womanofdulwich

:) " LIke"

walking I think. Mine is a 20 minute walk or 8 mins on bike.There are so many schools!

Its really better for part time workers/ retired- or students/ undergraduates. Maybe a SAHM or DaD.

Whoops I had forgotten about that- and Imran Khan :(

Last night was particularly bad then. Maybe it was a quiet day in Syria.

Saffron, let me know if you find anything then. I might just switch on at 10.30 for the weather :)

The 10pm news last night was full of child killers and abusers for about 20 minutes. It looks like we are in for a long season of people coming forward reporting historical incidents. I really don't think I can watch the news any longer. It is so depressing. Is it just me?

Caravan might be cheap??

I want to recommend the Beanstalk charity ( used to be called the voluntary reading scheme). You have to commit to 2x 1.5 hour sessions a week term time, where you will listen to and help 3 children read ( the same 3 each time) at the same primary/junior school. You need to go for 2 days training, but it is extremely rewarding. http://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/reading-helpers/how-to-apply They have funding to train and support you and are short of volunteers. They place you in a school less than 30 mins away from where you live.

novotel in troyes is a favourite of ours. very child friendly.

and walls to put the rails on............

where is your partner in all this? can you make the big bed a star chart reward -ie go and look at beds and duvets and 10 nights in a row = new bed etc?

let us know then......

you could always feed another baby while you are there!!

LOL I think you will find that one of the main attractions for many teachers/ancillary staff at private schools is that a main part of their package is substantially reduced school fees. Eg half fees at Dulwich college for a full time lab technician- ?7k per child- 3 boys= ?21k mm or at least it was 5 years ago when my friend did it.

i think you can just express a bit out each night- and throw it away:(

;)

i would also think closely about location and the ease of "play dates" collection/ taxiing. How easy would it be to take darling children to someones party in a palace in regents park etc? I think local is an important criterea .

approach the estate agent that is selling your flat- they should work extra hard for you- as they have so much more to loose. Of course vendors are holding out for as much as poss. Thats property ownership! If you are quite sure about what you want and have a few roads in mind then fly post the houses on that road and agree to buy at a price agreed by an independent chartered surveyor. Bribe the estate agents a personal ? bonus if they help you acquire a house.

just take photos and share with neighbour now- ie before. then you have a record for later.

I second turtle mats they wash really well.

Rugs are the answer. Patterned ones- that will take the vanish. There is one ikea rug which i buy bought for ?40 every 4 years- it took a lot of dirt. Carpets are better thatn bare floor boards if they fall over. Beige carpets are the best colour. But- be very strict about where you allow food and pens. ( we have the same beige carpet after 12 years- have it cleaned every few years- but the rug in the middle takes a LOT of wear.)

Learn to drive NOW. seriously. Growing up outside London with out being able to drive will be very hard- all that ferrying children to and fro- parties/ football/ school. If you only have one child ,learn while you can.

PLease call the police. There may be witnesses happy to testify. It may be a child next.

1. Hendricks 2.Tanqueray 3. Bombay Sapphire 4. Gordons 5. Zubrowka vodka 6 Knockando Whiskey 7. CHivas Regal 8.Palo Cortado sherry 9. Veuve Cliquot 10.Barola. mmmmmm