JessicaR

If you can do it then that's brilliant. There's no doubt at all that it's loads better for babies than formula. I was lucky in that it came quite easily to me & I really wanted to do it so I stuck at it when it was a bit sore- and OMG how much easier than all that bottle sterilising!! But if you can't, or really don't want to... don't feel guilty! We can't all be perfect parents all the time. Breast fed for a year ten years ago? Yes! But my kids just had an easter egg each half an hour before bed....

I went to a wedding at Beauberry House last year, and it was absolutely beautiful, but my mum & sister visited it last week during the day (it's going to be a daytime party) & they thought it was a bit grubby: there was a broken window, & they had to wait for quite a while in a smelly downstairs room (wee, smoke n crisps!) for the lady who came to show them round. Sis thought it was nice & had potential, mum not so impressed. We do need to stay local. Herne Tavern looks great, but my parents don't want a pub feel. Can't afford the Horniman (ten grand inc buffet for 40!) but do want somewhere nice with a bit of a 'posh & romantic' feel. Thanks for those who've posted ideas so far - Any other ideas? All welcome - am tearing my hair out!!!

I have another venue enquiry! My parents are celebrating 50 years of marriage this autumn, & my sister and I want to throw them a party. We were thinking of about 50 people for a sit down buffet. My parents are quite traditional, so quirky pubs are out, and we'd like an outside space or a balcony for guests to have drinks before we eat. Ideally we want somewhere that looks lovely from the outside as well as inside. We've looked at the Horniman (to die for, but gulp!) and a few other lovely venues, but are after somewhere slightly less 'financially challenging'. We are happy to do our own catering, but would consider somewhere with a caterer included. I realise that to a certain extent you get what you pay for, but I thought I'd just ask in case anyone knew of a hidden gem in the South London area. (Or Surrey, or Kent borders) Any suggestions gratefully received!

My husband is going to be 40 in a couple of months & we are looking for an evening venue that can accomodate about 60-80 people, lets you bring your own food, and doesn't charge too much for hiring a private room. A bar would be nice, but we could bring our own drinks if the venue was right. I know, it's a tall order! Upstairs at the Mag is great, so we may use that (if I haven't left it too late) but it's a bit small for us, we would have to prune our guest list. We're after something in the Dulwich / Crystal Palace / Beckenham area. Can anyone recommend anywhere from experience? Thanks, guys.

We did, but it was a tough decision. Separate jabs are supposedly not as effective. There are lots of books out there that make it sound so dangerous, but in the end you just have to trust your instincts!

Hi, I've recommended Juggling Joolz on this forum before. I know lots of other Dulwich mums have too. We have used her again since and she was just as good as ever! She does magic, juggling, balloon modelling AND party and parachute games. She can also be booked for face painting, and brings her own music too, so all you have to provide is the party tea! You can contact her on 07963 447178. While I'm blowing trumpets - I'd recommend the Mag as a party venue: such friendly staff and a great space for a party. Good luck.

My kids are very happy in school, but they have a lot of friends who are home educated. They are lovely kids and there are literally hundreds of them in South London! The kids seem to meet up regularly & mostly have quite busy social lives. I know it's not everybody's cup of tea, but it's completely legal and not as unusual as you might think. Perhaps worth considering if you aren't so sure about local schools? See the 'Education Otherwise' website for more details.

What a lovely idea! I'll be getting this for my two year old niece.

OMG, when I was pregnant with my second, we got an au pair for 4 months. She really was a lifesaver! I know it depends on who you get, but often girls who are in the country to study English are happy to live in and help out around the house and with the little one. We paid ours only ?60 a week, but she had her own room, loads of time off & the use of all our facilities (computer, garden etc) You need a break! Good luck!

You can't beat the Diana playground in Kensington. We love it - and it's free!

'The Lady' magazine is a long term reliable favourite.

Juggling Joolz is great. She's been recommended several times on this forum, & my kids loved her. She does magic, juggling, balloon modelling, parachute games, bubbles and dancing, and also takes bookings for face painting and temporary tattoos. You can call her on 07963 447178

We are trying to help a friend find a bouncy castle with Halloween theme for her daughter's party. Does anybody know of a company that has one? Thanks.

We loved Juggling Joolz! We have used her for our children's parties as well. The kids seem to love her and she is very adaptable - she varies her show very slightly depending on the age of ther children. My kids are 4 and 7 & she has entertained at both their parties: the juggling is mesmerizing & the magic is great! My kids loved the balloon animals too. I'd definitely recommend her. You can call her on 07963 447178. Jessica