Nymphenburg Palace

One of the great things about having friends and family come to visit Husband and I in Munich, is that we get to become tourists again! This past Sunday we took Husband's cousin to see Nymphenburg Palace. 

Enjoying the changing foliage halfway through our walk!

We walked and walked and walked...all the way to the back of the park! 

To give you an idea, the main palace is centered in this photo.

 This is Husband and I in the Summer 2013 in front of the main palace.

A shot of how far back the grounds run from the edge of Nymphenburg's garden. 2013

The grounds at Nymphenburg are filled with swans, ducks, birds, and even deer! 2013

With similarities in design to Versailles in Paris, it is here at Nymphenburg that the Bavarian royal family took up summer residence for several centuries.

Standing in the main hall inside Nymphenburg. 2013

Ceiling detail inside the main hall. 2013  

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There are several other buildings on the grounds at Nymphenburg. 

These are the guys in front of the hunting lodge deep in the woods. 

How ironic that it's pink?! 2013

Who has a kitchen inside a hunting lodge that looks like this?

Those tiles are beautifully hand painted! 2013

Not too often enough, but occasionally our family spends Sundays walking the grounds. 

Even Shelby Dog loves joining in on the sight seeing! Spring 2013.

This was our first visit to Nymphenburg Palace. 2013

During this visit we questioned why it had taken us so long to visit!

Sunday stroll along the canal. Spring 2013

I'm already thinking about another stroll this coming Sunday.

The leaves and weather has just been too gorgeous to not enjoy!

Happy Tuesday,

Oktoberfest München 2014

All good things must come to an end. The world's largest Oktoberfest celebration in Munich has come to a close for 2014. 

For two and a half weeks the streets of Munich have been flooded with people from all corners of the world. I've heard an American embarrassingly say "Hey Bro..." on the train, at the store I pointed a Brit in the direction of tissues, Husband bought a beer from a Russian, and I had a conversation about surfing with a mate from Down Under.

As the flights take off and the trains depart, Husband and I are suddenly sticking out again as "the Texans." (Have I mentioned the Indian restaurant near our house doesn't even ask for my name when I order take out?)

This was our third year to visit Oktoberfest and it did not disappoint. Check out this cool attraction! The ramp on the left is a conveyor belt people ride standing up, then you walk up the stairs to the top of the tower for a cool view of the festival, then you slide on a carpet scrap all the way down. Talk about some good old fashion fun!

This year Husband's cousin came to visit during the last weekend of Oktoberfest. We arrived at the festival around 8:00 p.m. and were doubtful of getting into a beer tent, let alone a table inside a beer tent.

We decided our best bet would be to head to the section called "Oide Wiesn" which means "Old Wiesn". Not too many tourists know about this back part of Oktoberfest. It is vintage version of Oktoberfest with restored rides, traditional tents, and old beer/food recipes.

Tractor Pic for my Dad

When we walked into the Ode Weisn we noticed there were far less people. It began to look like our chances of getting into a tent were possible!

As luck would have it, we got into a tent! (On a Saturday night...without reservations!) We found a waitress and asked her if there were any spaces left in her section. She asked a table if we could join them and suddenly our new Bavarian friends were scooting down, making space. 

Now I'm not much of a beer drinker. I think the last time I drank a beer was Oktoberfest 2013 come to think of it... but Saturday night, I swore this was the best beer I had ever tasted. Something about the vintage, ceramic mug just kept that beer colder longer. Or perhaps it was the old recipe I enjoyed best?

Dinner was a bit on the pricier side. This is not uncommon for Oktoberfest. Husband and I paid 51 Euros for two beers and two dinners. Usually, when we eat out we pay an average of about 40 Euros. I got my all-time favorite Bavarian schnitzel and potato salad. Delicious!

Something extra sweet happened during this year's Oktoberfest. I have promised you pictures and now here they are...Husband and I dressed in traditional Bavarian lederhosen and dirndl!

Saturday Night

Photo Bombed Thursday

If you remember from back in June, Husband received his lederhosen from myself and his parents as a 30th birthday present. His pants are made out of leather and are meant to last a lifetime. 

Thursday evening, Husband wore a traditional gingham blue button down shirt with his lederhosen. Most men wear blue, green, or red gingham and the buttons look like they are made from deer antlers. It was a bit shocking to see Husband dressed as a true Bavarian!

I had been on the search for two years for the perfect dress! I knew I wanted my two favorite colors, cobalt blue and green apple. One day I randomly stopped inside the trachten shop, Angermaier, and there it was... the dress I had envisioned for two years, on "clearance" and in my size! 

I quickly called Husband to verify the purchase was ok (it was over our "No questions asked" amount) and he said "No problem." As easy as that, it was the only dress I tried on, and it was what I like to call "shopping fate."   

Even Shelby Dog joined in on the Oktoberfest fun! She is loving her new Bavarian lion "Lowen". (Husband won this in a shooting game!)

Did you celebrate Oktoberfest this year? Who is interested in visiting Oktoberfest in Munich? Is it on your bucket list?

Cheers and Prost,

What's On- Your Feet

I'm excited for today because I'm joining in on my very first "What's On..." link up party! The party is hosted by Momfessionals and this month's topic is "What's On...Your Feet".

Now guys, I will admit, I have a shoe buying problem. Probably not the kind of problem you are thinking... where I go out and buy way too many shoes and then secretly hide them from Husband. It's the complete opposite. I hardly EVER buy new shoes. 

This problem is unintentional. Between living in a cobble-stoned infested area where high heels are death and my ability to not part with larger sums of money, I just somehow over look my feet when I shop.

Today I am going to feature the Top 3 pairs of shoes most often on my feet:

1. Grey Converse:

These grey Converse are my go-to shoes no matter the season. Living without a car, (I haven't driven in 9 months!) I walk just about everywhere. I spend at least 40 minutes in my commute each day just walking. 

My grey Converse are well traveled and well loved. I also own a black pair but they are somewhere in storage back in Texas.

2. Ugg Clogs:

Similar to the Converse, I also wear these Ugg clogs just about year round. Even though these clogs are fur lined, (and Europeans look at me oddly), when the summer temperature is in the 50s, this Texas girl finds a little warmth necessary!  

Husband has begged me to get rid of these clogs. The heel on the clog and I have a Love/Hate relationship. While I love the style the heel gives to these boots, the heel is a bit dangerous on cobble-stones. When the heel hits the edge of a stone just right my ankle gives out. My ankle was swollen for a week after falling on my face during a trip to Vienna.

3. Fur Lined Winter Boots

These boots were love at first step. If I ever walk on a cloud it must feel something like walking in these boots. I bought a pair of these Ugg Knock-Offs at T.K.Maxx for 60 Euros. There is not a label inside and when I found the boots on the shelf, they were even tagless. 

I am not sure if I over-paid or got a good deal. All I know is that I can not wait to step foot inside these boots come the next couple of weeks! The snow is coming my friends...

As you can see, I am a girl who likes to be comfortable with the except of a few ankle rolls. I do own a pair of olive green snakeskin high heels I bought from Nine West years ago. I call them my "once a year heels" well... because I only wear them once a year. 

Perhaps when we return to Texas, and I'm back to driving everywhere, I will have to go on a cute shoe shopping spree. What do you think of that Husband?

Are you more of a comfortable shoe person or a no pain no gain shoe person?

Have a Great Week,

Friday Favorites: Fall Edition

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday!!!!! I repeat... FRIDAY!!!!! Shout it from the rooftops, #hashtag it, or send a telegram, the weekend is officially here. 

I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci today to share this week's favorites!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Old news I know, but it only seemed appropriate that I start off the first Friday Favorites of October with the beloved PSL. Also, a shout-out to the barista who spelled my name correctly! She may have had a little help with the ending... "Maren not Mareen".

2. October

Speaking of October... can it be one of my favorites? This month is fantastic with loads of college football games, pumpkin flavored foods, changing leaves, crisp air, and it all ends with one of the most fun holidays! You can find this free printable at Kristen Runs Through It and how cool is it that the quote is from Anne of Green Gables? I love Anne Shirley!

 3. Mad About You

When Husband and I need something light and funny to turn to after a day of working, lately we have watched old episodes of Mad About You. Do you remember this show? It ran during the 90s and I used to watch it at my grandparent's house. Nowdays, it is much more funny since Husband and I can relate to Jamie and Paul. 

4. Munich in Fall

This is the Rathaus right in the city center of Munich. A "rathaus" is basically a city hall. I took this photo with my cellphone and just loved the blue contrast of the sky against the brown stones of the Rathaus. Sometimes I stop by Marienplatz on my commute home just to take in the awe of the beautiful Rathaus and plaza. 

5. OPI "I Knead Sour-Dough"

Do you forget you have certain nail polish colors? I have no idea where this bottle came from but I was excited when I found it among my collection. I think this is a great shade for fall because it is not too red but the perfect combination of maroon and bronze with a hint of pink. 

6. A Sense of Humor 

Last night we attend Oktoberfest and I just had to share this photo. We were laughing so hard when a family photo bombed our picture! Did you notice the mom and daughter hanging back also laughing? Our world needs people with a sense of humor. Love it!

Which of these fall favorites appeals to you? Do you have any fall favorites I should check out? 

Happy Friday,