melbourne groover

Is the dental section at Kings open on the weekend?

I had a Phil and Teds but sold it as it was causing strain on my wrists with only one child in. I then went to an ABC adventure buggy which has a top seat on for the older child. This was brilliant. My eldest loved riding in the top seat and the youngest could be at whatever angle suited. I know this was for sale recently on the forum. I truly found it brilliant and so easy to push.

The chocolate covered bananas in Hope and Greenwood are the nearest I have come to marshmellow easter eggs (my particular weakness) much cheaper than the extortionate prices for the real marshmellow-y goodness available at Kiwifruits. Although this does not always prevent purchase of the real thing at Easter...

I bought a great raincoat from Blacks (for me), it is properly waterproof, long (knee length) and has a hood. Quite a difficult combo to find as it turns out. Not sure if they still do them but worth a look. Wasn't too expensive either.

If the bumps under your toes are in the right place then they are the ones that fit. You should have about 1cm at the end I think. But equally if they feel too big then ignore above and buy the ones that feel right but I have bought too small before and if your toes hit the end they are uncomfortable after a while.

I would definately go for the Tripp trapp esp if you can buy one second hand. My nearly six year old is still happily sitting in hers, using it as a step/for cooking etc at the bench. Now she is older we have adjusted it so an adult can sit on it and I use it if working at the table (much better for my dodgy back). I think a really good investment - especially if you can pick one up for ?50-ish on here or ebay/gumtree.

I think it will be fine! I put mine into the same room on holiday and they liked it so much they have stayed that way. Could you put the baby down a little earlier than the older one and read a story while the baby drops off then sneak the older one in? I think as long as the older one is a good sleeper you shouldn't have too many issues. Good luck!

oops sorry just looked back. You do an exercise routine (depending on level) on the Vibrogym machine. These machines are the same as power plates but (again IMO) more powerful. They were developed for astronauts to maintain muscle tone I think (hmm this could be dodgy info on my part but am pretty sure I read this). You can do a free taster session then you book a course where Gianni (or Chrissy) do a one to one session for half an hour with you tailoring the session to your needs. I am a member now and so follow a workout devised by Gianni on my own but he does classes, there are lots of different options depending on whether you like to work alone or not. I see quite a lot of people in there with babies, my son is a bit older but he is in his buggy. I just try to time it when it is not too busy. It isn't a creche, so don't want to misrepresent it but I have found them nothing but accomodating. But is so quick it is feasible to fit in around other stuff also.

I have been to the above place but have been far more impressed by High Vibes on Melbourne Grove (www.highvibe.co.uk). Not only did I fine it handier and cheaper than the above, the workout is far more impressive (IMO)and has had great results. Gianni is so tolerant of children also, has made it so easy for me. A super quick effective workout in half an hour on my doorstep can't ask for more than that! I know I do sound a bit evangelical about it all but truely couldn't be happier.

Use formula if no breastmilk to hand (so to speak..;-)). Once they are onto yogurt etc then I used to use cows milk.

Perfect, will have a look. Thanks!

Yesterday we lost my son's blue crocs on the way home from Oak Tree nursery along Melbourne Grove somewhere in between Tell Grove and Blackwater St. Someone kindly handed one in to Oak tree but despite combing the street I can't find the other one. If by any chance someone has spotted it please can they let me know? Thanks Amy

The pussy blister thing is pretty normal. It can occur within a few weeks but can take months to burst and heal. Neither of my kids were bothered by this in the least. I would definately recommend (from a parents point of view) getting it done when they are young as my daughter had it at 2.5yrs and it was horrendous (lots of crying, I had to hold her arm down, truly horrific ...for me mainly). Not sure my son even noticed at 8 months, no tears. Much smoother experience all round...

My advice would be if you are stopping over, get a hotel out of the airport. Singapore is incredibly easy to get around (just take yr carseat) and much nicer to stop somewhere that has a pool or at least you can see the sky... We stopped over in the transit hotel and my daughter didn't sleep which left us taking turns pushing her round the airport in a terrible loaner pram or bjorn. I actually think in some ways better just to push on through esp if you have family in Oz that would look after the baby while you have a nap.

There is a really good place in Forest Hill - am pretty sure it is called The Fitting Studio. They are fanatical measurers (in a good way) so am sure would be able to sort you out.

Just use summer ones for when it is warmer and a cellular blanket or equivalent(that they will throw off but will be warm enough anyway) when it is boiling! I stop the sleeping bags when getting ready to change to a bed. My general rule of thumb is when they figure out how to open the bag it is time to move to a duvet. This has been around 2 for both of my kids.

Definately think about the hammock, we had an Amby hammock for my daughter and she loved it and was in it until about 7 months. I saw someone selling one on here the other day for ?50 I think. It was the best thing ever, so portable, could stick hand out of bed and rock without actually really moving (all good obviously!!) but also hardly takes up any space. As an added bonus the flat head thing really works, my daughters head was a really lovely shape (hmm son in a cot not so much...)

I just googled NZ nannies and a whole heap of websites came up!

If you do walk loads then I would definately get a double. It makes like so much easier if you can fling the older one in the buggy when necessary, we had a longish walk home(for a 3yr old) after nursery and it made the whole thing so much easier (I am obviously all about the easy...). We had an Adventure buggy which was fab - the top seat meant it didn't feel too much like a pram for the older one, you could have nice chit chats while walking along and it was great for fitting all the shopping in! They do crop up on ebay, so worth keeping an eye out. Think they are a bit prohibitive price wise new but brilliant if you can get a second hand one. They are the landrover of prams, not much to break so even an old one would do the job! The air filled tyres are so much more comfy to push also with two.

I don't think you have to spend a fortune on a stylist. My friend who does it was a buyer for years and has revolutionised the wardrobes of a few people I know. She is really reasonable (and local). I think she recommends a few hours shopping and not sure about the wardrobe refresh but would think a few hours would be enough for that also.

Comptoir des Cotonniers - definately good. Also Zadig and Voltaire for a dash of French rock chick if you are down South Molten St ;-)

Try Cos, they do really cool classics with a twist. Just beside Liberty, and across the road (Regent st that is) there is Hoss Intropia. Marlene Birger also good, in various labels - By Marlene Birger/Day birger etc. Depends on yr budget and inclination I think... If you decide on the personal shopper, I know a fab one. She can do a few hours with you or even just go through your wardrobe with you to work out what you like/what you suit/what you could be wearing. Can sometimes clarify it all. PM if you want the details. But if you are confident on your own then the above is a good starting point!

Subtle I thought...;-)

I also find half an avocado a good boost for lunch (even a whole on super hungry days).

How about oat biscuits and cheese - filling but not sweet?