Organizing My Life and Other Such Musings

I’ve been kicking myself for being so out of place. Of course my new obsession on Pinterest certainly isn’t helping any! I read somewhere that your house can be clean as a whistle but completely unorganized. That’s exactly what I am!!

I’m a list kind of person and I found some great ones on this site. I printed out two. One for meal planning with a grocery list option as well as a weekly cleaning guide to follow.

Check them out here:

Weekly Planners

I start this new method tomorrow and I’m hoping it sticks. I mean, no one is born into the HausFrau mode. Or maybe some are but for me it’s a struggle! Trying to remember everything that needs to get done is just overwhelming! I’ll keep you posted on how this thing works or not! Anyone have any tips?!?! My goal is to go to the grocery store only once a week to save money on gas and all that. I was going several times a week to grab little things that I needed to make dinner. What are some other good ways to save money?

In other news, Christmas season has started and I’m beyond excited for my mom, step dad, and sister to arrive for Christmas in Germany! I hope the snow kicks in by then! It’s much more beautiful covered in white. I have lots planned from the castles to the wineries to the Christmas Markets!!!!

Toblerone and I went to a Christmas market last night and it’s so magical. This one was small and close to our house but I’m excited to go to the bigger ones. For those of you that don’t know what this is, google it for the images, it’s a sweet market filled with vendors in little huts selling handmade crafts, typical German fare, and of course the Glühwein (warm spiced red wine)!

We picked up this German Advent centerpiece from a friend of his families. You’re supposed to burn a candle on the first Sunday in December. On the second Sunday you burn another candle and the first one again. By the time Christmas comes you will have all 4 burning up!

We’ve yet to get a Christmas tree. This is stressing me out! I’m thinking a fake tree is better for two reasons: 1. Harley won’t want to pee on it and tear it down and 2. The cleanup and watering. Who has good ideas on how to keep your giant dog from eating the tree?? Remember, this is the guy that gets mad when I’m gone to class for 4 hours so he rips everything to shreds. Help!!!

As far as my homesickness goes… It comes and goes. I think we may be able to make another trip in February again for a week or so which would be great! 8 months without going home in the first year of living abroad is an absolute no no! Granted, Toblerone had his emergency surgery so we didn’t have a choice but to stick around. I definitely miss all of my family and friends. I was spoiled being home and being able to text them (thanks Dad for the interim phone!) and see their cute faces!!!!

Here are a few highlights from my trip! Enjoy!!!!

Out for some brewskies with the older Bro

With my Dad and 3 of my brothers!

Snuggling up my baby nephew!

My Brother and I stalking our old house from when we were little

Toblerone with the Brother!

Bonfire and Smores with My Mom and Toblerone's parents

My Best friend RyRy (on the far left) and his Thanksgiving Extravaganza!

Uncle Toblerone and nephew Aidan!

The In-laws and my family participating in the Tree decorating! Goofing off!

A much needed night on the town with the girls!!! "Dear Dan" (long story)

Until next time, Readers!!!!! Xoxoxoxoxo