31-Mar-2014

UpSide Down

Just did a headstand! All by myself. I'm still practicing by the wall (because I'm a bit scared) but since tomorrow I'm starting practicing away from it!

27 days of practicing yoga for at least half an hour a day are bringing out the best in me! And the feeling of doing headstand - oh, that's priceless!!!

My first headstand done without any help

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

30-Mar-2014

Vegan Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

The cookies were a blast! My vegan friend totally loved them and finished the whole second batch all by herself. The rest of us (4 vegetarians, 3 carnivorous and 1 me) shared the other batch and we all absolutely loved them. They are sweet, but in a nice way, chewy at the middle but crunchy at the sides! They will be part of my daily cooking book, that's for sure!

P.S. My cookies, as you will see, lost most of their shape because I was multi-tasking (as usually) and forgot to take them out of the oven straight away at the said time. The second batch looked better but was eaten before I managed to take pictures of it.

Ingredients (for 3o small ones):

• 1 large banana
• 170 gr Brown Sugar
• 130 gr Peanut Butter
• 165 gr Oats
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 2 tsp Maple Syrup

How-To:

1. Mash the banana to a puree using a fork.
2. Place the oats in a chopper (or a blender) and pulse them until finely chopped. They should become as fine as dust.
3. In a medium bowl mix the banana puree, peanut butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon together. Stir well and fold in the oats and the raisins.
4. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
5. Make small balls from the chilled cookie dough and place in a baking pan (lined with either silicon mat or with baking parchment).
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 180C.
7. Set a side for 5 minutes and then enjoy in good company. Or all by yourself because those little ones are so delicious that you'll hate to share them with anyone.

Vegan Cookies Never Tasted So Good

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

29-Mar-2014

Every Me and Every You

If the weather was as nice as it was today during the whole of the year - there would'n be a better place to live than here! And while Mr. Boyfriend went for a 5 hours long bike ride with one of our house-mates, I stayed home and enjoyed the wonderful weather in a more lazy way. I spend the afternoon reading a book while lying in the hammock and drinking ice-cold bear. Ah, this is how one is supposed to live.

Tomorrow some of our friends will be coming over for the first BBQ of the season - it's about time now! One of my friends has gone vegan during lent so I'll be baking vegan cookies for her and if the recipe is successful - I'll share it.

Oh, and I managed to do a headstand (by the wall) all on my own! I'm so happy, can't wait to be stable enough to take a few picture to share it!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

28-Mar-2014

Dinner For Two

Piccolo, Brighton

Last night Mr. Boyfriend and I were up for celebration. We don't go out often and whenever we do - we always end up going to the same places, eating the same food. That's why the other day when we were discussing where we should go for our anniversary dinner this year we decided to experiment a bit. We wanted to treat ourselves with something interesting but if it was possible without that to cost us an arm. And Groupon  (the most reliable deal-of-the-day type of site) was the obvious place for us to look for deals. Eventually we made up our minds on Piccolo, a small Italian restaurant, offering 3-course meals for two for 20 GBP. With a price as good as this one and knowing than nothing can ever go wrong with pasta and pizza, we were all-on-board!

The place looked not as exciting and fancy as Mr. Boyfriend wished but it looked clean and new, the walls still smelling of fresh paint. Going through our first thoughts we were pleasantly surprised by the food. Just enough minutes after ordering, a bit stressed on her first day of work, waitress served our first hours. I had Mozzarella in Carrozza - deep fried Mozzarella with tomato and basil sauce ( I had been meaning to try this for ages) while Mr. Boyfriend dug into Salomone con Gamberetti - fresh smoked salmon and prawns accompanied by cocktail sauce. It was really nice, fresh and delicious. For main courses we had Pizza Calzone and Lasagne al Forno - closed pizza and the classical lasagna. Both dishes arrived at the exact same time (bonus points for that), just few minute or so after we finished with our starters. Both dishes were baked in the huge oven right before our eyes and were indeed incredibly delicious. For desserts we trusted our waitress to choose for us and were pleased with what we were offered. Unfortunately, I don't remember the names of the sweet treats we had, but they were both based on ice-cream, so that's always good.

Food: 9/10

Service: 7/10

Interior: 5/10

Location: 6/10

Pricing: 8/10

Overall Grade: 8/10

Would we go back there again? - Definitely, the food was great, especially at the prices offered!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

27-Mar-2014

Four

Four years has passed since he kissed me for the first time. Since then he always kiss me goodnight and goodmorning, hello and goodbye, but I still get goose bumps when he does. He still excites me and thrills me like no one else. He's everything I'm not and everything I look for in people, just my dear medio naranjo.

And I hope it stays this way until the end of days.

Beyond Fears, Beyond Borders

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

26-Mar-2014

Hush-Hush

My voice is still gone, so I'm trying to stay as shut as possible. It is not easy but it has it's pro's. Speaking less, I have the opportunity to listen more. And maybe to think more.

I'm an only child, so spending time on my own has never been a problem. I'm particularly good at creating adventures for myself inside my head, I can spend a day just thinking about numbers and the usage of the same letters as different sounds in the alphabets around the world. I also find great pleasure just staring at object, preferably still ones, because I love imagining how they might look if they moved.

I grew to be what it seems an outgoing person, an extrovert and a people's person, but I still find great pleasure in just staying somewhere quite on my own and drifting off in thoughts. This two days, that I can't speak, have been the perfect opportunity to be doing it even more. And while it's really nice to be able to listen to my own thoughts, it made me sad in a very predictable way. All I've been thinking about lately, it's home. The red tulips that my Mum plants on our balcony. The smell of freshly baked tea cake. The colours of the blossoming chestnuts on my street. The little sparrows that are everywhere. The swallows and the storks that are the "guardians" of all small villages in the valley. The nice warm rain. My Dad coming to kiss me "Goodnight!". The delicious natural yogurt, that is everywhere, and the white brine cheese, called "sirene". My grandparents going for their traditional afternoon walk. I miss looking at my city from above, the hills that  are its symbols, the perfect place for a nice walk and picnic. I miss going to the rowing channel and just sitting on the benches, enjoying the rays of Spring sun. And I miss my cat, Domino, the sweetest little ball of fur that ever existed!

I guess that this is the price one pays for deciding to leave home and go create themselves somewhere abroad. It's not much, but some days it seems impossible.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

25-Mar-2014

Hush Baby

I woke up this morning to discover my voice gone. For someone who talks as much as I do it is a surprise that this doesn't happen more often. In addition to my vocal incapability, my throat was sore and it hurts so much that I'm close to crying. I have to find a way to mend it before 4:00pm today because I have a seminar, where I'm supposed to participate and later I'm working, so I'll have to be able to speak.

When I was younger my Granny used to cure my sore throat with a mixture of ginger, honey, lemon and hot water. Really simple but incredibly powerful, I'm planning on having 2-3 drinks of this health and energy boosting combo. I hope it helps.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

24-Mar-2014

Dungarees and Comfy Shoes

I've been obsessing over dungarees since last Summer. I simply love how effortless and cool they look in a sweet, tom-boyish way. And they are so easy to wear - all you need is your favorite shirt and a pair of shoes! You can dress them up or down, and the right model can do miracles. So here are some of the models offered by Asos. Unfortunately, not all of them are available in my size and some of them are way too expensive for my budget but otherwise - they are perfection.

And what about those flats? Living in England and cycling everywhere have thought me that comfort and efficiency are number one priorities. And who said that not wearing heels means wearing boring shoes? Just look at those babes, they are perfection in an everyday format. I'm in love with  them, all of them. Maybe I'll choose my favorite pair and I'll celebrate the first days of spring buying them.

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

23-Mar-2014

The Book That Makes Perfect Sense At Its Very End

The Plot

This is the story of the Buendia Family and the town of Macondo. The patriarch of the family - Jose Arcadio Buendia founded the village after he and his wife (and 1st cousin) Ursula leave their hometown of Riohacha, Colombia, to find better life for themselves and their future children. After that seven generations of Buendias live there, interconnecting their lives and destinies with that of Macondo. They are doomed to live together or die together.

What Makes It So Special

Everything! The magical realism! The fact that you'll find out that the only way of keeping track of who's who and what is their relation to the others is by making a map. The constant repetition of the names. The craziness! The colours! The simbols! And yes, it all, every little peace, comes to it's rightful place at the end! You need to read it to the last letter of the last sentence!

P.S. Bonus points if you can read the original book in Spanish! It's so much better and the language used is just magnificent!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

22-Mar-2014

The Princess

I have a new bike!

Last night, when I came back from work, it was waiting for me in the living room. White, lady like, with basket and red ribbon attached to the basket. Mr. Boyfriend bought it for me as a gift for our anniversary. At first I though that he was making fun of me and that it was a joke. I was so so so surprised by the bike. This is one of the most surprisingly romantic and romantically surprising things that he could've done for me. Especially since cycling is such a big part of my life now, thanks to him.

This afternoon we went to mid-town so that I can try the newest member of our family. She's a bit heavier that what I was expecting and the gears a bit harder but otherwise it's great! It moves so nice and smoothly and the brakes, oh, the brakes! They actually stop on the spot! I'm so happy, I'm out of my mind! Kind wait for the Spring weather to come and to take The Princess for a nice long ride by the seaside.

In the meantime, I have to come up with a name for her!

The Princess and I

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

21-Mar-2014

Slow Down

Friday, finally! I am working later today but nevertheless - it's Friday! I want to take a deep breath and calm down for a bit this weekend. I need to regain my composition and to recharge my batteries for the upcoming working weeks.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

20-Mar-2014

Spring That Looks A Lot Like Autumn

Today is supposed to be the first day of Spring. Well, according to the English weather - not really. The morning looked rather bright and sunny, just like it's supposed to be. And then, around noon, the weather just went bad, all of the sudden. I hate when this happens. Now it looks so dark and gloomy, I can't stand it. When I look out of the window it reminds me of late October rather than late March. And on top of that - I have to cycle to work in this weather.

Well, the good new is that Mr. Boyfriend's parrents are coming over to visit us in late May. I'm not as excited as I am for the coming of my grandparents, but I'm still very much excited about it. It's family and family is always good!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

19-Mar-2014

Crow

I submitted my essay earlier today! This means that I can have the afternoon for myself and I can watch the cheesiest movie I can think of (read that as The Devil Wears Prada, St. Trininan's, St. Trinian's 2, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and Wild Child marathon), and probably eating ice-cream in bed.

By the way, Mr. Boyfriend is spending the night in York - this is the first night in England that we are spending apart ever since I live in England (I moved in straight away w/ him). That makes more than 1 year and as you may guess - I'm not trilled about it. Lucky enough for me he's coming back tomorrow evening, so it's just one night. I'm supposed to be able to survive one night without him at home, right?

And I'm really REALLY happy to let you all know that last night, after 2 weeks of doing yoga daily - I managed to do Crow again! I'm super proud of myself and I even asked Mr. Boyfriend to snap a shot, so I have a proof of it.

Well, I'll be going to bed now - I have movies to watch!

Crow!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

18-Mar-2014

Final Countdown

I finished writing my essay last night at 3:15am and I'm really satisfied with the result. I know it sounds really bad but I think this is the best academic essay I have ever written! I believe in what I'm saying, I really like the sources I used and I really tried to step up the language that I used. Now let's just hope that my tutor will share my opinion and like it.

This is on the bright side. Otherwise, I'm really tired and I have a seminar and after that a lecture in 20 minutes time. And tomorrow I have to wake up at 7:30 because Mr. Boyfriend is leaving for a meeting in York and I want us to grab a breakfast together before he leaves for the train and I leave for my 9am seminar. 

Ah, first world problems.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

17-Mar-2014

Business as Usual

Mondays, what's not to love about them? Home made espresso for two in the morning, some interesting lectures during the day and then a nice walk back home, enjoying the last rays of the setting Sun. And then, again, work. I am finishing this essay tonight, no matter what. I'm 500 words short and just one important idea left to be explored. I better go back to writing, before my brain falls asleep before I do.

Mondays, what can I say - business as usual!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

16-Mar-2014

Keyboard stories

I lost track of time today, spending the WHOLE day on my laptop and reading, writing, re-reading, re-writing and editing my essay. Hopefully I will manage to finish it tomorrow, so I'll have the whole of Tuesday for any additional alterations and will submit it first thing Wednesday morning. Did I mention how tired I am and that my eyes hurt so much that I want to cry (but this makes them hurt even more). Yes, yes, yes. This time of the term - working your ass-off time.

On the home-front - I' still doing yoga, the only thing that keeps me sane those days. I even managed to convince Mr. Boyfriend to start doing it as well. Did I managed to mention this last bit already? If I did, please, excuse me, I'm tired and I need rest.

Off I go, back to my essay. Party systems, here I come!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

15-Mar-2014

The Art Of Being Busy

I've been trying to work/write the whole of today but to be honest - it's not going great. I'm struggling with the composition of my essay, I'm trying to step-up my (academic) language "game" and I'm trying to follow all of the rules/norms/prerequisites that my tutor has for us. Blah. My brain is now totally melted!

On a slightly jollier matter - we went out with friends last night. We had amaaaazing meal at an Anatolian restaurant downtown, we talked, we laughed and it was great. The owner thought I'm Turkish, which was a first but was kind enough not to look too disappointed when I admitted that just my great-grandfather was Turkey, not me.

And yes, I slept until really late - 11:00am and woke up feeling guilty for missing the whole morning. I should probably set an alarm for 9:30 so I can actually try and finish this essay before I loose my mind. Or maybe is too late for this?

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

14-Mar-2014

Cliché

We ran out of bread this morning so on my way from school I stopped at the university bakery shop to by buy some. (Un)fortunately they had only one type left - baguettes. It wouldn't be all that funny if I wasn't wearing a trenchcoat and flats, and the only place I could place my baguette - my bike's front basket. Oh, and did I forgot to mention that there was a bouquet of flowers in my basket as well?

While this happen completely unintentionally, I must say that definitely improved my mood and cheered me up. For a moment, when I was cycling down the road, the sun was shining and no one was around to spoil my daydream, I could swear that somehow I was back in Paris. Maybe won't be this Spring but it won't long before I go back in Paris. Piece of me stayed behind when we left was Winter...

So, it kind of felt good to be a cliché...

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

13-Mar-2014

Going Strong

So, I spend the first half of my day applying for jobs and now I plan to spend the second half working on my essay. It's been a busy day, my eyes already hurt quite a bit but this is the situation for the moment. Tomorrow I promised myself that I'll send my applications to few other firms, just in case they are looking for new employees and I should probably drop my CV at the local ALDI (although, I'm not very keen on the last one). I also have set the goal of finishing this essay by Sunday evening, so wish me luck!

Oh, and by the way I'm also going strong on my yoga routine - since last Tuesday I've been able to spend at least 20 minutes every evening to do yoga. The feeling is insanely good and I already feel the positive effects - I sleep better, my posture has improves, I'm less depressed/grumpy and I my mind is generally clearer.

Sorry for the extremely short post but I'm just in a short pre-lunch break before I return to the world of party systems! See you around

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

12-Mar-2014

Happy Birthday, Granny

I Adore You!

The kindest, most loyal and lovable person in my life! My heart and my soul-mate. My most favorite story-teller and story-creator. The person from whom I inherited my wanderlust.
My Granny, you know, is this tiny box of love and excitement. She is passionate about everything she does! She has the biggest most loving, loyal and brave heart and the brightest eyes. She is the heart and soul of our family, the glue that makes us so united and in the same time so open to everyone.
Whatever I do she'll be there to support me and guide me. She never interferes or try to change your mind, at least if you look and act like you know what you're doing. She was the first (and for a very long time the only) person from my family who knew about my tattoos and boy, didn't she liked them! My second one is even dedicated to her.
And how she cooks - one of the things I miss the most about being home is eating her amaaaaazing meals. It doesn't mater what time of the day you come home - a pot of deliciousness will be on the stove, ready to welcome you home after your battles with the word outside.
She has a spirit younger than the morning sun. Her brave heart is still dreaming for new places, new tastes, new experiences. She was the first person to say - once you start university  and you manage to accommodate yourself - I'll come to visit! And she will - this Summer she'll check out of her list yet another country - England this time. And her first flight in over than 50 years. How amazing this is?
My dear darling Granny is the most precious thing in my life! I wish with all my heart that she keeps her young, free spirit for as long as possible. And I just hope that she has the patience to wait to meet my children and to get to know them. Not for her, for them - they need her in their life. Everyone need a living inspiration to show then how to live!
Happy Birthday, Granny, my heart, I Adore You!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

11-Mar-2014

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

There is an improvement in the situation of my essay. After an afternoon spent at the library itself and long minutes roaming between the shelves I finally found 3 (and a half) books that might be quite useful. I'm still feeling a bit nervous since I'm not used to not having abundant amounts of resources. I also have and meet with my tutor, so I can check if I'm on the right track.

And then the only thing left is to do the reading and then do the writing.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

10-Mar-2014

Rocky Road

These past few days I experienced something I was completely unprepared for. I was unable to find materials for the topic I was interested in my university library even after a spend few days in profound and extensive research. If I have ever felt horrified - now was the time.

I'm aware it sounds funny and all, but the library have never let me down. I was always able to find at least a little something to help me start my work. A piece of information, that will give me the tools for further research. Until now.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do and how I'm going to fix this situation. There are only 9 days left until my deadline and I'm still nowhere. I have this great, really interesting idea but my knowledge is not so broad on its own to be able to materialize it without using anything else.

But I'll figure it out somehow...

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

09-Mar-2014

Spring

The weather lately has been magnificent, nothing like that thunder-and-storm period from a few weeks back. It's been so good that I started going bare-feet and not getting cold within two minutes. Now it takes me around half an hour which is good for the first weeks of March.

Mr. Boyfriend was so overwhelmed with the good weather that he decided to give it a shot to mountain cycling this morning. Two hours later he's still out, so I guess he's still having fun in the mud. Yesterday we went for a road cycling and he got two consecutive flat tires so one of our room-mates had to go and pick him up. Not the best of day but he's just really happy that it's not raining anymore, touch wood. Poor thing can't stand it and get really annoyed and grumpy when he's forced to stay indoors in all times.

And while talking about all things nice and pleasant - I met my bosses at the stadium somewhere in-between "You're Fired!" and "I Quit!". We had some general misunderstanding about should I or should I not take of my ear-rings even if this casing some serious trouble to my ears, e.g bleeding, etc. Also, they constantly reduced the payment and the working conditions were going from bad to worse. That said, I need to start looking for job again because ... well, that's the only alternative there is.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

8-Mar-2014

Happy International Women's Day

Or maybe I should say Happy International Working Women's Day? Because 8th March used to be a for the independent, controversial and open-minded women of the beginning of 20th C - the one that wanted opportunities. She wanted to better payment, better working conditions, she wanted voting rights and the right to choice her studies even if that meant to study Medicine or Law.

I'm no feminist, that's a no brainier. Anyone who have met me can tell you that. I'm extremely lucky that I have never been discriminated against based on my gender and that my parent have never refused me something just because is not-girly-like. Just the opposite, my Dad made sure that I'm my education is well-rounded and that I have common knowledge even for topics that according to most people are a No-No for girls. And I have never felt sexually discriminated against in my daily life by my peers. All that said - I'm probably the exception of the rule.

If you want to do something good today don't buy flowers, teddy bears and chocolates for your lady-friends. Don't take them to fancy dinners because it's 8th March. Instead of that try to make a difference. Donate what you would've spent of roses and chocolate.Help others, less privileged than us - the Western know-it-all, to get a chance to better future. Give more than dead plants and carbs - give HOPE and feature.

To begin with take a look at United Nations Girls' Education Initiative.

Than choose between (or choose a cause on your own):

• The Child Brides: Send Them To School
• Empower Girls With Life Skills: Create Leaders!
• Help Girls Access University Education In Cambodia
• Help Reduce Teenage Pregnancy In Uganda
• Send A Girls To School
• Sponsor A Girl To Get Education
• Help Children In The Third-World Get Education
• Give A Girl A Bike - Help Her Go To School
• Educate Tibetan Refugee Children And Youth
• The Blossom Bus: Help Rural Girls Go To School
• Sponsor A Child Today - Change The World Tomorrow

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

07-Mar-2014

Fruitilicious

I've been craving fruit salad for good few weeks now. I have this memory of a lovely huge bowl of fruits and nuts that my Mum used to prepare for me when I was little and I'm almosts at the point where I'll be day dreaming about it. She used make this as a Sunday breakfast for me and I absolutely loved it.

The secret behind her marvelous fruit salad (a.k.a. bowl of fruitilicious happiness) was the topping of yogurt, honey and cinnamon. And the chopped nuts. This is what made the whole difference. It didn't matter the particular combination of fruit she used every time, the topping was what made it special. Nevertheless, here are some of my favourite mixes:

• Strawberries, Bananas, Kiwi and Blueberries
• Apples, Bananas and Pineapple
• Mango, Pineapple and Apple
• Oranges, Apples, Bananas and Tangerines
• Oranges, Tangerines and Grapefruit
• Pomegranate, Blueberries and Grapes
• Apricots, Peaches and Apples

And while I'm still on the topic of fruit salads - I better go and make one!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

06-Mar-2014

Tales of Two Cities

Thirstday is my "Call-The-(Grand)Parents" day this term. This is my one day when I call everyone home to check on them and to report about my well being. Don't take me wrong - I would love to talk with them every day, for several hours if possible, but 1) neither of us have the time to do so and 2) our life are not that exciting at all so there is not much going on day-to-day. But this is not the point.

The point it's that the more I stay here, in England, the more I get to appreciate my home-town. I get to appreciate the flat where I grew up and spent all of my life before moving in England - the warm, welcoming colours, the beautiful use of real, natural materials like wood and marble, the soft sounds of lace curtains and nice tablecloths. I appreciate all the little details that my Mom place around the house to make it more welcoming, the very organised way of cooking that my Grandma has and the fact that there is always someone at home - it's never empty and god-forbid - lonely. I got to appreciate everything that makes a house - home. And I miss this more than I could ever expected.

For the past few weeks I've been having those flashbacks of pictures from home. Not just the apartment - the nearby park, the streets, the neighborhood and the town itself. When I'm falling asleep I see images of places I barely remember ever going to or I see myself coming back from primary school and remembering the way everything was back then, 14 years ago.

You can say I'm homesick and you probably won't be far from the truth. Especially now, when the perspective of going back home no earlier than next Christmas is getting more and more real. But I think that I'm just getting to know myself a little better and I'm on a journey towards myself. That's way my consciousness is sending me to my favourite places.

Or maybe I'm just homesick.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

05-Mar-2014

Onion Rings

My dad and I have been daydreaming about onion rings for so long now that I can't actually remember since when. So when we bough a bag of ginormous onions I had only one thought - I M-U-S-T make onion rings. Unfortunately, my dad lives at the other end of the continent but at least now I know that the next time I go back home I have a special treat for him in my sleeve, something easy that he'll love. And knowing him, this will be a dream come true.

So, about the onion rings. Offensively easy, crazy delicious. Perfect snack for a game night or movie night. They are born to be dipped in rich sauces and paired with ice-cold beer. As cold as you can drink it before your teeth fall. Feel free to improvise with the spices, this time I kept mine mild, using just the basic salt and pepper, but I plan to unleash my imagination next time I prepare those. What do you think about onion rings dipped in honey-based batter? Mmm, I'm starting to salivate just by the thought of it!

Ingredients:

• 1 Big Onion
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• Salt and Pepper
• Oil for Frying

How-To:

1. Cut the onion to discs and then press the rings out of it.
2. In a bowl mix the flour, the baking powder, the milk and the egg together into a thick batter. Add the seasoning.
3. Dip the onion rings in the batter and make sure that they are covered well.
4. Fry in preheated oil until golden on both sides.
5. Let dry on kitchen paper and enjoy warm.

I highly recommend to dip them in ketchup and mayonnaise. And don't forget to keep them company with ice-cold beer. Ginger beer would work too...

Love from first bite!

04-Mar-2014

Begin Again

Some time ago I stopped doing yoga every day and reduced my routine to 2 times a week. Not long ago I reduced it even further - to once a week when I feel like it or when I'm not too busy with school. Last week I discovered I no longer can hold Crow Pose steady, what is more - I was barely lifting my feet of the ground.

So today, trying to beat my OCD and get into shape again - I started doing yoga again. My aim is to learn how to do headstand before the end of the school year. The only clinching from my daily routine is allowed if I have fever or if I spend more than 30 minutes doing some other sport - that being running for more than 30 minutes or having a nice, long workout at the gym. I should make sure that I can spend at least 10 minutes a day doing something that I enjoy and that is good for my body.

Today, for example, I started with 20 minutes of self-made routine - trying to break my usual routine of watching videos. Not that is bad, but only after a week of repetition my muscles get used to what I'm doing and it's not challenging anymore. Mr. Boyfriend was kind enough to help me do a headstand - he was holding my legs while I was trying to figure it out how not to break my neck. Fun times!

Bright days lie ahead!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

3-Mar-2014

136 years

Today it's Bulgaria's Liberation Day (or Independence Day if you wish so). Although I don't live there I still feel excited about today, my heart and brain are still Bulgarian.

On this day, 136 years ago, the Russo-Turkish War ends and Bulgaria regains its independence from the Ottoman Empire according to The Treaty of San Stefano. The events afterwards were not the most benevolent for the newly liberated country but this is a whole other story.

Each year there are celebrations all across Bulgaria commencing in amazing fireworks in all big cities. I really miss being there today but I don't miss the political polemics and ugliness that I'm sure this year were part of the "celebration". I might be studying politics but this doesn't mean that I like everyone's political opinion to be shoved into my face.

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

2-Mar-2014

Amazing Apple Traybake

This is the dessert I prepared for last night. I used a recipe from BBC GoodFood but slightly changed so that it applies better to my taste, style and preferences. I also made a red berries syrup to accompany the traybake and must say - it was total success. Unfortunately, or not, only 2 people showed up last night, so more than half of the cake left. I guess my room-mates won't mind finishing it off.

Ingredients:

• 450 gr peeled and cored apples
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 225 gr butter, softened
• 140 gr golden caster sugar
• 140 gr light brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 tbsp rum
• 350 gr white all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Sugar and Cinnamon to sprinkle

How-To:

1. Heat the oven to 180C/ fan 160c/ Gas Mark 4.
2. Thinly slice the apple and place in a bow.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over them and sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon over them. Mix well and set aside.
4. In a large bowl mix the rest of the ingredients together. A hand-mixer will be very useful for this task because you need to have a very smooth, creamy mixture.
5. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and butter profoundly, especially the corners and the places where the cake is more likely to stick. 
6. Spread half of the mixture on the bottom of the tray and then arrange half of the apple on top of it. 
7. Repeat again with the rest of the batter and the apples. You can press the apples slightly into the batter so they will bake into it.
8. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake should be golden and springy. Let it cool down slightly before you take it out of the tray and set it aside to cool down completely.
10. Cut into bars or squares.

Enjoy with scoop of ice-cream on top

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

1-Mar-2014

Baba Marta (or Granny March)

Back at home there is this tradition of exchanging "martenitsa"'s with your friends and family on every 1st March. They are given as a symbol of good health. It's essential that you buy those for your close ones but never for yourself. The martentitsa itself has one very important feature - it should be always red and white. The most traditional and typical versions include a string of red and white yarn that one wears around the wrist or a brooch made of yarn again, shaped like a boy (Pizho) and a girl (Penda).  According to the traditions you are supposed to wear your martenitsa's until the first blossoming trees are present.

So happy 1st March!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...