HER FIVE CENTS

Someone once told me that if I want to feel at home for Christmas, go to Germany. Or some quote like that. lol. Basically it meant that Germany is homey feeling at the holidays. It is true!

I wish I would I have written this the night it all happened because as we were driving home, I was overwhelmed by how awesome the whole day was! It was honestly kind of magical. It may have been the sugar high, who knows?

Before I get to the other stuff, one important order of business. It's my birthday week! Thursday is my actual day. And I have already felt super important. Thank you Chels and David!

First we went to Ikea, which is always fun because...meatballs. and 2 hours! of uninterrupted shopping time. Just kidding. Sadie didn't go in the play place and Nevie wanted out about 25 minutes in. And of course my beeper thing went off when I was quite possibly the furthest from the play center.

Secondly, the sunset in the parking lot. Unbelievable. Indescribable Soaring, Tumbling... oh wait.


Thirdly, Nuremberg Christmas market!

Chelsi had a taste of the traditional gluhwein

We had expensive hot chocolate (we kept the mugs!)

Nevie had Sbux hot chocolate (less spillage and way less hot!)

Fourthly, Almost Chipotle! Seriously. The best thing since Frankfurt's actual Chipotle. Everyone go to Mr. Burrito in Nuremberg! Thanks Pembey's for the recommendation!

I may have had to erase an inappropriate something in that heart .

And lastly, Dunkin Donuts! No pictures there. But really, what could have made this night better? I'm not sure there was anything we missed except maybe the kids section. haha. And maybe a little less people (it was insane!). Otherwise, we loved it! Where do you visit that gets you in the mood for Christmas? Target? Christmas Tree stands? Your living room?

I have this whole separate idea for a blog post that involves the different types of Black Friday shoppers. Let's be honest, I probably won't get around to it until this next Black Friday however, I fit into each category of shopper, well,  I used to.

Now, I live in Germany where commercialism is at a minimum (at least where we live) and I love it!

We went to the PX that day though, to get Chelsi a smokin' deal on a computer which she really needed. We went in the afternoon and it was still busy but not like I'm sure it was in the morning. I also bought batteries for this super cool Santa decoration my mom gave me a long time ago. It's super cool. I want you to see it. I'll take a pic.

The Santa I bought batteries for on Black Friday

I tried not to look at advertisements because I knew I'd get sucked back in. I love a good sale!

Also, I have a man cold. This is no regular cold. This is a I-want-to-lay-on-the-couch-and-complain kind of cold AKA a man cold. I'm trying not to let it get the best of me but it's sort of winning. Again, definitition of man-cold.

Living in Europe is amazing. I try hard not to brag about it too much but this season (Christmas) allows for so many new traditions for us. Christmas markets, advent, and St. Nicholas Day being a few (although I'm not sure I'm doing the latter because I don't want to have to buy extra candy lol).

Our advent Sunday set-up

Remember how last year I didn't get to see Mockingjay OR go to Christmas markets? Guess what I will be doing this year? Both of those things. Woot.

Anyway, this is a bunch of non-sense because I'm trying to stick with that goal of mine to post at least twice a week. Today is my last day before my blogging week starts. Therefore, you are welcome. Just kidding. What do you look forward to most this holiday season?

There was this meme video on Facebook that I didn't get to watch because it was late at night when I scrolled by it, and was in bed, and my volume was way up. So you can imagine my surprise when it was SO loud. I had to shut if off. Anyway, it was a video demonstrating the difference between 50 degrees in March versus 50 degrees in November. Totally describes this day!

Got up early to go to the flea market. The first one of the season! I had my friend Dana with me and i made her do all my bidding/haggling for me because she speaks the German! She's a good one.

Not pictured: leggins for Sadie, and a truffle stand

basic photo

The blue sky in March. It's amazing.

After Chelsi got back from the walk, we decided to go downtown for the Mittefastenmarkt in Weiden which, from my research is a celebration of sorts, of it being the middle of Lent. It was by far the biggest market I have been to but I also missed out on all the Christmas markets this last year. Can I please talk about the Pakistanian I met there? I stopped at a cheap purse stand and the salesman was making small talk. He asked where I was from and I of course said I was from The U.K. Oh wait. Anyway, I then asked where he was from and he told me he lived here but was from Pakistan. He told me his house got blown up. I mean, he even made gestures with his hands. It was intense and I felt awkward. What does one say to that? It was terribly sad and I felt bad so I said sorry. Ha. and then I called Chelsi to meet up.

I freaking LOVE Weiden. It's SO picturesque like all the time!

The lines for ALL of the gelato places were SO long! People want their first Eis of the season!

They've been working on this for awhile. Finally there aren't rafters everywhere. It's so pretty!