tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69652673987141654942024-03-13T05:43:17.388+01:00Fairytale HausfrauAmerican Expats rockin' the Cozy European LifestyleHausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-15521911698292762872015-10-01T20:49:00.002+02:002015-10-01T20:50:34.459+02:00A Little Story About How We Moved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc7Jgw276d8/VfdF_lnqVNI/AAAAAAAAB9s/90syVXhBlGU/s1600/interestingcornertangiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc7Jgw276d8/VfdF_lnqVNI/AAAAAAAAB9s/90syVXhBlGU/s640/interestingcornertangiers.jpg" width="476" /> </a></div>
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This is Tangiers, which we visited briefly during our Spring Break trip to Spain in April. </div>
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It's a very photogenic place. I'd love to go back. But that's not likely to happen anytime soon, as we aren't living in Europe anymore. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzVl-vPixGE/VfdH_AOnRbI/AAAAAAAAB-A/BBLmmTkI5Io/s1600/blackandwhiteTangiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzVl-vPixGE/VfdH_AOnRbI/AAAAAAAAB-A/BBLmmTkI5Io/s640/blackandwhiteTangiers.jpg" width="478" /> </a></div>
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Early this year, Husband decided he could no longer agree with and support various initiatives and behaviors of the administration in his school and in the (enormous) System as a whole.</div>
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Rather than burying his head in the sand and hating his job for years (which, believe me, some people do--because this overseas teaching gig is an awfully good one), he chose to resign.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CII_BirCXf4/VfdIR1uK4aI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/c3rQWI9-4rI/s1600/Tangiersdoorway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CII_BirCXf4/VfdIR1uK4aI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/c3rQWI9-4rI/s640/Tangiersdoorway.jpg" width="478" /> </a></div>
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Some people thought he was crazy. Many other applauded his having the guts to unlock the golden handcuffs.</div>
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Thus began our search for a way and a place to return to some semblance of reality as U.S. citizens, not semi-expats.</div>
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Please understand that we lived overseas for twelve years and enjoyed most of that time immensely. But with one child in college in the States and the other nearing high school graduation, we realized that it could be good for us to go ahead and try to find a place to settle down in the U.S. The toxic atmosphere in the school just made the decision a lot easier and even more timely.</div>
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We began doing research online--lots of it. We knew we wanted to return to somewhere in the South; that was our starting point. We also knew we wanted to start a small business, built around some of our wonderful European flea market finds. </div>
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To make a long story a little shorter, we found fantastic renters for our German house (we'll go back to check on it yearly until we decide to sell), and we found <a href="http://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/" target="_blank">Greenville, South Carolina</a>. It's a very cool place these days, and there's tons of natural beauty right here and nearby. We moved in June and opened our little retail shop in August. Husband is also working in real estate.</div>
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Actually, though, we got used to small-town life in Germany, so we chose a small town on the edge of Greenville--a very cute place with a name that suits us and our story: <a href="http://www.travelersresthere.com/blog/" target="_blank"><b>Travelers Rest</b></a>.</div>
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I hope you'll join us in our latest adventure by checking out our new blog and social media pages. Of course, if you're in the area, please visit our shop! And <b>thank you</b> for reading Fairytale Hausfrau!</div>
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<a href="http://www.travelersresthere.com/listing/homebody/" target="_blank">Homebody</a></div>
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cozy global comforts </div>
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vintage and new</div>
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5B S. Main St.</div>
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Travelers Rest, SC </div>
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<a href="http://homebodysc.com/">homebodysc.com</a></div>
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Instagram: @homebodysc</div>
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Facebook: facebook.com/homebodysc</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-68736519064439263462014-12-09T11:42:00.000+01:002014-12-09T11:42:03.022+01:00Romania in June: Malancrav<div style="text-align: left;">
In June, we went to Romania for the wedding of Romanian friends of ours here in Germany. Following the wedding festivities (and were they ever impressive!) in their small hometown, we ventured to several other cities and towns before heading back to Bucharest for our flight home. Certainly among the most atmospheric places we've ever visited--anywhere--was the village of Malancrav, home to one of the restored guesthouses belonging to the <a href="http://www.mihaieminescutrust.org/content/nd_standard.asp?n=82" target="_blank">Mihai Eminescu Trust</a>. The Trust is dedicated to the conservation and regeneration of villages in Transylvania and The Maramures, surely two of the most unspoilt regions of Europe.</div>
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We had this lovely traditional home all to ourselves for a night, and amidst the clip-clop of horses and the curious stares of villagers, we truly felt like time travelers. </div>
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For the rest of this post, I think I'll let the photos speak for themselves.</div>
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Back soon with more from Romania, plus more recent destinations.</div>
<br />Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-32458165950554075882014-09-30T12:19:00.000+02:002014-09-30T12:19:58.560+02:00A Fairytale Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/106529207" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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This sweet little video from Anthropologie just might inspire you to start some Fall baking. Naturally, I love the fairytale-like setting in beautiful Prague. I've been to Prague once, many years ago. I do believe it's time for another visit.</div>
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In the meantime, here's a pumpkin dessert I want to make this week:</div>
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<a href="http://bmandarines.squarespace.com/blog/2014/9/21/xxq4yuuv45xy0lu64c3wev2qlroap5" target="_blank">Mandarine's pumpkin pie that's like cheesecake</a></div>
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Also, I have an <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/diclarkjapan/autumn-love/" target="_blank">Autumn Love board</a> on Pinterest, if you're in the mood for that. Come visit!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-7201680536162998532014-09-24T12:51:00.000+02:002014-09-24T12:52:45.629+02:00Hello Again, Florence!<div style="text-align: left;">
I finally made it back to Florence, Italy. I was in Firenze twenty-five years ago for a college semester and loved it, so when Husband and I backpacked around Europe for our first anniversary five years later, I had to show him around.</div>
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It's hard to believe that twenty years later, I'm showing my daughter around. The Girl is here as part of the same program, and I traveled with her from Germany to Milan, then on to Florence to get her situated in our university's villa, surrounded by olive trees on the outskirts of the city. Before heading out to the villa, we had almost two days just to roam around the city and soak in the beauty (and, ahem, eat an undisclosed amount of gelato). The Girl is already loving it, and hopefully we'll get down there to visit her again sometime before the end of the semester.</div>
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Santa Maria Novella, a favorite Florentine church of mine (and yes, we also visited the SMN Apothecary--not to be missed!)</div>
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lovely detail outside this pizzeria</div>
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Very interesting art display in a window--wish there was a shop attached! I'd like to have one of those lamps with Florentine scenes.</div>
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Fountain of Neptune, in the Piazza della Signoria--still a favorite spot of mine despite having to dodge (other) tourists and their cameras</div>
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The Girl, indulging in a four-euro (gulp!) espresso and a bit of people-watching</div>
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The Ponte Vecchio, on a beautiful day</div>
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sunset over the Arno</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWL1nV_Ll-I/VCKZSZbFHuI/AAAAAAAAB7E/gKQWTURwoIg/s1600/etebistroflorence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWL1nV_Ll-I/VCKZSZbFHuI/AAAAAAAAB7E/gKQWTURwoIg/s1600/etebistroflorence.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d4609406-Reviews-Ete_Bistro-Florence_Tuscany.html" target="_blank">Ete Bistro</a>, such a delightful little boho place for a light dinner and drinks--the owners are so kind, and the tasting platter is delicious and filling.</div>
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Il Duomo, I've missed you so! You're still so terribly photogenic.</div>
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<i>Ciao, </i>for now--see you again, <i>soon</i>!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-55078867200357624362014-09-10T12:13:00.000+02:002014-09-10T12:13:46.236+02:00Happy Fall, with Tend Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you ready for autumn? If you want to treat yourself to some great fall inspiration, I recommend the latest issue of <a href="http://www.tendmagazine.co.uk/" target="_blank">TEND Magazine</a>. TEND is a quarterly downloadable magazine designed to nourish a mindful life. It's a visual delight and a really good read, with loads of helpful information and encouragement for those of us who desire a simpler, more creative life, based around the comforts of home. </div>
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Here's what TEND has to say about the autumn issue:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Yes, whether you like it or not autumn is creeping up on us, and we hope you'll join us to settle into this new season together. In this issue we have — ideas for the home, a sewing pattern for an autumnal cushion; how to make the perfect cup of tea, and a selection of good quality tea tasting recommendations; a knitting pattern for a beret – not full winter headgear, but something that will keep the chill of autumn out; the way we make jam in the UK; an easy-pour jar tutorial and canning toppers for you to print out and keep; wholesome food and herbal health includes recipes for ‘Immuno Chai’ – tea that will help boost your immune system; apples and apple cider; a whole table full of potluck desserts that will have you the hero of any party – all allergy free; a mulling spice blend; a look into the pantry at various grains; and a hand wash to keep your family a bit freer from the dreaded lurgy this season; and a foot scrub too! Outside as a family there are ideas for nature walks; what to do in the garden right now; creating a bug hotel; celebrating fire and building a firepit. The education section this issue is all about weather, and includes lots of experiments to get your children thinking about what is going on out there. We are delighted to welcome </span><a href="http://tendmagazine.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c0659985581db481367f5222b&id=3fc8d714e0&e=f37a5d3dcb" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank" title="Beauty That Moves">Heather Bruggeman</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> as our interviewee in our ‘Back At the Farm’ segment, and equally delighted for formally introduce another ‘Heather’ – </span><a href="http://tendmagazine.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c0659985581db481367f5222b&id=d065f27682&e=f37a5d3dcb" rel="nofollow" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #6dc6dd; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank" title="Shivaya Naturals">Heather Fontenot</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"> as our Preschool Editor, who has overwhelmed us with her contributions this issue with: seed mandalas; a fabric garland; autumn paints; sewing cards; leaf crafts and a family art project. </span></blockquote>
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Doesn't it sound wonderful? Be sure to check it out (hopefully you'll sign up for the newsletter and join the Facebook group), and when you make a purchase, I'd be grateful if you'd use my affiliate code, DCLTM15, which I've also placed in my right sidebar. Thanks a bunch--and enjoy!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-82256781581376957842014-08-22T12:09:00.001+02:002014-08-22T12:09:56.248+02:00A Quick Trip to Paris<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm back, at long last! For the first time since moving overseas eleven years ago, we didn't head to the States for the summer. We really needed to save the money we normally spend on trans-Atlantic travel and too-frequent/easy stops at Taco Cabana and Chipotle. But in between family yardwork jobs for some traveling teachers, we managed a few inexpensive European getaways, like this "quick trip to Paris" a few weeks ago.</div>
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Even after five years of living in Europe, it's hard to believe such a thing is possible for us. We're four hours away, but it had been four years since we'd made this trip (three for the Girl, who'd been with a friend). The Boy was headed to a four-day teen adventure camp down in Garmisch, so it was a good time for a visit.</div>
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We spent a good bit of time in the Marais, one of our favorite neighborhoods. We enjoyed both the <a href="http://www.mep-fr.org/" target="_blank">European Photography Museum</a> and the <a href="http://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/" target="_blank">Musée Carnavalet</a>, museum of the history of Paris. </div>
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I was super-excited to stumble upon the amazing shop <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/au-petit-bonheur-la-chance-paris" target="_blank">Au Petit Bonheur La Chance</a>, which I'd read about several times in the past. Apparently, it can be difficult to find it open, but we hit it just right, though we were informed about 15 minutes into our frenzied treasure-hunting that the proprietress would be closing up shop "in five minutes." That was probably a good thing, financially-speaking, as I got out with only two purchases. </div>
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After asking another local shopkeeper for a recommendation, we had lunch at <a href="http://paris-expat.com/bistros/bouquet-st-paul/" target="_blank">Au Bouquet St. Paul</a>, a friendly place with good food and fair prices.</div>
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To save money, we stayed outside of Paris in a boho apartment we rented through <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/jclark149" target="_blank">airbnb</a>. Just a 12-minute walk plus twenty minutes on the Métro, it was perfect for the three of us, plus dog.</div>
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We even had a private deck and garden, something you certainly won't find in the center of Paris. See that little table at the bottom of the photo? It was trash-picked by Husband on a street nearby during one of this early-morning walks, and it now sits in our upstairs bathroom. </div>
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The garden was perfect for Yoshi, except that while exploring it, he managed to tip himself backwards right into this ridiculously-tiny pond. He was not amused, though Husband and I, who witnessed the incident, definitely were. Bad dog-parents!</div>
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We finally made it to <a href="http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm" target="_blank">Giverny, to Monet's House and Garden</a>. We'd been telling the Girl we'd take her there someday, ever since she was a tiny thing reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linnea-Monets-Garden-Cristina-Bjork/dp/9129583144" target="_blank">Linnea in Monet's Garden</a> (and watching the video). </div>
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Warm and sunny, it was a perfect day for our visit. Yay!</div>
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Back in Paris that evening, we picnicked with the masses next to the Eiffel Tower and watched the sunset. Lovely!</div>
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<i>Back soon with more about our summer!</i></div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-5795175099581162992014-05-08T16:45:00.002+02:002014-05-08T16:45:59.463+02:00Around Here: Springtime<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been awfully chilly and cloudy so far this week. Last week was pretty nice, though. We took advantage of some warmer, sunnier weather to plant more geraniums, put out some mulch in the back garden, plant some kresse, and--oh, I don't really recall what all we did. Last week is running together with the week before, when the weather was even nicer. We were outside a lot--planning, planting, and weeding. Despite the current chill (these crazy weather ups-and-downs are par for the course here in May), our garden and other parts of the village are telling us it's Spring. </div>
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Thanks to Husband for the lovely photos (except the one with the colander--I took that while pulling up a bunch of stinging nettles from the back garden and clipping a bunch of the leaves to use later that day in a recipe).</div>
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In family news, happy healing to the Boy, who fractured his femur above the knee in soccer back in March (thankfully less major than it sounds, but the healing process takes months). And a big high-five to the Girl, who finished her freshman year of college yesterday!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-71985166424845572742014-05-01T12:25:00.000+02:002014-05-01T12:36:10.998+02:00Annecy, Waterlogued<div style="text-align: left;">
I had fun playing around with some of the photos from our French Alps trip. Waterlogue is such a cool app!</div>
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<br />Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-88007025746225591562014-04-28T14:41:00.001+02:002014-04-28T14:41:33.435+02:00An Annecy MiscellanyHere are some more photos we took during our four days in lovely Annecy, France:<br />
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<br />Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-78537267335833062402014-04-24T15:24:00.000+02:002014-09-24T13:14:20.251+02:00The Aesthetes: Eccentric in Tangier<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been wanting to visit Morocco for quite a while. Marrakesh has been on my list, but now I know I also really, really want to go to Tangier. </div>
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These people and their houses are nothing short of eccentrically fabulous! If you like the video as much as I do, be sure to read the <a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/11/the-aesthetes/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1" target="_blank">article it accompanied</a>.<br />
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<i>edited to add</i>--apparently the video has been taken down, so you'll have to take a look at the article if you want to know more</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-81232452507971163152014-04-23T17:10:00.000+02:002014-04-24T10:27:51.591+02:00Annecy, in the French Alps<div style="text-align: left;">
This was a Spring Break first for us: we made a last-minute travel decision based almost entirely on the weather. Husband said he was not about to spend the last four days of the break (following mid-week removal of The Boy's braces!) anywhere chilly or rainy. And that was that! So we waited until the day before we planned to leave to make a decision on a country and a city. Based on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95068242108863405/" target="_blank">something from my Pinterest Travel Love board</a>, combined with a very promising weather forecast, we chose the town of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/the-french-alps/annecy" target="_blank">Annecy</a>, France, about six hours southwest of here.</div>
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Since it wasn't High Season there quite yet, we were able through <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1991475" target="_blank">airbnb</a> to book a quirky, fully-stocked apartment in the heart of the Old Town for four nights. We stood on the living room balcony to take this photo.</div>
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Above is a view from the window that opens out onto the balcony. We overlooked the most photographed building in Annecy, the Old Prison.</div>
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We cooked and ate most of our meals in the apartment, at this long, old farm table.</div>
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There was so much good food to be had. The cheeses were, unsurprisingly, a major highlight. The Boy became a big fan of the regional <i>Reblochon</i> and <i>Tomme de Savoie</i>. We shopped for food in the <a href="http://dismoiou.fr/p/fra/annecy/dSGIEM/monoprix" target="_blank">Monoprix</a> just around the corner and also at the outdoor market, which we got to visit twice during our visit.</div>
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The lake? Really calm and beautiful--it's one of the purest in Europe. You can go on boat tours or rent a paddle boat to take out yourself. Swimming is allowed in certain areas during warmer months. </div>
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Annecy is known for its canals. It's often called "Little Venice of the Alps."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADiC1CpEDw/U1Zpa49NTqI/AAAAAAAABvw/De6fxFNPiHU/s1600/my3dudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ADiC1CpEDw/U1Zpa49NTqI/AAAAAAAABvw/De6fxFNPiHU/s1600/my3dudes.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Those are my three dudes, right there. The one in the middle got hissed at by a swan. It could easily have happened to the one on the right, who as a youngster was bitten by an ostrich, kicked by a pony, terrorized by praying mantises, and nibbled on by rabbits and goats. I'd say it's unlikely he'll work in a zoo or become a rancher or beekeeper. </div>
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But back to Lac d'Annecy. See how clear the water is? The air is crisp here, and everything feels clean. </div>
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187260-Annecy_Haute_Savoie_Rhone_Alpes-Vacations.html" target="_blank">Annecy</a> is just a truly lovely place, and I recommend it to anyone planning a visit to the French Alps. I'll be back with more photos.</div>
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Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-51127950150990496352014-03-26T13:06:00.000+01:002014-03-26T13:06:10.095+01:00Modern Pioneering with Georgia Pellegrini<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ffazwHJfvOc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Hello! I'm just about over jet lag following a two-week solo trip to the States to visit my parents. My daughter, who is a college freshman, was able to spend her spring break with us, and we had a delightful time together doing not much of anything. Though I meant to take some pictures and do a blog post about my hometown, I couldn't be bothered. So there--that will have to wait!</div>
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Just before I left for Louisiana, I got in a Spring-y mood and ordered the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038534564X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=038534564X&linkCode=as2&tag=fairytal-20" target="_blank">Modern Pioneering</a>, by Georgia Pellegrini. It was waiting for me upon my arrival back in Germany, and I'm really enjoying flipping through it. Pellegrini, who learned to hunt and wrote about it in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738214663/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0738214663&linkCode=as2&tag=fairytal-20%22%3EGirl%20Hunter:%20Revolutionizing%20the%20Way%20We%20Eat,%20One%20Hunt%20at%20a%20Time%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=fairytal-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0738214663%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Girl Hunter: Revolutionizing the Way We Ea<u>t </u>One Hunt at a Time</a>, has turned now to a diverse array of projects, recipes, and introductions to skills that just about anyone (living anywhere) can learn, if they want to live a bit more self-sufficiently.</div>
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Pellegrini encourages readers to make small but thoughtful attempts to garden, cook from scratch, forage, put together a pantry, use resources wisely, and maybe pick up a few new skills. Much of the content is food-related, which makes sense as Pellegrini is a professionally-trained chef. To be clear, this isn't a book about homesteading, and there's no info about raising animals. Crafts are not a focus, either. This is more of an introduction or overview--something to whet one's appetite for learning and making, especially with regard to food. It's packed with great photos and easy instructions, and I really do think I'll use it often. I'm happy to add it to my burgeoning collection of books on cooking, gardening, and self-sufficiency. Hopefully you'll enjoy it, too!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-1899134685277310332014-02-26T15:48:00.001+01:002014-02-26T16:20:38.012+01:00Metz MiscellanyMy most recent Metz photos weren't all of doors, though it's true that at least half of them were.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esct1BkLrdo/Uw3uehAxlnI/AAAAAAAABug/ZuE7U7DuKj0/s1600/levelorose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esct1BkLrdo/Uw3uehAxlnI/AAAAAAAABug/ZuE7U7DuKj0/s1600/levelorose.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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We found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeVeloRoseMetz" target="_blank">Le Vélo Rose</a> at 28 Rue Taison, behind the Cathedral. It's a mix of new and vintage items, and I found the prices quite reasonable. Check out the shop's actual "<i>vélo rose</i>"--complete with a set of <i>boules</i> attached to the handlebars!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh4wZdGSjwo/Uw3eijVdJJI/AAAAAAAABtc/ynA3dojPUtI/s1600/jewelrywindow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh4wZdGSjwo/Uw3eijVdJJI/AAAAAAAABtc/ynA3dojPUtI/s1600/jewelrywindow.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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On the same street, I spied another cute shop with this wonderful jewelry in the window. I'd love to have one of those necklaces made from vintage watches.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdL3hHNPGuk/Uw3fYC-KJqI/AAAAAAAABtk/rL-KD-99N7o/s1600/patisseriewindow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdL3hHNPGuk/Uw3fYC-KJqI/AAAAAAAABtk/rL-KD-99N7o/s1600/patisseriewindow.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the corner, we found the tiny but very busy <i>pâtisserie-boulangerie</i> <a href="http://www.auxmerveilleux.com/Elsewhere-in-France" target="_blank">Aux Merveilleux de Fred</a>, where Husband fell in love with a couple of warm-from-the-oven pastries with caramelized sugar--so much so that he went back for more! Friend Jodi and I (see our reflection?) took a couple of photos before moving on. Yes, I had one of those pastries, and it was fabulous!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBHUrQHpFw/Uw3hQzWDQMI/AAAAAAAABtw/SIfe9mKl0Dk/s1600/boiteauxlettres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACBHUrQHpFw/Uw3hQzWDQMI/AAAAAAAABtw/SIfe9mKl0Dk/s1600/boiteauxlettres.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I liked this place's mailbox, as well as their door handles.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkjIP5zIinY/Uw3hxFoAKUI/AAAAAAAABt4/pjNvYhwRs1E/s1600/littletrucks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkjIP5zIinY/Uw3hxFoAKUI/AAAAAAAABt4/pjNvYhwRs1E/s1600/littletrucks.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I thought these mini-trucks were pretty adorable.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4gXRZCwOgo/Uw3j5QTq_SI/AAAAAAAABuE/jIfZKQfnETc/s1600/autourmenu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4gXRZCwOgo/Uw3j5QTq_SI/AAAAAAAABuE/jIfZKQfnETc/s1600/autourmenu.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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We <i>flâneurs</i> got hungry (and thirsty) after wandering for a couple of hours. We stopped in this cute café/bar for drinks and tartines.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk_3P_J1yqw/Uw3qrsGXcyI/AAAAAAAABuU/y6bQQlb3mPM/s1600/autourwall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk_3P_J1yqw/Uw3qrsGXcyI/AAAAAAAABuU/y6bQQlb3mPM/s1600/autourwall.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Now we're seated and looking at the menu boards.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mbkXT7ioQY/Uw3zCTL-sRI/AAAAAAAABu4/uMMa2o8qFkE/s1600/loroyse1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mbkXT7ioQY/Uw3zCTL-sRI/AAAAAAAABu4/uMMa2o8qFkE/s1600/loroyse1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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This is <a href="http://www.brasseurs-lorraine.com/bieres.html" target="_blank">Loroyse</a>, a beer from the Lorraine region, where Metz is located.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9GVackxAdQ/Uw3xVyG2hcI/AAAAAAAABus/ymU2mjdp5bs/s1600/autouroutside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9GVackxAdQ/Uw3xVyG2hcI/AAAAAAAABus/ymU2mjdp5bs/s1600/autouroutside.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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We enjoyed the food and friendly service at <a href="http://www.sortirametz.com/autour-du-zinc" target="_blank">Autour du Zinc</a>. We'll likely return!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-22235313243497486602014-02-20T14:22:00.004+01:002014-02-20T14:25:56.980+01:00Doors of Metz<br />
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Last Saturday, we went to Metz again. We had no particular agenda (other than a visit later in the day to the huge Carrefour in nearby Thionville), so we explored some of the streets around the famous Cathedral. I couldn't help noticing some very photogenic doors; here are some of them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkKJvJxIhiA/UwYBN84gVfI/AAAAAAAABtM/GYxwknGIbps/s1600/metzdoor8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkKJvJxIhiA/UwYBN84gVfI/AAAAAAAABtM/GYxwknGIbps/s1600/metzdoor8.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuyAFfHxBrY/UwX8bhrxNiI/AAAAAAAABs4/WKiGD4maby0/s1600/metzdoor7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuyAFfHxBrY/UwX8bhrxNiI/AAAAAAAABs4/WKiGD4maby0/s400/metzdoor7.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmcCmUHL5og/UwX75kXGzWI/AAAAAAAABso/XhAdsqS5GZk/s1600/metzdoor5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RmcCmUHL5og/UwX75kXGzWI/AAAAAAAABso/XhAdsqS5GZk/s400/metzdoor5.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2D5Wsqld_Q/UwX7lpc9hvI/AAAAAAAABsg/4ZWfSLrLARg/s1600/metzdoor4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2D5Wsqld_Q/UwX7lpc9hvI/AAAAAAAABsg/4ZWfSLrLARg/s400/metzdoor4.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8Mxk7l2qRE/UwX7PC14v6I/AAAAAAAABsY/Nd5HfMyf6Z8/s1600/metzdoor3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8Mxk7l2qRE/UwX7PC14v6I/AAAAAAAABsY/Nd5HfMyf6Z8/s400/metzdoor3.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmdJDitrsM/UwX7Lymvm1I/AAAAAAAABsQ/u2aqGiQxMIk/s1600/metzdoor2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkmdJDitrsM/UwX7Lymvm1I/AAAAAAAABsQ/u2aqGiQxMIk/s400/metzdoor2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBykq_9x-W8/UwX63It34FI/AAAAAAAABsI/RtAl0RV5qHw/s1600/metzdoor1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBykq_9x-W8/UwX63It34FI/AAAAAAAABsI/RtAl0RV5qHw/s400/metzdoor1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a>Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-14790459915746913962014-02-18T16:18:00.003+01:002014-02-18T16:41:51.422+01:00Dealing with Transition in Your Life?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My expat friend <a href="http://andhereweare.net/" target="_blank">Ariana</a> has had a hefty share of disappointments and setbacks in her adult life. She and her husband dared to try a different way of life for their family of three--a new job and a move from Portland, Oregon, to Germany--only to lose that job (and new lifestyle) in a matter of months. They spent time back in the States, sleeping on people's floors and couches and drawing unemployment, before finding a new job and making another big move, this time to England. The family settled into life there nicely, while also dealing with some unexpected disappointments--and even now, there is the potential for another move.<br />
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I'm so glad Ariana decided to write a book of encouragement and ideas for those of us going through our own times of transition. <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1322552&c=ib&aff=140929&cl=233096%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">Pruned: Blossoming Through Life's Difficult Seasons</a> is about what Ariana and her family have experienced and what they have learned. It's about how they have managed to turn feelings of fear and uncertainty into an outlook of adventure and a sense of hope and positivity. One of my favorite quotations comes from the book's Introduction:<br />
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"I hope to encourage others to embrace an 'abundance mentality,' to see possibility in the midst of loss, and to live more intentionally as a result...When we are forced to stop living on autopilot, we get to make real decisions, give up things we have outgrown, and introduce positive new elements into our lives."</blockquote>
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This book is a quick and easy read, but it packs a real punch. In ten chapters, Ariana outlines the different issues we deal with during different times and then gives the reader ways to frame these issues in positive ways. Topics include Finding Perspective, Facing Fears, Transforming Worry, and Avoiding Common Thought Traps. Each brief chapter contains a number of thoughts broken down in an easily-readable way and ends with a list of Questions for Reflection.<br />
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I like that Ariana reminds us that there is enough good in the world for all of us--we needn't feel bad when things are going well for us, and we shouldn't always expect that things will go poorly or stay bad in our lives during the more trying times. I also like that she makes concrete, workable suggestions, and her tone is soothing and comforting but also somehow invigorating enough to inspire change.<br />
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My family has gone through some rather uncomfortable changes, especially during the first couple of years after we moved from Japan to Germany. Ariana helped me realize that it was okay for us to feel what we felt, though perhaps we could have dealt with our emotions and the reality of our circumstances in some more productive ways.<br />
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This ebook is a meaningful resource for anyone dealing with transition, whether large or small. I recommend it without reservation, regardless of your religious and/or philosophical beliefs. I believe you'll turn to it repeatedly for reassurance and motivation as you navigate life's changes.
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You can <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1322552&c=ib&aff=140929&cl=233096%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">buy Pruned here</a>. And if you haven't read <a href="http://andhereweare.net/2014/02/expat-life-making-comparisons-guest-post.html" target="_blank">my guest post for Ariana on And Here We Are</a>, I hope you will! </div>Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-86644049633329281672014-02-12T15:43:00.000+01:002014-02-12T15:43:22.612+01:00A Refresh, a Guest Post, and Some Hedgehogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffH-pl5-utA/Uvt-YGkIrjI/AAAAAAAABrY/cwknw7OZTCk/s1600/longhornsguten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffH-pl5-utA/Uvt-YGkIrjI/AAAAAAAABrY/cwknw7OZTCk/s1600/longhornsguten.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Announcement! Ahem! A couple of news items for you today: First, if you've visited my blog in the past, you'll note that my header has been <a href="http://www.happylovesrosie.co.uk/item_448/Bespoke-Blog-Refresh.htm" target="_blank">refreshed</a> a bit, by the fun and funky gal behind the blog <a href="http://www.happylovesrosie.com/" target="_blank">Happy Loves Rosie</a>. I just wanted some subtle changes to the design she did for me four years ago (how has it been that long?). Thanks, Happy--I'm loving it!</div>
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Also, today you'll find me <a href="http://andhereweare.net/2014/02/expat-life-making-comparisons-guest-post.html" target="_blank">guest-posting</a> for my expat friend Ariana from <a href="http://andhereweare.net/" target="_blank">And Here We Are</a>, as she is in Tenerife with her family this week on a much-needed vacation. Ariana let me spout off a bit about some challenges my family has faced during our expat journey, most specifically in our move from Japan to Germany. I hope you'll head over and read my ramblings--and start following Ariana, who writes beautifully about real food, expat life, England, and simple but purposeful family living. </div>
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Ariana has just published a wonderful ebook about how to get through, and thrive during and after, the difficult seasons of life. I'll be reviewing <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1322552&c=ib&aff=140929&cl=233096%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">Pruned: Blossoming Through Life's Difficult Seasons</a> next week, but if you want more information or want to buy it now (yes, I get a cut if you buy via my blog), please click the link in my right sidebar. Thank you from both of us!</div>
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And I'll leave today you with some lactose-intolerant hedgehogs, just for the sake of cute:</div>
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Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-10167796804673550352014-02-01T17:56:00.000+01:002014-02-01T17:56:15.133+01:00Four Tiny French Cookbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aren't these little cookbooks from Marabout just adorable? And they are indeed little--the pages measure about 3" x 3". There are many more in the series, and I've decided to try to pick one up each time we visit the French hypermarché Carrefour.</div>
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Each book is centered around the use of one whole food, such as bell peppers, or a branded convenience item popular with French and Belgians. As you can imagine, a number of cheeses are well-represented (note the topic of three out of the four books I've bought thus far). I like that each recipe has an accompanying photo, and the styling is lovely. </div>
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Though I don't bake a lot of sweets these days, I'd like to have the book about Nutella (which comes in a <a href="http://www.marabout-cote-cuisine.com/2013/04/29/mini-cookinbox-nutella/8292" target="_blank">set</a> with silicone molds), as I tend to end up with a lot of half-eaten jars of Nutella due to The Boy's insistence that it gets "old" after being open for just a few days.</div>
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In case you're wondering, I've looked through all four of these books and been inspired, but I haven't actually made any of the recipes yet. For one thing, my once-quite-good French is a bit rusty now, so I know I'll have to translate certain things. All of the recipes are uncomplicated, though.</div>
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By the way, Marabout has some <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/maraboutcuisine/" target="_blank">fun Pinterest boards</a>. And if you're a cheese-freak, you might like to visit <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/diclarkjapan/fondue-and-raclette/" target="_blank">my Fondue and Raclette board</a> as well. <i>Bon appétit</i>!</div>
<br />Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-42053713377762105352014-01-27T16:47:00.000+01:002014-01-27T16:54:14.274+01:00Husband Speaks: The Little Things<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meet Husband: a funny guy and wonderful father, son, friend, employee, and—well,
husband! He and I work well together in so many areas, but he’s never been a
part of any of my blogs until now. He’s going to begin chiming in here from
time to time to offer his own perspective on—whatever! In this, his first blog
post, he shares a small slice of life in our little <i>burg</i>. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Americans who come to live in the
German countryside around Bitburg and Spangdahlem for a few years often talk about how there isn’t much happening
here. Most people feel inclined to get on buses and in cars and head far from
here to find something to do. Of course, I understand that when you move
overseas, you want to see the “big” places, and it would be a shame not to do
that. But what if you don’t have the time, energy, money, or desire to go on
even a small vacation? Is it possible to find something new (to you) and
valuable in the small town you’re calling home for a few years?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBN5i4JbFo/UuZo72EaiAI/AAAAAAAABnM/a7V93-CBjEA/s1600/theismuehle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIBN5i4JbFo/UuZo72EaiAI/AAAAAAAABnM/a7V93-CBjEA/s1600/theismuehle.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You always hear that it’s the little things in life that really
matter, and I believe that’s true. After all, you can’t visit the Eiffel Tower
every day. Instead, you can make memories in a place that’s small and
unassuming, maybe the kind of place you wouldn’t normally go or would overlook.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6khjZkT2As/UuZqSm6f7hI/AAAAAAAABnY/WalEYZNgN84/s1600/theiswindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o6khjZkT2As/UuZqSm6f7hI/AAAAAAAABnY/WalEYZNgN84/s1600/theiswindow.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Find a place like this and get to know it well. Go there
often. Venture outside your comfort zone and try to order something in German. My
family always laughs when I try my German, but I don't mind. Sit in
various spots within the place to see things from different points of
view. Don’t be in a hurry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I came this morning to Theis-Mühle bakery for a reason. My
normal routine has been to rise early and take a six-minute drive with
classical music down the Sunday-quiet town streets. I’ve been popping in and
out for bread on these mornings for the past couple of years, but today I
wanted to sit down and listen to the laughter in the next room of locals who
likely meet each week in the same place to catch up on small-town
happenings. I wanted to observe how the one lady who runs this place
serves and greets everyone. They know her, and she knows them. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfaNhuBmIT8/UuZmPiFwrgI/AAAAAAAABmo/zJtxIztihdc/s1600/keinhunde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wfaNhuBmIT8/UuZmPiFwrgI/AAAAAAAABmo/zJtxIztihdc/s1600/keinhunde.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’d noticed a big black and white dog tied up outside waiting for
someone because this bakery doesn't allow dogs inside. In the bakery was a man
I had seen walking all around Bitburg, causing me to wonder if he had a home or
was down on his luck. I didn't know his story but he seemed interesting. Since
every person who walks in says, "<i>Morgen</i>" to greet the others in
the bakery, I was surprised a few weeks ago when this man looked at me and
said, "Good morning." How did he know I’m American? Was it
the shape of my nose, or what? I said good morning back to him. Then he
noticed that I, in my so-broken-it-hurts German, was struggling to order
something new under the lighted counter. He helped me out in both English
and German. Since we’d found some common ground through his small act of kindness,
I wanted to know something about him. He told me he’s the man who owns the
black and white dog. I asked him how he (the man, not the dog) knew so
much English, and he said he’d worked at one time on a ship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought he might be sitting here when I came in this morning, but
no such luck. I watched a steady stream of mostly gentlemen coming in to
get their Sunday bread of some sort. There aren’t many places open on
Sunday mornings in Germany, and I got to thinking that perhaps the Germans
figured out long ago that after working hard for the past week, on Sunday it’s
time to rest, and rest well. I am learning to slow down and smell the
bakery—get it?</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s no more to this story—for now. Maybe the next time I venture
into the bakery, I’ll see or learn something new. There’s value in taking an
early-morning drive or a walk down a road that most don't travel. Hop on
a bike with your camera and a few coins and find a place that has lights on
before sun comes up. Go in, order something, and sit. You’re living
life in the here and now, not just during your weekends in Rome or Barcelona.
Maybe you’re making a friend, and you’re definitely making memories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now you’ll have to excuse
me. A man and a dog just walked up to Theis-Mühle. Think I will get another
coffee <i>mit kaffeesahne</i> and sit a bit longer.</span><!--EndFragment-->
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-8410916146976300922014-01-24T14:01:00.000+01:002014-01-24T14:01:23.120+01:00A Cemetery in Bitburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSURk8L0DDQ/UuEUXZWtG3I/AAAAAAAABlQ/Dfp4UeQdahU/s1600/bitcem1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSURk8L0DDQ/UuEUXZWtG3I/AAAAAAAABlQ/Dfp4UeQdahU/s1600/bitcem1.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Back in November, Husband and I stopped by Bitburg's Kolmeshöhe Ehrenfriedhof to take some wintertime photos. We don't go to this cemetery often, but we always try to bring visitors here, because this small place in this small town has an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitburg" target="_blank">interesting story</a>. </div>
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In 1985, American President Ronald Reagan made a controversial visit here while en route to Bonn. To make a long story short, his public appearance and wreath-laying with Germany's Chancellor Helmut Kohl was arranged without the President's realizing that some SS soldiers, most of whom died at age 17 or 18, are buried here. Rather than canceling the visit and embarrassing Chancellor Kohl, and probably straining emerging ally relations, Reagan went ahead with the brief stop.<br />
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A friend of ours who lived here for many years, and was present to hear Reagan's speech at the nearby NATO airbase that day, told us that what was reported in the news and what she saw and heard that day were two different things. Propaganda, anyone? I'm sure it happened on both sides of the argument.</div>
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It was reported that while Reagan did lay a wreath at the wall of remembrance, he did not look at the graves at all.<br />
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Did you know that there's even a Ramones song, "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg," about this historical event? Let's just say it's not exactly complimentary of Reagan's decision!Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-40129715731967619882014-01-17T09:37:00.000+01:002014-01-23T10:25:12.701+01:00December Wrap-up, with Another Christmas Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KEHVgk93I4/Utfq7RcqLwI/AAAAAAAABjg/oQI38-r4m_g/s1600/aachen1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KEHVgk93I4/Utfq7RcqLwI/AAAAAAAABjg/oQI38-r4m_g/s1600/aachen1.jpeg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the first time, we took the advice of friends and traveled an hour and a half or so to the <a href="http://www.aachen.de/EN/ts/90_festivals_events/90_30/index.html" target="_blank">Aachen Christmas market</a>. We met up with those friends, who live nearby in the Netherlands, which made the visit even more fun.<br />
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We walked all around the market together (minus The Girl, her friend, and The Boy, who were set loose for a couple of hours). I took this photo outside the lovely <a href="http://www.aachen.de/EN/ts/140_museums/140_70.html" target="_blank">Town Hall</a>. We went inside briefly but opted not to take the tour, especially since our friends had already done that.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhJyu4-RQEc/Utfri86xOkI/AAAAAAAABj4/Hk419mjgDyM/s1600/pfannekuche.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhJyu4-RQEc/Utfri86xOkI/AAAAAAAABj4/Hk419mjgDyM/s1600/pfannekuche.jpeg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Husband just had to stop for a piece of <a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/1856/Apfel-Pfannekuchen-German-App101755.shtml" target="_blank">pfannekuchen</a>, a German puffed pancake with apple. They had some with plums, too, but he went with the traditional apple. If I am remembering correctly, he got another piece before we left the market.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZxFag1DCrQ/Utf04kOvvGI/AAAAAAAABk0/S1GCwzUgpAE/s1600/foodhut2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZxFag1DCrQ/Utf04kOvvGI/AAAAAAAABk0/S1GCwzUgpAE/s1600/foodhut2.jpeg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay, another food hut! Bratwurst and pommes-frites, anyone? And speaking of food, guess whose kids managed to find a Thai restaurant and have lunch but not make it to the cathedral? Ahem. To be fair, they didn't know what they were missing (keep reading).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnLqGqgfUOM/UtfroHQGkzI/AAAAAAAABkA/bOGXh0ZEvLg/s1600/oldestpub.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnLqGqgfUOM/UtfroHQGkzI/AAAAAAAABkA/bOGXh0ZEvLg/s1600/oldestpub.jpeg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took a photo of this for some reason; I believe this is the quaint exterior of the oldest pub in town.<br />
We didn't end up with any pictures of the famous <a href="http://www.aachen.de/EN/ts/140_museums/140_90.html" target="_blank">Aachen Cathedral</a>, where Charlemagne is buried and more than 30 German kings were crowned. They want you to pay to take photos inside, and I just wasn't sure I could do this remarkable place justice with my iPad's camera. We fell in love with this cathedral, though--it has now become one of our favorites anywhere. It's a bit reminiscent, on a much smaller scale, of the Hagia Sophia. Seriously! We'll have to take pics another time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7dm_emhisk/UtfsLIZycoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/vuBE2LHD9iw/s1600/metzcathedral.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7dm_emhisk/UtfsLIZycoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/vuBE2LHD9iw/s1600/metzcathedral.jpeg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Now let's move on to another day, after Christmas. We managed to pick one of the gloomiest days (weather-wise) of the holiday (and that's saying a lot--there were many to choose from!) to take the kids on an impromptu day-trip to <a href="http://fairytalehausfrau.blogspot.de/2012/02/daytrippin-metz.html" target="_blank">Metz</a>. The rain absolutely poured down on us during our drive, but thankfully, by the time we parked our car in a garage adjacent to <a href="http://www.lorraine-france.com/tourist-attractions/metz/st-etienne-cathedral/index.html" target="_blank">St. Etienne Cathedral</a>, the rain had stopped. This cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries and considered one of the most beautiful in France, also boasts France's highest steeple.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyNhUGEZIj8/Utf2gQ99jBI/AAAAAAAABlA/8xzbQsi5JA8/s1600/chagall2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyNhUGEZIj8/Utf2gQ99jBI/AAAAAAAABlA/8xzbQsi5JA8/s1600/chagall2.jpeg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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Inside, I went straight to the series of stained glass windows I like that are by Marc Chagall. Beautiful! </div>
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I kept trying to get some good shots in some of the darker parts of the Cathedral, but let's face it: the iPad isn't quite up to such a challenge. I do like this photo of the Fam, sitting somewhat patiently against a wall, waiting for me to stop being frustrated and just move along. I think they look like the members of a chill indie band.</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-29629349559742809612014-01-14T15:47:00.000+01:002014-01-14T15:53:11.995+01:00German Christmas Markets 2013, Part 1Nothing like looking at Christmas photos in January, right? But since I did say I would share some <i>Weihnachtsmarkt</i> pics, I'm keeping my word, even if no one's in the mood for them now! And since I'll surely have more to share next year, anyway…<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oaU4thZwVE/UtU38xJHuxI/AAAAAAAABhQ/0Saq6CiP2FE/s1600/Torschanke.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oaU4thZwVE/UtU38xJHuxI/AAAAAAAABhQ/0Saq6CiP2FE/s640/Torschanke.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Here's a photo from our first market of the year, in a village called <a href="http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Rheinland_Pfalz/Dudeldorf-67708/Things_To_Do-Dudeldorf-TG-C-1.html" target="_blank">Dudeldorf</a>, which is just down the road from us, between Bitburg and Spangdahlem. It's always one of our favorite markets, because it has a true small-town feel, with many vendors showcasing their goods insides houses and converted barns. Plus, it's low on junk and high on handmade goods. We bought some <a href="http://fairytalehausfrau.blogspot.de/2012/03/world-at-home.html" target="_blank">glass lanterns</a> there a few years ago. One important note: it's held on only the first weekend of Advent every year. Now, I'm sorry to say that this is the only photo I took there this year--too busy eating, drinking, seeing friends, and wending our way through the crowded main streets. But this is <i><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1053167-d1366658-Reviews-Torschanke-Dudeldorf_Rhineland_Palatinate.html" target="_blank">Torschänke</a></i>, one of our favorite German restaurants anywhere. It's impossibly quaint, and it's built into the old village walls, at the starting point of the market.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wv_pvauX3Bs/UtU3-nyI7jI/AAAAAAAABhY/rndG_UiRYp4/s1600/adventcal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wv_pvauX3Bs/UtU3-nyI7jI/AAAAAAAABhY/rndG_UiRYp4/s640/adventcal.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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Check out this giant Advent calendar--it's a highlight every year of the market in scenic <a href="http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/bernkastel_kues_christmas_market.php" target="_blank">Bernkastel-Kues</a>, 45 minutes away from us. It's pretty neat to be there when one of the windows is opened at 5:30, here in the heart of the market area. Everyone stands around with a <i>bratwurst</i> or a cup of <i>glühwein</i>, waiting for someone to appear in the lighted window. We were there with a group of friends, and the window that was opened that night was the teensy-tiny one at the very top. None of us could actually see what the picture was, but I believe it was an angel!</div>
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It's especially fun to visit this market on the evening when St. Nicholas arrives by boat to bring candy to children. He's accompanied by around 100 people in wet suits, swimming down the river from Kues to Bernkastel while holding torches! It's quite the sight to see. We posted ourselves atop the bridge that is just before the point at which the swimmers climb out of the water and add their torches to a bonfire.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTG-FNY9F0M/UtU4_QlVmVI/AAAAAAAABho/tpCnO2FGr0k/s1600/koelnmarket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTG-FNY9F0M/UtU4_QlVmVI/AAAAAAAABho/tpCnO2FGr0k/s640/koelnmarket.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
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The weekend after The Girl arrived in town from college, we all went for the first time to the <i>Dom</i> market in Köln. As the name suggests, and as you can see from the photo, this market is just outside the famous Cathedral. It was absolutely packed when we were there (we took the train right into the station next to the <i>Dom</i>, so we wouldn't have to find parking). It was fun, though, as people were really in the Christmas spirit and didn't seem to mind being jostled too much (I'm talking mostly about us--the Americans, who revere our "personal space"!). We found out later from a friend living in the Netherlands that there is another less-crowded market that she prefers over this one (Köln has a total of <a href="http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Germany/cologne-christmas-market.html" target="_blank">six or seven Christmas markets</a>), but this one is still good. Next year we'll have to try the one she recommends.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBItbdQV184/UtU5PzQoxSI/AAAAAAAABhw/wq2b4D88ka8/s1600/reibekuchen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBItbdQV184/UtU5PzQoxSI/AAAAAAAABhw/wq2b4D88ka8/s640/reibekuchen.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
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We ate a lot at this market. One thing we shared was <i><a href="http://www.germanfoods.org/consumer/recipes/reibekuchen.cfm" target="_blank">reibekuchen</a></i>, a fritter that is made of potato, onion, and egg, and often served with applesauce. It's very popular in the Rheinland region, where we live, especially in Köln. It's the perfect street/market food: portable, cheap, and filling.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo5bMWy93mQ/UtU5a_eId4I/AAAAAAAABh4/S3sfg1Y2N9g/s1600/longhorns.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo5bMWy93mQ/UtU5a_eId4I/AAAAAAAABh4/S3sfg1Y2N9g/s640/longhorns.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Just before leaving, we saw (and heard) these guys playing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphorn" target="_blank">Alphorns</a>. How cute!</div>
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I'll be back with a few more Christmas market and other Decemberish photos soon. <i>Tchüss</i>!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-74232772804802676052013-12-17T16:38:00.002+01:002013-12-17T16:38:55.914+01:00Global Style Love<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div class="issuuembed" data-configid="0/5909212" style="height: 340px; width: 525px;">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">If you appreciate and embrace global style as much as I do, I think you'll enjoy the first online magazine of </span><a href="http://onceuponateatime.blogspot.de/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Once Upon a Tea Time</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, a global interiors blog I've been following for several years. Due to great feedback so far, the magazine, which was designed to be a one-off, will become a monthly. Yay! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Have a look and let me know what you think. If you love it, you may want to add <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062318330/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062318330&linkCode=as2&tag=fairytal-20" target="_blank">Gypsy, the latest book by Sibella Court</a> to your wish list. I'm such a fan of her styling, and I own two of her previous books.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HikJEY65G8g/UrBvHzUsVnI/AAAAAAAABhA/Vzv70lhTJfY/s1600/gypsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HikJEY65G8g/UrBvHzUsVnI/AAAAAAAABhA/Vzv70lhTJfY/s400/gypsy.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Trebuchet, Trebuchet MS, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Have a great day! And seriously, German Christmas markets are indeed on the agenda here!</span></span></span>Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-62706244931523489532013-12-12T12:19:00.001+01:002013-12-17T15:31:24.989+01:00November in Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope you don't mind my catching up a bit on last month before I get to the happenings of December. One day before Thanksgiving, we woke up to this scene. The snow had melted by early afternoon, but that's just fine, as we know we'll be getting more soon enough!<br />
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It was definitely time for warm drinks in a little corner of our <a href="http://www.prinz-cafe.de/" target="_blank">favorite coffee shop in town</a>. We stopped by a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IPAxp4xQeI/Uqh7TJvDf6I/AAAAAAAABfo/8LPvN0-KmEs/s1600/oilvinegar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IPAxp4xQeI/Uqh7TJvDf6I/AAAAAAAABfo/8LPvN0-KmEs/s640/oilvinegar.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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After our drinks, the owner, Guido, decanted some olive oil, walnut oil, and apricot vinegar for us. We love that he gets the finest oils and vinegars in his shop, displays them beautifully in glass, then makes recommendations and allows tastings before you make your choices and have them bottled. I used some of the walnut oil in the celery-date-walnut salad I've made for the past five or six Thanksgivings.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MilegKJlYs/Uql_TueYnDI/AAAAAAAABgg/K1bvLjT29-I/s1600/denmarkmussels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MilegKJlYs/Uql_TueYnDI/AAAAAAAABgg/K1bvLjT29-I/s640/denmarkmussels.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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The following Friday, Husband and I drove to a fancy mall in Luxembourg City to visit a Cora <i>Hypermarché</i> (large, very overwhelming grocery store). Our main purpose for driving an hour each way for groceries? Husband is mad this year for <i>moules</i> (mussels), and after recently figuring out how to prepare and cook them ourselves, we've had them several times. The next time we had mussels, we were fortunately able to buy them locally. Above is our third effort, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95068242108019079/" target="_blank">Thai Red Curry Mussels</a>. So good.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cGcLdooY7k/UqhmtbrVafI/AAAAAAAABfM/9DQFXnO_ZQM/s1600/3pointer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cGcLdooY7k/UqhmtbrVafI/AAAAAAAABfM/9DQFXnO_ZQM/s640/3pointer.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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Note the gray skies. When the weather was dry enough, the Boy shot baskets at a kindergarten playground. He's getting so strong.<br />
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On chillier evenings, we got the wood stove fired up. I do love it, even when it's not really cold enough in the house to get it going! Our home, built in the 1990s (not 1890s), isn't drafty at all. </div>
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Oddly, I didn't get a single photo on Thanksgiving this year. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab8PuXosrFY/UqmYVCipf4I/AAAAAAAABgw/-JmVHTpgG9Q/s1600/smokinham.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab8PuXosrFY/UqmYVCipf4I/AAAAAAAABgw/-JmVHTpgG9Q/s640/smokinham.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Oh, wait--Husband did. Here's the ham he smoked, which was fantastic. Ever since we bought this Brinkman smoker over the summer, he's been a smokin' fool. It was the first time in ages that we haven't hosted on Thanksgiving, but we and another family still managed to eat ourselves silly in the home of some good friends a few villages over.</div>
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Coming up: oh, yes: it's time for German Christmas markets!</div>
Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-28284658982123788202013-11-19T15:51:00.001+01:002014-03-31T10:20:36.656+02:00Two Women Cooking, in France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's possible that I am ever-so-slightly just a tiny bit obsessed with Paris-based chef <a href="http://www.rachelkhoo.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Khoo</a>. This is a trailer for her second cookbook, <a href="http://www.rachelkhoo.com/behind-the-scenes/sneak-peek-my-new-book" target="_blank">My Little French Kitchen</a>. Ever since I spotted her first cookbook, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Little-Paris-Kitchen-Classic/dp/1452113432/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384868805&sr=8-1&keywords=little+paris+kitchen" target="_blank">The Little Paris Kitchen</a>, in a shop window in Ireland last year, I knew I'd have to buy it and also find out more about this chef, who is clearly vintage-quirky adorable and also really good at making the preparation of French food seem quite accessible, even in the tiniest of kitchens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Elle a Table</i>, March 2013</td></tr>
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I somehow missed her <a href="http://www.rachelkhoo.com/tv" target="_blank">BBC series</a> named after that first book (sheesh, the names of the two books are awfully similar!), but I was able to catch a couple of episodes during a flight last summer. For twelve video clips from this series, visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8EimWVSbJE&list=PL7qHxImKz_6CEL57x38qdmG5hHoF_bMnd" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.<br />
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Then there's Mimi Thorisson, who writes the blog <a href="http://mimithorisson.com/" target="_blank">Manger</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: palatino, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Glow Magazine/ Greece December 2012</span></td></tr>
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She's all glamorous and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gypset-Travel-Julia-Chaplin/dp/1614280622/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384869117&sr=8-2&keywords=gypset+style" target="_blank">Gypset</a>, but she lives in the French countryside with a bunch of kids and animals (oh, and her photographer husband). She cooks and eats great food and <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/slideshow/picture-perfect-dinner-by-mimi-thorisson/?slide=1" target="_blank">throws fantastic parties</a>.<br />
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Just look at her, making that <i>tarte tatin</i> in those heels! These two women live very different lives, but I'm thinking they both rock the Fairytale lifestyle. I know, I'm sounding all girl-crushy--but these women are just cool! Don't you think so?<br />
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**<b>Update</b>: you can now <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080418559X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=080418559X&linkCode=as2&tag=fairytal-20" target="_blank">preorder Mimi Thorisson's cookbook A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse</a>!Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965267398714165494.post-9741311361172530692013-10-31T12:01:00.000+01:002013-10-31T12:01:11.441+01:00The Sullivans, and the Soul of a Home<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/69192875" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
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Robert and Suzanne Sullivan (and their kids) are very, very cool people, if this video of them in their home is any indication. And I'm pretty sure it is.<br />
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As soon as I watched <a href="http://www.darkrye.com/content/sullivans-0" target="_blank">Our American Revolution</a>, I immediately <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/diclarkjapan/boards/" target="_blank">pinned it</a>, but then I realized I couldn't stop there. I had to share it here as well.<br />
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Why am I so taken with it? Well, I love that these creative people seem to be living exactly the way they want, doing what they want to do. They live a home-based life, which I admire, and they appear to get along with each other really well. And I love that they surround themselves with beautiful things--not expensive things, but items that often have great personal meaning to them.<br />
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I sometimes like to look around my home--in any particular room, or two--and call up memories of where and when I got many of the things my eye falls upon (there's plenty to see--I could never be a minimalist!). I'm looking at one shelf now, and I see items from South Korea, Malaysia, mainland Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Panama, Germany, England, and Ireland. I have these things because I truly like them, and they remind my of my travels (though a couple of the items were gifts from friends). The only thing there that I could remotely call "expensive" is the lamp from Hong Kong.<br />
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But of course, it's not necessary to travel abroad to build your own collection of tangible memories--you'll see this in the Sullivans' video. It's about having things that you love around you--not so you can show them off to others, but because they make you happy. Isn't that the best kind of "decorating"?Hausfrauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163376146526795302noreply@blogger.com6