Excited For Fall

And just like that it's Friday again. Somehow, Fridays feel different now that I'm home, because afternoon naps also happen on Fridays nowadays, not only on weekends. And since I am well-rested now (somewhat), I'm linking up with Kristi and Stephanie for yet another Finish The Sentence Friday. Today's cue:

At the end of summer, I always feel...

EXCITED!!!!!

- for my favorite season to start.
- for the heat to be over.
- for colorful leaves.
- for lots and lots of pumpkin goodness.
- for Halloween fun.
- for Thanksgiving somewhere down the road.
- for cocooning a little bit on yuckie days.
- for some purging and organizing.

Yes, I admit, there may be a tad bit of nostalgia for summer dresses, ice cream in the sun, and pool time, but generally, I'm looking forward for fall all year long  :-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Week In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful (61)

Saturday again, this week just flew by. I can't believe that last Saturday I was itchy and miserable, thinking about which one of the girls to take grocery shopping (early riser Violet had the honor because Lily had just woken up by the time we were ready to head out); this morning, I was thinking about the same when it dawned on me that we ALL would go shopping because there's no way I could lift all the groceries only days after giving birth. It definitely start to realize how our lives have changed in the little details since Monday. I know that some changes are only temporarily, others definitely permanent, with the arrival of little Calvin.

This week's thankfuls (and I do apologize that they are  VERY baby-heavy!!):

1. First and foremost we are incredibly thankful for a healthy baby. Even after two births, I was still nervous, hoping that everything would go well; and even though the birth did not go as planned, we once again could welcome a healthy child, everything else is secondary.

2. Said baby being an incredibly good sleeper. I am totally not sleep deprived as he only wakes up once or twice a night for 15 minutes at the most.

3. Maternity and parental protection laws here in Germany that allow me to take quite some time off work to take care of my family without having to fear losing my job or facing bankruptcy.

4. Violet taking to her little brother so well. When we first told her that there was another baby on the way, she was not happy, but with my belly her excitement grew as well and she's doing so well taking care of Calvin now. It's a joy watching the two of them together.

5. Family somewhat nearby who checks up on us and comes visit. I easily feel cooped up and get into major cabin fever, and unfortunately, the weather is not nice enough right now to allow for short walks in the neighborhood, so their phone calls and visits sure are a nice diversion for me.

6. Living in a family friendly town. There are so many summer break activities, especially for Lily, to keep them busy. Next year I'm definitely getting her the summer break pass with even more activities in the area.

7. Finally getting used to diapering a boy. Even though I have some 6 years + of diapering experience, I felt like such a dilettante when I changed his first diaper; my sister confessed later that she had to hold back a good laugh watching me struggling, but probably she hadn't been any better  :-)  After two days of practicing I now manage to change his diaper without having to change his entire outfit most of the time.

8. So many friends in town who offer to help out with the girls should we need it. So far, everything's been very easy and relaxing, but who knows, there may be a time when we need it.

9. Guilt-free dessert. All I say is warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. yummie!!!

10. Last but definitely not least a wonderful midwife who has taken me on for the post-natal care on quite short notice. She's such a great person and I've been in love with her from the beginning.


I wish everyone a wonderful weekend. About to watch a boxing match with Calvin, even though he's probably going to be totally unimpressed and sleep through most of it.

Summer of 2013 - Memories

Linking up with Janine and Kate for Finish The Sentence Friday. Today, I was accused by Mr. P-Bomb that I was the one responsible for the current weather (overcast, rain showers, kind of coolish, not very nice), because I liked fall. Well, what I actually meant was the kind of mid-50s, sunny, breezy, earthy, colorful leaves kind of fall, but that's obviously too difficult of a concept for him to grasp. Anyways, summer is definitely past (for now), therefore, this week's sentence:

My best summertime memory this year was...

... the wedding we were invited to attend. The girls were in the wedding party, the weather was perfect, the couple glowing, just a very beautiful celebration of love and commitment.

There were many other beautiful moments, our family vacation, the summer concert, and other fun outings, but if I have to pick my favorite, it's the wedding, hands down  ;-)

Re-purposing the flower basket

Sweety posing

Sunday Social - That A Summer!

Sunday already?? No way! Ok, reality sinks in; I was somewhat productive this weekend, getting some chores out of the way I'd been procrastinating on for way too long. This afternoon is spent indoctrinating the girls with my love for Bollywood movies; and honestly, what is there NOT to love about all those colors, the dresses, music, dance, and songs? Except that I am now obsessed with attending a Holi fest. Hope the hubby won't let me  ;-)

As today is the first day of fall, (in the meteorological meaning, not the astronomical), let's have a Sunday Social review of this summer (hosted as usual by Ashley):

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?
I have to say our trip down to Weiden for the wedding was the best. We were so glad having been invited to witness two people pledging their lives to each other, and our girls being in the wedding party :-)

Our vacation in the Bavarian Forest was a close second though. Just getting out, away from the computer, spending time with each other, I'm very thankful we had the opportunity to do this!

And in terms of activities, I have to mention the family summer concert the hubby played in, so much fun for everyone!

2. What was your favorite outfit/look/clothing item this summer?
No, please not a fashion question. Everyone knows that I cannot do fashion. I definitely loved my crochet lace flats and the dress I bought for the wedding, even though it took me a while to get used to it.

3. What is one thing you wished you'd gotten to do this summer?
Going to one of the fun parks around here. And visit my cousin. But there's still time while the weather is nice!

4. What was your favorite song of this summer?
Since yesterday was the official last day of (meteorological) summer, I will say Felix Meyer and band. They were playing in the street yesterday (I'm happy they still do that, as they start as a street performance act and made it into the charts here). This recording is not the best acoustic-wise, but I loved them from the beginning, especially that song! (Joy, keep your eyes out for them!!!)



5. What was yor favorite movie/TV show of the summer?
Caught again! We don't get to the movies much (as in: not since last year), and I'm not a fan of most TV shows. Probably go with "A Game Of Thrones", because the last season ended somewhat summer-ish.

(Source)

Guest Post by Arianna Knows Best - Throw a Celebrity-Inspired Bash This Summer!

 I'm really glad to have Arianna from Arianna Knows Best filling in for me today. Arianna contacted me after I asked for guest bloggers to fill in during my vacation; she's a brand-new blogger and mom of a little girl with tons of great ideas and tips. 

 With kids running around the neighborhood, ice cream trucks circling our neighborhood and temperatures forcing us to crank the air conditioner, it’s official- summer is here! What should be one of the most relaxing times of the year somehow always ends up being the busiest seasons for us!

Some girlfriends and I were recently chatting about how great it'd be to take a luxurious trip to an exotic, quiet location. Of course, given that we aren't a bunch of well-to-do celebrities, this isn't totally possible.  Regardless, I am determined to make this a summer worthy of being in any gossip magazine! 

Celebrity summer: Cruise on a Yacht

No matter what media source you look at, pictures can be found of celebrities like Jay Z and Leonardo Dicaprio lounging on fancy yachts in places like Bora Bora or St. Tropez. The constant exposure of celebrities lounging in their designer swimsuits on a white sand beach is enough to make anyone jealous!  From visiting Cannes for the Film Festival or just a spontaneous getaway, lavish trips are a norm in the everyday life of the rich and famous!

Reality summer: Sail Away!

Taking a private jet to the tropics might not be an option for most of us, but you can take advantage of local beaches and lakes in your area!  Local beaches and lakes often have canoes and boats available for rent.  So strap on some life vests and spend the afternoon amongst the waves.

(Source)

Celebrity summer: Tour De France -- The racing competition that made Lance Armstrong a household name is back! With Armstrong banned from the sport, it's anyone’s guess who will take home the 2013 title. Athletes train year round to compete in this event, rain or shine. With extreme distances and large monetary prizes, only the strong will survive! 

Reality summer: Wheels Party -- Bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades welcome! Gather the kids and take them to the local biking path, park or a large flat area with minimal to no traffic. Kids can freely roam where they wish or set up a relay race with wheels! Bring all circle shaped snacks (grapes, cheerios, donuts, etc.) for all wheel-free breaks! A great way for kids to exercise and enjoy the fresh air!

(Source)

Celebrity summer: Las Vegas Bachelorette Party

For celebrities and non-celebrities, sin city has always been one of the most popular places to let loose one last time before you take that trip down the aisle.  Famous bachelorettes like Ashlee Simpson have been seen hitting all the hottest nightclubs for one last, wild weekend.  When you’re famous, “what happens in Vegas” doesn't always stay there- it usually ends up on the cover of People!

           

Reality summer: Local Bachelorette Party

Know a lucky lady about to become a Mrs.?  Plan her a night she won’t forget! Instead of struggling to book a flight and hotel, travel a town or two over for a change of scenery!  Head to a nice restaurant, go to a concert, dance the night away at a  local club- go wherever the night takes you! Just be sure it’s a night the bride can look back on and laugh! Funny pictures are a must!

(Source)

     By combining my love for gossip magazines and entertaining, I have come up with a few fun ideas for summer activities based on the celebrity lifestyle! I hope these ideas give you some inspiration to make your summer the best yet!

Arianna is a full-time mom and a fashion-lover, world traveler, animal lover, and family woman extraordinaire. She loves to cook and bake, travel to new places, share great fashion finds, and spend time doing crafts and projects at home with her kids. She’s got a crazy busy life, but she wouldn’t have it any other way! Visit her blog at Arianna Knows Best!

Travelling with Kids - Preparations

Preparing for a vacation with kids can sometimes be stressful, even though I admit that there is quite a difference between starting without pressure, knowing there’s only a 2 hour drive ahead of us and check-in time at the hotel sometime between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. So far, vacation preparations for the Powell family usually consisted of hectically packing everything the night before, doing some last-minute cleaning, trying to get rid of all of our food in the fridge, and heading out at the crack of dawn to hopefully not be stuck in a huge traffic jam on the highway for three hours and miss the plane, hoping that everything would go fine and we will not have to deal with our travel health insurance in the States.

Gladly, as mentioned, this time will be so much different. But still, there are things to prepare ahead of time to not be stuck somewhere in the neck of the woods with only an insanely expensive gas station around to rely on for necessities:

• Make sure there’s sun screen for everyone and that it has not expired.
• Buy combination products (like 2-in-1 shampoo and shower gel) wherever possible to minimize bulk.
• Don’t forget the swim suits.
• Pack extra towels for going to the lake even though the hotel may provide them. Our vacation rental provides towels only once a week and it would be yucky to use the same towels for the lake and shower at night.
• Stock up on travel games. They are usually fairly inexpensive and definitely much easier to transport than full-size board games.
• Pack outfits for every day of the vacation plus one or two extra, just in case (depending on the age of the kids); also buy some laundry detergent paste that can be used to hand-wash some t-shirts or underwear in the sink, if necessary.
• Bring your water-proof sheets, if one or more of the kids are not perfectly potty-trained at night yet; the hotel may not have them on stock.
• Remember the Bunnies (or whatever bed-time friend your little one has).
• If you plan on leaving your electronics (laptop, smart phone, etc.) behind, make sure you make a list of activities for nice and not-so-nice weather ahead of time to avoid stress later.
• If you don’t have meals at a hotel, bring staple foods (such as jam, juice bread, breakfast cereals, coffee, or even butter, milk, and cheese if you have a cooler) and some fruit and veggies for the first couple of days. Then explore the area and enjoy the local specialties!
• Take it easy and don’t stress too much; after all, you are not leaving civilization behind!

Even though our vacation is still a couple of days away, I wish you all a great week!
 

Weekend Recap - Summer Fun

Last weekend was busy, once again, so I don't feel like boring everyone if I share all about it!

Friday:
I had to work fairly late late that evening and went right at making pizza for dinner. We expected a couple over for dinner and some gaming a short time later. It was a great evening of good food, good conversation, and some gaming. Looking forward to having them over more often!

Saturday:
It was announced to be the hottest weekend of the summer so far, and darn, was it hot! I went and bought some groceries for the weekend with Violet in the late morning and got them ready to head out to the pool around noonish. The water at the pool was so cool and refreshing, and the girls had fun playing at the playground while warming up from a dip in the pool. We headed back home shortly after 4pm. I took another trip to the grocery store while Hubby prepared a yummy dinner of grilled brats, salad, and olive ciabatta bread. After the kids fell into bed, we enjoyed a little date on the couch, watching “Skyfall” and enjoying some iced wine on fruit and yogurt as dessert. Around 10pm, both girls woke up from nightmares (and sticky rooms) and moved to our bed. The night that followed wasn’t the best for anyone. Hubby moved to the couch while I was the designated water-bearer for the girls all night long.
 

Ice cream at the pool

Sunday:
I was simply exhausted out of my mind when the girls got up around 7am, so I went back to bed after they had been provided with breakfast and slept like a baby until about 9:30. We had a quiet family breakfast and decided to visit the family fest a local club had organized in Erlangen. We headed out shortly after lunch and had the greatest time! The girls enjoyed so many different activities and we had some time to relax as well. We had a snack there and enjoyed the outside despite the heat. Luckily, there was plenty of shade, which made the temperatures easier to bear. Around 4pm we headed home and the girls went down for a pre-dinner nap. We had left-over pizza with some cucumber slices for the girls and a caprese salad for us for dinner and watermelon for dessert, so yummy! After watching the beginning of a wonderful thunderstorm and dancing in the living room, the girls went down for the night. Hubby spent the evening playing some online games with his friend in the U.S. and I watched a few documentaries on TV. One day, even I may understand Einstein’s theories of relativity, if nice white-haired scientists on TV explain it so wonderfully  ;-)
 

Lily working a small caterpillar

Violet enjoying the bouncy castle

Lily watching the puppet player

Snack Time!

The girls making their buttons

A clown!!!

We really had such a fun weekend; I have yet another extremely busy week ahead of me, and then finally: vacation time!! 

Music Is In The Air

Yesterday, the girls and I were joined by my parents for one of my personal high-lights of early summer: the family open air concert by the Siemens Orchestra Erlangen. Richard has been playing with them for a little over a year now, and I'm so excited to see him enjoying his instrument again. After leaving the Army back in 2008, he was done with his music. After a while, he started to play with a private quintett again, and after moving back to Germany, he was excited to see that there's a local orchestra. He contacted them and was invited for the rehearsal. After a couple of months, he thought about quitting, since he had troubles following the instructions in German, but the people there asked him to stay, as they very much appreciated having two bassoons in the orchestra again.

After last year's concert had to be moved inside due to bad weather, but this year, we had just perfect weather. The theme of the concert was "Pomp and Pirates"; it's a family concert, so children were most welcome and no-one complained if they were running around dancing or asking questions about the music or the instruments. The orchestra played Beethoven, pieces from the operas Nabucco and Aida, Strauss' Egyptian March, and many more. At the end, the kids got little surprises. We enjoyed ourselves so much, and I was happy to see the hubby enjoying himself playing again.

The ship stage

Yes, he is conducting with a pirate saber!

Introducing Sullivan and Edcar Elgar

My favorite bassoonist

Hubby and I after the concert

Wisdoms Of My Day

"Today was not my day" happens way too often these days. But honestly, doing my running routine seems to take its toll right now, and work.. well, there have been some personnel changes that affect my office indirectly way too much. Anyways, during my run today, I came up with a few things today taught me:

1. Feeling like crying in the morning just because I have to get up is ok.. sometimes.

2. Too much work makes the day go by faster.

3. My desk is too small.

4. My outfit was appropriate for the season, the weather was not.

5. Spontaneous lunch dates with my colleague always improve my day.

6. I'm more stubborn than my inner slob.

7. Had the best run so far; realized I need new shoes, a sports bra, and maybe even running socks. Sponsors, anyone??

8. This song is playing endless rewind in my head while running.



9. The perfect drink to rehydrate? A glass of sweet Macedonian red  ;-)

10. If a day starts sucky, it still had all the potential in the world to become great if you give it the chance to be.

Wishing every U.S. reader Happy 4th of July tomorrow, and everyone else Happy Thursday!

Summer Is Coming...

Yes, people, it is true! Summer is coming.. even to Germany. Mostly, the flood is receding in the Eastern and Souhern Germany, we have not had any rain since Sunday night, and even summer temperatures. I got to wear a skirt to work today and the girls spent their afternoon at the play ground, darn, I missed it!!

Summer is coming...  (Source)

So, what are we going to do this summer? I already announced that I was able to rent a vacation rental sponsored by my company in the Bavarian Forest and I will be gone for a week. I so can't wait to have a change of scenery, I need it! I'm looking forward on hiking, swimming in the natural lakes, watching the kids playing at the playground trail, and going down the the summer toboggan slide.

Source

But before the summer fun starts, I'd like to take the opportunity to say "Happy Birthday" to my mom! I know, we don't always see eye to eye, but I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without you! I love you, Mom!

My mom and me, summer 2007

Sunday Social - Summer and Social Media Favorites

It's Sunday, time to link up for Sunday Social at Ashley Lately. Today, it's about some more favorites in the area of social media and - most anticipated - summer.

1. What is your favorite social media outlet?
I only have a personal Facebook page, and this blog. Don't have time for much more social media.

2. Do you subscribe to any daily news reads? If so, which ones?
Nope, no subscriptions. I watch the news most nights on TV (old-school, I know) and check out yahoo news before checking my mail at night. Besides that, just my company's intranet news  ;-)

3. What is your favorite magazine to have by the pool?
Not too much into magazines, just my subscription. I prefer a book.

4. What is your favorite summertime song?
Probably California Dreaming (The Mamas and Papas); basically everything that feels like sunshine, flowers, and fun.

5. What is the best summer concert you've been to?
By far, Rock im Park in 2003. I had just graduated from high school and treated myself to this 3-day rock music festival. It was awesome, especially Reamonn at the Alternative Stage. But nothing could beat Marilyn Manson and Metallica, just WOW!



Wishing everyone a good start into a new week!

Sunday Social - Summer (Where Art Thou??)

Joining Ashley today for another Sunday Social, trying to channel some summer into plain depressing late-May Sunday:

1. What is your best summer memory as a kid?
Oh, the fairs and our summer vacation with my parents. I appreciate all the times they took us to visit foreign countries. Due to our family situation, our kids won't get to travel around Europe that much, as the long vacation is always going to be spent in TX.

2. What is your favorite summer drink?
That's easy, German ice cream coffee or sun tea.

3. What is your favorite summer TV show?
Don't really think I have one. Our two favorite TV shows are over for the season (Doctor Who) or only have a few episodes left (Game of Thrones). Somehow, I consider the idea of summer TV shows weird; when it's summer, people are supposed to be outside, bbq, picnic, etc., not watching TV.

4. What is the best outdoor summer activity?
Going to the pool or the play ground of course, or one of the local theme parks.

5. What are your summer vacation essentials?
Sun screen, bathig suits (for beach vacations) or good shoes (for vacations in the mountain), a hat, a big smile!

Sunday Social - Summer Time

Linking up with Ashley for a brand-new Sunday Social!

1. What is your favorite kind of surprises?
Good ones, I'd say. We've gotten way too many "bad" surprises recently, mostly bacause of the house. I guess I love birthday, Yule, and Mother's Day surprises, too!

2. Flowers or chocolate?
Hard one.. I think I'd go with chocolate, if it's of the dark kind. Otherwise flowers!

3. What is your favorite summer time activity?
Everything outdoors. Probably going to fairs, because the girls love going on the rides, and I love to get a bag of sugar almonds and watch the hubby getting tipsy off a "Maß" of German beer  :-)

Easy riders  :-)

4. Do you have any vacations planned this summer?
Actually, we do! I booked an apartment in the Bavarian forest for the first week in August just last Friday. Really looking forward to getting away for a little and have a change of scenery.

The tree-top trail in St. Englmar (Source)

 5. Favorite summer holiday?
Any holiday that gives me the day off, so I can spend it with the family. If I have to pick one, I'd probably say mid-summer celebrations. Can't beat celebrating the longest day of the year!

6. What is your dream vacation?
I don't have THE dream vacation, because there are so many places I want to see. I want to go to Rome with the hubby, see Hawaii and Alaska, go to Cuba with my friend, go on a Safari in South Africa and visit Marrakesh in Morocco...

This And That

I'm back in the daily business I guess. Not much exciting to report from this end any more since my vacation is clearly over. While the first week just flew by with trying to get my in-box under control, this week just seems to drag on forever. Lily asked me yesterday if today would be Friday. I wished, my live, I wished... But instead of going on about what's not happening, I should probably focus on what IS going on around here:

Well, the sickness has taken over the house. Both girls are sick with seriously stuffed noses and a bad, dry cough. Violet has been having fever bouts the last few nights, which turned the parent front to somewhat sleep-deprived zombies *cooooffeeeeeee*. I'm obviously not used to getting up several times a night any more. To improve our odds for a somewhat restful night for everyone, Violet received a preventive dose of tylenol before bed. It really helped last night, but that was at 2 am.

Spring is finally here! Actually, the last two days were in the 70s, almost summer weather! We really hope the girls will get better soon so they can go out and enjoy the weather. And I hope my colleague is coming back from her much-deserved vacation soon, so I can stop doing over-time every day and take the girls to the playground for an hour after dinner!

Since it's at least spring, I've gone up to the attic yesterday to put the winter shoes in storage and bring down the spring/summer footwear. Yes, today was my first day in ballet flats this year. And to top it off, my colleage treated us all to the first ice cream of the season. And if that wasn't enough, the weather gods decided to also bring us the first summer thunderstorm in the late afternoon. I cannot tell you how wonderful the air smelled! Yes, I am even excited about a thunderstorm these days, the vitamin D of the last days is doing its job!

Oh, and a teeny tiny update on the house: the developer of the subdivision is meeting with the town this week or next to discuss the details for the sewer and drainage. If we're lucky, there will be  an officially recorded map soon, which will be important for us to start building before the storm sewer is actually built. Oh dear, I'm excited about a storm sewer...

I'm off now, catching up on some much-needed zzz's. Good night, everyone!