February 2026 newsletter

In this issue:

• February Events

• BLC Events including save the dates!

• Recipe Corner

• Anyone for a Plats du Jour?

• Podcasts

• Wordsearch and Crossword

• Classifieds

CHAIR REPORT

Winter made its presence felt in Luxembourg this year, with snow settling quietly over the city and reminding us—once again—that the festive season has truly drawn to a close. Decorations are packed away, routines resume, and everyday life regains its familiar

pace.

For your Committee, however, there has been little pause for breath. While January may feel like a return to reality for many, behind the scenes it has been a period of energy, planning, and momentum. Alongside advancing our events programme, we are

also pleased to share that a new Sponsorship Manager role has been added to the Committee structure. This will support the development of stronger partnerships and help us deliver even better events as the year unfolds.

One of the first highlights of 2026 is already open for registration: our much-awaited Quiz

Night, taking place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at the Centre Culturel de Cents, from

7:00 p.m. The evening promises laughter, friendly competition, wonderful prizes, and a

generous buffet, alongside drinks including bubbly and wine. We very much hope to see

many of you there.

We are also pleased to confirm that the date and location for our annual Car Boot Sale

have now been secured. The event will take place on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, at the

Parkhaus of the Belle Étoile shopping centre, on the ground floor of the covered car park,

directly opposite the GANG establishment. Further details will follow, but for now, please

mark the date.

In parallel, we have launched our first ever Women’s Start-Up Pitch Event, taking place on

Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Hall Victor Hugo in Luxembourg City. Applications

are now open until March 19th, 2026 (end of day). If you are a woman founder—or have

long flirted with the idea of becoming one—this is your moment. The event will also be open

to everyone as an audience, subject to registration. More details to come.

Our Events Team has also been shaping a programme for the rest of the year, including our

monthly cocktail evenings, with the first taking place on Thursday, February 26th, and many

more to follow. At the same time, the Membership Team is preparing dedicated events to

welcome new members, while working closely with our local area representatives and

coordinators to ensure a rich agenda of lunches, dinners, and neighbourhood-based

gatherings throughout the year. We have also started planning our Gala Night for 2026,

scheduled for October 2026, with more information to follow in due course. Our Kids’ Club,

meanwhile, is looking ahead, with planning underway for a full year of activities beginning

with Easter.

These collective efforts reflect our commitment to offering a meaningful and inclusive

programme for our members, while continuing to support women and families within

Luxembourg’s international community. We have been working hard to ensure that 2026 is

not only eventful, but purposeful.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our events, participating or supporting us, sharing

and enjoying these precious moments together, and making the year ahead one of

connection, encouragement, and positive impact.

Amy Grech

BLC EVENT

We are delighted to announce that registrations are now open for our Quiz Night.

Join us for a lively evening of friendly competition in good company; a delicious buffet-style dinner by Namaste, accompanied by drinks.

This Quiz Night is open to BLC members as well as non-members of all genders, so please feel free to invite friends, partners and guests.

When: Saturday 28th March 2026

Where: Centre Sociétaire Cents ("Schwaarzt Haus")

Address: 167, Rue de Trèves, L-2630 Luxembourg

Time: 7pm

Price:

BLC Members: EUR 45 per person

Non-Members: EUR 50 per person

Price includes:

• Quiz

• Dinner and Drinks

To register, please email events@blc.lu with the following details:

• Full name(s) of all attendees you are registering

• For each person, please indicate whether they are a BLC member or non-

member

• Number of places required

Note: if you are attending on your own, we will be happy to allocate you a table

Payment should be made upon registration using the following details:

Account Holder: BLCL/SPECIAL EVENT

IBAN: LU08 0019 2955 6611 7000

Reference: Quiz Night

Please include the full name of the person making the registration

Fiesta at Mamacita!

Thursday 26 February at 6.30 pm

9 Rue des Bains, 1212 Luxembourg

The British Ladies Club is heading to Mexico - for one evening at least!

Join us for a relaxed afterwork cocktail at Mamacita in the heart of Luxembourg City

It’s the perfect mid-week escape to shake off the workday and connect with fellow

members over juicy cocktails and a delicious spread of authentic Mexican treats.

Come for the tacos, stay for the Buena onda - good vibes - and let’s toast to a great

evening together

This is a buy-your-own-drink event, open to members, non-members, and all genders.

To help us plan numbers, please register by emailing events@blc.lu.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Freewheelers

Freewheelers is a group of ladies who get together for coffee, a visit or another

activity.

We frequently meet at the Parbleu Café at City Concorde on the second Tuesday of the

month at 2.30 pm. All are welcome.

When we organise an excursion, there is often no time to announce it in the newsletter so

anyone interested in meeting up should check with Christine first at chris.mitchell@pt.lu

Hike

Date: Tuesday 24th February

Where: Schoenfels Castle. Local Nature hike in the forest above Schoenfels. We follow the

red hiking signs with the Schoenfels castle on it - approximately 8.6 km

Starting time: 09.15 for 09.30 start

Meeting Point: New parking lot (with EV chargers) right after the castle heading towards

Mersch:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mMGZ84t8gmUR8T8VA

Optional post-hike lunch at restaurant Il Bosco in Schoenfels: http://www.ilbosco.lu/

carte.html

Please contact Janet at vicechair@blc.lu or Victoria at t0rster@yahoo.co.uk for more details

and to register

More BLC events

NW and SW Area Dinner

Our North West & South West Area February Dinner is already in the diary, and we’re looking

forward to a cosy evening together at Beierhaascht Restaurant.

Date: Wednesday 11 February

Where: Beierhaascht Restaurant, 240, Avenue de Luxembourg L-4940 Bascharage

Beierhaascht is known for its warm atmosphere and traditional feel, making it a lovely setting

for good food, relaxed conversation, and catching up with fellow members.

Whether you joined us last time or are discovering Edelwyss for the first time, this promises to

be a lovely evening of great food, friendly conversation, and familiar faces.

As always, the more the merrier!

Please register by sending Louise an email at area_northwest@blc.lu or Adriana an email at

area_southwest@blc.lu or a text in the Area WhatsApp

group.

We are looking forward to seeing you then!

British Ladies’ Club Tennis Group

“ The Winter Season 2025/26”

The Winter season, indoor carpeted courts, are reserved every Wednesday morning

(excluding school holidays) from 10am to 12noon, at Arquebusiers Tennis Club,

140 Val Sainte-Croix, Bel-Air, Luxembourg.

Facilities at the club include a restaurant, free private parking, and excellent changing

facilities. There are 2 groups for either 1 hour or 2 hour players.

The Season runs from 1st October 2025 to 30th April 2026. Players are encouraged to sign up

now for the season, even if they cannot play throughout; new players are welcome to join at

any time. The tennis is generally played as doubles.

The price for the season depends on the number of players, currently the group is low on

players, please encourage any potential player to contact the club asap to discuss the

possibility of joining the group.

To sign up and for further information, email Katherine on kmengistab@yahoo.com

or Laura laurairving52@yahoo.com

Tour of the BNL

Introducing Ladies’ Lunch

A monthly lunch for a chance to connect with like-minded ladies

Tuesday 24th February at 12.00 pm

Shinzo

Grand Rue 8 | L-1660 Luxembourg

Please register with Svetlana Grishankova at Treasurer@blc.lu

Everyone welcome!

We are delighted to be organising a Newcomers’ Evening on Monday 17th March,

exclusively for our newest BLC members

This friendly, informal evening will offer the opportunity to meet fellow members and the

committee, learn more about the club and begin building connections within our

Community

Details are currently being finalised but for now, pop the date in your diary!

INTERESTING PODCASTS

I used to be a really good sleeper. Go to bed at around 10, sleep for 8 hours uninterrupted

and wake up fresh and ready to start the day. Well, that all changed when I started the peri

-menopause and moved into the menopause.

My sleep was constantly interrupted. Waking up multiple times for no reason and struggling

to get back to sleep. Often being wide awake at 4 am and ready to start my day and then

being exhausted by 7 am when I was actually supposed to start my day. Lying in bed trying

to count sheep didn’t work at all and that’s when I discovered Podcasts. Now I must

confess that I don’t always remember the podcast in the morning but often listen again

whilst out for a walk or doing household tasks

Anyway, here are a few that I really like and I hope you do too. I listen on a podcast App

but you can also listen on BBC Sounds or Spotify or even watch some on YouTube

This Cultural Life:

Hosted by John Wilson, the series in which leading artistic figures choose the most significant

influences and experiences that have shaped and inspired their creativity. There have been

some great interviews with musicians, actors, Nobel prize winners, artists etc. and covers

both young and old alike.

Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware:

What’s unique about this podcast is that the interview takes place over a meal cooked by

either Jessie Ware (musician) or her mother Lennie. Hosted in one of their homes, the guest

is interviewed about their current role in a film for example, or their humanitarian work.

There’s also a further food element where Jessie and Lennie ask their guest what their last

meal would be e.g. before they set off on a desert island or such like. It’s highly entertaining

by both the guests and the hosts alike. The dynamic between Jessie and Lennie is hilarious

How to Fail with Elizabeth Day:

This podcast celebrates the things in life that haven’t gone right and what we might learn

from them along the way. Every week, Elizabeth’s guest explores three failures, and what

these failures have taught them about how to grow and succeed, better.

If you have any suggestions, please

email me at editor@blc.lu

HEALTH ARTICLE

February Focus: Heart Health – Beyond Roses and Valentines

February is all about hearts, with love in the air and Valentine’s Day, but what about our

heart health?

Did you know that cardiovascular disease kills twice as many women as breast cancer?

(Source: British Heart Foundation). The good news? In many cases, heart disease is

preventable. For women, the risk of heart disease increases during menopause due to

hormonal shifts that impact cholesterol levels and body fat distribution.

Why Does Heart Disease Risk Rise After Menopause?

• Declining oestrogen levels are linked to higher cholesterol.

• Weight gain, especially visceral fat, can increase insulin resistance.

• Body composition changes, leading to loss of lean muscle and increased fat.

The good news? It is possible to maintain or even improve your heart health with a few

healthy habits.

Regular Health Check-ups

Your family history plays a big role in understanding your risk for heart disease. If heart

disease runs in your family, it doesn’t mean you will be affected but it does raise your risk so

it’s crucial to monitor key health indicators:

• Blood pressure

• Fasting glucose or HbA1C levels

• Lipid profile

• Waist measurement

Why waist measurement? I often get asked this. It matters in heart health because excess

abdominal fat, especially visceral fat, that hidden fat you can’t see, is linked to a higher risk

of heart disease, insulin resistance, and other metabolic conditions.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today

1. A Heart-Healthy Diet

Prioritise nutrient-dense foods like:

• Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

• Healthy fats (e.g., avocados, nuts, and olive oil).

• Lean proteins, including plant-based options.

Limit:

• Ultra-processed foods (e.g., packaged bread, cereals, and ready meals).

• Saturated fats and added sugars.

Pro tip: Spice it up! Turmeric, ginger, and garlic not only enhance flavour but also have anti-

inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garlic, for instance, supports healthy cholesterol

and blood pressure levels.

2. Get Moving

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-

strengthening exercises twice a week. Find something you enjoy to make it sustainable, if the

gym isn’t for you don’t do it. How about?

• Walking, running, hiking, swimming or dancing.

• Strength training, yoga, or Pilates.

• Gardening, housework, or playing with children or grandchildren!

I keep fit so I can play with my gorgeous grandchildren but playing with them also keeps me

fit. Building muscle is crucial as you age, not just for overall fitness but also to keep your

heart healthy

3. Stress Less

Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Some evidence-based relaxation

techniques include:

• Meditation or mindfulness.

• Deep breathing exercises.

• Yoga

• Singing

• Social connections

• Engaging hobbies that bring joy. I love playing scrabble, at the table, on a board.

3. Prioritise Sleep

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night is essential for heart health. Establish a bedtime routine

and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

4. Smoking

If you smoke, consider stopping which is probably easier said than done. It is a habit and

they can be changed, consider seeking support to help. The heart and lung health benefits

are immense and start almost immediately after stopping.

5. Treating Risk Factors

Conditions like diabetes and hypertension need proactive management. While lifestyle

changes can help reverse or control these conditions for some, others may need

medication. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.

These heart-healthy habits can help you to take control of your cardiovascular health and

enjoy a vibrant, active life. Remember, prevention is key, and it’s never too early, or too late,

to show your heart some love. That incredible organ that works tirelessly to keep us alive.

Happy February

Carrie Cannon Health Coach

carrie@carriecannonhealth.com

https://www.carriecannonhealth.com/

RECEIPE CORNER

Lemon Ricotta Dessert Cake

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, unsalted, at room temper-

ature, chopped

• 155g (3/4 cup) caster sugar

• 1 lemon, rind finely grated

• 250g fresh ricotta (see note)

• 3 eggs

• 150g (1 cup) self-raising flour

• 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice

• 100g (1/4 cup) lemon curd, plus extra

to serve

• Pure icing sugar, to dust

• Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 170C/150C fan forced. Grease and line the base of a 20cm springform

cake pan with baking paper.

2. Use electric beaters to beat the butter, sugar and lemon rind until pale and creamy.

Add the ricotta and beat until just combined. One at a time add the eggs, beating well

after each addition.

3. Use a large metal spoon to fold the flour into the mixture. Stir in the lemon juice. Transfer

mixture to the prepared pan and dollop with 100g (1/4 cup) lemon curd. Use a flat bladed

knife to swirl the lemon curd into the batter. Gently tap the pan on the bench to settle the

batter. Bake for 45 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched (see note).

4. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then release the side of the pan. Cut the cake

into wedges and serve warm, dust with icing sugar, drizzled with extra curd and topped

with ice cream.

• Notes: If you can, use ricotta bought from the cheese counter as it tends to be firmer and less watery.

If you are using ricotta from the supermarket, place it on paper towel on a plate to drain for a few

minutes, then weigh it.

• When you test the cake, try and avoid the lemon swirls on the top. Placing the skewer in these parts

can give you a wetter outcome due to the lemon curd but the rest of the cake is cooked and per-

fect. You then run the risk of overcooking.

• To serve the cake cold, remove sides as directed then leave to cool until firm and just warm. Use bak-

ing paper to lift the cake off pan and place onto a wire rack. Carefully slide the paper out and leave

to cool completely.

ANYONE FOR A PLATS DU JOUR?

Restaurant Aayam - Courtesy of our Central Rep, Valerie Scott

AAYAM is a semi-fine dining restaurant and bar rooted in the richness of Nepalese cuisine,

creatively fused with Indian, Southeast Asian, and international flavors. Our name — meaning

“dimension” — reflects our vision to blend tradition with innovation.

Each dish is a thoughtful fusion of cultures, offering a familiar yet adventurous experience.

With a warm, modern setting and a curated selection of drinks, AAYAM is where diverse

flavors, cultures, and stories come together — served on a plate.

Located at 39, Rue Sainte-Zithe

L-2763 Luxembourg

Their plats du jour are very reasonable and include, each

week, a meat dish, fish dish and veggie option

Menu du jour - 15€

Entrée / Starter

Lentil Soup

Soupe de lentilles légèrement épicée, douce et réconfortante.

(Gently spiced lentil soup, warm and comforting.)

Fish Pakora

Beignets de poisson croustillants enrobés de panko, chutney menthe-yaourt.

(Crispy panko-coated fish fritters, served with mint yogurt chutney.)

Plats Principaux / Main Courses

Aloo Chana & Jasmine Rice

Pommes de terre et pois chiches mijotés dans un curry doux, servis avec riz jasmin.

(Potatoes and chickpeas simmered in a mildly spiced curry, served with jasmine rice.)

Chicken Rice Bowl

Dés de poulet glacés à la sauce soja, sésame grillé et oignons nouveaux, servis avec riz jas-

min.

(Soy-glazed chicken cubes with roasted sesame seeds and spring onions, served with jasmine

rice.)

Stir-Fried Beef Bowl

Bœuf sauté servi avec riz jasmin, chutney de mangue et concombre en julienne.

(Stir-fried beef with jasmine rice, mango chutney, and cucumber julienne.)

Dessert

A Ball of Ice Cream

MINI BLC

EDUCATION

BLOOMING WORDS - English and Italian lessons tailored for each person’s individual needs and wishes by a teacher with two decades worth of experience, at the location of your preference. From toddler to adult, beginner to advanced, let your language skills bloom! For

a free trial lesson, contact me at Nikolic.Lara@gmail.com or 621489 066

Learn to paint landscapes, flowers, and animals with private watercolor lessons that inspire your creativity and personal expression.

Perfect for those seeking a relaxing hobby or refining artistic skills. No experience? No problem! I’ll guide you every step of the way. Classes are held in Differdange. Reserve your lesson today and start creating with beauty and ease. Contact me at thefabianaribeiro@gmail.com, see my

artwork: www.thefabianaribeiro.com

HEALTH & WELL BEING

Well-Being At Realise Mindfulness I specialise in helping women reconnect with an inner sense of calm, vitality and harmony. Find out how my blend of coaching, mindfulness and energy-healing can support you to create a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.

Contact Kate via www.realisemindfulness.com or call or text

Mindful Movement Recovering from an injury, suffering chronic pain, or simply would like to offer yourself greater freedom and mobility while keeping your brain active? Mindful

Movement practice improves mind-body connection, releases tension and helps realign your body for a better posture. Working through safe gentle movement it is suitable for

any age. Join online group lessons (from the comfort of your home) or come in person for a 1-to-1 session (Luxembourg-Cents). Details +352 691 115 104 or https://

www.mindfulbody.lu/

Thrive Pilates, Yoga and Functional Fitness Studio offers a variety of classes including

Pilates mat, Pilates Reformer, Dance Fit, Yoga, Kettlebells, Boxing, Feldenkrais, Functional

Fitness, Pilates, and Pilates Reformer classes, rooted in Mindful Movement. We connect breath with motion, emphasising technique, form, and function. Our dedicated teachers inspire self awareness and joyful fitness as a lifelong journey. We empower you to thrive and live life fully. Join our Thrive community today! Trial classes start from €10. Thrive Studio Luxembourg - Mindful Movement, 17 route de Luxembourg, Gonderange, 6182 Junglinster, 2

rue de la vallée, L8046 Strassen,

www.thrivestudio.lu , hello@thrivestudio.lu,

+352691888124

+352 691436852 to arrange your free 30-

minute clarity call. Here's what a recent client

said: "I'm more energized, more focused and

more determined to achieve my goals."

SERVICES

FREE Plant Medicine Walks on the Kirchberg Plateau from April to September in English, French, German. For more information or a copy of the timetable, contact Viviane at

craig.vivian@gmail.com. To book your place(s), contact the Kirchberg Fund office +352 26 43 45 10 or at info@fondskirchberg.lu.

Botanical expeditions, visionary landscapes and the language of flowers through time Stories of Exploration and Transformation

https://bnl.public.lu/en/a-la-une/coups-coeur/liste-lecture/2023/gardens-through-time.html

Sewing Machine classes. I'm Becky, and I can offer you 1-on-1 instruction on how to use your sewing machine that is gathering dust in your cupboard. In 2 or 3 sessions. I can get

you up and running and sewing your own things in no time at all. Each two- to three-hour session costs 60 euros. I am available Friday afternoons, all day Saturday, and sometimes on a Sunday. Please feel free to contact me.

WhatsApp +352 621237769 or email:

becky@ray.lu

Handmade Dog Bandanas and Accessories

Are you looking for a perfect gift for a dog or a pet lover? We offer a wide range of unique

and personalisable bandanas, bow ties, lead sleeve covers and much more. They are all handmade in Luxembourg to the highest quality standards. Shipping is free worldwide if you want to send a gift home. We hope to make you so happy at Dimples - Sew Happy.

Check us out at www.dimples-dogbandanas.com

Prioritise your health! Take charge of your well-being with expert support. I help women

navigate health challenges, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, menstrual health, peri/menopause, and healthy aging.

Using evidence-based nursing, behavioural science, and coaching, I provide 1:1 support, group sessions, and talks to empower you in making lasting, positive changes.

Discover how I can help—visit Carrie Cannon Health Coaching or email carrie@carriecannonhealth.com to book a no-obligation chat today!