Chapter 11: Trust. What does it mean?

“Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.”

George MacDonald

Trust is a big word. It takes a while for any of us to say "I trust you". And what to do if somebody has destroyed your beautiful garden of trust? What if you can't possibly trust anybody who can even hardly remind you on that person or....maybe you've lost your believe in people in general?..Fine let's go back to the beginning.

Draw the picture:
this is the one you love, who did something you could not imagine this person would ever do to you. You feel hurt. And it is absolutely does not matter if one cheated on you or just lied about something or mistreated - you have lost your believe in this person. As Mark Darcy ("Pride and Prejudice") said:" ...but my good opinion once lost, lost forever". Let's say it was so... So this person lost your trust. Maybe it was your passionate lover, maybe your best friend... it does not matter.
Ok, and now imagine it is a while ago. You just met a person who seems to be very nice. It is a nice evening: you are drinking wine, discussing the film you just watched, listening to some jazz band playing here in this small Spanish bar. You feel good. The person says it is some nice party his/her friends hosting tonight, asks you if you want to come - you say no. Some other time you meet him/her in the coffee shop and the person asks you how are you doing and you say you have some complications doing some project. He/She tells you: "Oh,I had those difficulties too. May I help you?". You're smiling, your eyes are a little bit sad, something you might forgot just passed by in your own thoughts. "No, thank you. I think I'll deal with that" - would be your answer.
Well, I guess the situation is already clear. When you are losing your trust it would be very hard for you to trust other people, even in small things. I know our world is big and dangerous, everybody are living in some virtual reality and if they are not, they trying to close themself as a locket with a secret inside, and are scared to even mention that locket exists.
Guys, this is wrong. There are to many bad people, who will be happy to know you are sad and lonely, don't really want to see anybody. Do not make this people happy! I know how hard this cold be to trust a man, when you your ex-boyfriend mistreated you. And I also can imagine how hard it is to believe this woman would not ever cheat on you, when your ex did. This would be a long process to recover and rebuild your trust, but it worth it to start doing that.
Start with some little things. For example, a young men want to buy you a cocktail. Don't think right away: "He wants to get me drunk"! Maybe, he does not. Anyway, try to calm down and do not make any conclusions, just note that as some nice thing done from his turn. Well, if however you still feel yourself uncomfortable thinking he is bad bad boy, smile, say: "It is very nice of you" and order non-alcoholic drink. He wants to pay anyway, so what's the matter? If he insists... this is the other question.
Another thing, and I believe this is important one, is not to be afraid of telling other people about your fears and feelings. It would be easier for other person to understand your actions and reactions. Remember that sometimes we just have a different logic: what's logical for me, can be rubbish for you.
You will see how easier it would be to trust one in big things, when you already trust one in small. Notice that I don't tell you to trust every single person and looking for explanations for every bad things people do. Be sensible. Just, if you like somebody, if you think this person might be good for you, but you have suspicions or doubts, try to be objective! Give others a chance!

Believe in yourself first and than let yourself meet new people, go out and...find new friends or even new love. I wish you luck!


Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 10: Spring time. Little gifts every day.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn". ~Hal Borland


Oh,spring is finally here. Yes, I know it is 8th of March already, but...for me exactly today is the beginning of spring.You know why? Because it is "International women's day"... well, we've been told so in Russia! :-)

I wanted just to stop by shortly and let you, my dear, know what I did today. I belong to that kind of people who love fill their time with different little, but incredibly nice things! Sitting at home, when the sun is shining or drinking the whole evening, because somebody hurt you was NEVER a way out!


In my family, we love cooking together. It looks like a VIP event every time three of us: me, mom and brother are getting together in our kitchen. We wanted to have something sweet for today, because of our "women's day", so decided to do something special! Oh, don't worry, I'll share it with you. You are also invited to our tee-party :-)







Well, I had really amazing breakfast, got a present from my beloved Brother, decided to have some walk with him afterwards. Mother was at work, so we didn't want to stay home either. It is so beautiful in Berlin at this time...I don't know what others think about it, but I absolutely adore this sunny weather, when it's actually still cold, but you're not freezing. And even if you do, you decide to hide at some nice warm coffee shop, when you can look out the window, enjoying ray of light playing with your hair and thinking there is warm spring out that door...



After we've finished our second breakfast: coffee and croissants, we did some shopping, trying absolutely weird clothes. I think people were staring at us thinking we were truly crazy! And were, I think..we actually still.

We cooked our lunch together with Brother and when we've finished mom was already at home. The rest of the day was full of jokes, laugh and discussions. I don't know, maybe you won't believe me, when I'll say my life is colourful an bright every day, but it is true! :-) Just fill your life with different little things you'll love, with little presents (I love buying chocolate,hehe) etc.

Enjoy your life, smile and believe in yourself!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana

Chapter 9: Men and women.

"They keep saying the right person will come along, I think mine got hit by a truck".


I used to say that a lot, trying to convince myself how cruel the life is leaving me single. And how I hated the Valentine's day, when you see all these cute couples with happy smiles on their faces hugging each other with the words: "I love you, my sweetheart! I am the happiest women/men in the entire world"!...And you seating all by yourself with lonely cup of coffee trying to hide your envious look. The situation is well-known, ha?

I guess nothing has really changed since than, but me. Every normal man or women wishes to have a partner. When you are laying in your bed some lonely evening you wish somebody would be by your side. However, it suppose to be not just whoever, because you obviously have pretty exact expectations. If somebody would ask you, just by chance, who are you looking for, maybe it would be hard to describe the look, but you'll answer, I am sure, this person has to be gentle, honest, good, loving etc. The list of characteristics normally happens to be very long! But as everybody know life always takes us by surprise and keeps introducing us to the wrong people... So, you are waiting, waiting and ...waiting till your prince or the princess will knock on your door. The point is that waiting is most boring and thankless process, so time is passing by and you are getting more angry and tired. I truly can understand you, because my life includes so many absolutely crazy stories, totally weird men and disappointments that I got tired and a little bit angry too. One day I just found myself staring at my reflection: sad young woman with absolute amazing life, who has everything, but a partner...So, I asked myself:
-How do you think, my dear, does anybody really worth it you being sad and unhappy all the time?
-No, - I have answered, - but there are so many other girls, who are not better looking than me, but with partners. Why? What's wrong with me than?
-There is nothing wrong with you, sweetheart! You know what do you want and who. Your purpose is clear and this is very good, because your man won't just pass by - you are going to see him! Other people...Gosh, there are so many of us, who are so scared of loneliness that we find whoever, just somebody to be with. This is wrong. How can one be happy with the person he/she dos not love?

Well, I know guys it does sound kind of strange having conversation with yourself, but it does help. Just ask one question: do you want to be with anybody or with exact person you are going to have feelings for? What's the point of being with "Mister/Miss whatever"?

Find an answer and try to concentrate on other part of your life or better said on the life itself. Try not to stare at every handsome man or woman that passed by. Enjoy your life going out with friends and visit nice places. Smile!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana

Chapter 8: "American Psycho".

"I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?"
Patrick Bateman, "American Psycho"

Christian Bale wasn't on my list of favourite actors. I think the first film I've watched with him was "Batman"... Afterwards, if I saw his name in film crew thought: "No, I am not interested". Luckily, I'm able to change my opinion...

My brother saw this movie long time ago. So we had one of these lazy evenings, when we order some pizza and watch a film, any film that we've found in Internet and decided it can be good (or even really bad). He found "American Psycho" in his DVD collection and asked me, if we'd like to watch it, because he can hardly remind himself on details - he watched it long time ago. He told me the main idea of the movie and I thought "OK, let's risk it"! Oh, how right was I!

Amazing film, amazing Christian Bale. I believe nobody could ever play this part better than him. Just imagine: perfectly handsome men (body, face,style), who's very clever, working hard and earns a lot is... real psycho! I think this film is classic and for any way a "must have" in any film fan's collection. Though you know from the beginning that he is a psycho and very sick person, I wouldn't call this film a horror movie. It is so much better than that. You understand that he lives in rotten society, that even when he speaks about Ted Bundy and says that he reads his biography and that Ed Gein is actually a cool guy and nobody shows any reaction on that you feel kind of confused...!

Well, film wasn't enough for me, so I've decided to read a book written by Bret Easton Ellis. You know, people say book is always better that a film. And here I had to change my opinion again, because book is bigger than a movie of course and contains more information and details, what gives you a chance to understand Patrick Bateman better, BUT film is same good! Really! I'd say book is dirtier and more perverse, sometimes even disgusting in details... I don't know how, but Film shows just the same without actually showing that much, because they took only some parts of a book, what is obvious.

Conclusion: because of the book my sleep is broken, I even have some nightmares (because I still read the book)...Scary, ha? But I am very emotional person, so, it's OK with me. This is classic and classic must be red! :-) Have fun!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana

Chapter 7: Reaching for the stars.

"Always give an autograph when somebody asks you" Tommy Lasorda

Good morning to all of you, my dear readers! Sorry, I did not have much time for posting anything new yesterday. I did start to write something yesterday evening, but was so tired that got in to my bed and fall asleep immediately :-)

Ok, do you have your favourite film stars, singers or even fashion designers? I am sure you do! Well, all of us have somebody to admire and this is OK. I remember, when I was a little girl, I was absolutely in love with "Harry Potter" movies. I was waiting till each film impatiently. I still like "Harry Potter", by the way. But what I wanted to say is that I lived in a pretty small town, it wasn't a capital of Ukraine and I knew for sure that actors would never ever visit this town. It meant, sadly, that I would never to be able to take an autograph from beloved stars. Do you have such situation now?

Well, don't be sad. Because if you can't see the star alive you still have a way out! Write a letter and get you autograph per post! That's what I did.
I still have this pictures with autographs at home. Don't listening to those people who say it is all childish... Gosh, if that is exactly what you are dreaming of why in the world no?! This going to cost you maybe a 4 Euro only to send the letter! I did and that's what I got.







Of course, when I did that it was thousands times harder to find the address of any star in internet. It is a lot easier now! I want to share couple of links with you, where you can surely find beloved star's address! :-)

Number one: http://www.seeing-stars.com/search.shtml
Number two: http://www.fanmail.biz/

I wish you luck! Make your dreams come true!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 6: Nightclubs. Where to dance?

"When the music changes, so does the dance"



Now and then we want to leave our home and go out - in the night! You can meet your friends, visit some bar or... you can enter the door of some nightclub and put your energy in the dance! :) I prefer the second one!

There are a lots of nightclubs in Berlin. I think even the smallest town or village has it's own nightclub. I've been to many clubs, because I'm absolute dance lover!However, many clubs doesn't automatic mean the are all good. Furthermore, how many times you're happen to land at some weird place with really weird people and what even worse, very strange music? Let's check my personal list of places I visit a lot, when I want to dance!

You want some glamour in some good location with interesting people, who know how to behave themselves and music, which makes you want to get on the dance floor immediately? Welcome to "40 seconds" on the 8th floor ( you can get all information and see the pictures here: http://40seconds.de/)!
I am a fan of glamour, but not in the clubs. You surely know all that stuff: coming in some glamorous place with rich people around, who came there not for dancing, but for showing their money. It is nothing bad of being rich and showing you're cool, but I believe, maybe absolutely childish, night clubs are made for dancing, dancing and ...oh, dancing! It is to loud to discuss any topic, the atmosphere is to light-headed to search for a perfect partner for a life, so.. you better dance! I love "40 seconds" for people and music. There lots of men, who are in their middle forties, but they don't claim on girls, they are just enjoying their drinks, talking to other men and listening to the music. So, you feel safe there. Music is really good too. Well, it happens that DJ is... I don't know...kind of messing everything up, but that happens rare! :-) R&B - Fridays, House - Saturdays. Have fun!

Next club, one of my favourites, actually, would be "Havanna club" (the link with picture and information: http://www.havanna-berlin.de/). They have not only one dance floor, but four. This club is more famous for salsa, but they also have an amazing R&B music there - if you're fan you going to like it! About folks... Absolutely different people from different countries, rather Latin or African anyway. Don't be afraid - they're great dancers, if you need a dance partner for the night! :-)


Ok, if you want to meet some interesting people, like artists etc. you better visit "Cookies" (check it here, because they have problems with official website: http://berlin.unlike.net/locations/73-Cookies). I'd say this place is famous for its' "After-work-parties" on Tuesday and Thursday. Great music, very interesting location, cool people - I like it!

These three were my favourites. There are "Fritz club" (http://www.fritzclub.com/), "Puro" (http://www.puroberlin.de/) and "Spindler und Klatt" (http://www.spindlerklatt.com/). Well, the first one is pretty casual, I like to be there only, when I see "Uni-Cocktail" on their program. It's cheap and you can meet all the students from all universities during one night - can be fun.
The second one, "Puro", has really nice location, right on Kurfürstendamm. As to me, is good to be there if you're rich enough to get the table in VIP lounge. If you don't it is to crowded...well, it is crowded for me! There lots of people who say the club is amazing. Music is good, very good.
And the last one is good for it's location only, because it's right on the water. Well, first of all I am totally against the area around the club - it can be really scary, specially if you'll use public transport afterwards. Club itself is big, because of the terrace and restaurant part. They have good drinks, even free ice. Music is not bad at all, maybe sometimes a little bit aggressive. They also have Hip-Hop and R&B, House also - they mix a lot. Dance floor is small, but you have space to dance.

That was it, I guess. Oh, it is Tuesday Night! So, maybe you're going to visit "Cookies"? See you there and have a good night!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 5: Drinks. Where to drink?

"I am willing to taste any drink once". James Branch Cabell



Hey-hey, my dear friends and strangers, who just stopped for food and water. Yesterday we've visited some of my favourite restaurants and today we going to see the bars and coffee houses I love.

I'll start with "Billy Wilder's Bar" right on Potsdamer Platz ( here is the link: http://www.billywilders.de/ ). You can find either classical, or other different cocktail here. What's really good about this bar is atmosphere at first place and barmen at second. Quality of cocktails is very high here, price is rather high, but not cosmic. If you'll order "Classic Margarita" here you can be sure they'll serve it with salty edge, not with sugar. If you know how cocktail should be made or served you won't regret to come in here! What I absolutely love about this bar is that I can spend here lots of time being alone. You know, just drinking your cocktail, reading or writing something. Nobody really bothers you, you're safe here. This place is absolute winner among all the bars in Berlin I know.
Ok, next place we'll visit would be another cocktail bar and it's called "BR 101" ( here is the link: http://www.br-101.com/).This is a great small bar in Prenzlauberg close to Alexander Platz. I think there is only one good reason, why everybody including me like this place. Answer is prices. Cocktails are very cheap in here and I have to admit good. They mix good stuff. There is no other food except nachos, so you can visit this bar if you're really into drinks this night. The atmosphere of Brazilian music and candles is just good for girl's night or boy's night, or just to collect all of your friends . I even celebrated my Birthday at here once!

Ok, I am done with alcohol stuff, so, let's visit some of my fav coffee houses. If you want to try good coffee or interesting sort of tee, taste some home-made cakes and pies - "Barcomis" ( the link: http://www.barcomis.de/index.php) is the best place. It's kind of hard to find though, but once you've been there you'll never wish to forget it exists. Just wonderful, special in summer when you can seat outside and enjoy the view. This very calm place!









Let's get some coffee at "World coffee" in book-store Hugenduble. Take some nice book, caramel machiato and enjoy the silence of these big store. Atmosphere is amazing... Among the books. I have nothing more to say, you just have to visit it if you'll be in neighbourhood.
If you are fan of elegance and high society, but lots of tourists also you can have your cup of coffee in KaDeWe (http://www.kadewe.de/), on the 6 floor. First, this place if for people who are ready to pay 3 Euro for small cup of cappuccino and, second, you go there for atmosphere, not for coffee. However, coffee there is pretty good, but what's even better there are "Lenotre" cakes etc. They are expensive, but so impossibly delicious...!

If you know, what it means to drink a good, very good hot chocolate you need to enter another door. And this time it would be a door of "Winterfeldt Schokoladen"(the link: http://www.winterfeldt-schokoladen.de/). Best chocolate in the town - no joke! You can also buy chocolate from different countries in here - very nice place. I believe you going to like it!

Ok, these were just few places I visit a allot. Enjoy you time!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana

Chapter 4: Food. Where to eat?

"I met a keen observer who gave me a tip:'If you run across a restaurant where you often see priests eating with priests, or sporting girl eating with sporting girls, you may be confident that is good. Those are two classes of people who like to eat well and get their money's worth.'" A.J. Liebling (columnist)

The supper time is coming soon.So I decided to talk about my favourite places in Berlin before you'll feel hunger. Maybe you'll visit one of these places. I don't want to do my Top 10 or something like that, that's why I just make a list of places I visit a lot. I love all of them!

Ok,let's get started. I want to open my list with most elegant restaurant I've ever been. It is "Reste Fidèle"( Bleibtreustraße 41, 10623 Berlin, Germany. You can visit it in evening.). Sorry, I don't have much pictures from there, but I'll show you my dessert, sorbet :-) Best part, ha?
First, what I want to let you know and I think this is important - it is expensive restaurant. And, I guess, this would be exactly the reason why I am always so sceptical when we come to places, which belong to this category.When you pay a lot - you expect a lot. I think it's pretty fair. Well, this place worth it to leave there money. "Reste Fidele" is a good combo of charming atmosphere and delicious food. Every dish is made with love and care, looks like a peace of art. They serve amazing sea food and best French wine. Interesting thing is that Monsieur Mira Vranje - owner - cater his clients himself. There are waiters, of course. But he likes to make sure everybody are happy. He is very interesting person to talk - he knows a lot. Seems like this restaurant is just like a child for him.
Resume: if you have money to pay, if you adore old French songs, good wine and delicious see food, if you want everything to be perfect - visit Monsieur Mira Vranje. He'll be very glad to see you.

But we'll better keep going. Let's visit some Thai restaurant and this would be "Papaya am Kleistpark"(Hauptstraße 159, 10827 Berlin). I am really sorry I don't have any pictures of this place, but I am sure you'll get your inspiration after you'll read this :-)
"Papaya" is very good for your regular lunch or supper. It works out for both. It is pretty small, but comfy. What catches your eye is that there are orchids everywhere. Not just orchids, but different kinds and colours of this flower. They serve all drinks with orchids also. I absolutely love it! I think I've already tried almost everything they have on menu (and it is pretty big) and I did like every single dish. I am curry fan! But you already know that. What keeps surprising me every time I go there is "week special" part, which you'll surely find at the first page of menu. They have very interesting dishes, but for limited time. So, you better try something! There are not lots of noises there, people speak to each other quietly. So, you sit there, listening to the music, drinking your Thai-coffee (better than any "Starbucks", believe me) and enjoying spicy dish. Meal there is amazing, very tasty! Prices are just normal there, I would say middle-category. They have very cheap stuff also.It depends on how monstrous your hunger is, hehe

Let's get some Sushi-Food. I think there is not that much to describe, because, surely, many of you know how sushi look like. I've been to many sushi-bars in Berlin, but found only one that happen to be very cheap and tasty. It is "Akiko Sushi" ( here is the link http://www.akikosushi.de/) in
Berlin-Steglitz. This is really good place, very small one though, but still comfortable. People who work there do care about clients, that's for sure. You also can order sushi and come to pick up your order. So, if you want to visit this place be there already at 12! It's hard to find a free table, except you're the lucky one! ;-)

Next place on my personal list would be "Ixthys" (Pallasstraße 21, 10781 Berlin). I told about this place so much that I think all my university mates already were there. Well this is a good place. You, surely would go there not for the atmosphere, but delicious Korean food. Very small room with just few tables. There are only two ladies, who take orders,cook the food, prepare the dishes and serve them.It's not hard to figure out they own this place. Menu is pretty small. What is really weird and at the same time nice about this bistro are walls. They are decorated with passages from bible. And you sit there, waiting a little bit longer than normal, drinking you coke or tee (there is no chance to buy any alcohol there) and reading these passages. Somehow, you feel yourself calm and relaxed.People almost don't talk there out loud, you can hear only somebody's whispering. I put a picture of the noodles with meet and some vegetables and egg. Very delicious! Surely, best Korean food in Berlin.


Ok, what's next? This is Tony Roma's ( the link: http://www.tonyromas.de/) right on Potsdamer Platz.
This place is great not because it's so central only. You can try the best ribs in town. Of course it's going to cost you, but it worth it to pay. They serve American food: ribs, burgers etc. Restaurant is huge, consists of two floors. They have good drinks.
Portions are big, so you better don't order too much. Love this place, because when I come there I feel I am welcome. Isn't it the best feeling? I
would suggest this place for family lunch or business meeting - suites perfectly! Waiters are just golden there, same as in Monsieur Vranje's restaurant they know every single answer on any of your questions :-)

And, finally, we've come to Italian Food. Please, come in "Opera Italiana" in Charlottenburg (here is the link: http://www.opera-italiana.com/, you can find all information about this place and see the pictures). Not everybody know about this restaurant, because it's location is a little bit hidden. Actually, it's just opposite Charlottenburg Palace. So, after nice lunch or dinner you can take a long walk in the park of Charlottenburg Palace. Well, as all Italian restaurants, this one gives you a family feeling as you just came at good friend's place and his whole family welcome you warmly. It is pretty expensive restaurant too and that's because the quality of food is very high. There is also pretty loud here...What should I say? Italian temper! :-) Best Lambrusco and pasta, anyway.

Oh, this place is the last in my list. And somebody would say it is funny even mention it, because it is not a restaurant and hardly bistro...However, they serve best grilled meet! It's called Pasha Grill 5, just on the other side of the street, right in front of my house. If you want to visit - write me, I'll explain you how to get there, because I don't even know the exact address. This bistro has only 4 tables, it's Turkish. It is incredibly cheap. Yo can get a grilled meat plate with potato or rice and salad, and sauce for 6 Euro only. Very tasty! The place itself is rather nice and even comfy, clean also. We eat there very often.

Wow, that was a long post! These were places I visit a lot and love them for their food and atmosphere. Hope, it was somehow helpful for you. The only thing I have to do now is to wish you "Bon Appetit"! :-)

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 3: Food. What to eat?

"High-tech tomatoes. Mysterious milk. Supersquash. Are we supposed to eat this stuff? Or is it going to eat us?" ~Annita Manning

Champ-champ-champ...oops! Sorry, guys, I just had my lunch! Was delicious :-)

Anyway, hello to you and welcome to another discussion of a day, which is about what to eat. Ok, I'll start. I love cooking, which includes backing also. I know, life is so fast and chaotic, sometimes you don't even have a minute to say hello to your mother...So, cooking! Gosh, who has time for that? And even If you have the day off you're trying to fill your free time with TV, internet (like you don't check your facebook-profile every 5 seconds using your IPhone), some dates with friends, drinking, going out with your gf/bf etc. The question is do I have to waste my time trying my mom’s recipe or not? Of course you have to, because it worth it!

Let me sketch a picture quickly. You’re at home alone, nobody trying to distract you or make you to do something: school is far away and work...forget about it. Well, even if you have your mates or family at home you can be in the kitchen by yourself. OK, follow me. You’re in the kitchen alone having your free space just for yourself and nobody else. I always turn on the music, such as smooth jazz or salsa, meringue, bachata. Don’t know why, but it makes me feel calm and relaxed, so I can create. Telling you the truth, I’m not a fan of any recipe, because even if I’ve got one – I still modernize it and improve, so at the end you get something different :-) I believe this is the best part of it!

Think of different kinds of food: fish, meet, vegetables, some fruits, cakes, muffins... What would you like to eat now? Decided? Good, you can start!

Cooking books are good stuff. If I don't like using somebody's recipe it does not mean you cannot use them! Do it. Sometimes you can find great stuff there. For Ex., I am a big fan of Jamie Oliver. This guy knows everything about food and how to please everybody around with a good meal. He is my big exception - I use his advices a lot!

Ok, let's check, what did I cook for my lunch?

This is a salad, which great author is, actually, my beloved brother. His cooking always yummi! :-) he's a talent! Well, this salad consists of red oranges (they saying these oranges are good for making fresh pressed juice only, but, exactly because they are so juicy they just have to be used for salads), green olives, Parmesan cheese (any kind of Parmesan-like cheese would be good here),pomegranate ( absolutely love this thing, it's a winner for any dish) and a little bit of parsley. You can use just an olive oil as a dressing ( but don't forget that the quality of any oil is very important; buy bottle a good one and use it just for salads, not frying).

What do you see in here is meet - chicken and veal. It's called "shashlik" on Russian. I think this would be a really long story telling you how you have to prepare this meet before you'll actually start cook it. So, I won't, hehe ^^ If anybody wishes, I'll post the recipe later. It is very tasty, anyway.

And of course, the bottle of nice wine has not be forgotten! I know that meet and red wine make a perfect combo, but white wine is not worse. Bottle of Pinot Grigio was just right for my family-lunch.

Ok, I shared just some things we've eaten this day. It was more... :-) I just wanted to give you an idea, what's my lunch can look like.

About diet! I don't do any diets, never did and I, guess, never will be. I eat everything I like - no exception and I truly believe it is good. Choosing a food you don't like or even hate won't help to improve your health at all! You have to enjoy your meal and only then you can say it was healthy. Ok, what to do with all those calories? - you'll ask. Don't eat much: make your portions smaller.If you're always hungry try to not eat fast food all the time. Drink a lot of water, I mean any kind of water. You know, tee is a "water" too.. It is good for your skin and health, generally. Create some new dishes to make your menu richer.

If you are a starter - try to buy some simple food for your dishes. Make sure vegetables and fruits you're choosing for are fresh and might taste good. You can ask a shop assistant - sometimes they tell you the truth. Don't buy stuff delivered from other countries, if you see they don't look very appetizing. Don't be scared to try something new also! It is an exiting adventure to explore the world of food and spices! ... About the spices. Smell it first, close your eyes and try to image, which of your dishes it suites the most. Use your imagination and intuition. They help a lot! :-) I am biggest fan of thai-curry in the whole planet, I think. I put it everywhere and with everything.

Ok, my beloved readers, I wish you an exciting cooking and to have a good evening! Enjoy your journey.

Sincerely yours,

Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 2: Dating. What to do...?

"I don't know the first real thing about the dating game. I don't know how to talk to a specific person and connect. I just think you have to go to person by person and do the best you can with people in general". Jason Schwartzman





I've been planing discussion on this topic for a long time. So, let's get started, shall we? First of all, it would be good to define the word "date" or "dating". I found very interesting page in internet, it's called "urban dictionary" (here is the link: http://www.urbandictionary.com/), where people just write their own definition of words, any words. I believe you can find any word there.
You can find something like that:

dating 1. To see someone. 2. To be with someone. 3. To be "together". 4. The action of doing any sort of various activities to gain acquiantance with someone romanically. I am dating Mike, he is a lot of fun. by Alicia Aug 18, 2003

or like this one:

dating
	socially acceptable form of prostitution. meeting I spent a $30 for a movie, before the first base. A $50 for lunch, for the second base, and a $70 on a romantic dinner before we cut to the chase. by azim & gleb Dec 29, 2004

or even like that:

	dating
	A pointless waste of time... defined by massive usage of cologne and/or perfume, awkward sweaty hand-holding, and feelings of puppy love that usually dissolve in a few weeks (or less) "we're dating, and, like, he, like, is picking me up in 10 minutes!" "wow, you, like, smell, really, like, strong!" by h_diddy Aug 17, 2003

You can find a lot more than that!If you like :-)

I understand the word "date/dating" more like seeing each other or meeting somebody, getting to know each other better, have a nice(or not really) conversation with opposite(or not always :-) sex.
What are your definitions on that word? Would love to read them!

Ok, we're keep going. Actually, the reason why I've raised this topic would be different books, which were and still are written by many wise authors. Books like "Tips and Triks for girls/guys", "How to prepare yourself for a date" etc. Well, in the age of 14 I've red all those books, because I thought they'll give an exact idea of what to do and how to act. You know what I think now? Rubbish! This all is rubbish!
All these advices such as " you need minimum three or more hours to prepare yourself for a date" are just so... silly. Why in the world I would spend three or more hours to get ready? Ridiculous! I believe in taking care of myself: my body, my skin, my face. I have my every day routine: washing my face, using mask, scrub, cream etc. I need one hour in the morning to put a make-up, do my hair ( I have huge fantasy for all kinds of hairstyles, sometimes they are pretty complicated to do) and finally to get dressed. I think you do realise that as a total fashion freak I can't allow myself to put some jeans on, pick some t-shirt and "done". No, new day brings me a new inspiration! I know it would sound kind of arrogant, but I love to feel myself as a peace of art every day. Best feeling in the world!

So, I have to consider that in the evening, when I know I have a date or I'm attending a party/event, with other words, when I know I am not at home, I believe I'll take a shower, refresh my make-up a little bit (what takes me 2 ticks) and choose a nice dress. What I want to say is that I don't need three or more hours to get ready.
About the date itself: I believe everything what you need to be concentrate on is being yourself. Gosh, if you absolutely adore a classical music and the person you date is in love with heavy metal, you don't need to try show you fictional interest about that. It won't work out anyway. Just image that he's going to take you to the concert and you'll have to listening to this music for couple hours. Horror... The best way to find out if your union would work is relax and try not to talk about sex only ;-) Otherwise you'll know how amazing he/she in bed is, but neither about spiritual, nor physical world.

Smile is the best positive thing in the world - remember that. So, relax, listen, react, talk and smile!

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.

Chapter 1: Introduction

"If I go to university, I'm going to read what I want and listen to what I want and I'm going to look at paintings and watch French films and I'm going to talk to people who know lots about lots" (An Education, 2009).

I think this a great quotation. Loved it.



So, hello! We didn't really meet and of course, because of my bad manners I didn't even introduced myself. Well, good morning ladies and gentlemen! My name is Svetlana and I am 20 years old. I was born in Russia, then moved to Ukraine. My childhood and teenage-time were just as incredibly good as anybody can imagine.Of course getting away from the fact that every person thinks differently and has his/her criteria for good or bad, let's say my childhood was just perfect for me. I was very happy.When I was 13 years old my father decided to move again and this time Germany was waiting for me. Hello, Berlin!
My school-time in Berlin, in Russian Embassy School, was hard and interesting. Sometimes I was happy, sometimes I cried. I loved travel anyway and never regret parents took me to some new place. I would love to move again, but this time to London and, finally, stay there forever. Back to school-topic. I really loved that time, because felt myself proud going back to where I used to be - Russia.When I first came in my class, we had Russian language lesson. Gosh, I still remember how funny it was! We were discussing some grammar and I...I could say everything on Ukrainian, but no word on Russian. In my old school we had both languages of course, but Ukrainian was stronger than Russian. Grammar is just the same, but everything has their own names...So,it was funny how I could actually give the right answer speaking on Ukrainian while my teacher tried to translate what I was saying :-)




I don't want you to get bored reading my biography.Of course it was a lot more than that! Anyway,I'm studying at HMKW (Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation and Wirtschaft). I know sounds complicated, but this is a private university - nothing more than that. I'm studying Journlism and PR, wish that one day I'll write for fashion magazines. Of course, my dreams were always more than that. No, don't get me wrong - I like what I'm doing. Just, the thing is that I have not only one dream!

Ok,dears readers,last thing on my list would be my hobbies if you're curious enough to keep reading. I am a biggest film fan in the world. So, I can watch up to 10 films per day :-)I know it sounds totally crazy, but that's just who I am. Apart from that I am in love with make-up and fashion. I spend lots of time reading British and Japanese authors; adore travelling, dancing and singing. I'm a writer: I write everywhere and at any time, that's why I always carry my Moleskine notebooks with me. They are so practical - love them!

I guess, it was enough for this time. You got to know something about me and,maybe, one day I'll get to know something about you - would love to hear you little stories anyway!

Have a good day and smile, smile, smile ( 'cause that's what I always do)

^^

Sincerely yours,
Lady Svetlana.