, worse since having my second, I also get really bad ovulation pain that can last up to a week, it's like having 2 periods a month! Even went for a scan of my ovaries at kings but all is normal. Completely controlled by my cycles now. Blood test did pick up that my iron levels were very low so I'm now taking a supplement hopefully that will combat the tiredness, especially hard to deal with the kids during ovulation, and they know it too!

Not strictly a family room discussion but I thought this would reach the right people! Got any recommendations for front Garden design/builders we possibly want a victorian path put in, it's a standard small front garden just enough room for a hedge or something to be planted and three southwark bins! Three bed victorian terrace house. Ideally I need someone to dig it all up and Lay a new path make it look amazing, I'm quite a perfectionist! need someone reasonably priced with an eye for detail. Also can anyone recommend where to get the victorian path tiles? Is it better to get them supplied and fitted by the same company? but I I'm thinking it would be more cost effective to get the same people to do the whole thing. Feeling overwhelmed by it all! Thanks

About time, I just hope they put it into action, park wardens who can in force fines I fed up with the dog crap in Peckham Rye. It's the equivalent of me letting my child poo on the floor then walking away, discussing! Same goes for people not keeping dogs on the lead around the pond etc..

I read this thread with great interest! I have a 4 year old and a nearly 2 yearl old. Both are extremely high energy boys, although they have quite different personalities they match each other in terms of not sitting still or concentrating on something longer than 10mins, definitely a boy thing! But I have also come to the conclusion now that the youngest is nearly 2 that its just who they are, there are 10 years between me and my brother and I clearly remember him being the same, he's a well rounded young man. It makes life harder for me when it comes to activities/play dates etc. looking forward to the youngest having all my attention oncey eldest starts school in Sept, but will equally miss the crazy double duo sometime you have to embrace it! They are both so happy and fearless but also stubborn ( that quality they get from me) it's tough now but I feel that these qualities will help them later in life.

stabbing on Bellwood Rd

This is crazy save the cherry tree!

Karen? Tall, dark hair we gave her and she's great!

Jungle formula sensitive or boots do a completely natural spray

Srisky well said, I have spent two weeks in Greece dining out with the family my 2 children included and its been refreshing, it's hard to compare the two countries on an equal footing but we have been made to feel welcomed, there have been some tantrums and tears and my 19month old has entertained a few tables with his inquisitive nature. Comments that basically children should been seen and not heard in public places is unrealistic you are setting yourself up for disappointment surely it's harder to maintain this aggrievance, let it go! Try a different tactic engage with these children they are part of society. Maybe you should do a bit of research, find out what should be realistically expected of and under 5 year old then maybe you can have a better informed view. Why be bitter what a waste of time...

Henryb I could not agree more! Completely true I often find myself getting annoyed by the assumption that a tantrum = bad behaviour my 19month old often throws them...yesterday he threw one because I removed a toy car tire from his mouth, I insisted he held my hand in the road and daddy went to the toilet without him! Often the quickest way to end it is by distraction or if its gone past that stage ignoring him, yes letting him thrash it out on the floor. It's not ignoring bad behaviour it's often the quickest way for a child to express that the're not happy with a situation, they haven't yet developed the emotional capacity to deal with their feelings. It's a learning process there's no quick fix! It often not so black and white. I'm half Greek and in Greece children are welcomed and interacted with by the whole community, instead of hostility they are greeted with warmth and smiles. We as a country could learn a lot from France and other countries on how we treat children.

We have a VW touran I have always driven VW's really happy with it, we have two children and might possibly have a third so needed the extra space/possibly getting three cars seats in! Love the extra boot space, also the kids can see out of the window better, tinted rear windows that apparently reduce car sickness. Took me about a month to get used to parking etc recommend parking sensors. Also went for an automatic something I wasn't too sure about my husband thinks their better for city driving, initially missed changing gears but now really pleased with our decision. Also handy having the extra seats in the back as they get older and have friends round etc..got a good second hand deal at a VW dealership, it was a year old.

Ha yes! That's exactly not what I'm after!!