The past few years I have been more and more intrigued by the Legend of Krampus and how such an ugly, nasty and scary beast is such a prominent part of Christmas tradition in the Alpine region. When I talk about Krampus, people often ask, "Isn't he the German Christmas Devil?" or "Is it Santa's evil twin?" .... mmm... not quite.
Skip ahead:
Origins and Mythology
Krampusnacht and the Feast of Saint Nicholas
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Krampus in Modern Culture
Krampus originated in pre-Christian Alpine traditions, primarily in the regions of Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The name "Krampus" is derived from the German word "krampen," meaning "claw." Often depicted as a demonic creature, Krampus is sometimes said to be the son of Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld. Some sources say that the krampus tradition was part of pagan rituals related to the winter solstice.
The folklore surrounding Krampus varies from region to region, but common elements persist. He is typically described as a fearsome creature with long horns, a hairy body, cloven hooves, and a long, pointed tongue. His most distinguishing feature is a bundle of birch branches or a whip that he uses to punish misbehaving children.
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, takes place on the evening of December 5th, the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas. While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts and treats, Krampus roams the streets to frighten and punish those who have been naughty.
During Krampusnacht, revelers dress in intricate, terrifying Krampus costumes and parade through the streets, often accompanied by the ringing of bells and the cracking of whips. This tradition serves as a reminder to children to behave throughout the year and to appreciate the rewards of good behavior during the holiday season.
Krampus embodies the duality of human nature—both good and evil. While Saint Nicholas represents benevolence, Krampus represents punishment and the consequences of misbehavior. The figure of Krampus serves as a cautionary tale, reminding children (and adults) to make virtuous choices and not succumb to mischief.
Over the centuries, Krampus has become an enduring and beloved symbol of the holiday season in Central European culture. The legend has gained popularity beyond its traditional borders, capturing the imagination of people around the world. In recent years, Krampus-themed events, parades, and festivals have emerged, attracting both locals and curious travelers seeking an alternative celebration.
In contemporary times, Krampus is indeed making a comeback!! Books, movies, and artworks have depicted this mischievous creature, weaving its way into modern folklore. The 2015 horror-comedy film "Krampus" brought the legend to the big screen, further fueling the fascination surrounding the character, (it was... interesting... click here to read my full review) and there are Krampuslaufs and other Krampus themed parties popping up left and right!
Much to my surprise... there are quite a few Krampus events, markets, Laufs and more happening all over the country! What is a Krampuslauf you ask? Check out this post → The Krampuslauf: A Twisted Twist on Cheery Holiday Parade
Here is a list of all the events that we found. (PLEASE feel free to add more in the comments.)
Krampus' Karnage in Absecon, NJ
2nd Annual Krampus Bazaar in Fieldsboro, NJ
Krampusnacht DC in Washington DC
Krampus Ball in Worcester, MA
Parade of Spirits, Liberty Lands in Philadelphia, PA
Krampusfest in Shillington, PA
2nd Annual Krampus Night - New York, NY
RVA Krampusnacht in Richmond, VA
Merry Maker Winter Market in Winchester, VA
Krampusfest Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
Krampus Night also in Cleveland, OH
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt in Cincinnati, OH
Krampus Rampage & Bazaar in Bloomington, IN
Krampus Fest at Martyrs in Chicago, IL
Krampus Mart: Alternative Handmade Market in Chicago, IL
Barrel-Aged Krampus Cookies Bottle Release in Chicago IL
Krampus Creepy Curiosities & Oddities Market in Lombard, IL
KRAMPUS NIGHT in Detroit, MI
KrampusNacht Ball in Minneapolis, MN
Milwaukee Krampusnacht Workshop: Krampus Choreography in Glendale, WI Milwaukee Krampusnacht in Glendale, WI
5th Annual Krampus Pub Crawl in Rapid City, SD
Krampus Artisan Emporium in Barco, NC
Krampus Festival in Historic Camden, SC
International Krampus Festival in Camden, SC
Krampus Pub Krawl in Savannah, GA
Krampus NOLAuf in New Orleans, LA
Krampus Art show in San Antonio, TX
Dallas Krampus Walk in Dallas, TX
Burton Ball & Krampus Parade in San Antonio, TX
THE KRAMPUS BALL in Torrance, CA
Krampuslauf LA in Los Angeles, CA
The Krampus Cross Country 5K/10K in San Francisco, CA
KRAMPUSNACHT in Petaluma, CA
Krampus Party in Elko, NV
Krampus, the fearsome companion of Saint Nicholas, has left an indelible mark on Central European folklore. With its dark and cautionary nature, the legend of Krampus has endured for centuries, serving as a reminder to embrace kindness, virtue, and goodwill during the holiday season. As Krampusnacht approaches each year, let us remember the power of both rewards and consequences, inspiring us to be our best selves and spread joy to those around us.
If you are interested in going to these events, but don't have your full Krampus costume in ordnung just yet, not a problem... I've got a whole line up of fun items that you could wear these events... or any other day for that matter. The Krampus Shop by Rare Dirndl offers items like T-shirts and the best selling Krampus Scarf and the adorable Krampus book, "Krampus Meets His Match"
Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” and I can’t stress enough how excited I am to experience this beautiful season once again! It’s so great to gather with family, have some delicious food and share gifts together. I was thinking about the German Christmas traditions that we have in our family, and how they are a mix of German and American. There are some big (and little) differences between the two cultures and how Christmas is celebrated… so let’s take a look!
While an advent wreath is not as common in the States, especially in non-practicing Christian homes, it is an important part of German Christmas traditions that was started by Lutherans back in the 16th century. Advent wreaths are typically made from real pine branches, 4 wide candles and some small decorations (like berries, dried flowers, etc.). It can be bought in a store but many families make them from scratch and decorate them as a family. The candles are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. This period of time is called Adventszeit (advent time). Families usually gather around the advent wreath (which is placed on a table), have some time together while drinking tea, having desserts, and chatting. Children usually sing advent songs (both at home and in school).
The concept is very familiar to me… I’ve had one every year since I was little. The Advent Calendar is a series of windows with numbers on them. On December 1st, children open 1 window each day leading to Christmas. In Germany, kids get either calendars with chocolates or in the form of a book with little stories each day. I’ve recently seen adult Advent Calendars featuring 24 bottles of wine or craft beers!
When you say Christmas cookie, in America you immediately think gingerbread cookies or frosted sugar cookies. In Germany however, the choice is not so obvious - there is a huge variety of super yummy traditional cookies that include but not limited to gingerbread (Lebkuchen), Marzipan cookies, hazelnut/almond cookies, Vanillekipferln (vanilla crescents). Check out this article to find out more options for traditional German Christmas cookies (with recipes of course!).
All German kids particularly love one morning in December that is not Christmas Day. Did you guess it right? Of course, it’s December 6th - Saint Nicholas Day or Sankt Nikolaus Tag! While it is not an official holiday, it's celebrated by lots of families with children. Kids usually prepare their boots or shoes and place them behind bedroom doors with hope that they will find presents there when they get up on St. Niklaustag. Those who behave nicely will find their shoes full of sweets, nuts, fruits, and those who were naughty will have to deal with Krampus or Knecht Ruprecht (wild man with a bushy beard, dressed in a hooded brown cloak). Krampus is said to leave a piece of coal, sticks etc in the bad-behaved kids’ shoes. Be sure to check our Krampus shop to choose a present for yourself or your loved ones.
In America we are used to seeing Christmas decorations as early as October. This applies both to stores and restaurants and to households. This is a perk of a fake Christmas tree - you can set it up whenever you want. However in Germany, you’ll be hard pressed to find a faux Christmas tree! Real trees are the norm and they start decorating German Christmas trees them on December 24th, on Christmas Eve. This partially explains why advent wreaths are so popular - families need something to gather around, with a nice pine smell and festive mood.
One of my favorite things about Christmas in Germany is, of course, Christmas markets. This tradition applies not only to Germany, but to most of the European countries but in my opinion German markets are the best. Not surprisingly, they always appear in the Best Christmas Markets rankings. It’s like a fairytale - gorgeous Christmas tree surrounded by small wooden stands, the smell of mulled wine (Glühwein), roasted almonds, wurst, and Christmas cookies - what can be better than this?
In America, it is much more common to see small pop-up holiday markets; 1-2 day craft fairs where local artisans can sell their creations. However, in Chicago we have a full German Christkindlmarkt! It is set up in the middle of downtown Chicago and is the closest you’ll get to the feeling of shopping in Europe without getting on a plane.
I encourage you to check out local Christmas markets in your area, but be sure to check if they have any updated safety guidelines before you go.
American kids receive their presents from jolly ol’ Santa Claus, who travels on reindeer, delivers presents through chimneys, and wears a red coat with white fur. And since he travels a lot on Christmas Eve and gets a bit hungry, children traditionally leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for him. In Germany, in turn, a special guest called Christkind visits home and brings presents. Now, although the exact translation of Christkind is a child of Jesus, in popular culture it is portrayed as a young girl with wings and crown - similar to an Christmas angels.
German people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve - December 24th, and most stores are closed after 2 pm on this day. The following 2 days - 25th and 26th of December are national holidays. Unlike American kids, German kids open their gifts on December 24th (lucky them!). The holiday itself usually lasts till January 6th and this is also when Christmas markets stop operations until next season.
Do you want to add Christmas vibe to your dirndl? Click here to order holiday apron.
Christmas food traditions in the USA have eclectic origins, but are mostly from the UK: roasted root vegetables as a side dish, mashed potatoes, gravy, and the centerpiece being a stuffed roasted fowl (pheasant, goose, duck, or turkey). Of course, each family has their own traditions that are partially based on the origins of family members.
The same applies to German traditions which vary depending on the region. Overall, their traditional food includes roast goose and roast carp, although suckling pig or duck may also be served. Typical side dishes include roast potatoes and various forms of cabbage such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and red cabbage. Dessert typically includes a traditional German Christmas cake - Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world! The most famous Christmas Stollen, which can be found at many supermarkets, is called Dresdner Stollen. This tasty version bursts with nuts and fruit and is sure to change your mind about our version of a fruitcake. Yum!
What do you think about this post? Did you find something new about German Christmas traditions? What traditions do you have in your family? Share in the comments below, I am super excited to read them!
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/advent.shtml
https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/german-christmas-traditions/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a33969476/german-christmas-traditions/
https://germangirlinamerica.com/who-is-knecht-ruprecht/
https://www.theomaway.com/desserts/traditional-german-christmas-cookies-recipes/
https://www.toptravelsights.com/traditional-german-christmas-cookies/
https://happytowander.com/german-christmas-market-food-drinks-you-need-to-try-this-winter/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_dinner
https://germanculture.com.ua/german-holidays/christ-child/
Photo credit: Pexels
]]>Skip ahead:
Who is Krampus anyway?
Krampuslauf: Unleashing the Wild Side of Yuletide!
Dress to Impress: Krampus-Themed Attire for the Bold and Brave
Krampus Chic: Accessories and Finishing Touches for the Festive Fiend
Krampusnacht Essentials
Looking for somewhere special to wear your Krampus gear?
Originating in Alpine regions, Krampus is a horned, cloven-hoofed beast with a penchant for punishing the naughty children. He is the yin to Saint Nicholas's yang, visiting homes on the night of December 5th, known as Krampusnacht. While Santa Claus rewards the good, Krampus ensures the bad children receive their just desserts. This duality has transformed Krampusnacht into a celebration that embraces the darker, wilder side of the holiday season.
One cannot truly dive into the world of Krampus without encountering the exhilarating Krampuslauf tradition. Originating in the Alpine regions, Krampuslauf, or "Krampus Run," is a spirited procession that takes place on the night of December 5, during Krampusnacht. Locals and visitors alike don elaborate Krampus costumes, complete with fearsome masks and menacing bells, transforming into a horde of horned terrors. With a cacophony of hooves, chains, and devilish laughter, they parade through the streets, delighting onlookers with their wild and mischievous antics and warning any misbehaving children with birch sticks and more. It's a spectacle that encapsulates the playful spirit of Krampusnacht, reminding us all that the holiday season isn't just about sugarplums and gingerbread houses—it's also about unleashing a little mayhem and embracing the darker side of the festivities!
Ready to unleash your inner Krampus? Get ready to rock some devilishly stylish attire! These Krampus-themed clothing items will have you looking fierce and festive in no time. Get set to spread some holiday cheer with a mischievous twist! Great for a krampusnacht party or any other Christmas celebration you find yoursef at this season.
'Liebe Grüße vom Krampus' T-shirt by Rare Dirndl: Stay cozy and wickedly stylish with this Krampusnacht must-have from Rare Dirndl. Its intricate design captures the essence of the legendary beast, while giving jolly holiday vibes with the German phrase "loving greetings from Krampus". Nothing says holiday greetings for misbehaving children like Krampus.
Cat Krampus Kids Shirt by MelissaPothier: Looking for something a little cuter for those Krampus loving kiddos or future Krampus lovers on your list, then look no further than this adorable Kitty Krampus shirt.
Festive Krampus Women's Shirt by Rare Dirndl: Finally, a feminine yet equally creepy Krampus design! This just might be the softest and most comfortable women's t-shirt you'll ever own. Combine the relaxed fit and smooth fabric of this tee with jeans to create an effortless everyday outfit, or dress it up with a jacket.
Elevate your Krampusnacht ensemble with devilishly delightful accessories. From horned headbands to wicked jewelry, these items add the perfect touch of Krampus flair to any outfit and put you in the festive spirit.
Krampus Horn Beanie by LusAmigurumi: Perfect for Krampus night or for your everyday holiday look, this adorable crocheted horned hat comes in a variety of colors.
Annual Krampus Scarf by Rare Dirndl: Elevate your winter wardrobe with the charm of Krampus. Whether you're sipping cocoa by the fire or dashing through the snow, let this yearly gift of the Krampus Scarf be your go-to accessory this festive season. It also makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for those who appreciate a touch of tradition blended with modern comfort.
Deck the halls with malevolence! Give your home a darkly delightful makeover with these Krampus-themed decor items. From ornaments to candles, these pieces will set the perfect tone for a Krampusnacht to remember.
No Krampusnacht celebration is complete without the right gear. From costumes that would make even Krampus himself envious to decorations that set the perfect dark tone, these essentials are a must-have for any Krampus enthusiast.
"Krampus Meets His Match" The Krampus Children's book: Dive into the enchanting world of Krampus, the mischievous yuletide creature, in this delightful children's book penned by none other than the creative minds behind Rare Dirndl, Erika Neumayer Ehrat and Michael Young.
Join Krampus as he embarks on a comical adventure to teach young Sandra a lesson in good behavior. Little does he know, his plans are about to take an unexpected turn!
This is a great gift for new parents who have an appreciation for Krampus or a little one in your life. "Krampus Meets His Match"strikes the perfect balance, ensuring it's not gruesome, but instead delivers a message of kindness and understanding that will resonate with young readers.
With the wicked treasures from Rare Dirndl and the handcrafted gems from Etsy, your Krampus-themed holiday and Christmas season events will be nothing short of legendary. Embrace the snark, revel in the mischief, and let Krampusnacht be a celebration like no other. Don't forget to spread the dark cheer - share this guide with your fellow Krampus enthusiasts and let the festivities begin!
CLICK HERE to check our list of all the Krampus themed events and Krampuslaufen around the US.
**Please note that some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the continued creation of content like this. Thank you for your support!**
]]>Although goth style is not typically associated with Oktoberfest, you can create a unique and eye-catching look by incorporating gothic elements into traditional Bavarian attire with a little creativity and attention to detail.
The key here is to remember why you are wearing a dirndl. A dirndl is a garment that is a representation of a culture. Whether you have German heritage or not, honoring the traditions are important. But so is your personal style! Let's talk about ways to break the rules while still holding true to authenticity.
]]>Although goth style is not typically associated with Oktoberfest, you can create a unique and eye-catching look by incorporating gothic elements into traditional Bavarian attire with a little creativity and attention to detail.
The key here is to remember why you are wearing a dirndl. A dirndl is a garment that is a representation of a culture. Whether you have German heritage or not, honoring the traditions are important. But so is your personal style! Let's talk about ways to break the rules while still holding true to authenticity.
Oktoberfest is a traditional Bavarian festival celebrated in late September or early October and lasts for 16 days. During this time, people come together to enjoy traditional German food and beer and often wear dirndls, lederhosen, and other traditional clothing styles. There are also many activities going on, such as amusement rides, carnival games, and live music performances. Oktoberfest has become so popular that it’s now celebrated all over the world.
For those who want to dress with a goth aesthetic, it is important to remember the original traditions of Oktoberfest while also embracing your personal style. Consider wearing a dirndl with an alternative twist, such as a black lace corset or accessorizing the look with dark jewelry and makeup. This way, you can express yourself while still respecting the history and culture of the festival.
Goth styling is not typically associated with Oktoberfest, the famous German beer festival. You might initially think that it would be really difficult to express your goth style while wearing a dirndl and have loads of questions... but, with a little creativity and attention to detail, it is possible to incorporate gothic elements into traditional Bavarian attire in order to create a unique and eye-catching look. Kein Problem!
Whether you choose to wear a traditional dirndl or lederhosen with modern twists such as dark-colored fabrics and prints, you can enjoy the festivities in true goth style.
"The dirndl is not just a piece of clothing, it's a symbol of our heritage and identity." - Unknown
That quote speaks so true to the values of Rare Dirndl. We believe that celebrating German heritage while maintaining your personal style is what makes going to German Festivals the most fun! No matter what your personal style is, there is a dirndl out there that is the right size and ideal to help you create the perfect look!
Here are some tips we recommend for how to add edgy & goth elements to fit your dirndl outfit:
A dirndl is a traditional Bavarian dress, most often worn by women at Oktoberfest. While dirndls usually feature bright colors and floral patterns, a goth-style woman can choose a black dirndl dress instead or one with black accents. Dark floral patterns or lace overlays can also add a gothic touch to a dirndl.
You could also accessorize it with black lace, chains, or other gothic elements. You could also wear a white blouse, but make sure to add extra accessories so it's styled correctly!
Lederhosen are traditional Bavarian shorts or pants made of leather with embroidery and a quintessential front flap. While they are typically worn by men, you could wear black leather, black or grey denim lederhosen with a black blouse and black boots to create a unique look. We also offer a great alternative to ill-fitting box traditional Lederhosen... our Women's Stretch Denim Lederhosen. Available in black/grey or blue, these are a fun way to dress the part without wearing a dirndl.
To add a goth twist to a traditional German outfit, you could accessorize with gothic jewelry, such items as black chokers, skull earrings, or pentagram necklaces.
You could also wear black boots, fishnet stockings, or a black shawl with your dirndl.
Still loving the look of safety pins? Add some to the shoulder straps or apron waistband. It's your dirndl... make it show your individuality!
Dark lipstick, smokey eye makeup, and heavy black eyeliner can all be used to create a dramatic look. False eyelashes can also add an extra touch of glamour.
Black boots or black Mary Jane heels can be worn with the dirndl dress. A platform or a small chunky heel can also be used to add height and create a more dramatic look. For more inspiration on footwear to wear with dirndls, check out this blog.
Remember, the key to successfully incorporating gothic elements into a dirndl dress is to balance the traditional Bavarian outfit with goth flair.
The result should be a unique and striking look that is perfect for a German-themed event, folk festival or any other event where gothic fashion is welcome.
It's important to note that while as a goth-style woman you may want to express your unique style, it's also important to respect the cultural significance of the festival and dress appropriately.
In conclusion, gothic styling for women can be a great and easy way to stand out. So why not embrace your inner goth and try this unique styling for your next celebration?
Looking for more Dirndl Style tips & tricks? Click the link to get access to our official style guide! >> https://bit.ly/dirndlstyle
Pisces season kicks off on February 20 with a new moon–this is such a nice day to stay in, give yourself a break, set intentions around your healing and creativity. Pisces is so much about retreating from the world–it’s a great new moon to set intentions around how you want to be careful with how you spend your energy, and how you want to be intentional about what energy you let in.
On the next day, February 21st, Venus moves into Aries. Venus in Aries can be BOLD, so even though we’re deep in Pisces energy, can you spend some time wearing clothes around the house that feel like a risk? Can you put yourself out there, artistically or in romance, in a forward and direct way?
On March 3, we see Mercury, planet of communication and learning, move into Pisces. This is not the most straightforward placement for Mercury, so take extra time with your communication this month. It might feel like we don’t have access to verbal communication for a few weeks, but the benefit of this placement is that it helps with psychic communication, or visual, or anything other than directly speaking. Pay attention to your spidey senses, and if you’ve been wanting to work with your intuition, this is a great month for it.
March 7th brings the Full Moon and Saturn moves into Pisces! So much Piscean energy today! You might just want to lay low–Pisces needs a lot of emotional and energetic integration time, time that looks like doing nothing. If you want to feel your feelings, stay at home and watch movies, or just check out (in a healthy way), this is a great day for that. Saturn is leaving its run in Aquarius and moving into Pisces for the next 3 years, and this is a little preview of what it might feel like. Saturn hasn’t been in Pisces for 29 years, and is a time that encourages us to get some boundaries around how we work with our intuition or spiritual parts of our life.
On March 17th Venus moves into Taurus–its home! Venus loves being in Taurus–for the 2nd half of Pisces season, soak up the slowness, the luxury, buy the good cheese, find your fuzziest blanket and just relax!
How Pisces season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Pisces season:
Dirndl designs for Pisces season:
To get in the Pisces spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Pisces and Jupiter-ruled herbs:
Pisces Cocktail:
Muddle the alcohol and lemon zest in a ½ gallon jar. Stir to mix.
Seal the jar and put it in a cool dark cabinet for a week, and strain. Stir in the simple syrup–you have a Lemon Drop!
Pisces Mocktail:
Brew the tea with the lemon zest and ginger and drink hot! Mix in a little honey if you’d like.
Pisces Recipe:
A great recipe to try for Pisces season is the delicious Kabeljau in Senfsosse, or cod in German mustard sauce from Dirndl Kitchen.
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
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I often get asked if traveling to Germany with kids is a good idea. I get questions all the time like, “Will my kids like Germany?” (Of course!) or “Are Germans kid friendly?” (Yes! Just mind the noise levels and be respectful.)
But then comes the question every parent of a picky eater dreads when traveling, “What German foods will my kids actually like!?”
And boy do I usually have a surprise for them!
Even if your kiddo just survives on hotdogs and mac and cheese at home, I’ve got great news; those are basically the two most beloved foods in Germany! Well, Wursts and Käsespätzle that is!!
Käsespätzle (literally, cheese noodles) is THE ultimate German comfort food. You can find it absolutely everywhere and it is always a hit with the young and old alike! While it’s going to be similarly made no matter where you are in Germany, more or less, each restaurant typically has just a slightly different recipe. Therefore, it’s always fun to do some taste comparisons at each restaurant because no two Käsespätzle is ever the same!
And while Käsespätzle will be found in every corner of Deutschland, I absolutely LOVE fresh Käsespätzle in the Allgäu, which is a Bavarian region in the Alps (think close to Neuschwanstein Castle) The Allgäuer cheese, typically from the cows hanging out in the mountains all summer long, just takes the dish next level.
Long after your travels in Germany (or during your day dreaming phase of planning a trip!), you’ll long for the warm, creamy, delicious dish! For example, when we held our first At Home Oktoberfest, I knew it just HAD to be on the menu, after all, it is one of the most popular foods at Oktoberfest in Munich! But I was a little intimidated by the idea of making it myself. But, after asking my German friends for their recipes (not surprisingly, they EACH gave me a slightly different variation!), I was shocked at just how simple it was going to be to whip up at home!
To make at home, there are two main components of this German recipe.
1. The Spätzle: This is a German-style egg noodle. You can either make this with a little bit of creativity (but not difficulty) at home (instructions for this below) or if you want to do a “halfway homemade” version, just go find a thick “Egg Noodle” at the store. This definitely won’t be the same, but will cut down on a lot of time and effort! Alternatively, look at stores like Aldi, which originated in Germany and often carries German items!
Pro Tip: If you love Käsespätzle as much as my family does, you can get really affordable Spätzle makers on Amazon to help speed up the process of making this dish
2. The Cheese: You’ll then mix in a creamy mixture of cheeses (I promise, even if you don’t like Swiss cheese, you WILL like this recipe!). Then, top it off with some caramelized onions, and voila! Delicious Deutschland Food!
So, how EXACTLY do you make homemade Käsespätzle? Well, I’ve employed the help of my two family members who consume the most Käsespätzle in my house (yes, that would be my sons!) and we are going to show you how to make a Kinder Approved Käsespätzle at Home!
As you can see, if you’ve got little ones, this is the perfect meal to get them to help out in the kitchen! If you are planning an upcoming family trip to Germany, it’s also a fantastic way to get them excited and a part of the trip-planning experience!
Don’t have kids? Then that just means more yummy Käsespätzle for you!!!!
First Step: Put on your Rare Dirndl. Just kidding! Although, it definitely made things more fun and “authentic” feeling! (Sweat pants are just as acceptable.)
1. At any point in the process, you can chop up the onions, melt the butter and begin carmelizing the onions so they are ready to go later on
2. This is where things get super easy. If you need to shred any of the cheeses yourself, do that while the noodles are boiling or while the dough is mixing. If you were able to get your hands on a block of Gruyere, then you can shred or chop this up now as well
Having your kids help prepare the meal always makes them more willing to try new things!
3. Next, pour all the noodles into an oven-safe dish
4. Drizzle the cream over all the noodles
5. Add most of the cheese, leaving a handful or two separate. (Whether you are 3 or 33, this is a good time to do some cheese taste testing, of course!)
Cheese Thief!
6. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Combine everything well
8. Top with a bit of extra cheese so it gets nice and bubbly and golden when cooking!
Kinder (and kids at heart) Approved!!!!
Serve with a fresh garden salad and if you are feeling particularly German, grab a beer to wash it all down! I’m always impartial to a good, Dunkles (dark) beer, especially if you are able to get your hands on some Emmentaler, which has good, nutty undertones which typically go well with darker beers. If you are in the mood for wine, of course, a German Riesling would go well, or even a Pinot Noir!
Guten Appetit!!!
Have you tried Käsespätzle before? If you’ve had it in Germany, where was your favorite Käsespätzle at?
**This post was written by the talented LeAnna Brown author of the blog WanderInGermany**]]>On January 21, the Sun goes into Aquarius and it’s also the New Moon in Aquarius–lots of fresh Aquarius energy! The new moon in Aquarius is a great time to set intentions around your hopes, wishes, and dreams, and also anything having to do with community and networks. It’s also a perfect new moon to set wishes and hopes for the world, not just yourself or inner circle–wishing for healing for a whole community or country or planet or universe is a fitting thing to be doing during an Aquarius new moon.
The next day, January 22 Aquarius’ ruling planet Uranus stations direct in Taurus–it’s been retrograde since late August, and it is about to go direct! Uranus is such a weirdo, it really is about doing your own thing and getting free. It is also a disruptor. Aquarius’ other ruler, Saturn is about dealing with the structures and systems we were born into and have to learn to work with or dismantle, while Uranus plays by its own rules and only cares about the future–and not even what’s possible, but what’s the freest. With Uranus turning direct, you might be getting more clarity around how to move forward in new ways around your money or security or stability. Uranus is still in Taurus, a pretty unmoveable sign, so there might be a little less chaos around financial or resource issues.
On January 28 Venus moves into Pisces, where it loves to be! Can you spend this month making, looking at, or prioritizing art in some way? Read a poem to your dog, write a love letter to yourself or your best friend, go to a museum or look at an art book for some inspiration. Venus, planet of love and values, thrives in the sign of Pisces! It’s a great month for riding that Aquarian wave of wanting to make the world a better place, and Pisces makes us more empathetic, taking the ideas out of the airwaves and into real life.
February 5th brings the Full Moon in Leo—a perfect day for letting your friends know you love them, reaching out to the friends in your life that are always initiating contact or plans, and letting yourself be seen a little bit–share some art you made, share a feeling, be generous with yourself.
How Aquarius season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Aquarius season:
Dirndl designs for Aquarius season:
Food & drink for Aquarius season
To get in the Aquarius spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Aquarius and Saturn-ruled herbs:
Aquarius Cocktail:
Combine the vodka, tea bags, matcha, zest of 3 limes, and honey in a big jar and stir. Put it in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days, until it smells very strongly of tea. Strain it and drink! This is good warmed up for a tea-hot toddy kind of cocktail.
Aquarius Mocktail:
This is not a mocktail, but since Aquarius is contrary, so is this drink. This is just a matcha latte–Aquarius likes buzzing around but they like being different, so here is an alternative, healing option other than coffee.
Heat a little water. Pour it over ½ tsp (or less if you’re just starting with matcha) and whisk until it gets a little frothy–whisk in the shape of a W. Pour into a mug and put in maple syrup or honey, and then add a little more hot water. Top off with some oat milk or whatever milk you prefer, stir together, and sip!
Aquarius Recipe:
A great German recipe that can be shared, in true Aquarius fashion, is soup! Germans love a good leek soup and here’s a great recipe to try this cheese and leek soup.
Photo credit: Where Is My Spoon
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>Something that always makes me think of them is wearing a dirndl dress. There is so much more meaning behind wearing a dirndl that just, "it's what I have to wear to dance," or "this one is my favorite color and makes me feel like a million bucks," or "it's just what you wear to Oktoberfest." Wearing a traditional dirndl means so much more than that.
If you are wearing your club tracht, then you are representing the entire club! The people who founded the club, who gave their time and most likely money to start an organization to keep their heritage alive. You represent your other club members, your friends and family that you dance with, laugh with and sing with.
If you are wearing a vintage dirndl dress, you're representing the era or town that it came from.
It might be an old club tracht, in which case all of the above applies. It might be your Mom's or your Oma's, which you are then honoring them, their style or their past. It might be a dirndl from a specific town that your family passed down. Then, just by wearing that garment you are proudly showing your love for your family's heritage.
If you are wearing a modern dirndl, you're representing your personal style... while simultaneously proudly symbolizing the cultural dress that came before it.
A modern dirndl dress wasn't born out of nowhere... it was inspired by the traditions and culture that existed for hundreds of years.
The more you think about about it, the more you realize that wearing a dirndl is a very powerful thing. Quite a statement really.
For my Grandma's funeral a few years ago, I couldn't decide what to wear. Nothing seemed right. Until I thought about this one German dirndl.
She and my Grandpa took me to Germany with them when I was in high school and while we were there they bought me this simple black dirndl with a darker floral apron and a classic white blouse. I loved it.
However, since starting Rare Dirndl... I hadn't worn it. I always wear my own designs (because I'll inevitably be asked, "did you make that?" and it's good business practice to wear your own stuff).
I decided that her funeral was the perfect time to wear this dirndl dress. She would have liked that very much. Just a year and a half later... I found myself in the same boat, but this time for my Grandpa, her husband.
Yet again, I decided that wearing my dirndl was the best choice. But I wore a different apron, one that I made myself. He was an incredibly creative person and loved seeing my creations.
Will I ever wear that dirndl again... I'm not sure. But what I do know, is that it makes me happy to think back on that day and feel proud of what I wore.
They may not have grown up in Bavaria, but they saw me wearing a dirndl dress as representative of their heritage just the same. And I think that's how parents feel too.
It's kinda crazy to think that a garment can do all that, but I believe it does. Has anyone ever said, "Wow, {deep exhale} look at my daughter [granddaughter] in her jeans. Makes me so proud."
Do I think everyone feels this way... no. Do the folks who got their "dirndl" aka beer wench costume on Amazon have a feeling of cultural pride, mmm... ich don't think so.
But I do hear from many customers that come back from festivals in Germany that they, "felt like they really 'fit in' wearing their Oktoberfest dirndls." They felt it too... the feeling of pride that wearing a dirndl brings.
So the next time you put your dirndl dress on, take a 2nd (or 4th 😉) look in the mirror and give yourself a pat on the back for proudly representing all those who came before you; whether it's your fellow club members, your family, or the locals and their heritage.
What do you think about this topic? Do you feel like you are portraying more than just your own personal style when you wear your dirndl? I'd love to hear your ideas, so please feel free to comment below.
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Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!
]]>A Capricorn new moon is a fabulous time to set intentions about what you’re investing in, your long-term plans and goals, and how you’re building to get there–what structures and systems you’re setting in place to get framework around where you’re headed.
On December 29 Mercury goes retrograde in Capricorn (through January 18), just in time for end-of-year reflections on all we’ve “accomplished”. Can I challenge you during this Mercury retrograde to not beat yourself up for not doing “enough” in the past year? And instead make a list of all the ways you persevere and showed up for loved ones, allowed yourself to be held by your community, all the ways you cared for your long-term mental, physical, emotional health despite being years into a pandemic and everyone having low energy and weird social skills? Mercury retrograde is a great time to reflect on what you’ve already set into motion, not necessarily the time to go full speed ahead when it comes to long-term plans.
Venus goes into Aquarius on January 4th–time to look at your values and how they fit you, not what you think you should incorporate into your values just because society tells you it’s the right path. When Venus, planet of love, money, and values is in Aquarius, it’s customization time! Not everything that works for others will work for you, and this month is a good time to think outside the boundaries of the stories you’ve been told or have been telling yourself about what it is you want and desire.
The Full Moon in Cancer comes on January 6–the first full moon of the year, and one to reflect on your home, roots, where you come from, and how it helped to get you here, whatever your feelings about “home” and “family”.
After months of being retrograde, Mars finally goes direct in Gemini on January 12th! While it will take a while for Mars to speed up to its usual pace, it might feel like all the thinking, obsessing, journaling, rethinking you’ve been doing could be forming clearer thoughts towards action you want to take. Mars is the planet of action, and it’s been appearing to spin backwards since late October, which means we’ve been reviewing action we’ve already taken, going back on decisions, having to reassess steps we’ve already gone through, and may have felt like we’ve been walking through mud. With Mars turned direct, it might feel like it’s easier to make moves.
How Capricorn season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Capricorn season:
Dirndl designs for Capricorn season:
Food & drink for Capricorn season:
To get in the Capricorn spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Capricorn and Saturn-ruled herbs:
Capricorn Cocktail:
Muddle the vodka, the zest of the 4 grapefruits and honey in a big jar and stir. Put it in a cool, dark place for about a week–until it smells very grapefruity. Strain it and drink with some sparkle water and add the rosemary for garnish if you’d like!
Capricorn Mocktail:
This is an easy one, and brings some vitamin C for the winter season! This is really just grapefruit juice with some honey in it, or a virgin Grayhound! Mix in some honey to grapefruit juice and add a sprig of rosemary if you’d like!
Capricorn Recipe:
A great dish that I highly recommend to try your hand on is comforting and warm Cheese Fondue. Follow the instructions in this recipe from Dirndl Kitchen and you'll get yummy earthy dish that is ideal for sharing with your family and friends.
Photo credit: Dirndl Kitchen
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
These classic german Christmas cookies are made with hazelnuts and are quick and easy to make.
These shortcrust pastry Christmas cookies are created in several patterns by adding cocoa powder to one part of the dough. They're great for the holiday season!
Also known as German gingerbread is slightly different to British gingerbread. The harder version of Lebkuchen is used to make gingerbread houses and gingerbread hearts sold at fairs and carnivals. Nuremberg Lebkuchen are well-known around the world. They are soft, and often baked on Oblaten (a thin wafer base). The finest variety is the Elisenlebkuchen that contains almost no flour.
A spiced shortcrust cookie from Belgium and the Netherlands where it is eaten all around the year. In German regions that border these countries Spekulatius is a favourite Christmas cookie.
Some sources claim the Spitzbuben to be an original Swiss recipe, however, the biscuits filled with red currant jam are very common in Germany during the holiday season as well.
These are little pieces of art. You need a mould plate or roller to make the sweets with the pictures on top.
Although you can buy butter cookies all year round, these are not exactly the same as the Butterplätzchen made for Christmas.
These are a type of Lebkuchen sweetened with sugar beet syrup instead of honey. Aachener Printen is a protected regional term, you’ll find Printen bakeries only in Aachen and its surroundings.
There are so many recipes out on the Internet these days, so how can you tell which ones are the good ones?
I asked some of the members of our Rare Dirndl community and here are their responses when we asked what were their favorite cookie recipe recommendations.
"Here is a great quick list of my all time favorites! https://dirndlkitchen.com/my-5-favorite-german-christmas-cookies/"
- Sophie Sadler---------------------------
"Snickerdoodles are always a hit and easy to make! Here's a good recipe: https://lilluna.com/snickerdoodles/"
- Cat Boucher---------------------------
"These are a big favorite at our house at Christmas. This is a recipe that my Großmama clipped out of a German American newspaper around 1910. There is so much chocolate in this recipe that no other fat is called for. I always bake them in a 9x13 pan and cut them into bars.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 lb unsweetened chocolate (8 ozs.)
3 eggs
1 lb brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 lb cut nut meats (I use slivered almonds)
1 large cup sifted flour
Melt chocolate and set aside. Beat eggs until foamy and add sugar, spices, nuts and flour and mix. Stir in melted chocolate. Drop from spoon onto a well-greased pan (I use parchment paper and no grease...works beautifully.) Bake at 300° for 15 minutes. (The first batch may need the full 15 minutes...subsequent batches will need less.)
A couple of tips:
In Großmama's original recipe you have the option of turning all the batter into a jelly roll pan and baking them as bars, which is how I bake them now. Cut them into bars while still warm.
The batter should be thick but not too stiff, like brownie batter. If the chocolate starts to cool too much while spooning out the batter, put it in the microwave for a few seconds to re-melt the chocolate."
- Bonnie Hiller Fullerton-----------------------
"Hands down, my favorite Christmas cookie! Bonus that it’s German. https://flouronmyface.com/german-spritz-cookies/"
- Kathy Miertz----------------------
"Vanillekipferl are my absolute favorite of the multitude of German Christmas cookies my Oma used to make.
This is the closest I have found to her recipe (which I only have on a recipe card difficult to read in german cursive)
https://platedcravings.com/german-christmas-baking-vanillekipferl/ "
- Brittany S.----------------------
"These are my fiancé’s favorites! Spitzbuben (German Jam Cookies) Best, Veronica Trapani"----------------------
"Here’s my dad’s favorite cookie, I found it years ago and he requests me to make it every Christmas. There are similar recipes out there, but the difference is that I use sliced sweetened dried orange slices. Trader Joe’s have it, but candied orange slices work too.
INGREDIENTS
2 ¼ cups (319g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level method)
½ teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons (227g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (149g) granulated sugar
½ cup (57g) confectioners' sugar
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla paste
½ cup dried cranberries packed
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest from 1 orange
½ cup sweetened dried orange slices or candied orange peel
½ cup sugar for sprinkling on cookies optional
Extra orange zest for sprinkling on cookies optional
INSTRUCTIONS
----------------------------
* above information from from http://www.germany-insider-facts.com/german-christmas-cookies.html
]]>On December 6 Mercury enters Capricorn, and three days later on December 9 Venus joins it in Capricorn. The shift from Sagittarius to Capricorn can feel like the party is ending, and we have to get more serious about how we’re communicating, what we’re spending our time thinking and learning about, and getting more practical after a season of togetherness and whatever partying looks like for you. Capricorn season asks us to look at what we’re investing in for the rest of the winter–how would you like to spend your time in the darker winter months? Where can you seek out some structure to your days?
December 15 brings the Full Moon in Gemini–a good time to reflect on the past two weeks or six months around what has reached a conclusion or realization concerning your growth. What have you learned in the past six months that make you more compassionate to people or communities that are in wildly different situations than you? How has being curious and open to the world brought you more understanding?
We’ll see Jupiter move into Aries on December 20th, where it will stay until May 17, 2023, which will be an opportunity to put into place any inspiring ideas you had in May 2022. Jupiter in Aries asks us to boldly take risks, go for it, charge ahead even if you don’t feel totally ready or are feeling some imposter syndrome. Aries is an initiating sign, and is all about trying it even if it doesn’t work.
How Sagittarius season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Sagittarius season:
Dirndl designs for Sagittarius season:
Food & drink for Sagittarius season:
To get in the Sagittarius spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Sagittarius and Jupiter-ruled herbs:
Sagittarius Cocktail:
Combine gin, the zest from 3 oranges, pomegranate seeds from one pomegranate, anise seeds + salt in a big jar + stir. Put it in a cool, dark place to steep for 3-5 days, until it’s fragrant. Strain it and stir in the honey and drink!
Sagittarius Mocktail:
This is so simple, but one of my favorite “fancy” drinks. Just put some pomegranate seeds into a glass with some orange juice and voila! Eat with a spoon if you’d like, or garnish with some rosemary for a drinkable feast.
Sagittarius Recipes:
One of my favorite recipes for this season is Schupfnudeln with Saurkraut. This adventurous and ambitious meal is worth the effort and is simply delicious.
Photo credit: Dirndl Kitchen
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>
Spooky season is upon us! We’ve been ready all month, and the beginning of Scorpio season on October 23, when the Sun + Venus move into Mars-ruled Scorpio will feel extra moody, introspective, and levels up the melancholy of fall. Scorpio season is when we start to turn inwards, prepare to evolve into our winter selves, letting go of summer feelings and all the light that comes with it. This is the season to embrace the coming darkness of winter, in our outer and inner worlds. It’s an astrologically full month, so give yourself a lot of time to process and be aware of how you use your scorpion pincers!
]]>Saturn just went direct in Aquarius on October 22 (after being retrograde since June). Lots of movement in these fixed signs could mean some stretching is needed, emotionally + mentally to stay cool. And it might feel like we’re ready to move forward towards committing to something in ourselves, for ourselves, our own way.
October 25th brings the Scorpio Solar Eclipse New Moon–conjunct Venus! A really good time to think about what you value, your self-worth, what you’re lusting for and how you’re healing, and then how you set boundaries to protect your energy and what you love.
Another eclipse comes on November 8–the Taurus Lunar Eclipse Full Moon. Another powerful one, as the Moon is full conjunct Uranus, opposing the Sun-Venus-Mercury conjunction. A lot is going on at this Full Moon, so just take your time to sort through things–no need to react quickly. A Taurus moon needs lots of time to process, so see what your body needs and tell you around this time.
Mars has been slowing down for a while, and finally goes retrograde in Gemini on October 30, where it will appear to be spinning backwards (retrograde) through January 12, 2023. If you do anything through January, journal! Talk it out! Scorpio’s planet Mars encourages introspection when it retrogrades, so if you can, take a back seat to so much doing and take a minute to talk and think out what your next moves are.
How Scorpio season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Scorpio season:
Dirndl designs for Scorpio season:
Food & drink for Scorpio season
To get in the Scorpio spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Scorpio and Mars-ruled herbs:
Scorpio Cocktail:
Combine the vodka and cranberries in a jar and mix. If you want a challenge, add a 2” piece of fresh peeled + shredded horseradish while it steeps. Cover and leave it in a cool place for a week. Strain it out and mix in the simple syrup–this makes a great Cosmo for your 90s reminiscing!
Scorpio Mocktail/Tea Time:
Make some ginger tea by scrubbing + slicing your fresh ginger (about a 1” piece of ginger for every 1 cup of water you’ll use) and throw it in a pan with the water over high heat. You can put in a cinnamon stick if you want. Let it simmer and turn it down so it stays simmering for 5 minutes. Strain out the ginger + cinnamon stick if you used it and let cool a bit. Muddle some basil in a mug, pour in the ginger tea and mix in a tiny bit of honey. This is a hot toddy-esque mocktail for the cooler air.
Scorpio Recipe:
A great German recipe for this time of year is Frikadellen, a cross between a bunless hamburger and a meatloaf. In the mysterious nature of Scorpio, this delicious vegan frikadellen recipe from All Tastes German is a great recipe to try this season.
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>
On September 25 we get a Libra New Moon. It’s a fresh new moon in the first degrees of Libra, a great day to see your relationships with fresh eyes, come at them from a different point of view or mindset. Libra is airy, and a new moon asks us to approach something from an open mind, so be open to new ways of thinking about your relationships. Today is a great day to treat yourself to a trip to a museum, making or looking at art, putting on an outfit that feels luxurious, making a really nice meal.
On the Venusian tip, Venus goes into Libra on September 29, and stays through October 22. Venus is at home in Libra, adding an extra dose of that newness from the New Moon a few days earlier. This is a lovely month to invest in what you value–making your house or wardrobe or hair or the art and aesthetics in your home nicer. Time for a glow-up!
Good news, Mercury goes direct on October 2, so it might feel like your conversations become clearer, you have some clarity around how to proceed with a partnership or friendship, and like you can move forward.
October 9 brings the Aries Full Moon–a good time to think back to what you were excited about starting in the spring, and how it’s reached some maturity or conclusion. Where do you need to rebalance?
How Libra season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Libra season:
Dirndl designs for Libra season:
Food & Drink for Libra season
To get in the Libra spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Libra and Venus-ruled herbs:
Libra Cocktail:
Combine the vodka, cherries and vanilla in a jar. Cover and let it sit in a dark place until it smells very cherry-like, about 3-5 days if you used dried fruit, and about a week for fresh fruit. Strain out the solids and mix the simple syrup in. Mix this with Hi-Biscus sparkle water!
Libra Mocktail:
Mix cherry juice with a sparkle water and pour over ice. Add a sliced strawberry to the rim, or sprinkle in some dehydrated strawberries for ultimate Venusian vibes.
When I think light and airy, German pancakes come to mind and this recipe from the blog Tastes Better from Scratch is a great one to try this time of year.
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>August 27 brings the Virgo New Moon. This is a great time to reflect on how you’d like to be of service more to your friends and yourself–a New Moon is time for planting seeds of intention. What details do you want to promise yourself to get into this month?
The emotional, dreamy Pisces Full Moon comes on September 11, asking us to think about how we’re realizing our dreams. Pay attention to what you’re fantacizing about, and take extra time to be gentle with your feelings. Just lounge about if you want to!
Virgo season brings up the details, asking us to look back at what we’ve gathered this summer and how we’re going to sort through and put it to best use. On August 25, Virgo’s planet Mercury moves into Libra–a quick planet in a talkative sign. Talk through your ideas with yourself and others! Make some phonecalls and have a gab fest. On September 10th Mercury goes retrograde, so the more you can get settled and decided before then, the better! Pay attention to what conversations need to change direction or be revisited when Mercury is retrograde.
How Virgo season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Virgo season:
Dirndl designs for Virgo season:
Food & drink for Virgo season
To get in the Virgo spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Virgo and Mercury-ruled herbs:
Virgo Cocktail:
Chop the nuts–if you can, throw them in a food processor or blender. Chop them until they look like coarse sand. Put the grappa and vodka together with the nuts and vanilla in a jar. Seal it and leave it in a dark place for 7 to 10 days. Strain out of the solids and mix with the simple syrup. This is a nice nighttime drink, mixed with some oat milk.
Virgo Mocktail:
This is a simple one that’s nice for the hot days of August. Make several cups of peppermint tea and put it in a jar in your refrigerator. When you’re ready to make this drink, pour the peppermint tea over ice, with some sparkle, and garnish with rosemary. Simple and refreshing!
End-of-summer picnics to spend quality time with friends and family is definitely full of Virgo energy. A great side dish to bring to a picnic is potato salad! Check out this recipe from Dirndl Kitchen.
Another (and far easier to make) dish for a small group gathering is an Bavarian classic Obatzsa which is similar to an american “pub cheese”. Here is a recipe from All Tastes German to try with a nice soft pretzel.
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>
July 28 brings the Leo New Moon–a great time to set intentions around your creativity, how you allow yourself to be seen in the world or in your field, and how you’re tending to your closest relationships.
Jupiter begins its retrograde on July 29, headed back through the early degrees of Aries to Pisces. Put a pin in whatever you started to get inspired about in May–it’s not ending or going away, but going back to the editing process, to be refined. We’ll see Jupiter move back into Aries on December 20th, where it will stay until May 17, 2023, which will be an opportunity to put into place any inspiring ideas you had in May 2022.
On August 1, Mars meets up with Uranus–this happens once every two years, and could mean that something unexpected or exciting happens, especially if you have Taurus or Scorpio planets! No matter your sign, be gentle with yourself and others today, and try to go with the flow of whatever happens.
August 11 brings the Leo Full Moon, with the Moon in Aquarius. This is a great time to celebrate your community, and all the ways you contribute to your community as an individual. An Aquarius Moon invites us to celebrate the weird parts of ourselves and how the unique parts of ourselves and others can be a strength.
How Leo season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Leo season:
Dirndl designs for Leo season:
Food & drink for Leo season
To get in the Leo spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Leo and Sun-ruled herbs:
Leo Cocktail:
Combine the vodka, orange zest, rosemary and honey in a half-gallon jar and stir. Seal the jar and put in a cool, dark cabinet until it smells very orangey, about 3-5 days. Strain the mixture into a clean jar and stir in the simple syrup. Combine with sparkle water!
Leo Mocktail:
Make the simple syrup by combining the water + 3 sprigs fresh rosemary in a small saucepan until the water starts to boil. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for ½ an hour to steep. Strain the rosemary out.
Combine the orange juice with simple syrup and sparkle water over ice–adjust the simple syrup to taste. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and drink!
Nothing says summer like “Grillparty”! If you are up for the challenge here is a made from scratch recipe for German Bratwurst. Channel that Leo creativity and boldness to try this recipe from the Daring Groument.
Another (and far easier to make) dish for a grillparty is a classic Gurkensalat or German cucumber salad. Here is recipe from the Blond Cook.
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>The Cancer New Moon comes on June 28–a GREAT time to spend time at home, in the bath, in a body of water, setting intentions for the next six months around how you’d like to nurture yourself more, what sort of self-care you can commit to, and listening to your intuition.
Mars moves into Taurus on July 5–asking us to sloooooow down and be deliberate in how we’re spending our energy. If it’s not towards a practical, measurable goal, you might not be so inclined to start or work so hard. Mars doesn’t love being in Taurus, but it encourages us to work slow and steady towards a goal that’s worth investing in.
July 13 brings the Cancer Full Moon, with the moon in Capricorn. This full moon is a good time to assess your security needs–emotionally and resource-wise. What would make you feel more secure? More money? More hugs? Words of affirmation? A cleaner house? This Full Moon invites you to touch into where you’re feeling very stable, and where you need to do some work to get more balanced.
How Cancer season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Cancer season:
Dirndl designs for Cancer season:
Food & drink for Cancer season
To get in the Cancer spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Cancer and Moon-ruled herbs:
Cancer Cocktail:
In a half-gallon jar, use a wooden spoon to muddle the pears. Add the lemon + lime zests, cinnamon stick, vanilla, vodka + vermouth and stir it all together. Seal the jar and put it in a dark cool cabinet until it smells very pear-y, about a week. Strain with a mesh strainer into a clean jar. Stir in the simple syrup and mix with sparkle water to taste!
Cancer Mocktail:
This is a simple one! Cut up some cantaloupe + cucumber, and smash them a lil with some ice, and pour sparkle water over it! If you’d like, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a splash of rose water and toast to the Moon!
The obvious choice for a cozy, comforting German dish is Käsesätzle. This dish is a great side dish to share for spring get-togethers! Check out this recipe from Just Like Oma
https://www.quick-german-recipes.com/cheese-spaetzle.html
Photo credit: Just Like Oma
Another great choice for Cancer season is this creamy leek soup from My German Recipes.
https://mygerman.recipes/creamy-leek-soup/
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>Did you know that Germany has set a goal to become greenhouse gas neutral by 2045? They passed their first climate law in 2019 and amended it in 2021. Their initial plan is to cut emissions by around 65% by 2030 and 88% by 2040.
Germany is one of only a few countries that have publicly stated and set national laws on their goal of climate neutrality by or below 2050.
]]>Germany is one of only a few countries that have publicly stated and set national laws on their goal of climate neutrality by or below 2050.
First, let's define what being Carbon Neutral is. Carbon Neutral means that there's a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere. With carbon neutrality, you want to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it. This is known as carbon sequestration.
The goal is to absorb carbon into what's known as a "carbon sink." A carbon sink is a system that absorbs more carbon than it emits.
While we do have natural carbon sinks like gardens, forests, and oceans, we need to be careful. Natural sinks release carbon into the atmosphere when there are changes in land use - like logging, building, forest fires, etc. This is why it's so important to reduce our carbon emissions.
Germany is known for its diverse terrains that act as carbon sinks. It's full of mountains and river valleys with various plant and flower life native to the country, which is great in accomplishing its carbon neutrality goals.
Here are common plants and herbs that cover Germany's landscape to help in their efforts to be carbon neutral by 2045.
First, we have cornflowers. This is the national flower of Germany but has been naturalized all through North America.
They grow 2 to 3 feet tall and grow various colors of pastel flowers.
Cornflowers are great for carbon neutrality because they're easily adaptable, can grow in poor soils, are drought-tolerant, and grow annually.
They're a minimal effort plant that can thrive in most carbon sinks and continue to grow yearly.
Next is the European spindle. This native German plant has taken over the United States.
Like the cornflower, the European Spindle is an annual plant that grows small yellowy-green flowers. In the Fall, the leaves will turn yellow or a reddish-purple. They're absolutely beautiful all year round!
These plants thrive in various soils and grow quickly in shady or sunny environments.
Chamomile is probably one of the more well-known plants on this list. It's known for its calming effects. Also, if you didn't know, chamomile is known to improve skin conditions like acne or eczema and heal colds and sore throats.
Chamomile is an annual herb that looks similar to daisies. They have a yellow center with white petals and grow on thin, bright stems.
These plants thrive in sunlight and can tolerate poor soils.
The Cornflower, European Spindle, and German Chamomile are native to Germany. They're low maintenance and grow annually. As a result, these plants are very common in Germany's carbon sinks and help absorb their carbon emissions.
If you’re interested in learning more about all the beautiful plants in Germany, we wrote a blog about some of the most popular herbs and flowers.
I wanted to make sure that Rare Dirndl contributed what it could to reduce our carbon footprint, so I started using Eco Cart. EcoCart is a chrome extension that calculates and offsets the carbon footprint of your order by donating the required amount to reduce those emissions directly to projects focused on Carbon Neutrality. Some of these projects are focused on forest protection, water purification, and much more! Check out the EcoCarts list of projects here.
We only have one world, and our use of carbon is damaging to it. Rare Dirndl is working towards balancing our carbon footprint by using Eco Cart, but there are plenty of other ways. Whether you start growing carbon-absorbing plants, donating to organizations, or implementing Eco Cart in your businesses, everyone can make a difference!
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Germany is known for its diverse terrains.
The country is full of mountains and river valleys with various plant and flower life native to the country. It's lovely. There are so many different National Parks, waterfalls, mountains, and fields to explore.
]]>The country is full of mountains and river valleys with various plant and flower life native to the country. It's lovely. There are so many different National Parks, waterfalls, mountains, and fields to explore.
A few of Germany's National Parks are:
These parks have many different plants and flowers like Edelweiss, Astrantia, and Alpine Columbine. Some of these native plants and flowers even made their way into the United States.
Here's a list of some of the plant and flower life you'll encounter if you ever explore this beautiful country:
Edelweiss flowers are one of the most famous Bavarian flowers. It's a mountain flower belonging to the sunflower or daisy family and easily identifiable with its furry white petals.
The plant prefers rock gardens or rocky limestone at high altitudes -- about 1,800–3,000 meters (5,900–9,800 ft) high.
The edelweiss flower has been used in traditional folk medicine in the Alps for centuries. Different parts of edelweiss plants are used to treat abdominal pain, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and diarrhea. It was even known as the bellyache flower for a long time!
Want to know more about edelweiss flower? Read our blog post with fun and interesting facts about this Bavarian flower.
Bavarian gentian is a herbaceous perennial species of flowering plant in the Gentian family Gentianaceae. They have deep blue star shaped flowers that bloom in the late summer. These flowers are native to the European Alps.
The Bavarian gentian is known as the "Flower of Victory."
The Stinging Nettle is a medicinal plant that blooms annually. This plant is native to Europe, parts of Asia, and Western North Africa. However, the Stinging Nettle now grows worldwide (including in the United States).
The Stinging Nettle is known for its medicinal properties and has been used to treat painful muscles and joints, arthritis, anemia, and more. Additionally, these plants are used in food, tea, and textiles.
The Alpine Rose is an evergreen shrub with clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
These are well-known alpine flower that grow in high altitudes on more acidic soils.
These mountain flowers were traditionally used for their medicinal properties to combat diseases and gout.
The Yellow Gentian is one of my favorites. They're tall plants full of yellow flowers. These plants are typically harvested in the Autumn and dried for later use.
This plant has a long history as an herbal bitter and is a base ingredient in many medicines. However, my favorite thing about this plant is that it's intensely bitter. So, before Hops, the gentian was used in brewing beers!
This plant is a species of flower plant native to the mountain ranges of central and southern Europe.
This alpine flower is a bit finicky. It's suitable for growing in wet, drained soil in full sun. It's a robust plant but doesn't grow well in cold temperatures or wet winters.
This is a perennial flowering plant of the Ranunculaceae family (the same family as the Yellow Alpine Anemone!)
The European trollius grows up to 60cm high with bright yellow flowers that bloom between June and August.
This alpine plant grows in damp soils and shady areas like the woods by a river or pond!
The Silver Thistle is another perennial plant native to the alpine regions of central and southern Europe.
This plant was named after Charlemagne. He searched for treatment against the plague and found this plant - The Silver Thistle contains several essential oils, including the antibacterial Carlina oxide.
This plants roots have medicinal properties and were used as a diuretic and cold remedy.
The Venus plant is a part of the orchid family, commonly known as lady's slipper orchids.
These flowers are really cool! They have slipper-shaped pouches of flowers. The pouch traps insects, and then the insects are forced to climb further into the flower. Where they'll then collect or deposit pollinia and fertilize the flower.
These flowers are native to Europe's high meadows and mountain slopes. These flowers bloom annually from late spring to early summer and may even re-bloom in the fall!
These plants are easy to grow, enjoy a sunny area and they attract hummingbirds and butterflies!
Germany is home to various plants, herbs, flowers, and trees. These plants, like the country, have a rich history and are used in foods, medicines, textiles, and even beer! One of my favorite things about Germany's rich plant life is it contributes to Germany's goal of being greenhouse gas neutral by 2045.
Sources:
https://www.petalrepublic.com/edelweiss-flower/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentiana_bavarica
http://encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net/plants/Gentiana/bavarica
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/our-garden/gardens-conservatories/international-gardens/bavarian-garden.aspx
https://www.landenweb.com/bavaria/plants/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrantia
https://www.britannica.com/plant/Arnica-montana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica_montana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron_ferrugineum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentiana_lutea
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulsatilla_alpina
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trollius_europaeus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlina_acaulis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilegia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypripedioideae
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leontopodium_nivale
Mars is conjunct Jupiter on May 29–happens once every two years–This is a great time to get bold, dive into something that in the past you might have been too reserved about. Jupiter asks us to expand and grow, and Mars is the planet of action, desire, putting our energy out into the world. When these two planets come together in Aries, it’s time to go big and put something in motion that feels like an exciting risk.
We have a Gemini Full Moon on June 30–a great time to plant seeds around what you’d like to learn, what new projects or paths we’d like to start on, new ideas/people/friend groups to reach out to. What keeps crossing your mind? Where and what have you been wanting to explore?
Mercury is retrograde through June 3–in the shadow until June 18. When Mercury goes direct, it takes a while for it to speed up to its normal pace, which it will get to by June 18. This is a great time to review what went down these past few weeks and see what insights you got from any mishaps, miscommunications, or happy accidents.
Gemini season’s Full Moon happens on June 14–with the Sun in Gemini and Moon in Sagittarius. Where do you feel like you need freedom and exploration, especially in your personal life? Where does reality set in and you need to account for that? Where do you need to balance your need for excitement and expansion with the need to take into account your day-to-day life?
How Gemini season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Gemini season:
Dirndl designs for Gemini season:
Food & drink for Gemini season:
To get in the Gemini spirit, you can whip up this infused liqueur with Gemini and Mercury-ruled herbs:
Gemini cocktail:
Put the seeds into a ziploc bag and hit them with a rolling pin or something to coarsely crack them. Combine the seeds with the vodka in a half-gallon jar and stir. Seal the jar and put it in a cool cabinet for about 4-8 hours, until it smells like the seeds. Strain it with a mesh strainer into a clean jar and stir in the simple syrup. Pour over ice and add some sparkling water and enjoy (outside preferably!)
Gemini Mocktail:
Make the lavender simple syrup by combining 1 T dried lavender with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Bring them to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it steep for ½ an hour. Strain out the lavender and you’ve got a simple syrup! If you are a serious lavender fan, you can add more lavender at the beginning of the process.
Muddle the rosemary with ice and simple syrup in a glass–start small with the lavender syrup, and add more to adjust for your level of sweetness. Add the grapefruit juice and top with sparkle water, and add a spring of fresh rosemary! Cheers!
A bright, refreshing and lively seasonal recipe to try is Dirndl Kitchen’s White Asparagus Crêpes.
https://dirndlkitchen.com/white-asparagus-spring-herbs-crepes/
Photo credit: Dirndl Kitchen
One of our family favorites which I always feel has a duel personality is Wurstsalat. Is it a meal, or is it a salad? It can be both! Check out this recipe from German Recipes for Swiss and Bavarian Wurstsalat.
https://mygerman.recipes/bavarian-wurst-salad-swiss-wurst-salad/
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>I have always been fascinated with German culture and my heritage - I mean, hello? Look at my business.
One of the things that I find most thrilling is the mythology and folklore that came out of the middle ages in Northern and Western Europe. German mythological stories are about creatures who are some of the most mischievous, thoughtful, interesting, or even scary characters. They were likely written in middle high German and created and popularized as a way to understand life around them and to entertain those around them.
Those creatures include the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Trickster, Till Eulenspiegel, the Town Musicians of Bremen, and the German Alp.
They all have such exciting backstories and were translated into a modern English translation to help those who don't speak German learn more about these legends. One German legend is the Pied Piper of Hamelin. This story is about a rat-catcher hired by the town. His job was to lead the rats out of the village with his magical instrument. However, afterwards the citizens refused to pay, and he retaliated by using it on their children and leading them away.
Another story is the Town Musicians of Bremen - it's the story of four animals who were neglected and mistreated by their former masters after a lifetime of hard work. Eventually, they ran away and became town musicians!
The Alp may be the scariest of them all, though - Alps were traditionally male creatures who would appear to people while they were sleeping and press on their chest to keep them from moving or making noise; they would cause nightmares and steal their victims life force and spirit. The story of the Alp was to help understand sleep paralysis.
If you haven't heard of these creatures before, they make appearances in stories like The Brothers Grimm and their collection of fairy tales. The Trickster is the archetype for the one and only Bugs Bunny, and the Alp is the German word for an elf!
I love folklore. I love how these stories and characters were the building blocks to so many stories that we grew up watching or reading about, and it’s a big source of inspiration when it comes to my designs!
This isn't the first time German folklore inspired me. In 2018 I published my first children's book titled "Krampus Meets His Match." It was about the infamous Krampus, a horned figure who works with Saint Nicholas. During the Christmas season, Saint Nicholas gifts the well-behaved children with chocolate and other treats; Krumpas would scare the ones that misbehaved.
I thought the story was terrifying! So I wrote a children's book based on the German legends where Krampus goes to a young Sandra's home to scare her into good behavior, but instead is greeted by her little sister Susi who is (much to Krampus's dismay) utterly unafraid of him.
Krampus aside, German folklore inspired me once more, not with a book, but with a new fabric! I love how inspiration can strike from anything, whether it be Mötley Crüe, Steampunk fashion, or in this case, the stories I grew up reading or recently learned about. It's a magical, mysterious, and oh-so-fabulous pattern, and I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_folklore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trickster#In_literature_and_popular_culture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_Eulenspiegel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town_Musicians_of_Bremen
On May 2 Taurus’ ruler Venus moves from dreamy Pisces into feisty Aries for the next three weeks, giving us the energy and inspiration to start new creative projects, scheme bold new ways to make money, and take some risks, romance-wise. And we’ve entered eclipse season, so look for the Taurus New Moon Solar Eclipse on April 30–a great time to set some new intentions around your finances or any habits you’d like to put in place around practical matters, like paying bills on time, etc. The Scorpio Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is on May 15-16–a sort of intense one. Eclipses can feel like a lot of energy swirling around, so lay low and don’t make any major decisions if you can avoid it–just try to go with the flow and see what comes up for you.
How Taurus season might show up for you:
Ways to work with the energy of Taurus season:
Dirndl designs for Taurus season:
Food & drink for Taurus season
To get in the Taurus spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Taurus and Venus-ruled herbs:
Muddle the vodka, apricots + cardamom with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Seal the jar and put it in a cabinet until it smells like the fruit + spice, about 3-5 days. Strain it with a mesh strainer or cheescloth over a colander into a clean jar. Stir in the simple syrup and store in a cool place for up to a year.
MOCKTAIL:
Smash the strawberries with honey into a kind of paste/syrup. Pour over ice, add a splash of apple juice and fill the rest of the glass with your favorite sparkle water. Add a dried fig for garnish.
A delicious earthy German recipe to try this season is bread dumplings with mushrooms from Dirndl Kitchen: https://dirndlkitchen.com/youre-the-bread-to-my-dumplings/
Another great one for Taurus season could be the classis “Himmel und Erde” Heaven and Earth Potatoes & Apples. Try this recipe from Just Like Oma: https://www.quick-german-recipes.com/himmel-und-erde.html
About the Author: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist and witch, who runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
Since Aries is Nummer Eins (#1), let’s talk about being FIRST! Aries is waking up and bursting out of the gate. We can admire the sign of Aries for being bold, going after what it wants, being direct in action and communication, and being risk-takers! Aries shows up and fights for what is just.
On April 12, a special astrological event is happening: Jupiter and Neptune are meeting up for the first time since 2009. It’s a really nice time to tap into your spiritual, magical side and try trusting your intuition a little more. It’s also a great celestial boost to your creativity and inspiration levels! Power up!
To get in the Aries spirit (pun intended), you can whip up this infused liqueur with Aries and Mars-ruled herbs:
Combine + stir the rye, parsnips, carrots, beet, horseradish, and simple syrup in a big jar (1/2 gallon). Seal the jar and leave it in a cool, dark place for about a week, until the drink smells and tastes like veggies. Strain it with a mesh strainer and use it within a year.
MOCKTAIL:
Mix it all together over ice and serve!
A great bold and spicy German (well technically Hungarian) recipe to try is this Chicken Paprikash from The Daring Gourmet: https://www.daringgourmet.com/chicken-paprikash-paprikas-csirke/
We also recommend this hearty Lentil Soup from Dirndl Kitchen: https://dirndlkitchen.com/lentils-spatzle-love/
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About the Astrologer: Lacey Prpić Hedtke is an astrologer, photographer, public artist, and witch, and runs The Future–a space and shop in Minneapolis for artists and witches. You can find more at:
]]>Music is a powerful medium that can have a significant impact on our emotions and mood. The right pop playlist, with upbeat and catchy tunes, can help to lift our spirits and improve our mood. Research has shown that music can stimulate the brain's pleasure centers, triggering the release of dopamine and other feel-good hormones... and this playlist is in German, which is extra fun! This can lead to improved mood, increased energy, and a more positive outlook on life. Whether you're feeling down, stressed, or just need a pick-me-up, the right pop playlist can be a quick and effective way to improve your mood and make you feel happier and more energized.
Enjoy!
Halloween is upon us! I love Halloween because I love dressing up and getting creative with costumes. For me, Do It Yourself costumes are always more exciting and creative than the store bought ones. With that in mind, I’ve got a bunch of unique, classy and fun ways to wear your dirndl for Halloween that isn’t the “St. Pauli Girl”. Just a few DIY in additions to your dirndl, and you have a new costume ready for any party!
]]>Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Halloween is upon us! I love Halloween because I love dressing up and getting creative with costumes.
For me, Do It Yourself costumes are always more exciting and creative than the store bought ones. With that in mind, I’ve got a bunch of unique, classy and fun ways to wear your traditional dirndl for Halloween that isn’t the “St. Pauli Girl."
Now, pull out your traditional German dirndls and let's get creative! Just a few DIY in additions to your dirndl dress, and you have a new costume ready for any party!
This fun costume can go in many ways and work with just about any traditional dirndl, a marionettist’s stick and some makeup!
We literally just have the dowel rod stuck down the back of our dirndl dresses!
This is a classic fairytale character that only needs a few extra pieces to bring it all together. Nicki used a vintage cape along with one of her custom black dirndl dresses to make this look.
Embrace your inner Norse-woman with this fun costume.
While in this photo I made a quick vest using a German dirndl bodice pattern, you can easily use a dirndl vest.
While Sam made this dirndl dress specifically for her PANAM Stewardess costume, you can use any modern dirndl to be a Lufthansa flight attendant!
Last year I suggested using the In Bloom Dirndl to create a Snow White look and I LOVE that Diane did exactly that.
This costume idea can really go in a variety of ways, so take a look at your dirndl dresses and get creative!
While this photo (from http://www.thejoyoffashionblog.com/) is obviously not a traditional dress, you can easily use a black dirndl instead of the black pants and suspenders.
Everything else, the shoes, the hat, the makeup and the shirt would be the same as this great picture!
Head to your closet and go through your favorite black dirndls and put this costume together like THAT!
In this photo I’m wearing a contemporary style dirndl that I made specifically for this costume, but you can replicate this look with a plain black dirndl, red dirndl, or the In Bloom Dirndl.
Adding details like cards and hearts, the hat and the collar piece… bada-bing bada boom!
A black dirndl like the Little Black Dirndl mixed with other red or purple pieces, blouse, petticoat etc.
Mixed your dirndl with perhaps a cape and makeup, teeth and bit of blood - and you are set for an epic evening!
This is a picture that Petra sent me and she looks so adorable in her black dirndl with red polka dots and white apron.
She added her own Minnie Mouse details to pull the whole look together!
This classic costume doesn’t take much, but it might just be the perfect way to give the kiddos a good scare on Halloween Night!
And lastly… you could always wear your more traditional dirndl and be Maria von Trapp from the Sound of Music. Traditional dirndls are great because there are so many vintage costumes you can recreate!
What do you think of these ideas? Are you wearing your German dirndl this year for Halloween in a unique and interesting way?
German dirndls can be so versatile! Share your ideas and pictures in your dirndl dresses with me in the comments!
]]>The first fun fact about common German Kosenamen is that they are mostly from animal names. For example: “Maus," “Hase,” “Mausebär,” etc. How cute are these?!
These German pet names are great for both kids and partners. However, every rule has an exception, so, depending on who you're speaking to, make sure that you use the appropriate terms.
As for me, my favorite is “schatzi” or "schatz." I call my kids and my husband “Schatzi” and I love how multipurpose this German term is. Now, I’m sure some of you also love this word and use it to express your feelings because this is one of the “Classic” Kosenamen. But I was curious to find out some info about the origin and history of this German word... here's what I learned.
The exact meaning of the word “Schatzi” in the German language is jewel, gem, or treasure. Other variations of this term include “Schatz”, “Schatzilein”, “Schätzchen”. In the German language, schatzi is used in a similar way that we use English words “darling,” “sweetie,” "sweetheart," or “honey."
If we’re talking about the etymology of the German word “Schatzi," this is what Online Etymology Dictionary says: “German girlfriend," from German Schatzi, diminutive of Schatz, a term of affection for a woman, literally "treasure," from Proto-Germanic *skatta- (source also of Dutch schat "treasure," Gothic skatts "piece of money, money"), originally "cattle."
As you can see, this word initially referred to females, while nowadays it’s more gender-neutral and can be used literally for everyone. Interestingly enough, when I was looking for some info for this blog post, I found this topic on one of the forums, and one user said that in German parts of Switzerland, “Schatzi” can be used in work environments between not-so-close people, often among women and not always in a positive context (similar to how we use “dear,” "honey," or "sweetheart" (in some instances) in English).
Nowadays, the word “schatzi” and "schatz" is used in German-speaking countries - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and of course in other parts of the world.
If you’d like to show your love for your Schatzi… or for yourself for that matter, check out some of our favorite pieces featuring the Schatzi. You'll find schatzi pins, stickets, and cuff bracelets for you or your darling.
Do you have favorite pet names for your closest people? I would love to read them in the comments below!
https://www.thoughtco.com/love-pet-names-1445092
https://www.fluentu.com/blog/german/german-terms-of-endearment/
https://www.etymonline.com/word/schatzi
https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/schatzi.1877403/
https://www.dw.com/en/10-german-nicknames-to-call-your-sweetheart/g-17860076
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Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!
]]>We all have our own ways of remembering our family members. I have a whole lot too. But here a 6 of my favorite ways that I remember my grandparents.
💕 Use things they made. I smile every time I use the hangers that my grandma covered in yarn
💕 Display photos of them. In my office I have 2 frames that sit among my other trinkets and crystals. I see them everyday and they make me so happy.
💕 Using their old things. I love this one bent pot from my grandpa. I he bent it himself to make it easy to pour butter or sauce
💕 Display gifts from them. We have a bunch of Hummel figurines that they gave us. Plus I love looking at their gnome in our yard each morning.
💕 Admire things they made. My grandfather was an excellent artist and while we have his works of art in our home as well this simple rock he wrote on seems extra special
💕 Wear clothes that remind you of them. I really am loving the new generations of edelweiss tshirt. The 3 edelweiss on my shirt remind me that I’m the 3rd generation in this country and I’m proud of my ancestors journey. It wasn’t an easy road, so I wear it with pride and appreciation.
You can show your pride for your heritage with the mother, daughter, granddaughter, & great-granddaughter edelweiss tee too!
I am not the best cook… but I love to try! And I don’t know about you, but I always find talking, sharing and cooking with others is more fun than doing it all alone.
So let’s do it together!
Each month we will post up a German recipe in the Rare Dirndl First Looks Club Facebook Group to try and then towards the end of the month there will be a special day where we all share photos, videos, experiences with the recipe etc.
You don’t need to cook it on that day, but it would be fun to know that we’re all eating the same meal together, right?!
For February we will be trying our hand at Schupfnudeln! Here is the recipe from the blog Dirndl Kitchen. I've never made them before, so at least for me... this should be interesting.
Then on February 23rd there will be a post in the Facebook Group where you can share your experience and photos!
Who’s ready to cook together? 🍽🙌❤️
]]>Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to make an outfit my own. And that idea doesn’t stop at dirndls. Just because you are wearing your dirndl doesn’t mean you are confined to wearing a traditional white dirndl blouse, an edelweiss choker and mary-janes! I LOVE to get creative with the styling and customization of my personal dirndls and below are the 5 easiest ways to style your dirndl to fit your personality (or the event… because a backyard German dinner date calls for a different look than a wedding).
This is such a fun concept and I LOVE to play with this. I know I’m not alone when I say that while I enjoy the look of a puff sleeve dirndl blouse, I don’t enjoy the tightness around my arm that comes with the elastic. Grabbing one of your t-shirts, tanks, or knit blouses from your closet and trying it on under your dirndl can not only completely change the look of the outfit, but could also make it more comfortable to wear all day!
Having multiple aprons for one dirndl is a super easy way to change up the vibe. You can use something like the Embroidered Rosette Apron for a more elegant affair, or the fun cotton print like Soccer Ball Apron for your afternoon socially distant soiree. You can also grab a belt from your closet and see how that changes the look!
We probably all have a collection of “Dirndl Jewelry” stashed somewhere. You know, those edelweiss necklaces etc. Personally, I end up wearing things like the Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet more on an everyday basis… but folks tend to forget that the reverse is also fun! Try wearing a big chunky crystal ring, your favorite hoop earrings, or that big statement necklace you’d usually save for a little black dress. Who says you can’t wear that with your Little Black Dirndl.
Again… I love taking my dirndl looks to an 11 by adding a Bavarian Style Hat, but there are other options too! Maybe a cloth headscarf. Try a floral crown! Or you can wear another hat that makes you feel fabulous, and if that’s your favorite baseball cap, then rock it!
Feeling the need to only wear Mary-Janes with your dirndl? STOP IT! Switch it up! Wanna wear your Doc Martens, your customized Vans, or your sexy pointy pumps? DO IT! Taking your favorite everyday footwear and using them for your dirndl look is such a fun (and easy) way to bring your personal style into your dirndl look.
Have fun with this! Styling your dirndl doesn’t have to be daunting and limited to what you’re “supposed to wear with your dirndl”. One of the reasons I enjoy wearing my dirndl for more than just German club picnics or Oktoberfests is that it has the ability to be styled in many different ways. My favorite dirndl to style right now is the Everyday Dirndl! With its minimalist vibe and classic fit, this dirndl is so easy to dress up, down and anywhere in between.
It’s so simple, yet so remarkably cute! I want to legit wear this everyday. The 2 side pockets + the fact that it’s machine washable make it that much better. I can’t wait to style this 100+ ways! - Monika B.
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]]>The Everyday Dirndl is a dirndl closet must have. It’s not only comfortable and versatile, but at first glance… it totally looks like a great sundress! This means you can get away with wearing it out to more than just Oktoberfest! AND it’s machine washable, so you can wear it to do your regular day-to-day activities too. Below are 101 things to do in your Everyday Dirndl:
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]]>1) Jewelry: The easiest way (and ok… a little obvious), to bring a little German joy into your everyday look is with some jewelry. Maybe it’s with a pair of German Flag Earrings, an Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet or a fun necklace. Whatever you choose, a piece of jewelry can make any outfit go from blah to Bavarian!
2) A Hat: This is more of a statement, but it’s one of my favorites. A Bavarian inspired hat with feathers and flowers can take any outfit up about 3+ notches. When I wear my hat to places like the post office, a restaurant or to do errands, I ALWAYS get compliments. Even if you are working from home, the addition of your Bavarian hat will surely bring a smile to your face.
3) Floral Crown: A staple for music events, the floral crown can also be a great way to bring a spark of fun to your daily look and also perfect for any picnic. Bring out your inner flower child and inspire a few Sound of Music spins in the park with this joyful look.
4) Denim Lederhosen or Dirndl Skirt: This tip is taken straight from my 2 week dirndl wearing challenge. Pairing a t-shirt, sweater or ready-to-wear blouse with a pair of Denim Lederhosen or a Dirndl Skirt is a super creative way to bring your heritage into your look. This one may take a bit more matching work, but it’s totally worth it!
So those are my 4 tips on how to bring a bit more of your heritage into your everyday look. Doing this makes me feel better about not being able to go to events like German Fest, Bavarian Blast & Oktoberfest. Now I’d like to hear from you! What do you think about these tips? In what ways do you bring your heritage into your daily wardrobe? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now!
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