Hostels are an interesting thing.... vital to a trip's success or failure. If it's good, or at least decent, the trip shines and not much talk is given to the hostel. But when it's poor, or there are a ton of odd people, that's when the hostel can overshadow the trip.
For example, I have to say that the hostel that Max Kade stayed in the last time we were in Munich, was the worst one I've ever stayed in. I mean- the room doors didn't even work! The only one who could open the girls' room door was Yuri.... if she wasn't around- you'd have to try and perhaps be out of luck. And they didn't even have enough keys for the entire room-- I didn't have a key for most of the week (which was made worse by the fact that after 11 or so you had to show your key to get back in).
I know I need to separate hostels from hotels.... or do I? I did stay in a pretty shady hotel when I went to Strasbourg this summer. It was out in the boondocks- tram, bus and stroll later I would get back at night. Which was kinda sad in itself since Strasbourg is gorgeous at night and I would've loved to stay out later.... okay, I digress. The sink was broken, the tv didn't work. The bed was hard- even with two mattresses. Ugh.
The best hotel I've stayed in was Motel One in Berlin Mitte. Gorgeous, spacious (except for the shower). They had a delicious continental breakfast....
Hmm.... maybe I shouldn't forget the hotel I stayed in Frankfurt when MK got stuck in Europe because of a storm (coming home from Vienna). But that hotel was definitely out of my price range- thank goodness Lufthansa paid for it! Gorgeous dinner, gorgeous breakfast, gorgeous room!
Motel One was pretty great, especially for the price- only about 50Euros per night (which for a hotel is pretty good). Internet in room, free of cost. Helpful staff; overall, just a great hotel.
The two A&O Hostels that I stayed in this summer were decent for the price I paid. Definitely not shady like the hotel I stayed in Strasbourg, but not the best ever. But for the price, I couldn't really complain-- the highest I paid for a night was 12Euros, down to 8Euros. I would estimate that on average, it was closer to 9Euros per night. The location was great (am Zoo for most of the time) and they even had a kitchen. They drawback was you had to pay for internet (8Euros per week for wireless). It was a pretty standard hostel crowd- the good, the bad and the ugly.
So back to the hostel I need to talk about... Meiniger in Munich.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
27.2.2011: A Day in Salzburg
In Salzburg, Austria- day trip
Not too early of a start of the day, relatively speaking. Especially since I am always at work by 6am. Why did I sign up for such early shifts?? Crazy me.
But let's get back to the trip now. Hmmm.... not really in the writing mode.... I should at least make notizen again... Ich weiss nicht.... Muede.... glaube ich.
Woke up around 7:30, showered und so weiter
Zuerst-- breakfast at hostel, delicious german continental. Yum yum.
NOW WRITTEN ON 3.3.2011
10am- at train station, bought ticket
group of 16 MK (or former) and Lee (from UM, not MK)
1)Dan, 2)Daryl, 3)Blair, 4)Theresa, 5)Ryan, 6)Matt, 7)Amanda Stacer, 8)Molly, 9)Alexandra, 10)Mark, 11)Chen, 12)Jo, 13)Albert, 14) Jacob, 15)Nat, 16).....
We arrived in Salzburg around 12:30, more or less, then went to the bus station and bought ein Einzelfaehrtkarte to get to the city center. From there we split into two groups- one concerned with food and the other going on a tour led by Ryan. Unfortunately the choice was made for me, since Dan went with the tour group. Therefore I went with the food group to a restaurant called Restaurant Bologna Zum Mohren. And just by chance- the other group ended up showing up at the same restaurant! I had a hard time deciding rather to order a Wiener Schnitzel or Kaesespaetzle. I ended up going with Kaesespaetzle, but regretted my decision since other people at our table ordered the Wiener Schnitzel and it looked really good (tasted good too- sample from Jo). At least my Malibu Orange was super tasty.
After we finished eating, the groups split, and then the guys split off from us. Us girls went to a couple of souvenir shops. Then Daryl split to get money, and I split to take pictures. I spent a couple hours walking around and just taking pictures and window shopping. Fortunately- I found a rubber duck dressed as Mozart! It was kinda pricey, but definitely is one to add to my collection.
Danach I went to Cafe Bazar (the same one that we went to the last time we went to Salzburg for the day). I was going to wait there until our meeting time. By chance I met up with the other group (tourgroup). I went to the bathroom, and by time I came back it was too late to order- the cafe was closing at 6pm. Ah! The perils of traveling in Europe!
Confusion on when we were meeting-- change of times throughout the day. But made a decision, we waited, other group came, all except for Daryl. Made it to the train with only a few minutes to spare. When we got back to the Muenchen Hauptbahnhof, we split, and some of us ate food. I had my first Doener of the trip (and a Coke Zero). Went back to hostel and went to bed.
Originally posted in Max Kade München Trip 2011.
Not too early of a start of the day, relatively speaking. Especially since I am always at work by 6am. Why did I sign up for such early shifts?? Crazy me.
But let's get back to the trip now. Hmmm.... not really in the writing mode.... I should at least make notizen again... Ich weiss nicht.... Muede.... glaube ich.
Woke up around 7:30, showered und so weiter
Zuerst-- breakfast at hostel, delicious german continental. Yum yum.
NOW WRITTEN ON 3.3.2011
10am- at train station, bought ticket
group of 16 MK (or former) and Lee (from UM, not MK)
1)Dan, 2)Daryl, 3)Blair, 4)Theresa, 5)Ryan, 6)Matt, 7)Amanda Stacer, 8)Molly, 9)Alexandra, 10)Mark, 11)Chen, 12)Jo, 13)Albert, 14) Jacob, 15)Nat, 16).....
We arrived in Salzburg around 12:30, more or less, then went to the bus station and bought ein Einzelfaehrtkarte to get to the city center. From there we split into two groups- one concerned with food and the other going on a tour led by Ryan. Unfortunately the choice was made for me, since Dan went with the tour group. Therefore I went with the food group to a restaurant called Restaurant Bologna Zum Mohren. And just by chance- the other group ended up showing up at the same restaurant! I had a hard time deciding rather to order a Wiener Schnitzel or Kaesespaetzle. I ended up going with Kaesespaetzle, but regretted my decision since other people at our table ordered the Wiener Schnitzel and it looked really good (tasted good too- sample from Jo). At least my Malibu Orange was super tasty.
After we finished eating, the groups split, and then the guys split off from us. Us girls went to a couple of souvenir shops. Then Daryl split to get money, and I split to take pictures. I spent a couple hours walking around and just taking pictures and window shopping. Fortunately- I found a rubber duck dressed as Mozart! It was kinda pricey, but definitely is one to add to my collection.
Danach I went to Cafe Bazar (the same one that we went to the last time we went to Salzburg for the day). I was going to wait there until our meeting time. By chance I met up with the other group (tourgroup). I went to the bathroom, and by time I came back it was too late to order- the cafe was closing at 6pm. Ah! The perils of traveling in Europe!
Confusion on when we were meeting-- change of times throughout the day. But made a decision, we waited, other group came, all except for Daryl. Made it to the train with only a few minutes to spare. When we got back to the Muenchen Hauptbahnhof, we split, and some of us ate food. I had my first Doener of the trip (and a Coke Zero). Went back to hostel and went to bed.
Originally posted in Max Kade München Trip 2011.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
26.2.2011: Nur Notizen
So Munich here we come! Max Kade is taking over this stereotypical German town by storm!
--private bus to airport-- no MBus!!
--free high fives outside of the Union, but don't remember anything else during the bus trip til airport
--check in- big bag only 17.5ish kilos- go me! Carry on, 8.5ish with laptop.
--hand check film
--bacon cheeseburger and onion rings--- yum yum from Cheeburger Cheeburger (funky name) nice and hot
--slept until flight
--flight relatively smooth
--no good movies or TV shows
--landed in Frankfurt, through security again.
--waited 3-4 times longer than what flight (Frankfurt-Munich) was
--only listened to 3 songs before we landed!
--SBahn ride longer auch
--talked in German- go us!
--have spoken more German on this trip than the entire trip last time in Munich
--slept.... no alarm
--Salzburg- possibly tomorrow
Originally posted in Max Kade München Trip 2011.
--private bus to airport-- no MBus!!
--free high fives outside of the Union, but don't remember anything else during the bus trip til airport
--check in- big bag only 17.5ish kilos- go me! Carry on, 8.5ish with laptop.
--hand check film
--bacon cheeseburger and onion rings--- yum yum from Cheeburger Cheeburger (funky name) nice and hot
--slept until flight
--flight relatively smooth
--no good movies or TV shows
--landed in Frankfurt, through security again.
--waited 3-4 times longer than what flight (Frankfurt-Munich) was
--only listened to 3 songs before we landed!
--SBahn ride longer auch
--talked in German- go us!
--have spoken more German on this trip than the entire trip last time in Munich
--slept.... no alarm
--Salzburg- possibly tomorrow
Originally posted in Max Kade München Trip 2011.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Awesome New Bracelets Now Available!
Check it out! I now have colored bracelets in my Etsy shop!
Simple Hemp Twine Colored Bracelet!
Gorgeous one of a kind homemade hemp twine bracelet!
(This sale is for one bracelet, multiple bracelets are pictured.)
Square-knotted macrame techniques.
Over 6 inches in length.
Colors available:
unpolished-- purple, blue, green, red, orange, yellow, black.
Turquoise is polished.
Please convo me with the color that you would like.
Any questions, just ask!
Want another size- length or width?
Special orders also available, just message me!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Simple Hemp Twine Colored Bracelet!
Gorgeous one of a kind homemade hemp twine bracelet!
(This sale is for one bracelet, multiple bracelets are pictured.)
Square-knotted macrame techniques.
Over 6 inches in length.
Colors available:
unpolished-- purple, blue, green, red, orange, yellow, black.
Turquoise is polished.
Please convo me with the color that you would like.
Any questions, just ask!
Want another size- length or width?
Special orders also available, just message me!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Most Sweet Ass Bracelet Ever!
Since this blog is first and foremost for the promotion of my Etsy shop, I'll bring the shop to you!
Gorgeous one of a kind homemade hemp twine beaded bracelet with metal clasp.
Mixed glass beads and silver clasp. Square-knotted macrame techniques.
Over 6 inches in length.
Any questions, just ask!
Special orders also available, just message me!
I think it's great! :)
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
 |
| Isn't it sweet? |
Gorgeous one of a kind homemade hemp twine beaded bracelet with metal clasp.
Mixed glass beads and silver clasp. Square-knotted macrame techniques.
Over 6 inches in length.
Any questions, just ask!
Special orders also available, just message me!
I think it's great! :)
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Silhouette is kicking Cricut's Butt!
If this was the SuperBowl of electric household cutting machines- I think the Silhouette
is kicking the Cricut
's butt.
Right now, I'm playing around with the software.... instead of doing homework or watching the SuperBowl.
Later on I will definitely post some of my findings- and maybe some of my designs. But I must work on my homework! That Physiology won't study itself....
Glee
is on after the SuperBowl! I'm a huge Gleek!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
is kicking the Cricut's butt.Right now, I'm playing around with the software.... instead of doing homework or watching the SuperBowl.
Later on I will definitely post some of my findings- and maybe some of my designs. But I must work on my homework! That Physiology won't study itself....
Glee
is on after the SuperBowl! I'm a huge Gleek!Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Helpful YouTube Videos for the Silhouette
I thought I'd pass along a couple of videos I've been watching that have been helping me learn how to use the Silhouette. I hope you found them as useful as I did!
By making this simple card, she teaches us a few tricks about the most recent Silhouette software.
Hmmm.... using Cricut materials in the Silhouette. How clever!
Also, check out some of CustomCrops other videos- they have some great ideas.
Favorite thing of the evening: they have their own housing for mini markers (such as Sharpie Mini'
s)- sold here!
s)- sold here!Last but not least, here's a tutorial from Silhouette Europe. A little dull, but still helpful.
Have any favorite videos on the Silhouette? Let me know!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
The ABC's of Love Scrapbook
It's that time of year again. Valentine's.
Whether you're in a relationship or in the market, it's always a time to think about LOVE.
For me, it's always time to think about my future scrapbook: The ABC's of Love.
I'll finally make it when I have found THE ONE (or, at least, been in a relationship long enough to think he's THE ONE).
This scrapbook came about when I was dating my last boyfriend, and bought two boxes of Twinkle Type Glitter Alphabet Chipboard letter sets.
First of all, my previous bf and I were totally into lists. All sorts of lists. Whenever we had a fight, we'd make a list. If we were bored, we'd make a list. One of the lists I made was an ABC list of why I loved him. He was in Colorado for the summer and I missed him sooooo much. Of course it was all gushy:
A: Always there for me whenever I need you.
B: Beautiful
C: Cuddling
D: Drooling (yes, this was an inside joke!)
Second of all, I had just starting working at the scrapbook store that summer. And these Twinkle Type letters did not sell so well- they were put on sale- woohoo! So between missing him and getting my creative juices flowing, my ABC's of Love Scrapbook was born. Well, at least the idea was (that I would make him write a similar list, so that they could be on opposing sides of the page). The book itself has not come to fruition- we were not together by the next Valentine's Day.
But I continue to buy Valentine's/Love scrapbook paper in hopes that someday I will make my scrapbook. So that's why I was excited to see BoBunny's new Crush Collection!
Unfortunately my funds are a little tight right now (thank you tuition!), living in a dorm does not supply the space needed to scrapbook, and I no longer work at a scrapbook store.... no more employee discounts.
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Whether you're in a relationship or in the market, it's always a time to think about LOVE.
For me, it's always time to think about my future scrapbook: The ABC's of Love.
I'll finally make it when I have found THE ONE (or, at least, been in a relationship long enough to think he's THE ONE).
This scrapbook came about when I was dating my last boyfriend, and bought two boxes of Twinkle Type Glitter Alphabet Chipboard letter sets.
First of all, my previous bf and I were totally into lists. All sorts of lists. Whenever we had a fight, we'd make a list. If we were bored, we'd make a list. One of the lists I made was an ABC list of why I loved him. He was in Colorado for the summer and I missed him sooooo much. Of course it was all gushy:
A: Always there for me whenever I need you.
B: Beautiful
C: Cuddling
D: Drooling (yes, this was an inside joke!)
Second of all, I had just starting working at the scrapbook store that summer. And these Twinkle Type letters did not sell so well- they were put on sale- woohoo! So between missing him and getting my creative juices flowing, my ABC's of Love Scrapbook was born. Well, at least the idea was (that I would make him write a similar list, so that they could be on opposing sides of the page). The book itself has not come to fruition- we were not together by the next Valentine's Day.
But I continue to buy Valentine's/Love scrapbook paper in hopes that someday I will make my scrapbook. So that's why I was excited to see BoBunny's new Crush Collection!
Unfortunately my funds are a little tight right now (thank you tuition!), living in a dorm does not supply the space needed to scrapbook, and I no longer work at a scrapbook store.... no more employee discounts.
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
My Etsy Store
Really, the whole point of this blog is to try and promote my Etsy store. So I thought I'd bring it straight to you!
Here are a couple things that are currently in stock:
About 5 inches long with thumb gusset. Medium width- for ladies of medium hand size. Of course, the stretch of the knit will provide comfort for multiple hand sizes.
This listing is for the set of gloves shown. Any deviations from the pictures would require a made-to-order listing just for you.
About 7 inches long with thumb gusset. Medium to large width- for ladies of medium hand size. Of course, the stretch of the knit will provide comfort for multiple hand sizes.
This listing is for the set of gloves shown. Any deviations from the pictures would require a made-to-order listing just for you.
Here are a couple things that are currently in stock:
These short lacy fingerless gloves are just what you need for those upcoming spring days! Just enough to keep the chills away while making your hands look adorable.
About 5 inches long with thumb gusset. Medium width- for ladies of medium hand size. Of course, the stretch of the knit will provide comfort for multiple hand sizes.
This listing is for the set of gloves shown. Any deviations from the pictures would require a made-to-order listing just for you.
These green, blue and purple striped fingerless gloves are just what you need for those upcoming spring days (or a warm winter)! Just enough to keep the chills away while making your hands look adorable.
About 7 inches long with thumb gusset. Medium to large width- for ladies of medium hand size. Of course, the stretch of the knit will provide comfort for multiple hand sizes.
This listing is for the set of gloves shown. Any deviations from the pictures would require a made-to-order listing just for you.
I sure could have used a pair this afternoon in the snow! Sometimes regular gloves just are not long enough. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think are hits, and what are misses! Have any suggestions? I will take them!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Baby it's cold outside!
Since I live in Michigan, these are a few scenes from the outdoors:
The rooftops are gorgeous!
My bike: deserted weeks ago.
The mail must not stop!
The Bell Tower- University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus.
Overall a beautiful snowy day.
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Etsy and Twitter!
Before I forget!
I have an Etsy account!
www.etsy.com/sheltiekid
And Twitter!
www.twitter.com/sheltiekid
Check it out!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Please note, the foremention etsy shop is no longer open. Sorry for the inconvenience.
I have an Etsy account!
www.etsy.com/sheltiekid
And Twitter!
www.twitter.com/sheltiekid
Check it out!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Please note, the foremention etsy shop is no longer open. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Cricut versus Silhouette
One thing I would like to do on this blog is highlight some of the awesome products that are out there in the market.
Disclaimer: Since I used to work at a small local store, I will repeatedly remind people to shop locally. I do however admit, that there are some deals online and in the big box stores that can not be beat. Do not be surprised if I have a few blog entries slamming bbs's. I would still work at a sls if the economy was better and it was still open.
Currently, I am more familiar with the ProvoCraft Cricut. I just bought my QuicKutz Silhouette. I've been using the Cricut for over three years now (but just bought my own last fall) and pretty much know it inside and out.
At first glance, I can point out some large differences.
The Cricut is designed for the basic user. Pretty much anyone could pick up this machine and use it with some success. Only with the Design Studio software (for an extra $60 some bucks) does this system evolve and your personal creativity can really shine. The simplicity of this system is the reason (I think) it has done so well in the market.
The Cricut comes in two cutting sizes- 6" wide (the original or Create), or 12" wide (Expression). I find that sometimes the original is not large enough for some projects, and the Expression is too bulky to carry around (a pitfall for me, someone who lives in a dorm).
In my opinion, the biggest downfall of this cutting system is the need for cartridges to work on any project.
(I'll rant about ProvoCraft's marketing, consumer and retail issues at a later date.)
The Silhouette is definitely for the advanced user. There is no keyboard on the machine- you must use a computer to design and cut with this system. But that's not to say the basic user couldn't use it- you just have to be comfortable with the software.
I like the fact that you can design with any TrueType font on your computer (free fonts can be downloaded from sites like dafont.com and 1001freefonts.com). The computer software interface is definitely more complex than ProvoCraft's Cricut Design Studio. Since I haven't gotten a chance to use it much yet, I'm hoping that it's worth all the extra buttons!
(Hopefully I don't discover issues with QuicKutz, but only time will tell.)
I think that's where I'll end this entry. I promise I'll talk more about these two systems, especially as I learn more about the Silhouette. It promises to be interesting!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Disclaimer: Since I used to work at a small local store, I will repeatedly remind people to shop locally. I do however admit, that there are some deals online and in the big box stores that can not be beat. Do not be surprised if I have a few blog entries slamming bbs's. I would still work at a sls if the economy was better and it was still open.
Currently, I am more familiar with the ProvoCraft Cricut. I just bought my QuicKutz Silhouette. I've been using the Cricut for over three years now (but just bought my own last fall) and pretty much know it inside and out.
At first glance, I can point out some large differences.
The Cricut is designed for the basic user. Pretty much anyone could pick up this machine and use it with some success. Only with the Design Studio software (for an extra $60 some bucks) does this system evolve and your personal creativity can really shine. The simplicity of this system is the reason (I think) it has done so well in the market.
The Cricut comes in two cutting sizes- 6" wide (the original or Create), or 12" wide (Expression). I find that sometimes the original is not large enough for some projects, and the Expression is too bulky to carry around (a pitfall for me, someone who lives in a dorm).
In my opinion, the biggest downfall of this cutting system is the need for cartridges to work on any project.
(I'll rant about ProvoCraft's marketing, consumer and retail issues at a later date.)
The Silhouette is definitely for the advanced user. There is no keyboard on the machine- you must use a computer to design and cut with this system. But that's not to say the basic user couldn't use it- you just have to be comfortable with the software.
I like the fact that you can design with any TrueType font on your computer (free fonts can be downloaded from sites like dafont.com and 1001freefonts.com). The computer software interface is definitely more complex than ProvoCraft's Cricut Design Studio. Since I haven't gotten a chance to use it much yet, I'm hoping that it's worth all the extra buttons!
(Hopefully I don't discover issues with QuicKutz, but only time will tell.)
I think that's where I'll end this entry. I promise I'll talk more about these two systems, especially as I learn more about the Silhouette. It promises to be interesting!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
Dumb Mouse....
Because my desktop mouse is completely dead....
I have to work on my laptop....
which means limited resources....
Everything is on my desktop. Meh....
So I decided to finally start this blog. For real. That's right.
I'm starting my second Mike's Hard Strawberry Lemonade (can I say yum??!) and my upteenth try on a creative/creating blog. I did well this past summer blogging for my trip in Germany, however I can't seem to keep any other blog going.
So here's to another try! Prost!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
I have to work on my laptop....
which means limited resources....
Everything is on my desktop. Meh....
So I decided to finally start this blog. For real. That's right.
I'm starting my second Mike's Hard Strawberry Lemonade (can I say yum??!) and my upteenth try on a creative/creating blog. I did well this past summer blogging for my trip in Germany, however I can't seem to keep any other blog going.
So here's to another try! Prost!
Originally posted on Kr8tivity Blog.
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