It's Different Over Here

My aunt has a gorgeous garden of lillies! Aren't they pure delight to look at?
They are dressed up better then any fashioista in the world!

As many of you know, I haven't been this side of the world for almost a decade. And the more you forget the reality, the more you embrace the romanticized memories, which are going to 'get real' very soon. 

From the moment I stepped my foot onto Belarus soil, it was a reminder of the different type of life. People here are hardened by life and just tough all over. They also don't apologize for the lack of softness. 

Going through passport control, there were absolutely no signs telling me to go and buy obligatory health insurance first, then get in line for passport check. So I'm standing in a mile long line waiting for my turn (also there are people waiting  for me outside the gate) then approaching the window, I'm told to buy the insurance and come back. 

The insurance kiosk is on the second floor and there is no escalator or elevator. Now I'm just mad! I have to haul my 27 lb carry on up the stairs and then come back to stand through another long line. Lovely! But thank you Lord the process went smooth after that, I got my luggage, had nothing to declare and was free to go!

 That was the beginning of my adventure... 

And also, the time difference is killing me - it's 6 am local time and I'm wide awake with like a million of crows outside my window. 

Although, the weather is nice - hot during the day (in upper 80s) and cool during the night. Very lovely and so absolutely peaceful. 

Hope you had fun Fourth of July!

Traveling

top: H&M, pants: LOFT, shoes: Guess, belt: Target

This is not the outfit I am traveling in, but it's the last interesting clothes I wore before tucking everything away. Today I have my jeans and t-shirt on with sweater - nothing interesting... Just comfy cozy clothes for 22 hour trip. I will talk to you on the other side.
Don't have too much fun without me!
Thanks for reading!

Last Day On This Side of The Pond

top: INC, skirt: Celvin Klein, shoes: Guess, necklace: J.Crew

 Today is the last full day on American soul and I sure am going to miss drive throughs, Dunkins Dounuts, prompt service, 'please' and 'thank you', timely post service and my car. 

Among other things, I'm spending a week at my grandparents' farm village with no running water, an outhouse for bathroom and fresh sent of farm animals. 

Ohhhhhhh and no internet connection for a whole week! How am I going to survive? 

You guys make sure nothing major happens in the world while I unplug ok? Thanks. 

Also, say thank God that you have hot running water and bathroom in your house - it's the little things.

 I'm off to last minute errands and a pedicure. 

Thanks for reading and commenting! 

(not really) Slacking

shirt: Old Navy, jeans, shades;Loft, shoes, belt: (old), 

Friends, I do apologize for the lack of posts. It's been crazyyyy around here! I haven't really had bad outfit days but either there was a lot of wind, too much sun or just not enough time to take a pic. Between packing and house hunting, it's been none stop go, go, go... And I'm tired... Also the smirk on my face says it all (and I wasn't even grumpy that day). Though, I'm excited to get on the road, I'm hesitant to pack month worth of clothes, presents and stuff for cousin's wedding into one (1!) suitcase... I have a feeling there is going to be two of them... Me dragging through airport with two suitcase and carry-on? Lovely picture. With that in mind, I'm off to try to stuff that suitcase with whole bunch of goodies and presents. Any tips or thoughts on packing? Do share!

From Russia With Love

Olga's Flavor Factory - Cold Beet Soup

The weather is frowning at us and I'm just going to make a bit pout lip and not get all dressed up his morning. Instead, I'm making good food. Sometimes, I crave something from mother Russia and then call up my mom to ask how it's made. Well, today is one of those days. I already called up mom and she gave me all the tips and tricks, so I can get to work. I'm making a truly authentic Russian dish - a cold beet soup, served with hot potatoes. We Russians put beets into everything (almost) and here in US they are hard to find at times. So here goes the recipe, which I found on another blog by a great young Russian cook, and let me tell you, she does a great job with recipes. I encourage you to try this recipe on a hot summer day - you will thanks me. Enjoy!