Across the Pond

So, here I am...in the land of maple syrup and grizzlies. (No, I'm not referring to the Canadian Opera singers)

After having been interrogated by customs, my luggage rampantly searched through and locking myself out of my room, twice no less, in less than 24 hours of my arrival...I can safely say that I am definitely a European type of gal. Or, perhaps it's just the jetlag. But, rest assured, there is a Starbucks on every corner to cure this rather irritable condition.

I was, however, extremely happy to have been taken to Lawrence Market on my first day in order to get a taste of the Ukrainian-Canadian culture over here.

You can keep your maple syrup.

...But I'm taking the Perogies.

l'Objet de mon Affection

An ordinary Sunday in March at Les Marolles...

Metro: Porte de Hal/Hallepoort

Le printemps est arrivé...Found a Belgian replacement for Mischa...along with Tin Tin's dog. And Verdi's Requiem on CD for €8. Bargain.

Junkie

There's something that has to be said about trawling through collections of vintage junk...

I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt, like the so many that I played out as a child. ...and you just know it's the place to be if there is a hip young crowd, accompanied by their Pug.

Balls of Steel

Built in the late 1950s, The Atomium was designed by André Waterkeyn for Expo '58. Its nine balls represent the atoms of a metal crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Rather excited by the prospect of visiting this bizarre structure, its substance failed to impress...

It has to be said that certainly in this case, girth isn't everything...

...although you can still have fun under the sheets.

Drug Opera

Having arrived in beautiful Bruxelles after a week of suffering with flu-like symptoms, I was extremely happy to have made it in one piece from St Pancras to Bruxelles Midi.

As if that wasn't enough, I was then dragged to the opera house and then to an evening function...a party with members of the cast, crew, producers, assistant producers, etc, etc... from 'La Calisto' and 'Le Grand Macabre'.

Must be the Drug Opera that keeps you going...

Go Vintage...and Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture

My worst nightmare was realised on the Saturday night just passed...

Making my way to the Hollywood Ball at the Globe, I felt confident in the knowledge that I looked good and, more importantly, uniquely chic.  That was, until, upon arrival I realised that I hadn't caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, no no no...but another was sporting the same fanulous nude coloured lacey number as I!!!

I always wondered what action I would persist to take, should ever this eventuality occur. Perhaps a photo of the two great minds together?  Or stand on polar opposites of the room, like two magnets?  In any case, making a purchase in the sales is always a risky business when it comes to formal wear.  Another extremely good reason to go vintage...

So you can shake it like a polaroid picture without a care in the world.

I'll drink to that.

The Complete Daily Companion to the British Weather

Perhaps it's the ever fun loving youthful and effervescent Ukrainian girl within us all that makes us behave contrary to usual adult behaviour.  There's just something about the crystalline ice water that persuades us to have the sudden urge to run around like a five-year-old and make a snow angel.  Or perhaps that's just me...Or perhaps it's more rather the fact that snow, which actually settles for longer than five minutes, is such a rarity in England's green and pleasant land. 

Making the most of the novelty arctic conditions before it all melts away, dressed in mum's vintage tartan jacket and woolly jumper...accompanied by, of course, the Dr Zhivago hat and Mischa.

The Teacosy

Yes, all our grandmothers have or had one, and they have slowly but persistently made their way from the kitchen to our heads.

I have to say though, that I am rather fond of this winter fashion accessory. It reminds me somewhat of farmer chic and, on the plus side, by sporting one of these now almost obsolete kitchen accessories, they can potentially retain up to 30% of your body heat.

Ooh ah.

Dr Zhivago

Embracing the cold, Ukrainian style, with the latest addition to the family - Mischa, the ten and a half week old pup.