sanity girl

I get sweets, pens/pencils, stickers and balloons from the pound shop and divide them up. Doesn't cost much.

Has she read any Nancy Mitford or Jessica Mitford? I loved anything by/about the Mitfords when I was a teenager. Also agree re. Atwood and Allende. However I have to say I didn't read any of these from a feminist point of view or with what it meant to be a woman in mind - I just enjoyed them as really good writing.

I'm with StraferJack on this. When on holiday with my family aged 10 or so I read the Norman Mailer and Fay Weldon novels my parents had brought with them. Both wildly unsuitable. The Fay Weldon featured sex and infidelity but I was more shocked by the description of a car crash. The Norman Mailer I believe featured a man doing something obscene with a decapitated corpse. I can't really remember. I was not traumatised in any way whatsoever, just a little shocked by the car crash bit because it was something I could imagine in real life. My daughter is 7 and has already read all the Harry Potter books - the many deaths in the later books didn't bother her at all.

My daughter just wears leggings in the required colour

I would have a look at a supplier like Fill your Pants to see what is available - so much depends on the shape and size of your baby, how often you intend to wash, whether you can dry outside etc. My favourites were tots bots easyfit when baby was smaller (but he soon got too big for them) and bumgenius flip (not sure if these are still made now) for all round ease of use and fit from small to big. I also liked the Bambino mio solo (all in one nappy) for ease of use and quick drying. I found the older style two part nappies too bulky and faffy to use. Fill your pants do a good scheme where you can try a selection of nappies for ?10 (plus ?100 deposit) http://www.fill-your-pants.com/cloth-nappy-trial/nappy-trial.html

I just chuck them all in a square wicker basket with a lid - got mine from Ikea ages ago but can't see it on their website - something like this http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/honey-wood-trunk-384105

Hello, it was something I was mulling over a while back when I thought I might lose the tenancy on my current flat, but I've now renewed for another year so not looking to share for now. I might be interested next year though if my landlord proposes an unfeasible rent increase.

Bouncy castle party at JAGS sports club for ?100? St Faith's community centre in Red Post Hill ?50 per hour - sure there are lots of other possible venues

What about these Gap grey khakis? http://www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=1013675&vid=1&pid=000977087005

There is also the excellent Dulwich village preschool on the south circular http://www.dulwichvillagepreschool.co.uk/

Re. playgroups there is the Magic Moments creche on the lordship lane estate (just by the junction with the south circular), open mornings only weekdays apart from Wednesday - lovely caring environment and introduction to preschool/nursery for little ones

Yes agree that the most important thing is snacks after school - the meltdowns when I forgot - horrendous! I never bother with name tags - just write with biro on the washing labels.

No password needed I think. The link on the DHJS website doesn't work. Hopefully this one will http://www.yourschooluniform.com/schools/index/dulwich-hamlet-junior-1

Yes please! My son is also starting there in September - he will be going Monday to Thursday full days. I will PM you my mobile number.

You can find the telephone numbers of local refuges on the Women's Aid website (search by borough I think). I contacted one in Streatham in the past and directly donated some clothes and makeup for which they were very appreciative

Signed and shared

Gas or induction hob in the kitchen- slow to heat electric hobs are grim. Also a decent coffee maker - a mocca type that you use on the hob is so much better than the usual cafetiere. And decent pillows and suitable duvets - can't bear when there is only a really heavy hot duvet when you are staying in the summer and you are forced to just use the empty cover. Some outdoor play equipment for kids would be amazing.

The Herne hill shope does have some leotards in a sale box - you could check if they have any black ones in there

I think it's fine for a 3 year old but you may find it a bit cold for a 3 month old - plenty of families take their babies swimming there but I would say they are a little older - 9 months and up?

You can get them from Mr Green's toy shop in Dulwich Village - ?1.50 for refills, ?3.75 for the set (but you don't actually need the set with loom - just look on youtube for instructions)

Can I ask how you are getting on with the bottles you ordered - which type of cap did you get and do they leak at all? Cora Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Tried the one greenbottle link above and ordered > some clearance metal ones for ?2.50 - Seemed worth > a try! > > Thank you...

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. He is subjecting you to emotional abuse. As a start I would contact Women's Aid or Refuge for advice. http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic_violence_topic.asp?section=0001000100220042

I think it will all depend on your budget/requirements for your accommodation. I assume you will be renting? East Dulwich and Dulwich are wonderful places to bring up children - I grew up here and am now bringing my children up here (as a single parent). However rent has got very expensive. YOu can expect to pay upwards of ?1200 per month for a 2 bed place. Rightmove is very useful for getting an idea of what is available and also seeing distances from schools. As for affordable nurseries - it depends on your requirements again. My son goes to Dulwich Village preschool and is very happy there (and it is very affordable, especially once you get the government funding after your child turns 3), but they only do school hours - i.e. 9.30-3.15pm term time only. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

What about the Geffrye museum?

Ken's on Half Moon Lane - takeaway only