Metz Fleamarket

Our time in Germany is quickly coming to an end and I am taking every opportunity to get out and explore more Europe has to offer... especially flea markets, lol. I love antiques and when I heard a friend of mine was hitting up the flea market in Metz, France, I had to join her!

About an hour and 30 min  (took us 2 hours because of construction) from the KMC area. We planned to leave at 6:15 but left just before 7 (not my fault) but got there around 9 and had a couple hours to shop. It opens at 7 and closes around 12 but vendors will start packing up early. 

 When we first arrived, I was not impressed. Lots of random junk that I had no interest in but after walking around a bit, I came across a lot of interesting and unique pieces. 


The Metz flea market is indoors and makes for a fun outing with friends while getting your  "flea" fix in the winter months! Plus it has bathrooms! Metz hosts the second largest flea market in France.

I apologize for the junky quality of photos. I took all these pictures with my iPhone.... but you can get the idea. The halls were pretty empty but my friend said it is usually packed.

Address:

Metz Expo Evénements

Parc des Expositions de Metz Métropole, 

rue de la Grange aux bois, 

BP 45059

57072 Metz

After shopping and packing up the car, we headed into the city center to have some lunch and see some of the sites before heading back home. We grabbed a bite at the Boogie Burger and it was amazing! We took our burgers across the street and ate at the park overlooking the river. 

We found a lot of amazing things. Here are some pictures of my finds! The chair, round side table, bottle drying rack, Amber spritzer bottle, 3 large vintage French prints that were used in schools (featuring trains but they are double sided with other cool pictures) and an old toy train.

Stoffe Markt Kaiserslautern

Fabric is very expensive here in Germany so whenever I hear about a Stoffe Markt (Fabric Market) I do my best to go and buy some fabric at cheaper prices. Here is a link to the one I went to this week so you can keep an eye out for the next one coming up. 

Tips for the Stoffe Markt

-Be sure to do a lap before buying. Many vendors had the same prints but prices varied. One print I bought was 12€ a meter. A few vendors down, I saw the same print for 9€

-Bring cash

-Go early! I got there right when they opened and no one was there. About 15 minutes later it started to get busy and 30 minutes later it was crazy packed!

-Bring a bag to carry your new fabric

-Know some German

Here are some words or phrases you can keep on a pad of paper to read aloud

excuse me ..... entschuldigen

half ..... hälfte

1..... eins

2 ..... zwei

3 ..... drei

meter ..... meter

please ..... bitte

thank you .... danke

Shopping & World of Fun

Yesterday, Rob had the day off so I wanted to be out of the house. I have had my eye on this indoor play area not far from our home so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go. Also, nearby is an outlet mall I wanted to explore. 

We first stopped out the Zweibrücken Outlets. I have been eyeing some Le Creuset cookware and was so excited to get some pieces. They have tons of stores so be sure to grab a map so you know where to go... also bring some VAT forms. On our way back to the car we noticed the first row is for family parking so be sure to check for open spots there first.

After a quick shopping trip, we headed to World of Fun. I was not sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with all they had to offer. As soon as you walk in, you see a bowling alley and a huge bar area. They have an adult section up some stairs but we never got to take a peek to see what that offered. They also have a mini golf course and an indoor ice rink. While we were there we got to see a hockey practice. Through some doors to your right is the kids area. Everyone must take off your shoes in this section and they have plenty of cubby spaces to put your things, along with lots of tables and chairs. They have everything from bouncy houses to huge slides, trampolines and a ball bit. They also have a section gated off for smaller children. Rand had such a great time and Rob and I had quite a workout from chasing him all around this place. World of Fun has a restaurant that serves lots of different drinks, pizza, burgers and salads. They also have a separate room to hold parties and they offer serval packaged deals to hold events. 

Our neighbors, the reindeer

Just on the out skirts of our village is a reindeer farm. Ever since December and reading Rand the "Night Before Christmas", he has been obsessed with reindeer. He sings the song at least three times a day. On our way home from Sunshine farms to pick up some 1€ fresh, raw milk and eggs, we stopped by to see the reindeer.

Rand had such great time seeing the deer and feeding them grass. He even called one Comet!

Homburg Flohmarkt

This morning I woke up bright and early to meet a friend and head to Homburg's Flohmarkt. In the past I usually go with Rob and Rand and we don't get out the door till after 9am. This morning we got there just before 8am and I was excited to hit the flohmarkt without a toddler... but I did miss having a stroller for storage. 

It was very cold and raining this morning. We were in shock because only like 10% of the vendors that usually sell were there today. I was really bummed and thought this trip would be a bust but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful treasures we found! The few vendors that were there had wonderful things and I am so glad we got there early! Many vendors were very kind and held onto our items while we walked around and continued shopping. 

some of the items we scored

I was so excited to find this painting for only 20€! Rob and I have visited this site; the Church of St. Sebastian twice (here and here). Behind the church is the Reiter Alpes. Near by is Lake Königssee in Berchtesgadener in Bavaria, close to the border with Austria.

Another great find was this antique French bottle drying rack for 60€. Here are some fun ways to use the rack. I probably overpaid but I knew I would regret not buying it.

I also got 2 antique spritzer bottles (20€), a wooden train (10€), skeleton keys (5€), tons of Schleich animals (all for 25€) and a letterpress tray (5€).   

Here are some tips for your trip to a flomarkt:
-Go early!
-Bring lots of smaller euros (1€, 2€, 5€, 10€ and some 20€)
-Bring bags, backpack, wagon or stroller to help carry your items
-Dress accordingly (rain boots are great because it is usually muddy)
-Keep (in your car) garbage bags and blankets to help protect your car and items from getting dirty or breaking
-It is always nice to surprise vendors with some Deutsch. Here are some easy phrases you can use:
              Good morning ..... Guten Morgen
              Excuse me ..... Entschuldigung
              Cost? ..... Kosten?
              How much? ..... Wie viel?
              Better price? ..... Besser preis?
              Thank you ..... Danke
              Many thanks ..... Vielen Dank or Danke schön
              No thanks ..... Nein Danke
              Bye ..... Tschüss or Auf Wiedersehen
-Bring a pen and paper. This is great incase you want a phone number to get more items or get something delivered. It is also great incase you can't figure out what they are saying for price. 
- Do not be afraid to haggle! I also like going with friends to group items to get better deals. 

The Homburgh Flormarkt is from 8am-2pm usually on the first Saturday of the month but here is the schedule.

Address: Rathaus Am Forum 5, 66424 Homburg 

***UPDATE***
Remember those skeleton keys covered in rust? I submerged them in a glass full of white vinegar for a few days to remove the rust. Now I just need to remove the rust from my French bottle dryer.

Haribo

This place is awesome! I mean talk about a kid in a candy store! On our way up to Köln we made a pitstop at the Haribo store. Surrounding the store you will see the factory and tons of Haribo trucks. I was so excited to get a cart full go Haribo for super cheap.

This place had all sorts of fun shaped candies that you will not find at your local grocery store. They sell the standard size of goldenbaren for .60-.70 euros. If you want them in bulk, they have boxes in the Kg's you can take. They sell pretty much everything in multiple quantities, from small bags, to large bags, to buckets, to gift packs. They also have a few isles where you can mix up your own bag. The back of the store has an isle of all sorts of novelty items like pillows, bedding, umbrellas, towels, kitchenware and much more. 

They even had a kid section! They have a little ride, a talking and moving Haribo Bear, an interactive video game and a movie about the history of Haribo. Rand was more interested in getting some "gummies", especially the red ones. Down one of the many isles were big bags of the separated colors of gummy bears. Rand was so excited to have a big bag of just red gummies. 

• Haribo
• Friesdorfer Str. 121
  53175 Bonn
  Germany
  
  
  Tips:
  -Make sure to grab a cart and a box to put all your stuff in or bring bags of your own
  -Bring cash
  -make a list, especially if you want to buy gifts for people
  
  

Weihnachtsmarkt Favorites

When I first went shopping in Germany, I as VERY overwhelmed! It took a a lot of guessing and iTranslate uses to finally feel comfortable. Going to a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) is just as overwhelming. Not only is it large and packed full of people but its all in another language. Some people speak English but it is still nerve wrecking and intimidating trying to say " eine Krautschupfnudeln bitte" without sounding like an idiot. 

Christmas markets are full of amazing vendors selling yummy foods and treats, adorable Christmas trinkets and one of a kind items perfect to give as presents for the holidays. 

Here are some of my favorite things to get at a Weihnachtsmarkt. Now, at all Christmas markets sell these items but most do and be sure to try them out!

1. Weihnachtssterne/ Papierstern Lampenschirme (Star lantern)
You can not help but stare at the beautiful paper lanterns lit up around the vendor's stall. You can buy these anywhere from 5-15€. They can be lit by a light bulb or a small bundle of lights. 

2. Glühwein Becher (Glühwein mug)
Glühwein (or mulled wine) is always a favorite at every Weihnachtsmarkt. You can also get the kinderpunsch (the alcohol free version) which I actually like a lot better or the Eierpunsch (kind of like an eggnog). They are served in a special mug that is unique to each market. Many collect them or you can return to the vendor to get your deposit back. The deposit ranges between 1,50€-6€. 

3. Krautschupfnudeln is a harmonious blend of spaetzle, sauerkraut, speck (cured pork or bacon) and in some cases cheese. Whenever I see this amazing dish for sale, I run over and buy it. It is so amazing! I will have to master making it myself for when I move back to the States.
If you feel like you will not enjoy this feel, no worries! :) The market is packed full of amazing foods. I know you will find something delicious! 

4. Lebkuchen is a traditional German baked Christmas treat, somewhat resembling gingerbread. They are made into different shapes, ranging from circles to stars to squares. Some are plain or have chocolate or nuts on top.

5.  Gewürze (spices)
This year I was on the hunt for some fresh herbs and spices. Last year I bought some fresh ginger for my homemade gingerbread cookie recipe and it was a hit! I needed more ginger and wanted to get some other fresh ingredients for other recipes. Be sure to translate your list of spices into German before you leave the house. 
This year my list: ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano, nutmeg, cayenne pepper (ngwer, Zimt, Kurkuma, Oregano, Muskatnuss, Cayennepfeffer) 

6. Räuchermann (incense smoke)
I started collecting these decorative incense burners a few years ago. Each figurine comes apart and holds a small incense cone. When lit, the smoke floats out of the figure’s mouth to make him look like he’s smoking. They are sold in many different styles and sizes. I like the more traditional ones best: craftsmen, miners, night watchmen but they do sell more modern ones like athletes and such.

7. Adventskranz (Advent wreath)
If you live near a blumen shop, I highly recommend ordering an advent wreath from them. That way you can pick out colors and support small, local businesses. If not, no worries :) You can buy one ready to go from a vendor at the Weihnachtsmarkt. One candle is lit on each Sunday in Decemeber, to represent the countdown to Christmas. Here is a bit more info on the Adventskranz. 

Cora

So yeah... I have a post dedicated to a grocery store. BUT it is an amazing grocery store here in Europe. My husband favors the Cora in Belguim because he can get great Belgium beer there. I could care less and enjoy the one much closer (by like an hour and a half) in France. Forbach and St Avold are two great locations. 

Address: Avenue de l'Europe, 57602 Forbach, France
Address: Zone commerciale du Heckenwald, 57740 Longeville-lès-Saint-Avold, France

Cora has a lot of wonderful this to offer but it is very overwhelming. Here is a list of things I like to get while there:

~Wine (they actually have pretty good boxed wine), 
~Lemonade in beautiful glass bottles
~Seafood
~Soap
~Baguettes, croissants, and pastries
~Check out the spices, mustards,  and salt, ( I love the sea salt)
~Also wander down the sweets and chocolate isle (Côte d'Or brand)
~Take your time in the yogurt isle. They have little multi packs of pudding that come in small glass jars. I also found fromage blanc mixed with fruit (like yogurt). Also yogurt that comes in terra cotta pots

 

Here are some tips for your trip to Cora:

~Bring your passport since you will be traveling out of Germany
~Bring grocery bags (unless you want to pay per bag)
~Keep a cooler in your car. It helped keep your seafood, cheese or anything else cool till you get home.
~Be sure to have a coin for the shopping cart

They still had there Christmas/ Santa display out so I had to get a pic of Rand with Santa

Kaiserslautern Farmers' Market

Every Tuesday and Saturday morning Kaiserslautern’s pedestrian zone is full of farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, cheeses, eggs, honey, baked goods and much more. You can also find lots of fresh meats and fish. You can easily grab a coffee, pastry or bratwurst at a vendor at the market for a quick bite to eat or go to one of the many restaurants nearby. 

Do not worry if you are not fluent in Deutsch. Many of the vendors speak some English. Just remember to be extra friendly and smile.  Some easy phrases (that I even write down on a paper and keep in my pocket) are: “Ich hatte gerne _______” (I would like ___) and “Vos costet das?” (What does this cost?). If you forget or are too nervous, just smile, point, and say "bitte" (please) and “danke”(thank you) and the sellers will help you with the rest!

Parking: Kaiserslautern has tons of parking garages but we favor the Q-Park near the theatre

Stiftspl. 1, 67655 Kaiserslautern

Farmer's Market Address: Stiftsplatz, 67655 Kaiserslautern

Tips:

-Bring lots of smaller euros (like 1, 2 and 5 euros)

-Bring your own grocery bag(s)

-Bring a cooler if buying meat or fish

-Bring a translator

A few of my favorite things~ Candy in Germany

The other day I blogged about my favorite foods you can buy in German grocery stores. I am sure you have been waiting for my post about all the delicious candies and sweets I constantly buy and send family and friends back in the States. 

Here is a list of my top favorites (in no particular order):

Böhme Fruchtkaramellen
I have always enjoyed getting these little treats at restaurants after a meal but FINALLY learned they sell them at the grocery store down the street. These are very similar to Starbursts but are WAY better!

Happy Hippos
These are everyones go to item when I take the to a grocery store in Germany during a visit. I admit, I do not blame them for bringing an extra suitcase just for Happy Hippos. They are made of a wafer biscuit, shaped like a hippopotamus and the inside is filled with chocolate and vanilla icing.

Ritter Sport 
My all time favorite chocolates! Ritter Sport is family business that started when Alfred and Clara (over 100 years ago) decided to dedicate their lives to make chocolate and this today means a square chocolate bar that comes in many flavours/mixes.  
My top favorites are: Honig-Salz-Mandel, Alpenmilch, Erdbeer yohgurt, Espresso and Nugat

Milka
Another tasty chocolate bar that has numerous flavors from Oreo to hazelnut. They are all delicious.

Haribo
All German supermarkets sell the HARIBO and it is almost overwhelming to pick one when you see all the different kinds they have. Also, the Haribo gummy bears here in Germany taste so much better here. Don't quote me on this but I think that they use different better ingredients on their Germany candies. 
My top favorites: Goldbären, Happy Cherries, Happy Cola, Balla Stixx, Lasso (I usually can only find these ones at Globus or at festivals) 

Kinder Surpise
These funny chocolate eggs are illegal in America because of the bite sized toy that comes in every Kinder egg. My husband is usually not a fan of candy but enjoys these layered chocolate and vanilla flavored eggs.

Kinder Bueno
These little chocolate bars are hazelnut cream filled wafers with a chocolate covering. 

Tofifee
These bite-sized treats are a carmel cup filled with chocolate with a surprise hazelnut in the middle. 

Nutella
Oh Nutella... I had to post this one because this is the stuff everyone asks for. Yes, you can buy it in the States BUT it is definitely different ingredients. The stuff here in Germany tastes WAY better and is WAY cheaper. I can buy a huge jar of this stuff for 3euro while a smaller sized jar is $8+ in the US.

*I just want to say that while I wrote this I ate a whole bar of Ritter Sport Honig-Salz-Mandel, lol