The Favorite’s List: Rob – The Gourmets’ Market

June 22, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Summer is here and that means its time to get seriously excited about gorgeous produce: juicy peaches, ripe and earthy heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, fresh lettuces and crispy corn. If you are like me, you live for the seasonal changes on the dinner plate.

Brussels has an abundance of fresh farmer’s markets (Place Jourdan on Sundays, Place Flagey any day but Monday) but if you really want to sample the finest from the season along with a smorgasbord of other culinary delights, look no further than Rob – the Gourmet Market. http://www.rob-brussels.be/home.cfm?lang=en

Knowing that I longed for the chef’s wonderland that is San Francisco with its many special, local producers, the Ferry Building and slow trips spend wondering the halls of Whole Foods, the Bear was very excited when he spotted a Gourmet Food emporium when driving up Avenue de Tervueren one day. That weekend we went to check it out and I was in heaven! There are so many special ingredients, just the thing to inspire an afternoon cooking up something delicious. There is a big butcher counter, fish, cheese, baked goods, a HUGE wine cellar and even a lovely restaurant. They offer cooking classes for those who want to improve their skills. I have not tried one yet but its on my “one of these days” list.

I can really recommend Rob’s for when you are out for that special something or looking for some inspiration. Disclaimer: this type of indulgence does not come cheap! Rather than an everyday stop, a trip to Rob’s is more of a treat or an event. Something to leave a smile on your face and a tingle in your tummy. Enjoy!

Where: Boulevard de la Woluwe 28 – 1150 Woluwé-Saint-Pierre-

When: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm,
– Friday until 8pm,
– Saturday from 8.30am to 7pm

Cuberdon ice cream – aka the day I ruined my new cream sweater

First look: Welcome to the world Naia

June 8, 2013June 8, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

It is a very special thing to be ask to take newborn photos. This is one of the most special times to capture and often to then share with family and friends, this is our baby! After a great maternity session, I was excited to hear that Little Naia entered the world in early May and to then have the whole family in the studio a mere 12 days later.

We take our time with newborn session, working at a comfortable pace with breaks for feeding, holding and kisses. It was a blast playing with little shoes and hats, vintage baby blankets and of course plenty of pictures of the new family together. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

I am big toddler now!

May 31, 2013May 31, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The funny thing about being a baby and child photographer is that somehow I have started taking many less pictures of my dear bababoo! I have no idea why. I love photography but maybe it feels more like work? Anyhow, she is so sticking cute that I had to break out the big camera the other day and snap a few candid shots. I am amazed at how much she is starting to look like a toddler instead of a baby. Whhaaaaa!

happy weekend folks. Supposed to be 17 degrees and not raining (angels sing!) on Saturday so you can find me in Parc de Woluwe doing my first outdoor spring shoot of the season…just in time for June. 🙂

First look: Mateo and Evelyne

May 28, 2013May 28, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

What do you do when you want to give a special gift to your professional cello playing husband to celebrate the birth of your third beautiful son? How about taking it to the next level – baby in a cello case!

I was so happy to work with the lovely Evelyn and her eight week old son Mateo to create some special images to surprise Daddy. Mateo was kind enough to slumber away while we made him comfortable in the cello case and grabbed some great shots. Who knows, maybe Daddy’s next album cover. 🙂 Enjoy!

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Visit a farm!

April 28, 2013July 8, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Howdy-ho folks! Spring is here to stay. We are so excited to get our sunshine on! Bababoo has had a busy week, taking first steps, babbling up a storm. One of her favorite things in the world is to read books. One of the big discoveries I have had as a new mom is that it is nearly impossible to find kid’s books that don’t feature animals in one way or another (why would you want to?!). So bababoo is quite well versed in chickens, cows, monkeys, elephants, lions, horses and sheep.

Well I realized the other day they though she knows them well in the pages of her favorite books, besides the occasional dog, cat or police horse, she had not seen many animals in person. Well the sun was shining and birds singing so we decided to pack it up and head out to one of Brussels many animal farms, La Ferme Nos Pilifs.

About a 20 minute drive from Chez Bear & Dragon, La Ferme is a true slice of heaven. In additional to lots of happy, well-cared for animals, they also have a lovely little cafe, organic food market and flower and plant nursery. Another really cool aspect is that it is largely run by people with physical or developmental handicaps, providing them with meaningful work and training.

We started with a quick bite in the cafe and soon took a walk to see the animals. We saw some of the greatest hits for sure. Zoe squealed, smiled, touched and altogether charmed a succession of donkeys, horses, cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, goats, sheep and baby lambs. Also two giant pigs that turned out to be favorites. I can only image that this was her first Disneyland-type experience of watching animals she was familiar with come to life before her very eyes. It was truly magical.

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Apparently I had so much fun, I barely took any pictures. 🙂 I know we will be back many times! So check out the Ferme and soak in the sun and giggles.

Where: Trassersweg 347 – 1120 Bruxelles

When: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 18pm and Sunday from 10am to 18pm

How much: Free!

Here are some other farms to consider. Did not check them out (yet) but they are on the list.

La Ferme de Parc Maximilian: http://www.lafermeduparcmaximilien.be/

La Ferme du Planois: http://www.lafermeduplanois.be/

Ferme d’Uccle: http://www.tournesol-zonnebloem.be/fr/

First look: Emma and Yuliyana

April 18, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

The wait is finally over. Birds are singing, leaves are unfurling, the sun dares to shine and the temperature creeps into the double digits most days. Spring! What a wonderful thing. I am so excited to soon start booking outdoor portrait sessions. I am picturing green hills with blooming trees. Can you see it?

This morning I am happy to share a recent photoshoot with the dynamic duo of Yuliyana and Emma. Keeping with the Brussels theme of internationalization, Emma is a Bulgarian-American beauty with soulful eyes and the very sweetest smile. I was so happy to get to play and photography this lovely mother and daughter. Enjoy!

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: The Toy Museum (Le Musée du Jouet)

April 14, 2013April 14, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Hello people! News has it that today should be 20 degrees. 20 degrees! Its cloudy now but just you wait. I can already feel the warmth coming!

It was on a not so warm Sunday about a month ago that the Bear and I flat out ran out of Sunday Funday ideas. it was just then that I remembered a recommendation from long ago. Check out the Toy Museum. We’re in!

I love museums, the Bear is not so much a fan (protests were quieted after a pre-museum beer) and Zoe’s one adventure to the Barberini Museum came when she was way too young to decide. Anyhow, off we went and I must say, it was an interesting time. Le Musée du Jouet is a massive four story home turned into a toy wonderland. Very impressive displays of antique and handmade toys. The best part was that it was quite interactive with lots of games for the little ones. Also THE most impressive set of play kitchens manned by a number of over-zealous 6 year olds on a birthday party.

It is a tad on the expensive side (5.50 EUR) per adult, under 4’s for free but still cool to check out. Did I mention they are open 366 days a year. Impressive!

Most recommended for the over two set. Happy playing!

Where: Verenigingstraat 24, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

When: 366 days a year (WOW) from 10 to 12 am and from 2 to 6 pm.

PS Alot of people have been asking how the photography business is going. Great! I am having a blast and meeting all sorts of lovely little ones and families. If you want to learn more about Bear & Dragon Photography, check out our website here. http://bearanddragonphotography.com/

First look: Jessica and Ivan maternity session

April 2, 2013April 2, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

There is nothing more gorgeous than the beauty of pregnancy. Somehow in looking back at maternity photos, one is filled with a sense of disbelieve and wonder. Wow, is that really me?! I love capturing these moments, as fleeting as they are, for all time.

We were so happy to welcome Jessica and Ivan into the studio recently. Due in May, Jessica felt and looked great! Such a fun pair, full of laughter. I am incredibly excited to meet their little one for her newborn sessions in the not so distant future. Please enjoy these lovely images of a fantastic couple on a big, big adventure. 🙂

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Cook & Book

April 1, 2013April 1, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Well its cold outside…still. Plans for a park picnic no longer make sense so what to do for a fun day out? Today we turn to Cook & Book. After getting recommendations from several people to check out this booky paradise, we finally made it down. Why did I wait!?

Cook and Book is a massive book store with several “kitchens” turning out excellent cuisine ranging from salads and soup, pastas, asian and classic Belgian. Everything we tried was delicious and fairly baby friendly. Booster and baby seats kept bababoo comfortable.

After lunch we ventured into the book sections. I must admit I have a severe weakness for beautiful books. Bababoo seems to be following suit. So we hit up the kids section. The layout was friendly for adult and baby perusal. After careful consideration, we went home three books richer.

Though we did not make it there, I understand the youth section (non-English) is gorgeous with toys, books and play space. Cook & Book hosts many storytelling events that sounds really lovely, especially for the slightly older set.

Enjoy!

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

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