tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78781256368448845362012-01-31T09:56:24.415-08:00In search of the cheese life...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.comBlogger2541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79505031552621070042012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:24:35.390-08:00

Linking up with AV today! It's weird for me to post about a winter outfit since Thursday I wore sandals and a t-shirt in nearly 80ºF weather. Another thing that's strange is that although I'm not a fan of living in places with actual winter weather, I adore tall boots, leather gloves, wooly hats, and long skirts, so here I am. The outfit centers around a vintage plaid wool skirt similar

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-52450493355329234612012-01-12T21:39:00.001-08:002012-01-12T21:46:29.667-08:00

Our second visit to San Francisco in 2011 was a mix of old favorites (North Beach, touristy Fisherman's Wharf) and new sights. We did lots of wandering around in search of Fair Trade coffee for breakfast (found some in the Haight), a little vintage shopping and of course lots of eating. A first for us was participating in one of the city's free walking tours. We selected the gold rush tour

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-80942640233272300822011-12-19T10:27:00.001-08:002011-12-19T21:25:34.629-08:00

If you've still got a few names left to check off your holiday gift list, why not choose a gift that's good for your friend and good for the soul? 1. For Your Friend with the Green Thumb: Promote home herb-gardening with Garden Bon Bons, handmade in Seattle. $15 2. For the Sports Fan: This reclaimed gym floor photo frame is both handmade and earth-friendly. $48 3. For Your Favorite

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-27326833144733014382011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T00:00:04.440-08:00

I asked Santa for a new pair of sunglasses this year. Usually I just wear my $10 pair from 7/11, but I'd like to own a nice pair. Maybe if I get a pair that's worth more than $10, I'll actually be careful not to lose or sit on them. Here are some ideas, Santa, so you know exactly what to get ;-) As you can see, I like the more classic cat-eye shape! (By the way, I'm linking up with AV at Long

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-16618445111316390952011-12-02T20:51:00.001-08:002011-12-02T21:11:52.146-08:00

I'm happy to be linking up with AV at Long Distance Loving for another Friday's Fancies! Today's theme is in support of a great cause: the fight against AIDS. Click here to join (RED). "When in doubt, wear red." I'd love to, but this theme has got me thinking that I don't wear enough red because I don't own enough red. I don't even have red lipstick. This needs to change ASAP. For now,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-42330643038894164362011-11-28T20:32:00.001-08:002011-11-28T20:44:27.497-08:00

Are you giggling as much as I am? Yet, these knitted creations actually seem very practical for snowboarding and people who live in really cold weather, as in not here in San Diego :) The one on the left is from Beardo, which claims to be the "world's only beanie with a built-in beard." The one on the right is from this etsy shop. I searched "beard beanie" and found a ton of others...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-85401032239523572562011-11-28T11:53:00.000-08:002011-11-28T11:53:00.922-08:00

I found this gem. I nearly forgot that I had snapped this shot of the front page of a local newspaper before tossing it in the recycling pile (later to be stacked and bundled neatly and secured with string).

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-63902323861427367972011-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-26T15:47:49.636-08:00

  You've seen one dam, you've seen them all? Nope. This is one dam to behold. The admin buildings are all art-deco style and the desert setting with the Colorado River make this man-made edifice pretty awe-inspiring.  (It must be pretty cool if this is the second time I've posted about the Hoover Dam this year!)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-32274397137259893822011-11-25T18:19:00.001-08:002011-11-25T18:32:42.243-08:00

Super cool, super stylish and super eco-friendly sunnies made of bamboo because of its natural look and not because of environmental activism = super French. Waiting for the Sun is a French company that makes sunglasses out of wood.  Check it out! P.S. I found these for sale on Fab.com. Do you know fab.com? I'm addicted!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-11041389137892876822011-11-23T07:47:00.001-08:002011-12-02T06:30:05.179-08:00

After a short stay in Glacier National Park, we're back in Sanders County (with towns and communities called Noxon, Heron and Thompson Falls) where Isaiah spent his teen years. The scenery in these parts is not much different from Glacier. In fact, I think it's even more beautiful here. The mountains, the forest, melting-snow in the form of waterfalls -- it's all here only it's more untamed with

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-88615324455590056392011-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:002011-11-22T07:29:14.348-08:00

You'd think that mid-June would be the perfect time to visit Glacier National Park (which lies partly in Canada and partly in Montana) -- not too cool, not too warm. Well, not only were we too early for huckleberry picking in Montana (very disappointing for Isaiah who spent several summers picking the berries with his brother as a teenager), we were also too early to be able to drive along the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79305031894717936472011-11-21T08:10:00.000-08:002011-11-21T14:39:01.528-08:00

you get inspired by travel commercials. Inspired by this post (posted FOR.EVER.AGO) on My Folie À Deux, I decided to share some videos of the commercials Isaiah and I watched during our time in Switzerland. You see, the only English-language TV channel we got was CNN international edition, so all the commercials they aired were publicity ads for various nations. These tourism ads truly

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-82689406041556876422011-11-20T23:25:00.000-08:002011-11-22T08:13:50.389-08:00

When you've been to Las Vegas, NV before, you've walked the strip, you've partied at the clubs, and you've celebrated birthdays and bachelorettes, what's there left to do? Indulge in world-class hotels. And never leave the hotel the entire duration of your trip.  Granted, we stayed in Las Vegas all of 24 hours (long enough for our German friends to see the strip, stare at the bright

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-29296568202026650192011-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T08:25:20.971-08:00

Though it's been a little sleepy here at Queso Suizo, I didn't want to miss out on the celebration going on over at Long Distance Loving. It's AV's 50th Friday's Fancies post (and my 7th)! I love that she chose to celebrate her golden anniversary with an outfit in black and gold. I think it's a great color combo, so I decided to indulge in that palette myself. Pumps - Christian

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-78620063496018811702011-10-04T22:16:00.001-07:002011-11-21T07:47:47.216-08:00

View from the Hotel It's the tail end of the hurricane season and two sisters are determined to get the most out of a week-long holiday in San Juan. Not much effort is necessary when the travel companions are on the exact same page. Priorities in order of importance: sleep, eat, drink, sunbathe, see some stuff.  During their stay, the girls feel genuinely happy. Despite being caught in the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79188334115662501722011-10-02T05:49:00.002-07:002011-10-02T05:49:55.529-07:00

If your schedule takes you on holiday this fall, why not pack a pair of madras trousers like these? They look super comfy and the folded cuff makes everything a little more pulled together. You can be cozy and stylish on holiday! So, do you have travel plans this fall? If so, I am jealous. This time last year my sister and I went to Puerto Rico. It was bliss. Stay tuned for a PR post...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-27422654232851626442011-09-30T08:38:00.001-07:002011-09-30T08:45:45.991-07:00

When AV over at Long Distance Loving suggested boots for this week's theme, I felt totally ahead of the game. Every single polyvore set I had created for my madras trunk show featured boots! And not just any boot -- the ankle boot. I've long admired the ankle boot. And this one? I love how sleek it looks and how the neutral color could work its way into a variety of ensembles  -- olive

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-57605560329187953172011-09-29T18:27:00.002-07:002011-09-29T18:30:00.034-07:00

How about this madras dress? Wear it now (yes, madras in the fall) with tights or as a tunic with jeans, and then come next spring you can wear it with summery sandals! Here are some other madras inspirations: Madras for Fall Autumn Weekend in the Woods

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-42194563405692714382011-09-29T09:25:00.000-07:002011-11-22T11:51:23.737-08:00

Do we like? I'm a bit on the fence but leaning more toward like. On the one hand, paint on denim (not to be confused with painted-on denim) is a bit too contrived for me, but will you look at those beautiful fall colors? By the way, Habitual denim is made in Los Angeles, USA! P.S. I'm finally ready to post my page that lists a bunch of brands that manufacture products in the USA. Check it

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-37124367468026293002011-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:002011-09-28T09:03:01.712-07:00

It's starting to feel like fall here in San Diego! Ha ha. Not really. Granted, the air is a bit cooler in the morning, but by noon, the sun's burned through the clouds and we're back to one of San Diego's two seasons: warm and hot. Funnily enough, I was just commenting to Isaiah the other day that the air does feel different. It even smells different. Like fall. He wasn't buying it. Since

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-58483631540441860882011-09-26T21:07:00.000-07:002011-09-26T21:22:05.181-07:00

You may have thought Madras a style only suitable for spring/summer. If so, you thought wrong. I'm here to tell you, you can where Madras all year long. How about for fall? All week long, allow me to showcase some items from my TRUNK SHOW #2 and suggest ways to work these items into your fall wardrobe. My last collection was all about the man-styles, so ladies now's your chance. See

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-41743147214339450412011-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:002011-11-21T07:41:40.503-08:00

Up at 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Was it majestic? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? Um, nope. My favorite thing about visiting national parks? The park ranger programs. On this lovely summer day, we caught a ranger program all about California Condors. They are fascinating creatures, I tell you. Did you know that they vomit on their

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-77098305846292555382011-09-23T22:32:00.001-07:002011-09-23T22:36:25.547-07:00

Up shortly after sunrise -- 'cause that's what happens when you sleep in a tent out in the middle of nowhere After a somewhat restful night's sleep in our new 4-man tent, parked along the side of the road, we decided to spend the day exploring Sedona a bit before making our way to the Grand Canyon.  We found ourselves opting against slithering down natural stone water-slides and for

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-48218021230338409272011-09-11T19:57:00.002-07:002011-11-21T07:43:26.252-08:00

In Sedona, Arizona, you can catch a sunset over red rock formations. You can hike through a dry river bed in the desert and then take a dip in a cool river afterward. You can camp for free just about anywhere off the side of the road (check!). You can even taste a bit of Mexico in the heart of this town. Tlaquepaque, meaning "the best of everything," according to the center's website, is a

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-13643850264521042462011-09-09T01:29:00.000-07:002011-09-09T05:08:02.990-07:00

Oops. I missed AV's original call to post wedding fancies a couple of weeks ago over on Long Distance Loving. Better late than never! Plus... I just couldn't resist. Isaiah and I have been married over 3 years now, but we have yet to throw ourselves a big party to celebrate our marriage. (Our impromptu wedding came together in 6 days.) An idea we've tossed around

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-51524431531103244372011-09-06T19:14:00.001-07:002011-11-21T07:42:45.033-08:00

What do you get when you put together 2 Americans, 2 Germans and a road trip to the desert? Thorns in your shoes, posing like cacti and gorgeous scenery. Not to mention hours of chatting about fjords, city and suburban planning and other nonsense.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79109307290191770722011-09-05T10:31:00.000-07:002011-09-05T10:53:42.255-07:00

Ocean Beach - The "Cool" Beach So these are the last days of summer, huh? Well, maybe for a lot of the country, but for San Diegans we'll get little bouts of summer throughout the rest of the year. (While we were living in Switzerland, I distinctly recall my sister phoning me in the middle of January to tell me she was at the beach.) Anyway, as summer winds down, feast your eyes on some

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79766813444527696612011-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:002011-09-05T10:40:21.441-07:00

Here it is: My first IOU Project Trunk Show!  I've put together this casual men's look so you can have an idea about what you'll find in my collection. Think madras shirts in gorgeous, bold colors. Classic jeans and chinos. Fun madras espadrilles. If menswear is not your thing, be sure to check our the madras scarves in my trunk. Many IOU Project items are unisex! Although

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-83625437514391315712011-08-22T22:15:00.001-07:002011-09-05T10:40:40.992-07:00

Wearing my retro work dress to work! In a world of mass-produced textiles and garments, it was a breath of fresh air to learn about The IOU Project back in April of this year. I received an e-mail message from one of the masterminds behind it all: Kavita. Here's what she said that caught my attention, "... together with my company, we set ourselves up with what we thought was an almost

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-47691795450241235242011-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-05T10:41:51.813-07:00

Nothing says back-to-school like madras or plaid motifs. And though I've been back at school for weeks now (I teach 3rd grade at a school that follows a modified school calendar, so we've been back since mid July), I was happy to participate in yet another Friday's Fancies theme with AV over at Long Distance Loving. I've been trying to stick to my commitment to post Made in USA items, but

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-1230604380017731522011-08-05T00:00:00.005-07:002011-09-05T10:42:24.144-07:00

I'm going with AV's Friday's Fancies theme idea: The Maxi Dress. To be honest, I have never worn one, though I very much liked putting this little ensemble together. Who knows if I'll ever get around to trying out the maxi look for reals. For now, here's another outfit post ('cause when it comes to blogging, this is all I have time for lately) that features American-made goodies. Yes,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com8San Diego, CA, USA32.7153292 -117.157255132.5015767 -117.4731121 32.9290817 -116.8413981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-10785436464361137012011-07-29T00:00:00.004-07:002011-09-05T10:42:53.962-07:00

I had started working on this FF outfit some weeks before my father's passing, but I just never got around to publishing it. Because my dad was very much a proud-to-be-an-American kind of guy, I think it's fitting that today's post as well as upcoming Friday's Fancies posts will be all about clothing and accessories Made in the U.S.A. As I mentioned in my memorial post to him, I've gotten a lot

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-22694713898046824702011-07-05T21:34:00.000-07:002011-07-05T21:34:31.570-07:00

It's been a week, though nothing has quite sunk in and nothing is the same. I meant to post about how Isaiah and I prepared a raclette dinner for you and Sister so you could come see our new apartment. Better late than never. I suppose I get my sense of adventure from you, Dad. I have gotten a lot from you. I am a better person because of you. I will treasure our memories forever. I

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-52202652888415207522011-06-27T20:53:00.003-07:002011-06-27T21:03:18.065-07:00

Even Mom and Grandma Joined in on the Fun! Oftentimes, part of the fun of having friends in town is getting to see one's own city through the eyes of a tourist. Especially fun is if some of your visiting friends have never been to the States. You can have them try things like root beer and watch them scrunch up their faces, "This tastes like something you put in the bath water!" They have to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-903775196052654402011-06-26T22:45:00.002-07:002011-06-27T15:43:27.949-07:00

As I mentioned previously, our friends were in town visiting us from Munich. I'll be posting in detail about some of the places we visited together, and you should stay tuned for my ultimate guide to San Diego for tourists, inspired by our plans with Franzi and Ralf. Until then, here are some highlights that should top the list when visiting southern California. Eat Mexican Food and Drink

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-16206530513881251882011-06-17T23:47:00.004-07:002011-06-26T21:48:29.145-07:00

I just love the look and feel of this hotel/restaurant/lounge in Point Loma (San Diego, CA). It's vintage yet modern. It's intimate yet lively. AND every first Sunday of the month you get $10 off their bottomless mimosa brunch when you ride your bike there. So ride our bikes we did. All the way from Normal Heights to Point Loma then through Ocean Beach and back home. After bottomless mimosas. Ha

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-20632183270901406042011-06-15T22:36:00.006-07:002011-06-16T13:40:00.959-07:00

They say it's America's Finest City, and I think they're spot on. We just got back from a whirlwind road trip to Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas with our friends Franzi and Ralf. Before that, we showed them around town for a week and it just made me appreciate San Diego even more. Here are some photos of the train station in downtown San Diego and surrounding art deco architecture to whet

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-25772952892359589362011-06-10T09:25:00.007-07:002011-09-05T10:52:05.107-07:00

AV from Long Distance Loving inspired me to write a "Friday's Fancies" post, as she calls it. I've previously mentioned my obsession with all things nautical, so when I saw that today's theme would be just that, I jumped at the opportunity to gather some more sailor-inspired pieces. 1. The centerpiece of my outfit is a St. James breton shirt. I want one (or three). Real bad.  2

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-14690718064845615152011-06-08T17:59:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:59:32.085-07:00

May 22, 2011 The food, the music, the atmosphere: nothing says summertime like a good street festival. This year's Sicilian Festa did not disappoint. Held annually in San Diego's Little Italy, this year visitors got to squish grapes (with their feet!), savor arancini and discover a bit of San Diego Harbor's Sicilian heritage.  As a special treat, Giada De Laurentiis made an appearance to sign

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-23941057105780602562011-06-03T06:31:00.001-07:002011-06-14T23:28:54.010-07:00

Dry Measuring Cups by Preserve You may have noticed that I'm a supporter of companies with a conscience, sustainable business practices and Fair Trade certified products. Now I'd like to tell you about my aim to buy as many American-made products as I can. Let me tell you friends, it's not easy. Almost every label I look at in Target shows that the item was made overseas. Although I don't have

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-3492739548221610622011-06-02T18:24:00.003-07:002011-09-26T21:03:08.525-07:00

I've used Aveda products for several years now, mostly because of their earthy fragrances and natural ingredients. It wasn't until I read a blog post on Sustainablog that I realized that everything from their packaging to the sourcing of their ingredients is super earth-friendly. You can read more about some of their sustainable business practices here. Imagine my delight when I found out

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-76045152061423053932011-06-02T06:29:00.007-07:002011-09-05T10:39:53.656-07:00

The Christine Necklace Krystal from Village recently posted about a clothing and accessories company called Fournier  that completely had me at baby alpaca wool. Their clothing for children is exquisite, stylish and of first-rate quality comparable to high-end French and Italian baby clothes. The best part? Founder Anabel Fournier started the company out of a desire to bring poverty relief to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-21638217527424011792011-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:002011-05-31T19:53:52.094-07:00

Gluten-free Cinnamon Roll from Mariposa Bakery in Oakland, CA Ground hazelnut paste looks a lot like cinnamon goo (like the kind on cinnamon rolls). When visiting Swiss bakeries, Isaiah and I would often spot some delicious-looking pastry filled with what appeared to be cinnamon goo. Time and time again we'd order the pastry hoping maybe this time it would be cinnamon-y. We actually never

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-11624578613755582262011-05-27T22:26:00.001-07:002011-05-27T22:28:19.177-07:00

Coit Tower Isaiah and I have both said, in passing, that we could see ourselves living in San Francisco. Great restaurants. Fun neighborhoods. Beautiful parks. During our weekend in the Bay Area, we rode the BART from Berkeley to the city to do a bit of exploring. Our day started with croque monsieur from Tartine, which had a queue wrapped around the block. Armed with coffee and our cheesy

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-16748438792316705592011-05-26T21:42:00.001-07:002011-05-26T21:44:31.290-07:00

Well, I've been thirty for over a month now. They say 30 is the new 20, but I definitely don't feel like I'm 20 again. Anyway, to celebrate my birthday, we took a weekend trip up to the Bay Area. We stayed with my friend Katy in Berkeley. Our first day there, we just wandered around the UC Berkeley campus while we waited for  Katy to get out of class. It's a gorgeous campus and I just love being

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-15923674020775183282011-05-22T20:32:00.000-07:002011-05-22T20:32:34.231-07:00

What do you think? Does this scream "old lady" or whisper "vintage chic"? (This is a Whiting and Davis bag I spotted at the Mission Galleria Antique Mall in Riverside, CA.)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-4450275541826925682011-05-18T20:26:00.001-07:002011-05-18T20:34:37.375-07:00

Serving up house-roasted, organic Fair Trade certified coffee is virtuoso indeed. We stop by every two weeks to pick up our beans and get a free 12 oz. cup of whatever's brewing. We sit around, munch on bagels and cream cheese, and chat with one of the proprietors, Laurie. She gives us something new to try. We take our beans home, grind 'em up, and put 'em in a stove top coffeemaker. When we buy

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-73393188189021876712011-05-17T19:54:00.002-07:002011-05-17T19:58:44.527-07:00

During our time in Switzerland, whenever Isaiah and I were feeling a little homesick AND in the mood for something sweet, we'd reach for a "pint" of Ben and Jerry's. At nearly $10 a pop, it was definitely an indulgence. However, we were always pleased with the fact that many of our favorite flavors featured Fair Trade certified ingredients. Unfortunately, upon our return to the States, we were

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-46788893824530089272011-05-16T21:57:00.001-07:002011-05-16T21:59:47.044-07:00

We did it! We recreated one of our favorite treats from our time in Switzerland. It's not often you see quark in the stores here. In fact, I had never heard of it until we lived in Europe. Now, we've spotted it at Whole Foods and the farmers' market. Once I spotted it, I knew we had to try and make our own quarkini. Isaiah found a recipe online and used Google translate to translate it from

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-48666495578963079422011-05-15T14:04:00.001-07:002011-05-15T14:10:28.377-07:00

Space 87: "Mid-Century Furniture, Decor, Records, and More" Whether or not I will always be OK with a little kitsch in my home remains to be seen, but for now I am 100% delighted with kitsch. Perhaps it has a lot to do with the fact that we don't own a home yet and all of our furniture is hand-me-down (from my mom and Jim). Kitsch just kind of fits with where we our in our lives at the moment.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-13083725332264666912011-05-10T21:18:00.005-07:002011-05-18T20:38:00.294-07:00

Friends, you met Mom and Jim around this time last year when they came to visit Isaiah and me in Switzerland. We took a magical train ride, visited a glacier and explored western Austria. Well, last week, the happy couple made it official and tied the knot in Riverside, California! Isaiah, my sister and I were the only witnesses to Mom and Jim's special day, and later we all celebrated their

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-76893781440462583232011-05-09T20:02:00.000-07:002011-05-09T20:02:21.416-07:00

If I had $195.00 lying around, I would make this bag mine. All mine. Find it here.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-84638082156443994042011-05-08T20:56:00.000-07:002011-05-08T20:56:55.854-07:00

Although I'm married to a former sailor (the U.S. Navy sort), I've never actually gone sailing or fishing or anything boat related (except for the occasional ride on a catamaran while on vacation), so it's difficult to explain why it is I let out a little squeal every time I see striped tops or anything with anchors. Perhaps it stems from my dream of sailing the world with our future children.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-37732918893173442152011-04-30T20:17:00.004-07:002011-04-30T20:20:17.371-07:00

To wrap up my Earth Month posts, I thought I'd suggest to my readers one final way to love on Mother Earth: clean up your neighborhood! Now, to my readers who live in Switzerland and other equally tidy countries, this post will not make a whole lot of sense to you. But for those of us who live in cities that lack crews of workers whose sole job is to polish the garbage bins around town, it's up

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-190250908488933982011-04-22T10:50:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:50:46.906-07:00

1. Nordstrom Sweater, 2. Silk Reworked Vintage Dress, 3. Reworked Vintage Mexican Top, and 4. Silk Blouse  Happy Earth Day! In case you've missed my past few posts, I just wanted to let you know that during the month of April I've been sharing some of the ways we can love La Pachamama all year long, not just during Earth Month: Buy Used BooksSupport Fair TradeBike Whenever Possible

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-34989017930773077252011-04-12T21:30:00.004-07:002011-04-22T10:12:49.560-07:00

... and good for your other mother, as a matter of fact. Yes, that's right. Covering your windows with awnings can drastically lower the amount of heat that builds up in your home, thus cutting the amount of energy you need to cool your house. (Yeah, us Americans love our air conditioners!) They can be solid colored, of course, but the ones that catch my eye are of the striped variety. (I adore

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-75154389434103149822011-04-11T09:02:00.002-07:002011-04-11T09:09:44.898-07:00

ZamBikes -- Bamboo Frame It's healthy, fun and respectful to your other mother. The more you bike or walk to nearby destinations, the smaller your carbon footprint.  Interested in getting involved in the cycling movement? Join Critical Mass (bike rides every last Friday of the month in different cities around the world). Want to make even more of a difference? Buy a bike from a company with a

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-10207119167431855692011-04-06T21:31:00.004-07:002011-04-06T21:46:08.093-07:00

Back in this post, I went into a lengthy explanation of the Fair Trade movement. Nonetheless, I decided to mention Fair Trade once again in honor of Earth Month because its sustainability practices are so loving toward your other mother that it's totally worth it to bike all over town to find Fair Trade certified products! (More on our favorite local coffee roaster in a future post -- they offer

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-90229772261103619512011-04-01T19:08:00.004-07:002011-04-01T19:18:14.963-07:00

April is Earth Month, friends! During the entire month of April, I'll be posting about different ways to love and respect your other mother, Momma Earth.  As the title suggests, one way to honor thy mother is to shop at your local used bookstore. In addition to saving a few trees, shopping at a used bookstore can be such a lovely experience. You can find rare, out-of-print books as well as

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-63116650954317323212011-03-13T18:34:00.004-07:002011-05-18T20:46:25.472-07:00

One of the last times we saw them was the weekend we spent exploring their new city, Munich. Now they're coming to our turf! We will show them the Southern California we love. Here's a glimpse of our last weekend of fun-seeking with Franzi and Ralf before our big move back to the States. Beer Garden Farmer's Tan Brothers Prost! Surfing the Isar River A Stroll Through Alter Südfriedhof

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-36847788195777321762011-02-18T16:23:00.006-08:002011-02-18T16:32:47.290-08:00

Splash of Yellow! "Teacher, what's your favorite color?" "This color (pointing to my sweater)." With a look of confusion on his face, "Mustard yellow?" Close friends and family know, if you don't know what to get me for my birthday, give me something yellow. Anything yellow. Even a lemon. (I love lemons!) I never tire of adding more yellow to my wardrobe. Be it French's yellow, Dijon yellow or

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-86175663389562199182011-02-18T09:49:00.004-08:002011-05-18T20:40:03.882-07:00

What do you do if you've been sent to Las Vegas, NV for a business meeting or, heaven forbid, a concrete convention? Why, leave the strip, of course! If you have no interest in clubbing, gambling or gorging at a cheap buffet and prefer the beauty of the desert, the Las Vegas area will not disappoint. Rent a car, leave those glam hotels in the dust, and hit the road. See red rock formations just

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-7615077017076010832011-02-15T21:52:00.003-08:002011-02-15T22:02:38.979-08:00

Anise and Lavender Aged Chèvre We're pleased, very pleased, with a local cheese shop called Venissimo. Isaiah and I recently spent about $20 on two slivers of cheese, but it was totally worth it. With four locations around San Diego county to serve the cheese-loving community, this shop has it all: tools, classes and local as well as international cheeses. Cheese-lovers can register with the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-44350934042398910072011-02-13T16:21:00.007-08:002011-06-26T21:53:44.927-07:00

Believe it or not, I have clothes hanging in my closet that are a decade old or older. And I still wear them. In high school, I visited my cousin Melani in Manhattan, and she introduced me to the world of discount shopping known as Century 21. I bought a mauve Nanette Lepore knit skirt that I adore to this day. Later, I moved to New York for school and discovered Daffy's. There I bought a vintage

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-72884118065252903582011-02-11T20:15:00.007-08:002011-03-30T21:29:56.486-07:00

Vintage Joan and David Brogues The summer of 2003, my friend Katy and I backpacked through western Europe. During our travels, we had the privilege of staying with Katy's sister's sister-in-law in Rome. A native Italian, she knew where to take us for the best pizza and drinks. It was a great time. Anyway, because we stayed in Rome mid-week, we witnessed every morning how our Italian hostess

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-63780910354632916782011-02-06T18:17:00.004-08:002011-02-16T21:00:43.001-08:00

During a scavenger hunt in Hillcrest a couple of weeks ago, I wore a silk scarf tied like a man's tie. At one point in the evening, someone referred to me as the girl wearing a tie. You know what? I really liked that! Lately, my favorite way to add a little panache to my work outfits is to wear a silk scarf. Unfortunately, many of my co-workers tease me with comments like, "Your seat can be used

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-67095641902152271492011-02-01T21:45:00.000-08:002011-02-01T21:45:13.827-08:00

There is a long list of Swiss stuff I miss. Treats from the local pastry shop (Konditorei) like this chocolate-covered banana are right at the top of that list! Every time I describe this treat to friends, it just sounds a bit dirty. So I'll let the photo speak for itself. (See how the banana rests on a cookie bed and stays in place with a bit of sweet cream? Yummy!)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-38138051449898892322011-01-15T17:27:00.002-08:002011-02-18T10:17:04.442-08:00

My party dress for tonight! Details:Dress -- Reworked Vintage from Hunt and Gather, San Diego.Belt -- Thrifted Nordstrom Italian LeatherTights -- WolfordKitten Heels -- Barneys NY Co-op from "A Unique Boutique" Consignment shop in La Mesa, CA I know I called them tights when I listed them in the details, but they're really more like what Americans call "pantyhose." This pair features a sexy

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-65409061766367523722011-01-09T12:21:00.007-08:002011-05-18T20:41:55.732-07:00

Futuristic Design What's so great about the Monte Rosa Hütte that makes it a travel destination in and of itself?  For one thing, the hut began merely as a project proposal to commemorate the 150th anniversary of ETH (Zürich's Federal Institute of Technology) in 2005. On the lookout for forward-thinking projects, an ETH professor approached SAC (the Swiss Alpine Club). The original Monte Rosa

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-49766112797632445052011-01-08T20:10:00.007-08:002011-04-10T07:30:21.162-07:00

Jean Touitou Collaboration update:   *April 2011 A.P.C. and Vans I had never heard of the French fashion label A.P.C. until a blogger I just started following mentioned it in a recent post.  I'm in love with this label's style. I guess it's a good thing I've temporarily restricted myself from purchasing new clothing, otherwise I'd have to get a second job to pay for my addiction to this label.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-66551843312945050092011-01-07T09:14:00.004-08:002011-02-19T14:30:12.963-08:00

J'adore Nanette Lepore Lest you think I've gone back to retail with that post about Lee jeans, I'll leave you with my very favorite consignment purchase thus far: a silk Nanette Lepore blouse I bought at a resale boutique called "Rodeo Drive" in La Mesa, California. I love the little bow details. And the print -- if you look at my right boob you'll see the name "Eddie" and near my left boob is

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-48731302531697261342011-01-06T07:17:00.002-08:002011-01-06T07:20:54.940-08:00

Lee Western Shirt Don't believe me? See for yourself. Look at the jeans here (EU website). And compare them to the jeans you find here (US website). Isaiah scored a cool western shirt and some stylish jeans at a denim shop in Zürich during the last few months we were living in Switzerland. In fact, Lee jeans are considered a boutique product in Europe, charging four or five times as much as you

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-81874347102711554042011-01-05T08:38:00.005-08:002011-05-18T20:43:45.361-07:00

Yikes! He said he wanted to check out the new Monte Rosa Hütte. She said she wanted to see the Matterhorn. Luckily, it's possible to enjoy views of the Matterhorn during the hike to and from the Monte Rosa Hütte! And yes, the only way to get to the hut is by foot because that's the whole point! Throughout the mountains of Switzerland, hard-core hikers find refuge at huts that are more like

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-83961957092101052922011-01-04T11:08:00.006-08:002011-04-03T10:43:18.916-07:00

At the supermarkets in Switzerland (even at Denner), I would spot the little blue, black and green label and know that product made it to my shopping basket after passing through the hands of a worker who received fair pay for his or her labor. Here in San Diego, it seems like I have to search far and wide for fairly traded products. Even then, I am mostly limited to chocolate, tea and coffee (

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-16703218809252365542011-01-03T13:12:00.005-08:002011-04-03T10:16:37.769-07:00

The H&M Skirt It all started when H&M opened up in Manhattan during my freshman year at NYU. All of a sudden I could buy fun, trendy clothes for relatively cheap. It was guilt-free shopping. At one point nearly every piece in my closet was from H&M. The catch? I spent hundreds of dollars there but have very little to show for it -- just one skirt. Because purchasing this "fast fashion" was so

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-55452181460574077942010-12-30T04:34:00.006-08:002010-12-31T09:58:25.493-08:00

SyracuseCataniaBolognaThis time last year, we were celebrating the holidays in Italy. Unforgettable. Best vacation yet!MinoriRomeRome

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-34383863012960193322010-12-28T13:19:00.067-08:002011-02-18T16:45:31.893-08:00

Back in San Diego. Back at my old job. No time for anything except sleep, work, and eat. That's why no bloggy bloggy for so longy longy. Sad face. I've missed you, dear readers. Though I'm not baaaack or anything like that, I am on stay-cation for another week and a half, so I have a few spare moments to update this here Swiss Cheese Blog. Today we spent a glorious day in La Jolla, which is an

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-79624471388142870632010-06-30T07:18:00.001-07:002010-12-31T09:33:06.049-08:00

A guide to supermarket shopping in Switzerland:1. Lidl is great for everything from cheap Glühwein to random housewares to dairy to Suisse Garantie produce.2. Migros has three types of markets available: the M is small with a limited selection, the MM is medium-sized, and the MMM is the largest with the widest selection of goods (clothes and groceries). Migros also offers the store-brand called "

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-91774795773281151252010-06-17T00:14:00.003-07:002010-12-31T10:15:59.673-08:00

If you're a frequent SBB traveler and hold a full-on GA card, then this is not the best deal in Switzerland for you. However, if you're like us, and you travel mostly by car and only occasionally by train, then do I have a deal for you. The Tageskarte Gemeinde is a GA-Flexi pass that allows you one full day of unrestricted travel on the entire SBB network as well as several local networks for one

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-31485692709229386462010-06-15T23:35:00.002-07:002010-12-30T19:50:24.050-08:00

Old Town -- InnsbruckWe spent the last full weekend of Mom and Jim's visit getting a taste of western Austria's most popular tourist destinations: Innsbruck and Salzburg. The drive from Au wasn't so bad -- just a couple of hours, mostly on the highway. (Ho hum, I will certainly miss our little town's proximity to such beautiful cities within and outside of Switzerland...)Staying only one full day

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-83084025553402705412010-06-09T06:05:00.004-07:002010-12-30T21:05:09.842-08:00

Mom and Jim at the LindenhofMom and Jim left us the morning after our ride on the Bernina Express to go explore Luzern and Zürich on their own. I met up with them a few days later with the intent of doing the same "tour of Zürich" I gave Lauren and Max when they were here last November. We hit most of the spots that I had hoped to, but let's just say that things don't always work out as planned.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-25446009741021234142010-06-01T13:36:00.011-07:002010-12-31T09:52:11.866-08:00

Mom and Jim in TiranoOh my, dear readers. It's our last month in Switzerland. There is so much left to do and so little time, but I am so glad that Mom and Jim's visit gave us a gentle push to make the most of our last weeks here. For anyone making a similar transition, I would recommend that you take the time to see those places you might regret not having had the chance to see. Remember, all

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-4760833962313746522010-05-31T07:30:00.004-07:002010-12-30T21:46:34.807-08:00

View of Monte San Salvatore from Parco CivicoOne thing I failed to mention in my last post was how Mom and Jim were super impressed with the precision of Swiss train schedules. We switched trains exactly eight times going from Au to Morteratsch to Lugano, sometimes with only a few minutes between each transfer, and made it on time to each train, always departing exactly on schedule. This blew

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-11188885745301345862010-05-26T12:49:00.018-07:002010-12-30T21:49:10.637-08:00

It had never crossed my mind to go out of my way to see a glacier up close. But one thing lead to another, and when I found out my mom and Jim would be coming to visit us, I began planning our adventures. So why not see a glacier? Actually, my main goal was for us to ride the Bernina Express, but riding all the way south only to come right back didn't make any sense to me. I wanted to find a way

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-44668216627052799052010-05-10T13:37:00.002-07:002010-12-30T22:01:42.385-08:00

Ballet Folklórico DancersA few weeks back when we attended the Teotihuacan exhibit at Museum Rietberg in Zürich, I noticed that the museum would be hosting a fiesta mexicana in early May (to coincide with "Cinco de Mayo," I guess). They advertised a day of authentic Mexican food, mariachis, ballet folklórico, a market - well, they had us at Mexican food.What "Mexican" restaurants here call

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-36490288350660097762010-04-29T13:38:00.003-07:002010-12-30T20:01:59.085-08:00

Good things come in small packages. What could it be?Cheese, of course! I can't remember the last time I shared with readers a new-to-me cheese for my Queso Suizo project -- for shame! At long last here is a creamy cow's milk cheese called "Chäs Stei."Here's the shop where I made my purchase:Chäs GrafOberstadt 18260 Stein am RheinI love the labels they use there...and the packaging!Taste Test

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-56089415972448248652010-04-28T11:03:00.007-07:002010-12-30T21:53:55.963-08:00

RathausplatzLike Bern, Stein am Rhein had long been on my list of places to visit. So, when Cindy suggested we take a day trip together somewhere -- my choice -- the first place that came to mind was this little gem on the Rhine River. Located in tiny canton Schaffhausen, a train ride to Stein am Rhein takes only an hour and forty-five minutes each way from my little town of Au. Perfect! We

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-66717431737040171702010-04-25T06:06:00.012-07:002010-12-30T21:36:19.218-08:00

KäfigturmAfter reading about visits to the capital from fellow bloggers and making a mental note of recommendations from friends in the Rhine Valley, we finally made it to Bern! We arrived Friday night so we could wake up Saturday morning to a nice hotel breakfast and a full day of exploring.From the main train station we walked along Spitalgasse (which turns into Marktgasse, etc.), stopping

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-74768984691337181462010-04-21T06:09:00.022-07:002011-01-05T17:14:58.787-08:00

Warning: I am about to reveal evidence that proves I am a shoe snob. I understand that some readers may disagree with my opinions about the shoe selection in Switzerland, but perhaps you can understand where I'm coming from if you realize that my parents raised me to appreciate gorgeous, well-made leather shoes. Furthermore, I have been disappointed with my shoe shopping experiences in this

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-70921351599831970562010-04-17T14:25:00.011-07:002011-03-21T18:23:17.606-07:00

A long Easter weekend in Europe is a perfect opportunity for a mini-vacation, but this year we decided to indulge in a staycation. Although it can mean different things for different people, for us, a staycation meant being lazy at home, cycling around town, and mixing things up with a couple of day trips. First up was Friedrichshafen (Germany), better known for its airport and Zeppelin museum,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-39786800951429284522010-04-07T10:43:00.002-07:002010-12-31T09:59:28.731-08:00

Looking for a great little base town to explore the Lake Como area? Look no further than Lecco. However, don't expect to see Michelangelo this or da Vinci that. The lakes region in Italy is not really about that. It's about relaxing in the sun, sailing, dining alfresco, walking along the promenade, and shopping. Although you won't find any major ancient Roman monuments or Renaissance art museums,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-91818894622209067062010-04-06T13:36:00.004-07:002010-12-31T10:01:35.565-08:00

Like a child in a candy shop, Isaiah beams as we drive through the hills surrounding Lake Como. Cyclists everywhere! Mountain bikes and road bikes galore! In particular, a little hilltop known as Ghisallo plays an important role in the history of cycling in Italy. Not only the site of the Museo del Ciclismo, Ghisallo is home to the patroness of cyclists: Madonna del Ghisallo. A small sanctuary

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-39268073151736136272010-04-04T04:26:00.001-07:002010-04-04T04:27:03.675-07:00

On this rainy, lazy Sunday, we're thinking of our loved ones near and far. We wish you a wonderful Easter holiday and hope you're getting your fill of chocolate eggs and bunnies. By the way, how cute are these milk chocolate lambs? Not just adorable, they're made with delicious alpine whole milk. It wouldn't be Easter in Switzerland without some serious chocolate treats.What are your plans for

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-11886360655331233082010-04-02T14:24:00.004-07:002010-12-30T19:22:39.467-08:00

Oh, my. This post is long overdue, as Isaiah's sister, Spring, was here for a visit well over a month ago. I had some work to do that Saturday, so brother and sister went off without me for a full day of snowboarding at a ski resort called Pizol, near Bad Ragaz.In Isaiah's words:"There are two sides to the mountain, both with off-piste opportunities. One side (the side closer to Bad Ragaz) is the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-21378531910583742672010-03-25T09:44:00.004-07:002010-12-30T20:21:03.529-08:00

Taste Test Thursday: Some tastes of SicilyPrior to our trip to Italy, I did a bit of research on typical Sicilian foods and found out about some fried rice balls called arancini. These rice balls are generally filled with meat sauce, mozzarella, and peas, and then they're dipped in bread crumbs and fried. YUM!Although we planned to cook most of our meals on a camp stove, arancini seemed like the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-61188639362073543122010-03-23T15:31:00.011-07:002010-12-30T19:25:57.768-08:00

Let's talk numbers. The purpose of disclosing how much we spent on three weeks worth of accommodations in Italy is to prove that budget travel in that country is truly possible. The key? Camping! Here's a list of all the campsites we called home during our three-week road trip through Italy.First, I should warn anyone thinking of camping in Italy during winter that sleeping in a tent is not for

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-62027440743704950892010-03-22T00:53:00.003-07:002010-12-31T10:03:01.415-08:00

Gates of ParadiseAfter a long day of sightseeing in Rome, we stopped at the bar/Internet point at our campsite to book a hotel for the next two nights in Florence. Our only criterion? That the room would not be located at a campsite. We booked the cheapest room we could find in the Santa Croce area and didn't bother looking at the photos. Because we got robbed the day we left for Florence and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-38965127632984965172010-03-15T02:00:00.225-07:002010-12-31T10:03:39.597-08:00

Days 19 & 20: Archeological sites and walking tourAs for accommodations this time around, we went back to the same campsite from Rome Round One, only this time we opted for a bungalow (mobile home with a bathroom and a heater - good enough). It was still cold out, and after almost two weeks of sleeping in a tent, we were pretty over the idea of setting up camp.Eager to get back home to Au, we

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-18787853383540182412010-03-13T12:27:00.019-08:002010-12-31T10:04:30.887-08:00

Days 16 - 18: New Year's Eve in Pollina, New Year's Day ferry ride back to mainland Italy, Scigliano, and Amalfi CoastThe morning of December 31, we woke up to glorious sunshine. With no particular plan in mind, we dressed and packed our bag for an excursion (on foot). As we made our way through the campsite, we noticed the proprietors were in the midst of renovations. (This was actually pretty

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7878125636844884536.post-32723049221341388692010-03-09T08:16:00.018-08:002010-12-31T10:05:19.644-08:00

Days 14 and 15: Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) in Agrigento and drive to Finale di Pollina (last stop in Sicily)Our time in Sicily truly felt like vacation (because too much sightseeing sometimes just feels like work). The day we visited the temples we leisurely woke with the sun (OK, maybe a bit after that), took our time at breakfast, wandered around the archeological site, ate lunch

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03053020814428192067noreply@blogger.com7