Having a baby in Brussels

The Favorites List: Pépin la Lune

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
One day I will…

Ooh la la, what a lovely place to dream a little dream. I first stumbled onto this treasure after Sabloning (seriously, this should be a verb) and headed down for a little wander in the general direction of Gare Centrale. When to my delight, I saw the first hints of a whimsical shop just begging to be shopped.

Image
Love

Inside you will find a wide range from vintage children’s furniture, some toys, clothes, and art. I am seriously considering buying one of the heart breakingly lovely duvets of a circus with a bear riding a tricycle even though bababoo is sure to not need a bed that big for at least a couple more years.

Pépin la Lune has some of the sweetest things! A bold combination of new, vintage and just plain fun merchandise makes it always a pleasure to partake. You must be thinking, “Wow, I wonder how much free stuff Nicole gets here.” I swear it is nothing! I just hope you have the chance to check it out. If you are like me and still lacking some presents for the little person (yours or someone elses) then stop by. A little on the pricey side but just right when you are looking for that special something.

Thank you Pépin la Lune!

Image
Yes, this is my dream bed!
 
Image
Image
The taste maker

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Sing a song!

| lifeofbearanddragon
Image
Zoe gets into the groove

Ah nursery rhymes, while so many things change, they always stay the same! Row, row, row your boat, The Hokey Pokey, Jumping Bean…these hits never go out of style. If you memory of exactly how these go is getting rusty then I have a prescription for you, Monday Singing at the Holy Trinity Church.

Definitely one of the high points of our week, the singing group is for little ones, six months to three years. There is of course singing with all the dance, jumping and movement that make this a hit for even little babies. Also time for unstructured play with loads of toys for all ages that live at the Church creche. A 2 EUR donation gets you snacks, tea and helps the group keep going.

Try this group once and you will be hooked. A nice community, fantastic group leader and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon past time.

Where: Holy Trinity Church, Rue Capitaine Crespel 29, 1050 Brussels (Louise metro)
When: Thursday, 10 – 12 pm
Who: Mommies, Daddies and little ones 6 months – three years

Image
Right this way
Image
“We’re gonna shush, shush, shush. Don’t make any noise.”
Image
Playtime!
Image
I love new toys 🙂
Image
Rainbow

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Domaine Solvay at La Hulpe

| lifeofbearanddragon

Image

On this grey morning, we take a trip all the way back to September. Fresh air, almost too bright sun and a lovely walk in one of my favorite parks, Domaine Solvay at La Hulpe. Located about 25 minutes southeast from the center of Brussels, La Hulpe is one of those special places that are so close in proximity and yet so far away in feeling. A short drive or bus ride and suddenly you are walking along and breathing in old forest among rolling hills. You know the type of forest where you could imagine a knight riding by on a horse, or Robin Hood swinging down out of a tree. Just close your eyes for a moment. Wait, not yet! Close them and take a deep breath through your nose. Smell the crispness in the air, the richness of the soil and the sweetness of the grass. Now you are almost there.

Image

We had the pleasure of a deep September afternoon adventure with some friends. Bababoo was packed in her Ergobaby carrier and I was ready, camera in hand. Cruising around the lakes and hills had me drooling. Can you say perfect outdoor photo shoot location?! After our strolling (and drooling) was complete, we hiked up to Chateau Solvay. Seriously, what does this family NOT own around here? Behind the chateau is a charming little restaurant with lots of outdoor seating, a nice menu of sandwiches, salads and warmer fare. Also an interesting beer list (if you are into that sort of thing). 🙂

We finished up by sitting on the lawn and taking in the other fall revelers and nearby pastures. There is plenty of room for the kids to roam and play. Bababoo stuck to crawling practice but hopefully the next time we go, when spring blooms, she will be up and running. Enjoy!

Image

Image

Image

Image

The Favorites List: Oliwood Toys

| lifeofbearanddragon

Image

One big surprise in being a mom is how extremely excited I get going into toy stores! Perhaps it is my general love of whipping out the credit card to bring home shiny new things but there is just a little extra magic in the rows of bright colored blocks, games, dress up clothes and cuddley magical animals (purple, green and orange porcupine anyone?). The toy shop that gives me that special zing at the moment is Oliwood Toys on Avenue de la Chasse.

Image
You had me at “My Way”.

Recently evolved from a smaller, cramped space to a spacious, well lit and well, highly magical, wonderland, Oliwood is where I go to dream. Prominent in the collection are such favorites at Lilliputiens, Haba and Moulin Roty. Also a heavy weighting toward wooden, beautiful and durable toys, games, costumes, you name it! Although I have spent most time exploring the baby section, I have been drawn in a trance-like state towards the older kid toys, fantasizing about when I can get Bababoo this gorgeous puppet show theater, oh my.

WARNING: Do not go in here without planning on walking out with a very exciting, shiny new toy for yourself, err, I mean your little one. Happy shopping.

Image
Do these come in my size?
Image
Cow one please. 🙂
Image
Please mommy?

Image