Monday Visits: Brussels

Did you see that title and think I went away to Brussels for the weekend? No, no, but we’re starting this Monday morning by pretending we’re in Brussels. Almost as fun, right?

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been asking Michael can we go to Brussels. I have no idea why, but it has always seemed like such a neat city to me. And when I went searching for a few photos I kept coming to this one:

Once every two years, Brussels shuts down its main square and makes a flower carpet. This image is from 2010, when a 23 year old designer came up with this pattern, that includes St. Michael striking down the dragon as well as a symbol to honor Belgium’s EU presidency. All out of flowers!

So I guess I was right in thinking it was a pretty neat city.

Right, beyond the dreamy flower carpet (coming up next in August 2012, and I’m penciling that in now!), I think Brussels and I think chic, structured, stylish clothing, everyone effortlessly riding bicycles down beautiful streets, and chocolate.

We’ll pretend we’re friends with this adorable lady:

{Image from here}

And we’ll rent a bike from the city’s Cyclocity programme to explore the city.

But it might be a little chilly, so we’ll grab this coat from Comptoir de Cotonniers – a beautiful clothing shop that’s been featured in just about every style magazine imaginable.

Or maybe this one, because I’ve been really wishing lately that I could pull off a capelet.

Then we’d ever-so-stylishly dismount for a quick sampling at Pierre Marcolini Chocolatier. Just click there, explore the decadence and come back to me. We’ve a little more daydreaming to do!

We’ll zoom by this bizarro structure, the Atomium. So odd, and reminds me a little of the bean in Chicago.

{Image from here}

And linger on these beautiful streets.

{Image from here}

{Image from here}

And then at the end of the day, we’d retire to the chic, boutique hotel be Manos. Would you check out the serious headboard and unbelievable bathroom?

There, just a little (slightly random) taste of Brussels to start your day!

Did everyone have a nice weekend? Bake anything yummy?

Don’t forget…BIG BIG news coming tomorrow!