Karstalschlucht (where fairies live)

I have seen many local photographers post photos of this magical looking place. It has been on my "to see" list for over a year and finally we found time to go. It is only about a 30 minute drive from our place. The drive out there is beautiful, especially with all the fall colors. You will pull into a very small village with a large restaurant to your right. Behind it is a small pond and parking lot. Park there and walk around the pond to find the trail for Karstalschlucht. You will begin by taking the path to the left.

Address: Wilensteinermühle 1, 67705 Trippstadt

Lichtenberg Castle Family Photos

One of my best friend's, Melissa, is a very talented photographer. I asked her if she would take some family photos for our Christmas card when Rob returned home to Germany from the States. We met her early on Sunday morning at Lichtenberg Castle near Thallichtenberg. It is about 30 minutes from our house in the Ramstein area, near Kusel. Lichtenberg Castle was built in 1200 and is the biggest castle ruin in Germany. Parking and entrance is free. Kids (and adults) have a lot of fun exploring the grounds and climbing the walls of this old castle. They have a small museum, an amazing restaurant and a little playground. 

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. A couple weeks ago I saw a very emotional photo of a couple with shadows of children representing the children they lost from miscarriage. It really touched me. I knew I wanted to create one and here it is. This photo shows our family of five, including my stillborn daughter, Addilyn and the baby I miscarried last month.  

Address of Lichtenberg Castle:

Burgstraße 12, 66871 Thallichtenberg

Kaiserslautern October Fair (Kerwe)

The annual Kaiserslautern October Fair (Kerwe) takes place the end of October for about a week at the Messeplatz fairgrounds.

The Kerwe includes everything you would expect from a carnival or city fair in the United States, with the added benefits of traditional German food and yummy chocolate covered fruit!

 my favorite

Gerhardsbrunn Farm Fall Festival

While Rob is away and out of town, Rand and I are doing our best to stay busy. Luckily, Germany has fall festivals going on it seems every week. Today we went to a festival at the farm where we buy our milk and eggs. We met some friends there and enjoyed a delicious lunch and a tour of the farm. We also got a hay ride to their pumpkin patch.

Our neighbors; the cows & horses

Today seemed like a good day for a walk to visit the farm next door and see the cows and horses.

We were also able to see some beautiful fall colors all around us. Rand enjoyed playing in the leaves and running through the fields.

DIY Baby/Toddler Carrier

I am so grateful that we are able to travel and do so much while in Germany. Having a kid never held us back. If anything it pushed us forward because we wanted to explore the world with our son. 

 I have gone through my list of favorites and necessities when traveling with a kid and what is always my #1 is a kid carrier. When Rand was a baby I was gifted an Ergo carrier. I LOVED it and wore Rand around everywhere. He soon outgrew it and I borrowed a friend's Toddler Tula for our trip to Rome. I loved it but did not like the price tag. 

Soon after I started looking into making my own. The only issue I thought I would run into was finding the supplies here in Germany. I first made my own pattern and went to a few local stores to get supplies. It was cute but not practical. The claps were cheap and it did not feel sturdy enough for my son.

I did a bit more research and found Sew Toot! You can download the pattern and Devan has very easy instructions on how to make the carrier. She is very active on her Facebook page and the other ladies on that page are full of great information and tips. I made another carrier and loved it! I was so excited to have a carrier that was comfortable and well made... and cheap! The pattern was $18 and supplies (I had the fabric already) was under $20.

I decided to make a third carrier for myself. I bought some fabric at Fabric.com just for this project. (Out of the Den Plaid Grey, 9.3 oz. Canvas Duck Gold and Riley Blake Swiss & Dots Gray/ White.

I LOVE this carrier! Not only does it look beautiful but it is very comfortable for both Rand and me. 

Fall Favorites

1. Babix Inhalat

I am all about finding a more natural way to better your health or help you body fight a sickness. I don't even have a bottle of tylenol in my home. I love Babix. I need to buy a huge box full to bring back to the States with me. I put a drop on Rand's clothes and it helps clean out his sinuses by essential oils. He smells like a chirstmas tree all day but it works!Babix is made of eucalyptus oil and pine needle oil.

How is it used Babix® inhalant N?

Two to four drops Babix® inhalant N be applied to a garment in the nose area (bibs, neckerchief, pajama collar or Schmusetier).

This may be repeated as needed every three to four hours.

The essential oils evaporate, are inhaled and enter through the mucous membranes in the organism.

In a gentle way the bronchi relaxes, dissolved mucus and promote expectoration.

2. Tartan stole

When we went to Scotalnd, I came across a gorgeous tartan stole in Edinburgh. I absolutely love wearing it. Now I just need some leather gloves to match my hat and stole and I will be set!

3. BORN boots

I bought some BORN boots 5 years ago and have worn them every fall/winter until last year I ripped the zipper. I haven't had much luck finding a local cobbler so have been on the search for the same exact boots. I lucked out and found the exact pair on Ebay!

4. Beeswax candle

Lots of candles are made of chemical filled toxins and personally, I don't want any of that in my home. I bought some beeswax candles at a local market and love the smell of them, plus they are toxin free.

5. Chai Tea

I have mastered making my own chai concentrate at home and it is so much better than the store bought crap. Seriously, make you own and you will never go back.

6. DoTerra OnGuard

I love essential oils and On Guard is one of my favorites to diffuse in the fall. I just got some Young Living Thieves and am excited to use that this fall too.

MILCH

I have been wanting fresh milk forever but all the farms I find are 30 minutes away and yo have to go at a certain time on a certain day. Last month, a new milk dispenser opened up and it is 24/7 and only 12 minutes away from our home! I was so excited to try it out this morning!

I pulled right up and parked in front of the door. 

You walk in and to your left is a vending machine for glass bottles (€1,80) and honey (€5) from the farm.

To the right is the milk machine. You pay €1 for a liter worth. They have instructions in German and English. Just make sure you keep the door open till you use up your liters worth. When the door is closed, your time is done and you can get any money left of the ilk you didn't use up and it will clean the area behind the door. 

 All done!

 Rand loves milk and was excited to try it!

Adam - Müller Straße 11

Gerhardsbrunn