s novym godom

Happy New Year! I love these old Soviet postcards so much, such innocent and adorable characters.  Russian Santa always travels with his granddaughter, her name is "Snegourochka" (snow girl).

cat kisses

My friend's Gabby rescued cat, the sweetest thing ever. Me and Justin are thinking of adopting a dog at some point, a really big responsibility, but even a  larger reward.

paper cardinals

It's time to decorate the house for Christmas! This cardinal bird ornaments are by Paper Source, I went there yesterday to find a nice piece of wrapping paper and oh, boy, they have it! Outstanding quality and beautiful patterns.

royal albert

I love this image, as it really brings out that Christmas spirit and it features my favorite china set, Royal Albert Country Roses. One day, when I host Christmas at my house, it'll be as magical as this photo.

if alice wore jewerly

If Alice in Wonderland wore jewelry, this would be it! I've never seen jewelry inspired by all girls favorite things - sweets, tea time and everything adorable. This Italian jewelry brand Le Chou Chou Bijoux combines it all and it's definitely my cup of tea!

no lights during the hurricane

 That's how me and Justin were spending our time without electricity the other day. Yes, the hurricane Sandy had us stay in the apartment for a few days, luckily we have saved enough food and liquor to keep us indoors. I can honestly say I have washed dishes almost twenty times for the past three days,so I'm not looking forward to stepping on a scale any time soon after this forced hibernation.

stone barns, upstate

I've been waiting to leave the city to watch the fall foliage for a while now, so Sleepy Hollow turned out to be a great choice! We got off at Tarrytown train station on Metro-North and took a cab to the Stone Barns Farms which was about 15 minutes away.

We found Blue Hill cafe and a restaurant on site, as well as a farmers market and a small shop with beautiful recipe books and kitchen towels. The map at the information desk shows the locations of various animals on the farm. 

The most photogenic persona of the farm.

autumn is here

Wow, have you noticed? I've been missing for a while, caught up with work, school and my new internship. The autumn came so quickly and it makes me miss living in the suburbs. All the beautiful leaf colors, fresh air and so much space, that is why tomorrow me and Jacqui are going to Sleepy Hollow, NY.  Even though all the spooky tours are sold out, we are going to simply enjoy the outdoors. 
Best,
Nina R

lox bagel.open style

 Another delicious Sunday breakfast with a Russian-Jewish vibe. "Oh, so good smoked salmon, chive creamcheese and tomato on a whole-wheat everything bagel. I found smoked salmon and bagels at Dean and Deluca, I got so overwhelmed by the choices. My friend Isa suggested a great deli Russ & Daughters, which  I left it for another time, but according to their website, they specialize in cream cheese, salmon and caviar. Perfect!

olympic mascots explained

Happy looking ameba-cyclops are London Olympic Mascots? That's what I thought! Turned out they are drops of steel with cameras for eyes to represent the Industrial Revolution in the UK. London has got some pretty thought out characters.

par avion

I had to share this "Oh, so appropriate for my blog" collection by Kate Spade. Simply adorable, the phone case looks like an air mail letter! It makes me want an iPhone.
I have those mornings, when I just can't find anything in my cosmetic bag. Looks like an eye liner would never hide in that bag.

summer memories

I grew up around cats, actually a lot of different animals, cats, dogs, cows, goats, you name it. Every summer spent with my grandparents in the village was not like the one before. All three months were full of adventures - watching a new litter of kittens, looking forward to a strawberry season, collecting potato bugs or searching for chicken eggs in the shed.  
There were no iPads or PlayStations to keep kids busy, all you had was your imagination. I hope one day my kids would be able to appreciate nature and simplicity of things.

dark knight rises

Just saw it yesterday with my friend Stacey. The line to enter the movie theatre was around the block, but I guess for a blockbuster it’s normal. The movie was amazing, even though Batman in his glory showed up late. I didn’t seem to miss him because of other amazing characters,mostly Bane and Cat Woman. Bane’s face mask was really intriguing, although the voice I found a bit disappointing. Did you see Batman vs. Bane fights? At times I kept forgetting who I was routing for. Anne Hathaway as Cat Woman was a great choice, she definitely kept stealing my eye every scene, looking amazing in her cat suit, and showing off her unbelievably thin waist. Grrrr... And the sweetheart Joseph Gordon-Levitt, he always plays a nice guy. Remember 500 Days of Summer?

don't give me that look

A Kabbalah bracelet is meant to protect and ward off the"evil eye". I'm not a very superstitious person,but believe people's envy can affect you. Wear this bracelet on the left wrist, your heart side. When the string breaks, the bracelet has completed its function of absorbing negative energy. I'm giving this bracelet to my darling friend Jacqui next week,I know she will definitely need in her upcoming ventures.

sandwich artistry

Every week I look forward to a Sunday. First of all because it is the only day off I get from work,internship and school (yes,I have my hands full this summer). And secondly, on a Sunday me and Justin usually create something special and picture worthy. Justin is a genius with a camera and that sandwich tasted as good as it looks. Turkey, swiss, arugula, avocado and a sunny side egg on whole wheat. Is it Sunday yet?

randez vous á bastille day on 60th st

This is my second year attending Bastille Day at 60th St. A hot day, large crowd and out of this world pastry miracles by the local patisseries is a usual thing for this festival. Payard coffee eclairs and Bosie macarons were definitely my favorite!Turns out Payard is located not too far from my work, that's not good.
Yes, I admit pastries is my soft spot, or should I say sweet spot? I have to mention Dominique Ansel Bakery in my future posts, his creations are pure delicious art.

my love & me

My friend Therese had invited me and Justin over her house this weekend at Far Rockaway. Eggplant sandwiches, cold beer and good company made a perfect day at the beach.

ma ri po sa

A couple of days ago I came across my travel diary that I kept during the trip to Spain. Honestly I used it for the first two days,t hen gave it up, because the city was just so lively, colorful and fun, I couldn't get distracted.  Even the air smelled good there, unbelievable! I thought it's some freshener they used at the European airports, but after arriving into the city, the perfumey smell was still in the air. Ah, I miss that, especially being in New York,  you know it's not the perfume you are smelling on a hot weather day.
Couples showing so much affection to each other in public, not in a raunchy way, but sweet and caring. Even abuelas with their abuelos were holding hands or kissing on a subway platform. I hope me and Justin are gonna be one of those couples, even though I refuse to get old.
While waiting for the train, children were playing one of the clapping games. The rhyme went
"Mariposa, mari po po, mari sa sa, mari po, mari sa, mariposa!"