.SOMETIMES RAW.

Hello and Happy Thursday! 

While typing this, I read Facebook messages, record a message on WhatsApp for my brother and have a book waiting to be read next to me. I also wait for the bling-sound of an email from the University that I will attend in September. Oh, and I am also talking to my mom who sits next to me playing on her computer. I tell her how awesome my afternoon with Petit Joel, my friend and her son was. We can both talk for hours, but in the meantime, I want this post to be published as soon as possible because my book is waiting. Whooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaaoooooo….. Slow motion sound playing in the back and deep inhaling and exhaling on my side. Stop!  Breathe! 

This morning I was in the same situations. Running around all morning, cooking lunch, preparing stuff, laundry, ironing, post office and then I remembered that I wanted to collect some blackcurrant. So I went outside with my son to run through the bushes to get it all done as soon as possible to move on to another errand when he looked at me. With a little bowl in his hand he said, “Mommy, slow, otherwise we drop them!” This made me think and realize that he is so right. It is important to single-task. Women are known to be able to multitask easily. Drive a car, put nail polish on, while talking on the phone, right? Not cool, but we could do it. Men on the other hand: Just drive! And when they talk they turn off the radio. Actually, not bad! We are even encouraged to multitask at work, to get things done faster. 

Having a list and doing one thing at a time seems to work better. I can focus completely on ONE task, finish it and start something new. It works most days for me at this point, but not always. We are all human, we learn, we figure things out. It is also a break for my ever thinking/analyzing brain to stop feeling frazzled and thrown into all directions. 

Here is a link to an interesting article I read in the New York Times a while ago. Read this story without distraction, can you? 

Humans have finite neural resources that are depleted every time we switch between tasks, which, especially for those who work online, Ms. Zomorodi said, can happen upward of 400 times a day, according to a 2016 University of California, Irvine study. “That’s why you feel tired at the end of the day,” she said. “You’ve used them all up.”

Monotasking can also be as simple as having a conversation. “Practice how you listen to people,” [psychologist Kelly] McGonigal said. “Put down anything that’s in your hands and turn all of your attentional channels to the person who is talking. You should be looking at them, listening to them, and your body should be turned to them. If you want to see a benefit from monotasking, if you want to have any kind of social rapport or influence on someone, that’s the place to start. That’s where you’ll see the biggest payoff.”

This evening my mom, Petit Joel and I had dinner and I checked my phone because it was constantly blinking. My mom started to tell me a story and I turned the phone off. Single-tasking. I listen! I even turned it upside down to not be distracted. Most of the time when I am outside, at the playground or anywhere else with my son I don’t even take my phone with me. This weight of the phone feels distracting and makes me want to check in a way “useless things that can also wait until later”. I am here, now with him playing. When he is in bed, I enjoy me-time and have the phone and gadgets on and check messages and whatnot but otherwise I feel it is more distracting when I would rather stop and smell the roses or  go on the slide with my son for the millionth time. 

Hello and Happy Monday! 

You have a child and still want to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a piece of cake without interruption outside of your home? Cafe Babbel is the place you need to go. Win-win for mom and child! Many times I took my son to a regular café; those that are not family friendly, to meet with friends and the visit usually ended in us rushing out or in us having a conversation like this: “Wow, really? You have been to the UK……? JOEL, STOP THAT. PUT THE DISHES BACK IN THE SHELVES! So tell me, how was it? What did you – JOEL, LEAVE THE JAM IN THE SHELF AND DON’T PUT YOUR CHOCOLATE HANDS ON THE TABLE CLOTH!” You get the point, right!?

The General manager Julia Knoth opened Café Babbel, a very lovely and inviting place for you and your child. Within the Coburger Familienzentrums, Café Babbel established its place in Coburg for a while now. My son is drawn to this place like a magnet. Spontaneously, we stopped by there today (Sorry, Kirsten!) and I was able to take some photos outside. 

And inside. 

The café is a meeting point for parents and children with a plethora of awesome food choices: Vegan, Vegetarian, Indian, Pakistani, Italian, Sandwiches and Thai-food, as well as a Breakfast and Brunch menu. The Chai-latte coffee, homemade pastries and cakes are delicious! Keep in mind: Management won’t allow any outside food or drinks on their premises!  The tables outside are numbered, and after you decided where you would like to sit, just memorize this number and proceed inside to the main counter to order your food. The kitchen staff will bring everything to your table quickly. Sweet idea! When you decide to sit inside, you order easily at the counter and take whatever you purchased to your table. Everything is obviously very kid-friendly so I didn’t constantly have to look where my son was while he played inside and I bought our slices of cake, coffee and apple juice. 

Sometimes they offer activities and art projects, storytime and so much more. Like and follow their Facebook Page and be informed about upcoming events. 

The play areas are for babies/toddlers and small children alike and the large selection of in-and outdoor toys invite children to play, be entertained and occupied for hours. My son loved the little kitchen aisle, other wooden toys, toy tractor, BobbyCar and the slides. Keep in mind: In the indoor play area, kids need to take their shoes off! Take socks or house-shoes! At Café Babbel I was able to comfortably sit down, chat with other people, sip my latte and not have to worry about my 2 1/2 year-old running off somewhere or jumping off something and break his neck. Today was my second time to enjoy the café, this time however only outside. My son was even more excited to play outside than inside. And they offer FREE WIFI!!!!! Today, I was alone at Café Babbel, and free wifi kept me entrained for a bit until my son screamed for me to help him up on the slide.  

Upon visiting, you will find a very clean café and toilets that are kid-friendly as well as a changing table for babies available inside! Overall, what a wonderful, comfortable place to exist. It is a social and safe environment. Family-friendly prices on the menu; then again I don’t mind paying for quality and convenience sometimes! The staff is all informative, helpful and very friendly! The concept is brilliant, yet simple with many educational toys. Thankfully, no flashy,obnoxious, loud toys! With the educational kids center right next to it, the toys available are a lot about teaching motor skills and for the kids to figure out how things work (kitchen and whatnot). You don’t get along with other moms? You will meet you new mom-friend there! This is definitely a place to open up, learn and exchange because it is so chilled out. [After I spent three hours at Café Babbel and my son did not want to leave I put my head against the wall and said, ” I would love a glass of wine now”. The mom next to me said, “That would be awesome!” —–> Facebook Friends and PlayDates! FYI: Café Babbel does not serve alcoholic beverages but it is okay. Rather try their Chai Latte!!] One last thing want to mention is that if it is raining and the kids cannot go out, it can get a little crowded and noisy inside. But manageable. So that would be the only bad part of this place! I highly recommend Café Babbel and don’t know of any better places with the same concept! Here are some more pictures from our stay today! Enjoy! 

Cafe Babbel

Judengasse 50 (Main entrance Mühlgasse!! Conveniently park at Parkhaus MAUER!)

96450 Coburg

Opening Hours

Monday: 11.30 am to 6 pm 

Tuesday, Wednesday: 9.30 am to 6 pm

Thursday: 8.30 am to 6 pm

Friday: 9.30 to 6 pm

Call: +499561 792860
E-Mail: cafebabbel@gmail.com

CASH ONLY

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Find this Review also on TripAdvisor. 

Awesome Extras: Café Babbel takes reservations, Walk-ins Welcome, Catering, Family parties and birthday parties, Julia Knoth offers cooking courses and nutritional tips, FREE WiFi! 

Hello and Happy Friday! 

This week flew by in a heartbeat. Joel and I spent a lot of time outside in the sun, reading, playing and discovering. Have you read my latest post – Joel and the Burqa? Funny little story that is however pretty thought-provoking. I am fortunate to be here and enjoy my family, Germany, live this awesome life and discover things in and around Coburg. I saw Die Grönholm-Methode this week at the Landestheater in Coburg. Fantastic! How to stay human in an inhuman system. If you get a chance, go see it. Sommer officially started. Finally! How awesome, right? While I type this, I sit outside, look at the sky and stars and enjoy a glass of wine. FYI, I also observe the evening primroses, Hannelore! Life is awesome. This is what I have been up to otherwise. Enjoy! 

Reading: I read Erin Boyle’s book Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending up With More. A great book and a must read if you are into minimalism. I read that Benoîte Groult’s book Salt On Our Skin a long time ago but re-read it simply because it is so great. This is definitely a book that will stay on my bookshelf forever. I was sad to find out that Benoîte Groult passed away the other day. Next on my to-read list is Homegoing: A novel by Yaa Gyasi. Cannot wait to start it. Also this one.

Watching: Just a bunch of documentaries on Youtube. This one will make your heart melt. And the movie A River Runs Through. My friend Martina recommended this movie a long time ago and yesterday was the perfect day to watch it. Well worth the time. Highly recommended. 

Discovering/Learning: I discovered Moorea Seales and her online store and really love it. While I browsed through the website, I found the book she recently published. The 52 Lists Project. So awesome. I write lists all the time, for everything. It is just my thing. And this little book is amazing and guides you through the year. 

“The 52 Lists Project is a journal of weekly lists that will help nurture self-expression and self-development – written and art directed by our founder, Moorea Seal! Each seasonal section includes list prompts, with plenty of space to write your own lists, and challenges to help you take action and make your dreams a reality. Each section of the journal is paired with stunning photography and beautiful detailed illustrations by local Seattle photographer and designer Julia Manchik. With perfectly timed prompts that meet you where you are throughout the different seasons, this journal will open up new avenues of self-knowledge and help you celebrate, enjoy, and take ownership of your life, as each week of the year becomes more thoughtful and vibrant”.

Check out the website Wohnwagen.at. Nice little ideas if you are into living a little different, into the wild and independent. Have you heard of the Waldkindergarten yet? What a fantastic idea! 

One of my favorite authors of all times is Michel Houellebecq (difficult to pronounce, I know!) but I have it all down now being married to le husband. 

I read ALL his books and was excited to find out that there is a Michel Houellebecq exhibit “Rester Vivant” – opening in Paris. I would love to go. 23 June  though 12 September! 

Thinking about: Leaving my family and Germany behind. It has been the best time but I know I have to move on. My parents have been a great help, especially in the beginning when I arrived with baby Joel. He was just five weeks old. I am glad that they are always 100% behind me. This will in some way always be my home-base. The place where I can come to, relax and be loved unconditionally. Both are just down to earth. I will thank my parents for all they have done in a special way for sure! Many of my friends said that their parents would never let her plus and child(ren) stay with them for almost three years. I love my parents. My family is the best! 

Looking forward to: July! A lot is happening in July, my friends. I signed up for another Reiki seminar with SEHES from 1-3 July and I am so excited about it. The International Samba Festival will be hosted, like every year,  in Coburg from 8th-10th July and I will be able to go out at least one evening without Petit Joel my mom said. Yes! It is seriously amazing every single year! Aaaaand, it is my birthday on the 12th. I still cannot believe I will turn 35! Excited! Also, a bunch of traveling is on our agenda. Mexico, huge USA trip with my brother and his girlfriend and Canada. 

Have a great weekend!