Gardenia

Hi My company is looking for an experienced freelance UX designer to work with on our corporate web application. This is product design rather than web design, that incorporates both visual and workflow elements for a complex web application. Designs would be created using Adobe Muse, Avocode or similar so they can be transferred to HTML/CSS easily. It would ideally suit someone returning to work following taking time out for childcare, as it's WFH and the working hours/patterns are flexible. It could amount to as much as 2-3 days per week if that suited. PM me if you are interested. Julia

Hi RobertMiles Do you mind telling me which hotel or tour company you booked with in Bankso? I'm keen to give Bulgaria a go!

Hi Has anyone used and would recommend a company or tradesman for applying frosted film to windows?

Thanks, Arcadian - but offices in Switzerland... they sound expensive! I was hoping for more of a one man (or woman) band type set up.

Does anyone know of an accountant or professional who can do both US and UK tax returns that they would recommend?

Thanks LadyNorwood, I'll get in touch.

You mean this sort of thing for the resin pour, Seabag? http://www.sensofloors.co.uk Not so good for kitchen surfaces though... do you know any suppliers for those?

Hi I'm thinking of going for polished concrete surfaces in my new kitchen. Does anyone have any experience of these and/or can recommend companies who specialise in supply and fit of these? Also any ideas on what to have as a complementary splashback!! Thanks.

Thanks Sue and Seabag. The British Standard stuff does look lovely, but they only do one style, and it isn't quite what I was looking for. Has anyone used In-Toto before? I'm curious about their stuff.

Currently I don't have a budget, as I have no idea what even the range of costs I might be looking at is. It's part of a larger renovation so money could be flexible if we take from other areas. I really want to feel that I'm getting value for money in terms quality. I'm definitely not looking super high end (Bulthaup are off the list!); I'd like to think that I could afford something mid-range, but I'm also thinking - is there any point? So many people love Ikea kitchens, do I really get any more for my money by upgrading? So far differences in quality seem to be: flat pack versus rigid factory finished cabinets board thickness (though it all seems to be 18mm unless you go really cheap) Door finishes (laminate/foil wrap/acrylic/glass/lacquer) - though I'm still investigating this

Honestly, I'd be horrified if my 4 year old (girl, if that makes a difference) behaved like this. My parenting is on the stricter end of the scale admittedly. I do agree that all kids behave badly from time to time (mine included), and this is obviously one of those occasions that needs firm words, an apology to your son and an appropriate punishment from your sister. I wouldn't expect your Mum to take sides, but how frustrating that she is condoning what is clearly unacceptable behaviour. Unless she thinks your nephew is somehow justified in taking whatever he pleases from others with no consequence, my opinion is that she should either stay out of it or gently reinforce the message that she expects considerate and fair behaviour from all her grandchildren. I'm not surprised you came to the forum for a second opinion!

Hi I'm planning a new kitchen and was hoping to get advice on other people's experiences. I'm looking at In-Toto in West Dulwich but wanted to know if people had any experience of them. Particularly if you have had one of their kitchens for a while, how has it held up over time? I'm also finding it difficult to compare quality and cost. Quality because it's hard to know which questions to ask, what are the the differentiators on quality based on construction methods? And cost because none of them publish their price lists. Without going through a lengthy design process to see what the outcome is, how can I compare where their price point is? Have others had any luck negotiating with kitchen suppliers to get costs down? Any advice welcome!

Can anyone recommend someone to do a measured building survey? Preferably someone independent who isn't VAT registered so I can keep costs down! Thanks

I got the 42 bus this morning as I had a meeting at the Gherkin and it goes straight there. Not really any quicker (50 mins), but a pleasant, unstressful journey.

Thanks for the tip, RPC. I'm aware of the 42 - but have yet to try it, buses feel a bit risky over a longer distance timing wise but the fact is that the trains aren't serving me any better at the moment. My final destination is most frequently Wapping so switching to the overground at Queens Road should make it a pretty straight forward journey. I guess I need to make the effort to get out of the house earlier, with 2 small people running around that can be a bit of a challenge!

I agree that it's a big detractor. We are renting here at the moment and had intended to buy - but now I'm having second thoughts. The unreliable trains do make you feel very cut off. I'm not a confident cyclist and whenever I switch to the overground at Queens Road that always seems to be suffering from long delays too. It looks like the service may be even more hampered from Jan 2015: http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/southeastern-publishes-proposed-2015-timetable/

Thanks, Jeremy. Sounds like there is a little bit of hope for the weekdays in the future then. Any idea when things are expected to return to normal? On the work at London Bridge side at least...

I've recently moved to the area and the trains from East/North Dulwich seem to be terrible. In fact even the Thameslink from Herne Hill doesn't seem much better. So many are cancelled and delayed. Is this due to the work at London Bridge, or has it always been like this?

Hi I'm looking for drop-off activities for my 3yo for the 2 weeks from 20 Oct whilst it is half term at her kindergarten. Most seem to start at 4 so I am struggling a bit. Anything in the East Dulwich/Herne Hill/Dulwich area would be great.