DIY foam wreaths

When I am out and about and see cute stuff I think "Oh thats cute... I could totally make that". Well, this is one of those things. I love wreaths but honestly, they are just a bit to pricey for me, especially because I like to change them up every few weeks. 

These wreaths are pretty simple to make. All you need is a foam ring, some fabric and glue. 

This wreath is made from some vintage fabric I had in stock and the rosettes I 

made from scrap fabric. 

This wreath I made with some fall colored plaid fabric I also had in stock. I cut it into strips about 2 inches wide and sewed the ends together. I wrapped it around the foam and tucked the end in along with gluing it in place. The flowers I made from felt and 

glue those in place too.

Five months!

September was a busy month for us. Besides starting to roll over, mastering his adorable laugh, you said "Mum!" That was the highlight of this month! BONUS- I caught it on video!!!

Now, on top of all the new things Rand did this month we went to Bellagio, Italy. 

Here are my favorite Rand pics from this month. 

 

Hitscherhof Kürbisfest

Last year we were invited to go with new friends to the Hitscherhof Farm to a pumpkin fest. Right after we left, I was already excited to go back the next year. The scenery is beautiful, the food is amazing and the vendors had the most amazing things! The farm is only a 30 minute drive from the RAB area. 

The most amazing pumpkin soup!

My little German boy

Here is a link to the Hitscherhof farm website. 

Lake Como

Rob had a few days off the beginning of this month so we decided to take a last minute trip to Italy. I had a friend who just went to Bellagio and I fell in love with the pictures she posted online and so we made the 7 1/2 hour journey to Lake Como. Driving through Switzerland was beautiful but also pricey. You have to buy a vignette that costs 40 euros ($54) at the boarder crossing but it lasts for a year. Once we got to Lake Como we took a ferry (that was around 20 euro) to get to Bellagio. 

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We stayed at the B&B Alla Torretta. It was about a 5 minute drive up the mountain from the main part of the city but we walked hiked it every morning and evening. At first I was kicking myself for staying here but after all the pasta and delicious food we ate, I was grateful for the workout. The B&B was beautiful and the views were just as gorgeous. The owner and his family were very sweet and had a little boy around Rand's age.

 

 There was a pedestrian path right outside the B&B that took us right to the main center of Bellagio. It was not very stroller friendly but our Jeep stroller is not just any stroller. The walk down was about 15-20 minutes. It is also a very dark path so bring a headlamp or flashlight.

The first day we were there we stayed in Bellagio and checked out all the sights. We also went on a boat tour with Bellagio Water Taxi that went around Lake Como and showed us some very beautiful villas, including Villa Balbianello where we stopped off and enjoy an hour long tour of the stunning property. You may recognize the view and villa from numerous movies; Casino Royal & Star Wars episode 2, just to name a couple. Make sure to sign up for a boat tour early in the morning, they fill up pretty fast.

just nursing on the boat

After walking around the alleyways and streets it was nice to take a relaxing walk through some beautiful gardens on the edge of Lake Como at i Giardini di Villa Melzi. There was a small fee to get in (8 euro) but I thought it was well worth it.

Tucked away in an alleyway, away from the touristy places, is a charming and delicious 18-century cellar called Cava Turacciolo. It offers more than 300 labels of local and national wines that you can enjoy with some fresh cut salami, cheese, cold plates and pasta. The honey was amazing too!

 The next day we took the ferry across the lake to Menaggio and to Varenna. We bought an all day ticket for 15 euros. We spent a good part of that day in Menaggio. It had an adorable little playground filled with children right near the dock. We walked on a pathway curving around the lake to a find a few restaurants and also a delicious gelato place. 

 On our way home through Switzerland we decided to go a different way, so we headed north into Switzerland at Airolo and came off the motorway. We ended up going through Gotthard Pass (or St. Gotthard Pass). It was a breathtaking view. We pulled off the road multiple times to stop and get a better look at the beautiful Alps. I was very grateful Rob drove.

 After we drove through Gotthard Pass we took a pit stop at "My Stop. Gottard" for some food. They had a huge buffet of delicious looking food and a great play area (inside and outside) for kids but it was very pricey. The views from the parking lot were beautiful!

Bernkastel- Kues Wine Festival

Our first wine fest with our little 4 month old! I was exited to get out of the house on this beautiful day and explore the picturesque city of Bernkastel-Kues. The Mosel Valley is full of vineyards that rise up the hills from the river banks. The Burnkastel-Kues Weinfeste (Wine Festival) of the Middle Moselle is always on the first weekend in September. We enjoyed walking around and tasting local foods and wines while listening to the city's band play in the city square.