June/July 08 Newsletter

Dear lovely London Mums

Summer is at the door!! And finally something for the dads: Father's day is on 15th June! Don't forget to celebrate it. London Mums will kick start the summer with a FREE PAMPERING AND SEMINAR event on 20th June with international bestselling author Megan Faure talking to us about "Understanding babies with colic and chaotic toddlers" (an original talk covering overstimulation among other topics) while you get some pampering sessions. The best things in life are free but we only have a limited number of spaces available, so if you are interested, register immediately. Look at all the activities we have lined up for you: wife swap, green parenting event, free experts' advice for mums on holiday and for mumpreneurs, summer fun stuff. This is an open forum so keep sending your suggestions and messages. This is what it makes our group so unique. Have a nice start of the summer with your family! And most importantly keep enjoying motherhood!

REGISTER NOW FOR OUR FREE PAMPERING AND MUM'S SEMINAR WITH BESTSELLING AUTHOR MEGAN FAURE

BOOK YOUR SPACE FAST FOR OUR FREE PAMPERING AND SEMINAR WITH INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR MEGAN FAURE ON 20th June 2008 - SPACES ARE LIMITED (FOR MUMMIES ONLY!):

Evening time/venue: 7-9 pm at Eddie Catz, Putney

LONDON MUMS IN THE NEWS!

Plus coming up Monday 16th June 08 in the South African magazine distributed across London

PAID-FOR MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Real People magazine is a real-life womens weekly and every week it publishes a 'Mum to Mum' page, where one mum describes a dilemma or issue she has, and another mum gives her advice on how she coped in that situation. Any mums who have their dilemma or advice published are paid 100 pounds for their time and trouble. Taking part involves being interviewed on the phone by one of the writers, and providing a picture of themselves and their child or children. They have a read-back policy, which means they will read the copy back to the contributors, prior to publication, to ensure they are entirely happy with what would be printed. This week they are looking for mums for a page about sports day. They are looking for a mum whose child or children are not naturally sporty, to talk about how they feel about this annual event. Do they worry about how it will affect their child's confidence? How does a mum deal with this scenario? They would also need a mum who has experienced these concerns to describe how she dealt with the situation - perhaps she felt it was important to teach her child that it's the taking part not the winning that counts. If you are interested, please call editor Louise on 0207 339 4585 and she would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks for your help.

MESSAGE BOARD

FROM Laura Ruaro Bhatia: I am a Trainee Counselling Psychologist. As part of my doctorate at London Metropolitan University, I am carrying out a study on the experiences of being a foreign mum in the UK so that their needs can be better addressed. I am looking for Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek mothers of babies up to 1 year old to share their experiences. Participation in the study involves a 45 minute interview which can take place either at your own place or at the Vitality Centre in Wandsworth. Babies can be present so there is no need to organise childcare. Thank you for your interest. Laura Ruaro Bhatia, lauraruaro@yahoo.com, mob. 07866 959 830.

FROM mumpreneur Marion: Do you have 2hours to 6hours free per week (day or evening)?

Help us launch in your area a new magic mini spa machine, as cool and small as an iphone, a must for skincare. Demonstrate how to do spa treatments at home in 10 minutes to rejuvanate the face, body and scalp. Tell your friends and supplement your income. Training, tools and support provided. No experience in the beauty industry needed. Opportunity available for English, French, Italian, German or Hungarian speaker. Info - interviews: Marion Couffon 07768 256 556 - Home - office: 020 8994 4180

FROM MONICA - NANNY RECOMMENDATION: My part-time nanny Emoke would like to work a few hours in the mornings. At the moment she only works in the afternoons 3-4 hours (every day), and she is looking for some extra work. She would love to look after 1 baby or toddler, sole charge. She is great and my son adores her. She comes highly recommended. Call her on 07968515758 if you would like to hire her.

ANOTHER MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Dear Monica, My name is Lianne La Borde and I am a journalist for National News. I am currently putting together a panel of people to speak to and question Gordon Brown about issues affecting them. This is for The Sun newspaper and it will take place on either 7, 8 or 9 July and will take about four hours. We are looking for a single mother who has been affected by Gordon Brown's policies, as well as the parents of a two children family. I wondered if anyone from London mums would be interested and whether you could help. If you are interested or would like more information please call me on 07736564637 or 020 7684 3000. Yours sincerely, Lianne La Borde

CHARITY LUNCH IN PUTNEY IN SUPPORT OF GREAT ORMOND STREET CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL!!

When: Thursday 19th June 2008, 12,30pm to 2,30pm.

Where: Cupcake, 10 Point Pleasant, Wandsworth Park, SW18 1GG, London

What: Luxury healthy lunch and a talk with entrepreneur Kerrie Keeling (founder of a Woman's Touch)

Fee: Entrance 15 pounds per person and proceeds go to GOSH.

Contact: Karen on 02088751065 or info@cupcakemum.com.

For more details www.cupcakemum.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH EVENT (FREE) - 27th JUNE

Baby Rhyme Time (Numbers and counting rhymes and songs For under Fives on Friday 27th June 10.30 at Roehampton Library

BOOK OF THE MONTH EVENT (FREE) - 25th JULY

Bangers and Smash (Fun and Music for under fives) on Friday 25th July 10.30 at Roehampton Library. It's free! Just come along.

LONDON MUMS COMPETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY CHARITY!!! Champion childhood and win a family pass to the London Dungeons!

The Children's Society has teamed up with London Mums to offer you the chance to win one of five family passes to the London Dungeons worth 60 pounds each! The Childre's Society, a national children's charity, is investigating what makes a childhood good. You can help by telling us about a good childhood memory by going online atwww.hundredsandthousands.org.uk

Then, you can go into the draw to make some new memories with a family day out at The London Dungeons. For a chance to win simply answer the following question:

Q: At which famous London attraction can you view the crown jewels?

A. The London Dungeons; B. The London Zoo; C. The Tower of London

Please email your answers to londonmums@incredibullideas.com

Terms and conditions apply: By entering the competition you agree to allow The Children's Society to contact you by email with information about The Children's Society. If you do not wish to be contacted please call our supporter action team on 0845 300 1128 or email srr@childsoc.org.uk.

RIVERSIDE STUDIOS IS NOW FAMILY FRIENDLY AND FREE!!! Check event suitable for London Mums and children

The Six Wives of Timothy Leary - Cry Baby Session at Riverside Studios: All parents and babies are invited for a midmorning theatre show in Studio 3 at the Riverside Studios.

Date: Wed 25 June at 11am, Venue: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, W6 9RL.

The show lasts 80 mins, no interval.

Entry free, donations welcome.

The Six Wives of Timothy Leary - by Philip de Gouveia. In a new play spanning the ages of jazz, rock 'n' roll and techno, six women meditate on the highs and 'highs' of being married to counter-culture revolutionary and psychedelic messiah, Timothy Leary. www.riversidestudios.co.uk

BUSINESSMUMS' NETWORKING LUNCH

Details of the next Businessmums' Networking Lunch are here and I take great pleasure in announcing that Jane Khedair of Business Plan Services will be speaking. It looks to be a great lunch, as in addition to relating her story, she'll be talking about business planning and accessing funding; the areas that most Mums find toughest when launching or growing their business.

Cost: 20 pounds includes a two-course meal and tea - coffee.

When:Tuesday, July 1 with mingling from 11.30am and lunch served at 12.30pm

Venue: The Firestables, 27 Church Rd, Wimbledon Common SW19 5DQ

You can see all the details on the page: Motivating Mum.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

REGISTER NOW FOR LONDON MUMS FREE PAMPERING AND MUM'S SEMINAR WITH BESTSELLING AUTHOR MEGAN FAURE

BOOK YOUR SPACE FAST FOR OUR FREE PAMPERING AND SEMINAR WITH INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR MEGAN FAURE ON 20th June 2008 - SPACES ARE LIMITED (FOR MUMMIES ONLY!):

Evening time/venue: 7-9 pm at Eddie Catz, Putney

GREEN PARENTING SHOW on 28th June 2008

Have a great day out & find out about green living!!

When: Saturday 28th June, 10am-4pm close to North Dulwich.

Where: St. Faith's Centre, Red Post Hill, London SE24 9JQ

Times: 10.00 - 16.00

Admission: 5 pounds at the door or 3.50 pounds when you quote 'green LondonMums' at the door.

For more details and directions visit www.greenparentingshow.com

Don't forget to quote 'green LondonMums' on the day to get a discount on your ticket.

ARTICLE FOR MUMPRENEURS BY OUR EXPERT Amanda Alexander of Coaching Mums

Very useful tips by our coaching expert and mumpreneur Amanda Alexander.www.londonmums.org.uk/busmums/busmums.html

DO YOU WANT TO BE ON CHANNEL 4 PROGRAMME 'WIFE SWAP'?

Do you & your family want to try something totally different? Do you think that others can benefit from your family life? If so..a new series of Wife Swap would love to hear from you… Channel 4 is keen to reflect the different communities and groups of modern Britain, but ultimately it is about the universal themes and challenges of family life and how people deal with them. The format often enables people a greater insight and understanding into how others lead their lives, as well as affect a positive change in their own. It is this aspirational quality that is a key focus in producing the program. To participare quote London Mums when you CALL VICTORIA BROWN ON 207 013 4132 or email her on victoria.brown@rdftelevision.com. For more information on the programme go to www.rdftelevision.com

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT Eddie Catz

Eddie Catz will be open throught the summer! Like every holiday Eddie Catz will be running an exciting programme of drop-off summer activity sessions for 3 to 10 year olds in both its Putney and Wimbledon centres. Classes will range from themed cookery with Cookie Crumbles, Dance, Music with Monkey Music, Playball sports skills in the Wimbledon sports pitch, Mad Science and theme based drama and storytelling sessions such as Little Mermaid and Princess Camp. Drop off times and prices vary. All classes include admission to Eddie Catz where the children are welcome to play after the activity session ends, under adult supervision. Check the website for details: www.eddiecatz.com

Summer opening times:

Putney: 9.30am-6.30pm Mon to Sat - 10-6pm Sunday - PUTNEY 68-70 Putney High Street, London SW15 1SF

Wimbledon: 10am-6pm everyday - WIMBLEDON 42 Station Road, Merton SW19 2LP

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: 'How to travel with a toddler and stay sane!' by Karen Guttridge, mum of three and director of baby and toddler travel company Holiday Tots

To read this article click here www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html

BREASTFEEDING CAFE': TODDLER CORNER NOW AVAILABLE

The breastfeeding cafe' at the Eileen Clinic in Putney invite breastfeeding mums with their second/third child to attend the Monday session from 10,30 am to 12pm and bring their toddler/s along. There will be a toddler corner with toys for them to be entertained while the mums can chat with the health visitor and other fellow mums.

For directions check the site www.wandsworth-pct.nhs.uk

NEW PRODUCTS TESTED AND RECOMMENDED BY LONDON MUMS

Please check the page www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips to read new reviews on the 'tried and tested' section. A product recently tested is the FunPod, ideal gadget for you and your toddler. www.littlehelper.co.uk

LONDON MUMS ART CLUB - NEW REVIEWS AVAILABLE NOW!

Books, CDs and DVDs for the whole family reviewed and recommended by London Mums www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips

FARM VISIT

In the summer London Mums will visit a farm in Surrey. Please let us know if you would like to attend. Watch this space for details.

MESSAGE BOARD

NORTH LONDON - THE BEST ITALIAN PLAYGROUP IN LONDON HAS RE-OPENED: The Italian Playgroup reopened on Thursday 1st of May from 2.30 to 4.30 in the Hampstead Garden Suburb Free Church - Central Square, NW11 7AG. (there is parking available around - bus H2 or 102 from East Finchely station or Golders Green station) The price is 2 pounds for the first child and 1 pound each for siblings. Tea coffee and snacks available. Inside the venue we have place for nappy changing and a place to leave buggies. Unmissable playgroup even (or especially) if you are not Italian! www.123stella.co.uk.

FROM MONICA - HOUSEHOLD: I am compiling a list of good plumbers and builders around London - only people you trust and you have used yourself. Please send me your recommendations and i will share them with you. It would be great also if you could recommend reliable and trustworthy cleaners. Thanks.

FROM SARA: We have an Italian friend staying with us until September to learn English and look after Alexandre for few hours a day. She goes to school in the morning and she would like to find an activity/job that allows her to practice her English. She is free every day from 12.30 to 5.00 and week-ends. If you know of anyone who needs some help for few hours, or has seen an advert in a shop or just wants to hang out with her, please contact Sara at 07786267475.

FROM EMOKE - NANNY RECOMMENDATION: I have a friend who is a nanny and she's looking for extra work on Saturdays and Sundays, also evening baby-sittings. She's a very nice lady and she's been working for her present family for 5 years (loyal and loved by all 3 children and their parents), but she'd like to save up some money, so extra work would be great as she's a very hard worker. Her contact details are: Shanttmaya, 07964-554905, e-mail: smgurung@hotmail.com.

Parents 4 Parents: BLISS free services to families with premature or sick babies

Bliss, the charity for babies born too soon, too small or too sick, is able to offer a much-needed service to parents who are in need of some support or would just like to talk to another parent who has been through a similar situation. With over 80,000 babies admitted to a specialist neonatal unit for care in the UK every year, there is an ever-present demand for specialised support to help alleviate the stress and anxiety having a sick or premature baby can mean. The Bliss Parents 4 Parents service offers a unique opportunity for parents to speak to trained parent volunteers who have experienced a similar situation with their own babies and can provide comfort and support at this most difficult of times. Parents 4 Parents volunteers can draw on their own experiences to offer a listening ear and help provide an empathetic outlet for parents' feelings at a time that is convenient to both parties. The service is available nationwide. To access it, call the Bliss Family Support Helpline on 0500 618140. The line is open between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We will be extending the opening hours to offer a limited service in the evenings and weekend later in the year. www.bliss.org.uk

The National Childbirth Trust (Putney & Fulham Branch) - NEARLY NEW SALE

When: Saturday 14th June 2008, 3pm to 5pm.

Where: Dryburgh hall, Putney leisure centre, Upper richmond road, Putney

What: Used equipment, baby clothes and toys to buy. Info on activities and services for families. Homemade Cakes & Refreshments available.

Fee: Entrance 2 pounds per person.

Contact: Florence on 07748 225356 or f_Blagburn@nct.org.uk for tables.

For more details on the Sale and this branch see www.putneysw15.com/nct

LONDON MUMS IN THE NEWS!

'London Mums & Their Toddlers Let Their Hair Down .. and not a bouncy castle to be seen at their Spring Party'- 16 May 2008 www.putneysw15.com

MUMMOTIVATING NETWORKING LUNCHEON

The Wimbledon mumpreneurs' group will meet again on the 18th June from 7.30pm omwards. The night offers the chance to relax and enjoy some grown up conversation or mix business with pleasure and get your advertising questions answered. Representatives from Wimbledon Guardian, Raring 2 Go, Prima Baby and Art Division will all be on hand to answer your queries and offer tips and advice.

Cost: 10 pounds includes a glass of sparkling (or sparkling apple juice) and nibbles.

Friends, colleagues or hubbies are also more than welcome.

Venue: The Firestables, 27 Church Rd, Wimbledon Common SW19 5DQ

You can see all the details on the page: Motivating Mum.

KIDS WEEK IN THE WEST END IS BACK! 15-29 August 2008

Kids Week in the West End is set to stage another fun-packed fortnight of theatrical entertainment for all the family with free tickets for children aged 5-16 to top London shows, exclusive activities and workshops from 15-29 August 2008.

Log on to www.kidsweek.co.uk and sign up to the Family Bulletin to be the first to find out about all the latest Kids Week news.

The initiative is organised by The Society of London Theatre and provides a free ticket for one child aged between 5 and 16 when accompanied by a full paying adult. Up to two additional children's tickets can be purchased at half price. Most West End shows which are suitable for children, are participating.

Booking lines open in July 2008.

There are no booking fees on Kids Week tickets.

LONDON DIARY DATES

DISCOVER EGYPT WITH KIDS

There is a cool exhibition on Tutankhamun at the 02 dome. The London Mums baby art club will be organising this trip for the end of July (when the weather will be hopefully nice). If you are interesting in joining in, please let me know.www.visitlondon.com/tutankhamun.