Winter coffee break in Ludwigsburg

The weather outside is frightful...

And this is my Wednesday morning retreat. Big brother in kindergarten, little brother to the free childcare club right on the baroque Ludwigsburg Marktplatz, and Laura to BarON cafe next door to sip my Latte and generally zone out for an hour. 

Simple, refreshing, and wonderful.  What are your special indulgences?  Let us know!

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A little stirring goes a long way

I love clever ideas and ingenuity, so I was completely delighted when I received a box full of chocolates (on a stick) from my dear friends in Munchen last Thursday. They know my passion for chocolate, and thought, under the current circumstances, it would help cheer me up. Although these delicate pieces of heaven resemble a Lutscher, they're benefits go way beyond trying to lick your way to the center of a lollipop. You simply warm up your milk, stir the square piece of stick chocolate around and voila, you have a very fine, delicious hot chocolate mix. I received Vollmilch, Chili and Cinnamon flavors, but their selection covers quite an array of tastes from Zartbitter Orange to White Chocolate. If you do not live in Munchen but have friends who do, be sure to have them send a few samples of this 1,50 Euro piece of euphoria to brighten your day (they did mine!) and satisfy your choco craving.

*My friends found these delicacies on the Theatinerstrasse in Munchen (they offer them at several cafes).

Green elephant lampshade

This handmade lampshade is (finally) hanging in baby brother's room!

I found it on DaWanda, Germany's version of Etsy, offering handmade products made with love.


Check out lillyberlin's store, she has adorable fabric-covered lampshades and ships worldwide.

Energy for Breastfeeding Mothers

I have a great tip for all of you breastfeeding mothers out there who feel tired, exhausted and a bit depleted. Aufbaumittel 'Stadelmann', a homeopathic pulver developed by a pharmacist in Kempten Allgäu, Germany, provides a wonderful tasteless mix of vitamins and minerals your body may be deficient of. The pulver is completely safe and when mixed with your morning yogurt or orange juice, easily digestible. I have no idea what my body was in need of during that time in my life, but the Aufbaumittel, suggested to me by my pharmacist, was a miracle mix. I saw my energy increase almost immediately and felt an overall difference in my body. I was thankful I found this homeopathic emergency pulver during those lazy/hazy first few months of breastfeeding and encourage you to sample a small dose to see the effect it has on you. I happened to find this particular brand at the Mylius Apotheke on Kirchstrasse (9) here in Lubu, but I'm sure if you call your local apotheke (and they do not carry the Aufbaumittel) they will call and place and order for you.

Pampuschen slippers

It is February and zero degrees Celsius in Germany and it's time to cozy up with my new beloved pair of slippers! These Hausschuhe (house shoes) from Pampuschen (I have the gray flowered style but in light lavender) are comfortable, stylish without being too girl-y (perfect for my style), stay on my feet when running after the kids, and are warm!

We wear our Hausschuhe all the time in winter as it is the norm to take off your outside shoes by the door when entering a german home. This took some getting used to for me, but now I appreciate it as it significantly cuts down on the amount of dirt, snow, salt, mud, etc. tracked into the house and this results in less cleaning for yours truly. 

Pampuschen mails to Europe, I'm sure an email could inquire about other shipping destinations. 

Oh, and be sure to check out Kim's post last winter on her favorite slippers, Pia Rennt ballet slippers.

p.s. Don't miss any of our adventures, tips, give-aways and mishaps! Subscribe by email to baroquebabies. It's so easy right here: Subscribe to Baroque Babies by Email .

Shoppers

Tote bags nowadays are so dull, but I've found some fresh, artsy shoppers that are great for the fashion conscious and those still carrying around extra diapers and wipes for the toddler set. Although several of the designs I tend to favor are a bit pricey, like my favorite Lanvin bags, you can still find moderately priced tote bags from German based Heidi Nickels, which are a must-see in person and fiercely clever.

Whether shopping Target in the states or the small bag shops in Europe, finding the perfect fit is always hard to find...especially when toting around small children. I realize shoppers are still bags, but I find them incredibly (re)useful, environmentally friendly and almost always full of amazing detail. Our personality usually reflects the purchases we make so I hope you when you branch out to find your perfect shopper you choose a piece that is large enough to carry a few groceries (to save on all those pesky grocery store bags), a few kids’ items and a design that best represents you.

*Although I'm head over heels in love with Nichol's designs (the quality is amazing) to generate the best price on the costly Lavin bags your best bet is to search ebay for good deals!!

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain

After escaping the Midwest and landing in the middle of Europe, I quickly realized that mad dashes to my car during thunderstorms (sans umbrella) would not suffice, and almost immediately, upon arrival, bought an umbrella. Politely turning down the free 'Post Bank' umbrella my husband tried to gift me, I went in search of the perfect urbanite umbrella that was stylish, classy and worthy of several trips to the Kindergarten and train station.

Amongst the vast selection of the ever so glamorous and classic Lisbeth Dahl originals in Merz & Benzing, Stuttgart (they are ridiculously gorgeous!!) I stumbled upon a few other unique pieces from Chantal Thomass, famed creator of the luxurious French lingerie brand, Chantal Thomass, that are ultra feminine and sensuous. Don't ask me why I'm so obsessed with these 'hair saving' rain and snow parachutes, but I cannot help but stare at their pretty faces and those carrying them. Perhaps this is an unhealthy obsession, but it sure is fun.

Rockin´Stroll - Buggyfit

Just a quick note for our local readers. Starting this week, Kim will be teaching a mama (or papa!) and baby fitness class at our local dance school.

Bring your baby and the stroller and knowing Kim's enthusiasm and creativity, I'm sure it will prove to be lots of fun getting you fit!

When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00 – 11.00am, starting this week (Feb 1)

At: Tanzschule Piet & Müller

Asperger Str. 43
71634 Ludwigsburg

Telephone: 07141-921111

(please note Kim will be taking a week break to visit Liela, but the class will be extended to compensate)

Liela

Okay, so I've had one really crappy day. My best girlfriend Liela, whom I've spoken about previously, received some pretty harsh news yesterday. The cancer has now spread to her brain. With two little girls of my own I cannot imagine the anguish she is going through nor the unimaginable task of having to look her own little girls in the eyes and know, that although the fight is not over...the cancer is winning. My heart is aching and the pain a bit raw at the moment, but I have to believe that our kids give us strength in ways we do not realize. It's the gentle 'I love you' whisper in our ear when they feel we are hurting and the extra moments of silence they give us to quietly cry.

This is the real deal people. When you choose to move, relocate and travel miles and miles away from everything you know the reality is you leave so much behind. I have no regrets and am still incredibly proud I took the risk, but the overwhelming sense of guilt can way heavy on my heart. My friends, Liela's family and her girls are together right now, and I am not. Although I have an AMAZING family and truly wonderful expat friends whom I'm eternally grateful for (on so many levels) the fact of the matter is I am not there. Patiently I will wait until next week to fly home, but in the meantime I will stand with the army behind her and pray for a miracle. Tomorrow is another day and as is life...the sun will soon shine!

Sail away baby towel

When we lived in Michigan, my husband used to sail on our local mini lake near Farmington Hills.

Maybe that is why this sweet hooded baby towel from Zara Home Kids new collection caught my eye!

Available for 15 Euro from Zara Home Germany and other lands here!