Happy birthday to me!

This year's birthday is epic since I am turning 29 on the 29th! I had a fabulous birthday party on Friday and today my DH is taking me out for shopping, a movie and dinner. We will have the kiddos with us but it will be a fun-filled family day! I'm including a picture of DH and I at my party. I love being the birthday girl even if it does require getting older!

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German Festival Food

One of my favorite things about going to the local festivals is the food! So many great things and so many things that are very not typical of festivals in the states! My favorite things to get are potato pancakes and crepes. What are some of your favorite festival foods in any part of the world?

Beer and wine are a must at a German fastival!


Roasted pig at Pig Fest in Wittlich, Germany


Cookies, candy and popcorn galore!


Not a very good picture but crepes are a fastival must for me!


Gummy candy is a staple in Germany!


Spices galore! I could have gone crazy but I controlled myself!

Bacon, Avocado and Tomato Sandwiches with Chive Mayo

Our bakery sliced our bread incorrectly but we still made it work!

Ciabatta is the perfect bread for this sandwich because it’s dense enough to soak up the chive mayonnaise and all the juices from the fresh tomatoes. The secret ingredient, however, is the balsamic vinegar, which is brushed on the bread right after toasting. It highlights and deepens all the other flavors, giving the sandwich a meaty, satisfying taste.

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 teaspoons minced fresh chives
1 (1-lb.) loaf ciabatta bread, cut crosswise into 4 pieces
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 large tomatoes, sliced
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
8 strips cooked bacon, halved
1 avocado, thinly sliced

1. Heat broiler. Combine mayonnaise and chives in small bowl.

2. Cut each bread piece horizontally in half; place cut-side up on baking sheet. Broil 2 to 3 minutes or until light golden brown.

3. Immediately brush bread with vinegar. Spread with chive mayonnaise, using majority of mayonnaise on bottom halves. Place tomatoes on bottom half; sprinkle with salt. Top with bacon, avocado and top half of bread.

4 sandwiches

Food While Visiting the States

We always make sure that we get our fill of great food while in the States that we can't get in Germany. We definitely did this trip as my DH and I each came home 10 pounds heavier! Here are pics of some of the yummy food we had while visiting our home state of California.

In-N-Out is always out first stop when we arrive in California. I always get my burger and fries animal style!



Almond breeze Mai Tai from Bex in Lancaster, Ca.


Jamba Juice is a stateside must!


I can't remember the name of this roll but it was fantastic! I couldn't live without sushi!


Yummiest omelette ever! Avacado omelette at Crazy Otto's in Lancaster, Ca.


Taco salad at Rocky Cola Cafe in Whittier, Ca.


European Antipasto lunch from Disney's California Adventure which included:
•Cured meats, regional cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke heart and sun-dried tomatoes
•Water crackers, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
•Caprese salad skewers, fresh mozzarella and baby heirloom tomatoes
•Chocolate-dipped tiramisu


The clam chowder bread bowl that I have to get every visit at the French Market at Disneyland


The chocolate covered frozen banana my favorite snack at Disneyland!



Hope you enjoyed my cheesy pictures!