Urban Living: Families Moving to London

If you've ever moved abroad, you know it can be incredibly overwhelming. Aside from making the crucial decisions—like finding a neighborhood, school and home, there are hundreds of other questions that crop up along the way. In fact, most expats say it takes six to twelve months to feel settled in London. And there are some who state it takes well over year!

That's why I'm excited to announce Urban Living, a London relocation service for families. We design personalised days and half-days, where we show you properties, neighbourhoods and lifestyles that align with your families priorities. We expedite the settling-in process. So, whether it's helping you identify the right home, hiring a nanny, or taking you to the best shops and restaurants, we help you establish your new life in days rather than months.

Here's a handy summary of what we do:

- Substantially reduce the settling-in period for families
- Increase and expedite knowledge and understanding of London
- Help expats find the right property and neighbourhood
- Share further advice on schools, lifestyles, healthcare, culture, everyday living, food, shopping, children's recreation, making friends, childcare, travel and much more
- Familiarise and help you feel comfortable as you navigate your new surroundings
- Help you fall in love with London

We're excited to help more families enjoy the city and discover the best of London. If you're interested in our services, please do get in touch. You can send an email to info@urbanlivinglondon.com. More information can be found on the website too.

(Feel free to share your thoughts about this new service in the comments, too!)

Favourite Products: Liz Earle

I wouldn't consider myself a product junkie, but I do have a few favourites items. Chief among them is Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser.

After my third baby was born, my face was so incredibly dry. I followed a friend's recommendation and picked up the Liz Earle moisturiser and within a day, my face felt refreshed and nourished again. It's since become a staple in my daily life. You can order it online, but I usually pick it up at John Lewis on Oxford Street.

I'd love to try Liz Earle face masks, which get rave reviews the same friend too.

DVF + Gap Kids

Last week, Diane von Furstenberg and Gap Kids unveiled their second collection together. I attended the launch event at Gap's flagship store on Oxford Street. While I sipped the most delicious fruit juice (a concoction of peach and passionfruit), the playful, brightly-coloured clothing collection for girls from 0-12 years had me yearning for long summer days.

Aptly named the Explorer Collection, the collaboration succesfully combines signature DVF designs with the easy, everyday clothing-wear that Gap Kids is known for. Exotic animal, floral and geometric prints and patterns adorn dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, t-shirts, trousers, swimsuits, sunglasses and footwear. The collection is playful and stylish, evoking adventure and a tiny dose of mischief too—a perfect representation of childhood summer days.

Here are some of favourite pieces from this adorable collection. In fact, I couldn't resist picking one of the dresses for my daughter! 

(P.S. One of my favourite collaborations between Gap Kids and the famous designers. My daughter still wears the cheetah shirt from this 2009 line!)

Fox Pot - A Cookbook from Notting Hill

I've never seen a school cookbook quite like Fox Pot—a collection of 70 delicious recipes from the families of Fox Primary School in Notting Hill, with contributions from local chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi and Bill Granger too. Not too mention it's lush layout, gorgeous photographs and general design-savvy appearance. No, I've never seen a school cookbook quite like this one!

I tested two recipes from the cookbook the other week and both will make it into my regular rotation. They were hits! I made Phoenix's Gooey Chocolate Pots and they were easy to make and so decadently delicious to devour. A rich chocolate pudding with a gooey, oozey chocolate centre... perfection. 

On the opposite end of the food spectrum, the Asparagus with Tomato Salsa and Soft Cheese was the perfect way to jazz up my usual plain asparagus. I couldn't get enough of the salsa! 

Fox Pot has earned it's spot on my bookshelf. If you'd like to buy it too, you can order a copy here. All proceeds will support Fox Primary School and its charities, such as Reach To Teach, a non-profit organisation that provides education to rural children in India.

Driving to France, Eurotunnel

Have you ever driven to France? Last week, my parents visited from America and for the first time we drove to Northern Europe. Instead of the ferry option, we drove our car onto a train. It whizzed through a tunnel under the English Channel and arrived in Calais, France in just 30 minutes.

It was our first time using the Eurotunnel, and it might be my favourite method of traveling now. The service was so easy and there's something nice about avoiding the stress of an airport. Here are more details about our "driving to France" experience:

Visiting Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle opens for visitors this weekend, so I thought it would be fun to recap my visit there.

Last summer, I met some friends for a girls' day at Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey). It's positioned in such a stunning location and while it was a wet, rainy day... it all kind of added to the charm as we explored the lush, green gardens in our wellies, and then headed inside to see the rooms where all the TV action happens!

I haven't watched all of Downton Abbey, but it was still fun to visit the different rooms and recall plot turns and twists that I could remember. What surprised me was how much smaller the house felt once we were inside. Of course it's still huge, but it just seemed smaller than I imagined from the episodes. Also, we spotted a pair of running shoes, modern novels and even a pile of coins in one of the rooms. It was kind of weird to think actual present day people live there!

For lunch we thought about eating at Highclere Castle's canteen, but went with our better judgement and visited a local pub called The Yew Tree Inn. Such a delicious lunch of fresh fish and chips and Eton Mess with fresh strawberries (it was English strawberry season when we visited... so good!). Highly recommend. 

If you're wanting to visit Highclere Castle, book ahead here. There are also a limited number of tickets available on the day, but make sure the castle is open first. 

The View From the Shard

Are you scared or unfazed by heights? The Shard, a daunting 1,016 feet / 310 metres high, is now London and Western Europe's tallest building. Did you know you can book tickets to see The View from the Shard?

In just one minute, the elevators whisk you up to the viewing platform, which is twice the height of any other London skyline view. On a clear day you can see as far as 40 miles!

I'm pretty freaked out about heights (the Eiffel Tower makes me feel all queasy), but I might buck up and book us tickets for my husband's birthday. I think he would love it. Will you visit The View from the Shard?

Stunning photos (including the top image) of the view via The Telegraph (including one of the window cleaners... yikes!).

Manhattan Toy Skwish

I bought this cute little toy for my older son when he was born. It's called a Skwish and has just sat in our toy box for a few years, collecting dust... until Jasper came along. He loves it! Easy for his hands to grasp and rattles just enough for him to be intrigued. He loves to stick it in his mouth too! I don't think babies need many toys, but the Manhattan Toy Skwish is a favourite.

Carluccio's cooking classes for kids

I just saw that Carluccio's is offering kids cooking classes during April term break. Such a fun activity for kids to get their hands in the kitchen and make yummy Italian favourites like focaccia or gnocchi. 

Aimed at children 6 to 12 years-old, the classes cost £15 pounds, and include a drink and dessert. My kids would love this! 

You can find the nearest Carluccio's cooking class for children on the Event Finder. There's also an Easter Biscuit Decorating Class just before the break at selected restaurants too. 

Waitrose coral bowls

I'm regularly enticed by the dining and kitchenwear aisle at Waitrose. Several months ago, I picked up these small coral bowls. They reminded me of some I had seen at Anthropologie (similar ones here), only the Waitrose ones were half the price.  

Yesterday I was back at Waitrose and scored some cute baking tins for half-price. Exciting for a serial baker like myself...

(images // urban mums)

Private Photo Courses with Shannon Ashton Photography

Images by Shannon Ashton Photography

Have you ever wanted to take better photographs?

When I received my DSLR camera a few years ago, learning how to take control of my camera suddenly became a priority. I wanted to learn how to shoot in manual, but my high school photography class was a very distant memory...

So, I opted for a private photo lesson with London photographer Shannon Ashton. If you look at Shannon's website, you'll note that she is wickedly talented behind the camera—an artistic eye and master of colour. She's also a very clear and thorough teacher. In a matter of hours, Shannon taught me how to use my Canon Rebel. I left our lesson with my camera mode confidently set to manual. I was so excited about all I learned, that I took my kids to Regent's Park and went on a photo-taking spree while they licked ice lollies in the hot summer sun. They are still some of my favourite photos.

If you want to take your photography to the next level, I highly recommend this private course. The entire lesson is completed over three separate one-hour sessions, and Shannon conveniently travels to you. More information, including course details and pricing, here.

(All images from Shannon Ashton Photography)

Aden + Anais Cot and Crib Sheets

A few weeks ago, I saw that Aden + Anais (makers of every baby's favourite swaddling blanket) launched a line of cot and crib sheets. My baby wants some... :)

Hop Like A Bunny — Holland Park

Hop Like A Bunny is a stylish baby and children's boutique, situated on a cute road where Holland Park meets Notting Hill. In fact, it's dangerously close to the Cowshed Spa!

The boutique is small, but that's part of it's charm. The well-decorated space showcases discerning toy, clothing and interiors inventory, featuring brands like: Kidscase, Maileg, Petit Bateau, Ouef, Mini A Ture, April Showers, and many, many more gorgeous labels.

Hop Like A Bunny launched an e-store before Christmas, but I still recommend a visit to this sweet shop. It's located in an area that exudes the kind of London neighbourhood charm that only locals experience. Plus, you'll probably find another lovely shop (or two, or three!) to visit en route as well...

(Top photo credit + more photos on the Bubble blog.)

Muji candles

My friend's sister stayed with us a few months ago and gave us a lovely Muji candle to say thanks. I've since bought a few more Muji candles. They have so many different fragrances — the cinnamon + mandarin candle was perfect for Christmas. Time to go back and stock up...

Richmond Park

Richmond Park from Pembroke Lodge terrace

Even though I've lived in London for 7.5 years, I'm still somewhat of a newbie to Richmond Park. Since we live in NW London, we tend to visit Hampstead Heath or Regent's Park more often. But Richmond Park! It is so beautiful! 

We drove through the park last summer, and then returned again one Saturday in September. We ordered breakfast at Pembroke Lodge and ate on the terrace, overlooking this view. It was one of those moments where I looked at my daughter sipping her hot chocolate, and thought does she know how lucky she is to live here?! 

When it gets warmer, I want to go rent bikes in the park and cycle around with my family. They even have baby seats for the bikes.

Also, pretty Richmond architecture: