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04.20.2021 • 2 Comments

Life in Germany: I Have Pandemic Fatigue

I give up. I have pandemic fatigue, and I’m straight up, officially exhausted. I’ve been fine with social distancing. I’ve been on board with wearing masks—including having my kids wear them all day at school. We haven’t seen family in 11 months, or friends in six months; the last time I shopped in a store for something besides groceries was November 2020, and now they’ve actually restricted us even more here in Germany. We live in a “tri-border” area,… Read More…

04.18.2021 • Leave a Comment

Cherry Blossom Street in Bonn, Germany

Ten years ago when we moved to Italy, I scoured the Internet for the coolest places to see in Europe. In my search, I found a photo of one single avenue in Germany where cherry blossoms bloom, creating an umbrella of pink, fluffy cherry blossoms that envelope the entire area. This cherry blossom street looked like a magical dream, and I needed to see it with my own eyes. We made plans to visit back then, but then life… Read More…

04.11.2021 • Leave a Comment

7 Spring & Summer Must Haves

I know this is straying from my usual content, but it’s time I share my favorite spring and summer must haves. Warm weather is right around the corner (or maybe you’re already basking in it), and being prepared will go a long way in enjoying every minute of it. As a creature of habit (or maybe I should say, as someone who doesn’t stray from things she likes), you can rest assured that these are tried and true favorites…. Read More…

04.05.2021 • Leave a Comment

Everything to Know about Moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming | FE Warren AFB

If your family just got word that you’re PCSing to FE Warren AFB and moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, you’ve come to the right place. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill guide. You won’t discover what schools are the best, where you should live, or the best doctor; instead, you’ll find things you want to know about like favorite day trips, radio stations, and all the yummy places to eat. Meet Jessica! This Duty Station Spotlight is from Jessica. Not only is she… Read More…

03.30.2021 • Leave a Comment

A Good Gouda Day Trip with Kids

The town of Gouda may be known for its delicious cheese, but it has a lot more going for it, which makes Gouda the perfect spot for a day trip*. There’s charm around every corner and delicious sweet and savory scents wafting through the air. *We visited Gouda back in August 2020. I’ve been sitting on this post since lockdowns keep getting extended. But it’s time for it to see the light of day. Please check before visiting any… Read More…

03.25.2021 • 2 Comments

The Most EGGcellent Easter Brunch Board

Friends, this eggcellent Easter brunch board is where it’s at, and it totally needs to be on every table this coming Easter (or really, any time you fancy an easy and tasty brunch). It’s got everything you love about brunch—minus the mimosa, sorry. And, of course, it’s got plenty of eggs. Hard boiled, deviled, and a simple “salad” version to appease just about anyone. Plus, my favorite way to eat them: on some avocado toast. Plus, my favorite part… Read More…

03.23.2021 • Leave a Comment

See Tanks in Germany at Brander Wald

What do you get when you mix a nature reserve and a military training facility? You get Brander Wald; a great place to stretch your legs and see an unexpected “tank graveyard;” something you normally don’t get to see up close and personal. Tanks in Germany, you ask? Yup. A couple weeks ago we tried to visit Brander Wald near Aachen, Germany, but it was closed to the public (only open on the weekends and public holidays). Instead of… Read More…

03.18.2021 • Leave a Comment

How to do a Military DITY Move Like a Pro

If you’re in the military and you hear the term a “DITY” move (do-it-yourself move), you might immediately feel overwhelmed, panic slightly and then want to run the other way…even if you’re not the one moving! Have no fear, this post is going to help you do a DITY move like a pro! I’m beyond excited and honored to have Mallory from DITY Mama sharing her expertise in today’s post. She amazes me with her knowledge and helpfulness when… Read More…

03.16.2021 • 1 Comment

Visiting Stolberg, Germany

Last week we took advantage of the kids having a random day off in the middle of the week, and decided to check out Stolberg, Germany; a town just 45 minutes from us with a castle. Because if there’s one thing we love out here: it’s castles. I mean, we’ve gotta entice the kids somehow! They don’t realize yet how lucky they are to be here and see these places. A friend posted some photos, and it looked neat,… Read More…

03.11.2021 • 2 Comments

The Year Everything Changed: My 2020 Story

I’ve been regretting not keeping track of the events surrounding early 2020—aka: the year that everything changed—better. But after writing the post below, I actually think that’s for the best. I was too deep in the muck and mud to even realize what was happening clearly. So here it goes…my recap of what it was like during those first few months of the pandemic: What it was like when everything changed Twenty twenty started out fine. Actually, it was… Read More…

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hey, I'm Jess!
I'm an Air Force wife and mom with three kids currently living in Germany. I'm always planning our next trip and feeding my hungry family with easy meals. If I'm not doing one of those two things, you'll probably find me drinking a second cup of coffee, reading a book, or taking a nap. I'm so happy you're here!

I'm so happy you're here!
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Oh, Germany. I really want to love you, but....⁠ Oh, Germany. I really want to love you, but....⁠You keep playing with my emotions. ⁠
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You are gorgeous; there's no denying that, but I want to EXPERIENCE you. And for the past 10 months, it's been like living in la-la land. (and not the good kind with Ryan Gosling popping around to sing us a song.)⁠
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Because the truth? It's REALLY hard out here. ⁠
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Moving overseas is already crazy all on its own (been there; done that before), but this pandoozy is, actually, a real freaking doozy. ⁠
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People (local and friends/family) ask how it's going and/or how we like Germany. And, because the truth can make people uncomfortable, I tell them it's fine.⁠
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But the thing is...it's anything but fine. ⁠
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[SWIPE to see a little glimpse of what life is like here right now. *I did NOT write that. If you know the original author, I am more than happy to give credit where credit is due.]⁠
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On top of not being able to go shopping without jumping through hoops, now if our kids want to continue attending their DODEA school (in the Netherlands; we live in a border town), they will now have to have a negative test twice a week to be allowed to come back into Germany every day 😳. ⁠
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Oh, and there is no other option. If we don't comply, we have to pull them out of school.⁠
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It's something we're struggling with BIG time, because I'm thinking long term here and how that will affect them in the future. ⁠
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Masks I can deal with. Social distancing at school? Fine; they can still "see" their friends. But getting something shoved up their nose twice a week? It’s too much. ⁠
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I don't want ^this^ to become their norm and what they'll take away from their time in Germany.⁠ 
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My military kids may be freaking resilient, but I want to draw the line here.⁠
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So that's where we're at.  Another crossroad in a foreign country, trying desperately not to create an international incident and not go completely bat shit crazy at the same time over all of this. ⁠
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Germany, I desperately want to love you. Our small adventures have been wonderful so far, and they fill our empty cups, but I truly hope something changes for the better sooner than later...because I don't know how much more we can handle
I don't want to get all bossy on you, buuuuut: 🛑 stop what you're doing, save this post, pin the blog post (link in my bio), and add this spot to your bucket list ASAP ✅⁠⁠
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🌸 Yesterday we checked out the famous cherry blossom street (aka Heerstraße) in Bonn, and it jaw dropping beautiful.⁠⁠
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Seeing these bright pink blossoms enveloping us as we walked under its canopy was like a breath of fresh air after such a dreary winter. ⁠⁠
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10 out of 10, two thumbs up, and I 💯 recommend.⁠⁠
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This is a once-a-year affair, so if you're in the area, make plans to see them ASAP. ⁠⁠
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QUICK TIPS (but check out the blog post for way more info):⁠⁠
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⏰ Get there EARLY. We were there at nine, and the street was crowded by 10am (swipe for the last pic).⁠⁠
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😷 Don't forget your mask. You've gotta wear it while you're in old town Bonn. We'd pull ours down for a quick pic and then pop it back on.⁠⁠
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🔁 Can't make it this year? Follow @kirschbluetebonn. She's local and posts updates on the blossoms, and is the reason we saw them this year!⁠⁠
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🚗 Save this location for a great parking garage—less than a 5-minute walk to Heerstraße.⁠⁠ (Weiherstraße 6, 53111 Bonn)
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📸 Bring your tripod. I totally forgot mine, which is why I'm reminding you to bring yours! ⁠⁠
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👉 Have you strolled along the cherry blossom street in Bonn? If not, is it on your bucket list now?⁠⁠
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tap for more travel info ⁠⁠
➡️ @jesstagirl⁠⁠
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👋 Slow your scroll....and come say "hey!" ⁠
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Because it's finally the end of the week, how about a few fun Friday facts for ya, because who doesn't love learning little things about someone? ⁠
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🏘️ I'm a native New Mexican currently transplanted in Germany with my three kiddos and Air Force husband. ⁠
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I ALSO...⁠
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🏰 think I may add "castle hunter" to my resume⁠
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🍟 use my Air Fryer daily; I'm obsessed with it. I made zucchini fries a few days ago that were 💣⁠
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🚲 recently discovered a love for bike riding.⁠
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🚗 really like reading books on road trips (so thankful I don't get car sick)⁠
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💕 miss my family immensely. This has been the longest I've gone without seeing them, and I'm over it. ⁠
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🌿 haven't killed my plants yet 🙌⁠
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🥃 found a new drink I like called a Paper Plane (equal parts aperol, amaro, lemon juice, and bourbon. Shake it, strain it, drink it)⁠
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👉 Do we have anything in common?!⁠
....Your turn! Drop a fun fact about yourself ⤵️⁠
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One more thing… 🤷🏻‍♀️I need help naming my newsletter. Got any fun/clever ideas for me? If I use your idea, I'll send ya something from out here! (Not on my list? link in bio to get on it!) ⁠
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Tap for more --> @jesstagirl⁠
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💙 💙Double tap if you wish you could blink an 💙 💙Double tap if you wish you could blink and be transported here.  🇬🇷 Here's a #ThrowbackThursday to eight years ago (pre-kids) when my mom, dad, and I cruised the Mediterranean and had a port stop in Santorini, Greece.  It was magical.  We didn't do any excursions on Fira; instead, we wandered around on foot, soaked in the mesmerizing views around every corner, and ate our faces off.  Sometimes the best plans include not having a plan at all.  [SWIPE for some older pics from around Fira, Greece]  ⭐ Rumor has it that Greece is opening its doors to visitors* on May 14, and I'm not going to lie: it's tempting to want to visit.  **Of course double check all the entry/re-entry requirements before you jump on a jet!  👉 Have you been to Greece (with kids) before? Would you go there now with your family if you could?  --------
Tap for more travel info/inspo -> @jesstagirl
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😫 We're totally feeling some pandoozy* fatigue 😫 We're totally feeling some pandoozy* fatigue over here...anyone else?  I try to keep things positive and upbeat, but daaaaaaang, y'all. That line between complaining and also trying to "keep it real" is getting real thin 😬.  Over the weekend I read an opinion piece in @thelocal called "OPINION: Germany has Never Had a Real Covid Lockdown," and I scoffed at the title before even reading it, thinking the author was spewing some BS...but then I read it, and it tweaked my perspective.  Basically it said that we (in Germany) haven't had an actual lockdown yet, compared to places like Italy and Scotland, where you had to have a legit permission slip to even step out of your house.  💔 I have friends in Italy and I remember my heart breaking when I heard that.  It's so easy to get sucked into this "pandoozy" fatigue and negativity flying around 😠 (and I totally contribute to it, too).  But I'm trying, with all my might, to be thankful for things: we can still go on walks, bike rides, my kids can still play at the park, and we can go on small adventures.  Please know that I don't share pictures of castles to brag, but more to keep me sane and to remind myself that there is still a bright side to being out here and so far away from family and "normalcy."  Because every fiber of my being wants to jump ship.  I'm green with envy of all my friends who have actual tickets and plans to go home, which is why I'm trying to think of the things we CAN do here, especially with more "restrictions" in place for our border town, and more coming.  We CAN:
⭐ go castle hunting
⭐ shop almost exclusively at a German store
⭐ get takeaway from yummy restaurants
⭐ make an appt. to go shopping
⭐ visit places within 2 hrs of our home  We may not have Target, Chick-fil-A, the ability to eat in a restaurant, or spend the night anywhere, but we have castles and cute towns, darn it!  So that's where we're at. Tired and slumped over, but still trying to eke out some literal sunshine.  👉 How are YOU doing lately? Honestly curious since I know you're reading this from all over the world
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*Totally stole the word pandoozy from @emilyinhamburg. Sorry not sorry for overusing it from now on
It's so easy to think of "traveling" as visiting s It's so easy to think of "traveling" as visiting some far away place that you can only get to via a long car ride, by plane, train, or a cruise ship.  But there can be so many neat things to see around wherever you are right now!  As a family who moves every 2-4 years, we try to dive right in and seek out places to see and things to do. Not only does it help us get the lay of the land, but we get that energy of experiencing something new all the time.  ⚠️ Not sure where to even start? Here are some ways you can explore wherever you are:  💬 Word of Mouth. 
Actually ask people what they like to do or for some hidden gems. Post on FB that you're looking for something new to do in town and I bet you'll find some awesome idea. You may not know about a secret park in town, a cool trail, a fun mural on a building, or that a certain food truck pops up on the fourth Wednesday of every other month.  🚲 Get Out of Your Car.
It's so easy to drive everywhere, but what if you walked...or rode your bike. What new things might you see that you didn't notice while zooming around?  🍱 Try a New Restaurant.
If you live in a town with more than just fast food available, vow to try a new restaurant (even if its just take away right now) instead of your "usual" place the next time you eat out. Maybe you'll even try a new place in the next town over...It takes extra effort to go to a new restaurant, but the results can be so much fun.  🔦Go Geocaching. 
Y'all know we love geocaching over here and try to find them wherever we live. Download the app, find some caches near you, bring a pen, and get out there!  🤳Get on the Gram
Did you know you can search via location on IG? There's no shortage of cool things, and people post all about them. Do a search for your town or places near you. Maybe you'll find a really cool spot! 📌 Check Pinterest, too!  🗺️ Map it Out. 
Get on Google maps and see what's near you in a 30 minute or 1 hour radius. 📍Make a (bucket) list and start hitting those spots!  👉 How are you finding new places to visit?  ------ 
Tap the link in my bio for more
➡️ @jesstagirl 
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