Hamley's Toy Store Count Down

London is full of traditions, pomp and circumstance. A favourite for me and my 3 year old daughter is the count down to the famous Hamley's Toy Store's opening on Regent Street. It happens every single morning and why not celebrate the opening of a toy store?!? A store worker usually comes out in uniform along with the Hamley's bear to greet eager customers. Children help count down from 10 to 1 and then the doors open to a magical world of bubbles and toys.

The count down begins!

There are lots of displays for children to try out materials and toys for them to discover. If you are smart you can leave without spending a fortune or even a pound. I find the staff to be extremely helpful and friendly. One day we were even given some free pieces from an incomplete game that was just going to be tossed in the rubbish!

My sweetie waiting for the store to open.

She was so excited to see Hamley's Bear dressed as the Easter Bunny! They even gave out complimentary chocolate eggs.

 When your children have explore all 5 floors of the store go for a well deserved grown-up treat. There is so much to explore near Regent's Street.

One of my favourite streets in London (they often close it off to cars on the weekend to make way for free events).

I love London

I love living in London! I really do. My husband, daughter and I have so much fun together in this amazing city. As a mom, I love that there is a plethora of learning opportunities for my little girl in this big place. We can go to one of the many amazing parks or gardens, visit world famous (and FREE) museums, walk by historical treasures, stroll through a city farm (again FREE) , or heck just walk down the street and observe the amazing diversity surrounding us.                      

Enjoying a nice day by Tower Bridge

                                                   

We live in West London which has been perfect for us. Close to parks with ponds and wandering peacocks and a 30 minute bus ride to Oxford Street shopping. We are also a few tube stops away from the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and London Science Museum (all free). The church we attend happens to be on the same street which is quite nice.

Ice Skating at the Natural History Museum

I often get asked, "How do you find out about all the activities that you do with your daughter?" The answer is that I simply search and keeping my eyes out for anything that might look fun or interested to do together. There are quite a few free magazines that are published each season that have oodles of events going on throughout London and for specific parts of London such as West London Families. I often find myself visiting Timeout London, Kidsorted, or just googling "kids events in London today." It is amazing what you can discover if you just start looking. Pay attention to those advertisements plastered to the shop windows and pick up that free magazine at the train station or library. You may just find what you are doing this weekend. Get ready, steady, GO!
                                                         

Here I am!

Let's see now...the last time I posted was bout 5 years ago or so (I don't even know!)? Here is what has happened since then in a nutshell: My husband and I moved to London and we had a baby girl who is now a big 3 1/2 year old. I will let you fill in the blanks and just go from here. I have always felt a bit overwhelmed by the idea of blogging but a friend recently mentioned she was doing it and it got me thinking about it again. I absolutely love life and feel it should be enjoyed to the fullest and I want to share that with others and hopefully motivate you do the same. So here I try again...wish me luck.

                                                

First Weekend Trip of 2012

We decided that we didn't want to spend the 3 day weekend at home so with just a few days notice we planned a fun little get away. Frank found a smokin' deal on Priceline for a great hotel in Riverhead, Long Island. It took us less than 2 hours to get there driving (yes that includes through mid-town traffic). We drove into Sag Harbor to hit our favorite shake and burger joint. (Think Twinkies shake, or Toasted Marshmallow!)

We then went back to the hotel for some chill time. In the morning we took a drive along the vineyard trail. We noted farmstand we want to visit once it warms up. We drove to the very tip of the Island, passing farms, lavender fields, and nation parks/beaches. We then made our way through the Hamptons heading for East Hamptons for some lunch. You can go by Scoop de Jour (even in the winter).

The Milk Pail is another must stop off of 27. It is a cute little farm stand open year round. They make homemade apple cider and donuts. You can pick your own apples there in the fall.

It took us a bit longer to get back home but all in all it was a fun weekend (we have done this all in one day before too and still worth it!)

It's time

We talk and talk about how we should start a blog sharing our adventures and how easy it is to have fun each and every weekend. So here it is. Our life which you can take a piece of if you like!