Introducing... dome8. The iPhone case that holds headphones! The perfect Christmas gift for teens, students, gym-goers and commuters. Everyone knows that the most important accessory an Iphone user needs is a case to protect it from drops and scrapes, but what about your headphones? Music lovers have been united in their frustration over lost, forgotten and tangled headphones until now. Find out more HERE.

Watch for details of our next exciting competition...

Everything you need for Christmas is in our Christmas Directory. We've got Santa, shopping, pantomimes, carols, gifts, food, days out, trees, decorations and more...

Where I grew up, Santa arrived in the town park every December. The excitement started with a fire engine, which raised it's snorkel into the night sky. Then, in a puff of smoke, Santa magically appeared at the top! My sister and I thought we were very lucky to live in the ACTUAL place where he chose to land! Many years on, it’s still one of the most magical parts of Christmas for me. Here are some suggestions for where to find your magic….

Why should the children have all the fun? Now that the routines of the new school year have settled into place, why not take some time for yourself and try something new? Whether you want a regular class or a one off opportunity to learn a new skill, we’ve found some great activities for you to try. Here are some highlights, but go to ForMums.net directory - Lifestyle – Activities For Mums for more details:

We love Halloween and the events and activities in Chiswick and the surrounding area seem to get bigger and better each year. We’ve even set up a Halloween Directory this year – see it under the category Autumn. It’s packed full of ideas, but here are some of our top picks… Starting in Chiswick, the annual Pumpkin Party at Chiswick House will take place earlier than usual on Saturday 24th October. Adults and children are encouraged to wear fancy dress (Read more HERE)

What are the benefits of yoga for pregnant and new mums? We're pleased to introduce you to Elena Sanesi from Sanesi Yoga & Co Studio to tell us... 'Prenatal Yoga is a great tool for maintaining a toned body and a clear, relaxed mind during your pregnancy and to create the perfect environment for your baby to develop and grow...' Read more HERE.

Win tickets for Planet Circus! To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by October 15th.

Have you visited Shrek’s Adventure! yet? We were lucky enough to be invited to visit this new London attraction and experience it for ourselves. Shrek's Adventure! opened at the start of the summer and is situated on the South Bank, next to the London Eye. Pre-booking is advised as it gets busy (we were visiting at the end of the summer holidays and it was VERY busy). We chose the first Adventure of the day, at 10am, and had a relaxed trip on the District Line to Westminster and a five minute walk across Westminster Bridge, taking in what must be the best views of the city, up and down the river. Read more HERE.

Win tickets for Hello Kitty Live! To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by September 30th.

Win a pair of tickets for the Country Living Christmas Fair - sign up for our newsletter by 30th September to be entered into our draw...

The new school year is looming on the horizon. There are still lots of preparations to be done in our house - name tabs to sew in, stationery supplies to buy and lots of other '10 minute chores' that all add up to a whole lot of hours (yikes!). If you're in the same boat, our Back To School Guide will help. We’ve put together our pick of fab local businesses which will make September go just a little smoother for you and your family. Read on to find out more about Getting Ready for the New Term, Local Nurseries and Schools, Educational Support, Activities for Little Ones and Activities for School Age Children...

Why should children learn to swim? Directors and founders of Sports Generation, Christian Kenny and Christopher Whitworth, tell us... 'We believe that swimming is one of the most important life skills and that children should acquire it as soon as possible. Swimming has multiple benefits. It boosts the health and fitness of the participant, enhances the immune system and improves quality of sleep. It is fun and sociable. And the greatest benefit of all: it saves lives. READ ON...

Who doesn’t love to feel the sand between their toes? And if you can keep it out of the sandwiches and the children’s eyes, a trip to the beach is the perfect summer’s day out for the whole family. In this blog, we'll be telling you all about some beaches very close to home – in fact they're right here in London, all in easy walking / bus / tube distance. Dig out the buckets and spades and read on…

LONDON WONDERGROUND: Brats Kids Carnival - our blogger Caroline took her children to find out what the Carnival is all about... 'In a colourful tent erected by the Southbank, untold wonders lay ahead. Our tickets were for the “Brats Kids Carnival”, what in the world were we in for? Well! It was the most intriguing, captivating and warmly dynamic performance experienced in a tent! Definitely in my top 5 children’s shows and I have seen a wide range of performances in my time!

Our blogger Caroline has been investigating Arbonne products. Here is her review... 'I consider myself to be a fiercely loyal person on most fronts, but when it comes to skin care, I freely admit, I am a bit of a cream-junkie! I get sucked into promises and deals, so-called “scientific” evidence from anyone who is a Doctor. I am always searching for a product will transform me into a version of Winnona Ryder, fresh-faced, porcelain skin – I’m talking the pre-Johnny Depp era! READ ON...

The weather is gorgeous and the school holidays are starting all over West London. There are so many things to do and places to go, so to make sure you don’t miss out we’ve put together the ForMums 2015 Guide to ‘Summer in the City’ to make it easier for you. Have fun...

For this Father’s Day, Pyjama Breakfast has designed a special breakfast menu aimed specifically at dads. The new Chiswick breakfast delivery company intends to bring a new kind of gift for Father’s day: a breakfast in his pyjamas, as all he really wants for Father’s day is to be surrounded by his loved ones.

When the weather is warm and the days are long, nothing is nicer than some outdoor theatre. We are truly spoiled with the selection on offer in West London this summer – whether you want an adults only trip or fun for all the family, our pick of this summer’s outdoor theatre is sure to have something for you…

Half term is nearly upon us. As usual, we’ve been hunting out the best activities to keep children active, entertained and enjoying the outdoors. Why not visit a farm? It's the perfect time with lots of baby animals to see and even some sheep shearing! Or you could get involved in Den Day... build your own at home and raise money for Save the Children, build one outdoors at Ham House or take part in a special workshop at the Royal Institute of British Architects. READ ON...

Win a voucher for £100 to spend with fab activewear company, Wellicious! Simply sign up for our newsletter by June 12th!

Caroline from West London Babies gives us a How-To Guide...

Ideas for days out: Wondering what to do this weekend? Our Places To Go Directory is packed with ideas. Check it out now...

Spring is here and we've got lots of ideas for making the most of your outside space, whether you have a large garden or a window box or simply want to enjoy the gardens of others, whether you want to grow flowers or vegetables or create a fun space for children to enjoy, here are our top tips, including days out and new events for 2015...

We're thrilled to be introducing you to local mum and author, Diane Chandler. Diane's recently published first novel, The Road to Donetsk, is set in the Ukraine, a place she knows well from her career in international aid. The book is a love story set in a community of Donetsk mining wives just after the fall of Communism. We met up with Diane to find out more about the book, life in Chiswick and what's next for her. READ MORE...

A four day holiday lies ahead of us - how will you make the most of it? The weather forecast could be better, but there are still plenty of ways to have fun other than eating chocolate. Dig out the wellies and raincoats and choose one of these fab ideas... For our first tip, we recommend the Bunny Park (officially called Brent Lodge Animal Park). As well as the gorgeous giant rabbits, there are exotic birds and mammals including meerkats, porcupine, prairie dogs and mara. READ MORE...

Holidays are on our mind and we've teamed up with the fabulous saltskin to give one lucky ForMums family the chance to win a wetsuit! To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 30th April 2015.

In an intense debate that was both passionate and humorous, the two main contenders for the seat of Brentford and Isleworth went head to head in The Chiswick Calendar General Election Debate on Monday 9 March at the Tabard Theatre. BBC Radio 4 Today Programme presenter Sarah Montague quizzed both Conservative MP Mary Macleod and Labour Councillor Ruth Cadbury on their record in politics and their intentions if they win on 7 May.

The Chiswick Sling Library is a new initiative to support parents who want to wear their babies, by finding the right carrier for both them and their baby.

Emily from Gymboree Chiswick has been telling us all about Gymboree's new national fundraising partnership with the NSPCC... 'We are cherishing childhood this year with the NSPCC, as every childhood is worth fighting for. Gymboree will be inviting little ones and their carers to have ‘Tea with the Fairies’, ‘Tame a Dragon’, get messy with Art Activities and hang out with their Daddy at special ‘Cherish Daddy Events’. Events are open to all and there will be donation buckets for you to contribute towards the NSPCC's crucial work. Find out more HERE...

This must be one of the shortest half terms in the school year. The children are just settling back into their classes and the Easter Holidays are a mere handful of weeks off. If you're looking for something fun for you children, this blog has got everything you need. Whether your child is sporty, crafty, loves to sing or create with lego, is mad about science or architecture, our handpicked list will satisfy them all. Don't forget to visit our Holiday Clubs & Activities Directory for even more ideas. Read on...

Win a pair of tickets for the Country Living Spring Fair. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 13th March to be entered into our draw...

New! Dance classes in Chiswick for ages 10-14... Fab new classes now taking place in Grove Park. Find out more...

Wondering what to do this half term? Our Holiday Clubs & Activities Directory has the answer...

Half Term is fast approaching! As it's so COLD outside, we've been hunting out some fabulous indoor activities for your children to enjoy. As usual the number of options available is amazing – we’ve picked out some highlights for this blog but make sure that you visit our Holiday Clubs & Activities Directory, our Places To Go Directory and our What's On Pages to see the full range of what’s available...

Start the year as you mean to go on... with some FREE yoga and meditation guidance videos from James and the team at Yoga West. James tells us 'For many of us January feels like a test of our resolve. The darkness when we wake, the cold and rain when we open our front door and the paucity of our bank balances after the excesses of Christmas and New Year can make even us yogis feel a little glum, so we’ve got just the thing to put the spring back in your step. READ ON to find out more...

Do you want to be more in control of your life, happier and healthier? To kick off the New Year, Christiane Kerr is Introducing... us to Mindfulness and in particular, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Christiane told us, 'Mindfulness is a type of meditation and awareness training that can help us manage our thoughts and feelings, giving us more control over our responses to different events and situations. READ ON to find out more...

We hope that you enjoyed 2014 with us and that we have helped you and your family to make the most of life in Chiswick, Fulham and Ealing with all of the wonderful information in our Directory, What's On Pages, News, Features and more. We wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful 2015! Join us for lots more fun...

Win 30 days of yoga and Pilates at Yoga West! PLUS two free workshops covering nutrition for energy & fitness, and mindfulness. To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 16th January 2015.

Once the presents have been opened and the turkey demolished, what happens next? Staying inside soon starts to send everyone a bit crazy, so we head out for some fresh air. For me, one of the best bits of going out is coming home again – sitting by the fire and enjoying the new games, books and DVDs is much more fun when everyone has rosy cheeks from being outside! Here are some of our favourite places to go…

How is your Christmas shopping going? For those who still have a long list of presents to buy, we’ve come up with our pick for every age and most importantly, you can buy them all online from the comfort of your own sofa, with a nice glass of mulled wine to get you in the Christmas mood. So, here we go…

Our blogger Caroline took her two children and husband along to review Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey. Read all about it...

Want to stay local this Christmas? Everything you need is in our Christmas Directory. To make life even easier for you, here’s the Chiswick ForMums top picks. We've got Christmas trees at Rocks Lane, wreath making in Brentford, Santa in Ravenscourt Park, carol singing all over Chiswick, pantos and lovely Christmas shows in Grove Park, Bedford Park and at Chiswick Pier and tons more Christmas fun...

Win a family ticket to see Aladdin! To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 19th December 2014.

Everything you need for Christmas is in our Christmas Directory. We've got Santa, shopping, pantomimes, carols, gifts, food, days out and more...

It felt very seasonal to venture into Leicester Square to begin the season of Julia Donaldson's stage adaptation of "Stick Man"...

We're so happy to be introducing you to Caroline, our new blogger. The clocks have turned back and Caroline and her family are preparing to hibernate, West London style.... 'When animals prepare to hibernate, they collect what they will need during the cooler months, ensure their pantries are well stocked and that they have conserved energy to last them throughout the season. In many ways, I do the same! READ MORE...

Sign up for our newsletter by 30th November for your chance to win a gorgeous gift basket from Tranquilitie.

We love Halloween – I know it’s totally commercial, but we can’t resist dressing up, decorating the house and carving pumpkins. Each year, there are more and more fab events for children and families to try out, in Chiswick and beyond. In this blog, we’re bringing you our pick of what’s on…

Beverley Turner tells us all about The Blooming Bunch and why she set it up... 'Discovering that you are pregnant can be the start of a lonely, confusing and frightening experience for many women. It can often feel as though everyone else is relaxed and informed while you run around wondering why you have barely seen a midwife and thinking that Braxton Hicks is an American author'. READ MORE...

The Chiswick Salon in Grove Park is celebrating seven glorious years of inimitable salon style. You can join in with the celebrations and receive £10 off any salon service (except children's cuts) until the end of November 2014.

Win a pair of tickets for the Country Living Christmas Fair - sign up for our newsletter by 31st October to be entered into our draw...

The Band Project, Chiswick is looking for two motivated mums with children between the ages of eight and 16 who are passionate about live music and want to see young local musicians be inspired, encouraged and supported to play and perform live...

Emily Wright from Gymboree Play and Music tells us it's all about Playing for Fun and the Future. Read more HERE...

Half term is only a couple of weeks away now, so it’s time to plan some activities and events for your family. There’s lots going on, so take a look at our Holiday Clubs & Activities Directory, Places To Go Directory and our What’s On pages. You’re sure to find something your family will love. We’ve picked some of our favourite ideas for this blog…

PSSA are very excited to announce their next musical……. Oliver! This brilliant family musical will be brought to life at the Arts Educational Thetare in February and all classes are already beginning Oliver themed show work...

LEGO is such an amazing toy – as much fun now as it was 50 years ago and yet the basic bricks are totally unchanged. If your family are fans, our latest blog will help to ensure that you don’t miss out on all the fabulous LEGO fun around London right now. We’ve found LEGO classes, workshops and holiday camps, a LEGO expo for all the family, LEGO art at the Royal Academy and, starting this weekend, the travelling exhibition The Art of Brick comes to London. Click HERE to read more...

Learn Mindfulness at Yoga West this October. Mindfulness is a discipline that is helping millions of people live healthier and more productive lives. Simply put mindfulness is the ability to observe but not engage with thoughts, physical sensations, experiences and feelings. Mindfulness allows you to gain space between your automated reactions to events and situations, and to respond in an attuned way to the challenges of daily life.

As part of our focus on Back To School, we very pleased to be introducing you to Klyworld Early Year's Centre; a wonderful new nursery with some very unique features! Klyworld Manager Lorna tells us... 'Klyworld Early Year’s Centre is a welcoming, friendly, private nursery school. Our nursery promises parents that every Klyworld nursery child will enjoy a one of a kind exciting and stimulating learning experience that will give them the skills and confidence they need ready to start school.

Have you heard about the new National Curriculum? This month, schools in England will begin teaching a new curriculum...

We’ve put together our pick of fab local businesses which will make September go just a little smoother for you and your family. Find out about Educational Support, Getting Ready for the New Term, Local Nurseries and Schools, Activities for Little Ones and Activities for Older Children...

Suzanne Cagnoli, founder of itouchtype and local mum, gives us some advice...

Recently we had the pleasure of a visit to see I Believe in Unicorns, an adaptation of the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo. The story is that of a young boy, Tomas, who is a reluctant reader. Forced to visit the library whilst his mother goes shopping, he is captivated by the librarian’s storytelling and is soon a regular visitor. When war reaches the village, the library is set on fire and heroic action is needed. READ MORE...

Two hot topics of conversation at many school gates are tutors and the 11+ examinations. What is the best way to approach these exams? What preparation is needed? Should children have a tutor? We asked Emily Jack from Kings Tutors to offer some advice for parents of children in year 4, 5 and 6. Emily told us: 'The 11+ examinations are designed to test students’ skills and their abilities. This process, ironically, can be just as unnerving for parents as it is for children. READ ON...

LetMePlay have a range of courses on offer from 23rd July - 29th August. All activities are FREE ! sports, performing arts, music, art and fashion... you just need to sign up! For young people aged 11- 19 years old!

Who doesn’t love to feel the sand between their toes? And if you can keep it out of the sandwiches and the children’s eyes, a trip to the beach is the perfect summer’s day out for the whole family. For our latest blog, we’ve found some beaches very close to home – in fact they're right here in London, all in easy walking / bus / tube distance. Dig out the buckets and spades and read on…

Summer is here and the long school holidays are starting all over West London. There are heaps of things to do and places to go, so to make sure you don’t miss out we’ve put together the ForMums 2014 Guide to ‘What To Do In The Holidays’ to make it easier for you. Have a fabulous summer…

This truly is a fabulous summer of sport - with the World Cup and Wimbledon not yet over, we have the Tour de France starting at the weekend and arriving in London on Monday, and on July 23rd the Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow. To help you make the most of all this, here's our round-up of all the amazing events and activities taking place around Chiswick and beyond. Whether you and your family want to spectate or take part, read on to find out where and how… READ MORE

You may have noticed that the World Cup started last week in Brazil. Football fever is everywhere – even at our house and none of us are footie fans. At ForMums, we’ve been hunting out some events and activities that all the family can enjoy. There's a football special day at Discover Children's Story Centre - and while you're in East London, make the day even more amazing with a trip to Cafe Football, owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. Read more...

Father’s Day is on June 15th this year and we’ve got some lovely ideas for ways to treat the dads in your life. The fabulous crafty team JuSie have come up with a simple way for children to make a really special present for dads, and if crafts isn’t your thing (do give it a go - this one is easy), we’ve got some other brilliant gift ideas to make dad’s day special. Or how about having a fun family day out? Our suggestion is Diggerland , which is the perfect day for dads and kids alike! CLICK to read more...

It's father's day on June 15th and what could be nicer than a gift the children make themselves? If you don't know where to start, here's the latest brilliant idea from arts & crafts duo JuSie... handmade cufflinks.

Win a family ticket to see Scooby-Doo Live! To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 23rd May 2014.

Win tickets for 'Up and Down' Ga Ga Theatre Company in June! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 28th May to be entered into our draw...

New Classes in Chiswick! Special offer for www.formums.net readers: FREE class on Saturday, May 24th! Valid for Tiny Steps 9:30am or 10:00am. Please email [email protected] to book your FREE session, the code is Formums.net. Limited places! Book today!

Summer's on it's way and we've teamed up with the fabulous saltskin to give one lucky ForMums family the chance to win a wetsuit! To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 15th May 2014.

Hop into Easter making these fun decorations with your kids, brought to us by arts & crafts duo JuSie! Learn how your kids can sample two different techniques, using plaster bandages and fabric to make some stunning giant Easter eggs. What's even better; both techniques are quick and easy to make, and chances are you'll have most of the materials at home.

Got your holiday planned? JJ's Mummy has some tips for you... 'A friend once told me that travelling with little ones means doing everything you do at home but in a far, far more challenging environment. All I can now say is how true! I recently had supper with an old Australian friend and new dad. Tears of laughter and empathy rolled down my face as he regaled his first experiences of a flight back to Australia with his then 12 month old. (Read more...)

Tuition outside of school is becoming the norm with a whole range of services and opportunities opening up to parents and young people in order to aid them with their progression through their school years. But what do parents actually want from tuition?

The Easter holidays are not far off and we’ve been scouting around to find fun things to do and places to go for our Easter Guide. Top of the list is, of course, an Easter egg hunt. Enjoy some family time in the great outdoors and join one of the organised hunts taking place in West London. To keep children entertained for the rest of the holidays, we’ve got clubs and camps which will help them to create, exercise, energise and learn! Plus family events and days out, and our top tips for a trip to the movies this Easter…

We recently caught up with Lais Polessi Patel, owner of Chiswick Beauty Lounge. If you haven’t visited before, then you must do so! It’s a gorgeous haven off the bustle of Turnham Green Terrace. Don’t think that this is impossible if you have a little one in tow – every Wednesday is Mother’s Day at The Chiswick Beauty Lounge. A qualified nanny is on hand to look after babies and toddlers, while mums have their treatments! Find out more...

There are lots of lovely ways to spoil a mum (including yourself) without leaving Chiswick and we’ve been hunting out some of the best for our latest blog. We’ve got places to go, places to shop and even places to take your little ones with you! Gorgeous salon The Chiswick Beauty Lounge and fab restaurant Quantus both have regular nannies so that mums can take their children along to their treatments / lunch and children can have fun too! Read on…

The annual Chiswick House Cameillia Festival is now on! The Chiswick House Camellia collection includes rare and historically important examples of japonicas. The Camellia collection is housed in The Conservatory, a Grade I listed building. The Festival Shop is selling special Camellia inspired merchandise and the award-winning Chiswick House Café will be serving a delicious seasonal menu.

FULL STEAM AHEAD… Following its £2.3m redevelopment grant, London’s greatest Victorian steam pumping station, Kew Bridge Steam Museum, will become the London Museum of Water and Steam, re-opening on March 22, 2014 as part of World Water Day.

With the worst of the weather behind us, JJ's Mummy's thoughts have turned to holidays and this week she's giving us some of her top tips for holidaying in the UK... 'A Stacation? Are you mad?! I imagine that mums and dads up and down the country have been going stir crazy with the dreadful soggy weather we’ve endured this winter. However when the weather turns it on, let’s all agree that a holiday basking on a sandy beach in the UK can really be quite wonderful. (Read more)

'Less waste, less clutter and access to £1,000s worth of things and skills locally' - who wouldn't be interested in that? Tess from Streetbank told us more about this amazing organisation... 'Parents are tapping into a new kind of wealth – a community-focused, greener kind that goes by the name of Streetbank. Endorsed by everyone from David Cameron to Miranda Hart, Streetbank – the largest neighbourhood sharing website of its kind in the UK ... (Read more)

Over the past few years, through my own experiences and that of my circle of friends, I have become concerned and acutely aware of the shortage of good quality, affordable indoor play, leisure and fitness facilities for young children in the Chiswick area.

Our latest Local Hero is Daily Telegraph writer, better-birth advocate and local mum, Beverley Turner. We met up with her recently to find out how she juggles life as a working mum and her latest venture, The Blooming Bunch. Our first question was, of course, what is The Blooming Bunch? Beverley told us... ‘The Blooming Bunch’ ante-natal groups offer two types of brand new courses: one for first-time mums and another for women who are on second or third pregnancies... (Read more)

Win a pair of tickets for the Country Living Spring Fair! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 15th March to be entered into our draw...

Who’s enjoying the Sochi Olympics? Even though nothing could ever beat London 2012, it’s still a sporting spectacular that’s keeping us glued to the TV. And we’ve even got a medal! Britain’s first ever medal on snow has been won by a woman, no less – snowboarder Jenny Jones making British Olympic history. If you (or more likely your children) fancy being a future Winter Olympic hopeful, there are a surprisingly large number of opportunities for winter sport in West London and beyond...

Are you ready for the Fiesta? Parents seeking a unique birthday party adventure for their children should grab their backpacks and head on over to The Little Gym of Chiswick... Nickelodeon and The Little Gym International have partnered to bring Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go – themed Birthday parties to selected The Little Gym locations, including Chiswick! Find out more...

A one-minute walk from Parsons Green tube, in a secret little mews, is the fabulously famous Absolute Studios. Visited by some infamous sports stars and the occasional rock star this gem of a studio is the place to see. Whether you are looking to get into shape, loose a few excess kilos or tone up that bootie, we can guarantee some amazing results in no time.

Amazingly half term is nearly upon us. As usual, we’ve been scouring around to find the best activities to keep children active and entertained. We’ve found some amazing stuff on offer, from visiting new lambs – surely the best sign that spring is on its way – to architectural workshops. Read on to find out more…

A message from Christopher and Christian at Sports Generation... 'Dear Chiswick families, Sports Generation provides swimming lessons for children and adults from Roko Health Club on Chiswick Bridge to members and non-members...

February 21st and 22nd will see the launch of the first Work & Family Show, which takes place at London’s ExCel. Win one of three pairs of tickets simply by signing up for our Newsletter by February 15th!

Win a cut and colour at The Chiswick Salon, with Salon Owner and Creative Director, Vicki Goymer. Simply sign up for our Chiswick newsletter by 15th February to be entered into our draw...

Leuka exists to create a better future of patients with leukaemia. Come and get fighting fit for 2014 and join one of Leuka’s adventures! Gather friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable weekend. The Leuka team will support you every step of the way – from fundraising advice to training tips. (Read more...)

Exercise features in almost everyone's New Year resolutions. Read what JJ's Mummy has to say about it... 'When I started to think about this blog I thought that Kate Middleton could be my inspiration again, so I “googled” her to have a look at those delightful first images of her at the hospital. You know the ones where she’s resplendent in a cornflower blue dress proudly showing off gorgeous Prince George and a delightful post birth bump unashamed. (Read more...)

Is one of your new year resolutions 'improve my sex life'? Lovely Clare Staunton from SexualHealingUK has some advice for us... whether this is one of your resolutions or not...

We hope that you have enjoyed the year with us and that we have helped you and your family to make the most of life in Chiswick, Fulham and Ealing with all of the wonderful information in our Directory, What's On Pages, News, Features and more. And if you do still have Christmas bits and pieces to sort out, make sure you use our Christmas Directory to help you. All that is left is to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year!

If you’ve never been to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, then make this the year you visit! We had never been until a few weeks ago, so we headed off on the tube with two VERY excited nine year olds to see what it was all about. Winter Wonderland covers a vast area in Hyde Park, easily accessible from Hyde Park Corner tube station. It’s free to enter, but tickets (available on site) are required for the rides and pre-booking is necessary for most activities. Find out more...

If you’re looking for a lovely family show this Christmas, but want something different to the usual pantos, then we can’t recommend Dinosaur Zoo highly enough. I went along with two nine year olds and they both loved it. From cute babies to teeth- gnashing giants, Dinosaur Zoo brings extraordinary life-like dinosaurs to the stage in this interactive and funny live show. Read more...

Have you visited our Christmas Directory? It's THE place to look for everything you need for a fab Christmas. We've got lots of ideas for places to go, including pantos and other shows, visiting Santa and enjoying some carols. We've got great shopping ideas and details of lovely local services who will get you and your home in tip top condition for the holiday season.

Last weekend I headed off with two nine year olds to the Playhouse Theatre in the West End, to watch Spamalot! the musical based on the film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. For six weeks only (from 2nd December) the lead roles of King Arthur and his trusty sidekick Patsy are played by CBBC’s Dick and Dom. The girls were beside themselves with excitement at seeing Dick and Dom and they LOVED it. If you're looking for family fun this Christmas, read our review...

Local Nct teacher Claire Maguire has recently been awarded 'Innovative Practitioner of the Year 2013' for her work with Early Days postnatal groups.

For our latest To The Rescue... feature, we've been talking to Amber In der Rieden (Qualified Antenatal Teacher & CIMI), who runs Chiswick Antenatal Classes, alongside being a mum of three. Amber told us why she thinks classes are important and gave us her tips on what to look for in a class...

We love Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and were keen to find out more about the production of Stick Man in the West End this Christmas. JJ's Mummy took JJ along to test it out first hand. Here's what she thought... 'Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three...' goes the song in the theatre production of Stick Man. Scamp Theatre has beautifully and creatively adapted the cautionary tale of Stick Man for the theatre. (Read more...)

West London Kitchens has teamed up with Jessica's Recipe Bag to run cookery demos with Jessica in private homes with a West London Kitchen. The first two are in W6 on Wed 20 Nov and W12 on Thurs 5 Dec, from 11am - 1pm. Places are limited on each demo so please get in touch as soon as you can if you'd like to watch a cookery demo, chat to like-minded people and enjoy a delicious free lunch.

Win a family ticket to see DINOSAUR ZOO! To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 30th November 2013.

In our latest To The Rescue feature, Shelley Henderson, co-founder of Ealing Mums in Business, gives us some of her Time Management Tips for Busy Parents & Carers…

For this week's blog, JJ's Mummy has been looking back at her experiences of feeding JJ and his sister, and, in particular, weaning. 'When JJ was born it was all about breast feeding. Like a lot of mums I felt pressure to do it even though I was a willing participant. Thankfully there was plenty of counsel and support, especially when we discovered that breast feeding was in fact not the most natural thing in the world. (Read more...)

Win a course of pilates or spin classes in Parsons Green with Absolute Studios - sign up for our newsletter by 30th November to be entered into our draw...

Halloween is creeeeeping up on us. We’ve been busy hunting out the best ways to have some spooky fun and we’ve found some fab ideas for tinies to teens… Starting in Chiswick, you can join in with a spooky fun-filled pumpkin party for all the family at Chiswick House Gardens on Saturday 26th October. The theme is anything to do with pumpkins from Halloween to Cinderella with prizes for the best fancy dress costume! (Read more...)

Could you give two hours a week to visit a family-in-need in West London? Family Friends charity provides practical and emotional support to disadvantaged families with children under the age of 16 through mentoring and befriending. Volunteers commit to supporting a family for two hours each week for a year. NEXT TRAINING COURSE: 9th and 16th November, 10am - 5pm (14 hours in total).

Get fit, increase your energy levels and de-stress with yoga practice at the beautiful new studios of Lumi Power Yoga! Our Introductory Deal of 21 days of unlimited yoga for £30 is a fantastic way to get familiar with the practice and into the groove of power yoga.

Chiswick & Hammersmith NCT is holding a fabulous Christmas Party on Saturday 23rd November. A highlight of the Party will be the Silent Auction. ForMums is excited to once again be hosting the complete list of Auction lots, generously donated by local businesses. See the full list...

Win a pair of tickets for the Country Living Christmas Fair - sign up for our newsletter by 20th October to be entered into our draw...

Sitting over a cup of coffee, Lesley Faux and Jeannie Shapiro decided to go into business together selling beautifully crafted and ‘preloved’ homeware, furniture, textiles and accessories. Lesley and Jeannie love nothing better than trawling markets for hidden treasures. So recognising that West London offered the perfect patch for such a venture, in spring this year Wilson Picks Eclectic Collection was born. (Read more...)

In our latest blog, JJ’s Mummy has been to find out about a new Chiswick hotspot… “Hello there gorgeous! Have you heard about the fabulous new boutique blow-dry and braid bar which opened recently on Devonshire Road? It’s called The Parlour and it’s simply the most delightful concept to grace the streets of Chiswick for some time. The Parlour is a tastefully decorated beauty salon, bursting with loveliness designed for girls of all ages. (Read more...)

Pirates are taking over at Richmond Theatre next week as the staff will be celebrating the annual Talk Like a Pirate Day on Thursday 19 September with a pirate flash mob event.

Help - I’m planning a birthday party for my child and don’t know where to start! Juliet from Bedazzled Events is here to help with her top tips...

The end of the summer holidays is now in sight… In this week's blog, we've been hunting for fab children's activities for the new term: Sports Generation are now offering swimming lessons on weekday afternoons at ROKO private health club – and they’re available to non-members! Cherry Pie Music, Wimbledon’s largest music school, is opening up in Hammersmith; and Gymboree has added some great new Open Gym and Open Arts sessions. Read on to find out more…

The Doorstep Library Network is a registered charity, running Doorstep Library Projects on estates in Hammersmith & Fulham, where the aim is to instil a love of reading in children of all ages. Each Doorstep Library has a team of 6-8 trained volunteers, recruited locally, offering 2.5 hours of their time one day a week after school hours.

We’re so lucky to live in a place with such a vast array of Things To Do and Places To Go. The options can be overwhelming and so we’ve put together some of our favourite ideas in the ForMums 2013 Guide to ‘What To Do In The Holidays’ to make it easier for you. What are you waiting for? It’s time to have fun…

In the first of our new Local Hero blog series, our intrepid reporter JJ's Mummy met up with local mum and (in our eyes) Local Hero Jo Pratt to find out more about her and her amazing career. Jo lives in West London with her husband and two young children. She is a food stylist, best selling author and extremely busy mum. Her latest book “Madhouse Cookbook” is a great inspiration to busy parents juggling work and children. Read more...

During my childhood, we had two wonderful dogs and I would love my own daughter to experience the joy of a family dog, but full time ownership is just not practical for our London life. I remember that Rex and Daisy were part of the family and we hated the thought of leaving them in kennels, so our holidays were spent at the British seaside where we could take them with us. We were interested to meet Paul Mercer of Barking Mad, who has a solution to both of these problems - matching 'host families', who would love to look after a dog for a short time, with dog owners who want their dog to have a fab holiday too. Read more...

Win a family ticket to see We're Going on a Bear Hunt!. To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 17th August 2013.

Win a family ticket to see Brainiac Live at the Palace Theatre. To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up for the ForMums newsletter by 31st July 2013.

It’s now official; the winners of the What’s On 4 Little Ones awards 2013 have been announced, and we are thrilled that Gymboree Chiswick have won awards in the following categories: • Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity (2 to 5 years) – (Sponsored by lawyers4mumpreneurs); and • Best Children’s Party Entertainment.

Ballet4life is pleased to offer two weeks of summer dance classes in a beautiful dance studio in Chiswick, lead by some of London's leading dance teachers! If you fancy trying a dance class, now is your chance!

Chiswick and the surrounding area has a dazzling array of activities and events for children from tiny tots to teens and from single days to week long courses. We’ve been busy hunting out the best local holiday clubs and camps to keep children busy this summer come rain or shine. So whether your child loves drama, sport, fashion, film, computers (or you just need a few hours of peace) there’s something to please everyone. Have fun!

We're very excited to bring you news of a brand new nursery coming to Chiswick later this year. Urvashi O’Connor and Anna Murray who are behind the new nursery told us all about it... 'We are delighted to be introducing Toddletown Pre-school Nursery to Chiswick. Opening in September 2013, we will offer a caring, secure and inspirational environment where every child is valued as an individual, encouraged to thrive, develop and achieve their full potential. Read more...

JJ's Mummy gives us her top tips (we hope the Duchess of Cambridge is reading this...) 'I don’t know if you’ve noticed but Royal Baby fever is gripping the Nation with a projected boost to UK revenue of a whopping £243 million (according to the Centre for Retail and Research), of which a staggering £87 million will be spent by the People on “festivities” as we take part in a collective head wetting to celebrate the birth of first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge...

Toddletown Pre-School Nursery offers care for children aged 2 – 5 years old, Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 1.00pm term-time only. On Wednesday 3rd July, come to our Open Day from 10.00am to 12.00 noon to find out more.

With summer here (?) the School Summer Fete Season has started in earnest. Heading along to your local school fete is a lovely way to spend some family time and helps raise funds for the schools too. Here’s our round up of what’s on… Southfield School’s annual Sunflower Fete is on Turnham Green this Saturday, June 22nd, from 11am until 4pm. This year the theme for the children’s fancy dress parade, a highlight of the fete, is ‘The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ ...

Devonshire Nursery is a popular day nursery in Chiswick, deemed 'Outstanding' in a recent OFSTED report. This Saturday, June 22nd, come along to our Open Day from 10am–2pm to find out more.

Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s sell out tour and his monstrous West End success comes The Gruffalo’s Child – with attitude! Just how brave is she? Find out for yourselves by joining her at Richmond Theatre this summer! Subscribers to the ForMums newsletter will be entered into a draw on 30th June to win a family ticket to a performance!

Rachel Lawrence trained in California with one of the world’s leading Pilates Masters and is now bringing that expertise to Chiswick. This is Pilates but not as you know it. Dynamic, athletic and challenging, this approach gets results every time! New classes start week commencing 10th June in Chiswick.

This month our friends at Big Game Hunters are giving away a fantastic trampoline for your garden! To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 30th June...

Kids Week is all about introducing children to the magic of London theatre. Kids Week is, in fact, a ‘Kids Month’ which will run throughout August 2013 with tickets going on sale through Ticketmaster on 18 June.

Bedford Park Festival – Chiswick’s favourite fortnight – begins on June 8th and tickets are on sale now.

The London Marathon was a month ago – were you inspired to take up running or re-start your running life? Did you even get as far as digging out your trainers? Somewhat rashly, I signed up for the Ealing Half Marathon, thinking it was the only way to keep myself motivated. The problem is I’m not a runner now and never have been – so when I was contacted by Chris Fletcher from The Running School, I saw it as fate… (Read more)

Cheers and laughter spread like a ‘Mexican wave’ through Devonshire Day Nursery in Chiswick as it was named one of the best early learning centres in the country following a surprise Oftsted inspection... Read more...

On 11 & 12 May 2013, Earls Court Two will open its doors to a wonderful world of animals as the London Pet Show takes place for the third year. The show will be bursting with even more animals, amazing animal action displays and fun and informative talks and demos, with larger rings and displays and extra viewing.

We were thrilled to hear that Funfashionistas is coming to Chiswick! A chance for children aged 8+ to start their own fashion projects. Tammi Walker, founder of Funfashionistas, told us more... 'FunFashionistas are fabulous fashion workshops that let your child discover and express their own sense of style. The idea came to me when I inherited a sewing machine from my great aunt. She knew I had always wanted one and so she left me a brand new machine when she died.

ForMums is thrilled to be working with The Running School to establish a new community club in Chiswick. Want to run, but don't want to go it alone? Come and join us! We would like to develop a community running club rather than one which is very competitive . We plan to organize the occasional social event and will also look at finishing at a coffee shop on the morning runs.

Win a pair of tickets for Mums Show Live at Alexandra Palace. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 8th May to be entered into our draw...

Join Mania Mia in Fulham for an exclusive evening of discounted shopping, new collection previews and bubbly. Plus meet New York City fashion labels JUNGWON and Tess Johnson. April 25th | 7pm - 9pm. RSVP: [email protected]

We have a guest blog this week from Helen Hoey of City Greens. With spring now definitely in the air, Helen has written about how to get your lawn ready for the summer ahead and work on your fitness at the same time... 'Spring is finally with us and the garden is now in need of a little attention. It needs to be ready for a summer of slides, football nets, trampolines and the odd crazy pet. One of the first areas to tackle is your lawn - it's the biggest plant in your garden. Read more...

Win a pair of tickets for the Spirit of Summer Fair at Olympia. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 20th April to be entered into our draw...

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter - enjoy the weekend whatever you are doing...

Easter fun for children 14 months – 5 years. All welcome. Lots going on including: • EASTER EGG HUNT! • Make Easter cards and crafts • Easter-themed activities, dressing up & more...

We were thrilled when our lovely blogger JJ's Mummy had a gorgeous baby sister for JJ. Here she tells us what life was like in the early weeks of being a mummy of two... "Isn’t it just typical that when the balance of life finally seems to be falling in to place we destroy the equilibrium by having another baby. Don’t get me wrong I am thrilled to have another little one but prior to her arrival I was incredibly nervous as to how this little bundle would affect our lives...

Our Fulham nursery is perfect for London families in Fulham, Parsons Green, Sands End, Imperial Wharf, Wandsworth, Chelsea and even some areas of Putney. OPEN DAY MARCH 23rd 10am to 2pm.

Would you love to be fitter but can't find the time? This month, we've been talking to Lindsay Holden, Nutritionist (MSc. BSc.) and Personal Trainer, who has given us some of her top tips on 'How to fit in fitness'. Read on and get moving...

Like most mums, we’re asking… how can it be nearly the Easter Holidays when the children have only been at school for a couple of weeks? We’ve been searching around for Holiday Clubs and Camps and we’ve come up with a great range of options for children who love to be indoors or outdoors, creative or sporty, have short holidays or long ones, like to run around madly or focus quietly, love science or nature – whatever your needs, we have found some options for you…

Spring has sprung and the flowers are starting to bloom. Why not celebrate the start of the new season with a trip to the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair. With beautiful items for your home and garden, unique fashion and jewellery, and delicious food and drink, it is the perfect day out. We have six pair of tickets to give away. For a chance to win, simply sign up for our Newsletter now! ForMums.net readers can also save £1 off the ticket price by quoting CLS6 so book now.

Could you give two hours a week to visit a family-in-need in West London? Family Friends charity provides practical and emotional support to disadvantaged families with children under the age of 16 through mentoring and befriending. Volunteers commit to supporting a family for two hours each week for a year. NEXT TRAINING COURSE: SATURDAYS 13 AND 20 APRIL 2013, 10AM TO 5PM (14 HOURS IN TOTAL).

I know from talking to my friends that I’m not alone in my DIY phobia. We are intelligent women who run companies and households and are happy to give most things a try… except DIY. For me, it’s because I live in fear of creating a bigger problem that the one I’m trying to fix, or that I may drill through my hand or saw through my leg or something else ridiculously irrational. But I am frustrated by my uselessness... (Read More)

Wishing a happy St David's Day to all the lovely Welsh mums out there!

Hello and welcome to the ForMums blog. What is ForMums you may be asking??? It all began with ForMums Chiswick, which was set up in 2011, by me, a local mum who loves to make the most of living in this amazing part of London. Having wasted many hours trawling the internet for information on children’s classes or discovering too late that I had missed a great family event the previous weekend, I decided that there must be many more mums like me out there... (Read More)

Hello and welcome to the ForMums blog. What is ForMums you may be asking??? It all began with ForMums Chiswick, which was set up in 2011, by me, a local mum who loves to make the most of living in this amazing part of London. Having wasted many hours trawling the internet for information on children’s classes or discovering too late that I had missed a great family event the previous weekend, I decided that there must be many more mums like me out there... (Read More)

We're thrilled to be introducing Chiswick mums to the amazing Active Learning Nursery in Chiswick. Director Amanda Johnson asks 'Do you want your child to be inspired? Active Learning Nurseries are something completely different. Each building offers the most beautiful facilities, specially designed layouts for kids, a science lab, music room with live music, art studio, chill out sensory zones, baby rooms, massive outdoor areas – they really are WOW! ... (Read more...)

Active Learning’s Chiswick nursery is perfect for families looking for nurseries in Hammersmith, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Brook Green, Shepherds Bush, and Barnes. Come along and see for yourself at our open day on Saturday 6 July

We're thrilled to be introducing Fulham mums to the amazing Active Learning Nursery in Fulham. Director Amanda Johnson asks 'Do you want your child to be inspired? Active Learning Nurseries are something completely different. Each building offers the most beautiful facilities, specially designed layouts for kids, a science lab, music room with live music, art studio, chill out sensory zones, baby rooms, massive outdoor areas – they really are WOW! ... (Read more...)

Post Baby Nookie? No sex please we're parents! The lovely Clare Staunton of SexualHealingUK gives her advice if things are not what you would like in the bedroom department…

We love the Spirit of Summer Fair at Olympia. (Read the BLOG from last June to see some of our favourite finds at the 2012 Fair). We're pleased to be able to offer ForMums fans a 15% discount on Advance Tickets for the Fair - simply quote Code: ST3Q when booking!

Choosing the right nanny for your child is an important decision – Felicity Sandford of Buttons Nanny Agency comes To The Rescue, with her advice on how to go about the selection process…

Sports Generation is running swimming crash courses in Chiswick this summer at the fabulous ROKO Health Club. The courses are available to non-members.

Win a Spring Makeover for your garden from PVSC Gardens of Chiswick! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 28 February to be entered into our draw...

New Year, New You….New Reason to Shop! Time to off-load all of those unwanted Christmas gifts, as local community join together in support of Mary Portas’ newest Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children in Chiswick.

Urban Vitality bootcamp comes to Chiswick! Reserve your place on our FREE taster week now and start preparing for your total body and health transformation when you receive your starter pack.

First smiles, first steps, first time they have ice-cream – as parents we want to capture and memorise them all. Learn how to do it well, under the guidance of our instructors – PRO children’s photographers.

Maggie & Rose is coming to Chiswick! This month we're excited to be introducing this fab family space, due to open in Chiswick very soon! Maggie & Rose told us all about it... 'Original family members club Maggie & Rose is a hub of creativity set in a home from home environment. The Maggie & Rose mission is to cultivate creativity amongst children at the youngest stage possible whilst creating a community for like-minded parents in stylish, yet warm and nurturing surroundings...

We’re thrilled to be introducing Sports Generation to Chiswick mums. New to Chiswick, they provide swimming lessons in the fab pool at Roko Health Club, without the need to be a member – a brilliant idea! - and unique to Chiswick. Christopher Whitworth and Christian Kenny, who set up Sports Generation, told us more. 'A key reason behind the success of Sports Generation is the ability to enjoy swimming lessons within a private health club, without being a full member... READ MORE

Moscow City Ballet Giveaway! | ForMums.net News Win tickets to the Moscow City Ballet at Richmond Theatre, plus some very special extras...

In this month's To The Rescue, Chiswick psychotherapist Nicholas Rose offers advice on what to do when you see someone close to you struggling...

The New Year provides an inspiration to begin a new hobby, learn a new skill or make a fresh start with some activities you’ve enjoyed in the past. Children are no different to adults and we’ve been hunting around and have found some fantastic new clubs on offer in Chiswick, plus brilliant classes available at some current favourites. So whether your child wants to develop their swimming, football, art, dance and drama, or music skills, read on…

Win an adult membership for one month at The Park Club, West London's ultimate health, fitness, sports and relaxation club. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31st January to be entered into our draw...

This year, as part of a pilot scheme, Richmond Theatre will present a relaxed performance of Aladdin starring Tim Vine and Suzanne Shaw on 7 January 2013...

Happy New Year from Chiswick ForMums! To all the Chiswick mums and businesses out there - we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Thank you very much to all the mums and businesses in Chiswick who have supported us throughout 2012. We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Lots of love from Chiswick ForMums! x

The school holidays are fast approaching and despite my best intentions, the ‘Christmas things to do’ list is still VERY long. If this is you too, then why not book your children into one of the fab holiday clubs in and around Chiswick and buy yourself a little extra time! Here is our pick, starting with Chiswick Courses, who will be running a two day Christmas Workshop on December 20th and 21st, with a great range of craft and creative writing options…

Win a cut and colour at The Chiswick Salon, with Salon Owner and Creative Director, Vicki Goymer. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31st December to be entered into our draw...

The delightful picture book Stick Man by Julia Donaldson is cleverly brought to life on stage at the Leicester Square Theatre. We had a great time recently, watching the production with a pair of four year olds - they loved it!

Welcome to our advent calendar! Each day we will be revealing a top Christmas tip for Chiswick mums! Much more useful than a miniature chocolate!

Ho-Ho-Ho Santa is coming to Chiswick! Come and visit him and his elves. Call to guarantee a time slot or just turn up!

You are invited to our Christmas Shopping Evening on Wednesday December 5th between 7.00 and 9.00 pm.

A new baby (or more than one!) can be exhausting, particularly if baby is not keen on sleep! In this month's To The Rescue, expert Carol Mae Grassick, of Carol Mae Consulting provides us with her tips for a happy sleeping baby...

We're looking for Mums with either daughters aged 11-13 years or boys aged 8-10 years (may have younger or older too) to take part in a 90 minute focus group in Hammersmith on Tuesday 13th November (All sessions after school). We're also looking for Mums in any part of London with children aged 5-7 (may have younger or older too) to take part in a 90 minute in home session on Thursday 15th November.

Fun, educational kids yoga launches in Chiswick and Fulham. YogaKids is more than just yoga. It’s educational and FUN!!! Classes are on Tuesday mornings at The Piccolo Play Centre in Chiswick - why not drop in for a FREE trial class!

Win a family ticket for four to see Aladdin at Richmond Theatre this Christmas. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 30th November to be entered into our draw...

A few weeks ago, we were given a Recipe Bag to try out, by newly launched business Jessica’s Recipe Bag. In case you haven’t heard of it, the idea is that busy people (and that’s us, Chiswick mums) can order a Recipe Bag for a couple or for a family of four and on a Monday evening, a bag of delicious, fresh ingredients is delivered to your door – enough to make dinner for four days – along with a Recipe Book. Great idea! So how did we get on…

Do you want to get fit? Book any 6 week course with ANNY and receive 6 weeks of FREE UNLIMITED CLASSES for new customers - including DYNAMIC PILATES, BARRE WORKOUT, STRETCH AND ZUMBA!

'My boy trained with Sports Linx - I would recommend them to anyone.' Dennis Wise | Chelsea & England International. Why not start this half term with a Sports Linx Holiday Camp - five days of football for only £58.50! The Half Term Camp runs from October 29th to November 2nd. Sports Linx Football Academy offers structured and professional football training to children of all abilities, with weekly training and regular school holiday football camps.

"It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark... ..the Thriller Flashmob! Halloween Thriller Arrives in Chiswick! Don't miss out on the coolest Halloween Celebration in London!

Chiswick & Hammersmith NCT is holding a fabulous Christmas Party on Saturday 24th November. A highlight of the Party will be the Silent Auction. ForMums is excited to be hosting the complete list of Auction lots, generously donated by local businesses. See the full list...

Many Chiswick mums will already be fans of TenPilates, but like me, you may not know much about TenPhysio and the benefits of massage during pregnancy. In this month's Introducing... Evelyn Kummer, Sports Massage Therapist at TenPhysio, is here to tell us all about it. Evelyn says 'The body undergoes some fairly fundamental transformations during pregnancy, including postural changes, an enormous influx of hormones, weight gain... READ MORE

This time last year, I wrote ‘Surely it can’t be half term - I still haven’t finished sewing name tapes on the new uniform!’ and here I am in the same position – I must make a note to start earlier next year! Like it or not, the children will soon have a week or more off school, so we’ve been hunting around for some ideas to keep them happy. In particular, we’ve been looking for camps and clubs that keep them active and outdoors where possible...

Are you thinking about returning to work? Don't know which direction to choose? Wondering about setting up a business? Then join our next MM session, when expert Frieda De Ley will help you to take the next step!

The Spirit of Christmas Fair is renowned for its fantastic Christmas shopping experience. We have three pairs of tickets to give away - simply Like our Facebook page to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets!

Following the successful launch in Ealing Broadway, Pitter Patter – The Hub for BubsTM will launch next month with free taster sessions of pre-school activity classes at The Cricketers, Richmond Green.

Sarah Johnson, hypnobirthing teacher, Registered doula and NCT antenatal teacher, explains what hypnobirthing is all about and how it can help mums in labour...

Win a Personal Training Session at TenPilates in Chiswick! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 October to be entered into our draw...

Cheerobics® Fitness comes to Chiswick! FREE TASTER SESSION ON THURSDAY 11th OCTOBER 7:00pm. If the name hasn't already given it away, Cheerobics® is the unique fitness programme that combines cheerleading and aerobics, using pompoms! It's is aimed at all ages, fitness and skill levels, so everyone is welcome...

Disney is holding an exclusive preview screening of Tim Burton’s much anticipated film Frankenweenie at their private cinema, in aid of local charity Family Friends. Find out how to buy tickets...

The twice yearly NCT Nearly New Sales are a great way to sell your unwanted baby items or to pick up a bargain for your little ones. This autumn, the sale will be bigger than ever as, in addition to the Town Hall, a new venue has been added. Chair of the Chiswick and Hammersmith NCT, Jennika Arkell, told us more...

Looking your best during pregnancy is no easy task. In the latest of her pregnancy blogs, JJ’s Mummy has found a solution to the problem – the gorgeous Serephine in South Kensington. Find out what she thinks… ‘When I was asked to write about the maternity boutique Serephine I was thoroughly delighted. I spent many a happy moment during my first pregnancy with JJ perusing their gorgeous collection in between maternity yoga classes and decaf lattes...

We have been contacted by Michelle Tester, a PhD researcher at the University of Exeter. Michelle is exploring postnatal depression in her research and is currently running a study for which she is looking for mums with babies aged 10 to 14 months to complete an online survey (they don’t have to be feeling low or experiencing PND).

"We are delighted with the quality and design of our new kitchen which has transformed our house. We couldn't recommend West London Kitchens highly enough for their approachability and attention to detail throughout the process." MF, Chiswick. This month we’ve been talking to Keith and Elizabeth Patterson who run West London Kitchens, a company they founded just over three years ago. Find out more about their unique approach...

A child moving to secondary school can be an anxious time for the whole family. In this month’s To The Rescue, Chartered Psychologist Andrea Moore talks about some of the issues that may arise and provides a start point for addressing them…

In case you missed last week’s exciting news, JJ’s Mummy is expecting her second baby!! Always keen to try out local activities, for her latest blog she visited a specialist pilates session for pregnant women. Find out how she got on… ‘I was recently invited to a one to one prenatal pilates class at TenPilates in Chiswick. I have been to traditional pilates classes in the past but I was intrigued to see what a “dynamic” pilates class had to offer...

Chiswick health and beauty salon, The YOU Clinic has teamed up with personal trainer, Laura Knight to offer a fantastic makeover to a lucky raffle winner to raise money for children with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

If you've never experienced our innovative, impressively effective Dynamic Pilates workout - there's never been a better time! Book into any Beginner level Class in Chiswick between Monday 24th and Sunday 30th September and if you're new to TenPilates, you'll train for free.

We are completely thrilled and excited to let you know that JJ’s Mummy is expecting a brother or sister for JJ !!! Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is vital and JJ’s Mummy has been researching some ways to do this, ready to report back to you on her blog. This week she is looking at Pregnancy Massage and visited the iBelong Boutique Salon in Chiswick. Read on to hear what she has to say... ‘I started having massages in my early twenties on the advice of a random stranger...

This month Little Luvvies is giving away a whole term of classes to one lucky child. Little Luvvies sessions offer toddlers to seven year olds the chance to enjoy dancing, singing, acting, music and dressing up in one motivating and energetic session. To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 30 September.

Our thoughts are now turning to school, which starts next week for most children. We love September and the excitement of a new academic year, crisp autumn mornings and conkers. It’s the perfect time to start new resolutions and routines - just like New Year but with no hangover and better weather. To help start your New Year as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together our pick of the fab businesses that our area has to offer. Read on to find out more about The New Term, Classes for Little Ones, Classes for Older Children, Activities for Mums and Help Around the House...

ForMums Guide to Making the Most of the Olympics for Chiswick Families – updated for the Paralympics!

One of our aims is to provide Chiswick mums with a unique source of support and advice. This week, we’re focusing our blog on some fab people in our directory, who make it their business to help mums and their families. Today is A-level results day and there will be plenty of teenagers with unexpected grades, higher or lower, who are wondering about their way forward. If this is your family, then we’ve found help for you. Whether you’re a new mum, struggling with parenting an older child, wondering about your own career or the direction of your life, or simply need someone to help you get organised, read on…

Win a £100 gift voucher to spend in the Chiswick branch of ASPACE, the children’s furniture retailer. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31st August to be entered into our draw.

Hello to all you lovely people out there who love to look after your skin, and to those who would like to learn…I thought I would share a few tips to looking after your skin and using safe products!

We love a birthday party in our house and we're sure you do too! Children’s Parties is consistently one of the most popular searches in our Directory. And when I posted a Facebook photo of the cake I made for my daughter (and stayed up til 1am to finish) it was our most popular post for ages! But nobody needs that sort of self imposed madness when help is at hand. This week, we’ve found some ideas to reduce the stress for mums and provide maximum fun for children…

A magical production of this classic book is currently running in Kensington Gardens. If you are looking for a summer highlight, that doesn't involve sport, then book your tickets now! The whole event, from the wonderful venue to the perfect and engrossing telling of the story, is unmissable. We recently saw the production on a damp and chilly Thursday evening and emerged with our spirits lifted, having spent several spellbinding hours in Narnia along with Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edmund.

This month, we have been talking to Erin Thomas-Wong, founder of Pitter Patter – The Hub for Bubs. Following it's huge success in Ealing and Northfields, Erin has launched Pitter Patter in Chiswick. Based at The Old Station House in Grove Park, Pitter Patter offers baby and toddler classes and an opportunity for local mums to meet each other. This fantastic venue has lots of space inside for buggies and free parking in the surrounding roads. Find out more...

Are you ready for the world’s greatest sporting event, right on our doorstep? There are only two weeks until the London 2012 Olympics and it’s time to plan how your family will make the most of this sporting and cultural extravaganza! Read on to plan your whole Olympic experience, including The Torch, The Games, Exhibitions & Events, Activities, Help & Information, and Sport for Children.

The summer holidays are nearly upon us. Obviously I use the term ‘summer’ loosely, as the current weather hardly qualifies. And all this rain makes the question of what to do even trickier. But never fear… we’ve been hunting around and have come up with an amazing range of activities for all age groups. Whether your children fancy some rock climbing, professional level football training or a chance to put on a musical for family and friends, read on and plan a summer of fun…

This week, we are launching our special Olympic newsletter. There are so many amazing Olympic activities for families - sporting, cultural and local. Our Olympic special picks out the best...

Piccolo Play scheme provides excellent care and a fun filled summer. We have a large range of activities include cooking, arts and crafts, sports, drama, cinema fun, outings and more. This Ofsted registered scheme will run from 23 July until 31 August, for children aged five to 11 years old.

We’ve reached the final week of Think Yourself Slim. For those who haven’t been following us, this four week programme provides a new approach to losing weight. The idea is that to be a slim person, you need to think like a slim person, not like a larger person trying to avoid the biscuits. Set up by Chiswick based Hypnotherapists Jane Eggleton and Amanda Kerr, Think Yourself Slim uses advanced weight loss hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT. So, how have we got on…

Win a portrait session with local photographer Lou Roberts. Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 July to be entered into our draw...

Throwing a party can be stressful and extremely time-consuming, so this month, we are pleased to be introducing MiniMe Events, founded by local mum Lena Winder... 'If your child has a party looming and this fills you with dread, MiniMe can help. You can opt for a party package, which can include finding the venue, deciding on a theme, and providing catering and entertainment, or simply ask MiniMe to organise the things you don’t have time for...

News from Sini Ek - Stella & Dot Independent Stylist: ‘I have begun my Sample sale to make space for the new collection that comes out at the beginning of July. This means that I am selling some of the jewellery which I carry with me to trunk shows and displays. It is 50% off (except for one or two pieces that are completely new)!!! Find out more...

In this month's TO THE RESCUE feature, Daniel Wanat (owner of The Garden Place in Chiswick) offers advice for those of us in a gardening wilderness...

In case you missed our previous posts – here’s a quick recap: As someone who has tried many diets over recent years, I was very interested to find out more about Think Yourself Slim. The aim of the programme is to use Hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT to change the way you think about food.

The Garden Place is having an Open House on Saturday 15th September from 11am until 4pm. Plants available for gardens of all shapes and sizes. Plus bubbly, nibbles and expert advice!

We’re huge fans of the Spirit Fairs, held twice a year at Olympia in association with House & Garden. The Spirit of Summer Fair took place three weeks ago and ForMums went along to visit. The Fairs aim to offer an innovative, handpicked collection of original products that you won’t find on the high street, as well as a wealth of stylish seasonal ideas, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. In case you didn’t get there, here are some of our favourite finds…

In case you missed Week 1 – here’s a quick recap: As someone who has tried many diets and who, for various reasons has developed poor eating habits over recent years, I was very interested to find out more about Think Yourself Slim...

This month Gymboree is giving away a whole month of classes to one lucky child. To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 30 June.

'Calling all mothers who have been musing about toning up their arms in preparation for the summer! Gary the Grappler and Harry the Handbike hold the answer! Along with Marvin the Medicine Ball and Frankie the Sandbag, these are some of the names that Barry O'Connell, erstwhile Physical Training Instructor for the Royal Marines for 12 years, has given to the equipment he uses at State of Mind Fitness, to take clients to another level of motivation and fitness…

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend is nearly here and our What’s On pages have heaps of ideas for children and families, in Chiswick and further afield. If you know of any other events, or would like to add yours - simply email us the details! Whatever you do, we hope it's memorable!

Chatting to a friend recently, we got on to one of our favorite subjects, weight loss. We have each tried many diets, sometimes we’ve tried them together for moral support, and sometimes we’ve even lost weight! Between us we’ve counted calories, points and syns, we’ve tried cabbage soup, special shakes and eaten only protein until simply the word ‘egg’ would make us gag. And always the weight goes back on. But this time, she had found a new approach…

West London’s first dedicated yoga and Pilates studio… For years Chiswick has been the poor relation when it comes to practicing yoga and Pilates. YogaAt is hoping to rectify this. YogaAt is London’s leading provider of personalised yoga and Pilates programs. In January YogaAt branched out and opened West London’s first dedicated yoga and Pilates studio (Yoga West). It features a 1,000-foot studio space, wonderful 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful light....

Will you be flying with your baby or toddler this summer? This week, JJ's mummy provides useful help and advice, based on her experience... "I used to do quite a bit of travel with work but let’s face it, once you have kids going to the airport is a whole different ball game. Gone are the days of a cheeky glass of vino in the business class lounge before a shopping spree in duty free. No those days are long gone. When we travel with JJ the airport is all about major logistics and contingency plans...

Win your own Handy Man from Handyman Express! To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 May to be entered into our draw...

We were pleased to support Safer Internet Day back in February, and this gave us the opportunity to find out about Great British Kids, a new, completely free social networking site exclusively for under 18’s. On-line safety and social networking are a worry for many parents, so for this week’s blog we’ve invited Great British Kids to tell us more about their innovative social network.…

We hope you enjoyed the Easter break? Of course Easter is an important religious occasion, but it has become traditional to eat lots of chocolate (hooray!) and do some DIY (boo!). We did really well at the chocolate eating, but the DIY didn’t happen I’m afraid. So, as promised in last week’s blog, we’ve hunted down some experts to help tackle all those household jobs, big and small, inside and out, which have been ignored for too long…

Sue Lister, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator at West Middlesex University Hospital, explains the benefits of breastfeeding and offers tips on how to make it enjoyable for you and your baby.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been LOVING the sunshine - spring is definitely in the air and spring cleaning has made an appearance on my To Do List! Suddenly, in the bright sunlight, the whole house seems to need a good sort out and a spruce up. The problem is lack of time (and inclination) to get these jobs done. So this week, we’ve been hunting out some expert help to sort that clutter, pass it on to someone who can use it, and then make the house shiny and clean….

Win fab kitchenware from Jamie Oliver's exclusive Jamie at Home range. To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 30 April to be entered into our draw...

An amazing space, right on our doorstep, is the Lyric theatre in Hammersmith. You may have been there to watch a show or two, but do you know it’s history or it’s ambitious plans for the largest cultural capital development to take place in West London for many years? Do you know that the roof garden has been named as one of the Ten World’s Most Unusual and Enchanting Public Gardens by Elle Décor? We’ve been investigating all that goes on at the Lyric. Read on to find out more…

In this week’s blog, JJ’s Mummy looks at the costs that go along with a new baby and has some top tips on how to limit them! ‘This baby business can be a costly enterprise. The price of a new set of wheels alone could catapult you into financial distress. Who knew that some brand packages start at around £700 and let’s not even think about the limited editions or bespoke versions out there? Kitting up for baby need not feel like you are parting with all of your hard earned savings.....

What are you doing on Sunday April 1st? Not to be missed is the Chiswick Easter Fete & Family Day at the Hogarth Youth & Community Centre. There will be free activities on offer for children and young people aged from toddlers to 18 years old, together with a craft market, bouncy castle, refreshments, charity car wash, live performances and more. We met organisers Kimberley Bhagrat and Amelia Amos to find out all about it…

The answer may well be under your nose, or rather, just under your ankles. Reflexologist, Joanna Spriggs, explains more...

JJ's family are home from skiing, find out how they got on..... 'We are back from a fantastic week in the French Alps with our little man JJ. It took some organisation but I do love it when a plan comes together. Preparing for a ski holiday means packing the luggage you would normally take away with you and then multiplying to the power of three! We honestly looked like we were moving house when the people carrier drew up to take us to the airport....

This month we are thrilled to bring you a gorgeous prize from the US jewellery brand, Stella & Dot. To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 March...

The second annual Chiswick House and Gardens Trust Camellia Festival opened last Saturday in the gorgeous setting of the Chiswick Gardens Conservatory. It’s amazing to discover that the camellia collection is a national treasure and probably the oldest in the Western World. The Trust’s Director, Sarah Finch-Crisp, noted that launching a national horticultural event last year was something of a step into the unknown. However 5,000 visitors turned up...

Those of us staying in Chiswick this half term are facing that eternal holiday question What Shall We Do Today? This is made trickier by not knowing if there will be sunshine or snow to contend with. The weather forecaster suggests the temperature will reach 55 degrees next week – that’s about the point at which we break out the factor 20, but I’m still nursing the sledging injury sustained in last week’s snow! We’ve come up with some ideas that are fun whatever the weather…

Have you taken ‘routine’ to the extreme? Lisa John of A Star Children’s Company discusses ways to ensure that a solid routine doesn’t take away the opportunity for new experiences….

This month our friends at Flower Maid are giving away a fantastic Dyson vacuum cleaner to help get the spring cleaning started. To enter, simply sign up for our newsletter by 29 February...

JJ’s mummy is heading to the ski slopes very soon, but is feeling a bit rusty. She was amazed to find that she could brush up her technique right here in Chiswick. Read how she got on…. ‘I started skiing relatively late in life and to be honest I didn’t really enjoy it at first. I spent most of my time on my backside getting cold and wet. I sat on the ski lift dreaming of a hot bath, willing the day to end so that I could partake in the far preferable après element of the holiday....

In the final part of our New Year Resolutions blogs, we’re looking at Learning Something New. Inspired by the trend for all things homemade, we’ve been finding ways to learn new skills that are useful around the house. My mum is amazing when it comes to any sort of needlecraft and I certainly got the ‘hoarder’ gene from her. Our guest room cupboard is an Aladdin’s cave of fabrics, cottons, ribbons…just waiting for me to get started. Unfortunately, I failed to inherit the ‘skill’ gene.

We’re still on our New Year Resolution theme... Over the last couple of weeks we’ve covered fitness and health, both of which require a long term commitment to improving our well-being. This blog looks at the Quick Fix – what can we do in a few weeks, days, or even a few hours, to feel better about our appearance. We’ve got some great ideas – from the expected (new hairstyle, new nails) to something a bit more radical (wardrobe makeover anyone?) Read on..

How are your resolutions going? Someone just told me that they’re having a Christmas party at the weekend and will be starting their New Year Resolutions next week! If improving your family's health is high on your list, then we’ve found some local businesses who can help and have unearthed some scary facts in the process (did you know that academically able children are missing out and can be disruptive because they can’t see as well as they should be able to?) Find out more...

During January, we're offering you the chance to win a De-Aging package from number one professional spa range, Pevonia Botanica! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 January and you will be entered into our draw.

2012 is here and it’s time to write the small book I like to call my New Year resolutions. I always make so many and they are largely the same every year, so throughout January, we’re going to focus our blog on practical steps to take so that in 2012 some might actually be achieved! We’ll be covering everything from improving your health to overhauling your wardrobe, and we’re starting with the one that's top of everybody's list ... fitness.

Introducing West London’s ultimate family health club. With the range of sports, activities and expertise available at The Park Club, as a member here you really are on track towards achieving your fitness goals. What’s so special about the Park Club, is that not only do the parents get fit and healthy, so too do the younger members who are given a myriad of opportunities to have fun whilst burning off excess energy!

We love a good panto and Cinderella at Richmond Theatre is a FANTASTIC panto. This wonderful production includes all the features required by my family – lots of audience participation (boo, hiss, oh no it isn’t), the goodies (Buttons, played charmingly by Gary Wilmot and lovely Cinders played by Kellie Shirley), the baddies (the brilliant ugly sisters played by Graham Hoadly and Paul Burnham who, in our opinion, stole the show) and some unexpected moments - the appearance of real ponies to pull Cinderella’s carriage to the ball was a highlight!

Once the presents have been opened and the turkey demolished, what happens next? Staying inside soon starts to send everyone a bit crazy, so we head out for some fresh air. For me, one of the best bits of going out is coming home again – sitting by the fire and enjoying the new games, books and DVDs is much more fun when everyone has rosy cheeks from being outside! Here are some of our favourite places to go…

The school holidays are nearly upon us. Ahhhhhhhhh! Well done if you have managed to finish your Christmas shopping (how did you do it?) but if you haven’t, then here are some ideas for holiday camps, to give you that last little bit of child-free time to get things done. (Of course you could just use the fantastic on-line shops we’ve handpicked for you – check out our Christmas directory!) ....

During December, we're offering you the chance to win a £50 gift voucher for CobWebKnit's gorgeous range of hats, blankets, T-shirts and more ! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 December and you will be entered into our draw.

'My name is Juliet Lyons and I am a Child Psychotherapist, Family Counsellor and Baby Massage Instructor. I work privately in Chiswick as well as in schools and would like to tell you something about myself and what I offer to families. I trained as a Child Psychotherapist because I am passionate about supporting families’ emotional wellbeing and I know how difficult parenting can be......'

JJ’s mummy writes ‘This year I’m positive that we will be prepared for Christmas! As I write, it is still November and the internet shopping delivery deadlines are within reach. Poor JJ has been a really poorly boy lately, but all that extra daytime sleep has meant that mummy has had a chance to really give her credit card a proper pre-Christmas workout. So, in time for Christmas and for all those winter baby arrivals, here is the second part of my best baby buys...

This week, guest blogger JJ's mummy writes: I sadly lost both of my parents in my twenties at a time when although I was an adult, I still desperately needed them in my life for guidance and love. Now that I am in my thirties and a mum to my little boy JJ, I still keenly realise the emotional loss but it has now evolved into a practical need too. My boyfriend is Australian and so neither of us has any immediate family in the UK to help with JJ....

Getting children to clean their teeth is easier said than done. Thankfully, father of four and MD of eco-friendly toothbrushes, Monte Bianco, offers his top 10 expert tips and tricks.

Where I grew up, Santa arrived in the town park every December. The excitement started with a fire engine, which raised it's snorkel into the night sky. Then, in a puff of smoke, Santa magically appeared at the top! My sister and I thought we were very lucky to live in the ACTUAL place where he chose to land! Many years on, it’s still one of the most magical parts of Christmas for me. Here are some suggestions for where to find your magic….

Imagine how lovely it would be to pick apples from your own tree. Sign up for our newsletter by 30 November for your chance to win your own apple tree from our friends at Trees Direct!

The aim of our blog is to bring you lots of information about life with children in and around Chiswick. This week, we’re really excited to introduce you to JJ’s mummy. Local mum to baby-nearly-toddler JJ and our regular guest blogger, she will be sharing her new mum experiences and is starting with…top 10 baby buys (part 1). It’s very tempting to buy everything in sight when a baby is on the way, but some things are more useful than others, as JJ’s mummy has discovered…..

‘I have always documented my own children’s lives and when other parents saw my portraits they asked me to capture the spirit in their children. I aim to provide families with beautiful photographs that capture who they are, not just what they look like. Children’s moods change from moment to moment showing every detail of their character, beauty and spirit’ says Lou. Find out more about her work….

Halloween is creeeeeping up on us. A great opportunity to dress up and have some fun with your children. For this blog we have been hunting for ideas to ensure all the family have a spooky time. Whether you want to hold your own party or join in with some organised Halloween activities, we've found something for all ages, from tinies to teens. Have fun !

Getting kids to eat fruit in the winter months can be especially hard. Zoe Meredith from children’s healthy eating company, Yummy Lollies, gives her top tips on encouraging children to love fruit this winter.

Surely it can’t be almost half term - I still haven’t finished sewing name tapes on the new uniform! Where is the time going? With only two weeks until the holidays start, this week’s blog is focussing on half term activities. We’ve got some great ideas for activities lasting a few hours or the whole week! Here are some highlights, but take a look at the ForMums.net directory – Childcare – Holiday Clubs & Actvities for more!

This week we’re looking at that great British tradition – the pantomime! I know that most of us have spent the weekend enjoying 80 degree temperatures and talk of pantomimes sounds ridiculous, BUT you will thank me in a few weeks when other mums are discovering that the only seats left for their chosen panto are behind a pillar in row ZZ. So, before everyone else gets the good seats, take a look at our round-up and book yours NOW!

During October, we're offering you the chance to win a £50 gift voucher for Spin Collective's fabulous range of wall stickers, chalk boards and clocks ! Simply sign up for our newsletter by 31 October and you will be entered into our draw.

On the blog this week we’re looking at activities for mums. September has a lovely ‘new start’ feel to it, as the academic year begins and many children start nursery or school for the first time. Often this means mums have the opportunity to try something new. Whether you want a regular class or a one off opportunity to learn a new skill, we’ve found some great activities for you to try. Here are some highlights, but go to ForMums.net directory - Lifestyle – Activities For Mums for more details.

In the latest of our TO THE RESCUE features, local solicitor Sarah Ellis discusses the subject of Wills. This is a must read feature if you don’t have a Will! Sarah highlights why Wills are particularly necessary once a couple has a child, possible pitfalls if you don’t have a Will and gives us some ideas about what to consider before making a Will.

Brand new guidelines were released in July that highlight the importance of physical activity in young children’s early development - strongly outlining the vital role that PLAY and MOVEMENT should have in every child’s life! Physical activity is recommended from birth, ‘particularly through floor-based play…in safe environments’. For children that are up on their feet, at least 3 hours of activity a day are advised. Emily Wright, director of Gymboree Chiswick explains more....

During September, we're offering the chance to win tickets for you and a friend to visit the Baby Show which is being held at Earls Court on 28-30 October. Everything that you and your baby needs – in one place!

To celebrate our launch, this month we're offering everyone a chance to win a magnum of award-winning RidgeView Merret Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs 2000. Just sign-up to our newsletter by 31 August and you'll be entered into our draw.

In the first of our TO THE RESCUE features, Vicki Goymer (local mum, hairdresser extraordinaire and owner of the Chiswick Salon) offers advice on typical family hair crises!

The postnatal period is an important time of physical recovery, role changes and emotional adjustment. Recent national surveys have found that mothers are less satisfied with postnatal care than other aspects of maternity care, with too little emphasis on their emotional needs, as well as inadequate and inconsistent care and information. Early Days Postnatal Courses, run by the nct, are designed to address these issues and to promote maternal and infant well-being.

Hello and welcome! As we are new and this is our first blog post, I'll start by telling you a bit about ForMums.net and how we got here. I am a Chiswick mum and I think that CHISWICK IS THE BEST! It's a fantastic place to live with so much going on and I love joining in lots of local activities with my family.