It's that time of year again to dust off those storage bins and break out those decorations which have been up in the attic or stuffed in the back of the closet for almost a year now. Everyone who knows me knows that my year consists of two seasons - summer and Christmastime. Yes, I... Continue Reading →
Der Strandkorb: Germany’s Iconic Beach Chair…
Nothing says summer, sun, sand, sea and holidays more than der Strandkorb. The iconic beach chair is visible everywhere along the coast in Germany. Strandkörbe an der Ostsee in Germany The word Strandkorb literally means beach basket. It is contructed of wicker, wood, cushions and fabric. The seating area is just big enough for two... Continue Reading →
Tour of Our All-White California Beach House Living Room…
When we first moved into our new boat dock home about a year ago, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with the living room. All I knew is I wanted shiplap from top to bottom, and I wanted it bright, airy and beachy. Well, the shiplap proved to be more difficult than... Continue Reading →
Der Schokoladenosterhase: A Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Easter Bunny With A Long History …
Spring is upon us and with it comes not only a sense of renewal and beautiful flowers, but sweets and treats. Beautiful, delicious, fresh and colorful, like der Erdbeerkuchen, die Himbeertorte or das Rhabarberkompott. All are just a few of the seasonal delights which are sure to bring a smile to those taste buds. But,... Continue Reading →
German Easter Treasures…
Easter in Germany is just as big of a deal with Germans as Christmas. Every year colorful eggs tied on with ribbons hang from every tree and bush in every village, town and neighborhood. Smaller trees also find their way into the homes of Germans as colorful centerpieces. The Ostereierbaum or Easter egg tree does... Continue Reading →
Kindertag: Germany’s Celebration of Children And Their Achievements…
If you are a kid in Germany, June 1st is a magical day. Not only because you get to spend the day with your family attending special events in your neighborhoods and cities, or maybe taking a day trip to the beach, or forcing your parents to play board games for hours on end, but... Continue Reading →
Glühwein: Germany’s Heart-Warming Christmas Punch…
Nothing says it's Christmastime quite like sipping that first cup of Glühwein. Especially while strolling among decorated booths at a German Weihnachtsmarkt on a cold winter's night. Served in tiny mugs, it warms your toes, smells and tastes good and is Germany's most loved and heart-warming holiday drink! Glühwein literally translates into 'glow wine,' because of the way it... Continue Reading →
Der Tannenbaum: The German Christmas tree…
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. The German Tannenbaum or Christmas tree is usually put up and decorated on Christmas Eve. Even until now and in households with young children, the tree is still secretly decorated by the mother of the family and is revealed during Bescherung or gift opening. Traditionally,... Continue Reading →
Christstollen: A German Christmas Pastry With A 500-Year History …
Even though it is technically not a cookie, this German pastry is one of the most famous of all Christmas pastries. Stuffed with dried fruit, nuts and spices and famously dusted with a very thick layer of powdered sugar Christstollen are prized throughout the world. Stollen, pronounced 'shtaw-lehn,' is a cake-like fruit bread made with yeast, flour... Continue Reading →
Pfeffernüsse: German Iced Gingerbread Christmas Cookies…
One of Germany's most beloved and popular Christmas cookies, these delicious iced gingerbread treats are one of my all-time favorite! Crunchy on the outside, soft, spicy and chewy on the inside, Pfeffernüsse are just simply divine and hard to stop eating. Pfeffernüsse, which literally translates into 'pepper nuts,' are small spiced cookies that develop their flavor through a blend... Continue Reading →