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║today my way║

PERFECT SLIDING INTO THE WEEKEND
PERFECT SLIDING INTO THE WEEKEND
































It's not that I don't like rain but it no longer adds this element of unexpected to everyday chores, it's all about luck these days. I never realized an umbrella will happen to be among my indispensable essentials but you never stop learning, being inspired and annoyed all in one. At first I thought I'd escape the neighbourhood but before I knew it it kept raining throughout the county. It is really about luck. And for once I'd love to be able to remove my make up using cleansing wipes and a light liquid formula instead of having it smudged all over my face. It takes a bit of skill getting it wiped to achieve socially acceptable aesthetics.  

You need advice on old, used and unusual? Hey, welcome! Don't even take your shoes off! I have been thinking about starting a spring series about that many vintage, antique and curiosity shops around my area to help make those decorating decisions much easier and get inspired myself. I spend the majority of strolling down the streets on searching for unexpected nooks in between stores, bars and flower stalls. There's a lot going on on the streets of my town that intrigues, comes out of nowhere offering what once worked and still can. Just to warn you: this experience may be life changing.

All this practice and I may loose the position of Nadia's stylist. Am I sad? A little. Am I thrilled? More than a lot! Just recently I moved her dress rack low enough so she could get her hands on it and keep encouraging her to choose whatever she likes (therefore not too many Pre-School Boutique posts). She doesn't plan, doesn't potter, wants everything chosen in an instant to look fabulous there and then. When my powers are restricted creating something herself changes the whole perspective. It may be a little odd, a tad against the weather (cardigans always in rotation), a whole different way of looking at fashion but the trick is to feel good in any combination of fabric and I'm totally enjoying the vigorous growth of little fashionista. What's changed? She skips layers and bland colours altogether, most definitely turns to wearing the same thing over and over again. As she's become very hesitant to new arrivals I have decided to always seek her advice in online shopping and stop buying things on my lonesome shopping trips. The importance of finishing touches on the other hand will get figured out somehow.     

Have an awesome weekend!
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PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING






































































Choosing a space we'll give our undenying attention is an easy process around here. A whiz to a place that falls in our category of heaven buzzing with tourists and noise of all kinds in the summer but not putting us off with the quietness of streets and shops closing at silly hour for the reminder of the year it is. It never shouts 'Hey, look at me!' but quietly does what it suppose to do to our eyes zooming across the water. I say this many times and will show you places that tell the story of our family so well becoming something very much our own no matter how often or rarely they are visited. We could have stayed forever pottering around our friends' house cuddling warm fur of their cats and dogs. We lost time in my all time favourite curiosity shop nabbing a few trinkets in Easter hues, snacked on discounted doughnuts that their texture has already evolved into something unrecognizable. It got really cold into the evening, our fingers almost stopped pressing the shutter button but we just couldn't leave. The colours, the abandonment of a space, intriguing calmness of the sea will always manipulate my mind in the best possible way. And yes, you guessed it, it would be a big deal to move to the sleepy town again but it already resonates with our hearts so we will let the dialogue continue.

PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
The exciting news that explain the portion of the classic shots a nature lover needs in order to remain sane indicates another milestone in our personal journey. We celebrated 11 years together the way it fits our vibe and choosing open space seemed like an excellent idea but the reality of it on a freezing cold afternoon sucked. But that is the fun part, right? So off we went to pick up Nadia from kindergarten and shower her with variety of kisses. It's the most fabulous part in my daily schedule and will never get enough of it. x

PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
PRETTY INCREDIBLE, CALM SEA FOR ALL THE ATTENTION YOU'RE GETTING
Beanie: New Look, Infinity Scarf: Primark, Dress: Asos, Leather Boots: Bershka, Jacket: House of Fraser, Shopper: H&M
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END OF JANUARY HAPPENS TO BE PRETTY SPECTACULAR
Our joint portrait is being sketched since the first sign of interest in each other and will continue until the last grey hair. We don't always hold hands, we sit beside but sometimes run alone. Usual story that keeps us up on our toes and never allows to get bored, without a doubt the best lifetime experience imaginable (together with parenthood it is just a roller coaster ride for the clueless). I'd like to dedicate this post to person I've been inseparable for more than a decade, 11 years have found us in a decent shape and form, most especially being able to find a snippet of time to spend this day together. Here is a collection of meaningful things I could and couldn't live without since our dating era. 

I could mostly live without...
- Loud snoring when he reaches his REM stage
- Being asked to the table when I'm reading/blogging/being miles away
- His indecisiveness to numerous ideas of mine and a lot more reasons against them (to eventually going along with my plans and enjoying them to bits. Like I didn't know he would have loved them)
- Side effect of being overtired: coming straight from work, picking up toys and silently putting them back where they belong (quiet before the storm).

But I couldn't possibly make a day without...
- Giving up my share of quilt so I get to cuddle more to warm strong arms
- Blue eyes following me everywhere as I step out of the shower (and most definitely without any fabric on)
- His sweaty T-shirt that stays with me until I get awaken by Nadia's wriggling little body
- Phoning or texting several times a day not being rebuked for bothering him at work especially while his boss is accidentally standing next to him
- Being thought of even when I sleep (as he wakes up early and sometimes makes me breakfast)
- Roasted chicken and mashed potatoes in a delicious gravy (even without salad)
- Getting a gentle peeling with his unshaven jawline
- His smiling face greeting me out of wound down car window every time he's patiently waiting for me (mostly being late) and not going on about it (for the first fifteen minutes)
- Him curling up beside me in bed when we get a chance to lay side by side (chances are slim but we keep trying)
- Hot chocolate made with love (and milk not water) served exactly ten minutes (with the timer accuracy) after stirring the powder in. I don't know who I'd be taking with me on a deserted island - him or the timer, lol


There are a lot more reasons why my heart skips the minute I see your face, Dee. I'll keep collecting them with you by my side. xxx
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ABOUT A GIRL
ABOUT A GIRL
ABOUT A GIRL



























































































































In the depths of winter everything that makes children children is playing hide and seek and my pleasure is to bring it out. Tiny flat is turning micro and even imagination won't make it the largest space on earth (although we're trying). We've stretched the walls, let a few big sighs escape and back to wake the rooms we went. It's not even trying to snow which we would love but if the weather is against us for any longer (even unintentionally) we'll have no choice but fast forward to May without further notice. Of that I'm absurdly certain. And there is kindergarten we're making our way to skipping passionately between puddles or jumping right in (always successfully!). After a long Christmas break of trying wholeheartedly not to escape the squishiest of blankets between coughing episodes but at the same time pushing days gently so that the colourful heavy on the noise atmosphere wraps us up again convinced me into trusting this place to lift up our moods no matter the weather (not really finished with it acting all bizarrely but let's move on). However on the first day Nadia found that being serious about formatting friendships, returning to favourite games and activities again and again could fail a friendly heart. Contented to see her friends, came home a little sad, a little not herself tripling the questions in my head and how to address the topic somewhere along the lines. We sat in her bedroom having an enormous mirror in front of us, her tucked in my arms not trying to make faces or anything this time. I asked how it went, who she played with and if there was a little something in her teeny tiny world she would like me to hear about. I was surprised how quickly stream of words flew out. It was just, only just a little fun because her friend thought the games were boring and they're not friends anymore and Wednesdays gained a bad name should I need to go that far. So now I needed a Barbie doll or Playmobil pool with water slide to happen, so full of possibilities, so temporarily inspiring. Instead we rocked back and forth dissolved in each other's arms as I started to whisper that it takes more than an afternoon to find what we liked in somebody and the closeness of her cousins and of course me and daddy's will find her until next delivery of a big dose of energy at school. It surprised her I could be her friend too, like it was an unbelievably crazy idea because I am a mum, I don't shout and run in the park (it happened in the past, I promise). It cheered her enormously, I wonder what images her brain created to fill her with joy at a simple thought of me doing the kid's stuff. I think I was asked about fifty times already if I was her friend and my heart hasn't been elsewhere ever since.  

And then I showed her new lemon raincoat that was delivered while she wasn't home and she wore it for the rest of the evening, just like everything she does the day it arrives. Her thing obviously. x
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GO ODD AND DIFFERENT
GO ODD AND DIFFERENT
GO ODD AND DIFFERENT

























































































































If you can go a little off radar with your nails, well go for it! It's relatively easy with the right equipment and all the time in the world (or prepare yourself for a two day session, say one coat of polish per afternoon if you're a rarely casually strolling down the street mum). I only recently discovered the importance of adding personality round my cuticles thanks to my passionate about every stud, wrap and bottle of glitter friend. Sometimes simple splash of colour is just a little too bland that it needs a bit more insight in what's on my mind at a time. I'm still learning (mostly how to stay patient and not to apply next coat too soon but every minute matters in this household) and improvise as much as I can using the simplest of supplies (sellotape did the trick in this particular design). Days like that are rare but when they happen I've learnt not to fight the exceedingly tingling feeling of accepting the odd mistake and going for it anyway. As one does here all the time. 

Happy Wednesday, my friends!
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IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A MONDAY
IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A MONDAY
IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A MONDAY



IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A MONDAY

IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A MONDAY


































































































The great thing about going somewhere different is that it gives me time to reflect: what's not worth spending time on and what's important (clothes included). We definitely want to explore more spots on our local map and this hidden behind tall bricked wall cemetery is no exception. Anyway how are you almost two weeks into the new, happy year? Deliriously excited or simply getting there? Absolutely over winter or giving it a second chance? For me this past week left me pretty tired with never-ending flu (11 days and counting!) and going to bed past reasonable bedtime due to working on my Diploma was not so satisfying to my skin so staying bundled up and covering what should be passed unnoticed is my way of ending the season (not pushing it or anything, just hoping my energy levels reappear soon to enjoy it, rain lashing down or not). It's Monday again, no work for a week, just pj's under whatever I throw on top and no one will know how I got through the day. Ha, only joking not wanting to scare a soul but the week will definitely unwrap itself this or other way and me and Nadia will give it as much attention as we possibly can. And as for my work, it raises the pulse as I speak as I am applying for the senior role within my company and no matter how well I know the routine and policies, well it is still a change which leads me nicely to tomorrow's Daily Hiit challenge: 30 days of sweat should be more than enjoyable. x
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CROSSING OVER TO THE DARK SIDE


CROSSING OVER TO THE DARK SIDE















































Just making it short and exciting for the weekend with two photos from my recent fabulous birthday night out with great bunch of people celebrating appearance of new crow's feet on my face. You can't fully see my dark brown hair (although the poor lighting adds intrigue to the colour) which I need to get used to but I didn't want to go down the lighter route. So now I am like a sponge taking as many compliments as just the opposite but I'm fine with that. I like variety. When going out, some nights I favour glam feminine look, other nights (let's start counting and it still will be a one digit number) a rock'n'roll kind of vibe. Dress is always my pick but the thought of sharpening the look a bit can't fade away recently. As for the underwear I needed something to lift and sculpt a bit as a middle aged woman should do and it did the job fantastically! I can't praise it enough, it's instant mood (and other bits) lifter if you will. Take my word of wisdom and unearth possibilities that you didn't ever think possible in a tiny piece of fabric. When the night turned to dawn we melded seamlessly with the world asleep for a good few hours. A little older, a little wiser... Back to normal. x 
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SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
























This week's theme is nature! (I always wanted to say this). We sneaked out in this unfriendly to my new hair weather (those photos are a little overdue) that didn't exactly leave the trees outside in a state of art but as long as the sun was out we let our windswept locks have some fun. So we looked a close town for inspiration and enjoyed a true swan oasis to bits. The swans are so confident we almost regretted it got so personal - they nudged our hands, almost curled up at our feet. Staying at their height level can get our of hand if you're four and friendly so after they got what we had nobody saw us there since. The whole festive week we technically stayed indoors watching movies ('Great Expectations' always set the mood and Bridget Jones never fails to take us on a silly journey of sorts but that just works fabulously when you're not ready for more than a hot chocolate and a jolt of unexpected) and family videos, doing things I don't write on To-do-lists, having everything impractically piled up on beds and chairs. It was a relaxed and much needed state of mind for everybody.

I'm afraid I could get addicted to getting spoiled, talked about and sang to. If it makes pulse quickening at least once a year I'm all for it. I didn't plan too much for my birthday (I kind of did but it was nicer to stay indoors cheering Captain Phillips) apart from a night out with close people and a little bowling session the next day which actually didn't happen but the clubbing part was awesome (especially that Damian obliged to embrace my taste in music and company). We went for it without jackets and after having a few drinks secretly awaiting that moment of putting key in the door and filling ourselves with that warm welcoming feeling. Yeah, we're not really that partying type of gals.       

SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES

SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
SNEAK OUT AND CHALLENGE THE SKIES
^^ My mum trying to invade the old church from the most visible entrance. Who knows where it leads but that I reckon is the exciting part! ^^

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ALTHOUGH NOT EVERYTHING IS SORTED IT'S KIND OF THERE

ALTHOUGH NOT EVERYTHING IS SORTED IT'S KIND OF THERE
































































My typing fingers are way more resistant than their writing equivalents so before I'll go back to scribbling silly amount of words for my work Diploma I solemnly promised to finish this month (I make all my resolutions rather impulsively) it is officially confirmed I'm staying here tonight and then we can sort out the dinner. Before it happens I'll guide you through a debate in my head. It's not common to talk about religion, not when we just recently injected a festive ornament to every space available in more than a relaxed manner. I did so myself. And will recreate it again this snowless winter however... For me it’s hard not to question religious phenomenon, having developed skeptical and critical thinking raising a child without religion used to make me a little uncomfortable. Just like raising her with one in mind. It's the story I'm allowing myself to come to terms with because I don't want safe, easy living in order to fit in. I was raised a Catholic with a lot of pressure put on attending service every Sunday. Effectively made involved in the rituals no effort was put on explaining it or experiencing it the deep spiritual way. A lot later rethinking and analyzing life and our rituals has pushed me to this phase of life when exuberant curiosity about everything strikes again. I'm not happy to decide, to label myself. Not believing in god means not believing in anything? I simply refuse to think so. I do believe in good in all of us, me creating the world around however that is still a work in progress. And Nadia will have her whole life to think about it, she may never decide and that's okay.

P.S. I love the tradition of putting the tree up every year or else it wouldn't be Christmas. I keep recreating childhood magic. Is it hypocritical? Nothing that makes us happy should be avoided, rules, principles exist to separate. I'll excitedly share holy bread, eat Kosher food, sit with you and your gods. As one human being happy to be among others. x 
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CAMPUS BOOK RENTALS ON TODAY MY WAY












I teamed up with company called CampusBookRentas before but am equally excited to invite them again reaching out to all of the college-goers out there. There's never been a better way to rent textbooks and save 40-90% off of bookstore prices! Campus Book Rentals offers new and gently used textbooks for typically less than half the price you'll pay in your school bookstore and you can use them as if they were yours - if highlighting is how you like to study, feel free to do it! There's tons of perks to the service: free shipping both ways, flexible renting periods, monthly giveaways, textbook scholarships and more. 

Want to rent your own books? RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! (selling their books back at the end of the semester). Isn't that awesome?!

Helping others? Ticked! The company's Making a Difference program is an important part of what they do. They're keeping their partnership with Operation Smile and have committed to donate a minimum of 80 additional reconstructive cleft lip surgeries between June 2013 and June 2014 to children in need changing their lives forever. The long-term improvement in quality of life for the children that receive these surgeries is almost incomprehensible. So when you rent textbooks from them, you make a difference.

CAMPUS BOOK RENTALS ON TODAY MY WAY
Campus Book Rentals pioneered this industry and have successfully served customers across the US on every major university. Their primary means of business growth is word of mouth. Why? Because they're real. They do what they say they'll do - deliver the right book on time and save each student hundreds of dollars every semester. Join the movement.   

<< This post is sponsored by Campus Book Rentals. Thanks for supporting our sponsors! >>

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BUSY MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT I HAVE

























First and foremost, thank you all for your New Year's wishes and visits while whirlwind of holiday season kept my mind occupied elsewhere. Mostly committed to enjoying days at every possible moment even though they shook me a little. Six days into the New Year enormity of resolutions made way before the clocks struck midnight are present in the air and keep everyone on their feet. Stepping expertly out of the old habits and excuses or seeking inspiration in uncertainty of days happened to land on my household agenda just in time to be joining in with a really wonderful group of ladies (do link up too, girls!). Biting into my share of promises has never been an easy process, my diaries are full of projects, objects, words and numbers. I never fail to plan big. This year I imagine throwing out a piece, a goal to make more space in focusing on a broader picture, view to be guided by and nothing more suitable comes to mind than making the most of what I already have and am. Before it grows late, becomes unimportant one midday. I don't need more time, more clutter, searching outside the box whilst inside is full of wonder. Noticing things that require effort and work has called for attention, a lot of time on my hands has had the achievement expectancy reduced to nil, to a page of a book a month, herbal tea every quarter, greeting the day before everybody else once in a blue moon. I've stayed attached to certain habits for too long and instead of mastering new hobby, awaiting the cloudless sky, sound of a chuckling baby, asking for opinion on opening verse of my novel rather than finishing lines brings more imprecise hopes than tackling what really needs to be tackled at any given time. 

It so means there will be sure changes to the way I'm blogging, shockingly posts will appear more frequently (those consistent ladies really know how to do it right!), anything that turns a space into unconventional and inspiring is going to happen planned or not. 
  
Now it's your turn! Tell me your goals or reflections for the new year! xx  

BUSY MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT I HAVE
BUSY MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT I HAVE

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2013 IN PHOTOS
























On the first day of the new year our voices went silent and our throats spoke with force we weren't used to. Adding warm foreheads and not so elegant ensemble we give you a high five 2014 because we wouldn't be able to prolong the festive holiday time any other way. But joking aside there always have to be one proper cold per winter so we're ticking ours off ready to paint a new start. With a few photos from 2013 I can't wait to jump into the new year (new month) and tell you all about it. Happy 2014! xx  


<< JANUARY

2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< FEBRUARY
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<< MARCH
2013 IN PHOTOS

2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< APRIL
2013 IN PHOTOS

2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< MAY
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< JUNE
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< JULY
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< AUGUST
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< SEPTEMBER
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< OCTOBER
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< NOVEMBER
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS

<<< DECEMBER
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
2013 IN PHOTOS
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I'm Eli, an optimist in training collecting an awful lot of ballet pumps and spending too much time admiring the sea. You'll find me writing about the joys of parenting, fashion, simple pleasures that all together create a beautiful life. xx

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