"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Welcome
Welcome! I am so happy you are here. The concept of this blog was birthed nearly 5 years ago offering a glimpse into my experiences and reflections on travel and on life as a mother living abroad.
I hope to provide a safe and enlightening place where we can encourage each other to learn, grow and dream collectively. Thanks for stopping by!
-Kristie xo
Blog & Article Posts
6 Reasons to Visit the World’s Largest Pumpkin Festival
Immerse yourself in the spirit of autumn at the Annual Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisausstellung) in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Celebrate fall in spectacular fashion by experiencing the world’s largest pumpkin festival, located in the charming city of Ludwigsburg in southwestern Germany. Engage in a vibrant array of activities, witness enormous pumpkin displays, and savor unique pumpkin-inspired culinary delights. This renowned event offers a blend of fun, culture, and gastronomy, providing an unforgettable, family-friendly adventure, ideal for both local and international visitors. #LudwigsburgPumpkinFestival #GermanAutumn #FamilyTravel #PumpkinDelights #CulinaryJourney
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Celebrate Advent with These Simple Ideas
Part 1: Dive into the festive spirit of Advent with unique and heartwarming ideas tailored for your family. Shift from store-bought calendars to homemade ones using simple materials like twine and bags. Introduce your kids to themes of gratitude, service, and memory-making. Engage in family discussions, offer little surprises, and prioritize activities that encourage giving and togetherness. Whether it’s a thoughtful act of service or a cozy family movie night, make this Advent season memorable. #AdventIdeas #FamilyAdvent #Gratitude #Service #MakingMemories.
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40 Fun and Simple Advent Activities for Kids
Part 2: Discover 40 delightful Advent activities to make your festive countdown unforgettable. From family game nights and hot chocolate evenings to Christmas crafting and heartwarming charitable acts, there’s something for everyone. Revel in the joy of watching your children eagerly unveil daily surprises, whether it’s a tasty treat or a cherished family activity. Personalize this list to suit your family’s traditions, ensuring a magical Christmas season. #AdventActivities #FamilyFun #ChristmasCountdown #FestiveCrafts #SeasonOfGiving.
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40 Popular Fillers For Your Advent Calendar
Part 3: Enhance your Christmas countdown with affordable and delightful Advent calendar fillers your kids will adore! From non-food items like glow sticks, playdough, and coloring books to festive treats like gingerbread cookies and chocolate kisses, the options are endless. Whether you’re shopping at dollar stores or Target’s dollar bins, there’s something for every budget. Make Advent special and stress-free, focusing on joy and family traditions. #AdventFillers #ChristmasJoy #BudgetFriendly #KidsFavorites #FestiveTreats.
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Take a Visit to Germany’s Bad Urach Waterfall
Experience the magic of Bad Urach, a gem near Stuttgart, Germany, boasting mesmerizing waterfalls and scenic mountain hikes. This family-friendly destination offers serene early morning visits, ensuring picturesque waterfall views without the crowds. Explore trails, enjoy Biergarten-style meals, and let kids play in the refreshing streams. Tip: In summer, visit early for cooler weather and fewer tourists. #BadUrachAdventures #GermanyHikes #WaterfallViews #FamilyFunDay #MountainMagic.
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Spend the Day at Lake Constance (Bodensee)
A spontaneous trip led us from Germany to the shores of Lake Constance in Switzerland, filling our souls with unparalleled views. This alpine gem, Lake Constance or ‘Bodensee’, is surrounded by Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, providing stunning panoramas from every angle. After savoring a delightful meal at Strandwirtschaft Schlössli, we soaked in the sun at Badeplatz Röösli, a lakeside park perfect for families. As we headed back, the tranquil landscapes of Switzerland and Germany wrapped up our unforgettable day. Eagerly anticipating our next European escapade!
#LakeConstance #SwissAdventures #BodenseeBeauty #FamilyTravel #EuropeanEscape
The Blautopf in Blaubeuren: A Visitor’s Guide
Discover the enchanting Blautopf in Blaubeuren, a picturesque town in Southern Germany, known for its vibrant, deep blue waters and intriguing underground cave system. This 65-foot deep natural spring, nestled in the heart of Blaubeuren, offers visitors a unique and mesmerizing experience, seamlessly blending nature’s mystery and awe-inspiring beauty. Explore the hidden wonders and anticipations while visiting the illustrious Blautopf, a treasured gem amidst the serene landscapes of Blaubeuren.#BlaubeurenBlautopf #GermanyTravelGuide #SouthernGermanyHighlights #BlaubeurenExploration #NaturalSpringsAdventure
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Höhenpark Killesberg: 6 Reasons to Visit
Discover the allure of Stuttgart’s Höhenpark Killesberg. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers a unique blend of activities set against a canvas of lush flowerbeds, towering trees, and breathtaking views. Both families and solo travelers will find this location the perfect blend of serenity and amusement. Dive into an experience where nature meets adventure and where memories are waiting to be made. #StuttgartAdventure #KillesbergMagic #NatureLover #PeacefulRetreat #FunDayOutdoors
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Meet Kristie: Who Am I?
Join me, Kristie Rodriguez, as I navigate life in scenic Germany, raising two spirited kids and indulging in adventures that fuel our wanderlust! From Ohio to Florida, and now Europe, my family’s journey is packed with tales of travel, parenting, and embracing change. Follow me into my stories of motherhood, my passion for early childhood education, and my love for the world’s beauty. Ready for an inspiring ride? Let’s embark on this journey together! #LivingAbroad #FamilyAdventures #GermanyDiaries #MomLife #KristieRodriguez
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Kristie Rodriguez: 5 Random Facts
Dive into the world behind the blogger! From a festive decorating passion (Christmas being the favorite) to a unique germophobic childhood memory and a love affair with office supplies, I’ve got plenty of quirks! Remember when I despised coffee? Starbucks changed the game. Also, catch me jamming to The Dave Matthews Band, with almost 60 live shows under my belt! Discover these snippets that paint my life’s canvas. #BloggerLife #DaveMatthewsBand #CoffeeJourney #DMBfan #HolidayDecorObsession
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Oktoberfest 2024: 10 Things to Know About Germany’s Largest Festival
Heading to Oktoberfest in Munich? Embrace Bavarian culture by donning traditional attire like lederhosen and dirndls. Enjoy free admission, but remember to pack light and carry euros—cash is preferred. Parents, take note of stroller restrictions. Ride the giant Ferris wheel, savor iconic treats like soft pretzels and käsespätzle, and immerse yourself in the tent culture, where beer flows and tunes play. Learn the history behind this 200-year-old festival and toast with locals using “prost!”. #OktoberfestTips #MunichFestival #BavarianCulture #TravelGermany #BeerFestival
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Visiting Stuttgart’s Birkenkopf (Rubble Hill)
Discover the Birkenkopf in Stuttgart, a hill constructed from WWII ruins. As a poignant reminder of Stuttgart’s destruction, this site saw the city rebuild from its rubble, raising the hill by 40 meters. Today, it’s the highest inner-city point, offering breathtaking views. Among the ruins, a cross and plaque pay tribute to wartime victims. Visit this historic, no-fee spot with stroller-friendly paths. Reflect on the past and appreciate present-day Stuttgart. #StuttgartTravel #BirkenkopfMemorial #HistoricViews #WWIIRemembrance #GermanyJourney
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