Spring lovin’

March 6, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Boy oh boy, is it nice out today!! Being a native Californian, my spring buzzer starts going nuts around the beginning of March. What starts as an annoying jingle soon becomes an all out four alarm fire of must have sun now-ness. It is with great relief that the snooze button has been pushed by this lovely respite of kind weather.

That brings me to the nice park day I had with Bababoo today. Let me be honest by saying that the Bear and I are already anticipating a teenagehood on high alert. Zoe is tall, blond, and with her nordic good looks (not from her momma, sadly), lets just say Bjorn is currently investigating gun laws in Belgium. Add to that her sparkling personality and appreciation of older boys and we have a real doozy on our hands.

Today is a perfect example. We were minding our own business, eating blueberries and breadsticks, when a older (maybe 2?) hazel-eyed Italian had to come over to say hi (buongiorno) to Zoe. Well, naturally she was all smiles and a terribley sweet baby flirtation ensued. Luckily I travel nowhere without my trusty Canon so here is the replay. Ahh sweet spring love!

Where to shop: Etsy!

February 24, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

A soft snow has been falling on Brussels for the last few days. This morning it upgraded to “sticking” status so we are holed up here at Bear & Dragon. Staying warm, cozy and well-fed.

What to do for entertainment when the chance of getting outdoors is nil? How about some delicious internet window shopping. There no place I enjoy more for said shopping that Etsy. Collecting point for handmade, vintage and beautiful things. You can honestly find almost anything there! I have to admit, I really love special handmade things. The endless creativity of peope is amazing! Etsy is a website where artists and collectors can offer their wares for sale in one location. It is well organized and getting better all the time. I turned to Etsy when getting those special touches for my wedding, bababoo’s nursery and often for gifts. Although many sellers are in the US, it is truly a global market place and you can search for sellers in your country/area.

A feast for the eyes as well, it is truly a joy to peruse. So enough of me, happy perusing!

Some lovelies for your review

The most wonderful year

February 21, 2013February 25, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

It is hard to believe but it is one year ago today that our little angel came into the world. It really has been the most wonderful year. Bababoo has an amazing happy spirit and fills each day with light. She is my most beautiful adventure. Happy birthday Zoe!

So how do we celebrate such a momentous day? The only way we know how, by shoving chocolate cupcakes into our mouth. Behold, the cake smash.

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Baby Yoga!

February 19, 2013February 4, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

With this post we travel back in time to before Bababoo was a champion speed crawler. To a gentler time when she was happy to gently roll around in front of the mirror and to be lifted, crunched with and generally used as exercise equipment. I am talking about Baby Yoga!

Back in September, I was turned on to several baby yoga options by the knower of all things wonderful, Katy Kefferpütz. She suggested two to try although in the end just one fit with our schedule (both are below). So I dug out the old yoga mat and away we went!

Housed in the Udi Malka dance studio, Sivananda Yoga is led by the ever smiling (even when several babies are screaming) Laia. The yoga room has one all mirror wall which is very fun and provides roughly an hour of entertainment for the babies, which is perfect since that is the length of the class. With your little one positioned next to you, you will stretch, go through classic but gentle yoga poses and if you are comfortable, you can incorporate your baby as well. If you are a yoga veteran then you will find the experience very gentle indeed, it is designed to help get the body moving again after birth, not necessarily to give you a super work out.

If your baby catches the zen mood then it makes for a delightful hour. Move, chat with other mommies, smile at babies and enjoy Laia’s patient instruction.

Open for little tiny babies up to crawlers. Once you baby clocks in at under 20 seconds to cross the room, your out. 🙂

Om shanti om.

Laia Puig Escandell – Sivananda yoga
Udi Malka dance studio, Rue des Francs 51
Tuesday 1015 – 1130
laiulipe@hotmail.com

Kristen Macpherson – Kundalini yoga (with songs etc. for babies too)
At Kristen’s apartment, Rue Major Pétillon (Pétillon metro)
Monday 1400 – 1515
Wednesday 0930 – 1045
yogakristen@me.com
http://web.me.com/yogakristen/Site/Welcome.html

Update: The Yoga Loft is a cozy space with pre and post natal yoga classes. They even have a babysitter on hand. Seriously.

http://www.yogainbrussels.com/

Lights, camera, action! Introducing Bear & Dragon Photography Studio,

February 11, 2013February 11, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The lights are up, the cloths hung, photo objects sorted: We are up and ready for business! I am oh so proud to share a first look at Bear & Dragon Studio. Amazing light, 4 meter ceilings and a clean white look to keep those rays of sunshine bouncing. The have six gorgeous families in the studio this week so stay tuned. TA DA!

For the momma’s mommas

February 7, 2013January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Momma’s mommas, one of the most wonderful things out there. Though I love living abroad, I sure do miss my momma. Just thinking about that special lady and all she has done for me. She has a special bond with Zoe and can’t wait for her to come visit this summer (hint, hint mom)! I took these shots during our summer visit to California and they never fail to warm my heart.

So call your momma today and tell her you love her.

Love kills cancer

February 4, 2013February 11, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Over the holidays I had the extreme privilege of taking portraits of a family living its way through cancer. Johan is almost like family to us and I am grateful that I was invited to spend the afternoon with this incredible and kind family.

A beautiful love story and now many years and six kids later, they nestled in for the holidays to celebrate life, love and family. In our thoughts and prayers too.

Update: Bengt passed on February 9, 2013 surrounded by his family. I am proud to have met him.

Zoe’s World

January 31, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Oi, feeling down with a never ending cold has got us stuck at home. Besides munching on some oh so delicious Chocolate Sables and playing with newly rented toys, there is nothing Bababoo loves more than throwing each and every book in her considerable collection on the floor. Huzza!

I present the evidence for your review. It is Zoe’s world and we are all just living in it.

Things to do with a Baby in Brussels: Rent a toy at the Ludotheque

January 30, 2013January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

On rainy days like this, it is hard to get up the motivation to go outside. That turns one’s eye to available indoor options AKA toys and games. Well as much as I love new toys, and I DO love new toys, it gets to be a bit much when they are stacking up and Bababoo gives them no more than a fleeting glance. So what is a rain-avoiding momma to do? How about check out some new digs at the Ludothèque in Etterbeek.

The Ludotheque is a Toy Library where you can check out toys. I was turned on to this resource back in the early fall and since selecting the “Musical Escargot” have been going regularly back for more. For the highly reasonable price of 0.50 EUR per week, you too can take home a new and exciting toys for your little one. Hooray!

In addition to toys, there are lots of games and puzzles for the older set. You can try before you rent in the small but well organized play space. Selecting your new friend is fairly straight forward in the catalogs where you can see pictures of the toys, their name and the recommended age. You can also preview the catalog and toys here.

Some of the toys are a little old (I am looking at you Sony cassette player!) but they are also classics. So stay dry and let the good times roll!

Where: Avenue Auderghem 233 – 1040 as well as many other locations. Check out the nearest here.

When: Hours vary by location but here is Etterbeek

Monday: 16h – 18h and Ready playroom

Tuesday: 15h – 17h and Ready playroom

Wednesday: 14h – 16h30 and Ready playroom

Thursday: 15h – 17h and Ready playroom

Saturday: 11am – 12.30pm and Ready playroom

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

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