Adjusting to life in a new country comes with challenges and surprises, especially when you’re a mom trying to build a routine after a major move. In Germany, where we’ve recently settled, my weekly routine has slowly started to take shape. It’s not rigid or overly planned but centered on creating balance, nourishing my family, and finding small moments of joy in our new environment.
During the week, our routine generally flows around simple anchors: a homemade breakfast, slow starts when we can have them, and spending time together. Beginning our days like this allows me to easily transition into meal prep, homemaking, work, and toddler-led activities. I try to keep everything realistic, so no week looks exactly the same, but the foundation is still solid.
If you’re a mom abroad, my biggest advice is to let your routine reflect the reality of your season. Your weekly rhythm doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It can be soft, structured, or somewhere in between. What matters is that it works for you and your family. Your routine should support you, not be a source of stress.
Here is what we eat and what I cooked this week while living in Germany:
A Little Treat & Grocery Shopping
We started the week with a simple but nostalgic lunch at McDonald’s. Yep, even when you’re abroad, the craving hits! I haven’t had McDonald’s in years, maybe since living in Morocco, so this was a fun outing, especially for Gideon’s first happy meal. Afterwards, we stopped by the commissary on the U.S. military base to grab some familiar snacks from home. It’s always comforting to pick up a few favorites that remind us of the States.
Meal Prep Monday
Since we shopped on Sunday, Monday became my meal prep day. I made banana muffins with blueberries (and a few with chocolate chips). These muffins are a staple for us because they’re easy, toddler-friendly, and freeze well. I love using overripe bananas to reduce food waste and make something sweet but nutritious. Let me know if you would like me to share the recipe. I also made a quick homemade berry jam, boiled eggs, and prepped some vegetables. Watching my toddler grow into a tiny sous-chef has been one of the unexpected joys of our kitchen sessions. He’s cracking eggs like a pro!
Comfort Food: Homemade Pizza
On Tuesday, I reheated two different homemade pizzas I had made and stored as freezer meals: one with cheese and pepperoni and the other with meatballs and parmesan reggiano. We played around with different sauces and flavors, and the results were delicious.
A Mini Mid-Week Meal Prep
Meal prep doesn’t always mean full meals. On Thursday, I made a big batch of homemade granola using oats, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, vanilla paste, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Salt is essential in this dish because it elevates the flavor and balances the sweetness. I also assembled jarred salads for lunch with boiled eggs, feta, tomatoes, pickles, and fresh herbs. These saved me from the dreaded “what do I eat?” decision fatigue during the busy week.
A Simple Breakfast
I made a quick breakfast bowl of almond butter, honey, and Greek yogurt thinned with hot water for a silky texture on Friday morning. This meal was a hit for me and my little one, topped with mango and our homemade granola.
Ending the Week with a Favorite New Restaurant
We ended the week by heading to the mall on Saturday, our first mall outing since moving here. We discovered an amazing restaurant called Das Nudel Ding in Milaneo Stuttgart Mall that exceeded our expectations. The food, the energy, and the memories made it feel like more than just a lunch out. For me, these are the moments that make living abroad so rich.
This was one of my favorite weeks so far here in Germany—filled with delicious food, simple routines, and meaningful family time. I hope this peek into our life gave you inspiration or a sense of comfort, wherever you are.
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