Things to do with a child in Brussels: Brunch at the Orangerie in Parc Egmont

February 10, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its Sunday. In San Francisco, where I am from, Sunday morning means one thing: Brunch! Whatever shenanigans you got up to Saturday night can always be soothed with an “all-you-can-eat” pancake, Eggs Benedict, bacon, and Bloody Mary extravaganza. When I moved to Brussels, I would mark each brunch-less Sunday with a strong cup of coffee and a small tear. That is until I discovered the deliciousness that is Brunch at Parc Egmont.

The Orangerie at Parc Egmont is ideally located between Sablon and Avenue Louise. One thing I love about Brussels is how you can go through a doorway or up a staircase and immediately be transported to a different world. This is how it feels when you enter the calm of Parc Egmont, completely surrounded by a tall brick wall and take in the charming restaurant, grand old trees and gently sloping lawn. The setting is worth the trip alone and the Parc makes for a perfect and safe run around zone for the little ones to play in.

Besides the bountiful spread of pastries and breads, salads, made-to-order omelets and fresh juices, there are a variety of adult breakfast beverages a la mimosas and long-lost Bloody Marys. You can sit inside the pretty dining room (they have high chairs, yeah!) or on nice days enjoy the patio and take in the sun.

Come spring you are sure to find us camped out, debating whether to squeeze in one more chocolate muffin. Bon Appetite!

Where: Parc d’Egmont, Brussels, 1000

When: Saturday and Sunday until 1:30

Seriously, they have made-to-order omelets!

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.

You might say we are excited!

February 5, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The first 10 sessions are booked with Bear & Dragon. Stay tuned for some gorgeous families and lovely little ones in the coming weeks.

Our website is nearly finished as well. We’re a-moving and a-shaking over here!

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.

Valentine’s Day: A preemptive strike

January 25, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ahh, here comes Valentine’s Day. After a failed Christmas experiment (we bought an lovely, very large bed and decided it was our Christmas present to each other AKA super duper boring Christmas Eve, boo!), I have decided to go all out for Valentine’s Day. After all, aren’t holidays those wonderful bright spots in the year that give us something fun and festive to fix our minds on?

That said, the Bear’s gift is ordered and evening menu in the planning phase (think oysters and champagne, and my next blog post about emergency medical care for puncture wounds incurred when shucking said oysters). Here is a sweet image to jump start your heart on the romantical journey towards All Heart’s Day.

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Read a book at Le Wolf

January 18, 2013January 20, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Have you been to Le Wolf yet? What are you waiting for? With Brussels firmly in the grip of an icy January, I love nothing more than to cozy up with my little one and a book. And some cake and coffee. And there should also be a tiny cinema there playing delightful short films. Sounds a little specific? Well luckily, there is a wonderful children’s book store that foots the bill.

Le Wolf is tucked away behind Grand Place at Rue de la Violette 18. When you come in, you are immediately struck by the whimsy of it all with floor to ceiling birch trees, rows of bright books, wonderful art and a little house/cinema all nicely laid out for your pleasure. They do of course have loads of wonderful books in French and Dutch (practice makes perfect :-)). The cinema also plays short films for 2 EUR a go.

If you fancy a cake or coffee there are always several yummy looking ones in the little cafe.

But I have saved the best for last! There is a reading room in the back where you can relax on beanbags or a couch (very convenient for nursing as well) and read until your heart’s content. I really love this place! Check it out when you need to get that ball of energy out of the house but don’t want to freeze your face off. Salut!

Tickets please – a most charming children’s cinema

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Maison Ouverte

January 9, 2013January 9, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The rain falls softly…I must be back in Brussels! It is great to be back and in the swing of things. Christmas promptly came down, food back in the refrigerator and Bababoo and I headed out for a little “us time”. For today, we made our second trip to a wonderful playroom called Maison Ouverte. Located in Woluwe Saint Lambert, Maison Ouverte is an open play space based on the idea that children need a place to socialize and have fun, while still having a parent or carer present in order to smooth the transition to a creche. With our creche debute coming up in April, I am ready to try anything!

Maison Ouverte is quickly becoming our “go to” place. Here are a couple reasons why:

–Really beautiful space with lots of new and varied toys: This is officially our testing ground before making a new toy purchase.

–Something for everyone: There is a lovely space for the 2 – 6 months set. It is set away a bit and filled with soft lovely toys. Zoe loves it too but if you worry about those older ruffians bulldozing your gentle baby, you are safe here. Also great secret spaces, big toys and a sink (trust me, its a super hit) for the mobile ones.

–Excellent staff: Somehow you can just tell that the ladies who work here really love what they are doing. And how could you not.

–Convenient by metro: Just a 3 minute walk from Gribaumont. Also tram connections.

–Strong coffee: Hey, I like coffee

Sheesh, it was just a matter of time before I made a bullet pointed list on this blog. Well, you can’t beat that! Seriously though, check it out and enjoy.

Where: 251 Ave Georges-Henri, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels 1200

When: Almost every day of the week! Monday to Friday 14:00-18:00. Excluding school holidays, Saturdays from 10:00 -13:00.

How much: Just 3 EUR.

Snow day!

January 8, 2013February 11, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Now home in Brussels but I had SUCH an amazing time in the winter wonderland of Leksand, Sweden. It is my second family home and I am so happy to be about to share it with them and now with you. More landscapes to follow. Cheers!

Christmas cards complete!

November 14, 2012November 14, 2012 | lifeofbearanddragon

Had a fabulous time photographing my little Bababoo and making our Christmas cards. Got alot of wonderful smiles. Turns out my fake sneezing is hilarious. 🙂 Which one is your favorite?

We are off to my native land of California tomorrow. Wish me luck on that 11 hour flight. I am loaded down with toys and snacks and don’t expect much sleep. Stay tuned for some backlogged posts when I am back: music classes, the best hot chocolate in Brussels and a happening brunch place (it does exist) great for kids.

Cheers!

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

Bear & Dragon