2012 March — American Girl in Chelsea

{Mummy-to-be & Me} Bump beautiful!

March 27, 2012 by Christy Osborne Leave a Comment

When I was preggo with Mini-AG I took zero photos of myself. So, I decided, that this time around, I should at least have a few taken to capture the moment. When I mentioned that I was playing with the idea of taking bump photos, a girlfriend recommended Mark Lewis, and when I saw a few examples of his work I thought I would give it a go.

I met Mark last week at The Pelham Hotel last week for the shoot. He has a very cool studio in Surrey but will also work on location, and after touring some of the suites at The Pelham, I thought it would be a neat location. Mark has worked with a lot of big names, including the Royal Family but his passion is capturing family.

If you were hoping to see my half-naked photos, sorry, I’m going to show you some others… That said, I am THRILLED with the work Mark did, and am framing a selection for my dressing room. I was so afraid of hating every photo, but Mark really did a beautiful job of showcasing my baby bump and my excitement for my second Mini.

Mark Lewis is offering a very special package for AG readers! And after investigating other maternity photogs, this is really a great offer…

For £295 you get the bump photo shoot, either in studio or on-location, all high-res photos of your shoot, and two re-touched shots of your choice!

And let me just say, after my shoot, you’re love the re-touching bit! I mean, did you see Jessica Simpson’s pregnancy shoot for Elle Magazine? She does NOT look like that in real life.

Everyone can be a supermodel, even preggo!

For more information, visit Mark’s website here or email him at

mark@marklewisphotography.co.uk.

Filed Under: Baby bump photos, Lovely Family Photos, Mark Lewis Photography, Mummy and Me

{Interior Focus} A peek into my bedroom…update.

March 23, 2012 by Christy Osborne 1 Comment

Remember this little post I did on my new headboard?

Well it’s landed in April’s House & Garden Magazine, kinda.

I thought I’d update you ladies, if you wanted to get in touch with the designer, she has branched out on her own and has a great new website.

Check out t.craig’s designs here.

{My lovely bed by t.craig}

Filed Under: House and Garden, Interior Design, t.craig

{AG’s Bloggerversary} Celebrate two years with two fab facials!

March 22, 2012 by Christy Osborne 12 Comments

Two years ago I started American Girl in Chelsea and since then this little project has brought together an amazing group of readers from both sides of the pond!
The definite highlight of creating AG has been getting to meet you girls at the two events I organized. The first event, “Girls Night In” at !QMSMediCosmetics in Sloane Square was such a success, and the spa wanted to give you a chance to visit again!

QMS has offered to give away two bespoke 75 minute facials with oxygen in honor of my bloggerversary, and here’s how you can win…
The first facial will be given away via twitter. Simply follow and tweet @AGinChelsea using #HappyBloggerversaryAG and @QMSMedicosmetic.
OR
Leave a comment on this post and tell me what you want more of on AG. Love the practical tidbits? Bump up the beauty? Focus on fashion? Let me know! It’s all about you girls! Make sure to leave your email or way to contact you in the post so I can tell you if you’ve won.
I’ll choose one lady randomly via twitter, and one from the comments here. Winners will be announced on Thursday April 5th via twitter and Facebook!Horray!

Filed Under: AG Anniversary, Beauty, Best facial in London, London Facials, QMSMediCosmetics

{From My Mail Bag/Practical Tid-bits} A Few Questions About Renting…

March 19, 2012 by Christy Osborne 4 Comments

AG Esther writes,
“Hi AG, I have a few questions about renting a flat/house in London. First, why do some rental agencies list the price per month, and some per week, and why are these numbers different?”
Usually rental sites (Rightmove, Find a Property, etc.) list the rental prices per week, however you are charged per month. Therefore, depending on the month, your rent will likely be just a little over 4 weeks rent, since there are usually more than 28 days in a month.

Secondly, “What is council tax?”
Ugh. Unlike the States, when you rent a property in the UK you are responsible for what is basically the equivalent of the property taxes. Frustrating, I know. Council tax is calculated in “bands” and is based on the value of the property. To check out council tax prices in your area, click here.

And finally, “Do agencies charge a fee?”
Yes. However, generally speaking this is paid from the landlord who has listed the property, so usually you are not charged. That said, it is common for the agency (Foxtons, Knight Frank, etc) to charge a small contract fee (usually around £100) for all of the paperwork that goes into signing a lease.
Hope that helps!

Filed Under: Council Tax, Find a Property, finding a flat in London, From my Mail Bag, Practical Tid-Bits, rental agency fees, Renting a flat in London, Rightmove

{Practical Tid-Bits} Style your life.

March 16, 2012 by Christy Osborne Leave a Comment

Last Saturday I had the privilege of meeting Nikki Armytage of The Life Stylist. Nikki is a certified, professional co-active life and leadership coach trained by the internationally recognised “Coaches Training Institute” in San Francisco. I know most of us Americans love a bit of therapy and life coaching so I thought I would share Nikki’s services with you!
Nikki works with clients, including a number of celebrities, ensuring a high level of support and private service. Alongside her individual coaching programs, Nikki leads workshops in women’s personal development.

Nikki has clients in San Francisco, New York, and London, and with a large American client base, Nikki says, “The purpose of life coaching is for my clients to feel passionate about their lives – and their vision for the future. My clients have sophisticated aspirations and want to make their lives work – their way.”
For example, Nikki has one client who is working on a huge TV show and is back and forth between here and New York. The coaching therefore is focused on ensuring her confidence is at an all time high and that her show doesn’t compromise her personal life. This way she retains a sense of balance and calm.
The coaching takes place face-to-face in Central London, and the sessions last on average for six months to one year. To book your free consultation, click here.

Image courtesy of Nikki Armytage and The Fold London, Blog.