My creations and beyond, way beyond...

New Year's Cardigan for Me!

2012-01-04T19:50:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't ben posting lately. Mainly due to busy holidays, and a little bit to... knitting! Yey! I finally got on a stash-busting streak and planning to stay there for a bit longer. It is much harder to do, because for some reason I always have yarn for anything else but the project in mind, lol.

This time I finally decided to use my precious Irish yarn from Kilcar, Donegal, which I bought at the spinning factory back in 2010 while travelling around Ireland. I was kind of afraid that I won't have enough yarn for the whole cardigan, so I decided to use up whatever else I had - possibly something that would go with this yarn nicely - and luckily for me, I did!

So here is my cardigan in Irish Green (even though I know it is not THE right green), but I figured since it was bought there, so be it. I started it on December 31st and finished on January 2nd, so it is my New Year gift to myself.
Simple top down in one piece (yeah, yeah, again - what can I say? I LOVE this way of knitting garments!). 3/4 sleeve (NOT because I ran out of yarn - I still have 1 ball left), with seed stitch trim on the sleeves and around. A bit of picot edge for a touch of la femme, hehehe.

I love it!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:35:00.002-05:00

Personalize a free ecard

A year of the Dragon

2011-12-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

I haven't had much time lately for posting. But I hope you will forgive me - I've been working hard lately trying to get some extra income for the holidays, and haven't gotten much energy left for posting or even parties :(. But I am done for now and hopefully will regain my strength.
Anyhow, next year is going to be a year of the Dragon (technically, it will start in February, but who cares), and because of that - I found a few ideas on one of my favorite Russian blogs, which I decided to share here as well.
For those of you who know how to hold a crochet hook - great idea for your lil' ones:

I think this was sold on Etsy, but no longer available. Again - if you know how to crochet - this one is no brainer! Even I can look at it and figure out how to make one.

***

Here is great design for embroidery or even color knitting! Not sure where this one is taken from...

***

This one from 1916 magazine, so I guess copyright doesn't apply any longer. It is a small bag made in filet crochet technique.

***
And just another idea - cute lil one that could decorate any New Year's table

My new favorite girl band

2011-12-11T00:56:00.000-05:00

Absolutely love most of their songs! That's a first - usually I can rarely listen to all songs at all. Bewitching! ;)))
Enjoy!

Spiced Apple Tea

2011-12-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

Just a few ideas for upcoming holidays - to put you in the mood and make chilly days more pleasant.

Spiced Apple Tea Recipe

Makes 8 servings

Start to Finish: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 lemon

4 cups apple juice

2 cups water

4 inches stick cinnamon

1 tablespoon whole cardamom pods, crushed

1 teaspoon whole cloves

6 black tea bags (decaffeinated, if desired)

1/4 cup maple syrup

Thin apple slices (optional)

Directions

1. Use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of peel from half of the lemon; set peel aside. Squeeze juice from lemon.

2. Combine apple juice, water, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice in a large saucepan. (Save remaining juice for another use.) For the spice bag, place cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and the lemon peel strips in the center of a 6-inch square of double-thick 100-percent cotton cheesecloth. Bring corners together and tie with a clean string. Add bag to apple juice mixture.

3. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bags; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and spice bag and discard them. Stir in maple syrup. Serve in mugs.

Cheers!

A whimsy... Прихоть...

2011-12-03T10:06:00.001-05:00

This top-sweater was born very spontaneously - I was just going through my stash and found 1 skein left from my Lavender Capelet that I designed for Modern Knits, Vintage Style and I had some of this dusty-rosey-vintagy-colored mohair (it looked completely different from the one I was ordering online). So as it happens, together those two looked awesome! Or so I think. Top down, raglan, in a circle - my favorite way of knitting, because I am that lazy, hehehe. I made random irregular stripes, and

I used US 10.5 needles. Because of that - knitting is very loose and it stretched a little after washing, but I like it longer anyhow (thought it was going to be too short due to lack of wool yarn). I fudged up a little with underarms when I was reconnecting the sleeves, but did my best to make it look decent. I think it worked. Anyhow, I can make another one of those - with a different contrast yarn, since I still have mohair yarn left.

Вот спонтанно связался такой вот топик или свитерок из мохера и остатков шерсти от моего пончика для книжки. Вязала сверху вниз, по кругу (мой любимый вид вязания, т.к. он очень подходит таким ленивицам, как я, хехехе). Попросила друга сфотать. Получилось, на мой взгляд, очень недурственно... Вязала на больших спицах (10.5), свободно, поэтомы после стирки топик стал длиннее, что мне даже больше понравилось). Правда, я совершила небольшой ляп: потому как вязка была очень свободная, в месте соединения рукавов под мышками образовались большие дырки, которые я заделала, как могла. Смотрится нормально. Хотя если придираться очень сильно, то можно просто связать другой такой же свитерок с контрастной нитью другог цвета. В общем, вот.

She makes me cry...

2011-11-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

Even though I do not understand French, Edith Piaf makes me cry almost every time I hear her beautiful voice singing those sad songs. Enjoy.

Where did handbags come from?

2011-11-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

At one point in my life I was quite obsessed with handbags. Well... Truth to be told, I am nowhere near those girls who would spend thousands of dollars on a whim for a handbag that has some dude's (read- designer's) name printed all over it. Ha! They don't pay me for advertisement, so why would I buy such a bag in the first place? And secondly, to me a handbag is not THAT important - I would never spend more than $150-200 on it. But it's just a matter of personal opinion and lifestyle. If some people have to show the world that they can afford a bag like that - good for them, I am not judging. Whatever floats their boat.

Anyway, I saw this wonderful bag on Ravelry - some lady made it using crochet, ribbons, feathers and buttons. And it looks like it belongs in a museum. So that made me think how us women love handbags, purses, clutches, totes, reticules, etc. etc. And I wondered, how it all started. Well, apparently, we were not the first ones to start carrying purses. As a matter of fact, it were MEN! Yes, just like in a history of knitting, men were the first ones to carry a purse around - for coins or gun powder, or some other manly things. Ironic, isn't it? Given how ardently they protest when we ask them to hold our purse somewhere in public, when they should be in fact, proud that we trust them with Holy Grail of women's existence - our handbag that beholds all of the mysteries we posses.

So, actually handbags were in existence even earlier - in fact, some of the ancient Egyptian paintings depict some sort of a handbag.

But only by 1400s both men and women started using handbags as a part of fashion wardrobe. But the actual term "handbag" didn't come into use till 1900s. Handbag had previously been used to refer mainly to men’s handheld luggage and these bags inspired new styles of handbags for women, with locks, compartments and complicated fastenings.
By the 1920s handbags became smaller and slimmer, and took their proud place as an object of necessity for women and a part of a fashion wardrobe. If you bother to do a small research online you will find all kinds of handbags, including some ridiculous, funny, etc. Just the the one below.

Nowadays handbags often point to its carrier's status and a size of a pocketbook so to say. But lets not forget that first of all a handbag is still a functional object, not just fashion and status.

My Ravelry Store is now OPEN!

2011-11-24T20:17:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Hope your pre-Thanksgiving chores are the pleasant ones and you don't have to spend too much time in holiday traffic!
Anyway - I have news - Yey! I am so happy - now I have my Ravelry store up and running with my original patterns for sale and for free too ;). You can see my designs HERE.
Finally I got that darn link working that links your account on Ravelry to your PayPal account. For some reason there were problems with setting it up, but now I am all set! Whew! Now you can download my patterns directly from Ravelry without having to go to Etsy (where I have to re-list an item every time after it's bought).
One thing - I have some patterns that are available only in size S or XS/S/M, that's why they are priced lower than say, regular patterns from some designers. I am still in the process of figuring out how to calculate amount of yarn needed for bigger sizes, so bear with me!

Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful holiday!

Yours truly,

T

Comfy, comfy!

2011-11-19T20:42:00.001-05:00

I have finished my bulky super soft and comfy sweater just on time before I have to dive into some work that I have coming my way (thanks God!), and quite proudly present it here. Well, it's not blocked yet, because it was cold and I couldn't wait to wear it right away. I love the yarn, how it feels, and so on. I think this Moda Dea Cartwheel yarn is very unappreciated - it produces very nice unusual irregular stitch which adds some extra texture to the garment, it is very soft and absolutely NON-itchy!

So I used the idea of this sweater (I liked her neckline, so I used that, but the rest - I came up with myself, I didn't like her idea of having holes in my sweater, lol).
I had 12 sts per 4", using size 10.5 US needles. I casted on (is there such a word - casted??) 76 sts to get loose 25.5" neck line (because I WANT it to be slightly off the shoulder when I feel like it), divided my sts into 14 (sleeve), 26 (front), 14 (sleeve), 22 (back), joined and worked top down using standard raglan pattern. I added purl rows closer to the bottom of my sweater for some visual interest and texture. When I picked up sts for the sleeves, I added 2 sts for each sleeve (46 total) which gave me nice bell-like shape. I also added some purl rows closer to the bottom of the sleeves, and made them only 3/4 long. It looks awesome over a turtleneck or other long sleeve thin sweater too.

And did I mention, that this sweater is super comfy? ;)

Update for Irish Moss Shrug pattern

2011-11-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hi ladies,

I have found my notes and the pattern for Irish Moss Shrug.

Go here for the complete pattern. Don't forget to show me your works!

Best,

T

Ideas for Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hi guys,

hope everyone is doing ok and already is in Holiday Spirit, for Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I know I am even though most likely I won't even have a chance to celebrate this year too. Oh well. Anyhow, I found a few ideas for you to use this holiday, hope you enjoy it!
If you have a printer, here is a holiday planner for you. Or these printables for a last minute quick fix. Napkin holders. Place cards. And while you are busy preparing awesome dinner - here is printable coloring pages and activity games to occupy your kids.

Enjoy and have a safe holiday!

Army joke/Армейский мотоцикл

2011-11-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

I came across this funny video on youtube by accident. I think those guys in Russian Army have too much spare time on their hands nowadays, lol. I really loved the idea with trees. LMBO!

Наткнулась я на это видео случайно, и решила поделиться для поднятия настроения. По всей видимости, у ребят очень много свободного времени в армии в наше время, ххехе. Особенно понравилось, как они обыграли идею с деревьями!

Удачной недели всем!

Sick days... and knitting

2011-11-13T16:37:00.002-05:00

I wrote a reply to a comment by one of my dear readers, and decided to share it here too - it is really just an update. I have been sick lately - my old back injury decided to come back (thankfully at least it happened after my birthday dance and not before) in a way of pretty bad pain and jammed nerve - so occasionally I actually feel like passing out, and that sometimes happens when I am shopping at the mall, or even sitting at work. NOT fun, because when you are out all by yourself, it's kind of scary... Nonetheless, I will try and find that stitch pattern for my Irish Moss Shrug as soon as I am able to lift boxes with my stuff in the storage (being single and sick has its downsides sometimes - like when you have no one to help you out or rub your back... oh well, at least I also don't have anyone who gets on my nerves, hehehe...). I do hope finding the stitch pattern happens soon. For now I'm either laying or sitting propped on my bed, trying to knit and write down a pattern for my flirty skirt. It actually is done for size Small, all I have to do now - is to make bigger swatch than I did before, and calculate how much yarn will be needed to sizes M and L. If any of you know how to do it easier way (besides making another swatch, weighing it and calculating probable square yardage of the finished skirt for aforementioned sizes) - I will be very much grateful.
Right now I am still working on my bulky loose sweater - I am actually re-knitting it for the third time! At first I just wanted to make it in stockinette stitch, then I saw this boxy sweater in the store with a purl row every 10 rows or so and wanted to make it that way. But when I was done with the body and it was time to make sleeves, I decided that I didn't like how the neckline was going to look, and decided to re-knit it all over, top down reglan this time. I love that style, and I will add those purl rows closer to the bottom, in more or less random order.

So as you can see, I am frogging the previous version of that sweater while I am knitting the latest one, lol. Love this yarn, I think it is very much under-appreciated.

Another project

2011-11-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

Last week I made this cowl and loved this yarn so much that I have decided to knit myself a loosely-fitting sweater to go with it. Naturally, I made up a design, and just knitting it in a round, bottom up. I will post photos later. For now here are some ideas that I looked up (after I knitted about 50% of the body, so I didn't use them for myself) and would like to share here. Something that is up-to-date with this whole "lose on top, tight on the bottom" trend that is going on right now. Like this one

or this one

or even this one

However, I am not a big fan of slob-y looking clothing (or sweaters with sleeaves that cannot fit into any overcoat that I own), so my sweater is not going to be awfully lose. Besides, I just don't have that much yarn to go wild, and that's a good thing! :)

All of the above sweaters are free, just follow links.

And the winner is...

2011-11-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday night at my social dance place we had a costume Halloween party, where I actually won the Creepiest Costume prize! I guess it was mainly because of my "scars" and eyelashes, for lots of people said that I should have won "Scariest Sexy" costume prize. But anyhow - I had lots of fun and lots of dancing! I even tore my favorite red sparkling dance shoes! Boo hoo! I loved them so much, and have no idea if it is possible to repair dance shoes without affecting the traction ability of the sole.
So here is my Ragged Rag Doll costume (with broken heart that I tried to stitch back on...)

I don't have a better picture yet - the one that shows my whole costume, but I also had on black and white stripy tights and sparkling red dance shoes.

P.S. I am on the left ;)

A Halloween sneak peak into my costume or idea for nails

2011-10-28T21:24:00.000-04:00

Ok, I am getting ready for my dance party tomorrow (and holding my fingers crossed hoping that it won't snow and we won't have a cancellation), and just had my nails done - of course in a Halloween spirit style.

It's easy. If you would like to get fabulous nails for Halloween, follow these steps:

* get your nails prepared like when you are doing your regular manicure (yes, that means file them, trim/remove cuticle, etc.)
* apply base coat, let dry
* apply black nail polish, and while it is still wet (I did it after I applied second coat of black nail polish), dip the tips of your nails into glitter, carefully shake off excess. I used fan brush to dust excess glitter off the tips of my fingers back into the glitter container
* apply top coat, let dry and enjoy your glam nails!

P.S. I used mineral eye shadow glitter for face and body, and when top coat was applied, the glitter actually changed it's color slightly and got less visible. So after I applied top coat, I re-dipped my nails into glitter and let it dry like that.
You may also use this technique for all kinds of occasions (New Year party, birthday, etc.) or just when you feel a need for an extra touch of glam by using different colors of nail polish and glitter. Experiment and enjoy!

A cowl to wear. Хомутик на осень-зиму.

2011-10-28T16:09:00.000-04:00

Now I am not big on cowls and such. But this one I just loved and had to make. Besides - it took me only one day to make - half day, actually. Very easy and quick knit, nicely shaped, etc. I found this pattern for free on Ravelry, but here is direct link to the author's blog.

Grey is one of my favorite colors, and I just happened to have LOTS of this Moda Dea Cartwheel yarn. It's not a stash boosting project (I used less than 2 skeins), but I still like it.
***
В общем-то я не особая поклонница таких хомутов, но вот этот мне настолько понравился, что я решила себе такой же связать. Нашла его, как полагается, на Равелри - нашем любимом сайте для вязальщиц. Очень быстрый и легкий проэкт, связала за полдня, заодно попрактиковала вязание коротких рядов.
Серый - один из моих любимых цветов, и как оказалось, у меня в запасах очень много Moda Dea Cartwheel пряжи. Этот проэкт конечно особо не помог уменьшить количество пряжи (у меня ушло немного меньше 2х мотков), но мне все равно нравится. Теперь вот думаю, что еще из этой пряжи связать. Может, свитерок какой-нибудь...

Удачных всем выходных!

Done! Flirty skirty.

2011-10-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

Well, I actually finished this skirt on Oct. 13th, but just now was able to take some photos. This is actually take two, because I had accidentally deleted photos that my friend took for me, boo hoo, so as far as self-taken photos go - I guess these are OK. When I have a chance I will re-take and re-post them.

I actually blocked gores slightly so they won't stick out too much and look like folds. I do solemnly promise to write up the pattern to this skirt and give it here (for free). At first I thought that this skirty looked a bit skimpy, but when I put it on, I liked how it drapes. Since it is rather warm skirt (even though I used sock yarn), but being 60% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 10% Cashmere - you can imagine what it feels like ;). I am going to wear it with black tights and hot black pumps :)

More of Halloween fun

2011-10-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

Hi all and I hope your Halloween preparations are on the way full force. So here is a little bit more of Halloween facts and fun for you to put you in the right mood this weekend.

* Did you know that pumpkins are not a vegetable - they are a fruit! Pumpkins, like gourds, and other varieties of squash are all members of the Cucurbitacae family, which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.

* Contrary to what some believe, Witchcraft, is a benevolent natured based religion who's roots can be traced back some 28,000 years. Witches do not worship the devil, in fact they don't even believe in the existence of the devil. Their religion forbids the casting of harmful spells. This religion and off-shoots of it exists today.

* Celebrated for centuries by the Celts of old, Witches and many other nature based religions, it is the most magical night of the year. It is the Witches' New Year, and the Last Harvest. Although the religious significance of it has passed for the general public, Halloween is a "magical" night for all!

* On this magical night, glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and in windows to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection against malevolent spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.

Cute Halloween song

2011-10-27T14:35:00.002-04:00

If you are hosting a party this Halloween - you might like this and a few other songs by these artists to play for your guests

Cool Halloween make-up

2011-10-27T09:38:00.001-04:00

If you don't have time for a proper costume for this Halloween, you can dress up as a creepy doll - the main feature here is make-up. See this video below for how to do it
The rest is easy - some brightly colored tights and dress with a full skirt, and you are ready. Make tissue bows and attach them to your shoes and you are all set. I will post photos from my Halloween dance party that's happening this weekend later. I do intend to make my version of a creepy doll make-up. As for the costume - I just bought one yesterday, but wasn't impressed with it's name much, so I am adding make-up and renaming it, hehehe.

P .S. See my earlier posts about Halloween traditions, treats, jokes, etc. in the links below.

Awesome thrift find

2011-10-24T15:36:00.000-04:00

Last week I had one of those very lucky shopping experiences, when you go out with no particular goal in mind to browse a store and find something absolutely gorgeous for a fraction of the price.

So I went to one of my favorite thrift shops in the area... and here I should say that I love shopping at a thrift shop not only because I like to save money, but also because I think it is better to buy something that was made a little while ago (some people say "pre-loved" items) thus somewhat reducing carbon footprint that is used for a production of new stuff.

And so I found this gorgeous vintage mink coat! I couldn't believe my eyes first when I saw it - $39.90 only! And in my size exactly!

Now, I should say something here about this whole animal rights movement - and you are free to judge me, whatever - but I grew up in a country that praises real furs very highly, and love for a real fur is simply in my blood! Nothing I can do about it. The sight of a real soft, luscious fur makes me drool, moan with pleasure and want to immediately stroke it indulging my tactile sensations (now try to stroke a fake fur... ugh).
Anyhow, the truth is, you can't survive cold winter in a mystery fur called polyester. Not that long ago my friend and I went to a coat store and while browsing ailes full of coats with fake furs, joked about this universal "animal" called "polyester" that is used now anywhere from making household items to clothing and such. Talk about carbon footprint that production creates (which by the way harms our nature in one way or another - remember, why global warming has started?). So there. Real fur is light, warm and breathable, AND beautiful. And let's face the truth - you will be a hypocrite if you judge me for loving and wearing real fur while you yourself are eating burgers and wearing leather shoes/jackets.
But to calm down righteous animal lovers somewhat, I think it is better to buy vintage fur versus new ones because in this case the animals that were (presumably) farmed and killed to make the coats have long ago perished so why waste the resource they were slaughtered to make? Burgers, leather shoes, furniture, your car seats, etc. are all the end result of animals being farmed and killed by humans, so why differentiate them in terms of an ethical response? Or is it better to produce artificially created "furs" while irreversibly polluting environment in which mentioned above animals were meant to thrive? In either case - we are killing them one way or another, so please...
This said, here I present my awesome vintage mink coat which is now proudly takes an honorable place in my closet:

I simply love, love, love it! It is not my first real fur coat. I had one long ago (when I was a teen) which I inherited from my mom, who in her turn wore it for at least two decades (now I wish she kept her fox hats for me too...). But I was younger then and rabbit's fur is less durable, so eventually (after quite a few repairs) that coat fell apart. And not until now had I wore one.

Peacefully yours,

T

10 essential closet items

2011-10-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

I came across this girl's videos on Youtube and really liked them. Besides being useful, they are very interactive - she uses some cute effects in making her videos, which makes them more fun to watch.
In this one she shows you 10 essential items that one must have in their wardrobe of these days. Enjoy!

Недавно я случайно наткнулась на видео вот этой девушки и решила с вами ими поделиться. Кроме того, что она дает полезные советы о стиле и одежде, ее видео также очень интерактивны и занимательны. Видео, представленное выше, показывает 10 необходимых предметов гардероба любой модницы в наши дни. Наслаждайтесь!

Somebody's hiding in the bushes.../Кто-то прячется в кустах...

2011-10-20T18:11:00.001-04:00

Apparently, I have waaaay more readers than I knew I did because after I posted my free charts here my stats went up sky high. Well, I am happy that people are reading my blog after all, and using whatever I have to offer, but it would be real good to see some comments from time to time that are not only from two of my closest friends. LOL

Hope you all will have a wonderful weekend!

***

Оказывается, что у меня намного больше читателей, чем я подозревала, потому что после того, как я опубликовала здесь мои схемы, мой рейтинг взлетел очень высоко. Я рада, что меня кто-то читает, и что люди пользуются плодами моего творческого труда, но хотелось бы иногда слышать что-то в ответ от других моих читателей, а не только моих близких подруг...

Удачных всем выходных!

Yours truly,

- T

Free charts for knitting

2011-10-17T15:52:00.000-04:00

Enjoy more of my free charts for knitting garments/house accessories for yourself or your loved ones. Please do not resell this pattern or things made using my charts. Please link back to me when publishing your works. Thanks.

Free pattern. Irish Moss Shrug

2011-10-17T15:29:00.001-04:00

I knitted this shrug a little while ago, and wrote the pattern but was delayed by the circumstances of my personal life. Here is the pattern. Please, share with me your projects if you use this pattern and don't forget to link back! Thank you!

Moss of Knocknarea Shrug

One size fits all

Materials: 1.5 skeins of fingering weight yarn.

Needles sizes US 10.5 and 8

Loosely cast on 72 sts, start on ribbed lace pattern and knit till your piece is about 38 inches long or enough to be slightly stretched from your left wrist, across your back to the right wrist.

Ribbed lace pattern:
Row 1 (WS): P2, * yo, sl 1, k1, psso, k1, sl 1, k1, psso, yo, p2* - rep. between **
Row 2 (RS) and all alt. rows: *K2, p5*, k2.
Row 3: P2, *k1, yo,sl1, k2 tog., psso, yo, k1, p2*.

Switch to smaller needles and wok k1, p1 ribbing for 10 rows. Cast off using E. Zimmerman's sewing method for flexible bind-off.

Re-attach yarn to the opposite short end of your piece and pick up 72 sts along the edge. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 10 rows, bind-off using the same method as described above.

Fold your piece lengthwise and sew two sides together for about 5 inches to create sleeves.

If your cuffs are too loose, attach yarn at the cuff and work 1 row of sc. around, decreasing 1 sc. every 5^th stitch, then 1 row of dc, decreasing every 7^th st., bind off, weave in ends. Repeat with second cuff. Or you can use an elastic thread and work it into the last 3 rows of the ribbing. I inserted a ribbon into the bottom part of the shrug so I could wear it in a different ways - loose or more fitted.

FREE stuff on Listia

2011-10-16T21:35:00.001-04:00

Do you like free stuff just like millions of other people? I do! That's why I joined Listia - I figured, if I am going to get rid of some stuff I don't want (like jewelry, clothing, books, electronics, ANYTHING really), why not to give it to people who would really love to have it AND get something for myself too? It does take time - you have to photograph and list your stuff and bid on things that you'd like to get - just like Ebay, only no money involved - just credits that you get for listing, bidding, fanning, browsing, etc.

Another great shopping site

2011-10-14T13:45:00.000-04:00

While on a short budget, one naturally is looking for deals and sales. Not that I didn't do that before, but I am certainly doing it with more zeal now. My new favorite shopping today is Overstock.com. Only $2.95 for shipping on ANY order. Literally tons of great shoes (that's what I am looking for now), and other things. And even though I do not NEED booties this season, I fell in love with these

Too bad they don't have them in red anymore (although I do think that beige is incredibly feminine and stylish too), but even if they did - they are 5 inches tall! Even for me it would be a struggle to walk. So (deeeeep sigh), have to pass.
What I like about this site, is that they give you tips on how to take care of your shoes - clean, what to wear them with, how to dress them up, etc. I loved this article on how to wear heels without pain. Bottom line - don't buy cheap shoes! LOL Or buy those brands you KNOW to be of a quality.

Halloween is coming, get ready

2011-10-12T17:33:00.000-04:00

It is a middle of October already, and I just realized that Halloween is close! Well, I am most likely is NOT going to any parties this year (deep sigh), nor will I decorate my place (it's kind of tough when you just rent a room), but I still will burn some pumpkin spice scented candles to make me feel good. AND I did a little bit of research for you and found a few websites with AWESOME ideas for Halloween crafts. One of them is here - tons of easy crafts, like these pumpkin ghosts below...

...or even an outdoor decoration ideas here

But don't forget to check my past postings on Halloween like this one about pumpkin carving, or where I wrote about who started trick-or-treat tradition. And of course, don't forget those recipes for your party.
Some good ideas on Halloween gifts (yes, yes, gifts) can be found here and here if you want to bring a dish that will fit right in at a Halloween party!
Good luck and PLEASE, if you use any of these ideas, share with me - I would love to see how other people celebrate Halloween since I won't be celebrating it myself :((.

So after that epiphany that I had a while ago...

2011-10-06T12:22:00.001-04:00

Not that long ago I wrote about wardrobe re-organizing tips that I utilized after one of our clients at work told me. It worked for me for a little while. Well, it did help me to see which color is dominant in my wardrobe and what it's lacking. Then I realized that I actually DON'T think in colors when I am dressing up in the morning, I am thinking this way - ok, it's bloody cold today, so I better wear pants. Since I have only two pairs of work pants and they are both black - that's an easy decision. Now - top. Since I am going to work, I can't wear a sweater or long sleeve shirt with cut out shoulders or shiny applique, that reduces my choice by about 60%. What's left? White long sleeve blouses, blue shirt or a few sweaters. Let's see - the weather people say that it is going to be high of 71F today, so I don't need a sweater. Shirt that is. White is too formal, and we are not having any events today, so it's going to be blue, because that way I can just put my knitted vest on top of it because it is a little chilly in the morning (and it won't go with other long sleeve tops that I have for work). That settles it. So that's pretty much how I dress. If it is for a day off - I simply look which jeans I want to wear and what top will go with them (with the outside temperature still in mind;) ). When I dress up for a dance - I think of what I wore last time, and whether or not it is a routine class, or a party. For the latter I have a couple of special skirts and glittery tops (and shiny accessories, of course). That's it.
So now I am back to re-organizing my closet by type of clothing I have - skirts together, pants together, long sleeve shirts and tops together, go out dresses and go out tops together, other dresses - in another place, short sleeve tops and vests - in another... and so on. I do put away very summery clothing for the fall and winter, that creates some space in my closet.
As for knitting - now I take that sample of yarn that I have and take it to my closet. If I want to knit a skirt - I look how many tops I can wear it with, if it's a top - how many bottoms will go with this color. Now simply because I have tons of yarn already stashed (most of it was bought when I had my business, so it doesn't always coordinate with the colors I normally wear), I try to figure out what type of garment I can make to be able to wear it with clothing I already have. When I exhaust my stash, I will be buying yarn in accordance with my wardrobe and specifically for the item I am going to make. Simple.

Fashionable in rags

2011-10-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

So I decided to make the other half of the skirt I'm knitting now the same - with two gores. I wrote about it here. I also added about 12 rows of garter stitch for the edge so it doesn't curl. So far so good, I just need to hurry up a little bit with finishing the second half.

While browsing web for some ideas, I found these items on one of those popular shopping sites.

Basically, it is a very easy knit - you can make it yourself by recycling some old garment like t-shirt. Cut it into strips to make "yarn", use big needles and viola! - you are hot and fashionable. By the way the price for those items was something around $30 for the scarf and $75 (on sale) for the top. Back of the top has deep V-cut and laced up with leftover strips. No brainer...

О мужчинах и женщинах

2011-10-04T23:45:00.000-04:00

Не так давно у нас с подругой разгорелась дискуссия по поводу взаимоотношений полов и нашими взглядами на это дело. В общем, она считает, что мужчин нужно (!) перевоспитывать, и что перевоспитать можно любого мужчину, было бы желание и терпение. Я лично с тем, что их нужно перевоспитывать, не согласна. И основываю свое мнение не только на личном опыте, но и на информации, извлеченной из книжки, написанной женщиной-психологом.

Поделюсь тем, что прочитала в своей умной книжке, ну и своими рассуждениями тоже. ;) Это самая типичная ошибка, которую все женщины совершают: пытаться мужчину перевоспитать. Перевоспитаь их невозможно. Ты же не изменяешься для него, почему они должны изменяться для тебя? Они же нас любят именно такими, какими они нас встретили. Поэтому мужчины нас и не понимают: она же полюбила меня таким, какой я есть, почему же она теперь пытается меня переделать? Я такой же, как и тогда, когда она меня встретила впервые.

Нужно учиться их принимать такими, какие они есть, либо идти своей дорогой. К тому же есть много примеров в жизни, когда мужчина все таки пересилил себя, и изменился для любимой женщины, а она его разлюбила именно потому, что он "тряпка", поддался и сломался под ее каблуком. Нужно подумать, а зачем нам это: перевоспитывать? Они же не дети, а взрослые развитые личности.

Очень часто женщины создают себе этакий идеальный образ мужчины в голове, а потом когда встретят того, который по каким то параметрам под этот образ подходит, думают, что смогут его "подогнать" и дальше под тот самый образ, и начинают его пытаться переделать. А переделать мужчину невозможно, а если и возможно, то нужно подумать: а нужен ли он мне будет такой, каким я хочу его видеть? Не пропадет ли у меня к нему уважение, если он будет потакать моим малейшим капризам? Ведь на самом деле, когда мы их встречаем и влюбляемся, то происходит это из-за того, что он нам понравился именно потому, что он ДРУГОЙ, неординарный, НЕ СКУЧНЫЙ и тп. Это потом, когда суета и быт захватывают, мы забываем о том, почему он нам понравился в самом начале, и начинаем придираться к пустякам.

Плюс ко всему, а вернее - это в общем-то минус на самом деле я считаю - у мужчины самого может развиться к вам подсознательное неприятие, вызванное тем, что в душе он меняться не хочет, а делает это через силу, пытаясь вам угодить. Отсюда могут начать вытекать всякие мелкие неприятности в виде неосознанно совершенных пакостей со стороны втихую бунтующей личности, как например, "случайно" постирал ваш любимый кашемировый свитер в горячей воде, и тп. Примеров можно привести множество. Самое интересное, что такие поступки совершаются неосознанно, и сам "вредитель" о том и не догадывается. Опять-таки, качество интимной жизни ухудшается там, где одна из сторон несчастна. Вот подумайте, когда вас насильно (может, и не физически, а морально) заставляют делать то, что противоречит вашим привычкам и убеждениям, каждый день капают на нервы с придирками и замечаниями, захотите ли вы потом отдаться этому мужчине полностью и без остатка и получить от этого удовольствие? Я так не думаю. Я, например, не смогу. Вот и подумайте, а надо ли вам "дрессировать" вашего любимого, так ли уж сильно вас раздражают разбросанные по комнате грязные носки? А если - да, сильно, то задайте себе другой вопрос - а не охладела ли ваша любовь к нему, раз вас раздражают такие мелочи? Ведь в начале вы наверняка не обращали на это внимания... Что же изменилось сейчас? Стал ли вам этот мужчина менее дорог? Почему?
А еще представьте, что вдруг (не дай Бог!) завтра его не станет? В аварию попадет или еще что. И останетесь вы одна, в чистой квартире, в пустой холодной постели... Если у вас не защемило сердце, не навернулись слезы от одной мысли о том, что вы его можете потерять - значит, с вами рядом не тот человек. Подумайте, стоит ли тогда тратить ваше и его время? А если сердце все же защемило, и вам стало ОЧЕНЬ СТРАШНО ЕГО ПОТЕРЯТЬ - то подумайте, так ли важны вам эти дурацкие носки? Стоит ли тратить время (которого никто не знает сколько вам отпущено) на ссоры, когда можно наслаждаться друг другом, каждой минутой, проведенной с любимым человеком...

Взаимоотношения должны строиться на взаимном уважении, принятии друг друга как совершенных, самостоятельных личностей, с их собственными достоинствами и недостатками. Вы ведь тоже не богиня, у которой, простите за пример, "стул" розами пахнет. А сами-то вы не перестали следить за собой? Или как только "осели" и остепенились, то позволяете себе ходить перед любимым в заношеном халате, с бигуди на голове? А потом удивляетесь, что он на улице заглядывается на ухоженных красавиц? Как говорится, телефон работает в оба конца. У вас высокие стандарты? А сами-то вы им соответствуете? Или, как говорится, в своем глазу бревна не замечаете?

В общем, пищи для размышлений я вам дала предостаточно, я считаю. Если вы не согласны с мнением автора - что ж, дело ваше, никто за вас вашу жизнь прожить не может. Я всего лишь делюсь мнением и выводами, к которым пришла за годы не всегда хорошо сложившихся отношений. Ну и психологи помогают, конечно ;). Например, я также научилась видеть ошибки, которые я допускаю в отношениях и стараюсь отойти от наезжанной колеи, и смотреть на ту или иную ситуацию со стороны. Конечно же, эмоции зачастую перевешивают, но все же прогресс есть... ;) А как у вас с этим дело обстоит?

How to clean your dance shoes

2011-09-30T19:16:00.000-04:00

Now that I have been dancing I found out, that after a few weeks of constantly using my dance shoes (and of course sweating in them), they start smelling. And that's despite the fact that I have 4 pairs of dance shoes and constantly rotate them. Yeah, it's not a pretty thing to admit, but I am sure true for many.

Anyway, I did some research on how to clean your dance shoes and found only one way - which is to carefully wash them with mild detergent and thoroughly dry. I even performed it on one pair of my dance shoes (cheap ones, in case I ruin them). The method worked, but now when the weather is changing to colder, it is not very convenient to dry them and takes very long time.

So I decided to try my own method. Here it is. It is dry method. All you need is baking soda and old tooth brush.

How to: after you take your dance shoes off, don't put them away into dance shoe bag, let them to air out first. Then, when you come home, sprinkle generous amount of baking soda inside of your shoes and let them sit for a few hours, or even overnight. Soda will absorb moisture from your shoes and deodorize them (read - kill bacteria that cause smell). You will see, that it will cake because it is absorbing the moisture from your shoes. After a few hours simply brush out the excess soda with an old tooth brush, and you are done! If whatever particles of soda left bother you, wipe shoes with microfiber cloth. But I figured, if one can use baking soda as a deodorant on way more sensitive armpits (like I do), then one surely can handle it. Besides, ones your feet start sweating again, soda will dissolve.

Happy dancing!

P.S. I am sure you can clean your street shoes this way as well, don't get discouraged by the fact that I use this method for my dance shoes.

Knitting me a flirty-skirty.

2011-09-28T19:03:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody! Ever since I got a little bit more of spare time I resumed my knitting habits, and even went to a knitting meetup last night. Which I enjoyed by the way - and ironically enough, two of the ladies in the group were connected with dancing (one is dancing herself, the other one has a friend, who is ballroom dancer).
But what I wanted to share today is my current project I've been working on for the last three days. I found this skirt I thought I might want to knit,

but when it came to making a swatch, I got a different idea on how this skirt needs to look. So I am just using the basic pattern stitch and making this skirt up as I go. Girls at the knitting group liked it, by the way.

I am knitting it from top down, in two pieces, with gores to give it a little bit of a flare because I don't think that tight-fitting knit skirts flatter anyone.

Now about the back - I am debating whether to make it same on the back, or make one big gore in the middle...

Cookies!

2011-09-24T18:19:00.000-04:00

I have posted about benefits of Macadamia Nut Oil here (and explained what made me do this). But here I would like to share a couple of recipes, that include Macadamia Nuts themselves.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Recipe #1

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup macadamia nuts (chopped)
10 ounces white chocolate (bars chopped into chunks or chips)
1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F. For this, beat together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a large bowl, until you get a creamy concoction. Then, gently add flour and baking soda to the butter mixture, while stirring continuously. Lastly, add macadamia nuts and white chocolate. On an ungreased cookie sheet, drop batter by teaspoons. Bake them in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes. By this time, the center of the cookies will set, while the edges turning golden brown. Place cookies into wire racks for cooling, before you transfer them in a storage container.

Recipe #2

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
1 cup coarsely chopped white chocolate

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the macadamia nuts and white chocolate. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Something funny for you

2011-09-23T21:19:00.000-04:00

I was giggling my butt off watching these commercials! Enjoy! :)))))))

Dollar tree shopping

2011-09-21T17:36:00.000-04:00

Ever since my work hours been cut down to almost non-existing, naturally my budget got much smaller too. Even though I have always thought that any dollar store is a very good place for those who want to save money, now it is really a life saver for me. Besides all those necessities for home and even your tummy, occasionally they have some pretty decent things for a mere dollar. I visited one today and got some useful things for making my own skincare products (about that - later), and these:

A blush with built-in sponge-applicator, fashion secret tape (for those tops that like to fall off your shoulders while you dance), hair buffing off tool (it does work!) and all natural MINERAL mascara from L'Oreal (which I have never seen at CVS or other stores). Yup, all of it - $4! Now if you go to a drug store and find something similar, you probably will be paying somewhere around $10-20. Hence a blush usually cost around $8, mascara about the same, and I can only speculate how much the rest would be, but I saw similar tape at Macy's for $15 a pack. So if you are using those things anyway, why waste your money and not go for less expensive stuff? I did and love it.

A few tips on how to use hot air brush

2011-09-20T22:18:00.000-04:00

I got myself one of these hot air brushes recently. I was so excited to use it again, remembering how easy it was to style my hair about 10 years ago, when I had short hair cut. Well, as it turns out - this time it was a little more challenging since my hair is longer. At first, I was very tempted to purchase this brush, but then read some reviews and came to a conclusion that there are too many cons and not enough pros to pay for it that price (even from Amazon, which is as we all know has better deals). Anyhow, I chose one from Conair that had TONS of good reviews. Truth to be told, I thought it would be very easy to style my hair with this brush, but I actually had to look up a few tips.

Naturally, I looked up how to use it on YouTube. One way - not bad, if you like to turn your ends outward that is.
Another way - I like this one the best, because her hair is even longer than mine, and she is also pretty good with other hair styling techniques.
So now I've decided to give my brush a good test run tomorrow, when I am off and have a little bit more time than when I'm getting ready for work.

ok, maybe it's just me, but...

2011-09-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

...I just don't get some of the craze over these latest designs people are raving about. Like this one.

Yes, beautiful stitch work, utilized in hideous shape. It would look better in a blanket or shawl. I believe that unless you are skinny as a handrail and at least 5.9 (with super long and skinny legs just like the model's), you will look like a barrel in this sweater. I am 5.6 and pretty slim, but I know that's what I am going to look like if I wear something like that. Come on people, are 80s coming back with their shapeless, bulky sweaters?! Give me a break! Life is too short to hide under the blankets of yarn, you gotta play off what little shape you got, not hide it!
Here is what Vogue Knitting put out for their fall collection too. Well, at least this one has a belt where you can make an appearance of a waist. But... how the hell are you going to raise your arms? Or is it a version of a straight jacket? Now imagine this on XL person... I don't even want to go there.

I think creators of the show What Not To Wear have to go talk to those designers, LOL.

Off to look for something more feminine and SHAPEY, not shapeLESS!

Have a nice Saturday,

T

About Kombucha tea. Новый пост про чайный гриб

2011-09-16T11:22:00.001-04:00

I posted some info about healthy drink Kombucha on my other blog here

Чтобы почитать про полезные свойства чайного гриба, пройдите на мой блог здоровья сюда

Love or carrier?

2011-09-12T18:35:00.000-04:00

I came across this article on Lovepanky which made me think about many things in life. Like how often people make wrong choices in life and then regret them to the rest of their lives... Read it, I know it might help some of you when it comes to making choices. I surely know what I would do if I had to make this choice...

Natural recipes for hair care. Рецепты для здоровья волос.

2011-09-09T20:36:00.001-04:00

Every once in a while I like to experiment with my hair color and try different things. Even though I always use only ammonia-free hair colors, they are still not 100% natural and might dry out your hair. To help your hair to look and feel healthy, I use some of these simple recipes.

Olive oil and apple cider vinegar remedies for damaged hair

Method 1

Apply a generous amount of olive oil on your hair

Cover it with a shower cap for 30 minutes

Shampoo

Olive oil has antioxidants and vitamin E that protect the hairfrom humidity and sunlight. Because it is an oil, it will seal the hair cuticleand keep it healthy.

Method 2

Thoroughly combine 1 egg yolk and ½ mashed avocado

Add enough coconut milk to make a smooth mixture

Massage into scalp and rinse.

Coconut and avocado are loaded with antioxidants that protect the hair. Their oils penetrate the hair shaft to protectand seal the cuticle.

Egg adds protein and shine to your hair and makes it beautiful andhealthy-looking.

Method 3

Mix one-third cup of apple cider vinegar with one quart water.

Rinse hair with this solution after shampooing.

Vinegar removes scaly build-up and residue from hair shafts and closesthe cuticles. Vinegar has a tonic action that promotes blood circulation in thesmall capillaries that irrigate the skin. It also adds healthy shine to it!

I used the last method today just before I went out shopping. And unexpectedly received two compliments from different women about how healthy and nice my hair looked.

If you have your own natural home-made recipes, please share with us in the comment section!

Beautifully yours ;),

***

Время от времени я люблю экспериментировать с цветом своих волос ии пробовать различные оттенки. Но не смотря на то, что я всегда стараюсь пользоваться карсками, не содержащими аммиака и прочей гадости, они все же не 100% натуральны и могут высушить волосы. Поэтому частенько после окраски (кроме использования очень интенсивных увлажняющих натуральнаых кондиционеров), я делаю вот такие маски.

Оливковое масло и яблочный уксус для поврежденных волос:

1. Нанесите чуть подогретое оливковое масло на волосы о кожу головы, оденьте пластиковую шапочку и оставьте минут на 30, после чего вымойте волосы вашим обычным шампунем.

Оливковое масло богато витамином Е и антиоксидантами, которые защищают волосы от влажности и солнца. Кроме того, масло обволакивает каждый волос, делая его более здоровым.

2. Смешайте половину авоцадо и 1 яичный желток. Добавьте немного кокосового молока, нанесите на кожу головы, подержите несколько минут, смойте.

Кокос и авокадо также богаты витаминами, которые защищают волосы. Их масла окутывают кутикулу волоса в защитный "кокон". Яйцо богато протеином и к тому же придает волосам здоровый блеск!

3. Смешайте 1/3 чашки яблочного уксуса с литром воды. Ополаскивайте волосы этим раствором после мытья шампунем. Яблочный уксус помогает избавиться от накопившегося налета от продуктов на волосах и "закрывает" кутикулу волоса, а также улучшает кровообращение в коже головы и придает волосам здоровый блеск!

Сегодня я сделала ополаскивание таким раствором, посушила волосы феном и пошла по магазинам. И совсем неожиданно получила два комплимента от разных женщин по поводу того, как здорово выглядят мои волосы. Мелочь, а приятно :)

Если у вас есть свои "фирменные" секреты, пожалуйста, поделитесь в комментариях!

Всего вам доброго, дорогие мои читательницы.

Legwarmers in progress. Тепленькие гетры в процессе.

2011-08-28T22:53:00.001-04:00

Something I am knitting right now - legwarmers with stirrups for wearing with my dance shoes in winter. My friend recommended me to use Fibonacci numbers as a part of my stripy pattern, because I have two complimentary-colored multicolored yarn balls. So we shall see how it turns out. So far I like how it looks.

В общем, начала вязать себе тепленькие гетры для ношения с моими туфлями для танцев зимой. Подруга посоветовала мне использовать в вязании не просто полоски, а Фибоначи номера для комбинирования моей пряжи, которой у меня два неодинаковых мотка, но в цветах, которые дополняют друг друга. Пока что мне нравится процесс, но чувствую, что мне это дело надоест, когда дело дойдет до вязания 34х или 55ти рядов одной пряжей.

P.S. Pattern. Well, sort off. Cast on 56 sts on double-pointed needles, and start working rounds in 1x1 rib for about 2.5-3", then close for stirrup 16 sts, finish up the round. In the next round cast on 20 sts and cont. to knit in 1x1 rib, alternating yarn colors if desired. You may also switch to stockinette st, but I found that if you want the legwarmer to hug your leg tighter, cont. in rib 1x1.

Описание. Как бы... Набрать 56 петель на носочные спицы, распределить на 3 или 4 (как тебе удобнее) и вязать по кругу резинкой 1х1 примерно 6 см. Затем в след, ряду закрыть 16 петель, закончить круг. В след. ряду набрать обратно 20 петель и продолжать вязать резинкой 1х1, меняя пряжу, если есть желание. Вы также можете перейти на вязание чулочной вязкой, но я нашла, что вязамие становотся более слабым, а мне хочется, чтобы гетры прилегали к ноге лучше. Особенно если носить их во время танцев, когда от тепла тела растягивается практически любая вещь.

Удачи!

Contemplating another tattoo...

2011-08-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking about getting my third and last tattoo for a while now. The reason I want to do it this time is simply to commemorate a new chapter in my life that I have started not that long ago, and to remind myself, that no matter what happens in life - the most precious things are always with me - I am who I am and always will stay true to myself. And something to motivate me on moving forward, beyond all pain or failures.

So my first idea was to get a dragon tattoo - because it is a symbol of freedom (in oh, so many ways!), courage, wisdom and many other powerful qualities that anyone would be happy to have. I liked this one:

Another idea - the latest I have (and I'm leaning more and more toward it lately) - is to write a Latin phrase, that would remind me of what I want it to remind me of. So I found this list of Latin phrases with translations. Of course, I would check and triple check the spelling and translation before I write it on my skin, but here are a few ideas that I particularly like:

* non ducor duco -- I am not led; I lead
* semper ad meliora -- always towards better things
* temet nosce -- know thyself
* luceat lux vestra -- let your light shine

I also came across a few funny ones, which of course I wouldn't write on myself. This one tickled me very much:

* Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes - if you can read this, you have too much education
* sola lingua bona est lingua mortua - the only good language is a dead language (example of dog Latin humor)

And this one that I simply like as a quote:

* si vis amari ama - if you want to be loved, love

And this one is very interesting to me, because it refers me to a song of my favorite band HIM and his song "Under the Rose". I love the historical reference, and the fact that Villie's songs are not just a set of meaningless words:

* sub rosa - under the rose - "In secret", "privately", "confidentially" or "covertly". In the Middle Ages, a rose was suspended from the ceiling of a council chamber to indicate that what was said in the "under the rose" was not to be repeated outside. This practice originates in Greek mythology, where Aphrodite gave a rose to her son Eros, and he, in turn, gave it to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to ensure that his mother's indiscretions—or those of the gods in general, in other accounts—were kept under wraps.

So this is it for now, just wanted to share something interesting.

Sock book update. Мои носки в книжке по вязанию!

2011-08-26T15:04:00.000-04:00

Behold! Here is my work, photo right from the book - Russian-inspired socks - which I mentioned in previous post.

I love the book! It has so many wonderful patterns - from all over the world practically. It is hardcover and would make a nice gift to any knitter, because it has patterns for any level - from beginner to advanced knitter.

***

Ну вот мои носочки, про которые я упоминала раньше. Наконец то напечатаны в книге по вязанию носков со всего мира практически. Мои носки были основаны на мотивах традиционной русской вышивки, и несут в себе обережные свойства, большое значение которым придавали наши предки в старину.

В общем, я горжусь тем, что мне предоставился такой случай и мое описание выбрали для печати в книге наряду с очень известными дизайнерами по вязанию :)).

Second book is out!

2011-08-25T15:34:00.000-04:00

So the second book in which one of my patterns was published is out now. Look what I found on the web today: Lara's library
Hooray and yey! :)))
And as it happens, I finally got myself a copy, which I'm yet to pick up from my ex's place. Can't wait to see how it looks in the book!

Weekend at the beach with friends

2011-08-23T22:48:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I decided to take myself to the beach. I love water, it makes me feel more serene, it calms me down and helps to think. So I set off early Friday morning and in only 2.5 hours was at the beach - Huntington Park at Newport News.

The weather was absolutely perfect, crowd - nonexistent, water like silk. Although sand was a bit rough for my tender bits, hehe. Anyway, I spent wonderful relaxing day at the beach, all by myself, enjoying the weather, taking some photos, swimming, sunbathing.

Afterward I continued my weekend at Newport News City Center with it's shopping and restaurants.

To add more to my self-enjoyment, I continued swimming at the hotel's pool later that evening, and warmed my bones up in a hot tub. I think finally at the tender age of 20-something (hehehe) I learned how to enjoy myself without hurrying anywhere, worrying about anything or anyone.

The day was rounded up by a wonderful dinner at Mexican restaurant Salsa's. I noticed that waiters (esp. male) are particularly nice and attentive to a single woman dining all by herself. And I didn't feel myself a bit awkward or weird by being there all by myself, and really enjoyed my food.

The next day my friends joined me at the beach and we had more fun there, followed by the lovely dinner at their house, and a trip to Williamsburg Winery on Sunday morning.

A few more recipes and tips. Еще несколько рецептиков и советов.

2011-08-17T17:38:00.000-04:00

Since my dear friends asked me, I couldn't pass on posting more of homemade recipes for skincare, and tips on essential oils.
So one of the recommended sources for essential oils would be Aura Cacia. That's where I buy all of my essential oils. They have lots of choices - for all of your health/beauty needs. By the way, if you place an order with them before the end of August, you will get FREE gift - Aura Cacia Making Scents Energizing Bath Salt Set. Awesome! I think I might need a few more oils for myself.
Anyway, do your research, make sure a seller you are going to buy your oils from has good reviews (luckily, it's not hard to find out, thanks to the internet). To be completely honest, I did buy a couple of oils from some seller on Etsy, but those oils (even though claimed to be organic) just didn't smell right. Once you get acquainted with oils, you will know what I mean ;). And remember, that real oils are not so cheap, especially some of them - like Sandallwood oil. For 0.5 oz you might have to pay about $35-40.
Ok, this post is not meant to be a guide to ess.oils, so moving on.

Strawberry mask for Normal/Oily Skin

1/2 c fresh strawberries
1 egg white (for normal skin use whole egg)
2 t honey

Blend all ingredients until smooth. You can store it in the fridge for a week. After cleaning your skin apply 1-2 T of mask to your face and neck. Leave on for 20 min. then rinse off with cool water. Strawberries exfoliate and brighten up complexion, honey good for oh, so many things, it's hard to list all, egg tightens skin (almost instant face lift!).

Soothing Honey Mask

1/4 c sour cream or plain yogurt
2 T honey

Stir together, leave on your face for 15 min, rinse off. No need for moisturizer unless you are super dry/mature. Now, honey acts as an irritant occasionally, so if you are as sensitive to... well, about everything, like me - try to start with less of it and leave on your face for half recommended time.

***

В общем, раз подруги попросили, то вот еще парочка рецептов масок изготовленных в дом. условиях:

Клубничная Маска для Норм./Жирной Кожи

1/2 чашки свежей клубники

2 ст.л меда

1 белок яйца (если коже норм., то все яйцо)

Все тщательно перемолоть в блендере, нанести на лицо примерно 2 ст.л маски, оставить на 20 мин. Смыть прохладной водой. Маску можно хранить в холодильнике до двух недель.

Успокаивающая Медовая Маска

1/4 чашки сметаны или простого йогурта

2 ст.л меда

Смешать, нанести на чистую кожу лица, смыть прохладной водой. После этой маски обычно увлаж.крем не требуется. Если же кожа у вас слишком чувствительная, попробуйте использовать меньше меда, т.к. он иногда раздражает кожу (как ни странно, это факт в моем случае, хотя маска и названа успокаивающей!).

A few thoughts about beauty products. Делюсь размышлениями о средствах по уходу за кожей

2011-08-15T21:55:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to use mostly organic skincare (hair and body) products or even home made ones which are safe enough to eat for a while now. And I should say, that after I quit burning the hell out of my skin with BPO, Retin-A and other nasty things, my skin's condition has improved! No more nasty chemicals, and all of a sudden my skin is clearer, softer, brighter and smoother! Why? would you ask. Well, all of a sudden I remembered, that I grew up watching my Mom applying strawberry or cucumber masks on her face, and using sugar with cream to exfoliate, and that she had always had nearly perfect, blemish-free skin of which most of her girlfriends were envious.
As a matter of fact, I am myself never had a single pimple while going through the puberty, and my skin was pretty much just as perfect as my Mom's till I started working for one of very famous cosmetic companies, and begun experimenting with different creams and "potions". I have never thought before that they might have some harmful chemicals in them that can cause all of those breakouts I was getting all of a sudden at the age of 25, till I came across this website who does independent testing of most popular cosmetic products that are out there on the market for us.
I was terrified to learn, that lots of those unpronounceable ingredients are linked to cancers, birth defects and more (hence the surge of breast cancer among women for the last 10 years!).
Ever since then I am trying to do my best to avoid parabens, sulfates and other yucky things that industrious sleazy cosmetic companies put into their products in order to make profits (cheaper ingredients!), prolong their shelf life, and fool you by promising "immediate results". Nothing gives you an immediate result except for a hacksaw, hehehe.
So here a few recipes for you - all natural, and healthy, and SAFE for your health (unless you have an allergy to one of the listed ingredients) - which I've been gathering from different sources (including my memory and Mom's notes). Enjoy!

Hydrating, cleansing and brightening mask
my favorite

1 t sour cream (pref. organic)
1 t lemon juice (squeezed from a lemon)
1 t olive oil (extra virgin is best of course)

Mix well in a small dish, apply to a clean face and neck. Leave for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry. After this mask you won't need a moisturizer. I prefer to do it on my day off in the morning, so I don't have to apply makeup (unless I am going out later), and just let my skin rest the whole day and regenerate on its own.

If you like playing with essential oils (I have a small stash of them actually), then you might like this. Just make sure that you are using real, organic essential oils, not some fake fragrance from some home goods store.

Lemon Skin Brightener

3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 T distilled water

Mix together, use a cotton ball to massage it into your skin after cleansing. Follow up with moisturizer if needed. Lemon oil is an astringent, it brightens and detoxifies, and is great for oily skin. Lavender is one of the most famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and it stimulates blood circulation, and regulates oil secretion too!

Stay tuned for more recipes!

С некоторых пор я стараюсь пользоваться только натуральными средствами для ухода за кожей, или даже приготовленными самостоятельно в домашних условиях, которые к тому же можно безопасно кушать! И должна признаться, что после того как я перестала жечь свою кожу всякими химикатами, пытаясь побороть акне, моя кожа практически перестала "возмущаться"!

Освобожденная от химикатов, моя кожа наконец-то стала очищаться, стала мягче, и приобрела здоровый оттенок. Мой друг даже заметил недавно, что я "посветлела" :).

Вы спросите, почему это вдруг такой переход? Просто я вспомнила недавно, что выросла, наблюдая и учась у моей мамы, которая любила (и до сих пор любит) накладывать маски из клубники или даже огурца, а вместо скраба всегда пользовалась солью (или сахаром), смешанной со сливками. У нее всегда была безупречная кожа - обьект зависти ее подружек. Да и я сама выросла без единого прыщика, даже проходя через подростковый период. Проблемы начались позже, когда я стала работать на одну очень известную косметическую компанию и как следствие - экспериментировать со всякими кремами и тониками. Мне и в голову не приходило тогда, что они могут содержать в себе ядовитые химикаты, которые могут вызвать не только раздражение, но даже и рак.

Не так давно я узнала об одном сайте, который делает независимые тестирования косметических продуктов, широко распространенных по всему миру. Я была просто в шоке, узнав, что многие из тех самых не очень произносибельных ингредиентов могут привести к аллергиям в лучшем случае, а в худшем - к бесплодию или даже раку (обратите внимание на то, как сильно вырос процент женщин с раком груди за последние 10 лет!).

В общем, с тех пор я стараюсь покупать только натуральные средства, без всяких парабенов и сульфатов, которыми изобретательные косметические компании пичкают свои продукты дабы продлить их срок годности, избежать высоких затрат (здесь все натуральное почему-то стоит дороже) и тп., тем самым дурача покупателей обещаниями "незамедлительного" результата. Незамедлительный результат дает только бензопила Дружба! Хе-хе-хе...

В общем, вот вам парочка моих рецептиков - безопасных, натуральных и вполне доступных, собранных мной из различных источников, включая заметки моей мамы.

Увлажняющая, очищающая и осветляющая маска

(ага, три в одном!)

моя любимая

1 ч.л. сметаны

1 ч.л. свежевыжатого сока лимона

1 ч.л. оливкового масла

Смешать, нанести на чистую кожу лица и шеи, оставить на 15-30 минут. Смыть прохладной водой, лицо промокнуть (не тереть!) полотенцем. Обычно после этой маски вам не нужен никакой увлажн.крем. Я предпочитаю ее делать на выходные, когда никуда не надо идти и нет необходимости пользоваться пудрой и тп. Даю коже возможность отдохнуть и обновиться самостоятельно.

Если вам нравятся ароматические масла, то вам может понравиться следующий рецепт. Только имейте в виду, чтобы избежать аллергии или даже отравления, убедитесь, что ваши масла натуральные, а не какая-нибудь подделка из магазина хоз.товаров.

Лимонный Осветлитель

3 капли масла лимона

3 капли масла лаванды

3 ст.л. дистиллированной воды

Смешать, нанести на чистую кожу лица ватным тампоном, слегка помассировать. После нанести увлаж.крем. Это средство особенно полезно для жирной кожи лица. Лимон обладает очищающими свойствами, лаванда регулирует жировые железы, снимает воспаление и убивает микробы.

Доп. рецепты следуют позже...

Reading pillow. Подушка для чтения, хехе.

2011-08-14T13:44:00.000-04:00

So actually, as I might have written before, this pillow was originally meant to be a blanket. But because at the time of yarn purchase I didn't have enough money to buy enough of it for the entire project, according to the Murphy law, store ran out of that yarn when I needed more.
So I ended up with a few pieces of rectangular cabled "samples" which were sitting around in my knitting basket for over a year. Eventually, they started screaming at me every time I was opening that darn basket, so I decided to use them for... well, something! Anything at that point.
And so from one of those rectangular pieces was born this pillow. And because the pillow is exactly SQUARE, and I had a rectangular piece, this pillow ended up with an improvised pocket, hehehe, which after a few musings over it, I decided to use it as a reading pocket - for comfortably holding a magazine on your lap or perhaps even a knitting chart.
However, my idea wasn't the first idea about how to utilize this pocket. My dear friend decided first, that it would serve real well for a purpose of sticking my only survived divorce teddy bear with his (teddy's) behind facing me. Which I found one night sitting in that position on my bed when I came home after work. Well... I guess he thought it was the best place for my bear, hehehe. Can't blame him, but it did give me an idea of using this improvised pocket.

В общем, эта подушка начиналась не как подушка, а как покрывало, а т.к. у меня не хватило средств купить сразу достаточное количество пряжи, то по закону Мерфи она конечно же в магазине закончилась (пряжа), и я осталась с несколькими отдельными кусками связанных прямоугольников. Полежав около года в корзинке для вязания они просто начали вопеть на меня каждый раз когда я открывала вышеупомянутую корзинку, что натолкнуло меня на мысль пустить их в дело. Из одного такого прямоугольника и pодилась эта подушка для чтения. Конечно же, потому что подушка квадратная, а кусок был у меня все же прямоугольный, она получилась с этаким "карманом", который как я решила после некоторых раздумий, может послужить для держания журналов или даже вязальных схем. Хотя самой первой идеей по использованию этого кармана была идея моего друга, который вставил туда моего единственно сохранившегося после развода плюшевого мишку, обратив ко мне его (мишкин), кхе кхе, простите, зад. :P

Learning my camera.

2011-08-14T13:23:00.000-04:00

Not that long ago I gave myself a gift of a new digital camera and now working on learning how to take better photos - for my blog, etsy shop and just for fun, of course. I love what it can do, and still playing around. It is amazing, how far has technology advanced in such a short period of time. Camera I got back in '09 isn't cutting it already :P, but I hope this one will prove to be a long lasting in quality and performance. Here are some of my experiments with it:

Old Town

Jewelry Shop Window

Lazy @$$ cat named Lucky

Me, going out to dance

Something, I am knitting now

If you need a relationship advice...

2011-08-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been trying to sort out mixed feelings I have towards one particular person in my life. And sometimes when you are smitten, or already beyond that, you might need an advice. And among many sites that offer such I found that Lovepanky is very interesting, helpful and... entertaining! Lots of articles from what to do on a first date to how to get over "Mister-What's-His_Face" in a wicked way. Hope you'll enjoy browsing it as much as I did ;).

Yours truly,

T

What it's going to cost you if you piss off a Scorpio. Как разные знаки зодиака обижаются.

2011-08-10T21:33:00.001-04:00

My friend Masha gave me this cute link to a horoscope (which she has on her new blog) that tells you what it is going to cost you if you piss off one of the signs. So you can just pick a sign and it will tell you what to prepare for. You may use Google to translate it. Here is mine, I was so tickled by it, that I HAD to post it here (I tried to translate it as close as possible, cuz the wording is just too funny!):

"If you piss of a Scorpio, you won't even have a chance to write your will. You won't be forgiven, better yet - you will wish your mom had a miscarriage instead of you. Scorpios have a very long memory. And it is not that hard to piss them off since they are Water sign - very sensitive sign. They may even try to pay you back physically, although they might not get into a fight with you, they will be happy to hire a professional killer. (That's where I laughed my butt off!) They can forgive only very close to them person. And to that person they can forgive anything!"

I also found this interesting link to a similar acrticle about horoscope signs and what happens when they get pissed off (English)

***

Моя подруга Маша прислала мне линк, по которому можно узнать, какие знаки зодиака как обижаются. Очень забавный линк, скажу я вам. Меня очень развеселило то, о чем они написали про Скорпионов.

Wonderful properties of Mulberyy leaves. *** Полезные свойства листьев тутовника.

2011-08-01T19:41:00.001-04:00

Today my landlady came home with a bag full of Mulberry leaves. Somebody told her to make a tea out of them and drink. Supposedly it helps to fight bad cholesterol, diabetes, constipation, and even helps with weight loss. So we did some research on the Internet and found, that Chinese been using them for thousands of years (not surprisingly) in their traditional medicine.
Leaves of Mulberry they contain high levels of resveratrol and 1-deoxynojirimycin, which have been shown to have anti-imflammatory and antidiabetic properties.
Now, I can tell you this: I grew up climbing Mulberry trees picking delicious berries every summer, all summer long. We use to sit on a tree branch and eat them right of it. And nothing and nobody could make us come down till we were full and satisfied. We of course, had no idea how good they are for us!
Japanese scientists found a number of active compounds in the white mulberry leaf extract that promoted health. The extract is a strong anti-oxidant and has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the breakdown of LDL cholesterol, a process that otherwise can lead to the formation of life-threatening atherosclerotic plaque. Mulberry leaves contain a number of nutrients including proteins, sugars, polyphenols, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, vitamins, and minerals. Huh! Who would have known! Now I do!
So now my landlady and I are going to dry some leaves for the winter, so we could have some Mulberry tea during cold winter months, and for now - she is boiling them, so we could have tea right now! Can't wait to try and see what it tastes like. But besides tea, leaves can be used for cooking (just like we use grape leaves in Russia) - stuffed with meat and rice, or vegetables of your choice, and stewed or grilled - they are very nutritious!
Update: The tea turned out to be pretty nice, no bitterness whatsoever.

Сегодня хозяйка дома, в котором я живу, удивила меня, притащив домой целую сумку листьев тутовника (или шелковицы, как их еще называют в некоторых областях России). Кто-то посоветовал ей заварить их и пить в виде чая. Оказывается, они очень полезны для здоровья. Мы проделали небольшой поиск информации в любимом интернете и нашли очень много информации о том, насколько полезны листья тутовника для здоровья.

Как выяснилось, китайцы используют их столетиями в своей народной медицине для лечения диабета,повышенного холестерола и многого другого.

Интересно то, что я выросла, проводя целое лето (и каждое лето к тому же), лазия по деревьям тутовника, поедая вкусные ягоды безо всякой задней мысли об их полезности. В Штатах к сожалению, тутовник считают чуть ли не сорняком, "пачкающим" пешеходные дорожки и обувь.

В общем, моя хозяйка и я решили насушить кучу листьев, чтобы было что зимой заваривать в виде чая. Плюс она уже сейчас варит из них отвар, так что надеюсь, скоро попробую и узнаю, какие же они на вкус - листья тутoвника ;). Кстати их еще можно использовать так же, как и листья винограда - для приготовления различных блюд, как например, начинить их фаршем с рисом и потушить, или приготовить на гриле.
Дописка: чаек получился очень даже приятный на вкус, никакой горечи и в помине нет.

Return of my Etsy shop. Возвращение моего магазина к жизни

2011-07-27T13:02:00.000-04:00

So finally, slowly and little by little I am bringing back my Etsy shop. Right now you can find my original patterns for sale there - Lavender Capelet and Russian Inspired Socks that were published in 2 knitting books recently. Soon I will also add some hand-crafted goods, so stay tuned!

Наконец-то я начинаю постепенно приходить в себя и потихоньку восстанавливать мой Этси магазин. Пока что вы можете там найти два моих произведения - Сиреневое Пончо и Носки в Русском Стиле, которые были опубликованы в двух книгах по вязанию не так давно. В скором времени я также планирую начать продавать мои оригинальные работы. Так что не забудьте проверять время от времени, что там происходит.

What Your Lip Print Says About You. О чем говорит отпечаток ваших губ.

2011-07-26T15:08:00.001-04:00

I found this cute test which tells you a little bit about your character by your lip print! When I was younger I remember, old people use to say that people with full lips were very sensual, and those with thin - mean. But this test tells you something else. Try for yourself. Simply put on some lipstick and kiss a clean sheet of paper - then refer to this link

Нашла сегодня в сети вот такой небольшой тест - как прочитать ваш характек по отпечатку губ. Помню, в детстве, соседки-старушки говорили, что если у человека полные губы, то он любвиобилен, если же тонкие - зол. Но этот мини-тест добавляет кое-что еще. Я перевела для вас по пунктам, что там сказано.
Итак:
1. Если наружняя линия вашего отпечатка круглая или овальная, то это означает, что вы любите, чтобы все всегда шло гладко. Вы не любите конфликтов, не любите спорить. Любите, чтобы все вокруг вас всегда были счастливы.
2. Ромбовидная форма говорит о том, что вы успешны в жизни. Где бы вы ни были - дома или на работе - вы гордитесь тем, что все всегда делаете отлично! Из вас получится отличный ментор или педагог, вы очень любите быть полезным обществу.
3. Тонкая верхняя губа - вы очень придирчивы. Вы любите, чтобы все было детально организовано. Вы любите придумывать новые, оригинальные решения.
4. Тонкая нижняя губа говорит об аналитическом складе ума. Вы наверняка хорошо управляетесь с цифрами или точными науками.
5. Полная верхняя губа говорит о том, что вы умеете слушать, и люди любят плакаться у вас на плече, советоваться. Вы хорошо помогаете людям своими советами.
6. Полная нижняя губа - дети и животные вас просто обожают! Другой источник говорит, что вы могли бы стать хорошим писателем, или докладчиком.
7. Отпечаток заполнен пигментом без особых просветов - это говорит о том, что у вас много энергии, которую сложно не заметить окружающим. Если вы решили чего-то добиться, то для вас мало преград. У вас отличные качества лидера. Вы можете легко заразить окружающих своими идеями. Вы обычно либо владелец бизнеса, либо находитесь на руководящем посту.
8. Если же ваш отпечаток еле виден, это говорит о большой усталости, вам необходим отдых и время для самого себя, где бы вам никто не мешал.
Усе! Не забудьте поделиться результатами ;).

How to have better sex video

2011-07-26T12:50:00.000-04:00

Watch this somewhat funny video on How to have better sex. I think, there are a couple of useful advises! ;)

Советы психолога Натальи Толстой

2011-07-26T12:33:00.000-04:00

Очень умная и светлая женщина. Очень рекомендую послушать ее записи.

Russian Vatrushki. Рецепт ватрушек.

2011-07-21T09:09:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to share a recipe of Russian baked cottage cheese buns, called Vatrushki.
I love them! Ever since I was a child, I remember my Mom baking them (and many other yummies) during holiday seasons - either religious, or state holidays. The strongest memories I have are always connected to Easter and New Year, maybe because those two holidays use to be my favorite when I was little.
However, I am here to share a recipe, not my memories, lol. I found this wonderful recipe, slightly adjusted it to my taste and got wonderful Vatrushki at the end! Hope you will try and like them as much as I do. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my Mom's recipe, because it is next to impossible to extract exact proportions from her (she eyeballs everything - what a nightmare for a baker, lol!)

Vatrushki.
Dough:
2 T instant yeast
3-4 T butter (unsalted, soft - try Irish, it's the best!)
4 T sugar
1, 1/4 cup milk
1 egg yolk for basting
450 gr flour (I do have kitchen scale, it's the easiest way - no need to convert!)
1/2 t salt
1 t lemon zest

Filling:
500 gr (1 pack) RUSSIAN cottage cheese
(it HAS to be Russian cottage cheese, because it is VERY different from American! It has different texture, less moisture, it's creamier, etc. Go to a Russian store, if you live in DC - there are 3 of them around - one in Alexandria, one in Fairfax, one in McLein, called Russian Gourmet. Google it!)
3 T sugar
2 egg yolks
lemon zest and softened raisins to taste

How to:
Prepare the dough by mixing all ingredients together (well, you know the drill - liquids first, then add dry stuff, carefully whisking it in to avoid clumps). If you never made yeast dough - remember that milk should be warm, butter melted and cooled. I usually mix yeast and milk first, let it sit for a few min, then add to the main ingredients. Let the dough rise, beat it (carefully!) down twice. Then let it rise again, mix the dough, adding a little bit of flour to the surface you are mixing it on. Make sure not to over mix! Then form small-ish buns, put them onto a buttered baking sheet (parchment paper would help to clean it later) about 1-2 inches apart, let them sit under the kitchen towel for 10 min. Then take a small glass, dip its bottom in flour, and press into the middle of each bun, making a "cavity" for the filling. With a tablespoon, add filling into each bun, rub the outer edges with whisked egg yolk, and bake at 375-400F till they are golden on top. I check if they are done by inserting a wooden toothpick - if it comes out dry and clean, they are done!
Bon Appetite!

***

Вы любите ватрушки? Я их люблю с детства. Помню, моя мама всегда пекла их по праздникам - гос. и религиозным, не важно, но у меня в памяти почему-то ватрушки, связанные с Пасхой и Новым Годом, хотя они были далеко не единственным печеным лакомством в нашей семье в эти праздники. Может быть, это потому, что эти два праздника были моими любимыми в детстве. Особенно Новый Год. Однако, не будем отклоняться от темы - сегодня я поделюсь вами рецептом ватрушек, который хоть и не принадлежит моей маме, все же дает в результате обалденной вкусноты ватрушки (извлечь толковый рецепт из моей мамы очень сложно, т.к. она все делает на глаз, и не может мне толково рассказать про пропорции. Увы и ах!).

Для теста:
2 ст.л. сухих дрожжей (или 30гр свежих)
3 или 4 ст.л слив. масла
4 ст. л сахара
1, 1/4 стак. молока
желток для смазыв.поверхности
450 гр муки
1/2 ч.л. соли
1 ч.л. тертой цедры лимона

Начинка:
500 гр. росс. творога
3 ст.л. сахара
2 желтка
цедра лимона по вкусу и немного размоченного изюма

Тесто замесить по безопарному методу (все ингред. смешать сразу), дать ему подойти, 2 раза обмять. Из готового теста сформовать круглые булочки, положить их на смазанный маслом противень на расст. 4 или 5 см друг от друга, оставить для расстойки на 10 мин., после чего донышком стакана сделать углубления в каждой булке, положить туда начинку, края смазать желтком, стараясь не придавливать тесто, т.к. оно может слегка осесть. У меня булки поднимались просто на глазах, и к томе времени, когда их надо было оставить для расстойки под тонким полотенцем, они уже были в 2 раза больше по размеру! Выпекать ватрушки при темп. 220 гр. С или 375-400F.
Приятного аппетита!

Tastefully yours,

T

Oh, no! О, нет!

2011-07-19T14:15:00.000-04:00

Something very unpleasant happened to me - I misplaced the main part of my notes and sketches of So Hot in Red pattern :(((. I am pretty upset about it, because I don't remember where I borrowed that lace pattern I used for this top (or its name for that matter). Bollocks! It is especially regretful to me since I have already written the most of the pattern (not that common for me!), except for that crucial part. So now I'm trying to figure out what to do...

***
Такая вот беда приключилась тут со мной - я потеряла основную часть своих заметок и набросков по красному топику! :((( Очень неприятная штука, тем более, что я не помню, откуда именно ажурный узор был позаимствован. Я уже написала больше половины описания, а тут надо же такому приключиться! Теперь вот решаю, что делать дальше...

So Hot In Red. Крассный топик от меня.

2011-07-18T08:30:00.003-04:00

So I have finished (finally) this super cute red top that I've designed myself. Now I can wear it is a regular top - with a cami underneath it, or without straps as a corset on the top of a shirt or a T. Limit is - your imagination. ;)
Now I have to find time to write down a pattern for it, which I will offer for a small fee in my Etsy store. Anyhow - here it is - So Hot In Red!

В общем, топик собственного дизайна получился очень даже недурственно, на мой взгляд. Можно носить, как корсет поверх рубашек или футболок, а можно - со съемными бретельками поверх маечки. Нет пределов воображению. Вот еще б собраться и написать описание, было бы вообще здорово, не правда ли? Но надеюсь, что это не за горами. Как напишу, выставлю в своем Этси магазинчике, который я в последнее время вообще забросила. В общем, вот - на всеобщее обозрение и любование! Хехехе...

Knitfully yours,

T

Yarn closeouts. Распродажа пряжи.

2011-07-17T16:54:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note for my fellow knitters - Yarn.com has tons of yarn on closeout going on right now starting at $3.99 per ball! Good luck shopping!

Специально для моих подруг и читательниц, кто вяжет, на этом сайте в данный момент очень много пряжи на финальной распродаже. Удачных покупок!

Yarnfully yours,

T

How to tie a scarf or a kerchief in a NICE way ;). Как правильно и со вкусом завязать шейный платок.

2011-07-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

One of my Russian friends from Moscow sent me a little while ago this link to a video about how to tie a kerchief or a scarf in a NICE way. You don't need a knowledge of Russian to see, how she ties her scarves. I actually did some research on YouTube, and came to a conclusion, that this video is the most comprehensive, fun and stylish. So watch it here or follow the link.

Одна из моих подруг из России недавно прислала мне ссылку на видео про то, как правильно и со вкусом завязать шейный платок или шарф. Как оказывается просто, придумать что то весьма оригинальное! Наслаждайтесь!

Tastefully yours,

T

New cool blog from my friend. Новый блог моей подруги.

2011-07-17T14:10:00.001-04:00

My friend Maria, who is now residing in Germany, decided to start a blog, dedicated to fitness, make-up, skincare, diet, and many other useful things. Although she writes in Russian, she shares some videos, that are explicit and don't really need a translation. But if you do want to know what she is saying besides videos and such, try using Google Translator.

Моя подруга, Маша, которая теперь живет в Германии, решила таки начать свой блог. Посвятила она его фитнессу, диетам, советам по уходу за собой, красоте и прочем штучкам, которые так милы нам, дамам.

Машунь, поздравляю, и надеюсь, что у твоего блога скоро будет весьма обширная аудитория читателей!

Dance, dance and some more dance. Танцы, танцы и еще раз танцы.

2011-07-16T21:26:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday my dancing friends invited me to a HUGE party - celebration of two b-days - my first Hustle teacher and her friend's. Needles to say, I danced my feet off! Actually, even the muscles on my butt were sore next day. One of my friends was taking photos and did a very good job of it. So finally I got a couple of pictures of myself dancing! And not bad ones for that matter, even if I say so ;).

В прошлое воскресенье мои друзья танцоры пригласили меня на большую вечеринку-празднование двух дней рождений - моей первой учительницы по Хастл и ее подруги. Вечеринка прошла супер успешно. За весь день их посетило наверное больше ста человек! Было много танцев, еды и питья.
Я там так натанцевалась, что на следующий день у меня болели мышцы не только на ногах, но и на мягком месте, хехехе.
Один из моих друзей сделал много замечательных фотографий, среди которых наконец-то довольно-таки приличные мои фотки (скроменько так призналась она ;) ).

Dancefully yours,

T.

What color is your aura?

2011-06-27T17:34:00.001-04:00

On my friend's blog saw this test - what color is your aura, and decided to take/share here. It is in Russian though. Well, my aura turned out to be emerald green, which according to this test tells me, that I am a person who doesn't like excessive stress (who does?), love healthy food, take care of my health and spend money wisely (except for when it comes to ballroom shoes or yarn, lol). I also was surprised to see, that I have a healing talent (after all - I am Reiki professional!) and don't care about any cliches ;).
Anyway - if you know Russian - click on the link below to take test yourself.

tests.ukr.net

Какого цвета Ваша аура?

Пройти тест

Вас окружает аура изумрудного цвета

Это яркое, свежее, как первая весенняя травка, сияние говорит о том, что Вы - человек, не любящей суеты и лишнего напряжения. Вы склонны к здоровому образу жизни, вероятно, увлекаетесь йогой и здоровым питанием, практичны и легки на подъем. Всюду, куда Вы приходите, Вы несете мир и покой. Немного хиппи в душе, Вы не обращаете внимания на ярлыки и условности и рады, по большому счету, всем людям.

Также весьма вероятно, что Вы хороший садовод, а еще обладаете талантом лечить людей - как физически, так и духовно. Вы добры, внимательны и надежны - как сама мать-земля или вкус травяного чая и зеленых овощей!

Пройти тест

And it kills me...

2011-06-27T16:06:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a great song. Powerful and emotional.

Thinking simple design. Раздумья о простом дизайне.

2011-06-24T17:32:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had this situation when you want to knit a skirt or say, a top, but can't find any suitable/interesting patterns out there? Or say, you do find something that you like, but don't have enough yarn for it? Anyway - I have a goal of using up my yarn supply which is not that small. But especially I want to utilize my not-so-cheap sock yarns, which are ironically enough usually appear to be present only in amount of one or two skeins in my stash (probably bought with idea of a shawl which I never wear!). So here comes my inspiration - or inventive nature perhaps? I decided to design a cute small top for myself using up those yarn, and since I think that simple stripes are b-o-r-i-n-g, I will make it using chevron pattern of sorts. There are countless variations of chevron pattern, but I like it lacy, sexy and colorful.
I have already knitted a swatch, now all I need is to calculate and design! Hehe... We shall hope that my awesome idea of this top will actually come to life soon. Before we run out of summer that is. ;)
And yes, I do remember that I promised to take some photos, but haven't had time for it. Like we say - will try and do it.

Designfully yours (yeah, I know it's gooffy, but I kinda like it),

T

***

Когда чего-то очень хочется - как например, связать себе юбочку или топик, а нужного описания не находится, либо находится что-то интересное, а пряжи на это не хватает опять же, то начинаешь задумываться, а не придумать ли самой какой-нить топик в облипочку из имеющихся ниток. В общем, задумала я тут пустить некоторые из моих совсем не дешевых носочных ниток в дело, а как обычно - в наличии только по одному-два мотка. Тут-то меня и озарило - а не сделать ли шевроны какие-нить полосатые? Просто полоски - скучно. В общем, образец связан уже, осталось рассчитать размерчик и вперед за орденами, как говорится. Помню, что фотки обещала, помню... Но... Когда рученьки дойдут до фоток - не известно, но бум стараться. Всего добрейшего!

Вся в вязании,

Do the Hustle!

2011-06-19T21:50:00.000-04:00

A few of my friends know that I've been taking dance classes for the past 6 months or so. Hustle - to be more precise. Last weekend I went to Disco America in Philly - to take a few workshops, watch comps, and do some social dancing. I did not compete myself yet, but hoping to next year. I had a great time - socializing and dancing, watching and learning. And of course doing a little bit of shopping. I am so excited about my new dance shoes, that I couldn't pass an opportunity to show them of on here. They are 2.5" heels, satin and suede!

And a perfect fit too!

Yum! Super sexy and comfy! Being a shoe junkie I couldn't pass on a chance to buy a new pair (my 4th actually, and the most expensive) of dance shoes, and actually asked my friend who is a ballroom dance instructor to help me with my shopping. These shoes left me a bit off on my budget, but so totally worth it!
By the way - here you can watch what is Hustle. And the guy in this video actually was one of the pros from whom I took one of the workshops this past weekend. Here is another example of Hustle. Now you see why I love this dance so much!

Gotta rest my tootsies now...

Dancefully yours,

- T

Feather and fan scarf. Шарфик с узором веерами.

2011-06-14T14:18:00.001-04:00

I've been knitting a little bit lately. No, I haven't finished my vest yet - it awaits an inspiration that will allow me to start working on shaping the armholes. But I have finished a lovely scarf in Feather and Fan pattern which show off this yarn beautifully. Yet to be blocked and properly photographed. Free pattern is here

***
В последнее время о вяжу мало, но зато хоть начала постепенно возвращаться к своему любимому рукоделию. Нет, жилетку я пока еще не довязала - она ожидает вдохновения, которое поможет мне начать работу над проймами. Пока что оно меня не посетило. Бум ждать... Но вот шарфик один я закончила - связала его просто так - кому-нибудь в подарок на Рождество. Пытаюсь изничтожить запасы ниток, которые у меня представлены в виде одного мотка. Узорчик легкий - Перья и веера называется, ну или что-то в этом роде. Еще, правда, нужно ему придать форму и сфотать по-человечески. Но пока вот.
Узорчик можно найти тут, задарма, но на аглицком тока.

How to stay cool and healthy this summer. О том, как охладиться летом без вреда для здоровья.

2011-06-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

So as usual summer has come and gotten us by surprise - in June. It's so hot outside, that it feels like your brain is melting and even thinking about knitting makes you sweat. So all one can do at this point is to seat in the shade (or indoor with air conditioner) while drinking some cold beverage.

Interestingly enough, not all cold beverages are good for you. I was quite surprised to learn about how many calories one can consume in one milk shake or a frap. Up to 1,250!!! So this useful article on Yahoo gives you healthy alternatives, and helps to save some money by making right choices.

***
В общем, лето наступило у нас, как всегда - неожиданно, в июне. Хехехе. Жара стоит такая, что мозги просто плавятся и даже думать о вязании - жарко. Остается только потягивать прохладительные напитки, сидя в тени или в прохладе кондиционированного помещения.
Интересно, что далеко не все прохладительные напитки полезны для здоровья. Я была очень удивлена, когда узнала сколько калорий может содержаться в одном молочном коктейле или фраппучино. У некоторых цифры зашкаливают за 1250!!! Так вот, чтобы избежать ненужных калорий и сохранить фигуру до конца лета, прочитайте вот эту полезную статейку с Yahoo и удачного лета вам!

New trendy stuff for this summer. Новые модные штучки для лета.

2011-06-07T16:19:00.000-04:00

Browsing current fashion mags, I usually pick up an idea or two for myself, and then either look it up online, or in a store, or try to make myself. Here I present a few of cute fashion statement pieces, that can help to accessorize almost any wardrobe. Just a few items under $30 each and you will feel more trendy and "up to date".
Разглядывая модные журналы, я обычно нахожу для себя какие-то идеи, которые потом воплощаю, либо находя что-то подобное в сети, в магазине, либо создавая своими руками. Сегодня я хочу представить несколько модных аксессуаров, которые украсят и обогатят почти любой гардероб, и помогут вам быть как говорится "в курсе".

White is very hot this summer. Especially watches. This one I found on Amazon for only $19.99!
Этим летом белые часы просто безумно популярны. Эти я нашла на Amazon всего лишь за $19.99!

I personally love antiqued look of these two necklaces - one is a watch, the other - just stylish locket where you can insert a photo of your loved one(s).
Я лично очень люблю аксессуары, сделанные под старину, как например вот эти часы и кулон, в который можно вставить фотографию любимого (или детишек, если они у вас есть).

Put it on with a cute summer dress and a crochet vest like this one (I actually bought myself an Irish lace one for only $15 at Marshalls!), and you've created a style.
Носить эти кулоны можно с летним платьем и жилеткой, наподобе вот этой (я, кстати, купила себе подобную, только связанную Ирландским кружевом в Marshalls всего за $15), и у вы уже в стиле и шагаете в ногу с модой.

Add to this outfit sexy wedges, and you won't be walking down the street without men twisting their necks to take a better look at those legs!
Have fun, experiment and good luck this summer!

Добавьте к этому стильные босоножки на платформе в стиле хиппи - и мужчины просто не смогут отвести глаз от ваших стройных ног! Так что экспериментируйте, наслаждайтесь плодами и удачи вам этим летом!

Bulgarian Skirt. Болгарская юбка.

2011-05-31T15:06:00.000-04:00

In my search for a skirt pattern on Ravelry I came across this free pattern of Bulgarian Skirt (not sure why it called that way, but hey). I loved it, because it reminded me of the times when I was a schoolgirl and we had to wear a uniform skirts to school. I had one that was dark blue and had lots of folds - just like this knitted one.

The original pattern was published here in Japanese. This girl from Ravelry translated it and posted here (you do need Ravelry account to be able to see things in other people's profiles. But if you knit, I am sure you already have one ;) ). I am thinking to knit it out of lace alpaca that I bought on Ebay about two years ago. I have 12 skeins in each - beige and purple, so I am debating between the two (I'm sure I won't use them all for this one, but it will make a dent in my stash). I don't think I will be making mine with stripes all over - in my opinion it is more suitable for a teenager, one solid color (or just a few stripes on the bottom, but not all over) is more appropriate for ladies slightly over 30 ;).

And here are some interpretations of this skirt done by other knitters.

***
В моих поисках какой-нибудь оригинальной модели юбки на Равелри я наткнулась на эту вот юбочку и просто влюбилась. Фасон напомнил мне школьные годы, когда мы должны были носить форменные юбки. У меня была одна очень похожая, темно-синего цвета, в складку. Я ее просто обожала.
Оригинал описания на японском и найти его можно здесь. А вот эта девушка с Равелри его перевела на английский и поместила здесь (чтобы посмотреть работы и описания на Равелри вам нужно создать свою страничку. Но если вы активная вязальщица, то она у вас наверняка уже есть).

Я подумываю связать эту юбочку из альпаки, купленной на Ebay пару лет назад. Вот думаю между сиреневым и бежевым цветом. Каждого у меня по 12 мотков, так что на такую юбку точно хватит, и даже еще и останется. Зато пряжи у меня в хранилище поубавится. ;) Я не думаю, что буду делать всю полосками - какая-то детсковатая получается, на мой взгляд, а вот однотонная (или только с двумя-тремя полосками по низу для акцента) малость посерьезнее будет для тех, кому слегка за 30 ;).

Фотографии - интерпретации этой юбки дамами с Равелри.

Ice cream recipe. Рецепт пломбира.

2011-05-24T17:24:00.000-04:00

One of my friends on FB went to visit Mother Russia and of course almost right away started teasing me with photos of things that can only be found in Russia. Like this ice cream called "plombir" which I miss so much! The only closest to it ice cream made in the States that I had - was Sweet Cream from Cold Stone Creamery. But still not quite.
So I decided to find a recipe and make my own. Here is the recipe.

Ice cream "Plombir":

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 eggs
1 can of sweet condensed milk
2 T sugar
1 t gelatin

Mix egg yolks with sugar, add milk and heavy cream, put on a stove and constantly stirring, bring to a boil (but do NOT allow it to boil). Cool slightly.
Soak gelatin in cold water. Once it softens up and puffs up, add a little bit of hot milk, stir well. Add this to egg-cream mixture, stir in condensed milk and cool to the room temperature.
Beat egg whites, carefully mix into the cream mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, put in the freezer for 3 hours, then pull out, beat with hand mixer to make it fluffier, then return to the freezer for another 3 hours.
Enjoy!

***

Одна из моих подруг на Фейсбук поехала недавно в Россию навестить родных, и почти сразу же стала дразнить меня фотками того, чего здесь нет и в помине, а в частности - русским пломбиром! Я ничего подобного здесь в Штатах не пробовала. Ну может быть самое близкое по вкусу будет мороженое Sweet Cream из Cold Stone Creamery, да и то - не совсем то.

В общем, мне так сильно захотелось русского пломбира, что я начала поиски рецептов в интернете, и вот что я нашла. Готовить буду сегодня вечером, так что и о вкусовых качествах сообщу попозже.

Мороженое Пломбир сливочный:

1/2 ст. молока

1/2 ст. сливок

2 яйца

1 банка сгущенки

2 ст. л сахара

1 ч.л. желатина

Желтки растереть с сахаром, развести молоком и сливками, поставить на медленный огонь и довести до кипения при непрерывном помешивании, но не кипятить! Слегка остудить.

Желатин замочить в холодной воде, как разбухнет, развести небольшим кол-вом горячего молока, вылить в яично-молочную смесь. Добавить сгущенку и тщательно размешать. Остудить до комн.температуры.

Белки взбить и осторожно перемешать с полученной массой. Накрыть пленкой, поставить в морозилку на 3 часа. Потом вытащить, взбить еще раз ручным миксером, вернуть в морозилку еще на 3 часа.

Приятного аппетита!

Back to knitting. Возвращение к вязанию.

2011-05-19T21:13:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone (if there is anyone still reading this blog that is), hope your week is going well. Mine is not so bad after all. It seems that I am slowly going back to knitting, and even bought myself this magazine last Sunday. What I like about it - is the simplicity of designs, that still is very elegant and stylish. I started on a cabled cotton vest (and decided to knit it in one piece - half circle), and already made a progress of whole 17 rows! Wow! Hehehe... Hopefully I will actually finish it AND wear. This time (even though I used yarn from a frogged last year's tunic) this piece of garment - and it's color! - will go with quite a few of my outfits. So hopefully it won't be a waste of time and money after all.

Ah, and one more thing - I finished a pillow case last night! Originally it was meant to be a green blanket, but I ran out of yarn, the store ran out of that color, and a few square pieces were laying around for quite some time. But now I have a beautiful (or so I think) pillow that matches my summery quilted bedspread. I will take photos sometime this week and post here.

***
Всем привет (если кто-то еще читает этот блог то бишь!), надеюсь, ваша неделя проходит хорошо. Моя очень даже неплохо. И кажется, что я начала возвращаться к вязанию потихоньку. И даже прикупила себе журнальчик на днях (см. ссылку выше выделеную).
Что мне в нем нравится- это простота дизайнов, и в тоже время - элегантность и практичность. Так вот я начала вязать обозначенный вверху (на фото) жилетик, только в отличие от оригинала - я его вяжу по кругу. Уже провязала целых 17 рядов! Хехехе, за неимением свободного времени - это прогресс большой для меня. Надеюсь, что у меня хватит терпения его закончить и даже поносить потом смогу. В этот раз не смотря на то, что я использовала пряжу, из распущенной в прошлом году из туники, которую я связала, но не носила, т.к. была не довольна результатом, я надеюсь, что эту жилетку я закончу и даже буду носить, т.к. цвет подходит под многие предметы моего гардероба. Так что надежсь, что в этот раз этот проэкт не будет тратой времени, сил и денег.

И еще одно: вчера я закончила наволочку на подушку. Хотя сначала я предполагала, что свяжу покрывало, но пряжа у меня закончилась, да и в магазине больше такого цвета не было, поэтому я решила пустить образцы в дело и сшила из них наволочку, которая очень даже подходит к моему летнему зУлененькому покрывалу. В общем, фотки скоро будут. Всем пока!

Color coordinated wardrobe organization. Report./Отчет о переорганизованном гардеробе

2011-05-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

Ok. So last week I mentioned that I will be re-organizing my closet by color. And so I did it last Sunday. One week is not over yet, but I already see results and made some discoveries. Like such: it turns out, that the dominating color in my wardrobe is... black! And because I keep forgetting about clothes that I already have in black, I keep buying them, because they "go with everything"! I was quite surprised, to be honest. Second place - whites and off-whites, then - all shades of purple and pink, with a little bit of reds. Then - gray, some blues (including jeans), a splash of turquoise (just 2 things), green (about same), and that's about it. Ah, I do have one brown turtleneck. By the way - clothes with print I sorted by the color that is dominant in that particular print.
So far I am very pleased with the outcome of this sorting - because it is much easier to see what color I need to add, or which item in that particular color I am missing.

Another thing that I've noticed is that now I have a better chance to remember to wear my evening dresses, which I use to hide from dust under a garment bag, failing to wear because they were out of sight. You know - out of sight, out of mind ;). So true!

***

Значит так. На прошлой неделе я писала о том, что собираюсь переорганизовать свой гардероб по цвету и посмотреть, поможет ли мне эта система с ношением вещей, о которых я обычно забываю и тп. Хочу отметить, что не прошло и недели еще (переорганизацию я делала в прошлое воскресенье), а мне и вправду легче выбирать одежду, когда все по цвету организовано. Еще одну вещь заметила - у меня оказалось очень много вещей черного цвета и среди них как раз очень много тех, о которых я часто забываю. Видимо, поэтому продолжаю покупать одежду черного цвета, т.к. она "подо все подходит". Т.е. я думала, что мне как раз не хватает черных вещей в гардеробе, а оказалось, что их у меня большинство. На втором месте - белый и то, что здесь называют off-white, на третьем - все оттенки фиолетового и сиреневого, туда же припишу красный, хотя его у меня маловато. Потом идет серый цвет, за ним - синий (включая джинсы) и его оттенки, затем совсем чуть-чуть бирюзового и зеленого. Те вещи, которые с рисунком, я сортировала по преобладающему в рисунке цвету. Коричневый у меня представлен в одном (!) экземпляре - в виде водолазки с коротким рукавом. В общем, очень полезной оказалась эта сортировка, т.к. теперь мне легче увидеть, какого цвета у меня не хватает, и какие вещи в этом цвете мне нужны (юбки, брюки, тп).

Еще замечу, что наверняка у вас в гардеробе, как и у меня, есть несколько "выходных" платьев - коктейльных, вечерних и тп. Так вот у меня они раньше висели аккуратненько под пластиковым пакетиком, защищенные от пыли и... от ношения! Потому как собираясь на вечеринку, свадьбу и тп., я обычно пробегаю взглядом гардероб, упуская из виду вещи, укутанные в пластик. Теперь же мне намного легче будет вспомнить про то самое красное платье, которое было куплено в прошлом году "на выход" и ни разу не оделось. Ну и тому подобное. В общем, я очень довольна, что последовала совету знакомого и отсортировала свой гардероб по цвету!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

To all moms and moms-to-be!

Help! In less than a month I am "going for good"!/Меньше месяца до того, как меня отправят "в тюрьму"!

2011-05-07T15:57:00.000-04:00

Ok guys, it is less than one month left till I have to go to jail "for good" on behalf of Jerry's kids.
I am collecting funds for my bail (a donation really) and you all could help a lot just by donating a little!
The fund is for local kids, who have Muscular Dystrophy. Your money could help them to go to a summer camp this year! A few of my dear dance friends and myself have already donated what we could, but I still have ways to go to reach my bail goal.
You can help out today by visiting THIS LINK and making a donation. Thank you on behalf of MD kids of VA!

***

Меньше месяца осталось до дня, когда меня отправят "в тюрьму". Согласилась я на этот шаг для того, чтобы помочь собрать средства для детей, страдающих мускульной дистрофией. Несколько моих новых друзей, которых я встретила в классах танцев, и я сама уже сделали небольшой взнос - кто сколько может. Но до цели еще далеко. Каждый цент пойдет в фонд детишек и поможет отправить их в летний лагерь на лечение! Пожертвования можно сделать пройдя по линку вверху. Заранее большое спасибо от лица детишек Вирджинии!

Wardrobe organization epiphany/Просветление о том, как организовать гардероб

2011-05-07T15:18:00.000-04:00

Well, I could have said that it was MY epiphany, but it wasn't. It was a client of ours, who is an awesome person and a gay too, and just fun to chat with. So today he came in for microderm to our spa and complimented me on my outfit, which brought up a whole conversation about wardrobe and how we forget we have certain things there, and how we end up never wearing them.
So to get to the point - he told me, that he use to organize his wardrobe by style - e.g. long pants together, short together, t-shirt - together, etc., just like I do now. You know what I mean. Anyhow, he said, that it took him years to realize, that he actually was always dressing by COLOR when getting dressed in the morning. So he went ahead and re-organized his closet by color - and now he wears things that he use to forget he had. I was so amused by this idea, and it made me realize that I too - dress by color (meaning I usually have an idea of what color I want to wear today, but don't' take it wrong - neither of us wear ONE color from head to toe! LOL), and that it would be easier to figure out what to wear every time I dress. Thank you, Chris! This insight is very useful! Might be even revolutionary for my "what to wear today" problem!
So tomorrow I have a task to perform - re-organize my closet by color, and see what I haven't been wearing for a long time, and how I can benefit from it. And as it happens, it might solve my issue of almost never wearing things, that I've knitted for myself as well! And maybe it will help me in the future to figure out what to knit and what I am going to wear it with. Whew! That would be awesome!

Я могла бы конечно объявить здесь, что это мое личное просветление, но это было бы неправдой. А т.к. врать я не умею, то расскажу все, как на духу.
Так значит вот как дело было: приходит к нам в спа один молодой человек, очень хороший человек, с оч.классным чувством юмора и стиля. По последнему понятно, что он гей. Я прост обожаю с ним общаться - всегда что-то полезное, либо просто супер смешное выношу из наших бесед. В общем, он мне сделал сегодня комплимент по поводу моего outfit, после чего у нас зашла речь о гардеробе и о том, как часто случается, что мы подолгу не носим почти новых вещей, а все просто потому, что забываем о них совершенно. Так вот мой друг поделился со мной своим секретом. Раньше-то он, как и я, организовывал свой гардероб по типу и стилю - футболки отдельно, шорты отдельно, рубашки отдельно и тп. И тоже в большинстве случаев забывал, что у него в этом гардеробе есть. Потом его осенило, что когда он одевается по утрам, у него уже есть идея в том, какой ЦВЕТ он хочет сегодня носить (и я не имею в виду, что он хочет одеться с головы до пят в один цвет, нет!), и что если он организует свой гардероб по цвету, то и вспомнить о том, что у него скажем, есть рубашка черного цвета с коротким рукавом, будет легче, если эта рубашка будет висеть с одеждой черного цвета. В общем, он мне сказал, что так намного проще теперь выбрать по утрам, что надеть, и что он носит почти каждую вещь из своего гардероба.
В общем на завтра у меня поставлена задача - реорганизация гардероба по цвету. О результатах эксперимента сообщу через неделю.
Кстати, в связи с этим мне подумалось, что может быть мне этот метод поможет начать носить свои вязаные вещи гораздо чаще. Да и выбирать, что бы такое связать, тоже может быть легче. Поживем, увидим, как говорится. Пока.

Musings about the weather and what to knit/Размышления о погоде и о том, чтобы такое связать

2011-05-03T13:37:00.001-04:00

So it's May 3rd and it is 84F outside. Already. Blymey. So now I have to re-arrange my plans about what to knit. Even though this looks awesome and totally sexy (can be found on Ravelry),

Так, май наступил, а с ним и жара - 84 по Фаренгейту уже. Ой... Так что теперь мне нужно срочно передумывать свои планы по поводу того, чтобы такое себе связать. И хотя вот эта кофтейка пленила мне душу сразу же - и легкостью, и нежностью, и тп (найти ее можно на Равелри),

I don't think it's an option anymore. Well, unless we get hit by a cold cyclone all of a sudden. And because of this heat now I am leaning toward this type of top, which is totally cute and sexy as well. Link for it.

но мне как-то кажется, что она по погоде уже не вписывается в мой гардероб. Ну если только к нам придет холодный циклон с Севера, на что надежды маловато. И вот поэтому теперь мне как-то больше по душе вот эта симпатичная кофтейка, которая также очень даже секси. Хотя... может быть - даже слишком, а? Ссылка на описание вверху.

But it keeps me wondering - with those holes, am I suppose to wear it on the top of a tank? That won't be terribly cooling then, would it? Or am I getting old and prude to wear it like it is? Which one is it?
Have a sneaky feeling that I won't knit either, and just end up knitting another shawl which I also won't ever wear and will end up storing it for many years to come. Do you have the same problem? Want to knit something that you can't or won't wear just because you love the pattern, and/or have this awesome skein (one!) of super-expensive yarn you could not pass? Or do you, like me, have a whole stash full of yarn that you bought because it was either on sale, or you just was in love with, and now you don't know what to do with? They must have a name for this syndrome...

Так вот с этими-то дырочками под нее надо что-то надевать, да? Ну это же тогда в ней жарковато будет тоже. Или это я с возрастом становлюсь более консервативной? Я подозреваю, что и эту кофту вязать мне не придется... а свяжу в конце я себе еще одну шальку, которую тоже носить не буду, а спрячу в сундук до "хороших времен". У вас такое бывает? Когда хотите связать что-то только из-за того, что узорчик хорошенький такой, прямо в душу западает, или потому что пряжи моток лежит давно - купленный по безумной цене (а на большее денег-то не было, а устоять просто невозможно же!). Или у вас, как и у меня - куча такой пряжи, которая была куплена по бросовой цене, либо подарена, либо цвет с ума свел, а в итоге - вы не знаете, что с ней делать и на что бы такое приспособить? У этого синдрома название должно быть... А может оно уже есть?

I am going to jail, please HELP!

2011-03-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

This year, I have the honor and pleasure of participating in MDA’s Alexandria Lock-Up to help "Jerry’s Kids’"! In order to raise my bail and get outta jail, I need your help! I’d like to include you on my list of contributors who are helping me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my web page by clicking on the link below. There you’ll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductable donation on-line using your credit card.

MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community.

I sincerely hope that you’ll take the opportunity to support MDA. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.

On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you!

Warmest Regards,

Tatyana

PS: Check out my webpage!!! https://www.joinmda.org/alexandriava2011/ttc_77

Who I’m Helping: Introducing Josh-MDA Ambassador

Why I’m Raising Money: MDA Summer Camp

Back at it or marvelling at the mistery of 495

2011-03-16T23:30:00.000-04:00

Whoa, after a very long "dry" period on the pages of my blog, I will continue my mumblings - sometimes they are going to belong to that fiber-obsessed chick that somewhere deep inside I still am, when other times they will be reflecting my new life on a Path of self-enjoyment. Ok, not sure what the last phrase was all about, but right now that's the sanest thought I can produce in my tired-for-the-day brain.

Anyway, not that long ago I bought myself a GPS. Following an exert from my diary from December 2010:

SO I had some “me” time today - I did some shopping, then chilled for a while in a cafe with a mug of latte and cherry-filled pastry while reading a book... Mmm... The only thing would have made it even more perfect would be me, sitting by the fire, somewhere in a cozy cafe of Western coast of beloved Ireland. Anyway, I enjoyed myself through and through. And I have a new friend now, who will never let me to get lost again. His name is Tom Tom. He is so cute! Although I probably should call him her - since I have a female voice directing me. Oh I might just change the voice. I am now in need of male companion really, hence excess of female friends around me. Anyway, now I can change my imaginary bumper sticker from “I am not lost, I am sightseeing” to “Miss I know where I am. Do u?”.
It’s not like I don’t know this area after 6 years of living here and driving for 2 of them, but... I just cannot wrap my brain around this road-builder’s marvel and mystery called - Four-Ninety-Five (yes, I had to spell it out!) or Beltway. My mind just cannot grasp the logic of taking 495 towards Richmond on my way to Fair Oaks and taking 495 towards Richmond on my way back to Springfield! For me it just defies all logic that there is. Yeah, yeah, I can hear you laughing at me “But it is a circle, silly”, haha, humor me.
All laws of logic (or at least logic I was taught) tell me that if I am going from point A to point B using 495 South, I should use 495 North going back. Even G (my American father) agreed with my logic. But 495 defies it. It laughs hysterically at me while I am taking wrong exit yet again and moving in the opposite direction of my destination, ruining my chances of getting there on time and wasting my gas.
So after I took a sightseeing detour about 30 miles long after 11 pm, I’ve come to a conclusion that I better shove my pride of an excellent intuitive driver up my sexy butt and buy myself a GPS. Which is in my opinion, one of the greatest inventions after panty liners by the way.
Oh, marvel of modern technology! If I was a poet I would write a hymn to the GPS that would describe what I feel marching into the not so much unknown anymore world armed with my wonderful Tom Tom! AND it is MAc-compatible! Heh! I am living my American dream, hehehe. I am happy at last! :)
P.S. If you can get over the fact that your marvelous GPS doesn't actually know all of the back roads around just when you need them, and seems to be sending you only via those roads when you DON'T nee them, then you will be quite content. And it doesn't really matter that it will send you 10 miles out of the way to just make you to U-turn, does it? Hmm... didn't think so either. After all - aren't we trying to learn the area REALLY well?..

On my needles..

2010-08-27T20:55:00.001-04:00

...are few things at the moment. I am working on a simple triangular shawl using bought long ago Noro, still haven't had moral strength to finish up a bag and white top from previous post, but... Actually, I did finish a couple of projects after all. Not all that I've showed here before (mind the lack of time), but... A scarf-shawl, that I had to adjust because pattern wasn't working out (ends weren't matching). I made it out of two identical halves and grafted in the middle (in a whisper - yes, the ribbon which is MY idea, is hiding the seam). So in the end, I wouldn't use this pattern again, but it worked out alright (thanks to my ingenuity, he he).

A cupcake - after all, I am not just producing eatables here ;)

Although... I did make a wonderful Lavender Tea Bread, that was just melting in your mouth! But that one is long gone now! Recipe can be found here

I have to work tomorrow, so see you next time! Have a great weekend!

Yours truly, T.

Sorry, sorry

2010-08-09T15:19:00.001-04:00

I've been busy again! Darn! It seems that there is not enough time in the day for me! Anyway, I actually have been knitting a little, so now I cany show to you some of my starters. This shrug I designed myself and called it Irish Moss (gosh, I miss Ireland so much!!). I know I already showed it off, but the pattern is almost written and will be available soon! Yey!

This top I am crocheting from a magazine Crochet 1:

I kind of got tired of it very quickly, but because it has lots of short pieces of yarn in it (the pattern calls for cutting off yarn in quite a few places just at the top), it is likely that I won't frog it, but finish up and see whom it will fit. It is a bit big for me, but I knew that from the beginning.

This is a trial of Russian goat down yarn (It is 50/50 wool/goat down bought directly from famous Orenburg factory, that produces now so popular Orenburg shawls) - a pouch from book called A Gathering of Lace (has lots of lovely designs, and I am planning to actually knit a BIG shawl). It is not finished yet - I need to sew a lining and add a ribbon (time, time where are thee flying to?)

This bag is modified from a pattern found on Russian forum Osinka,I am using nlon cord for it.

It's hibernating till I finish next piece, which is:

A scarf-shawllete (colors are washed out, pardon my photography!) which I started to work on during our trip to PA last Friday (needed something easy to keep going). It can be found for free on Ravelry (register for free too!)

Whew! That's all for now. Have a great week!

Experimental cooking

2010-07-26T14:10:00.000-04:00

In the recent Cooks Illustrated Summer Entertaining (LOVE that magazine! Somebody - gift me a subscription, please! :P ), I read an article about Syracuse Salt Potatoes, that have to be cooked with LOTS of salt. It was weird, but I decided to try. The trick is to keep skins intact, so that salt doesn't penetrate all the way into the potatoes, otherwise even a moose won't eat them!

So you will need about 1 1/2 cup of non-iodized table salt (I used kosher, I always do) per 8 cups of water, and 3 pounds of smallish whole young potatoes (fresh from farmer's market - are the best!). Bring water to boil, stir in salt and potatoes and cook about 20-30 min or until tender.
Texture inside of potatoes turns creamy and smooth! So nice! When they are dry, salt creates a crust, which I didn't mind munching on - you won't need to add any more salt, just butter! Yum!

To go with potatoes I improvised Tilapia, baked with tomatoes and feta. I was a yummy dinner!

Baked Tilapia with tomatoes and Feta:

Stuff:
- about 1 lb Tilapia fillets (if frozen - defrost, if fresh - cook away!)
- 1 med. ripe tomato,
- 1/4 lemon,
- 2 T olive oil,
- about 1-2 oz. crumbled Feta cheese,
- 1 T Italian seasoning
- salt, pepper to taste

What to do:
Preheat oven to 375F. Lay Tilapia fillets onto a baking pan, greased with olive oil, then sprinkle some oil on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, crumble Feta, top with sliced tomatoes, salt and pepper. Finish off with very thin lemon slices (if you wish more flavour from lemon - squeeze some juice all over the fish). Bake for 15 min or until fish is flaky.

Next day I cut cold potatoes into circles and pan-fried them till golden, added butter and herbs - and fresh side dish was ready!

Home-made Italian seasoning

I don't like to buy seasonings in a bottle, especially if there is more than one ingredient involved. You never know what they put in it. So I either get a single herb (organic preferable of course) or grow them myself, then dry and - ready to mix. That way I know how fresh my mix is, and most importantly - what's in it. So here is Italian seasoning mix (all herbs are dried!!!):

- one part basil
- one part oregano
- one part marjoram
- one part rosemary (crushed)
- one part thyme

Whatever measurement you use, make sure you use it with every herb (it can be 3T basil, 3T thyme, etc. or if using less, 1 t basil, 1t thyme, etc.). In other words, there should be equal amount of each herb in the mix. Combine in a bowl thoroughly, transfer to a jar with tight-fitting lid. Label, write date on it if you wish. I make small batches at a time, so they won't have chance to go bad.

Enjoy!
T

Irish moss shrug

2010-07-26T13:29:00.001-04:00

I had this beautiful Berroco Ultra Light Alpaca yarn that reminded me of Irish moss, which grows practically everywhere and has so many shades of green, that it is impossible to describe in simple words. This yarn with its variegated greens looks very much like it. So I decided to make something special and call it Irish moss. It turned out to be a shrug.

I am working on writing down the pattern, so check back soon (by soon I don't mean tomorrow, but maybe in a week). It has one size, but if you are smaller, like me, you can wear it with a ribbon threaded through the eyelets of lace.

Lavender for... cooking!

2010-07-25T14:01:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago I participated in a charity plant-sale, where I was selling some of my house plants (donations went to a local park) and buying some too. I came across cooking lavender and decided that I had to try. Vendor, who was selling it (our good friend as well), gave me a sample of lavender-infused goat cheese. I've never had better tasting goat cheese in my life! So I bought a packet of lavender, determined to cook with it. But then we went on vacation, and after I started new job, and so on and so forth. Finally, yesterday, while going through stuff, that accumulated on my desk I found a couple of recipes that use cooking lavender.

NOTE: cooking lavender is an organic-grown lavender, without any pesticides or other yucky things. Never use lavender you buy at a nursery or plant store for cooking. Do research and buy from respected and well-known sellers! Or grow it yourself.

But I decided, that I wanted something different. So I went to allrecipes.com and found this nice recipe for great-tasting cookies! Adjustments I made to this recipe:

- used dried lavender, not fresh;

- used more lemon zest (I just love it!);

- DID NOT use mint (yuck - mint shouldn't even be mentioned in combination with lavender and shortbread dough!)
The rest is the same. The result - not as pretty as in original, but SO GOOD!
Especially with vanilla ice cream!

Cheers, stay cool!

Vintage doilies modern way

2010-07-19T18:29:00.002-04:00

Hi all who is reading my nonsense from time to time! I've been trying to get back on track with my crafting and all after starting this new job. Those of you who have been in similar situation know, that starting a job after a couple of years of not working full time, can be very challenging. But anyway, I feel like my energy has adapted to the new schedule and on my day off - Monday - I can do something besides house chores and cooking.
I had these very nice vintage doilies that I picked up in one of my favorite thrift shops, but not enough of surface to put them onto and, on the top of it - I just didn't want to. So the set has three doilies - one big and two smaller, of the same size. The big one looks rather nice on my chest drawer I thought,

but the two smaller ones weren't quite fitting anywhere else.

Then my eyes spotted these picture frames we've had for years now and I thought - what if?

So I took some pretty paper, scissors,

doilies, 2 picture frames and five minutes later (literally!) I had a new decoration for my bedroom. Framed doilies on a background of hand-made modern-looking paper - you gotta love it! I do. They are now hanging on two sides above that chest drawer with the big doily on top of it.

Cheers,

T

Childhood food updated

2010-07-17T21:32:00.001-04:00

One of my very first childhood memories is our family's trip to Caspian Sea when I was barely four years old. I know that lots of people don't remember themselves till they are at least five or six, but my memories start when I was about two years old and they all are very vivid, like if they happened to me last week. Anyway, there were six of us in a bright green car called Moskvich that belonged to my uncle (my mother's brother) - my uncle, his wife, one of their daughters, my Mom, my brother and me. Ah, I almost forgot the cat - beautiful Siamese called Alyssa, who played with my ribbons all the way to the sea (I use to have braids with colorful ribbons).

We were camping out by the sea side, swam (not me! I tried to catch little fishy with my green bucket) and had this dish every morning. It were eggs scrambled with tomatoes. I absolutely hated them then! My aunt grated tomatoes with the skins and every time I could get the skin in my mouth I would nearly choke. Anyway, when I grew up, I decided to try to make eggs with tomatoes minus skins. And all of a sudden - I loved it! Ever since this recipe is in our family cookbook.

Scrumbled eggs with tomatoes

For a single serving you will need:

2 large eggs,

1 medium tomato,

salt,

pepper,

oil or butter for frying,

skillet,

spatula,

bowl,

whisk or fork,
about 1 T water,
pinch of fresh herbs of your choice (dill, parsley, thyme)

How to:

Cut tomato in two, grate each half in a bowl using large holes of your grater, starting with cut side facing the grater. DO NOT GRATE SKIN! Discard it! They don't digest anyway ;).

Beat eggs into the same bowl. Whisk tomatoes and eggs together with 1 T of water. Salt, pepper to taste.

Preheat skillet with about 1T of oil or butter in it (I use oil, it is healthier), pour egg mixture into it and let it cook for about 1 minute.

Using spatula, start stirring eggs, to cook out some moisture from tomatoes.

I usually try to leave some of moisture, because I like to dip my bread into the juice. When enough (for you) moisture evaporated and eggs look just right (see photo below), sprinkle fresh herbs and serve.

Bon appetite!

Crochet rules! And rolls!

2010-07-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

My husband sent me this link and I just HAD to share it here and post the photo of this awesome Smart car on the streets of Rome, that has - deep breath! - crochet cover!!! Triple awesome!
And by looking at the way it is wrapped and how the blocks are constructed - it is NOT a bunch of afghans wrapped around it - it is a custom made CAR COVER! Too cool for more words. Look for yourself:

Have a great weekend and I will try to at least finish a crochet part of the bag I started last week...

African Violet treasury on Etsy

2010-07-06T09:59:00.001-04:00

My African Violet Hot Pink Bells is in a treasury on Etsy, hoorah! And very nice one too!

click on the link to see details and help us to move to a front page!

Granny's apple top

2010-06-28T14:45:00.000-04:00

While trying to get some benefit from a 20-minute bus ride to work and back, I've decided I needed to knit or crochet, or read (which I did a lot!), or whatever one has to do to make himself feel like he is not wasting his time on work commute, he he. Anyway, I found this top on a Russian blog, where some ladies saw this in a clothing catalog and decided, that they wanted to make it for themselves!

One of those nice ladies wrote schematics for the top from just looking at the photo (!), and published them for people's use. There are some talented people in the world! Thanks to her a bunch! One has to have some crochet skills to undertake this job, because she doesn't "chew" it for you - you have to do your own gauge and calculations.
There are dozens of beautiful variations of that top, and here is mine, not so shabby. ~~Darn, I am modest!~~

Upside-down and without pineapple fringe, and with invented by me straps. Hey, this is the way I express myself! ~~And also too lazy to do much of calculating and gauging~~.
Anyway, I think it turned out nicely! Ah, almost forgot - I used very thin crochet thread - a blend of cotton with linen in beautiful green apple color, crochet hook #2.5, and it took not even a full skein (550 m/100g)!

Burlesque show - NOT for kids!

2010-06-20T20:32:00.000-04:00

I want to share with you some weird experience we had yesterday. Last night we went to celebrate our friend's b-day at the Palace of Wonders. It was the choice of the b-day girl, by the way. For me it was the first strip tease show I've seen. And because it wasn't aimed on just sexuality, but had a good part of humor in it (and great music of Queen!), it was interesting. Besides, bodies of the performers were not model-like, but more of what average women look. Guys enjoyed "boobies and tassels" a lot, I found it peculiar for the lack of a better word. Well, judge for yourself. Quality of photos isn't great, because my camera refused to work properly all of a sudden:

Some moments were comical, but I will not want to see it second time. Maybe it is because we were not drunk like most of the public.

Besides this kind of performances, Palace of Wonders has some other types of shows - mostly some circus-like freaks and occasionally even musicians. Click on their calendar to see upcoming events if you are interested. It also seems to be a place that is quite popular with brides-to-be, whom we saw about six yesterday - with all the usual elements that hen parties have - drunk and a little aggressive girls, girls making out with each other for a show, etc. So we left before we had a chance to get puked on. Fun...