31-Oct-2014

This Is Halloween!

Happy Spooky Halloween, everyone! This year, for the first time, I'll be dressing up and trick-or-treating and this is so exciting. In all fairness, it's not me, who'll be trick-or-treating, but instead I'm taking the little munchkins I babysit around theirs and keeping them safe while they collect candy from door to door.

My inspiration for this year's costume is Pippi Longstocking because A) she's a children's classic and B) it's a really really easy costume for me to pull off.  My costume actually consists of things that I already have in my wardrobe and a very specific hair style - pigtails! So, what's in a Pippi Longstocking outfit? Two different pairs of colourful kneehigh socks, denim shorts, stripped shirt and lace-up boots. And that's it. For extra authenticity I'll have freckles on my cheeks and nose painted with my eyebrows pen. And this will be it!

My Inspiration

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

30-Oct-2014

Spookilicious Pumpkin Pie

Hello, my name is Stana and I love pie. All kinds of pie. My favourite type pie is more pie, simple as that. I like it on its own, with whipped cream or even better with ice cream, glazed or dusted with icing sugar, I can't think of a pie I won't eat. I even like savory pies, to be honest, because they are so comforting and indulgent that simply it's a crime not to love them.

Now, the search for a perfect pie recipe can be overwhelming, I know. So many things to take in account, so many decisions, and all you want is just a good big slice of home-made pie. Here's my confession - for years I used to make a different pumpkin pie, one that takes hundred times more time and in the end it will be just OK, not great and unforgettable. I'll spend hours to prepare it, I'll make my own pastry, I'll grind the pumpkin, a hell of a lot of work and in the end the pie won't even be memorable. Well, that's not worth, I thought. So, last year, I spend the whole of September and October try to find the perfect pumpkin pie recipe. It involved plenty of baking and eating, and cleaning after that, but now I'm confident to say that I have found the perfect pumpkin pie recipe! I've found the one. And like Erin, my American friend, said last year - this pie is made to remind you of the magic that happens in your Gran's kitchen, it's a dream made in pumpkin heaven.

Oh, and did I mention, it works 100% fine with store-bought pastry, you folks. Isn't that just the best thing ever?!

Ingredients (make 1 huge pie, or 2 smaller ones):

• 750gr pumpkin, peeled, chopped in chunks
• 1 pack shortcrust pastry
• 120gr brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 25gr butter, melted
• 175ml milk
• 3 tbsp maple syrup

How-To:

1. Place the pumpkin in a pot, cover with water and bring to boil. Simmer until the pumpkin is soft and tender, then rinse, drain and let cool.
2. Roll the pastry so that it covers your pie dish. Line the baking tin with baking parchment, place the pastry on top, cover with second baking parchment and put baking beans on top.
3. Bake the pie crust for 15 on 180C, then remove the baking beans and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the pastry looks slightly golden. Let cool slightly.
4. Turn the oven to 220C.
5. In a bowl mix together the sugar, cinnamon, eggs, milk, butter and maple syrup.
6. Push the pumpkin through a sieve and mix together with the sugar-cinnamon-milk mixture. Whisk until combined.
7. Pour the pumpkin filling into the pie crust and bake for 10 minutes.
8. After the 10 minutes have passed, turn down the heat to 180C and bake for another 35-40 minutes, until set.
9. Chill the pie  and, if wanted, serve it with icing sugar sprinkled as scary pumpkin face.

Spooky Halloween, everyone!

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

29-Oct-2014

Running Bunny Breakfast Smoothie

Few days ago I was reading recipes in Food 52 when I came across the "Jumpin Monkey Breakfast Smoothie" recipe and I was stunned! Are you kidding me, this was the greatest smoothie recipe ever! How so I haven't thought of using coffee in my breakfast smoothie before? Why not have breakfast and coffee in the same time? Deer Lord, this is pure genius! The smoothie of all smoothies!

I took my excitement to the kitchen and decided to give Jumpin Monkey a run for its money. I decided to outdo it and make it more "mine", a bit healthier, a bit more indulgent. You know me, I can't stay away from the good staff for too long. And this is how Running Bunny was born.

I must say, I'm very proud with this smoothie because even Mr.Boyfriend found it satisfying enough to use it as first breakfast on its own. Well, in all fairness, he added a scoop of his protein powder to make it a bit more powerful but it was more than good on its own for me. Are you ready? Set! RUN!

Ingredients (makes 2 large glasses):

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup coffee, cooled
• 5-6 tbsp natural yogurt
• 1 ripe banana, chopped
• 1 frozen banana
• 10 tbsp oats
• 1 scoop protein powder if wanted

How-To:

1. Put the liquid ingredients first. Then add the yogurt and the fresh banana. Blend.
2. When the first part of the ingredients are blend together add the rest of them and blend together
3. Pour in glasses and enjoy!

Coffee and Breakfast UNITED

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

28-Oct-2014

Happy Birthday, Kiddo Cat!

My Soul And In-Law Sister

We don't talk much these days, we're too busy being busy, but my heart and my thought are always with her. She is my soul, a piece of me, closer than blood, loved with more than love. We grew up together, we learnt how to ride bikes together, we went to high-school together, we learnt how to cook together, we are always and beyond forever together. Even when we are hundred of miles apart, don't hear each other very often and can't do all the things we like to do. She's my partner's younger sister, so she's more than a friend. She is, by all means, a sister. She is, as I said, a piece of me.

We don't have too much in common and this is just fine. We don't look alike, we don't shop alike, we don't even like the same books or boys, but that works just fine for us. She's fare more of a fire-starter than I am, but I'm a fare better pacifier than she'll ever be,

I haven't mentioned her before, because she's so special for me that I don't want to share her with anyone. Yet, I'm learning to appreciate her new friends back home, because they are part of her life and she likes them, for better or for worse. I don't mention her here, because she's a private person, and her personal integrity and safety is beyond everything else. Oh, and because just like her elder brother, aka Mr.Boyfriend, she's crazy about personal space and web-security and division of on-line and in-live lives.

I can't say much more about her without sounding cheese and she hates cheese. She's more of an ice cream girl, that's why we're friends. All I can do is wish here all the good in the world, and the strongest of hearts to be hers. With all my love and soul!

this is for forever!

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

27-Oct-2014

Ice Cream For Two

Boho Gelato, Brighton

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Boho Gelato until now! This is my most favourite place in town, the best ice cream I have ever had, amazing and beyond any classifications! The place is hidden on a small street just of Pool Valley coach station in Brighton, and is a favourite among locals and visitors. I remember that when I moved in here on our very first walk in Brighton Mr.Boyfriend took me there and I was beyond charmed.

They are few thinks that set Boho Gelato from the rest of the places: 1) they use only localy sourced products and make all the ice creams in the shop; 2) they are constantly changing the flavours of the ice creams they offer, experimenting bravely with flavours and combinations, even including suggestions from children; 3) there are always at least 4-5 vegan options, but the taste is still impeccable and rich.

The only con I found is that they don't have many sitting place. And by they don't have many I mean they hardly have any - 2 small tables just outside the shop and 4 stools inside it. However, they are not a gelateria, they are a gelato shop, which means that you go in, you choose your ice cream and then you leave. Simple as that.

So, after a short walk on Saturday, I told Mr.Boyfriend that I'm not going home without paying Boho Gelato a visit. I wanted a good ice cream and I wanted it now. Lucky for me, he didn't mind at all, so he obediently followed me on my quest for amazing ice cream.

After a short taste testing session, we decided to have two scoops each, making a total of four different tastes. We had Raspberry and Elder-flower, Pear and Almond, Sour Cherry, and Salted Caramel Pretzel. Where should I start from?  The Raspberry and Elder-flower was bery rich and tangy taste, a bit sour, a bit addictive, very different from the standard raspberry ice cream. The Pear and Almond was very sweet, full with pieces of pears and tiny sliced of almonds, extremely creamy and thick. A real gelato type ice cream! Sour Cherry was from the same palette as the Sour Cherry, but *surprise-surprise* sour and with big real chunks of cherry Creamy, rich, fulfilling, ice cream that is worth the time spent doing it. And last but not least, the Salted Caramel Pretzel which is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you dear to try it, you'll be delighted by it's creamy wet salty taste, the crispy pieces of pretzel and the harmony of these tastes. It tastes like something that you'll snack on whenever you want to indulge and you're not willing to give up either of your favourite snacks - salted caramels and pretzels.

The atmosphere in the shop is of the modern artisan shop this place actually is. All the staff is very friendly and nice, they will always offer you to try the ice-creams before you choose and will help you make the tough decision which ice creams you're having today. The price is about right for the product they are offering, and I couldn't be more happy to pay for the time and efforts spend preparing this ice-cream. And hey, this is Brighton after all, 2,60 for scoop is normal!

Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10

Interior: 6/10

Location: 8/10
Pricing: 9/10

Overall Grade: 9/10

Would we go back: Hell YEAH! ALWAYS! You hear me, ALWAYS! I literally don't eat ice cream from any other shop in Brighton! Why would anyone?

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

26-Oct-2014

The Dracula Blood Elixir Vitamin Juice

My hematologist is the one to take credit for the rather spooky name of this juice, and, even more, he was the one to give me the idea for the combination of 5 superfoods into one energizing and stimulating blood production yumminess. It's a rule back at home that come September-October my granny and I, the two anemic kittens of the family, will start having it at least 3 times a week, as a mean of immunostimulation and just-in-case protection from the big bad world. When I was younger I use to hate it, but now I find it rather nice and I even volunteer to have more of it, because it's so refreshing and I can actually feel it giving me more energy during the cold months. Winter is cold back home, you guys! Not Finland and Russia cold, but good -15 degrees for good few weeks and then regular -5/-10 for the rest of the time. Nothing like the rainy mild winter that England has been offering me in the past few years.

Now, what's in this juice? Apples which are rich in B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) - these vitamins are key in maintaing red blood cells! Oranges, known for containing almost over twice the daily need for vitamin C, they also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper, whicj means they are excellent for boosting the immune system. Beetroot, a rich source of folate and manganese. It also contains iron, zinc, copper and selenium as well as folate. Its praised to help the creation of new white blood cells and their rapid growth. Carrots  that are so rich in vitamin A that they are providing around 210% of the average an adult will need for the day. They are also rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene which stimulates cells growth, while the vitamin E and zinc contained carrots help maintain cell structure and protects the cells membranes. And last but not least, Chia Seeds - the natural power source for the human body, extremely rich in antioxidants, fibers and proteins.

With that all said, what's not to like about this juice, it's a nutrition bond in a glass! It tastes fresh, a bit sweet, a bit tangy, very refreshing and energising. And it's bright red, red and thick as blood! It's the perfect drink for a young Dracula fan!

Ingredients (makes 2 glasses)

• 3 medium oranges, cut in halves
• 4 medium-small apples, the core removed, cut in quaters
• 4 large carrots, tops and bottoms removed
• 1 large beetroot, well washed, greens removed
• 1 tsp/per glass chia seeds

How-To:

1. Put the carrots, apples and beetroot through the juicer.
2. Using a citrus press juice the oranges.
3. Mix the orange juice and the apple-carrot-beetroot juice together. Stir well.
4. Stir in the chia seeds and pour in glasses.
5. Drink as soon as possible, while is fresh!

NB: The beetroot has the nasty habit of leaving dark red stains. A) Wear an apron when juicing!; B) Clean the juicer as soon as possible after use!

Thick as blood, and red as such!

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

25-Oct-2014

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!My King And My Hero

When I was a child I asked my grandpa if he's a king. He said he's not but he knows a tiny queen whose his greatest pride and joy. And ever since this day he's been calling be his tiny queen, among other pet names as bunny-girl and sunshine.

My grandpa is a big, strong man, my hero whenever I need protection, my shoulder to cry whenever my hearth is heavy with grief. He'll came to pick me up from school and on our way back home we'll stop to buy ice-cream and will eat it in the park next home. And now, that he can't came and pick me up from school, he'll come to pick me up from the train station whenever I go back home, in Bulgaria.

He thought me how to drive when I was 13 because he said it's about time for me to know. Then, in the summers, when we'll move to the summer house in the rural area, he'll let me drive to the nearby village to pick-up the grocery shopping and anything else need. And when I got my driving license few years back, and then when my grandma's health wasn't pristine, he'll let me drive her to the hospital because he knew that she'll feel most secure and protected with none but me by her side.

He'll put the swing under the cherry tree in our summer house every year, to wait for me, no matter if I will go there for just one week or for 3 months. He has been doing that since I was old enough to sit up on my own, and he'll be doing it probably to the day when he's bones hurt too much for him to go up the ladder to hand the swing on one of the big strong branches of the tree.

He has been writing me poems for every birthday, not missing a single one, and those poems will be the most beautiful thing you can think of. He'll try to write in rhymes the important events of my life in the past year, my achievements and even the lessons I have learned from my failures. It will be year in my life, written as a poem, the most special one in the world.

He, my dearest, beloved, amazing grandfather, he an old school gentleman who'll buy flowers for the women in his life (grandma, their two daughters /mama and aunty/ and me) without a reason. He'll know the exact chocolate that my granny likes and he'll go across town to buy her some, because this is who he is. When I'm feeling down he'll make me a glass of fresh orange or apple juice and will let me drown my worries away in endless glasses of freshly made juice. And if the case is especially bad, then he'll roll up the sleeves of his shirt and will make me home-made Belgian waffles, with some home-made cherry or apricot jam. Because who can be sad when they have waffles and cherry jam, you tell me!

He and granny brought me so much joy and happiness when they visited me this summer. And they are bringing me so much more now, when I listen to them make plans for the next time when they'll come around, all the things they wish to do and the places they are looking forward to see. And I couldn't be more grateful for the love and respect they have for my partner, accepting him fully as part of the family and as a worthy companion for me.

Happy 77th Birthday Grandpa! I admire you, I respect you, I miss you and I truly madly deeply love you! There is no better and more worthy of love man in the world. You truly deserve all the joy and happiness in the world and even more for what you bring in the lives of people around you!

Yours Joyfully and Cheerfully, Little Stana

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

24-Oct-2014

All That Shimmers

I had promised myself that I won't post music videos for at least a good two weeks, but I just couldn't help myself. This Swedish Duo is just pure magic, their voices are so pretty, their songs are full with emotions and the lyrics are actually good. I've been humming this song for few days how, I even dreamed I performed it in front of a crowd last night. Soft, fragile sound, amazing feeling of effortlessness! All you have to do is find your own personal Silver lining ....

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

23-Oct-2014

All Mighty Almost Healthy Wrap Lunch

I love having tortilla wraps in the fridge because they make the best improptu lunches. When Mr.Boyfriend and I forget to cook ourselves a nice meal the night before, he tends to buy something from one of the many university coffee shops, while I'm left to the mercy of whatever our fridge contains. Lucky for me, we went shopping yesterday evenings, so the fridge contains abundance of goodness.

So when I came home today after my seminar and my very nice coffee date with a friend/last-year's tutor, I was starving and ready to get creative in the kitchen. After a quick look around I came up with the perfect solution to satisfy my hunger, a wrap that would've been extremely healthy if it wasn't for the two types of cheese involved and the slice of bacon that I squeezed in between the avocado, arugula, baby spinach and fresh tomatoes. Oh, and just to top up this gorgeous wrap, I had a nice big glass of freshly made tomato juice to go with it. Mmm, just thinking about it makes me wanna some more. How about you?

Ingredients (for 1 wrap):

• 1 tortilla wrap
• 1/2 tomato, sliced to half-moons
• 1 slice of bacon, baked or fried to the exact crispiness you like
• 1 egg, scrambled with salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• handful spinach, arugula and salad leaves
• 2-3 small slices of brie, it can be any other cheese that will melt
• 2-3 small slices of oak smoked cheddar, it can be any other cheese that will melt
• 4-5 olives, cut in halves
• few drizzles of spicy sauce, I used Mango Mint Sauce

How-To:

1. Place a pan on the stove.
2. Put your tortilla wrap in the pan and heat for 1 minute on each side.
3. Arrange the cheese on the bottom and put the scrambled egg on top of it. Then add the avocado
4. Put the salad on top of the avocado and then put the rest of the ingridients on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle with he sauce and fold the tortilla.
6. Take out of the pan and put in a serving plate.
7. Eat while it's warm. Best served with tomato juice.

Yummines for Lunch!

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

22-Oct-2014

Dreaming France

If there has to be just one thing that determines my personality that would've been travelling. I love through, because and for travelling, this is the very core of my existence. And if it wasn't for my idea of higher purpose of my life than having fun, I would've lived like a nomad - out of a backpack, on two wheels, always moving, never settling.

However, society has already imprinted my consciousness with the ideas of purposeful life, work, career, family, settlement, responsibility and comfortism. As much I would like to claim otherwise, I'm not adapt to roaming purposelessly at this point of my life. All I can do is take trips, visit places and try to satisfy my wanderlust with the crumbs of what could've been a great adventure. And true to my real nature, the moment I have one adventure lined up in the near future, I start planing another one. If not for else then for the hope that this gives me and the incentive to work as hard as I can now and to rest as much as I want later.

So, the Barcelona trip is all lined up, the plain tickets are bought, the hotel is payed for, I have the addresses of few nice restaurants and bars, I have ideas for things to do and places to visit, I even have a short list of the clothes I consider packing with me. All left to be done is exchange currency and actually go. So, all the fun in preparing for somewhere is done. That means just one thing - it's time to start working on convincing Mr.Boyfriend we need another short vacation. France this time.

Here's what I have in mind - short trip to France in late April, early May, using one way tickets only. My current plan involves a  train from London to Paris, spending 2-3 days in Paris then catching the train from Paris to Nice, spending 3-4 more days there and then catching the plain from Nice to London Gatwick Airport. This way we can explore Paris in the Spring, roam around it's wonderful streets for a bit and then enjoying the Coast D'Azur for another few days, maybe taking a short trip North-East to Monaco or South-West to Cannes and Antibes. I have a good friend living in Nice, so that makes things a bit easier. And, if I have to be honest, Nice have always been one of my most favourite cities in Europe, definitely in my personal Top 3, combining the French chic and elegance with the Mediterranean bohemian spirit and eclectic artistism. It's a beautiful, beautiful city, that's all I can say.

The best part is that if we act on early enough - all travel expenses will be easily covered by 100 GBP, per person. That's a sweet deal, if you ask me.

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

21-Oct-2014

Amazing Green Breakfast Smoothie

As expected, I'm drinking smoothies every morning and fresh fruit juices all day long. I feel so full of energy and good vibes, it's incredible. And let me tell you, green smoothies can turn even the grumpiest morning person into a sweet lovable kitty-cat. Take Mr.Boyfriend for example - he's terrible before he eats his breakfast, always grumpy and never satisfied with anything. On top of that, he likes just one type of breakfast, so everything that is not his sandwich with cheese, meat and some olives and tomatoes on the side, won't work. It's hard to even ask if he wants tea or coffee, we'll bark at you that all he wants is his breakfast.

So this morning, while he was still reading the news, before breakfast, I sneak downstairs to prepare healthy delicious green smoothie for each of us. In less than 5 minutes I was done preparing it and it was time for trying. After he got over the bright green colour of the smoothie and decided to give it a try - he absolutely loved it! One huge glass of it and he was more than ready to wait for his breakfast and make jokes in the mean time. And while the smoothie itself wasn't enough for the forever hungry Mr.Boyfriend, it was more than enough for me, and kept me going for good 4-5 hours. That's what I call success!

Ingredients (for 2 lrg glasses):

• 1 large ripe banana, peeled and cut in chunks
• 1/2 large avocado, peeled, pitted, cut in halves
• 1/2 cup natural greek yogurt
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 bowl of fresh spinach
• 1/2 frozen banana, in pieces
• 1 tsp raw honey, added per glass if need - Mr.Boyfriend had 1 tsp, I had none

How-To:

1. Pour the milk and add the yogurt first in the blender
2. Add the rest of the ingredients, excluding the honey
3. Blend everything together until it forms a smooth, silky liquid
4. Pour in glasses and if needed - add the honey.
5. Drink straight away, while it's still fresh and full of nutrition.

Healthy Green Deliciousness!

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

20-Oct-2014

All Things Pretty

I love jewelry and almost always wear a piece or two or few. Or maybe a bit more than a few.

My ears, wrists and neck have seen more styles and fashion statements that I care to admit. Just to name few, in my mid-teen years I'll wear mainly black leather and spikes, the more outrageous the better. I remember clearly having a ring made of snake skin that I used to wear on my pinkie finger, as well as a dog-collar spiked necklace. Ah, the good old days when I looked ridiculous and I loved it. Or maybe the glorious period before that, when I'll don strictly green. I'll resemble a human frog, my green obsession was so uniformal.

Nowadays my jewelry obsession is stronger than ever. I'm constantly looking for a new piece to add to my collection. Nowadays I cherish quality and classic look more than trends and current affiliation. I try to invest in pieces that I'll be able to wear 5 or 10 or even 20 years from now, pieces that are symbol of good taste and knowledge. That's why I love my Elsa Peretti for Tiffany&Co. Open Heart pendant. Or my Morellato time-piece. And that's exactly why I have fallen in love with the Monica Vinader GP Fiji Chain Bracelet, because it's classic and timeless, yet interesting and inspiring. I should probably put it on my Birthday Wish List, I might get lucky and receive it as a gift, who knows...

Monica Vinader GP Fiji Chain Bracelet, from Silverado

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

19-Oct-2014

Juice Me Up!

As I guessed, we haven't stop drinking all kinds of juices for now two days straight. We had fresh orange juice with our breakfast, grapefruit, pomegranate, grapes and tangerine around lunch time and we decided on apple, carrot and orange to go with our diner. It's been amazing, I just can't stop thinking about all these great fruit combinations that we can explore. How about pineapple and raspberries. Or pear, passion fruit and mango, with a dash of coconut milk, for the perfect luscious smoothie! Or maybe coconut milk, spinach, avocado, pineapple, peaches and chia seed for exciting smoothilicious start of the day. Countless opportunities, so many fruits and veggies to be explored, and just one stomach to fill.

I'm thinking about making a list of all the drinks I want to have and incorporating it in my daily diet. Maybe even try and have only juices for diner, for a month. And if that makes me feel as good as I expect it to does, maybe trying to switch to a liquid breakfast as well, green smoothie every morning sounds like a great idea...

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

18-Oct-2014

Fresh Start

Mr.Boyfriend and I bought a juicer! Woo-hoo! I'm so so so excited! I'm thrilled. And it's not just a juicer, it's a whole huge giant juicing station - a citrus press, a centrifugal juicer and a blender. And, wait for it, wait for it, it was just 10 quid. Brand new. It has never been out of its box.How cool is this? Now we can have fresh juice every morning for breakfast and I can prepare myself healthy green smoothies whenever the hunger strikes. Say hello to the world of endless fruit and veg combination, the world where I'm so full of energy that I want to jump, run, cycle, box and do yoga all at once. Yes! I haven't been so excited for an appliance since we bought the sandwich press few months ago. Well, I was just happy then, I'm ECSTATIC now. I can't wait to make juice tomorrow morning! I'll probably be living on juicer from now on!!! Ah, life is good, isn't it!

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

17-Oct-2014

Of Love And Other Sweet Treats

It will be an understatement to say that I love food. I adore it. I like to make it, I like to eat it, I like to serve it. And I get so excited watching other people create food masterpieces, that there is hardly anything that gets me that excited.

Good food, good wine, good people, that's all I need. I'm not asking for much, am I?

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

16-Oct-2014

Life And Work And Other Stories

I've been so busy lately and I'll be so busy this week, that I don't even have time to call my parents and check on them. If everything goes according to plan, I should be able to call them at some point during the weekend, which feels ages away.

I haven't had the opportunity to see and talk with Mr.Boyfriend since Monday night, when we ate out, and I haven't seen or talked with any of my school friends since forever. I literally feel like I have shut myself in the glass prism of Work-Study-Sleep-Work. I'm not moaning that I'm working too much, I'm just tired, that's all. When I get some sleep I'll be a brand new person! That said, now I have to get dressed and leave for work...

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

15-Oct-2014

The Knick

Plot:

Welcome to the Knick, a prestigious New York hospital. It's the beginning of the 20th century and the world is changing faster than ever before. People are now expected to live 47 years or more, in comparison to few years ago when they only lived to 39. Everyone has their sins and secrets and try to work and save people in between.

Why I Like It:

What's not to like about it? It's crazy, it's snarky, it's bloody and Victorian! Oh, and it starts Clive Owen, one of the finest men actors. And I love the exciting feeling of discovering new show! This one has the potential of becoming a big hit!

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

14-Oct-2014

Diner For Two

Topolino Duo, Brighton

Nothing beats a good spontaneous diner with the person you love, especially when the food is good.

Last night Mr.Boyfriend indulged me and took me to a shop I wanted to visit across town. After yet again unsuccessful shopping spread we decided that the weather is just too good for us to go straight back home, so we park by the sea and took a nice long walk into town. On our way back to the car we passed by a small cute looking Italian restaurant  and since we both were starving already, we decided to pay it a visit.

While Topolino Duo doesn't strike as a fancy place, we were greeted more than politely and warmly and were offered any table that suits us. Few short seconds afterwards we were presented with the menus and let to decide what we are having. Being very hungry we ordered two big main courses to share - Pizza Volcano - advertised as pizza for two - and from the list with today's specials - Red Tomato Sauce Mussels. A respectable lady with thick Italian accent warned us that this is plenty of food for just two people but we insisted on it. For drinks we had a bottle of Peroni each.

The food arrived promptly after just enough time. We could see the chef preparing our pizza kneading the dough and throwing it above his head, just like they do in movies. They baked the pizza in one of these huge charcoal ovens that mark the food with the unmistakable slightly bitter taste of fire and aroma of home-made goods. We were more than pleased with the pizza, huge and full with veggies, cheese, mozzarella, ham and sausage. It was a delightful dish, probably one of the best pizzas I have ever had.

The Mussels arrived in the traditional cooking dish and the amount we were served was abundant. The also serve them with home made chips, so this is an extra point for them. The mussels were nice and fresh, the flesh was tender and well cooked, the sauce complementing their taste just right.

Just as the matrona had warned us - the food turned out to be way too much for just the two of us. We finished the mussels since there is no way we can reheat them at home later on and asked the left-over pizza to be pack for take-away.

During the whole evening the staff was attentive and friendly without being patronizing and annoying. We felt welcomed and well taken care of and we simply loved the food. While the restaurant doesn't strike with amazing atmosphere and no paintings in heavy frames are hanging on the walls, this place compensates with the feeling that you're in your local bistro, just around the corner in your favorite cute and quite Italian rural village. And this feeling - this is priceless!

Food: 9/10
Service: 7/10

Interior: 6/10

Location: 8/10
Pricing: 9/10

Overall Grade: 8/10

Would we go back: Hell YEAH! Give me good pizza made with good ingredients and cold beer and I'm set for lifetime. And if you offer fresh seafood on reasonable prices - I'll be yours until the end of times!

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

13-Oct-2014

Fruitless Adventure

So yesterday was a very unsuccessful day of shopping. I couldn't find a single pair of gloves that fit me well and look good on me, the only bag I liked was several times above my budget (it was a Ralph Lauren brown leather mini-bag) and the only pair of booties I actually liked and were the right size for me were damaged so I decided not to buy them. That basically means that I used all of my shopping time allowance to a completely fruitless adventure. So now I'm back to square one, no gloves, no shoes, no bag and not even a new cashmere sweater. Good thing I still have me books, at least they always fit me...

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

12-Oct-2014

Sunday Morning

Ever since I was a child i have loved Sundays. I think my Mum is to blame, she always made sure that Sundays felt like a day-long celebration. We'll have something extra special for breakfast, like waffles or home-made cake, then we'll go out to do something together and when we come back home, we'll have a big late lunch, all of us together. Then a nap will be in order before we watch a movie in the evening. Sunday evenings will feel the same way that my Birthday evenings feel, a bitter-sweet taste of a good, glorious day.

However, Mr.Boyfriend's and mine Sundays are not like that, at least not every week. He's attitude toward weekends is slightly different than mine, more work orientated but still we try to make time and spent some time together. At least when I'm not working, because in that case, no matter how much we try, things just tend to not happen.

The plan for today is to go for a walk in town. And when I say walk I mean that I want to go to one or two shops because I'm in desperate need for new leather gloves, since I lost my previous pair last spring. And if in the mean time I manage to find a decent pair of leather shoe boots, that will be perfect. The tricky part is that I have to manage to do all that before Mr.Boyfriend gets bored, hungry and cranky, or he'll be one unhappy tomcat for the rest of the day.

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

11-Oct-2014

Beers For Few

Bottom's Rest, Brighton

After much anticipation Mr.Boyfriend finally celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday. Unfortunately the weather was really bad, thunders and lightnings and pouring rain bad, so plenty of people couldn't come and that was a bit stupid but nevermind. He loved his present from our friends - a bike repair stand and was more than happy to use it today already (fixing my bike...).

A lot of our friends have been talking about this pub, Donkey's Ass, and after a short Googling we discovered that it's real name is Bottom's Rest and it actually has a fairly good reputation among Brightoners and visitors. Mr.Boyfriend promptly booked a table for 8 o'clock on Friday night, yesterday, and when we arrived we were more than pleased that he did so. The pun was beyond full, there were people everywhere, some even sitting outside in spite of the pouring rain.

Since I was the designated driver for the night all I had was tap water with ice. Exciting! However, I paid attention to what the rest of the guys were having I can conclude that the pub has a nice selection of beers and ciders, among other things Guinness and San Miguel on the tab, which is a rather rare occurrence. As far as I could see their wine list wasn't extensive, just few wines written on the black board, but in all fairness pubs are not exactly known for their wine cellars, are they. The only other information I can provide for the drinks at Bottom's Rest is that their San Miguel tasted as if they had been playing cheap since the beer tasted inimpressively watery and plain. Even for Spaniards' beer.

Unfortunately I wasn't very impressed with their food menu either, Very unimaginative and boring selection of the most typical pub food, from the hallumi being the only vegetarian option to the fish fingers as an option for fishy burger. We had the classic beef burgers, because I didn't get the chance of the chicken burger since they had run out of it earlier, and they, again, were very average. The buns weren't impressive, but at least they didn't taste cheap, the burgers themselves were small and smelled funky, the ketchup they were served with was watery and the chips were old and fat. So, yes, overall, the dining experience wasn't all that great.

The atmosphere in the pub is standard for the pub type of places - stools and corner sofas, sticky tables, dim lightning and a thing or two hanging on the walls. There were four people working FOH* this evening and they didn't seem very keen on it. Two of them were trying to stick behind the bar, but every now and then they will run somewhere on the floor to do something or to greet someone. And then the other two were supposed to run the floor but they will spend time chatting with someone, so a bit disorganised I think. The only lady in the collective managed to drop few things when taking away the plates, few time and, along with the rest of her colleagues, she seemed joyfully tipsy. Not that being joyful and tipsy is a bad thing, I'm just not sure if I like it.

Oh, and the place was SO noisy, it was impossible to have a decent conversation whatsoever!

Food: 3/10
Service: 4/10

Interior: 6/10

Location: 5/10
Pricing: 4/10

Overall Grade: 4/10

Would we go back: For drinks - maybe, although the location is a bit off and it's a pain in the neck to get there with a car, but I mist be starving and dying in order to eat there again.

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

10-Oct-2014

Just One More

I know, I know. I just couldn't resist! The song is so lovely, so pretty, gives me this feeling of sun on my skin that I knew that I had to share it. And can we just take a second to appreciate how far has P!nk gone since she entered the music industry years ago?! She's evolving and becoming a better artist with every song she writes. That, my friends, it's something to look to!

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

9-Oct-2014

Good Sound

P!nk's new artistic venture - the You+Me duet has the potential of becoming my newest musical obsession. I tend to fall in love with every song I have heard to this day, the music, the harmony, the lyrics. There music is definitely something to keep an eye on. Or more like an ear...

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

8-Oct-2014

A Wednesday It Is

I have a love-hate relationship with my Wednesday this Autumn term. There is this that everything is very nice and compact, all neat and everything - 1 have three classes in a row, the first starting at 10am and the last finishing 1pm. Also, the rooms for my classes are in perfect order one after the other, the first starting just next to my favourite place to park my bike and the last just right on top of a small hill, giving a pleasant walk back to my bike. So, that's the "love" part. On the other hand, everything is one right after the other - no time for coffee, no time to talk a bit with friends, not even  enough time for a quick run to the loo. And after you are exhausted after running from one building to the other, while caring books and other (useless) staff, you have to go straight back home because it's lunch time and since you skipped breakfast because your first class was at 10am, you are now STARVING! And this, as you may assume, is the "part".

And just to add a little bit more zest to this particular Wednesday, I'm working tonight, after I worked yesterday. And the day before that was Mr.Boyfriend's birthday so I kind of had to organise a nice evening - meal and all, for both of us. That included some time in the kitchen, than some time in our bedroom - cleaning it up, then some more time preping it for a romantic diner and then cooking the diner itself. Oh, and did I mention that I was working the previous three days as well? That practically means that tomorrow will be the first actual day for me not to have to worry about working or organising something in the evening. I can't wait to just sit and enjoy a little quite time. Not much, just a little.

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

7-Oct-2014

Thanks God, It's Tuesday!

I know, you can't hear plenty of people to say that, but in my case - oh, boy, it feels so good to be Tuesday! Why? Well, because I had one of the most intensive weekends, EVER!

After school on Friday I went on work and worked for 3 hours, which wasn't that bad at all. Then, Saturday involved the longest walk around Brighton and me, going to work straight away after we came back home from the walk. This time I did a proper shift - 6 hours, until we closed the restaurant at midnight, and I managed to go back home around 1 in the morning. Next was Sunday when I worked for 12 hours - first a full 6 hour shift in the restaurant and then went on to babysit. And then there was Monday, Mr.Boyfriend's birthday, school and intimate candlelight diner at home.

So when I woke up this morning, my only thought was - Thanks God, it's Tuesday! 

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

6-Oct-2014

Happy Birthday Mr.Boyfriend,

My Dearest

Today he's turning 25, quarter of a century. He's the my better half and best friend. My partner in crime.

I try not to get too emotional and girly on the blog. I also try to protect his identity and not to share almost anything specific about him, because this is his wish and his right. But today, on his birthday, I must share few things about him.

He likes practical gifts and getting things he actually needs at the moment. Like the business card holder that I got him this year. Or the scarf I knit knitted for him last year. Or the new leather belt he got the year before. He likes practical yet personal things, nothing too expensive, nothing too grand.

He also likes food, all kinds of food, from all around the world and from the backyard. But he doesn't like fussy food and complicated recipes that call for 5 straight hours in the kitchen. And he's not big on sweet treats and cakes. Maybe a nice piece of chocolate after diner or a scoop of ice-cream if the weather is really really warm, but that's it. And he doesn't care at all about birthday cakes and blowing candles.

He likes to spend time outside, doing things, enjoying the good weather, making the most of his youth. He likes to cycle and ignited the love for cycling in me too. He likes to plant herbs and veggies in the garden and then to take care of them. And, of course, to eat whatever fruits they have given.

He can be very grumpy at times but then he's never grumpy when he's with me. He makes my life better, in all possible ways and if I believed in knights, we would've been mine! But instead he's my partner, in every sense of it, and my better half.

Happy 25th Birthday Mr.Boyfriend, my dearest!

Disclaimer: This photo has been made hazy in order to acknowledge Mr.Boyfriend's wish his face not to be seen.

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

5-Oct-2016

Lunch For Two

Noodle Soup, West Street, Brighton

Yesterday was a busy busy day. I spent the first half of it out, roaming around in Brighton and the second, working a busy shift at work and closing the restaurant in the end. The day was so stuffed with events and things to do that I only 5 minutes after I came back home I had to leave again. And no, not that I forgot that I had a shift and acted completely irresponsible, I was just part of a bigger group of people and it wasn't all about how I feel but rather than what the group wants to do and when.

Spending the whole day away from home meant that Mr.Boyfriend and I were to have lunch somewhere new. To be honest, we first tried our luck at Foodilic but it was so full that they didn't have a tiny table for the two of us. So, after we recovered from the initial shock that we won't be able to have lunch in our favourite place to lunch, we decided that will stroll around a little more and will decided on the go. Oh, good thing we did that or we wouldn't find Noodle Soup.

Don't expect anything grand or spectacular. It's a tiny restaurant that can seat 25 people at most and it's rather busy. For the whole time that we were there, close to an hour, people we coming and going, eating in and taking away, a constant string of hungry people. It's worth noting that Mr.Boyfriend and I were the only non-asians in the whole place, and this is always a good sign, an excellent one!

After taking a look at the menu we were more than happy to see that all the dishes are around 8GBP, which was great great news. All the soups seemed rather delicious and we choose one with duck and one with beef because they looked very nice on the picture. It's a silly way to make a decision but since neither of us knows a lot about Noodle soups it was the only way we could choose it.
Around 10 minutes after we ordered the soups arrived - a huge steaming bowl each. The food didn't arrive straight away nor took ages so we were more than happy to taste it - delightful and warm, the stock was full of tastes and aromas, the veggies were plenty and cooked well and the amount of meat each of us had was beyond enough. It wasn't really spicy, but definitely was tangy on the tongue, just like it's supposed to be. Mr.Boyfriend finished his in no time and then helped me finish mine since the serving was far too generous for my appetite. Both of us were more than happy with our soups and with the service - the staff was polite, clean-looking, helpful and smiling. The place is not big so it might get a bit crowded and the decor it's not exactly exquisite but other than that, I cannot think about a bad thing to say about this place.

Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10

Interior: 6/10

Location: 8/10
Pricing: 9/10

Overall Grade: 8/10

Would we go back: Of course, I can't think of better noodle soup in Brighton, especially at these prices. Suprime!

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

4-Oct-2014

A Room For One's Own

Try to be patient and nice, to give thanks, to speak only kind words and to know no fear from the truth. The rest will be fine.

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

3-Oct-2014

Designing Your ... Research

After my Spring term filled with variables, levels of measurements, graphs and SPSS statistics is time for me to dive in it again, just one more time. Last year was Political Science research, this  year is Sociology. I know, it doesn't sound very exciting, but believe me, it is! Well maybe not very, but compared with other Courseworks, this is actually totally awesome!

The best part is that this year I'll be able to conduct my own small experiment, a quantitative research, a.k.a a survey. I have, what I think, a pretty decent idea in my head and I hope to be able to make it a final year project. It's not exactly my dream subject, but it's not as mundane as student project usually are, and I'm kind of passionate about the subject as well. To put things in perspective, my dream subject would've been about serial killers, mass murderers, sexuality, gender and religion, while my current subject is about eating habits, well-being and stress. I know, the reality is not nearly as exciting as the dream, but if everything turns out OK it might help me land the dream job-opportunity for next summer. So, yes, life is good and science is cool!

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

2-Oct-2014

Birdie Heart

Big girls don't cry. The rains just falls down their cheeks sometime.

I am extremely emotional person and I'm also extremely emphatic person. This basically means that I can get sad beyond recognition just by a single picture. And I have rain storms down my cheeks every time I hear a good, meaningful, sad song. What can I say. I'm a birdie heart...

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

1-Oct-2014

Going To The Movies: Maleficent

A new take on a classic story. Shining light to the villain instead of the hero. Retelling a hundred years old tale. Questioning black-and-white mindset and allowing characters to re-invent themselves. What is more to want from a fairytale?!

Angelina Jolie is beyond gorgeous as Maleficent, the strongest of the fairies. She brings so many different shades to the classical villain and looks out-of-this-world while doing it. On the other hand Elle Faning seems a little bland and maybe even slightly stupid, but who wouldn't if they were to stay right next to Angelina?!

It's very hard to tell anything about the movie without giving away too much. Be prepared to question your ideas for good and bad, right and wrong. Be ready to question how much one person can love and hate something/someone in the same time. Nothing is what it seems, nothing is simple. everything has more than one meaning, plenty of layers.

Evil has never been so good. Nor has looked so good...

Grade: 9/10 (for a fairytale)

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