Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Traveling locally: Van camping is the way to go

Traveling locally: Van camping is the way to go

Though camping may conjure images of backcountry wilderness and pop-up tents, there is another way to go: van camping. This is an excellent way to see Germany (or Europe) on a budget. For many of us, living in Germany meant a chance to to travel! Take a train to Paris, […]

December 3, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Winter forest hiking – time for adventures

Winter forest hiking – time for adventures

For my fellow hikers who enjoyed the great outdoors trekking during the warmer months of the year, there is no need to put away those boots and let Old Man Winter keep you indoors until spring of next year. Winter hiking and snowshoeing are excellent activities for those of you […]

December 3, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Beyond Bier: St. Nicholas Day

Beyond Bier: St. Nicholas Day

On the night of Dec. 5 German children place a boot outside their front door in hopes they are visited by an iconic figure. When they wake up on Dec. 6 they rush to the front door to find their boot is filled with treats and small toys. The figure […]

December 3, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Winter Ski, Snowboard Destinations

Winter Ski, Snowboard Destinations

If you are lucky enough to find yourself living in Europe, make sure you experience one of its crown jewels, the Alps.  Here is a collection of can’t-miss destinations for your next ski or snowboard adventure. COVID Note: Many resorts are requiring reservations to purchase a lift ticket. Check your […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Dog treats, holiday style

Dog treats, holiday style

’Tis the season to spoil your dog! Like us humans, most dogs love few things more than food. If we get seasonal delights such as gingerbread, cinnamon stars and marzipan potatoes, so should they. This recipe will make for fantastic Christmas gifts for your canine loved ones. I love baking […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Monschau: An Eifel Gem

Monschau: An Eifel Gem

Tucked into a picturesque valley in the Eifel region of Germany, Monschau is a gem. Natural beauty and a lovely downtown make for a memorable visit. It also has a Christmas market that is one of Germany’s best. Every road that leads to Monschau is a good one. Nestled next […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Santa Lives in Finland

Santa Lives in Finland

A trip to the extreme northern stretches of Finland can seem almost as magical as Santa Claus, even in the wintertime. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure that leads you to wilderness, northern lights, and real live reindeer, consider Finland. “Mom, is this real?” My skeptical 8-year-old daughter asked. “Of […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Winter in Scotland

Winter in Scotland

When planning a romantic winter holiday, you may be thinking of Switzerland and the French Alps. One thing I can guarantee is missing from your list is Scotland. Famous for its culinary abominations, lack of understandable English speakers and perpetual rainfall, Scotland is a magnificent country to visit year-round. There […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Vanilla Crescents Vanille-Kipferl

Vanilla Crescents Vanille-Kipferl

The Best Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents) Every first weekend of December our house is filled with the most incredible cookie aroma coming from the kitchen. My German husband makes these cookies every year like clockwork! The recipe is very special because it was passed down to him from his mother, and […]

November 25, 2021 ×

Lifestyle

Finding Secrets in Soca Valley of Slovenia

Finding Secrets in Soca Valley of Slovenia

“Mom, how far do you think it goes?” my daughter asked. “Well, we passed another tunnel entrance up the road around the corner. Maybe there,” I replied. “Look, an air shaft!” A stream of light poured into the dark space from a square hole above us. We continued along the […]

November 19, 2021 ×