Pick of the Week – 27th & 28th Sept 2014

Not sure yet how to entertain your family during the next weekend? Here are my Picks of the Week. Enjoy & Have Fun! 🙂

WHAT: History Alive – 1814 
WHY: The Museum Dräi Eechelen invite everyone to a kind of a “making of” about the last days of the Napolean time, as a way to sign the 200 years of the liberation. More than 150 live figures will represent this moment with demonstrations of the military exercises and simulated cannon fire. There will be also some cafeteria services on place. Access to the open space and animations is free. Entrance to the museum will have a reduced cost of €3.
WHERE: 5, Park Dräi Eechelen, L-1499 Luxembourg
WHEN: 27th September (10am to 7pm) and 28th September (10am to 5pm)

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WHAT: Apple Picking – Steinsel (“Fête des Pommes”)
WHY: A family event full of fun and educational activities. Also, a great opportunity to taste some “apple specialities”. For more details on the event, you can read my blog post from last year (https://expatmuminluxembourg.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/apple-picking-in-steinsel/)
WHERE: Vergers de Steinsel
WHEN: 27/28 Sept, 04/05 Oct, 11/12 Oct, 2014 (10am to 6pm)

Pick of the Week – 20 & 21 Sept 2014

Not sure yet how to entertain your family during the next weekend? Here are my Picks of the Week. Enjoy & Have Fun! 🙂

WHAT: Luxembourg Portes-Ouvertes
WHY: Unique opportunity to visit the backstage of some very interesting companies in Luxembourg. Some very good examples that will surely be great for your kiddos are: AIR Television (visit the studios in Kirchberg), Red Croix (learn some important tips on first aids at Place d’Arms), Déierenasyl Gaasperech (visit the national animal shelter), Post (see and learn what happens to the letters that we put in those little yellow boxes, at Post warehouse in Bettembourg). Entrance is free. To know more about the activities, you should visit the official webpage (www.portesouvertes.lu) and access to ‘Participants’.
WHERE: Several companies in Luxembourg (www.portesouvertes.lu)
WHEN: 20th and 21st September

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WHAT: Pumpkin Festival – Mersch (“Kürbisfest”)
WHY: In the past, there were pony rides, a giant sand pit, bouncy house, trampoline, pumpkin painting…
Detailed program (not available in english, sorry…)
– Flyer – Front Page (PumpkinFest_Pag1)
– Flyer – Back Page (PumpkinFest_Pag2)
WHERE: Hal Irbicht, Beringen/Mersch
WHEN: 20.09.2014 (17.00-23.00) and 21.09.2014 (10.00-18.00)

Travelling with Kids – Skiing

The other day, a dear friend shared on facebook some very usefull info on Skiing Hotels as recently she had done some reasearch for herself (Thank You Tam!). So, I thought that it might be a very good idea to share with you all. Well, at least I can speak for myself, as someone looking forward for some skiing holidays in the near future for the very first time 🙂

So, the result of that precious search was the following list of hotels (and hotel chains):
– Kinderhotels
– Club Med
– Belambra Clubs
– Familotels
– Crystal Ski
– Esprit Ski

Please note that this search results focus mainly on locations near Luxembourg. A nice tip is to check on the reviews from other people. Personally, when it comes to hotels, I rely mostly on Tripadvisor and Booking, but a generic Google Search is also very useful.

As a family with young kids, and for all kinds of holidays (not only skiing),we are always looking for hotels with some very family friendly details like:
– Outdoor playground (for those times when you’re not skiing or if somehow your kiddo finds out that he’s scared of it!)
– Indoor playroom (just in case you need to stay inside…)
– Baby-friendly amenities like high-chairs, baby cot, baby bath tub, bottle warmer
– Baby / child care
– Proximity to a hospital or available doctor on hotel premises
– Proximity to a pharmacy
– Proximity to a supermarket (you never know when you’ll run out of diapers)
– The all-inclusive system is something very useful for families, although not a ‘must-have’

Sharing Some Fun

Welcome to this new series of blog posts! Every now and then I’ll share with you some of my favourite posts from my online blogging peers.

For this very first post, I’ve choosen something that’s already on my mind in this time of the year: Pumpkin and Apple picking!

Also, if you’re in Luxembourg, make sure you’ll save these dates:

1. Pumpkin Festival in Mersch, 2014 (“Kürbisfest”)
WHEN: 20.09.2014 (17.00-23.00) and 21.09.2014 (10.00-18.00)
WHERE: Hal Irbicht, Beringen/Mersch
WHY: In the past, there were pony rides, a giant sand pit, bouncy house, trampoline, pumpkin painting…
Detailed program (not available in english, sorry…)
– Flyer – Front Page (PumpkinFest_Pag1)
– Flyer – Back Page (PumpkinFest_Pag2)

2. Apple Picking in Steinsel, 2014 (“Fête des Pommes”)
WHEN: 27/28 Sept, 04/05 Oct, 11/12 Oct, 2014
WHERE: Vergers de Steinsel, Steinsel
WHY: For more details on the event, you can read my blog post from last year: https://expatmuminluxembourg.wordpress.com/2013/09/29/apple-picking-in-steinsel/

Have Fun & Be Happy!!

Now, it’s time to share some great blog posts:

http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/10/06/montessori-inspired-pumpkin-unit/

http://livingmontessorinow.com/2014/09/15/montessori-monday-free-apple-printables-and-montessori-inspired-apple-activities/

Super Healthy Gummies

My kids love gummies (who doesn’t, right?). So I wanted to find something healthy to give them. Super healthy, preferably!

Some searching led me to many available options, and this one endep up as my favourite one. Aka, the favourite in the house as well! 🙂

Elderberry Syrup is well known as an immune system booster, so this is a good trick to have your kiddos taking it.

Super Healty Gummies

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed Orange Juice
4 tbsp unflavoured Gelatin (preferrably grass-fed gelatin)
1/4 cup Elderberry Syrup
2 tbsp raw Honey
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Vitamine C powder

Instructions:
– Heat 1/2 cup of juice until bubbling;
– Pour the heated liquid into a glass and mix in the gelatin;
– Add the raw honey, remaining juice, Elderberry syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined;
– If you’re using the vitamin C (or any other vitamins), make sure you’ll only add it at this moment, as the liquid shouldn’t be too hot;
– Pour into silicone molds;
– Put molds in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (or leave it overnight);
– Remove gelatin from molds. Keep it in the refrigerator.

Notes:
– Just in case, I always spray a little coconut oil into the molds, so it will be easier to remove the gelatin;
– If you don’t have cute silicone molds, you can simply use a square tupperware. Then, remove the gelatine into a cutting board and cut it into squares.
– The gummies should be kept in the refrigerator. As a ‘good-sense rule’, I would say to keep it up to 3 weeks (but I’m sure they will be gone before that!)
– I haven’t try these gummies with agar-agar, but with an adapted quantity it should work as well.

Adapted from http://www.realfoodrn.com/healthy-gummies-cold-flu-sleep/

Family Bucket List

Usually, it’s on New Year’s Eve that all of us set some lifetime change goals for the coming year, right? Well, I usually do that as well… Then I tend to forget to regularly check if I’m following that bucket list! And I’m sure I’m not alone on that! :)

So, after some major lifetime events happening during the last few months (in fact, the last few ‘blog absent’ months), I’ve decided that it was time to make some lifetime decisions. Some ‘lifestyle improvements’, I would rather say. Having that in mind, the new posts will be all about a healthier life. That and plenty of family fun time! This is my new bucket list for, at least, the next three months. I say just three months because it is my intention to continuously review it and continuously improve it! Are you also with me? Hope so!

Pick of the Week – 13 & 14 Sept 2014

Looking to know what’s out there to entertain your family? Well, there are already some nice sources with weekly lists of family events for the weekend ahead (this is my favourite – http://www.whatsonforkids.lu/).

So, instead of having all that good work replicated, I thought: “Well, why not picking my favourite events and share it with the readers?”. And that’s what the ‘Pick of the Week’ is about! 🙂

As for the weekend of 13th & 14th September, I’ve chosen the following two:

WHAT: Butschebuerger Buergfest – Medieval Festival – Dudelange
WHY: Nearly 90 vendors and artisans, musicians, acrobats and many more, as this is meant to be the largest medieval festival in the Greater Region. For more information, you should click here.
WHERE: rue de la Chapelle L-3443 Dudelange
WHEN: 13th September, from 11am to 12pm. 14th September, from 10am to 7pm
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WHAT: ISL Newcomers Event and Welcome Back Festival
WHY: The International School of Luxembourg (ISL) hosts its traditional Welcome Back Festival this Sunday. This event is open to all community and it is of great help to find out more about ISL and organisations from across the country who might be useful if you live in Luxembourg! The event features fun and entertainment as well as international food and drinks. Entrance is free.
WHERE: International School of Luxembourg, Luxembourg-Merl, 36 Boulevard Pierre Dupong, 1430 Luxembourg , Luxembourg
WHEN: 14th September, from 12am to 3pm.

Family Agenda for the Weekend – 31st May & 1 June

Bees at Beckerich
When: Saturday, 31st May
Where: Biekerecher Millen. 103, Huewelerstrooss, L-8521 Beckerich.
Why: Free guided visits to a ‘house of bees’ at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. To reserve your place: 23 63 04 74 or e-mail frfilbig@pt.lu (Filbig Francis)
There will be also a local produce fair and animations. For more information: http://www.dmillen.lu/

Night at the forest
When: 31st May
Where: Esch/Alzette Forest. Centre d’accueil Ellergronn, Esch/Alzette.
Why: A great opportunity for teenagers to learn some survival tecniques, away from technologies! To reserve a place, you should contact Pol Zimmermann or Raphael Fiegen: tel 26 54 42 1 or e-mail ellergronn@anf.etat.lu.

Sheep Weeks at Robbesscheier
When: 31st May to 15th June
Where: Robbesscheier Tourist Center, Clervaux
Why: A package full of fun including: shearing of the sheep, feeding the animals… Or even a donkey ride. Full program at http://www.destination-clervaux.lu.

Concert at the Abbey
When: Sunday, 1st June at 5pm
Where: Neumünster Abbey
Why: The Colour of Song is a promissing show organized by the Voices International group. Children are welcome and will have free entry (up to 8yo). Adults: €16, Students: €12. More information at http://www.ccrn.lu/Culture/Offre-diversifiee-Calendrier-shop-visites/Programmation/Musiques/The-Colour-of-Song-Sunday-01-June-2014-5-00-00-pm

Sunday at the Museum
When: Sunday, 1st June, 3pm to 5pm
Where: National Museum of History of Luxembourg City
Why: Parents can visit the museum while the kids are entertained with a mosaic workshop. Free entrance to kids. For reservations: 4796 4900) or e-mail visites@2musees.vdl.lu.

Speed Cars at Belle Étoile
When: Until 31st May
Where: Belle Étoile Shopping Centre, route d’Arlon, L-8050 Bertrange
Why: If you have a little one who loves cars, you shouldn’t miss this opportunity to show him the real ones. Also, there will be a car race simulator on site (30th and 31st May).

Family Agenda for the Weekend – 23rd & 24th May

Toy Sale at Topaze
When: 24th May (all afternoon)
Where: Topaze Shopping Centre, route de Colmar-Berg, L-7525 Mersch
Why: An opportunity to find a bargain in second-hand toys and other kids stuff. Free entrance.

African Dance and Music
When: 24th May, from 10am to 12am.
Where: CITIM (Centre d’Information Tiers Monde), 55 avenue de la Liberté, Luxemburg-gare
Why: A fun workshop for kids (ages 8+) with music, dance and stories from Africa. Free entrance but place should be reserved by phone (400 427 31) or e-mail citim@astm.lu

Octave Market
When: All weekend (last days)
Where: Place Guillaume and Place de la Constituition
Why: Last chance to visit this special market, where you can taste a waffle, take a ride at the old merry-go-round or just go for a walk.

Speed Cars at Belle Étoile
When: Until 31st May
Where: Belle Étoile Shopping Centre, route d’Arlon, L-8050 Bertrange
Why: If you have a little one who loves cars, you shouldn’t miss this opportunity to show him the real ones. Also, there will be a car race simulator on site (23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st May).

Street Market (Stroossemaart)
When: 24th May, from 8am
Where: City centre and around the central train station
Why: A different way of strolling through the city centre, with more than 200 sale stands, including food and drinks.

Storytime at Chapter 1
When: 24th May, 10am and 11am
Where: Chapter 1 bookshop
Why: An english speaking event on storytelling for children aged two to five (10am) and six to ten (11am). Refreshments included for parents and children.

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Agenda em Português disponível na sua página no Contacto.

Family Agenda for the Weekend – 17 & 18 May 2014

Magic at Belle Étoile
When: 16th and 17th May, at 14:30 and 16:30 (duration 12 minutes)
Where: Belle Etoile Shopping Centre
Why: Free magic shows with the well known magician Hans Davis. There will be also some workshops on how to make figured shadows with the hands
More information at http://www.belle-etoile.lu/

The Museums open their doors
When: 17th and 18th May
Where: Museums all over the country.
Why: Great opportunity to visit the museums for free. Also, a very complete program with workshops, special guided visits, meeting the artists and children activities.
Detailed Program at http://www.invitation-aux-musees.lu/invitation-aux-musees/pdf/04203_SM_IAM_2014_PROG_nn_WEB.pdf

Let’s go to the Theatre
When: 17th and 18th May
Where: CarréRotondes, 1 Rue de l’Aciérie Luxembourg, 1024 Luxembourg
Why: ‘Swift’ is a different theatre show for everyone (from 3 years old) with no language requirements. Inspired by the stories of Gulliver, this show is a travel through a world of irrational proportions. Prices 5€ to 10€.
More information at http://www.rotondes.lu/

Sports Night
When: 17th May
Where: Different venues all over the country.
Why: An opportunity to try or simply watch different sports and have a fun time with your friends and family. Free.
For more information and detailed program visit http://nuitdusport.lu/edition-2014/vos-marques-1

Eventos já divulgados na agenda anterior:

Flamenco Festival, Esch
When: Until 17th May
Where: Centre Culturel Kulturfabrik Esch, rue de Luxembourg 116, L-4221 Esch-sur-Alzette
Why: Several Flamenco shows. As most latin events, this one is for all ages.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/FlamencoFestivalEsch e http://www.kulturfabrik.lu/

Spring Exposition, LuxExpo
When: Until 18th May
Where: LuxExpo, Kirchberg
Why: A great opportunity to taste some food delicacies and wines or crémants. Several animations available on-site, including an ice-skating ring, a Panini stickers exchange area, table soccer competition and previous world soccer championship shows will be shown on screen. To get a free ticket and enroll on free ‘degustations’ or workshops, visit the website http://www.printemps.lu