Julmarknad - Old Town Swedish Christmas Market

Gamla Stan literally translated to Old Town. Which is an area in Stockholm and is one of the oldest and best preserved medieval city centers. Founded around the 1250's, it feels like a step back in time when walking down the cobble streets. Anyway, this draws a lot of tourists and it is usually packed as it is picturesque and 'Instagrammable', but you have to get here early if you want to be away from the crowds. There are interesting restaurants in this area that are Viking themed, there is even one that serves a moose burger. Several interesting sites are nearby too, there is the Nobel museum that the carolers below are caroling on its steps. In addition, the Royal Palace is nearby where you can take a tour. It is very ornate but once you've seen one you've seen them all. My favorite site is the Stockholm Cathedral, it is beautiful, and there is a large statue of St. George. It is well worth a visit. On the subject of Vikings, you can walk on Prästagatan (Priest's St), where you can see a Viking Rune Stone that most likely predates city. 

Now, Julmarknad is located in Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm. When I arrived it was packed and I was not able to enjoy myself since it was difficult to get a good look at some of the stalls. I did manage to take some photos for you to take a look but I will have to try and manage to get better ones. Perhaps by arriving as they open or as they are closing. 

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Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe

I have been asked by several people for my pumpkin cheesecake recipe because it is very moist and delicious. So here is my secret, not so secret any more recipe. (Makes 2 pies)

Crust:
I used the graham cracker box because my graham crackers had been thrown away by mistake. I just followed the recipe on the box for the butter. I also added a pinch of cinnamon and sugar to the mix

Filling:
1 can of pureed pumpkin (I prefer Libby's)
1 can of evaporated milk
2 large eggs
1 box of Philadelphia cream cheese
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of almond extract
1 cup of sugar
1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425. And once it hits the 425 I reduced it to 400, and then reduced it again to 375 once the pie was in the oven.

Mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt together.

Mix the pumpkin, evaporated milk and cream cheese together

Beat the eggs and the add both the sugar, cinnamon, and salt mixture with the pumpkin, milk and cheese mixture. Blend well. Towards the end add the vanilla and almond extract.

During the time that the everything is mixing you should make the crust (in a deep dish pie pan).

Once your crust is made then you should pour your mixture into the pan and then bake! This recipe makes 2 pies!



When you're about ready to put it in the oven, you should put tinfoil around the crust only (I forgot to and it burned the upper portion of the crust :( )

Bake for about 30 mins with the tinfoil on the crust and then remove and bake for another 15 minutes. The pie normally takes about 40-50 minutes to bake, so plan accordingly. Have a knife ready to check if it fully cooked, if it comes out clean after you inserted in pie then it is fully baked!

Let it cool for about 20 minutes and it is ready to eat!

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Shopping Haul

Okay honestly I love shopping. I have a lot of clothes and it is SUMMER in Florida. This means it is really time to store away those jeans and pants and only wear shorts.

Now I don't have any shorts that fit me well anymore, so I went shopping.

This is my haul for 5/17/2013. Yes this is late don't judge me.

Okay so I love sales, but I also love buying items that flatter my assets.

I got these shorts from Macy's for 29 a piece with a coupon on 2 separate purchases. Normally I would think it was too expensive but it's so hard to find shorts that flatter me so well so I went back and bought my favorite colours. For me this was my splurge

American Rag

Calvin Klein

This I also bought from Macy's and with the coupon when I bought the blue shorts it was practically free. I have been wanting to buy a lace sleeveless top, this one is well made and isn't see-through. WIN! The coupon are the ones that you get in the mail for being a Macy's cardholder. They're quite good. Although you can't use it to buy Sperry's anymore. :(

American Eagle

This was on sale and it's Medium although it looks huge, I bought this for 12 bucks! Such a cute lounge around top. I can imagine me drinking a cup of sweet tea with this and some yoga pants on. Sweet Southern Comfort.

Now I got these 4 from TJmaxx. I am a Maxxinista! This was on clearance and it has these little bows on it! Cute! Then I have been looking for luggage tags and these were 3.99 for both, I don't have time to make any at the moment so these will suffice. Then a new water bottle, since I will be doing work in the field when in Europe I need more than 1 water bottle. Then I bought this luggage scale to make my life easier. 

So that's it. I hope you enjoyed. I'll see y'all later!

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Frugal Eating on Vacation

           As some of you may know I had a kitchenette in my hotel room last weekend. And with good reason, it is a good idea to always get a room with one or even a microwave and fridge.
          Before you leave depending on how long you are traveling you should stop at your local grocery store and buy cheap and easy food items as well as snacks. For me I will always lean for sandwiches. (I can't say no to a good PBJ or Turkey sandwich) These items are good to have so that you  don't have to buy overpriced and unhealthy foods at the restaurants. Trust me your wallet will thank you.
           If you still want to go out and not eat in your hotel, you can always make a picnic. Everyone loves a picnic.  That's why sandwiches are a great idea, also food items you can make easily like potato salad, cole slaw, any items you can make in your simple kitchenette or hotel room. Sometimes you don't have a stove or availability of utensils and pots to make fancy dinners. Last I checked we are not the Prince who will have eggs benedict made on a hot plate in a dorm room. Unless you bring your own hot plate then you can but that is all you honey.
          These items I would recommend the most based on my personal experience

•  Bread
• Deli meat
• PBJ
• Jelly
• Some fixin's for you sandwich like maybe a premade salad and you add the lettuce and dressing to your deli sandwich for flavor. (Hey don't judge me I am a college kid)
• Mayonnaise
• Potatoes -Some stores allow you to buy individual .
• Coleslaw mixings - I know there are prepackaged mixing for this, I have bought this before
• Some snacks - chips, peanuts, bananas- try to stay as healthy as possible. Bananas are easy cleanup and can be bought individually.

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