Very Small Feet

Have you seen Moana? Wasn’t it joyous. And all the songs!  So when it was announced that Lin Manuel Miranda is doing another cartoon for Disney I was super excited.  It is great watch it but don’t read further as I might SPOIL it for you …  196 So it’s a story about family with magical gifts that serve their community. I really felt all the Mirabel was feeling as in never being good enough for her abuela. Hit me right in the feels but then we were shown the story of abuela Alma…. And then I thought of people feeling Afghanistan last year …. And tears and tears run down my face…. And that abuala was actually recovering from trauma….  However like that picture of little Afghan girl skipping in airport in Belgium, this film is happy.   Gift is not magic gifts but gifts are family, people who you love. It’s just wonderful!  Music and animation just so good.  I saw some one else doing a review said that it was like “you be you” that’s also true. It’s about ...

Just over a week ago post man dropped off the box for me… full of wonder and inspiration.  As you might already know I have rediscovered my love for sewing. I missed it actually and I found is so incredibly satisfying when garment comes together. And so relaxing quiet down time making things with my hands.  And as you also might know I love a happy mail in a form of subscription box.  I was totally influenced by listening to Uncut podcast for makers about the African wax print fabrics and that Ankara appreciation week was coming up it makes my Instagram feed so very colourful and happy… and £25 sounded really good for one meter and two neater fabric, matching thread some lovely sewing things and a sweet treat.   I opened it and a big smile appeared on my face. Just look at these prints! So bold bright and somehow life affirming so fabric and sewing g supplies made feel this way who knew! The clips I was thinking of getting anyway. Matching thread is always handy...

One gloomy Friday night friend and I went into a shipping container.....  Have you heard of Bone Yard in Cardiff? Oh it’s magical, local makers, indi business and lovely folks and their creative spaces. They moved form their original place to new spot not far from Victoria park and Ysgol Treganna...  I got the message of my friend with details of the workshop. The plan was hatched. I was so neat. But it wasn’t and quiet as pottery thing I did before that. Pottery was a learning curve of being quiet and mindful but terrarium building is something else entirely. And it helped that we have a glass of bubbly Secco.   Terrarium is a glass vessel with layers of drainage and plants in. Pinterest has some truly lovely ones. And I always thought about how difficult it must be to do all the layers and where to get all the stuff I would need. So for £40 with 5 plants and all the necessary equipment it was really a no-brainer.   I am so pleased how it turned out! And w...

I have heard of Big Fish Little Fish Events form Scummy Mummies podcast ages ago and we have been to one in Tramshed. Last time I found it a bit too much for the little guy, it was hot it was crowded and he just kept a in running from and to the toilets. Nightmare. So we haven’t been for couple of years.  But this time the event was in Depot. It is a much bigger venue and it was fabulous.  Egg was very happy to explore the area and look and touch things. Few times I have say no and get traffic lights out, but he was a very happy and well behaved self. And I could see him. And it wasn’t too loud. Unlike in tramshed.  There were 2 bars, massive craft and baby crawl areas. Pizza place and a lady with magnificent cupcakes and cakes. Some nice benches and chairs for folks to chill at. And there were photo booths and face paining. The photo booth with printed photo was a very affordable £2 and tons of props.  There was also Santa! One of our classm...

This year seems to be very full of events and shows we saw. I mean only that week when I got so tired in the end by watching 3 shows in the row !  Then we also been to see Pink. And she was well just what you expect her to be. Full on show! With flying dancers, moving props and she flew over the stadium!  We still have few things to see until the year ends but last week we went to Tramshed to see Ash.  It’s funny that my young work colleagues have no idea about band and the joy that “Girl from Mars “ is...  However I cannot call my self a big fan or a connoisseur of their music, I love songs that  I love and well others not so much and I don’t keep with updates and such. I’m one of these wierd people who’s music preferences are really random... from Led Zeppling Immigrant song to soundtrack from Snoopy film.... You know, it’s part of being a mum too!  I didn’t know all the songs, but the sounds is just going throw your whole bod...

Some days are just better than others and more eventful.  Good few weeks ago I had a really long work week, and on the way to work I found out via podcast that Guilty Feminist creator will be showing the film in Cardiff as part of the International Welsh Film Festival... I was however unsure, I really needed a bath and some well deserved rest but after talking to hubby who said “it’s a one off thing and will not happen again, you should go” so off I went. The film is called  Say My Name  and it is very very good. Strong adventurous female lead, fun story totally passes 6 laugh test and I even teared up at one moment. However it is unclear if more people will see it on the big screen. I never knew how complicated film distribution is. I have tweeted about it and got likes and retweets form creators and cast. I was so chuffed! Well still am, like this is my claim to fame!  Then after the world stanges Q&A I got to meet Deborah Francis-White, we chatted about the fi...

I didn’t want to listen to pop music anymore. Britney Spears in school uniform was tiring me away from pop and then I heard it....  somehow I remember this as t was yesterday.  I was flicking through my homework books.. with radio Moden from St Petersburg where everything cool happened was on and there was a woman’s voice singing to drums and fun music  “Do you have an opinion  A mind of your own?  I thought your were special...” I fell in love... with alt rock music with Garbage and Shirley Manson...  Music exposure or any culture exposure was a bit limited where I come from.  I remember bying the cassette with pirated compallation of all of garbage. And loving it all.  I remember seeing the video on MTV when mtv still did videos of “I think I’m paranoid” ... oddly, now it would be a trigger song and will upset folks...  but last week my teen dream came true....  I jumped arms in the air singing on top of my lungs “when I grow up I’ll b...

This has been a very big week for us.  Our little boy started going to school full day. And it’s been so stressful... for me. Everyone else seems to be just fine maybe a little tired!  After we dropped him off I had a little cry outside the school. Because I am emotional like that and Edgar just turned 4 last month.  Not that he isn’t ready for school. I feel very scared for him. He still not really taking...  He is talking a bit more, made great progress over summer. He also now ok with other kids, which is a super great development! But still needs support, speech therapy, and he makes real progress! He now has a one to one teaching assistant, and she is great! And if we started the week with us taking him right into the classroom now he is happy to walk himself!  So neither of us had a lay-in and lazy start to the day. This week has been full on. Work, school, meetings and appointments... and Egg even that school is super tiring he won’t sleep past 6am... But...

So last Sunday 10 June marked the centenary if women’s right to vote in UK.  Ireland voted yes to repeal the 8th...  It’s been few amazing weeks for women! Emotions are running high... and frankly I didn’t cry while in the procession, even if it was so emotional and touching... but I balled my eyes today. Trigger was the silly series I watch and some sad stuff happened so I am crying about everything that has happened in few last weeks.  I saw the processions advert in for a while but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it so I didn’t singed up... so like a 4-5 days before the event I realised that I am free and I so should do this. With my son.  But he didn’t want to play to start with... so after a slow start and riding on my shoulders he walked most of the way in the sun with super fun processions.  We saw some excellent banners .. Heard some women sing beautifully. And girl guides chanting with all their might. You can see my...

Last time I was in the theatre it was for Magic poridge pot in Welsh with my boy’s preschool. It was lovely don’t get me wrong. But I need something for me. So we got tickets to see Band with my mother in law for Christmas.    I do enjoy going to WMC. And we didn’t know much about the musical only that there is a lot of take that music. I don’t mind that, but I wouldn’t call my self a fan. But I have favourite songs, like Back for Good and Rule the World.  Yvonne was telling me about the tv program where they were looking for people to act in this show. I of course have no idea about it, but it must have been an enjoyable watch for people who love the band and the musicals.  So we settled in and ... it was so lovely. I actually almost cried! Twice!  It’s not Take That the musical it is a story for friendship thoughtout the years set to take that music.  After that I wanted to dance and run three through the fields. Not sure where the last feeling came from!...

So I think it has been year since I last laced up my trainers and went for a run.  So pretty much every day since about 5th of January I was trying to get my shit together and go for a run.  A wish to run was there but the motivation and the will power wasn’t. Also the storms were not fun!  So after few days of procrastination I have finally decieded it was time and put the run into school run, after dropping of Eggy to school I run home...  Putting my winter running gear after a year of no runs was a bit... I felt like a sausage, everything was very clingy, and a not tight. It might be due to the fact that I didn’t wear tight head to toe, and well I have put on a little bit of weight understandably.   In total I run just over 4km in about 25minutes...  I should and could have been faster. What I didn’t consider before I set off it that everything was icy. I had to really concentrate on where each foot went. At first it was not relaxing. Runs are there to c...

And just like that another year has finished and the new one started.  It has been a busy and eventful year. But I am very much looking forward to the new challenges and events of 2018.  So this year I am hoping to: -cook more and use new recipes at least once a month -run a half marathon -become fitter -travel to Russia and somewhere else too -get the job (losing my permit really messed me up this year in job search. Would you employ anyone with no passport on hand? But I have a suspicion that my doncuments are in post sorting office waiting to be picked up tomorrow)  -read more -be a bit more healthier -use less plastic and recycle more -grow more plants, fruit and vegetables  -make more, craft and all!  Have you made any plans and resolutions? I think all these things are easily achievable. I am just hoping for a better year. And I wish you the same! 

I think I always had plants in my life...  in the summer our balcony was like a little jungle back home. It was the only place that got sun all day long.  So it wasn't a new scandi trend that I am into.  However the love for plants didn't mean that I can pot, prune and put them in the right place... but it all has changed. Thanks to hubby dearest who is also rather greenfingered himself, he showed me how to plant, repot and what happens when he looses interest and forgets to water things...  He doesn't water when I tend to overwater... no middle ground here. Oh and little one loves to water too.   We got a new succulent friend while food shopping yesterday.  But luckily I have started to google and read on the plant subject so my green babies will thrive.  I got to say our windowsill is super pretty  I also learnt how to propagate some plants. It's actually easy and really satisfying. And then I give new plant babies away. With warmer weather our ...

I grew up with 8th March always being a holiday. In Russia there is also the Men's day, technically it is for gents who served in armed forces, 23rd February. But until fairly recently only 8th March was a holiday, however the February holiday is now official thing too. Guess men felt too left out.  Well if you are Russian or former USSR you are aware that on 8th of March you will be getting presents just for being a girl and having a vagina. No matter the age. It's a thing. And that would be pretty much it.  Living abroad where the day is just a day... but I think either I have started paying attention or the feminism was in the air this year. And here is everyone's favorite feminist... Lots of ladies shared photos and stories about their inspiring girlfriends, actual real life examples of female awesomeness were all over social media. And of course some of my male friends asked the old time question "when is men day?" And I was pleased to see that a...

Oh all the right people won. Even despite that awkward moment we all be talking for years to come... Here is the outfits that made me really happy. And predominantly these are red and black.  Can I please have the Viola Davies' cold shoulder number?  Now that's a movie star Taraji P Henson! Here are some honorable mentions that don't fall into my red and black obsession. Golden girl Emma Stone like female Oscar  Halle Berry's natural hair is a thing of beauty  Oh Naomie Harris is super beautiful in this white structure galore with pretties asymmetric shoes.  Oh and Hailee Steinfeld dressed like in a beautiful cloud of light fabric.... Just aww! As for gentlemen it is of course the smart cut tailoring. I truly loved Riz Ahmed  Or maybe it is because every time I see him I think of his character in Rogue One after he send the message to rebels... Heart breaks!! And this......

People come and go.. we change we are busy we priorities.... my little monkey comes first so I don't have time for anyone but him. Well you all can cook and wipe your own butts.  Yes being a mother is amazing... but it is also super hard demanding and isolating. If you have one mum friend cosider yourself lucky. I have them but hey aren't near! I love you mamas but you aren't in arms reach. And you have mamas within 2 or 3 doors to you.. you are so lucky!!    (I love Rhian hat much that even let her snapchat filer me!) I thought I had that friend thing figured out... oh boy was I wrong. My freaking maid of honour turned out to be someone else. Not someone I want to maintain relationship with... it is hard to make friends when you are older... but some how I have couple of people I am fond of! And we don't need to talk all the time...   Actually had some homemade cake and good company and a nice chat and sushi and secco later in a week... and I had my old friend over ...

The beautician I see every time I go to motherland said that my skin is awesome. Listen up people with oily skin (or whereabouts) due to its extra oils and such we have more natural occurring collagen and this means we age at slower rate. Unless you do not look after yourself. Awesome news really. I was never a huge fan of my skin but hey, slower ageing trumps all the little pimples. Damn them. So I figure got to love my awesome oily skin and get it proper care and attention. I have started to pay more attention to cleansing. I got me Hot Cloth Cleaning Balm from Boots very own Botanics range, which I love and use. Price was great for a tester session too. Actually the idea of hot cleansing was put into my head by Salli Hughes who was on one of the episodes of Scummy Mummies who I adore. Since I have been using this cleansing method, mind you only in the evenings when I put big man into a bath, I have notices couple of things: my skin feels cleaner my skin...

In 2013 I completed my 1st ever hard obstical race , Survival of the Fittest. I had a blast.  And then this Sunday I did it again. With my friend Nora who in 2013 fell down next to me at the race and broke her leg. It was super hard for her to do this, mentally mainly.  But we did it together. We supported each other when it was needed mostly. She couldn't quiet get over one climby thingy I talked her throw it and when I was about to lie down on the floor and have a cry since 10k run turned out to be 12k run, she cheered me on and made me run.  I had a cold all week long prior to run. This is never good actually, anyone who ever run or did something physical. Last time I run after the cold it was when I wingged my way throw Birmingham half. The height of the stacks of bale scared me too. But I did them purely on will power, I can't jump high.   I enjoyed the event. Mainly because I had Nora with me to cheer me on and such. When I hi...

Street food circus. Silly name for a fun foodie faire.  We have been last year when it was behind Radisson in Cardiff. This year they have moved to nicer surroundings of Sophia Gardens. And this time me and my girl Viera went in the evening. Me out on Friday night?! What?! I thought I'd never see the day!  It was nice to be out in the evening!  They had a fab selection of awesome makers and cooks!  We had reclette thing. Melted wheel of cheese scraped over potatoes with some serano ham, shallots, crunchy pickles.and I don't like pickles!  Then we head over to brûlée bar! These were little pots of creamy haven, you chose from set toppings or make your own. Too much choice really!  And we washed it down with prosecco cocktail from the tiny prosecco van. I tell you what we all need one of these in our gardens! It was good fun but mainly it was nice to do this with a friend and to catch up!