Hiring a Cleaning Lady in Luxembourg

A constant question one can find in social media websites is “How can I legally hire a cleaning lady in Luxembourg?”. So here is a brief explanation that I sincerely hope will help you out! 🙂

1. Where to find a cleaning lady?
This is a hard one. Although it can ended up being easy to find someone, it is always difficult to trust our home and personal belongings to someone else’s care, right?

So, here are some tips:
– Ask your local friends, school/daycare, church…
– Ask your commune of residency or search on their website.
– Ask in local expat facebook pages/groups (“Luxembourg Parents”, “Mums, Bumps and Babies Luxembourg”, “AWCL Moms, Kids & Families” (you’d need join AWCL), “British Ladies Club of Luxembourg” (you’d need to join http://www.blc.lu).
2. How to (legally) hire a nanny ?

The CCSS (Centre Commun de la Securite Sociale) has implemented a ‘simplified procedure’ to help you hiring a cleaning lady (“femme de ménage”). The only thing you need to do is to agree on the net value with the lady, then print out the contract, sign it and send it back by mail.

Then, by the end of each month, you’ll need to pay the net value directly to the cleaning lady. On the other hand, you’ll receive an invoice from the CCSS for you to pay (to CCSS) the tax and social security regarding this specific contract.

Besides that, every 6 months they will send a receipt for you and for the nanny and they even provide the annual tax declaration (by March, each year). All information is available in their website.

Please note that all this procedure is also valid to hire a babysitter!

 

Well, I think that’s it! Please feel free to add any comments or thoughts. I’d love to learn more as well! 🙂

Skiing Fun for Families near Luxembourg

snowman-1096109_1280

Ok, first of all, if you are a real skiing addict, I must be honest: this article won’t be the right one for you! Please don’t be angry with me! 🙂

My secret tips about skiing include those smaller ski resorts where you can spend some hours (or even a few days) having some skiing fun in family. All of them offer ski lessons and the possibility to rent all equipment onsite.

 

 


 

Belgium – Baraque de Fraiture  – 120km (1h)

Where to ski: http://www.ski-baraquedefraiture.be/index_hiver.html

Good to know:

– Renting of ski equipment and ski lessons available on site (need to book in advance)

– Perfect location for a one-day ski fun

– There is a specific ski slope just for sledges!


 

Germany – Eifel – 120km (1h30)

Where to ski: http://www.eifel.info/skifahren-skigebiet.htm

Good to know:

– Perfect location for a one-day ski fun

– Renting of ski equipment and ski lessons available on site


 

 

Belgium – Mont des Brumes – 150km (1h30)

Where to ski: Mont des Brumes Ski Resort (www.montdesbrumes.be/en/index.html)

Good to know:

– Renting of ski equipment and ski lessons available on site (need to book in advance)

– Perfect location for a one-day ski fun


 

France – Ventron – 240km (2h30)

Where to Ski: Frère Joseph Ski Resort(http://www.ermitage-resort.com/)

Good to know: Ski lessons and equipment available to rent onsite

Where to Stay:

Hotel Les Buttes (http://www.hotel-les-buttes.com/en/)

Insider Tips: A charming chalet hotel (4*) – They have triple rooms where you can comfortably fit a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids; Walking distance to the ski slopes of the family friendly Ski Resort “Frère Joseph”

Hotel de l’Ermitage Frère Joseph (http://www.ermitage-vosges.com/)

Insider Tips: In front of the ski slopes; A ski pass vendor, ski school and ski equipment hire are available on site.


 

 

France – La Bresse – 240km (2h30)

Where to Ski: La Bresse Ski resort (http://labresse.labellemontagne.com/en/winter-2/ski-area/)

Good to know: ski lessons and equipment available to rent onsite

Where to Stay:

Résidence Les Grandes Feignes (http://reservations.labellemontagne.com/produit.aspx?lieu3=19&prest_id=778&lihe_id=37&table=lieu_hebergement)

Insider tips: Nice family friendly apartments right in front of the ski slopes (usually only available for week-long bookings, but it’s possible to get last minute 1 night spots); Excellent option for price/quality

Auberge du Brabant (http://auberge-du-brabant.fr/)

Insider Tips: Located just across the street from the ski pistes (La Bresse Bramant); All ski related services are available to book onsite


 

Germany – Winterberg – 360km (4h)

Where to ski: Winterberg Ski Resort (http://www.skiliftkarussell.de/aktuell.html)

Where to Stay:

Vakantiehotel Der Brabander

Insider Tips: Very family friendly with indoor playroom and outdoor playground; Right in front of the ski slopes

 

Have Fun!!

White Christmas – a very secret list of magic places

santa-claus-distributing-gifts-with-reindeer-christmas-night-642x600Are you already looking around and trying to find the best Christmas markets to visit?

Here is my latest article for Clew.lu, a very secret list of magical places to visit! Enjoy!!

http://clewmag.net/2015/11/17/white-christmas-a-very-secret-list-of-magic-places/

Rent a Christmas Tree!

Christmas_tree_with_starDid you know that you can rent a Christmas Tree in Luxembourg? Yes, it’s true! You can actually have all that magical feeling of having a real Christmas tree at home without thinking that after the holidays you’ll have to throw it away.

For years now, we have always decorated a plastic Christmas tree. It’s not the same thing, but at least we were not “killing” a tree… So, when a friend of mine told me about this family business in Steinsel, me and my husband decided we’d totally had to rent a Christmas tree. And 3 years ago we did it for the first time! And year after year, we come back again! 🙂

You just have to show up there from the first weekend of December, choose one of the beautiful trees and schedule the delivery. They will delivery it to your home and then, between the 6th and the 13th January, they will pick it up. Pretty easy, right? 🙂

Now, the information details:

Bamschoul Becker
Address: 27a, rue Paul Eyschen, L-7317 Steinsel
Tel: 337363
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 12am and 2am to 6am
Website: http://www.beckered.lu/
Prices vary from €40 to €100 (include delivery and pick up)

Agenda for the Weekend – 31st October and 1st November (EN & PT)

(Versão completa em Português mais abaixo)

Hi there! So, my picks for this weekend
definitely include the Halloween on Ice and the Magic Show with David Goldrake.

Here is some additional info:

– Halloween On Ice (31st October, from 3pm to 7pm). Dress-up with your scariest costume and head to the ice rink! Address: Kochelsheuer patinoire.

– Magic Show with David Goldrake (31st October, at 4pm and 8pm). A nice and family-friendly magic show with the well-know David Goldrake. Tickets from 13.5€ to 38€. For more information about the event, please visit the website (http://www.visitluxembourg.com/en/place/specialevents/veiner-nessmoort). Address: Kinneksbond – Centro Cultural de Mamer, 42, route d’Arlon, em Mamer

Have Fun!!

{Português}

Para conhecer a agenda completa, visite a página web do seu Contacto Continue reading

Face Painting/Balloon Modelling Recommendation

Hi there! As always, good recommendations need to be shared, right? So here I am once again!

Yesterday I had the birthday party of my 2 little munchkins and all together summed 28 kids from 3yo to 7yo! (I know, I’m crazy! 🙂 )

To be able to ensure some entertainment to all of these energetic little people, we had a great helping hand: face painting by Sophia White Alcasas and balloon modelling by Terence. I must say that they did a pretty good job as the kids thrilled with the nice face paintings and Terence was somehow able to sit most of the kids altogether for a balloon workshop of about 20 minutes! Plus, they are both English-speakers, so all kids felt very comfortable with them. PS – Those of you who where at the AWCL Halloween Trunk or Treat might have seen them at work! 🙂

Here is her facebook page: White Facepainter

Agenda for the Weekend – 9th and 10th October (EN & PT)

(Versão completa em Português mais abaixo)

Hi there! So, my picks for this weekend would definitely include the last day of the Apple Picking Festival in Steinsel and the Nuts Festival in Vianden.

Here is some additional info:

Apple Picking Festival in Steinsel (10th and 11th October, from 10am to 6pm). The last days of the apple picking with guaranteed fun to all family. Don’t forget to carry your apples (or your kiddos) in the borrowed wheelbarrows. Entrance is free and you’ll just pay what you pick. Address: Steinsel (once in Steinsel, just follow the signs to “Vergers de Steinsel”).

Nut Festival in Vianden (11th October, from 10am). The yearly edition of the traditional “nessmoort”, where you can find everything about nuts. Entrance is free and make sure you use the P+R and the shuttle, as the access to the city center will be pretty much conditioned to pedestrians. For more information about the event, please visit the website (http://www.visitluxembourg.com/en/place/specialevents/veiner-nessmoort).

Have Fun!!

{Português}

Para conhecer a agenda completa, visite a página web do seu Contacto

Apanha das Maçãs em Steinsel

Nos dias 10 e 11 de Outubro, entre as 10h e as 18h, os pomares de Steinsel abrem mais uma vez as suas portas para o festival da apanha das maçãs. Para além da apanha das maçãs, terá também outros produtos à venda, e haverá comes e bebes no local. A entrada é gratuita. Endereço: Vergers de Steinsel, Plateau de Steinsel, em Steinsel.

Festa de Outono em Belair

Nos dias 10 e 11 de Outubro, o bairro de Belair convida o público em geral a participar na festa de Outono, onde haverá muita animação para miúdos e graúdos. A entrada é gratuita. Endereço: Centre St. Jean, 110 av. Gaston Diderich, em Belair. Para mais informações, consulte o site do evento (https://www.facebook.com/Hierschtfest).

Festa da Ameixa

Também nos dias 10 e 11 de Outubro, Larochette recebe o festival da ameixa (Quetschefest), uma festa tradicional em redor de produtos baseados em ameixas. A entrada é gratuita. Endereço: place Bleiche, em Larochette.

Noite dos Museus
No dia 10 de Outubro, das 18h à 1h da manhã, está de regresso mais uma edição da Noite dos Museus na capital, com uma agenda repleta de surpresas. A entrada tem um custo de 15 euros para adultos, 10 euros para jovens entre os 12 e os 24 anos e será gratuita para crianças com menos de 12 anos. Para conhecer todos os pormenores, consulte o site do evento (www.nuit-des-musees.lu)
 
Danças entre pais e filhos
No dia 10 de Outubro dar-se-á início ao primeiro de 6 ateliers de dança para pais e filhos dos 4 aos (Danse ta Différence). A participação tem um custo de 35 euros (apenas a criança) ou 70 euros para criança e pai/mãe. Endereço: Banannefabrik, 12, rue du Puits, em Bonnevoie. Para mais informações, consulte o site do evento (http://rotondes.lu/agenda/details/event/danse-ta-difference-3/)

Tudo sobre a Amamentação 

Também no dia 10 de Outubro, a partir das 9h30,o Centro Cultural de Bonnevoie recebe mais uma edição do evento “La Grande Tétée”, onde mamãs e respectivas famílias são convidadas a conhecer tudo sobre a amamentação. O pequeno-almoço estará incluído e a entrada é gratuita. Endereço: Centre culturel Bonnevoie 2, rue des Ardennes, em Bonnevoie. Para mais informações, consulte a página de internet do evento (http://www.lalecheleague.lu/index.php?menu=32&page=&portal=9&lang=en)

O mundo dos Pássaros

No dia 10 de Outubro, das 9h às 11h, crianças entre os 11 e os 13 anos são convidadas a conhecer o mundo das aves em Remerchen. A participação é gratuita mas o pré-registo é obrigatório. Para conhecer todos os detalhes, consulte o site do evento (http://www.science-club.lu/programme/?lang=fr).

História através de histórias

O Museu de História da Cidade de Luxemburgo convia crianças entre os 6 e os 12 anos e respectivos pais a navegar através da história contada por personagens como Melusine e Dom Quixote. O evento irá realizar-se no dia 10 de Outubro pelas 18h e a participação é gratuita para as crianças (os pais pagam entrada normal no museu). Endereço: MHVL, 14, rue du St Esprit, na capital. Para mais informações, aceda ao site do Museu (http://mhvl.lu/visiter-le-musee/agenda/?publicType%5B%5D=enfants).

Apanha das maçãs em Bettembourg

Também no dia 10 de Outubro, entre as 9h e as 16h, a Natur&ëmwelt convida o público em geral a uma apanha das maçãs em Bettembourg. A entrada é gratuita mas o registo é obrigatório (email r.aendekerk@naturemwelt.lu ou do telefone 290404323). Endereço: Bongert Altenhoven, em Bettembourg (ponto de encontro no campo de futebol de Bettembourg, na route de Mondorf, em Bettembourg). Para mais informações, consulte o site do evento (http://www.naturemwelt.lu/).

Leituras para crianças

No dia 10 de Outubro, o espaço Aalt Stadhaus organiza uma sessão de leitura para crianças entre os 3 e os 6 anos, acompanhada de musica e animação. O evento dá pelo nome de “Bib fir Kids” e a participação é gratuita. Endereço: Aalt Stadhaus, 38, avenue Charlotte, em Differdange. Para saber mais informação, consulte o site do evento (http://www.stadhaus.lu/salle-de-spectacle/agenda-et-tickets/).

Artigos de criança em segunda-mão

No dia 11 de Outubro, das 10h às 13h30, haverá mais uma venda de artigos de bebé e criança em segunda-mão na Pousada de Juventude da capital. Para além de boas oportunidades para compras, haverá também comes e bebes, bem como animações para crianças. Endereço: 2, rue dur Fort Olisy, em Clausen
Festival das Nozes em Vianden
 
No dia 11 de Outubro, a partir das 10h, haverá mais uma edição do festival das nozes de Viandem. No Nessmoort encontrará muitos produtos locais à base de nozes. A entrada é gratuita. Endereço: Grand-Rue, Vianden, Luxembourg

Para saber mais informações, consulte o site do evento (http://www.visitluxembourg.com/en/place/specialevents/veiner-nessmoort)

Festival de Comida de Rua

No dia 11 de Outubro, das 11h às 23h, não deixe de participar no festival de comida de rua (“Eat It – Street Food Festival”). A entrada é gratuita. Endereço: Place des rotondes, em Bonnevoie. Para mais informações, consulte o site do evento (https://www.facebook.com/events/878669575551054/).

Rute Vendeirinho