Love, Love, Love

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. I remember our special day like it happened last week. I've been told that in this day and age even a 3 year marriage is an accomplishment. Marriage is a challenge, but we look forward to facing the challenges marriage brings and learning from our mistakes. We are forever growing, changing and learning about one another. To me, this is what makes marriage so fun! We celebrated our anniversary at the amazingly delicious Hirsch Weinstube. A yummy four course meal and wine! Happy 3 years, babe! I love you!

Our song

Lovely Weekend

We are back...and for a while this time! We had a great long weekend away, but it's nice to be back home with our furry babes! We'll be posting more pictures soon, but now we're going to rest and enjoy some down time. Hope everyone had an awesome weekend!

Away We Go....

Just picked up husband last night from the airport and we're off again! We're leaving in a few hours for Venice, Italy and Ljubljana, Slovenia! I still can't help but think how fortunate we are for all these travel opportunities. I'm looking forward to spending the holiday weekend with my hubby. We hope all of you have a nice long weekend and don't forget the reason for Memorial Day, to remember those who gave up their lives for us, our country and our freedoms!

Now we're really a farm...

A couple weeks ago I planted our vegetables...something I've never done before. But what better place to get fresh, organic produce then your own back yard! Our yard is pretty small, and the dogs need the space to play {and I also know they'd run right through my garden}, so I planted everything in pots. This year we are trying lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, red peppers and tomatoes. The lettuce, red peppers and tomatoes were plants, the other two I'm growing from seeds. This could either be a great experiment or a big failure! But I figured it was worth a try! Growing vegetables in pots is a great way to grow if you have limited space, or if you don't have any ground space. My stargazer lillies are really doing well and it's time for them to be relocated. I love these flowers, they are so fragrant and beautiful!

Busy Bees

This week has been crazy! As you know, I just got home from the UK on Monday afternoon. My hubby doesn't get back until late tonight....I can't wait! But we're actually turning right around Friday afternoon and heading out for our Memorial Day trip to Venice and Slovenia! I can't help but think how lucky and fortunate we are. Our time in Germany is nearly 1/2 way over and we're trying to make the most of every second! This truly is a rare opportunity that we were lucky to have. So this week I've been catching up on laundry and housework, so we're ready for our next trip. And the pups and I have been making the most of the amazing weather and going to the park daily!

AND WE'RE BACK!!

...Ok, let me rephrase that... I'm back. My hubs is still in jolly Ol' until Thursday evening. But boy did we ever have a great, all be it quick, weekend in London and Cambridge. It was so lovely to catch up with old friends, and meet new ones! We walked miles and miles around the streets of London, took in the sights {and the beer and spirits} and, of course, had to stop at Chipotle. Listen, trust me, you miss it when you're thousands of miles away from one! I truly enjoyed the one on one time I got to share with my husband and the side splitting laughs we shared with friends. London continues to be one of my favorite towns! It never gets old, no matter how many times we go. And this time we found a new neighborhood to eat, drink and be merry! Cheers! {Naturally I can't look at Big Ben or Parliament without thinking of this clip!}

 

Away I Go....

Heading to Cambridge/London in a few hours! So excited! My hubby has been there since Sunday for work and I'm just heading there for a long weekend! Looking forward to seeing my hubby and our wonderful friend,...and of course being in London again! We hope every has a fun, eventful weekend!

Paleo Fried Chicken

Yep, you read that right! Everyone knows that eating healthy isn't the easiest thing. We live in a world with way too many temptations. It's hard not to fall into these food traps, and we try our best not too. So what if you could eat something that felt like a cheat food, but wasn't? Helllllloooooo, Paleo Fried Chicken! This recipe is so very easy, and also tastes amazing. Fried chicken has always been one of my comfort foods, and this healthier version hit the spot! Take a look at this easy recipe, and for more information about Paleo eating check out THIS site!

Ingredients:
1 cup coconut oil
2 large organic eggs
1 cup almond flour or almond meal
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. chipotle powder (optional)
2 pounds organic, free-range chicken- whatever pieces you like.. thighs, legs, etc.

 Directions:

1. Heat oil in large frying pan to 350F and preheat oven to 400F
2. Whisk eggs in medium sized bowl
3. Combine all dry ingredients in large bowl and mix well.
4. Dip chicken in whisked eggs.
5. Coat/cover chicken in flour mixture and place in hot oil.  Allow both sides to brown (about 2 minutes each side).
6. Place cooling rack on sheet pan and assemble chicken on the rack so there is space between all pieces.
7. Put chicken in oven for 10-15 minutes.  Remove and serve.

Tips:
The oil can pop, so be careful of bare skin and close-by children and pets. I found it easier to set-up a simple assemble line with the chicken. Egg wash, then flour, then oil. 

Enjoy this yummy, Paleo dish! {Sorry I didn't take more photos, you need two hands for making this!}

Frühlings Fest

Let me start by saying that the Germans love to fest, and know how to fest! It seems that every weekend there is a fest somewhere that one can attend. One of the larger ones here in Stuttgart is Frühlings Fest {Spring Fest}. The fest reminds me of going to a {animal-free} fair. There are rides, games, tons of food and, of course, the beer tents! We spent the afternoon with James' co-workers, and what a blast we had. We need more fests in the states! The day consisted of lots of laughs, trying to sing German drinking songs, good eats and a lot of great memories! Going to a German fest should be on everyone's bucket list!

Lovely Weekend

This weekend was a blast! Because husband had to work last weekend, his boss gave him Friday off! Which was awesome, since Friday the work group all got together at Fruhlings (Spring) Fest in northern Stuttgart. This is one of the biggest fests around Stuttgart and it's a blast! Beer, food and fun! {More on that later} The rest of the week was pretty mild. We relaxed, played and enjoyed our time together. Sunday my husband packed his bags and was off to the UK for a work trip. I can't wait to visit him this weekend! I was missing my family this Mother's Day, especially since I knew they were all together enjoying the day. We hope everyone had a great weekend!

For the Mamas

I just wanted to take this time to wish my mother, V, a very Happy Mother's Day! We've had our ups {and downs}, but you have always been a great support system and truly one of my best friends. And I hope someday I can be 1/2 the mother you are!
To my family and friends who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day to you as well! Though I don't know from experience, I can't imagine a tougher or more rewarding job!
Happy Mother's Day, Mommies!

Date Night

My hubby and I are on a mission to try a new restaurant every week. It doesn't always happen, but we try our best. Mr. got a suggestion from a co-worker for a place that we'd driven by numerous times and had no idea it was there. The best part... it's 5 minutes from our place! So we tried the Landgasthof Riedsee...and let me just say...YUM! This spot is known for its Schwabian food and it did not disappoint. Husband {of course} had lamb and I opted for a traditional Schwabian dish, maultaschen. AMAZING! The restaurant is in a quiet little spot next to a beautiful, serene pond. We will most definitely be going back!

Lovely Weekend

This weekend was a rather uneventful one as husband had to work the entire time...boo. The pups and I had a lot of time on our hands. So we played at the park, went on a few dog jogs, enjoyed out new duvet from The Company Store and made a delicious lasagna for husband and his co-workers. Not the most exciting weekend, but sometimes it's good to relax!

Schwabische Alb

This past Sunday we were able to cross something off our Stuttgart bucket list as we took the dogs and headed to the Schwabische Alb. It's an absolutely remarkable geographical site. We packed a lunch {of course treats for the pups} and headed out on the quick 45 minute drive. The weather was perfect, the trails weren't crowded and some of the views were magical! We enjoyed hiking around for a few hours and lunch with a view! And of course the dogs were passed out in the car as soon as we headed back home... just like children! If you're outdoorsy, and are in southern Germany, the Alb is a must!

Lovely Weekend

Spring is here, spring is here!!! Finally! And this past weekend the temperatures were actually more towards summer weather! We had a great weekend filled with lots of sunshine. We shopped for lederhosen/dirndls, ate lunch at my favorite spot, enjoyed a delicious brunch with good friends and spent hours laying in the sun in the back yard with the pups and frozen cocktails! Such a perfect weekend! I hope you all had a great one!