Interview with Courtney Adamo from Babyccinokids

We are so happy to feature an interview we did with the lovely Courtney Adamo from Babyccinokids-  The International Lifestyle Website for Modern Mums. I guess Babyccinokids doesn't need any further introduction:)

Courtney, one of the three women behind the site, is American born and raised but now a proud Brite living in London with her husband Michael, and their three kids: Easton (7), Quin (5) and Ivy (3). And they are expecting a new baby in five weeks! We asked Courtney about her everyday life in London with her Family. Here goes:

1. What do you like best about living in London with children? It’s so hard to choose one best thing! But I think the cultural diversity of London provides such an interesting and educational environment for children to be raised. Also, the access to the rest of Europe and how easily we can travel to France, Italy, The Netherlands… etc.

2. What is it like a typical day in London with your children? During the week my kids are in school from 9 until 3:30 every day. On weekends, we like to enjoy a slow-paced morning and then we often find ourselves in Hampstead Heath park, enjoying a walk or bike ride with the kids. We also like to take advantage of all the great museums in the city. We are members of the Tate Modern, and often end up there at least once a month to check out new exhibits and see favourite artists and pieces.

3. What is your favourite area in the city and why? Well I’m biased because I live here… but north London is so green and leafy and wonderful for families. Also, being so close to Hampstead Heath is such a huge benefit – to be able to feel like you’re in the vast English countryside when you’re really in the centre of London is such a treat for us city dwellers.

4. Where do you like to go for lunch or dinner? We eat most of our meals at home because both my husband and I enjoy cooking. But I love to grab a coffee or a sandwhich from Melrose & Morgan in Primrose Hill. And my favourite restaurant for a date night with my husband is Moro in Exmouth Market.

5. What kind of public transport do you use getting around in the city with your family? We usually either walk or drive to places around the city. Surprisingly, London is a pretty easy city to navigate by car, and it’s not too difficult to find parking. Every now and then we’ll hop on the tube (London underground) if it’s a better option than driving.

6. Your favourite shops for your self and for your child/ children? I love shopping at Elias & Grace for the kids. And for myself, I love Aime in Notting Hill, Liberty or TopShop!

7. The best play ground in the city? My kids love the playground in Primrose Hill. I also like the little playground in Paddington Street Gardens, off of Marylebone High Street – it’s quite hidden, so it’s usually very quiet and it has recently been updated with all new playground equipment.

8. If you have a little diaper incident where do you go? Hmmm… a tricky question! It depends where in the city you are!

9. Your child's/childrens' favourite cultural activity? My kids love the Natural History Museum or the Tate Modern.

10.Your own favourite cultural activity? Probably also the Tate Modern! We like to start at St. Paul’s Cathedral and walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Tate Modern museum. Just crossing the river and taking in the views of London makes you feel really impressed with this city.

11. What's your best advice for managing being both an entrepreneur and mom? I try to find a good balance between work and family life. I usually work from 9 until 3 every day, and then I try to shut off my phone, stop thinking about work, and go pick the kids up from school without letting the earlier stress of work take over my mind too much. It works better for me if there are strict ‘working’ hours and then strict ‘mum’ hours. I can’t be one of those mums who is checking her email at the playground or the school gates – it ruins my concentration on both work and motherhood.