Bargain of the Week

This week I found some super deals here in town:

I bought this dress at H&M for $3 and the belt was also $3 from Orsay!!

Just incase you think you should run to the closest H&M, DON'T!! I bought these here in Poland for (20PLN, or $6.66 to be exact!)

I paired the dress with navy tights (also from H&M) and my cute ankle boots.  Since it is freezing here, I also layered up with a leather jacket to finish the look. 

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 

Friday Funday!!

Today I went Karpacz, a small spa/ski resort village in south-western Poland. The town is very tiny with only 5,000 inhabitants, but it's famous for the beautiful mountains (which many people frequent as an alternative to the Alps). I didn't explore much of the city because we there for one reason and one reason only.... To cut up the slopes!!

Karpacz was only one hour and 30 mins from our house, and a completely painless drive. I can't wait to go back very soon!! 

It was my first time snowboarding in 9 years! I personally love the feeling and liken it to my other fav of horse backing riding on the beach.

I rocked up in: my tights, a thermal, beanie, nike zippy, snow gloves, scarf and a snow jacket. I needed to hire a lot: Boots, snow pants, and a snowboard.... oh ya, and lift passes.

This set me back all of 76 PLN or $25 USD!!! I was speechless!! A full day of fun with gear, passes, AND clothes, all for price of lunch out in Melbourne!!! Insane!!!

Here are a few pics:

In the Dumps.... If you CHOOSE to be!!

Have you ever had one of those days where you are your hardest and toughest critic? 

You get on a negative track of thinking and spiral down and down, until you can barely remember what it was that got you down in the first place...

If I were skinner, I'd be happier.

If I had hair extensions, I'd feel prettier.

If I had more friends here, I'd feel more complete. 
If...If...If.....


So, I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself..... just like that!! (Well, after a gooooood night sleep that is).  After all, I don't have any real problems, I'm just battling some woeful PMS or something!! I had a fun  morning with a great friend, talked, drank some coffee, baked, AND then I bought myself some flowers. Yep, first time since I've been overseas. I went to the Lidel and bought a bushel of pink Tulips for 3PLN ($1 USD).  Once I got home and realized I didn't have a vase, I put my problem solving brain to use and scrubbed out an empty Mayo jar and, Voila!!! Now I have something cheery and enjoyable to look at, which also makes me smile!!

"Happiness depends upon ourselves."  Aristotle

WIW: What I Wore 2/25/12

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy and Mommagoround for WIW!!!

 &

Today, Dan had the day off so we went to Dresden, Germany for lunch at Vapiano followed by coffee and cake at Starbucks.

Here are some Instagram shots from our afternoon, and WIW of course...

Navy sweater dress: H&M

Leggings: Ginger Tree (Australia) 

Boots: Marco Tozzi (Germany)

Boots: Close Up

Happy HUMP day everyone!!!

My Road Trip to Ulm, Germany

Birdseye view of Ulm

The guys hit the road for a few days and I had the opportunity to visit Regina in Ulm, Germany! I jumped at the chance and had a marvelous time!

It's about 600 km (or 373 miles), so I was a bit nervous to make the journey all alone in freezing weather conditions and snow.  Since I always prepare for the worst, I packed enough water and food to get me through one or two nights in my potentially-might-possibly broken down piece of shit crap car (good thing I planned ahead, but read about that below!)

Ulm had it all! A quaint old town, hip cafes, delicious food, and lovely people. Our first night we went to a bonafide steakhouse!! I had to iMessage Dan a photo of the menu the moment we arrived, I couldn't believe I was about to ho down on some real beef!! I had a HUGE slab of spare ribs and washed it down with an ice cold German brew. After dinner we went home, rested up a bit, and then headed to a brewery for karaoke night! Regina and I are NOT the singing type, but we did enjoy laughing at other people's expense, and applauded loudly for those who provided the crowd with stellar performances.

I also had Chinese food for the first in God knows, bought some stellar winter pumps, and drank some of the best coffee I've had in months!!

Here are a few pics:

Ulm Minster  the tallest church in the world 

Inside the Minster 

Old Town

At Einstein's for a delicious American breakfast 

Fun Fact: Did you know Albert Einstein was born in Ulm?

Wouldn't be a girls night without facials! 

When the time came to leave, I was bummed the trip had come to an end! I wanted to stay so badly! I finally loaded the car and prepared for the five hour journey in route to the gas station, when my car went KA-PUT!!! At the time I was a bit concerned, but when I realized that it meant I was able to stay an extra night, it was all worth it! The following morning I went to a nearby dealership and they got the car working perfectly (leave it to the Germans!!) Seven and a half hours later (thanks snow!) I was back at my house safe and sound. 

Make sure you visit Ulm if you are close by! It's only 1.5 hours from Munich and 2 hours from Nuremberg if any of you basketball wives are out that way!! 

Regina, thanks again for an AWESOME time!! :)

Snow Day(s)

We had quite a lot of snow this week when Dan was gone, so I decided to take Diesel to the park in Gorlitz and see if he liked it.  Now, more than ever, I'm convinced that Diesel is half polar bear... 

Here are a few shots from this week:

All smiles

Waiting for his snowball to be thrown

Love my gum boots!

He always had is nose buried in the snow!

7 Deadly Sins Link-Up

Today I'm linking up with Shane at Whispering Sweet Nothings! I thought it was such a fun idea, so here we go....

pride

seven great things in your life.

1. My husband.

2. My parents.

3. My dog.

4. My friends.

5. My character.

6. My ability to adapt to my surrounds and the spontaneity of our bizarre life. 

7. The fact that I can call California and Australia, home. 

envy

seven things you lack and covet

1. Siblings.

2. Patience.

3. Confidence.

4. My family and friends close by (they are aprox 5,571 miles away as I type this)

5. A job.

6. Thicker hair. 

7. Yogis and their awesomeness. 

wrath

seven things that make you angry

1. Ignorant and close minded people. 

2. Gossip. 

3. Tailgaters, on the road, not the football pre-game kind. 

4. Cheap people. 

5. Holier than thou attitudes. 

6. Infidelity. 

7. Disloyalty.   

sloth

seven things that you neglect to do.

1. Moisturize.

2. Take out the trash.

3. Go to bed at a reasonable hour when my husband is on the road.

4. Admit when I'm wrong.

5.  Iron.

6. Use my turn signal. 

7. Walk my dog.

greed

seven worldly material desires.

1. A place to call our own (house or apartment). 

2. Tory Burch flats.

3. A LV purse. 

4. Ice Cream maker/machine. 

5. A french bulldog (So Diesel can have a sibling!)

6. Wolf stove. 

7. Hair extensions.

gluttony

seven guilty pleasures.

1. Reeses peanut butter cups.

2. Skype.

3. Coffee.

4. Pinterest (Username: Kickace)

5. Facebook

6. Sleeping in.

7. Spending so much time with my husband, alone, in Europe.

lust

seven things you love about love

1. Cuddling.

2. Inside jokes.

3. Catching my hubby's stare court side.

4. Kisses.

5. Sweet love notes.

6. Wrestling. 

7. Talking on the phone for hours about nothing. 

Don't forget to stop by her page and check her out!!!

All Star Game 2012

Dan and Konrad represented Turow

My hubby was selected to play on the All Star team here in Poland! He was voted in by the fans and was number one in his position to represent the team in the South.

The match was held in Katowice, Poland which is about 3 hours away from where we live. It was a bit of a nerve wracking ride with all the snow, but I made it with time to spare. The night was over the top with live performances, dunk contest, 3 point shooting, and a unique fire/drum halftime show. The game itself was good fun, and a lot like the Harlem Globetrotters style in that there was no defense, wicked dunks, sneaky assists, and lots of 3's. 

Here are some pics from the night. I'm so very proud of Dan, and Konrad, for representing our team!!

Game time

Dan's dunk!

Car jump at halftime

Post game shot

2 Weeks Down....

Updates on the resolutions, here we go. It has been two weeks (and two days, but who's counting?) and I decided to keep myself honest and check in on my resolutions...

Here were a few of my goals:

More reading, less Internet : Haven't unplugged as much as I thought I would, but I'm getting there and I'm really enjoying my book, Simple Abundance, that my Mom gave me as a stocking stuffer. More to come on that book later.... It's awesome!

More vegetarian meals, less red meat: Check!! Been eating healthier all across the board, so super happy about that! 

More patient, less tantrums: I have my days. What can I say?

Less swearing, more singing: Lots of talking to myself singing lately since I'm home alone for 6 days! Boo hoo!! And I have toned it down on the cuss words too!

Worry less, pray more: Double check!

Smile more, complain less: Been super positive lately and the new gym that just opened here has been a great outlet for me. I feel more balanced and excited to keep oozing positivity (sounds gross!)

How are you resolutions coming along? Are you where you want to be so far?

Visitors! Part II Berlin

Berlin.... *sigh* 

When people ask me, "What is your favorite city in the world?" I have to take a number of things into account.  A few of which are:

A. Cuisine B. History C. People

A. If you know me, you know that I have an appetite.... not only for life, but quite literary, I have a HUGE appetite!  If a city's food is dull and bland, than I must assume the people are same.

B. History makes me tick! I wouldn't win a trivia night by a long shot, but I love learning about wars, especially WWII.

C. The people in a city should be interesting to look at. There should be a good balance between the well pressed work suits and the multi hair coloured hipsters. There shouldn't be too many homeless people and there should also be enough good looking men to make any woman do a double take (or two).  There should be people walking dogs, but no poop on the streets, and smiles should returned (because they are not typically initiated).

In my opinion, Berlin has it all! It isn't my most favorite city in the whole wide world, but it is in my top 10! {My top 10 favourite European cities are listed here.}

The food- to die for! The history- in a league of it's own! The people- so well put together!

So, I decided to take Mom and Dad to visit Berlin and we stayed the Westin Grand Berlin.  The hotel was walking distance from the Berlin Wall (12 mins), Checkpoint Charlie (6 mins), and Brandenburg gate (15mins).  Here are a few snapshots of my favourite things Berlin has to offer:

Berlin wall

Gendarmenmarkt by night (It's free during the day
and only 1 Euro to get in at night)

Brandenburg Gate

Mom and Dad taking in the sights

Checkpoint Charlie Museum 

In my humble opinion, the Gendarmenmarkt was the Christmas best in all of Germany! There are huge tents that have been converted into portable restaurants and the food is authentic and rich. If you are counting carbs, or if you're a vegan or vegetarian sissy, then don't bother going... meat lovers only!! (J/K I love all you hipster animal loving vegans!) 

Must EAT: the chocolate covered fruit, the potatoes smothered in cheese and herbs, a bratwurst, and the hot apple cider.  

The Checkpoint Charlie museum was excellent and I highly recommend doing the audio tour if you go. Remember NOT to get your passport stamped at the checkpoint as it makes your passport null and VOID!! Buy a postcard in the shop for 2 Euro and get that sampled instead! 

Brandenburg gate at night is a sight to behold, check it out no matter what!!

Additional Info:

The first time I ever went to visit Berlin was in the Spring and we did a 4 hour bike tour with this company Fat Tire, and they were great! Just remember to check the forecast if you are going to be it he elements for that long you will want to bring a hat and gloves. It was still freezing in March 2011 when we went!! It is a must try if you are visiting Berlin in the Spring, Summer, or Fall! 

Visitors!! Part I

Oh my... its been ages since my last REAL post!! At least I have a good reason! My parents were here, with me, in Poland! I feel like the kid that suffered a bad case of nitrous oxide... "is this real life?"

For those of you who follow me on my blog FB page here, you would have read multiple posts stating that I hadn't seen my parents in six months! For us, six months isn't too bad, but the last time I saw them in Europe was 2008! (They came for Easter and we road tripped from Lugo, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal).

We visited and explored three countries in less than 2 weeks, and Mom and Dad were even able to squeeze in Austria at the last minute! I'm going to write a few posts the next couple days highlighting what we did and sights we saw.

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The day after Mom and Dad arrived, we headed to Wroclaw with my girlfriends for some shopping, healthy and delicious perogies, and our boy's basketball game. The team won in the final seconds and Dan had a spectacular 26 points in 26 minutes!

The following day we drove to Dresden, Germany to visit the Festung Museum (Translated it's called: Dresden Fortress). The museum is open from 10am - 4pm daily from November to March, and it is worth visiting if you are in the area or have an affinity for all things underground and hilariously narrated audio tours.

Dresden waterfront, fortress in beneath this walkway

Underground exploring the fortress 

Close up of the Moritz Monument (the oldest monument in Dresden, 1555) 

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We also explored the Christmas market, which just so happens to be the oldest in all of Germany.

Your At - A - Glance German Christmas Market Key:

1. Dresden: Oldest Xmas market, dating back to 1434

2. Nuremberg: Largest Xmas market 

3. Berlin: Has over 60 markets to choose from, but Gendarmenmarkt is the best!

Dresden Frauenkirche Church 

Sipping Starbucks after some delicious Brats

Dresden's Christmas market 

The market in Dresden is simply wonderful! The stands boast delicious and authentic German food, Gluhwein (mulled wine), and greasy, fat bratwursts!! Avoid going on Sundays, as that is family day and the markets are overflowing with people. Ideally weekdays are best when you have room to move around, shop, look at the decorations, and drink your cold, frothy beer in peace. 

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Want to read more about Dresden? Well, who doesn't love Rick Steves? If you want to read about his thoughts on the awesomeness that is Dresden, click HERE!

January Challenge

For all you Instrgram-o-holics... yes you! Don't be shy!!

Have you seen this online yet? If not, check it out...

I'm participating and having a blast already! My username is "ekicks" if you want to follow my life in Europe through photos...

2012, Out with the Old.... In with the _______

NYE

Like a lot of people say, my New Year's resolution was to not make any resolutions, but I've caved!

Here are a few of my goals:

More reading, less Internet 

More vegetarian meals, less red meat

More patient, less tantrums (Yes, I still throw one occasionally!)  

Less swearing, more singing

Worry less, pray more

Smile more, complain less 

And, like always, continue to rejoice daily in God's blessings of my family and my health

Watching fireworks in Germany...

New Year, new plans, new goals.... New uncertainties, more suitcases packed and unpacked, and more hellos and heartbreaking goodbyes... Exciting weddings, trips home, and many laughs to be had...

It is always exhilarating to start fresh! No matter how you ended 2011, the first few times you write that 2 at the end of the date (ahem, usually typing that 2) is a a quick reminder that we are moving on, moving forward. Open yourself new things and possibilities.... 

Hope everyone had a wonderful start to 2012!!