No need to wait around for a bus again; download the London Bus Checker Smartphone app for your iphone or Android for a mere £1.99.  Real-time updates from busses en route, easily downloadable route maps with stops indicated on street maps … read my review, or download from itunes here

Also, head over to Earl’s Court Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show on Sunday 5^th February, noon, theatre 1 to hear London dad, safari specialist, conservationist and National Geographic presenter Hayden Turner talk about his award-winning documentary “Hunters of the Lost World” where he followed and documented the hunting and survival skills of 7 rare tribes.  Hayden will also be on hand to discuss family safari travel … read more

Just for Babies:

Gate Cinema: Tuesday 7^th February.  Big Scream.  Come and see Carnage this Tuesday without the crowds, hassle or need to pay a sitter.  Doors open at 10am, movie begins at 10:30, free coffee and pastries http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/

 For Toddlers and Babies

Classical Babies: Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belisize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy read more about the fabulous bit of motherhood: My review. 

Classics with my Baby: a classical concert series for mums and tots.  Classical concerts specifically designed for mums and children (0-5 years) to enjoy together. Tickets: Adults £10, children FREE (special offers on website)

 Tuesday Febuary 7th Islington - Christ Church, Highbury N5 1SA 2012 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

 Wednesday Febuary 8th 2012 Chelsea - Christ Church, Christchurch Street, off Flood Street, London, SW3 4AS 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am
Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

 Le Institute Francias: Baby French Tales, A La Decoouverte De Paris (ages 0-3) Saturday 4^th February, 11am.  1 hour, in easy French.  A new baby elephant has arrived in town looking for his big city adventure.  Bring your kids along to Baby French Tales and explore the fabulous South Kensington area before or after.  £7 per adult, £5 per child.  www.institut-francais.org.uk/kids-and-teens/baby-and-kids-french-tales

 For Bigger Kids:

Somerset House: Mini Make Believe. Sunday 5^th February from 11:30 – 12:30.  Bring your 2-5 year olds along to learn about pairs.  Look, sing, dance, make and learn in this fabulously designed and run little workshop for very young children.  Free, tickets allocated on arrival.  www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family

 Somerset House: Family Workshop, Imaginary Menagerie.  Saturday 4^th February, 2:00-3:30pm.  Construct your own weird and wonderful beasts and mythical monsters at this drop-in making workshop.  Free, no ticket required, but you may have to wait for a turn to make something http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/free-family-workshops

 Saatchi Gallery Family Art Workshop: A Bag Full of Art.  Sunday 5^th February, 10:30, noon, 3:00 and 4:00pm.  Explore the exhibition highlights through family oriented tours that incorporate interactive conversations and drawing activities.  The tour begins with the opening of a bag that contains media used by artists in Gesamkunstwerk.  Children will have the opportunity to touch, experience and interact with the materials.  Ages 4-12, younger siblings welcome, £3.00 per child.  Book required valeria@familyartworkshops@gmail.com  www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/a_bag_full_of_art.htm

 Kids Club, Saturdays at Gate Picturehouse: Scooby Doo, PG
From 10am they have activities, then watch the foodie/kiddie feel good flick at 10:30.  £4 to join the Kids Club, but then tickets are £1 after, popcorn and juice for the kids £2.  http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/Kids_Club/

 Read more about the day out here.

Wallace Collection Little Draw: Sunday 5^th February 1:30 – 4:30.  Bring the kids along to a drop-in art workshop.  Come here after going to the expansive Marylebone Farmer’s Market (10am -2pm Sundays in the car park just behind Waitrose) and the gorgeous Paddington Green playground, located in the park just beyond the car park. http://www.wallacecollection.org/whatson/activitiesforadultsandfamilies/familyactivities

 For the Family Over Half Term

Half term week is rapidly approaching.  I will have an in-depth list next week of what to look out for, but you may want to book into an art workshop at The Wallace Collection, weaving at The V and A, a family concert at Cadogan Hall, events at The Imagine Festival at Southbank, Lollibop Mini Disco at Ministry of Sound, events at the Holland Park Ecology Centre.  Not ready to commit?  Don’t worry, there are loads of drop-in events coming in the complete list next week.

 For Adults:

NCT Interior Design Short Course A fabulous fundraiser for the National Childbirth Trust, an interior design course at Whole Foods Market on High Street Kensington.  Put together with the help of London Property Makeover, you can learn the basics of interior design (how to write a brief, colour theory, how to mix fabrics, create a mood board, spatial planning and lighting – wow!!).  This is intended for mums creating a nursery for their new-borns, but I want to come, too!!  Four Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm, from 29^th February.  £80 for the course, donation to the NCT included.  Read on … 

London’s adopted superdad, Australian native Hayden Turner, will be on hand to discuss family-friendly and budget-conscious travel to Namibia and other African destinations where families can experience African wildlife and animals, on their own or on a guided safari.  Hayden has worked for over twenty years in and out of Africa establishing animal and nature conservation areas, working as a specialist safari guide, as a wildlife TV Presenter for National Geographic Channel; his breadth of knowledge and intimate knowledge of Africa as a safari guide is unsurpassed.   

In addition to being on hand to discuss family travel, the wildlife specialist and conservationist will also talk about award-winning National Geographic series, “Hunters of the Lost World”.   Hayden, with his charisma, enthusiasm and sensitivity, will share his extraordinary adventure to learn and document the ancient survival skills and knowledge of animal behaviour of 4 rare tribes of Africa, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. 

A chat with Hayden will reveal the secrets of self-guided safari in Namibia: how to hire family-friendly vehicles and cross the savannah yourself with no fuss or worry.  For the more adventuresome, Hayden can put together a bespoke safari and lead you and your family on a very special African wildlife adventure that you and your kids will draw on for years to come. 

 Head over to Earl’s Court Sunday for Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show, Sunday 5^th February around noon

For more details or any questions, contact Laura at london-baby.com or Hayden Safari at haydenturner.com

I have been using London Bus Checker for several weeks and recently put it to the ultimate test leaving Kennington on a cold, blustery evening with my two tired, irritable children.  I had a choice of two buses, each running every 15 minutes.  Using London Bus Checker, I clicked on the map, located the bus stops, and quickly downloaded the arrival times.  I left the warmth of the sports centre at Burgess Park when the London Bus Checker indicated, just in time to board the bus with little fuss and waiting.

Over the last few weeks, the London Bus Checker app has allowed me to avoid much of the hassle of waiting for the pokey buses that have less frequent service; the ones I tend to use frequently.  Before stepping out into the cold night air, or rushing from the breakfast table, I can get real-time bus service from buses travelling around London. 

What’s more there are special features so that when you are out and about in a new part of town, you can quickly and easily see bus routes on a map and find out exactly where you are going and when to get off.  These are not the spider maps on the bus shelters, nor are they the exhaustive comprehensive maps showing all the routes.  You get only the route you select superimposed over the regular street map with the stops indicated.  You can zoom right in and get exact details and street names.  These are brilliant functions, especially when you are running around to new parts of town for meetings and need to avoid taking a push chair in rush-hour traffic on the underground.

It takes about 30 seconds to open the application, click the map, find the bus stop and the route.  Admittedly, it is a bit of a struggle with winging kids, but it’s worth it when you are able to not only find EXACTLY when the bus will arrive, but loads of other information, too.  This is not a fool-proof solution, once a bus had its regular route truncated and I have also had the occasional bus arrive not showing up on the list – pleasant surprise. 

In celebration of the app now being released for Android phones, London Bus Checker is happy to announce a competition to win a year’s bus pass from Transport for London.  click here and enter in a few good friends (and avid bus users) email addresses.  They get a chance to win, too!!

London Bus Checker is available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones.  Search for “London Bus Checker” in the App Store or Android Market, or see www.buschecker.com for more details

I purchased London Bus Checker on my own, tried it out, loved it and contacted the company to sponsor my site for a few weeks.  This post is paid, but they are my own honest views of the application.

Just for Babies:

 Gate Cinema: Tuesday 31^st January.  Big Scream.  Come and see Margin Call without the crowds, hassle or need to pay a sitter.  Tuesdays 10:30 free coffee and pastries More Details

 Bootcamp Pilates, Mum and Baby Pilates Class, Friday 27^th January, 11:00- 11:45: Bring the baby along to Pilates in Fulham click here for location and contact details to find out more information http://www.bootcamppilates.com/find-the-studios/fulham.aspx 

Bumps and Babies at Gymboree South Kensington: Brought to you by NCT Kensington and Chelsea, but you do not need to be a member to come along.  Every Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:45, free.  Come along and play in the beautifully cared for Gymboree, located on the lower ground floor of the Baden-Powel House, directly opposite the Natural History Museum.  Read on …

For Toddlers and Babies

 Classics with my Baby: a classical concert series for mums and tots.  Classical concerts specifically designed for mums and children (0-5 years) to enjoy together. Tickets: Adults £10, children FREE (special offers on website)

Tuesday Febuary 7th Islington - Christ Church, Highbury N5 1SA 2012 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

Wednesday Febuary 8th 2012 Chelsea - Christ Church, Christchurch Street, off Flood Street, London, SW3 4AS 10:00am:  ”Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30am:  Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am read my review here
Tickets:  Adults £10 at the door, discounts available online, children FREE

 Classical Babies: Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belisize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy read more about the fabulous bit of motherhood: My review .  Read on …

 For Bigger Kids:

 Kids Club, Saturdays at Gate Picturehouse: The Cat Returns
http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/film/The_Cat_Returns/  From 10am they have activities, then watch the foodie/kiddie feel good flick at 10:30.  £4 to join the Kids Club, but then tickets are £1 after, popcorn and juice for the kids £2.  Read more about the day out here.

 For the Family

V and A Tagore Family Day: Sunday 29^th January 10:30 – 5:00pm, Painting, Henna demonstrations, storytelling, music, dance, poetry.  Mark your calendars for all day drop in events celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Rabindranath Tabore. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/1591/tagore-family-day-2733/

 St. Peter’s Church Notting Hill, Kensington Chamber Orchestra Saturday 28^th January, 4pm.  Come along and enjoy Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”, there will be cake, juice and a chance to try out the instruments.  A great day out for the family.  http://www.kco.org.uk/

 St. Martin in the Fields, Mini-Maestro, London Musical Arts Orchestra: Saturday 28^th January, 4:30pm.  Take the kids to hear Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, interact with the orchestra, play with the instruments, and really engage with music.  http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/jserv/concerts/view.jsp?id=3849

 Royal Festival Hall, Goodbye Mr. Muffin: Friday 27th and Saturday 28^th January, various times.   Using puppetry, animation and music, this award winning production tells the story of the last days of an aging and loved guinea pig.   Note, almonds are handed around the audience, so people with severe nut allergies should be warned.  http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/dance-performance/tickets/goodbye-mr-muffin-62071

 Trafalgar Square and Chinatown, Chinese New Year in Central London Bring the kids to Trafalgar Square at noon to begin a day-long celebration including food entertainment, costumes, dance, music, theatre; from Trafalgar Square up Shaftesbury Avenue through Leicester Square and into Chinatown.  http://www.chinatownlondon.org/

 For Adults:

NCT Interior Design Short Course A fabulous fundraiser for the National Childbirth Trust, an interior design course at Whole Foods Market on High Street Kensington.  Put together with the help of London Property Makeover, you can learn the basics of interior design (how to write a brief, colour theory, how to mix fabrics, create a mood board, spatial planning and lighting – wow!!).  This is intended for mums creating a nursery for their new-borns, but I want to come, too!!  Four Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm, from 29^th February.  £80 for the course, donation to the NCT included.  Read on … 

Want to take your child to listen to the highest echelon performers in the classical music world at 10:30 in the morning? Do not miss the next Classical Babies concert in Knightsbridge where you and your progeny can enjoy passionate and enthusiastic music played by today’s leaders in the classical music field.

Classical Babies is the brainchild of Antonia Azoitei and Estella Garcia, both full-time mums and professionals in the arts who wanted to unite all their passions in one place. What a better way than to bring world-class talented musicians to vigorously perform classical repertoire to mums, dads, carers, babies, toddlers and children? This is such an amazing treat for anyone; whether you are a seasoned musician or a newbie to classical music, you and your offspring will enjoy a professional grade concert for £10.

 Antonia and Estella bring the highest calibre concert hall musicians; harpists, pianists, cellists, violinist, flutists to come and perform mid-morning concerts for children. Antonia has performed with the world’s leading musicians: she heads the Vilensky String Quartet, was a full-time member of the BBC Concert Orchestra, and continues to play with City of London Sinfonia and various other orchestras and performing groups.

Classical Babies Knightsbridge brings together all the elements for a perfect London-baby day: a world-class performance hall classical music concert a short walk from Sloane Square, around the corner from Harrods, ten minutes from the playground and Serpentine in Hyde Park: the perfect day out on the town with the little ones.

Have a coffee, browse the shops, treat you and your child to a beautiful concert, then top it all off with a trip to the playground near Hyde Park Barracks and feed the ducks to boot. You may even see the Regimental Cavalry out practicing, or better yet, returning from Changing of the Guard in full ceremonial attire. The Dell Restaurant just at the end of the Serpentine is particularly child and push chair friendly with a huge terrace filled with picnic tables (no one is really going to care if you buy a coffee and bring your own food for the kids) where the kids can lean against the rails and watch the water fowl.

Bumps and Babies at Gymboree South Kensington: Brought to you by NCT Kensington and Chelsea, but you do not need to be a member to come along.  Every Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:45, free.  Come along and play in the beautifully cared for Gymboree, located on the lower ground floor of the Baden-Powel House, directly opposite the Natural History Museum.  http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/parent-support/bumps-babies-gymboree

Big Little Singers, Kensington.  Bring along your baby to St. Philip’s church Earl’s Court 10:00 – 11:30am) or St. Mary’s Islington (2:00 – 3:30pm) for proper choral singing (nothing but a love of music required).  This class is paid upfront, each term for £70, but it is a special and unique chance to sing.  http://biglittlesingers.co.uk/

Bumps and Babies at St. Peter’s Notting Hill: Thursdays 2:30 – 4:30.  Come to the elegantly renovated St Peter’s Church on Kensington Park road (15 minutes walk from Notting Hill Gate and just off the 52 bus) with your bump or baby.  Put on by the NCT, but free and no membership required http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/parent-support/bumps-babies-st-peters-notting-hill

Gate Cinema: Tuesday 17^th January.  Big Scream.  The Iron Lady this week, Tuesday 10:30 FREE COFFEE AND PASTRIES  http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse/Whats_On/Clubs_Groups/.

Upcoming: NCT Sling and Carrier Meet, Thursday, 2^nd February, 2:30 – 4:00pm St. Peter’s Church Notting Hill.  A chance to mingle with new mums and try on a variety of different kinds of baby carriers, as an owner of four baby carriers, I strongly recommend going.  http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/events/sling-carrier-meet

For Toddlers and Babies 

Classics with my Baby: Detox with the Baroques! A New Year Special for the whole family. Featuring: Philippa Mo, violin and Miaomiao Yu, piano.  Our treat of music begins with two of Bach’s most beautiful concerto movements to cleanse and uplift the spirits. We travel through France with Satie and Ravel finishing up on the beautiful Blue Danube before we join with a jolly sing-along of your favourite nursery rhymes. 10:00 am “Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30 am Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am
Website: www.classicswithmybaby.com Tickets at the door. £10 for adults, children come for FREE Buy tickets

NOTTING HILL – Notting Hill Community Church, Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES Next concert – Thursday 19th January, 2012, 10:30am

Classical Babies: Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belisize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy read more about the fabulous bit of motherhood: My review.  http://www.classicalbabies.com/www.classicalbabies.com/Belsize_Park.html

Buggy Walk in Holland Park: Mondays from 10am -11:30am.  Come meet in front of the cafe in Holland Park with your pushchair and infant; take a walk with some new mums.  Ideal for babies and toddlers who will stay in their pushchairs.  http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/parent-support/buggy-walk-holland-par

For Bigger Kids:

National Portrait Gallery Family Art Workshops and Storytelling: 

Storytelling Session: The Queen of Drury Lane.  Saturday 21^st January 10:30 – 11:15, ages 3+.  Come here the dramatic story of one of the greatest actresses of her time. http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/event-root/january-2012/family-art-workshops-21jan12am.php

Family Art Workshop – Miniature Theatre.  Saturday 21^st January 11:30 – 1pm.  Make a miniature theatre with puppets to take home with you  Ages 5+, free, tickets allocated on arrival and available at 10:30 http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/event-root/january-2012/family-art-workshops21011130.php

V&A Drop in Design Sundays and Gallery Plays Saturday:

Gallery Plays – The Boy Who Sat on the Dragon Throne.  Come hear the story of the 2 year old emperor who ruled over the Forbidden City. Saturday 11am, 1pm and 3pm, free, all ages.  http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/781/

Drop in Design Sundays: Take a wander through the museum to look for dragons, puppets and fans and make a beautiful dragon or fan to take home.  Free, all ages, http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/78/

Next Week, Sunday 29^th January 10:30 – 5:00pm Tagore Family Day: Painting, Henna demonstrations, storytelling, music, dance, poetry.  Mark your calendars for all day drop in events celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Rabindranath Tabore. http://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/event/1591/tagore-family-day-2733/

Family Art Workshops in the Saatchi Gallery on Sunday 15^th & 22nd January, £3 per child.  The fabulous Valeria will take your children on a guided discovery through the galleries with drawing activities and a further exploration of different artistic materials.  Very good value and great interaction with the Saatchi collection.  £3 per child, ages 4+ http://familyworkshops.wordpress.com/about/

Just for Adults

NCT Interior Design Short Course A fabulous fundraiser for the National Childbirth Trust, an interior design course at Whole Foods Market on High Street Kensington.  Put together with the help of London Property Makeover, you can learn the basics of interior design (how to write a brief, colour theory, how to mix fabrics, create a mood board, spatial planning and lighting – wow!!).  This is intended for mums creating a nursery for their new-borns, but I want to come, too!!  Four Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm, from 29^th February.  £80 for the course, donation to the NCT included.  http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/events/interior-design-short-course

Located just inside the Brahma development at the foot of Chelsea Bridge, near the junction of Grosvenor Road and Royal Hospital Road, Purple Dragon is Mecca for all things fun. 

Over lunch, Sharai and I had a long, productive chat about the merits of having Purple Dragon to compliment city life.  For those of us committed to the convenience ofCentral London, but not in a position to afford expansive gardens and square footage, Purple Dragon is the answer.  You have your maid, your pool, your babysitter, your gourmet chef, nutritionist, governess all working for you and your kids from the base price of £11 a day.

What does £11 a day get you exactly? The Club boasts a fabulously warm pool complete with splash pads, fountains and loads of fantastic floatation equipment and swimming lanes.  Once children have earned their swimming badge from the Club, they can swim on their own.  Until then, the family-friendly changing rooms have it all… swimming nappies, organic shampoo, luxury towels, large beach huts for everyone to change inside. 

After your swim, kids and adults have loads of options.  Adults can grab an iPad and a latte; play on the virtual golf range, have a meeting, a martini, foosball, a truly fabulous meal, book a manicure or pedicure.  Kids literally have an infinite choice of activities.  There is the mega-climbing frame complete with ball pits and trampolines; the kitchen room, where staff help the kids make all kinds of goodies from scratch.  There is the multi-media room where children are aided in paints, crafting, gluing, sticking, jewellery making, digital design and video/movie making.  There is the music room where children can play with an array of quality instruments from piano, guitars, drums … you learn it, play it and record it.  Purple Dragon facilitates tuition not only for music, but languages, swimming lessons and homework help (food, tuition and lessons are additional fees).  Click here and take a look at the map of the club showing all the different rooms and activities. 

Then there is the heart of Purple Dragon, The Imaginarium; an expansive, sunlit room, with sumptuous, low-level (perfect for cruisers and toddlers to mums and granddads) sofas, chairs and coffee tables. My three year old stayed here for hours playing in this room bursting with fabulous toys, and not just the stock items from chain stores either.  The Top Ten list includes electric racing track, a ball pit, model volcano, 3D dinosaur, dressing up clothes, home corner, towering model fire houses, loads of trains, Lego, multi-story doll houses, spaceship control panel … the list goes on and on.  The near-by loos are stocked with nappies and wipes, and there is always an attentive staff member only footsteps away. 

In addition to being treated to a morning of endless play, I enjoyed lunch from a menu like no other.  Having been up much the night before with my son in the A and E for asthma, I was not even slightly interested in typical family fare of fat-laden, sugar-coated food.  I did a complete 180 when I saw the menu.  My GOODness: baked salmon goujons, Ginger Pig sausages for the kids; super foods such as salads of raw cabbage, roasted carrots and sweet potatoes with cranberries for adults.  There was seared tuna, rare roast beef, salmon filets and loads more … I will be writing more about the menu in part deux.

Throughout our amazing meal, Sharai effortlessly engaged simultaneously with her toddler, her manager, her staff, her clients and graciously hosted my friend Janis, myself and our three children.  I worked in the service industry for years and I have yet to come across more difficult clientele than two year olds; Sharai handled her clients with lavish attention and patience.  What was truly exceptional about Sharai, was watching her work, play and mother all at the same time with equal parts focus and enjoyment.  Sharai Meyers sets that gold standard for this mumprenuer who is routinely spotted at family-friendly venues begging her children, to no avail, for silence so that she can Tweet.

What’s more,Sharai’s goal with Purple Dragon was not just about providing hospitality for children, it’s about enjoyment for young and old alike.   The idea is that The Club should be enjoyable for anyone from 0-100; you can come along with small children, or leave the kids and bring guests for a fabulous meal, Purple Dragon is just a fantastic place to be. 

As I was describing a conundrum I was having deciding how to entertain my husband’s visiting bachelor cousin, his childless friend, their mutual friends with a child a year older than ours; our limited space, our limited entertaining options, Sharai welcomed us back AGAIN to Purple Dragon. 

We are off tomorrow with two child-free adults to put Purple Dragon to the real test and scrutinise the kitchens offering more carefully.  How much fun will a lawyer have with two seriously silly kids and one demanding three year old? I will come back at the end of January with Part II

Want to feel amazingly smug about doing your mummy job while giving yourself a genuine treat at the same time? Take your baby, infant or child to a critically acclaimed Classics with my Baby concert at a variety of London locations including Chelsea, Notting Hill, Islington, Borough, Hampstead Village, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Clapham, Dulwich and Greenwhich . Do check out their performance schedule on their easy to navigate web site http://www.classicswithmybaby.com/. You can also order e-tickets online in case you want to send a nice thank you gift to someone or vice versa.

Oh what splendour listening to genuinely emotive and passionate playing of better-known classical movements and pieces with your progeny perched in your lap. Philippa Mo and Miaomiao Yu are not mere technical masters of a massive repertoire; they are communicating subtle emotions, moods, tones in a very dramatic, but genuine way. The concerts are not just familiar themes played in a jovial way because there are playing for children; they are serious renditions played by master performers.

What’s more, Miaomiao and Philippa are joining forces with luminaries in the classical arts.  In the coming months your child can be treated to a performance by the likes of pianist Errollyn Wallen M.B.E.; who has just had her eleventh opera premiered at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.  Also joining Classics with my Baby will be Olivia Jeremias, Principal Cellist of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Hamburg. Forthcoming artists include tenor Norbert Meyn and accordionist Milos Milivojevic in the Spring series. 

I took my son to a 10:30 concert at Christ Church in Chelsea. While he ran around the church and rolled around the floor most of the time, he was listening and I was thoroughly enjoying sharing time with him in a beautiful space over flowing with superbly performed music. 

If you have a mellow child, or a hyperactive one like mine, do not be put off by the high-brow nature of the activity. It’s for kids and it’s meant to be fun and enjoyable, not silent and pensive.

Philippa and Miaomiao put an added brilliant feature: cake and tea stall. Come early, mingle, have a drink and buy a cake made by the fabulous baker Claire of Claire’s Happy Cakes http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claires-Happy-cakes/226312990750742 .

The concerts cost £10 per adult and children are free, as I mentioned above, you can buy the tickets online. Check this space for half-terms and special days off from work. Take your mummy halo out and give it a good polish, take your kids to Classics with my Baby.

Bumps and Babies at Gymboree South Kensington: Brought to you by NCT Kensington and Chelsea, but you do not need to be a member to come along.  Every Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:45, free.  Come along and play in the beautifully cared for Gymboree, located on the lower ground floor of the Baden-Powel House, directly opposite the Natural History Museum.  More info

 Big Little Singers, Kensington.  Bring along your baby to St. Philip’s church Earl’s Court 10:00 – 11:30am) or St. Mary’s Islington (2:00 – 3:30pm) for proper choral singing (nothing but a love of music required).  This class is paid upfront, each term for £70, but it is a special and unique chance to sing.  More info

 Time for Mums Photography Workshops for Parents – babies come too!!! 5 week course for DSLR owners – 1st session, free trial Course starts on the 16th January at the Special Yoga Centre, Kensal Rise, 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm www.timeformums.com/photoworkshops 

 Gate Cinema: Tuesday 17^th January.  Big Scream.  Come and see one of the latest releases without the crowds, hassle or need to pay a sitter.  Tuesdays 10:30 free coffee and pastries.  Ooops, I meant: FREE COFFEE AND PASTRIES more info

 For Toddlers and Babies

Classics with my Baby: Detox with the Baroques! A New Year Special for the whole family. Featuring:Philippa Mo, violin and Miaomiao Yu, piano.  Our treat of music begins with two of Bach’s most beautiful concerto movements to cleanse and uplift the spirits. We travel through France with Satie and Ravel finishing up on the beautiful Blue Danube before we join with a jolly sing-along of your favourite nursery rhymes. 10:00 am “Eat Cake and Mingle” 10:30 am Concert begins. Ends by 11:30am 
Website: www.classicswithmybaby.com Tickets at the door. £10 for adults, children come for FREE Buy tickets

             CHELSEA – Christchurch, Christchurch Street, off Flood Street, SW3 4AS  Next concert: Wednesday 11th January 2012

             NOTTING HILL – Notting Hill Community Church, Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES Next concert – Thursday 19th January, 2012, 10:30am

 Le Institut Francais, Baby and Kids French Tales: Saturday 14^th January, 0-3 years, £7 adults, £5 children, South Kensington.  Did anyone else resolve to learn a language in 2012?  If you want to brush up on your French and begin teaching your kids, the French Tales are in “easy” French.  Come here an adaptation of Jules Verne’s Le Monde de le Lune  more info

Classical Babies: Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belisize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy read more about the fabulous bit of motherhood: My review.  More info

 For Bigger Kids:

Puppet Theatre Barge, Flight of Babuscha Baboon: Opens Saturday, 14^th Janaury, £10 ages 3+.  The famous Puppet Theatre barge in Little Venice is opening what promises to be a charming marionette production of friendship and ecology.  More info

 Kids Club, Saturdays at Gate Picturehouse: Up This humorous and extremely touching film is a must see.  From 10am they have activities, then watch the foodie/kiddie feel good flick at 10:30.  £4 to join the Kids Club, but then tickets are £1 after, popcorn and juice for the kids £2.  Read more about the day out here.

 Royal Observatory Greenwich, Saturday Space Explorers: Drop in, free, 5+.  These introductory workshops teach children the basics of astronomy; make your own cardboard kit to take home with you  More info

Family Art Workshops in the Saatchi Gallery on Sunday 15^th & 22nd January, £3 per child.  The fabulous Valeria will take your children on a guided discovery through the galleries with drawing activities and a further exploration of different artistic materials.  Very good value and great interaction with the Saatchi collection.  £3 per child, ages 4+ More info

Institut Francais, CineKids, Le Petit Prince.  Saturday 14^th January, 11:30, in French, ages 5+, £5.  If you speak French, or just learning, £5 to go see a film on a Saturday … fabulous resource for London families.  More info

Two Temple Place (WC2R 3BD), William Morris Exhibit: Come and bring older kids, 5+, to see the home of William Waldorf Astor and the pensive exhibit of William Morris decorative textiles, tiles, stained glass and more.  I took my 6 year old who was just enchanted with the hand-made, gorgeous princes costume she was allowed to borrow and while learning the stories of classic British literary tales as told through Morris’s works.  On until 29^th January Two Temple Place is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 – 4:30.  Saturday and Sunday open from noon – 5pm, closed on Tuesdays.  More info

Somerset House, Ice Palaces Holiday Drop-In Workshops: Saturday 7^th and 14^th January, 11-1pm and again 2-4pm.  Come and make miniature ice skating rinks complete with glitter and miniature skaters.  The activity lasts about half an hour, if you show up and the session is full, you can wait for a place to open.  Free, ages 5+ http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/learning/family/holiday-drop-ins

 Just for Adults

NCT Interior Design Short Course A fabulous fundraiser for the National Childbirth Trust, an interior design course at Whole Foods Market on High Street Kensington.  Put together with the help of London Property Makeover, you can learn the basics of interior design (how to write a brief, colour theory, how to mix fabrics, create a mood board, spatial planning and lighting – wow!!).  This is intended for mums creating a nursery for their new-borns, but I want to come, too!!  Four Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm, from 29^th February.  £80 for the course, donation to the NCT included.  More info

 Gate Cinema: Tuesday 10th January, 10:30am: The Artist. More details

 For Toddlers and Babies

Classics with my Baby offers the perfect remedy to all our Christmas excesses. Our treat of music begins with two of Bach’s most beautiful concerto movements to cleanse and uplift the spirits. (The fact that he worked at all with his twenty children hanging around can be an inspiration to us all and our New Year’s Resolutions…! ) We travel throughFrancewith an exquisite Gnossienne by Satie and Tombeau de Couperin where  Ravel pays homage to the Baroque masters. When we are rid of all noise toxins (I’m thinking in-laws, traffic, out-of-control beepy toys), we fling ourselves into the Viennese New Year tradition with the Beautiful Blue Danube leading to a sparkling finale from Fritz Kreisler. You definitely owe it to yourself to be there. Happy New Year!

 Wednesday 11th January, Christ Church, Chelsea, £10 per adult, babies free

 Pippa’s Poppets: St. Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico.  Mondays 2:45 (babies, 4-12months), 3:30 (toddlers, 1-2years), 4:15 (small children 2-3.5) and Wednesdays 3:30 (toddlers, 1-2years) and 4:15 (small children 2-3.5) fabulous music class created by multi award-winning composer, and local entrepreneur, Pippa Cleary.  Original music and fun!!  £82.50 for 11 week term, more details www.pippaspoppets.co.uk 

  Classical Babies: Monday, 9^th January, Knightsbridge, St. Columba’s Church, 10:30am (I will be there) NEW VENUE!!!!  (read my review of the Belsize Park venue if you are not sure if you should come)

 Wednesdays, 11:00am, Belsize Park, Interchange Studios.  £10 per family for a delightful classical concert that is completely baby and toddler friendly, the perfect mid-week bit of brain candy.  More details  

For Bigger Kids:

 Little Angle Theatre: Goldlocks.  Fri 6^th, Sat 7^th, Sun 8^th, Tue 10^th and Wed 11^th.  Ages 2-5, baby friendly performances on Sundays 10am.  £10

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings: Fri 6^th, Sat 7^th, Sun 8^th and Wed 11^th.  Ages 6+, £13 critically acclaimed touching tale of beauty and magic … can you believe a very old man can fly? More details

 Kids Club at The Gate Picturehouse: Ratatouille From 10am they have activities, then watch the foodie/kiddie feel good flick at 10:30.  £4 to join the Kids Club, but then tickets are £1 after, popcorn and juice for the kids £2.  More details

Family Art Workshops in the Saatchi Gallery on Sunday 8^th, 15^th, 22nd January, £3 per child.  The fabulous Valeria will take your children on a guided discovery through the galleries with drawing activities and a further exploration of different artistic materials.  Very good value and great interaction with the Saatchi collection.  £3 per child, ages 4+ http://familyworkshops.wordpress.com/about/

For Babies, Toddlers, Big Kids and the Family:

Somerset House, Ice Palaces Holiday Drop-In Workshops: Saturday 7^th and 14^th January, 11-1pm and again 2-4pm.  Come and make miniature ice skating rinks complete with glitter and miniature skaters.  The activity lasts about half an hour, if you show up and the session is full, you can wait for a place to open.  Free, ages 5+ more details

 Mini Make Believe: Saturday 7^th and Sunday 8^th January 11:30.  For under fives, come dance, sing, make a craft and have a really good time.  Free, tickets allocated on arrival.  More details

 Wallace Collection, Little Draw: Sunday 8^th January 1:30 – 4:30pm.  Come for a workshop with artist Julia Iwasz and explore the connection between photography and drawing.  Free, all ages More details