Currently

As the season quickly changes to winter (we had our first snow this weekend!) it is already time to say goodbye to fall, at least in Iceland. Here is a recap of what has been happening during my first fall in Iceland.

Currently

Looking // At new cameras. I am in serious need of a proper camera but am feeling overwhelmed with all the options. If you have any suggestions on a great camera let me know in the comment section!

Wanting // To visit the Christmas markets in Europe. Since we are going to Oregon for the holidays it probably won’t happen this year but I am already thinking of where to go next year to experience the Christmas markets. If you have been to Christmas markets in Europe which one was your favorite?

Missing // Playing volleyball. This time of year always reminds me of volleyball season and makes me wish I was still playing. Maybe I will attempt to find another team this winter, and hopefully it will be more successful than my last attempt!

Wishing // Pumpkin’s will make an appearance in Iceland. I would love to find some pumpkin flavored products but I will settle for just a plain ole pumpkin to carve!

Playing //Tourist in our city. These fall days have been perfect for exploring our own neighborhood and H and I have been having a blast playing tourist in Reykjavik for a day.

Tourist Day

Cooking //Comfort foods! This carrot soup and these enchiladas have been on major repeat at our house. And thanks to Amanda H and I are now masters at making beer can chicken.

Drinking // Ginger and lemon hard cider. The combination did not sound attractive when I first saw the cider in stores but I am glad I did not judge a book by its cover, this cider is my go to drink this fall!

Reading // “Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn. I loved “Gone Girl” and wanted to check out more from Flynn, but so far I am not loving this book.

Making // Shopping lists for our trip to Oregon this Christmas. It may be a bit early to be making a shopping list but when you only go shopping when your abroad making wishlists are what keep you going.

Enjoying // The fall colors around Reykjaivk. The weather forecast this week is full of sunshine and I am looking forward to spending some time waking around the city and taking in the last of the fall colors.

Loving // Our new living room! It took almost a year but I finally feel completely at home in our flat and look forward to coming home to my cozy living room.

Marveling // At all the stunning pictures on this Instagram account. From Croatia to Venice Sammy’s Instagram feed has been giving me major travel envy.

Pondering // If I should start taking Icelandic classes again. I am currently taking an hour long class twice a week that is offered to the staff at my work. It has been great being able to learn Icelandic over my lunch break but am feeling like I am not really learning much from the class. Signing up for a course though would be a big time commitment with 4 evening classes a week for 6 weeks, decisions decisions.

Watching // All the fall shows! Thank you Hulu for keeping me connected. I am so excited to have new episodes of my favorites, Modern Family, Scandal, Nashville, I love fall tv.

Hoping // That the snow will not appear again for awhile. We are currently looking at a car to buy so until we have said car parked outside I really don’t want to see any snow! Biking to work in the snow, not so fun.

Admiring // The stunning pictures from our trip to Þingvellir this weekend. Even though we planned the trip to see the fall colors the unexpected dash of snow on the ground made the colors stand out even more. Post to come but for now here is a teaser photo.

Þingvellir

Needing //More winter clothes. We had our first taste of winter weather last week and my poor winter coat is just not going to make it through a second winter in Iceland.

Anticipating // My 1 year expativersary! It is this coming weekend and I have some exciting things planned. Now to make it through the week, is it really only Monday?

Craving // Sushi from my favorite restaurant back in Oregon. The sushi in Iceland just doesn’t hit the mark for me, I can’t wait to be home this Christmas to get my sushi fix!

Dreaming // Of our Easter trip we just booked to Amsterdam! Amsterdam has been on my travel bucket list for years and I am so looking forward to walking along the charming canals and hopefully a visit to some tulip fields.

Bookmarking // All the outfits from Hello, Gorgeous. I don’t follow many fashion blogs but I am loving Yasi’s posts and all the outfits she puts together. They are all outfits that I would actually wear and it has been great for some inspiration in mixing up my wardrobe.

Giggling // At the “Apparently” boy Noah Ritter’s adventures on Ellen. That little boy is hilarious! If you haven’t seen the videos yet watch them now! And then follow Noah on Instagram, his posts always make me laugh!

Instagramming // All the time. In case your not sure Iceland is worth the trip check out some of my favorite pictures from the past few weeks around Iceland, I am sure you will change your mind.

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Question of the Day?
What type of camera do you use? Any recommendations on the best Christmas markets in Europe?

October 6, 2014 by
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  • http://hemborgwife.wordpress.com/ Bailie @ The Hemborg Wife

    I also have a list going of what I want to get back in the states, I think I always have a list going though! Also I only like sushi from my hometown too, whenever I have it somewhere else it is just no the same.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I so agree, the sushi is just not the same as from Eugene, I can’t wait to go back and have my fill of sushi! I already know that once I get home I will so not be sticking to my list! I told H he won’t be able to let me lose in Target!

  • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

    I didn’t love “Dark Places” either. I’d be excited to hear your thoughts once you finished. Glad you all love beer can chicken :D I can’t believe you had your first snow!!!! x

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I just finished it and am like what, all that build up and that is the ending of the book! I was surprised to hear that they are making a movie out of it. I am so glad the first snow is gone already and we have had sunny (but cold) weather all week!

      • http://www.rhymeandribbons.com/ Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

        I thought the ending was sooooo disappointing! x

  • http://www.adventurings.com Cynthia

    Your photos are so beautiful: I especially love Thingvellir in the autumn <3
    I still haven't read Gone Girl but now that the movie is directed by David Fincher and out this week, I think I am sadly going to see the movie before reading the book (terrible person).
    & out of alllll the Christmas markets I've ever been to, it's a tough decision but I would have to choose Nurnberg, Germany. This city is TRULY the world capital of Christmas markets (so big! so beautiful!) and Germany does them with an unmatched enthusiasm.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am thinking Germany is where I need to go for my Christmas market experience! Gone Girl is being released this weekend here and I can’t wait to see it!

  • http://guntersabroad.blogspot.com/ Jamie @ Gunters Abroad

    You will love Amsterdam!! And I can’t believe it’s already snowing there….it’s cold enough here today to turn on the radiators….I am not ready for this!! And Congrats on your upcoming anniversary! Yay for one year!!!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I can’t wait to go to Amsterdam! Thankfully the snow only stayed for the day but I am so not ready for winter!

  • http://www.thegritsblog.com/ The Grits

    Have you seen the movie Gone Girl? I wonder if the ending in the book is the same as then movie?!

    On another note, that ginger lemon cider sounds delicious!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      It was released today in Iceland so I will most definitely be seeing it this weekend. I hope it is as good as the book! I am loving the cider, it is so refreshing and not sweet like a lot of ciders seem to be.

  • http://www.melaniefontaine.com/ Melanie Fontaine

    First snow already? That’s crazy! I’d be happy to help you in the search for a new camera - I know it’s such an overwhelming process! I use a Canon DSLR now, but before that I had a Panasonic Bridge Cam (all my Norway pictures are taken with it) that was great for beginners. It’s really important to evaluate what you need a camera to do and what you’re planning to do with it. If you’re super interested in photography and want to shoot with manual controls a lot, going for a DSLR is great, but if having a small camera that you can take anywhere without any problems, bridge or mirror less cameras are great options! Let me know if I can help you with anything! :)

    And if you want to see some great Christmas markets, you should head to Germany over the holidays next year - I may be biased, but I do think we have some great ones! ;)

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks so much Melanie for all your information about a camera! It really is such an overwhelming process so this helps me a ton!

      I am thinking Germany is where I need to be next year at Christmas time as well!

  • http://cettevieprovinciale.com/ alliegator

    If it’s your first DSLR, I recommend going on eBay and finding a used model. That way, you can see if it’s something you’ll be really interested and spend a lot of time on while learning how to use it properly. Then, by the time you’ve figured it all out, you’ll know what you like in a camera and you’ll be able to pick a new one with all the specifications that you like!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I honestly never even though of going for a used model but that is such a great idea. Will definitely be looking into that option, thank you!

  • http://www.adelanteblog.com/ Courtney

    Winter already?! That was fast! Come to Spain if you need some sunshine :) I have a Canon Rebel T2i and I really love it. The Rebels are pretty easy to use if you’re a DSLR beginner! And I completely second the need for pumpkins in Europe. All pumpkin everything, please.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thankfully the snow left by the next day but a sunny trip to Spain sounds wonderful to me! All pumpkin everything would be amazing!

  • http://sophieinclogs.com Sophie

    What gorgeous pictures!!
    I can’t believe it’s snowed already … here it can’t seem decide what season it is, it’s been a real roller-coaster of emotion :P
    I’ve also been looking into buying a proper DSLR and like alliegator commented below, I think the best bet seems to be getting a used model. It’s cheaper and you can get a feel for what you do and don’t need in a camera. Plus for me it’s ideal because I tend to pick up hobbies and then drop them again … ahem

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I agree, I think looking into a used model sounds like a really good idea as well. I am just always nervous that I will make a bad purchase and get a used camera that has something wrong with it! It looks like fall has been gorgeous for you so far! Thankfully the snow left quickly and we still have fall colors to enjoy :)

  • http://anothercleanslate.com/ Kate @ Another Clean Slate

    Dark Places is so..well, dark. It is a movie coming out this year too. I didn’t like it as much as Gone Girl but I did think it was worth reading.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I had no idea it was becoming a movie! It really is so dark, I am more a Gone Girl fan that is for sure.

  • http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/ Jessi @2feet1world

    I didn’t enjoy Dark Places much either - I can’t wait to see the Gone Girl movie though!
    The Christmas markets in Bruges were so much fun last year, and it’s such a cute little town if you haven’t already visited. I did a post about it if you want to see what you’d be in for ;)
    I’m having the camera conundrum too and I think I’m also going for a used model - maybe a in-between one though like the Olympus OMD. So hard to decide!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I know, I can’t wait to see Gone Girl! Have you read the book? I loved the book so I had high expectations for Dark Places. Yes that would be awesome if you could send me the link! From all the tips I have gotten recently it sounds like looking into a used model is the way to go for a camera.

      • http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/ Jessi @2feet1world

        Yes I have read it - I read Dark Places first, ages ago, and liked the Gone Girl book so much more! The post link is here: http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/christmas-markets-in-brugge/ :)

        • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

          Great thanks so much Jessi!

  • http://www.kulturschocked.wordpress.com/ Tina

    The only place for Christmas markets is the source, i.e., Germany. The big, famous ones like Nürnberg and Dresden are fabulous. The smaller towns and villages will also have Christmas markets-the selection won’t be as good, but they will be very charming and not quite so full of foreigners.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am thinking the same, Germany sounds like the only place to be for Christmas markets! I like the idea of the smaller towns markets, they sound really charming!

  • http://talesofawannabevagabond-jackie.blogspot.tw/ Jackie

    I would HIGHLY recommend a Canon EOS M! It’s my first real camera and I love it!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks so much for the recommendation! There are so many options for cameras it is a bit overwhelming. Will definitely be checking out this model :)

  • http://confuzzledom.wordpress.com/ bevchen

    Gorgeous photos as always! I made carrot and ginger soup the other day. I do like all the comfort food that comes out in autumn.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am loving the carrot and ginger soup, and I agree all the comfort foods that come with fall are great!

  • http://www.teamstarnes.com Alexandra @ Team Starnes

    I love these posts. Okay, a couple things:
    #1: I use the smallest, cheapest Canon DSLR 100D and I like it for a beginner, but after seven months, I am now looking for better lens. (Maybe Christmas.)
    #2: Yes! Christmas Markets! I don’t know if I will make it there this year either, but fingers crossed!
    #3: I liked all the G.F books, but I didn’t like the Gone Girl movie :(
    #4: Thank god, for Fall TV.
    that’s it.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks for the tip on the camera, small is what I am looking for! And yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed as well that a trip the the Christmas markets happens next year! Ah bummer to here about the movie, I am planning on seeing it this weekend so I hope it doesn’t disappoint too much. And yes, thank god for fall tv!

  • http://welaughanyway.blogspot.com/ Yalanda_Meshell

    We use a Nikon D7000 and love it! It’s for sure bit over my head but my husband has been trying to teach me! I’m looking forward to seeing Gone Girl…if it comes to S.Korea and I liked all the books too! Sorry you aren’t liking Dark Places!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I already know that it will take me a while to figure out whatever camera I go with, there are just so many things you can do now!

  • http://mariellegreen.com/ Marielle

    I just got a Nikon D3200. It’s a 2012 model (I think), so there are various deals floating around online. I got it for $550 with two lenses (non vibration reduction but I have steady hands), and that fit my price range. I really love it so far but I freely admit I have little to no idea what I’m doing. It’s nice because it has a guided mode to learn on.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      That is awesome, I will definitely have to shop around and see what deals I can find. The guided mode sounds like something I will need because I definitely will have no idea what I am doing.

  • http://www.tothedayslikethis.com/ Sammy @ Days Like This

    I went to the Christmas markets in Bruges last year and they were great. I am hoping to make it to Germany this year! xx

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I am just dreaming of all the food at the Christmas markets!

  • http://wearethedreamersofdreams.com/ Holly

    For Christmas markets, if you’re only going to be able to hit a few I’d recommend Nuremberg and Dresden. You can hit both pretty easily as they are on the same side of Germany, and they are the biggest and most traditional. Cologne also has a really great Christmas market. And of course I’m partial, but Brussels actually had a pretty good Christmas market as well (I had the most wonderful apple beignets last year and I still bring them up at least once a week - I’ll be heartbroken if they don’t have them again this year). What we learned from all the markets we visited last year is that it is all about the mood, the food, and the wine. For the most part, you’ll find the same types of gifts at all the markets.

    And yea! for Amsterdam. It’s a quick drive from Brussels so it’s a favorite daytrip for us. We missed the tulips last year because we were in Thailand, but definitely looking forward to seeing them this year.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks so much Holly for all the information, this is awesome and so helpful! How lucky are you to have Amsterdam as a quick drive! And Thailand, well that sounds pretty amazing as well!

  • http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/ Amanda Elizabeth

    Which cameras are you looking at? Your pictures are always so stunning! I have the Rebel T4i and love it!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      I have really no idea at the moment. I just know I don’t want to spend a fortune (even though all cameras are expensive!) and that I don’t want it to be too big. Thanks for the recommendation on your camera!

  • http://bristolinmypocket.blogspot.co.uk/ Sara Rose

    I’m in need of a “proper” camera too!!! I can’t believe you’ve already had the first snow of the season!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      There are so many options to consider when looking at cameras, so confusing! I know, I am so glad the snow didn’t stay long, I am not ready for the first snow!

  • http://bluehairinbelgium.blogspot.be/ Kerri

    Christmas market wise, we visited one on Aachen, Germany last year and it was a pleasant town although the whole day was someone ruined as we went with friends and I’m quite against travelling with friends (but that’s a whole other story). The market itself was, I think, 3 different ones spread out over the small town. We decided to go, because we get cheap train fairs from Belgium as it’s on the border. We also checked the one out in Brussels, but not so great, too busy. I hear the one in Ghent is good though.

    Camera-wise, I have a Nikon D3200 (in red, it’s way more awesome in red than black!, just saying) and I found it really fun to learn on. I’m still learning but I really love the camera. I might be biased as it was my first one and the best gift I ever received but I think it’s a good one. My bf bought it for me and he said that it was recommended for newbies.

    I think you’ll like Amsterdam, it’s one of my favourite places I’ve visited.

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks for all the info on the Christmas markets! And I love the camera you have, just looked into it now and it looks like a great option. Definitely will be adding this model to my list!

      I am so excited to be visiting Amsterdam! So glad to hear you love it there.

  • http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

    We will be around Europe for Christmas and are trying to figure out where we would like to go. I’ll certainly be reading your comments for some tips!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Yes there have been lots of great tips for Christmas markets! Let me know where you guys end up going, I won’t be making the trip until next year.

      • http://luyoutravel.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Georgian

        I will let you know!

  • http://www.earthtojade.com/ Jade @ Earth to Jade

    I love my Canon EOS D70 with a 28mm prime lens (closest to a nifty fifty on a cropped sensor) but for travel, you can’t beat the Fujifilm X20!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Thanks Jade for the recommendation!

  • http://speaking-denglish.com/ Alex, Denglish Speaker

    I love my new GoPro! Although, probably not the camera you have in mind ;-)

    And come to the Munich Christmas Market! Germany has dozens of great ones! Nuremberg is probably the most famous of them all

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      It sounds like you live in the land of Christmas markets, I am beyond jealous!

  • http://treasuretromp.com/ Nicole @ Treasure Tromp

    I really enjoyed Dark Places … once I got half way through the book. I LOVED Sharp Objects, however. You should give that one a try!

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      Ohh I will have to check out Sharp Objects. I enjoy her writing style so would like to give another one of her books a chance, thanks for the recommendation!

  • http://dasherlife.com Sarah D

    Oooh I’m with you on the Christmas Markets. 2015 here we come! x

    • http://unlockingkiki.com/ Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki

      The Christmas markets just look like a wonderland! I can’t wait!

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