2010 November — American Girl in Chelsea

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…..

November 30, 2010 by Christy Osborne 4 Comments

I can’t believe we’re getting snow in November… this is bananas!

American Girl, Heather, has asked for suggestions on where to find a Christmas tree….

As I was out bopping on the Kings Road the other day I noticed that Bluebird has a ton of Christmas trees sitting out for sale. Not only does it give an adorable Christmas ambiance to the restaurant but it also means that it is quite convenient for us local ladies to grab a tree!

Battersea Park has opened up a Christmas Tree shop. I can attest that this place has lovely trees, as one of my fellow AGs bought a gorgeous one from them last year. Additionally, you can arrange same-day delivery for just £15!

Any of you AGs have suggestions for other parts of London?

Cheers! xx

Secret’s out ladies…. Kate Middleton’s hair stylist revealed….

November 25, 2010 by Christy Osborne 11 Comments

Hi AG’s,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, I was trying to quasi-keep him to myself and fellow AGs, but James Pryce’s name was revealed today in the Daily Mail. Hopefully, we can all still get appointments…

{Picture via Hello Magazine}

Cheers! xx

Filed Under: James Pryce at Richard Ward, Kate Middleton's Hair Stylist James Pryce, Kate Middleton's Haircut, Kate Middleton's Hairstyle, Richard Ward

Salary and Rent Prices London- compared to the US.

November 23, 2010 by Christy Osborne Leave a Comment

Hi ladies.

Since starting the blog, I’ve received so many emails from lovely readers asking me different questions about moving to or living in London. I thought it would be wonderful to start a new section of the page, where you can ask questions, and receive answers! That way, other girls may find your questions helpful OR also be able to weigh in on their thoughts……. lets see how it goes.

Here is a recent one……..

From RH:

Hi there!

I am currently a 25 year old American girl working in Chicago relocating to London in January. I had a few questions and would love your input as I am trying to get feedback from a large amount of people and girls who have made the move. If you have any time to answer, it would be great and much appreciated!

- – I currently make 60k in USD in Chicago and was offered 47k in London. Would you consider this a decent salary? Is it enough to have a good time and explore within London? Currently, I think I make a pretty decent amount for my age and lifestyle in Chicago and while I know things are expensive, I would hope not to take too much of a hit on my lifestyle.

- - I noticed that your blog was about living in Chelsea. Do you have any other tips on great neighborhoods that are affordable? I hear that Chelsea is quite expensive. What is your past experience in rent prices? Thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers! xx

Filed Under: relocating to London from Chicago, rent prices in London compared to the US, Wages and Rent in London

Turkey time! Thanksgiving in London…

November 16, 2010 by Christy Osborne 7 Comments

Hi ladies. Wow! It’s been an exciting day- royal wedding bonanza. Which means I can now say that I am officially one degree of separation away from the future Queen Katherine (as she now likes to be called) via my hair stylist. Hint hint, see earlier posts!

OK, so Thanksgiving is almost here, and lets face it, living in a country that doesn’t honor Turkey Day as a holiday always proves to be a tad difficult if you are trying to prepare that meal and entertain. So here are my suggestions after doing it five times.

Baker and Spice: They are your new best friends for ordering your Thanksgiving meal- prepared, cooked, and delicious, especially if you have an oven that can’t fit a turkey… Baker and Spice do everything from the hors d’oeuvres to the stuffing, and yum yum yummy pies.

Partridges: Great for buying all of your ingredients (they have REAL whip-cream for your desserts in the American section), and pre-ordering turkeys (cooked and uncooked) and pies (pumpkin and pecan are available for pre-order.) What else? They also stock Stove Top stuffing, Ocean-Spray cranberry sauce, and Aunt Jemima Corn Bread Mix.

Eating Out: Apparently The Phene Pub in Chelsea will be providing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu on the 25th, so if you’re desperate there’s always that option. One year we dined at The Ritz, which was nice, but a tad silly due to the fact that they didn’t present us with the Thanksgiving menu, but did to British family next to us. Here are some other recs for dining out.

This year I am off the hook! Our neighbors have invited us over on the Saturday evening and my contribution is pies from Baker and Spice and our nanny to play with all of the children.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?

Cheers! xx

Filed Under: Baker and Spice London, Eat and Drink, Ordering Thanksgiving dinner London, Patridges, Practical Tid-Bits, Thanksgiving in London

A November Recipe….

November 11, 2010 by Christy Osborne Leave a Comment

A fellow AG brought these over last Thanksgiving, and I am dying to make them again this year….

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/3 cup water
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (Available at Waitrose, Whole Foods, and Partridges).

Preheat oven to 200 C and line muffin tray

1. In an electric mixer bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and water until combined
2. Sift into this mixture the flour and spices
3. Mix until moistened
4. Stir in pumpkin
5. Spoon batter into muffin tray
6. Bake at 200 C until wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (15-17 minutes for large muffins; 10-14 minutes for smaller muffins)

This recipe usually makes about 2 dozen muffins.

Yum yum yum!

Cheers! xx