Feeling happy in Brussels

by byanika on 26/04/2011 · 54 comments

Hi Sweethearts!

You know that feeling of lightness that comes from being in the moment, just walking about, your dress blowing in the breeze, your mind filled with joy as you explore your surroundings? Having spent most of my life feeling exhausted and angstridden I take very little for granted, and I always make sure to make the most of each moment. I love meditating as I go for walks, and often feel inspired as I take in my surroundings. These moments are some of my happiest, especially when I am exploring a lovely city.

If you follow me on twitter or facebook you know that I spent most of last week in the lovely Brussels. I went to stay with my darling brother Thomas as a birthday present for his 30th. (Yes, I said it, but Thomas, you have never looked better). He was very good about me being his birthday present, bless him.

I also had the pleasure of spending time with the georgeous Nefferth of Mode Plus, who I first met at the London Plus Meet, but have considered a dear friend since before we met. We had such a lovely time, bringing some curvy fun to Brussels. We started our weekend toghether by sitting down for coffee at a restaurant, and when we looked up and saw that the restaurant was called Big Mama (!!) I knew it was meant to be.

A photo shoot mid rainstorm! I love it when it starts raining cats and dogs, it is an exellent opportunity to do my rain dance and bellow Geronimooooooooo! (Don`t ask, it is a familiy tradition, thanks to my zest for life-mum).

Emergency sandals. You know what I am talking about.

Brussels is lovely. This is my take on it. Kim and Val, do you reckognize the pics?

I love you Thomas. I know you are man enough to handle your big sis professing her love for you here as well. I will be nice about it though, and not go into how much I love the glasses I helped you pick out and how handsome you are and how much you look like me.

Would you like to contact me? I would love to connect with you!

anikack@gmail.com @AnikaByAnika Facebook

{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Beautifully Invisible Twitter: beautifullyinv April 26, 2011 at 11:43 pm

Look at those beautiful faces! I love that photo of you and Nefferth. You look like kindred spirits, and it was destiny that led you to that restaurant for sure!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us – it looks like you had an amazing time and Brussels looks like a beautiful city. I am glad you were able to spend some time with your brother on his brother, and I agree – he DOES look like you! Very attractive family you hail from, my dear
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2 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 12:01 am: Thank YOU for reading! It was destinare, indeed, much like discovering that we share another language and culture you and I. Volim te jagoda moja! xx

Ps, I am so exited for Thomas to read these lovely comments about how he is the spitting image of me, if I was tall and blond. And male.
Lovely

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3 Becky Twitter: becklo April 26, 2011 at 11:44 pm

haha! Sounds like you have an adorable brother/sister relationship with Thomas. Siblings have to give each other some good natured trouble every now and then!
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4 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 26, 2011 at 11:59 pm: This is true, and this we do . Thank you so much sweetheart! xx

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5 Vanoue April 26, 2011 at 11:50 pm

Aw! I am so so jealous!! It seems you guys had so much fun!
I truly hope we will all be able to make it to Oslo during summer!!!
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6 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 26, 2011 at 11:59 pm: You are all more than welcome chez moi cherie! Bien venue <3

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7 Rocquelle Twitter: ConsiderMeLuvly April 27, 2011 at 12:21 am

Aaww, it looks like y’all had such a great time!! You and Nefferth are such lovely ladies, so a post with the both of you is right up my alley! Brussels looks like such a beautiful city. It was never on my list of places to visit, but now it is!

8 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:12 pm

Aaa sweetheart, am sending you big hugs right now! You are so sweet, thank you for being so supportive you lovely friend you. I never had Brussels on my must go list either, and didn`t really know what to expect, but it is lovely, continental and charming. And FULL of delicious Belgian chocolate everywhere. What`s not to like? Hugs for you darling. xxxxx

9 Rocquele Twitter: ConsiderMeLuvly April 27, 2011 at 10:09 pm

oooo Belgian waffles!! Now I really want to go! HUGS to you doll!! <3

10 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 10:28 pm: With cream and bananas and strawberries and chocolate on! Girl, you know I love you. Mwuaaahhh! xx

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11 Joy Twitter: Joy_Featherby April 27, 2011 at 1:09 am

Anika, Your brother is lucky to have such a wonderful sister!

The photos are terrific — you look beautiful! And how cool that you had the chance to visit with Nefferth!!
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12 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:10 pm: Joy, I couldn`t agree more. Hahahahha Thank you darling. Joy, you are stunning. I just had to tell you. I will email you soon, need to ask you something. <3

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13 Jenmarie Twitter: sheblog April 27, 2011 at 3:39 am

“your dress blowing in the breeze”

This is one of my favorite things about wearing dresses! I’m glad you had such a fun trip! Oh, and I love those shades!

14 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:09 pm: Mine too! Oh, how I would love to meet up with you in our summer dresses! Hugs for you xxx

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15 Pheobe April 27, 2011 at 4:01 am

What a lovely city! It must be such a treat spending most of your time there. That dress with that bag is just to die for! Perfect for spending some quality time with your friends outside–I can tell it’s super comfortable and super chic as well! Adorable as always Anika

16 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:08 pm: Sweetheart, how lovely you are. Thank you for your comment! I really take your feedback to heart. I hope you are enjoying your day darling! xxxxxxx

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17 Elly Twitter: elnajay2 April 27, 2011 at 5:16 am

What a lovely trip and lovely photos! And I’m always amazed by genetics…your brother looks so much like you. Just adorable! (my little brother and I are perhaps not so similar in appearance, just in mannerisms…)
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18 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:07 pm: Thank you so much for reading and commenting my dear! I really appreciate it I really hope Thomas reads these lovely comments, and agrees lol. Hugs to you and your brother! xx

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19 Ma2 @ Plus Size April 27, 2011 at 6:11 am

The vertical black and white stripes is very attractive. It is good to wear even without leggings. I think it is made of a very comfortable cloth.
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20 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:06 pm: Thank you very much! Hugs xxxxx

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21 Sasha April 27, 2011 at 6:38 am

Such a sweet post .. you gals are looking fab ! and yuor bro is cute lol

22 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:06 pm: YOU are cute! Thank you hon. xxxx

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23 Mode Plus Twitter: Mode_Plus April 27, 2011 at 9:39 am

These pictures look awesome sweetie! I knew that u would make it work for tha blog.
I had so much fun. Speak to you soon chérie.
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24 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:05 pm: Thank you girlfriend! (Best second date ever, but very little action. Happy third! lol) I adore your post too, so funny! Love you! xxx

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25 Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries April 27, 2011 at 12:36 pm

Brussels is a lovely city indeed! I hope to go back someday soon!
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

P.S: I´m having a beautiful jewelry giveaway, I´d love for you to come by!
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26 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:04 pm: Yes it is sweetheart, this was my first visit, but it shan`t be my last Will surf over to yours soon! xx

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27 Jamillah Twitter: made2travel April 27, 2011 at 3:30 pm

Jealous! My dad has been nudging me to go to Brussels! You make the city look so yummy!

Big Mama=destiny, lol…so cute! I’m meeting my first dear friend via blogging in real life next week!!! I’m sooooooooo excited! So so so sooooo excited!

Thank you for sharing your trip! High-five to the bro for turning 30

28 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:03 pm: He has? Darling, nugde away and go forth and enjoy Brussels (oh dear, I sound positively biblical! Which reminds me of this really funny joke: Do you know how Moses did his hair in the morning growing up? He looked in the mirror and parted the waves. HAHAHHAH! Somebody stop me! If I have offended you I sincerely apologize. I have been laughing at that joke for 15 years. Also, I tried the trick my self, on another occasion when I felt biblical. It didn`t work. ) Hugs to you! xx

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29 SACRAMENTO April 27, 2011 at 3:31 pm

My dear Anika, thank you so much for these fantastic pics. You are all handsome, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
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30 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 9:00 pm: You are welcome my dear friend, I thought of you as I was snapping away, with onlookers wondering why I was taking pics of beautiful pavement Love, Anika xxxxxxxxxxxx

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31 GRIT & GLAMOUR Twitter: gritandglamour April 27, 2011 at 3:53 pm

So elated to see you out having fun, my dear. Enjoy your freedom!

xo
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32 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 8:59 pm: From your heart to mine. Thank you. Jiiiiihaaaaaa! xx

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33 jessica April 27, 2011 at 4:05 pm

Ha ha my brother would NOT be happy if I did that…. but then, he is only 14 and he is a teenager and they arent ever happy about anything. He’s to busy refusing to wash and listening to Nirvana… ah youth. Lovely pictures Anika, really enjoyed them!
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34 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 8:59 pm: Honey, I am not that sure my brother is either lol. But I did ask permission to post his picture Give your brother 15 years lol. Say hi to him though xx Thank you so much for your comment sweetheart, am glad you enjoyed the pictures! Hugs xx

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35 Tristana April 27, 2011 at 5:57 pm

Looks nice

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36 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 8:57 pm: Thank you.

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37 Kristin Twitter: bonbonrosegirls April 27, 2011 at 7:45 pm

Sounds just fabulous. I’ve always wanted to visit Brussels! And you look simply beautiful I might add! Those feather earrings rock my world…xoxo

38 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 27, 2011 at 8:54 pm: Thank you darling Kristin! You always leave me the sweetest comments, I appreciate them so. You need to get to an H&M and get your self some wild feathers too sweets! I like the practical fanning effect they provide on hot days Hugs xx

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39 Blog to be Alive Twitter: blogtobealive April 27, 2011 at 8:49 pm

I am so happy you two had a great time.
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40 Tanvi Twitter: tanvii April 27, 2011 at 10:51 pm

Looks like you had a great time! I have only been to Brussels once, with my parents, when I was a teenager. Must go back … Also, your brother is lucky to have such a loving and wonderful person as his sister!

41 Ofelia April 28, 2011 at 3:08 am

You and Nefferth look gorgeous and have that: so happy-I’m -on -vacation glow!
Your bother is as handsome as you!
Do you have any other older, single bother?
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42 kristy Twitter: kristyelena April 28, 2011 at 3:39 am

this is such a rich and gorgeous post darling! i’m loving all the amazing sunglasses i’m seeing on here!!!! (how can i resist, right?!) you look gorgeous and i definitely know that feeling you describe. that uplifted feeling… like everything is going right in the world and there are no cares weighing you down.
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43 UN-stitched Twitter: unstitched_com April 28, 2011 at 3:49 am

You captured that uplifting feeling in all of these pictures! I too love the sunglasses one and the very cute sandals pic. What a fun trip! And a great way to create memories.
Christine
http://un-stitched.com
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44 Casee Marie April 28, 2011 at 6:17 am

What charmers, the lot of you. Loving the spontaneous photoshooot-in-the-rain with Nefferth and your brother is so handsome! (He does look like you, very much!) I love what you said about connecting with your surroundings and making the most of each moment. I do my best to feel that way, though sometimes it’s easy to lose perspective. When I remember, going through a car ride in the countryside or walking through a beautiful place, I try to really reflect and spend some time with myself.

Thanks for sharing beautiful Brussels with us, sweets! Your photos are fantastic; was the “Norwegian Wood” picture in the spirit of Oslo or are you a Haruki Murakami fan? I’ve only read one of his books – After Dark – but I loved it! He’s a very interesting writer.

Hugs, chickadee!

45 martineck April 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Mange fine bilder fra turen kjere soster….! veldig glad i vakre deg <3 <3 <3

46 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 29, 2011 at 7:25 pm: Tusen hjertelig takk kjære gode søsteren min <3 <3 <3 ble veldig glad da jeg så kommentaren fra deg savner deg og tenker på deg. love you massseeeeeee xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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47 THE-LOUDMOUTH Twitter: theloudermouth April 28, 2011 at 9:32 pm

BIG MAMA! That’s awesome. Love it

You & your brother are super cute.

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48 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 29, 2011 at 11:51 pm: I can not disagree with a blatant truth. Thanks mamacita! <3 xxx

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49 Bella Q Twitter: citizenrosebudz April 28, 2011 at 11:30 pm

I am sooo feeling it. You look so happy and wonderful- Brussels becomes you!
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50 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika April 29, 2011 at 11:51 pm: Thank you! If only it wasn`t such an exessive accessory to drag around.

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51 Kirstin Marie Twitter: kirstinfoley May 3, 2011 at 8:33 pm

Awww, I love this! Look at the two of you gorgeous ladies

I love all of the pictures! How much fun!
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52 byanika Twitter: AnikaByAnika May 4, 2011 at 10:54 pm: <3 <3 <3 <3 Next time you have to come! It is a date!

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53 julia aka jayla May 4, 2011 at 4:35 am

looks fun! Check out my latest post on diva fetish worlds giveaway! Http://www.buxomchick.com like their fb page for a chance to win a nicole lee handbag

54 Karen Twitter: curvycdn May 9, 2011 at 11:46 pm

You look great, and it looks like you had a fab time in Brussels, you lucky duck! Wish I could be there too! I love travelling, and like you, appreciating the beautiful things in the everyday, and also meditating (I can’t sleep at all if I don’t, my mind will run a mile a minute!)
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