Thursday, October 27, 2011

Life in the Bavarian Countryside

Pin It Now! We lived in Heidelberg for a year and half and I never really felt culture shock. Been in Bavaria for about 8 months and have definitely felt culture shock. I don't think it's Bavaria so much as our own personal circumstances, but still. There are many pros, but thepros are evenly weighed down by the many negatives.

It is SO incredibly beautiful here. The seasons are spot on perfect. Summer gradually simmers it's was from 80's to 70's to 60's in September and now 50's in October.

The people are the friendliest yet. Our little village is full of such sweet and kind people. I love my daughter's kindergarten so much and definitely appreciate the blessing of it being only a few minutes away.

I love traveling throughout Europe still.

But.

I am at a point of just wanting to go crazy because we still don't have internet at home. It's such a complicated mess and really quite ridiculous. It is 2011 isn't it?? How is it possible to live somewhere without internet. I am able to use my iphone (thank God), but I have very few days a month where the connection is decent. I miss blogging :( I miss being a part of the party/blog world :( I miss downloading Real Housewives of every city in America. *sigh*

So yes Bavaria is beautiful, but the bugs and distance and lack of internet are really sucking.

There is one more chance of us being able to get DSL. If this doesn't work, then no internet for us while we live here. Sooooo...I'm hopeful. And aside from no internet (being a MAJOR CON) I have Rome to look forward to next month (the MAJOR PRO).

Until we meet again world wide web.....

B

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These are just the perfect fall time treat! The combination of fluffy pumpkin cake with a just sweet enough frosting is simply delicious. I followed Paula Deen's recipe which is for pumpkin bars, but I turned them into cupcakes and it made 24.


Mmmhmm. Delicious. Would even go great with a cup of coffee in the morning :)

As Paula would say, enjoy y'all!

-B

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Super cute family tradition idea!

Pin It Now! [caption id="attachment_1474" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Photo from TheSubrubanMom"][/caption]

I have been searching the internet for Christmas gifts already. I have compiled a GREAT list of very cost effective, creative and highly rated toys for kiddos and everyone on my list actually. I'll be sharing that later, but in the meantime check out this SUPER cute product I found on amazon. It's called The Elf on the Shelf.

The product is a story book and a little elf.  The idea is to tell the kiddos that Santa sent the elf to watch over the kids and the elf reports to Santa each night. Us parents are supposed to move the elf into a new spot each night so it looks like he "left" for the North Pole and came back. There are over 200 positive reviews on amazon and many claim how excited kiddos were each morning to see where the elf was in the house.

Isn't this just the cutest idea ever for a family tradition for young kids?? I'm ordering one right now and thought I'd share :)

xoxo

B

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Sweet Table Contest 2011

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Calling all party planners! The 2011 Sweet Table Contest has officially launched! Last year the competition was just in Europe, but this year international contestants are eligible and encouraged to enter. I am the judge representing Germany for 2011, but if you live in another country you can find your national judge here.

Last year Belle Amour's stunning Snow White Themed table was the Sweet Table Contest winner.



She is an incredibly talented and creative party party planner and is the U.K judge this year. She wrote up a wonderful post with many tips for creating your own sweet table. Check out some examples and entries from last year for even more inspiration.

It's easy to enter...
1) The contest ends Friday December 9, 2011
2) If you live in Germany please email one high resolution picture of the tablescape to me and include your name, url with more images (facebook link, blog, picasa album, etc) and city. If you are not in Germany you can find your national sponsor here.
3) The contest is open to everyone worldwide except for professional party/event planners or professional caterers.
4) Voting will be based on the following: 
Creativity
Colour harmony
Presentation & harmony of the table
Accordance with the chosen theme
Overall look & feel.

Find out more about the competition by checking out the Sweet Table website, becoming a fan on Facebook or following it on Twitter.

I am looking for a sponsor to award a prize to the German winner. Please send me an email if you are interested in being a sponsor and learning about sponsorship benefits. The Grand Prize will be awarded by the Sweet Table Contest Team.

Looking forward to seeing all the creativity pary planners worldwide have to offer :)

-B