May 13, 2012

Playgroups extended through June!

Living in Luzern is very excited to announce that the playgroups will continue to run through the first week of July (and possibly through the summer depending on demand). Below you will find information about the different playgroups we run, prices dates and times. We hope you’ll join us!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! For the first playgoup meeting, we will be doing a very special event called ‘Playdate with Kindermusik’ which will be run by professional singer Brady Butler. PLEASE NOTE the special event is on TUESDAY, May 22nd (not on the regular meeting days of Monday or Thursday). You can attend the ‘Playdate’ as well without joining the playgroup, but the price for the event will be 30 chf vs. 25 chf.

What are Living in Luzern playgroups? A great chance to connect with other Moms with babies and toddlers. The toddler group includes 30 minutes of singing and exercises which help toddlers build up both gross and fine motor skills. In the babies playgroup, the babies are stimulated with singing, bells, scarves and bubbles (to name a few!) while the Moms get a chance to stretch out with some light but effective yoga poses. Moms with newborns are invited to join the Newborns Club which meets as part of the baby group (but for a much reduced price!).

MORNING BABY PLAYGROUP & NEWBORNS CLUB
  • Special Event ‘Playdate with Kindermusik’ on Monday, May 22nd from 2-2:45pm
  • Thursdays from 10-11:30am (May 22nd*, May 24th, 31st, June 7th, 14th, 21st)
  • Cost 110 chf including special event or 85 chf for the playgroup only or 30 chf for special event only
  • Newborns Club costs 50 chf including special event or 25 chf for the playgroup or 30 chf for the special event only

MORNING TODDLER PLAYGROUP

  • Special Event ‘Playdate with Kindermusik’ on Monday, May 22nd from 3-3:45pm
  • Mondays from 10-11:30am (June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, July 2nd)
  • Cost 110 chf including special event or 85 chf for the playgroup only or 30 chf for special event only

AFTERNOON TODDLER PLAYGROUP

  • Special Event ‘Playdate with Kindermusik’ on Monday, May 22nd from 3-3:45pm
  • Playgroup meets regularly after that on Mondays from 3-4:30pm (June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, July 2nd)
  • Cost 110 chf including special event or 85 chf for the playgroup only or 30 chf for special event only

To sign up please fill in the REGISTRATION FORM or email Joy at joyelizabethfoster(at)gmail.com

May 19, 2012

World Cup Rowing in Luzern

It will be quite busy along the Rotsee this week and next… but for those of us used to living in Luzern, it might seem a bit too early to see those long, sleek rowing bodies walking around town. That is because usually the Luzern fixture in the annual Rowing World Cup series is usually the last set of racing before the World Championships.

So long as the weather is good, I can highly recommend being a spectator at the regatta. It is free and they have food stands (in case you didn’t want to pack a picnic lunch). There is an excellent playground there as well for children of all ages (see post about the Rotsee park). Lastly,there will be more opportunities than usual to watch good racing as the next three days rowers will contend for Olympic spots (May 20-22). The World Cup will kick into full speed next Friday to Monday (25-27).

If you want specifics on the program times and/or how to get there, click here to go to the Ruderwelt-Luzern website. Parking is possible, but not great, so I would recommend taking the number 1, 22 or 23 bus and getting off at Weggismatte.

May 14, 2012

Pilates with Moira Lanagan

If you were taking Karen Weckmann’s Pilates class the past few months, I’m sure you will agree, your abs miss the workout! If you didn’t have a chance to join us for the Postnatal Pilates Class… don’t worry! Now you have a new chance and with a new teacher!

Karen, unfortunately for us, is very busy moving house BUT Moira, fortunately for us, has stepped in and together with Living in Luzern, we are very excited to offer a new Pilates class!

  • WHERE: Alpenstrasse 1 (3rd floor)
  • WHEN: 9-10am, 10-11am or 11-noon (when registering please indicate preference) May 22nd, 29th, June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, July 3rd
  • COST: 125 chf for five classes (Absentee policy is that you may miss one out of five without being penalized, but if you miss more than one class, you will be debited the price of each class you miss, Refunds only in extenuating circumstances)
  • REGISTRATION: Please fill in this INTEREST FORM and we’ll be in touch shortly.
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We are also looking to launch a class in which babies can attend with their Mothers (up to walking age), so if you are interested in this kind of a class, be sure to indicate this. The exercises in this class would incorporate the baby. Otherwise, there is no babysitting provided for the other classes.

For more about Moira, please see the brochure below:

May 13, 2012

Kindermusik Playdate on TUESDAY, May 22nd

Living in Luzern is excited to announce a special ‘Playdate with Kindermusik’ taught by professional singer Brandy Butler.

We hope you’ll be able to join us! Please fill in the REGISTRATION FORM or email joyelizabethfoster(at)gmail.com if you would lake to participate.

May 9, 2012

Danish Design Kids Party by Andaleeb Lilley Photography

This post is sponsored by Andaleeb Lilley Photography.

Charlotte Bruun-Christensen from www.danishdesignkids.com will be presenting the spring collection of her clothing line at Andaleeb’s studio in Baar on Monday 14 May from 09.30 – 12.00.  Orders can be made on the day – cash only and Charlotte has most sizes in stock too.  The clothing line is for children aged 2-8 years old and prices range from 5-50 CHF. Studio address and details on where to park: http://www.andaleeblilley.ch/contact.html
Please feel free to come by for a coffee and children are very welcome too!

If you need more information please contact Andaleeb on info(at)andaleeblilley.ch or call her at 079 654 4115.  Please feel free to send on too.

This post is sponsored by Andaleeb Lilley Photography.

May 9, 2012

Need to find a Doctor in Luzern?

This post is sponsored by Key Investment.

It isn’t always easy to do! I’ve found through speaking with several Expat Moms in Luzern (and through my own experience), that the number one problem (apart from finding a Dr who speaks your language) is that most of the Doctors are oversubscribed and nearly impossible to get into as a first-time patient.

The first place to check of course is the Living in Luzern Expat Recommended lists. Here are the links to the Midwife and OB/GYN list, the Pediatrician list. We will be looking to expand this list over the summer as I do prefer recommended Drs rather than just posting all the Drs who serve Luzern.

That being said, two websites (which are useful for all of Switzerland) have come to my attention recently when I was trying to help someone find a family Dr.

The first is www.doctorfmh.ch (this link is the English version) and the second is www.doctor.ch (the link is also to the English version). A tip when searching on these sites. Don’t get more specific than the canton, then you can see the full range of Drs that are within driving distance (or a train ride in my case!). Also, don’t put the language requirement specifically down as English. Nearly all Drs in Switzerland speak English, it is more a question of whether or not their staff speaks English.

You may or may not know this… I only know because of the work I do with Living in Luzern… but Drs are not allowed to advertise to the general public in Switzerland. Apparently, neither can Lawyers.

This post is sponsored by Key Investment.

May 7, 2012

Raffle Prizes for the Family Expo

This post lovingly sponsored by boutique signorelli

Just in case you didn’t make the Family Expo, let me just pass on the list of FABULOUS donations from our sponsors and the winners!

  • allforkids.ch – 20 chf Voucher (winner Amanda P.)
  • Andaleeb Lilley – Packet of Photo Cards (winner Tim F.)
  • boutiquesignorelli.com – 20 chf Voucher (winner Saschis G.)
  • Good ID! – Color and Erase Placemats (winner Michael & Sarah O.)
  • Hip and Happy – pair of earrings and a girls fancy hair tie (winner Shenoa T.)
  • Kinderland Luzern – 5 free entries to Kinderland (winner split between Cathy A. and Michelle Z.)
  • Living in Luzern – 2 books of your choice (from Usborne Books) (winner Duygu K.)
  • Mamizeit - t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt from sponsor Boca Jeans (winner Leah F.)
  • Swiss American Society- 50 chf off 2012 SASL Membership (winner Tia G.)
  • The Look Studio – Make-up workshop for four friends with 50 chf gift certificate to be used at the workshop (winner Shenoa T.)
  • There will also be balloons, an indoor/outdoor play area and some special offers from the sponsors on the day!

There is still time to Register! Click here.

Profits from the Raffle Tickets went go to the Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund.

This post lovingly sponsored by boutique signorelli

May 3, 2012

What is LUGA?

This post is sponsored by Kinderland Luzern

I’ve lived in Luzern for nearly four years now and until this year, I have never actually gone to check out LUGA. There is something about having kids that forces you to try new things.

LUGA itself is a massive Expo which has several different sections. There is a kitchen expo (if you are looking to install a new kitchen), there are bike expos, cooking expos, legal services, etc. What makes it attractive for families is that you can also pet farm animals (section 8), horse back riding as well as explore an amusement park.

The entry fee to LUGA is 14 chf for adults, kids under 6 are free. There is a discount if you ran in the Stadtlauf (and, unlike me, actually kept your coupon!). The amusement park is actually free, you just have to pay for the rides.

It is certainly worth checking out! The last day for 2012 is Sunday, May 6th.

This post is sponsored by Kinderland Luzern

April 30, 2012

Buggyfit in Luzern!

The first series will launch on Wednesday, June 6th. The class dates for the first series are June 6th, 13th, 20th and July 11th. One class will run from 10am to 11am (with babies) and another class (which will be more intense) will run from 7:30-8:30pm (without babies). Please note there will be no class on June 27th. The price is 90 chf for four classes (22.50 chf per class), you can pay as you go as well, that rate is 25 chf per class. If you are already enrolled in another LiL course, the price is reduced to 75 chf for four.

Somehow, as hard as one tries, those extra baby kilos just don’t disappear as fast as we would like. Even two or more years after giving birth, many women still weigh more than they did before becoming pregnant. Why? It doesn’t take professional research to prove to anyone that taking care of a baby or a toddler (or both) makes it nearly impossible to find time to workout. But… with Buggyfit… that should all change!

Luzern is the first lucky city in Switzerland to get this amazing, invigorating group workout. If you are interested in joining Buggyfit (pregnant, with or without a baby) please fill out the interest form below. There is no commitment for filling out the interest form, but please do let me know you are interested so that I can organize accordingly.

A couple things to note:

  • The class will last for an hour, the cost will depend on how many classes you take per week as well as whether or not you are already participating in LiL courses
  • You can take this class while pregnant, it will be modified as needed
  • You can come with or without your child(ren)
  • If your child(ren) come with you, they need to be able to stay in the buggy for a full hour (obviously better for those who aren’t walking yet!)
  • We will workout along the lake, so the Kinderparadies at the Migros National Fitness Park in Luzern will take children for 10 chf for the half day if you need drop off childcare
  • More information about Buggyfit is available at www.buggyfit.com
If you are interested in becoming a Buggyfit instructor, please email me directly (joyelizabethfoster(at)gmail.com). We are looking for instructors in Zurich, Zug, Geneva, Lausanne, Ticino, Basel and Bern.

Buggyfit REGISTRATION FORM:

April 28, 2012

End of April – Luzerner Stadtlauf (Luzern City Run)

Me and my daughter in 2010 (the fastest 7 week old in Luzern!)

The Luzern city run is every year on the last Saturday in April. It is truly one of my favorite events in Luzern for families. The running kicks off at 2pm. There are family categories and age categories and in the evening around 8pm, some of the top elite runners from all over the world race against each other right in the old town of Luzern.

If you miss it this year, don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to sign up for next year. The family run is usually around 50 chf and with it comes t-shirts and goodie bags for your whole family! At the end of the race, the kids even get a medal!

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