Borsch Soup, My Family Recipe

Posted by Marina on Sep 1, 2012 in Food, Russia | 5,390 comments

Borsch is a type of vegetable soup made of chicken broth and a lot of vegetables, including beetroot, which gave Borsch a traditional deep red colour.

Originally it came from Ukraine, however borsch has been a popular dish in Russia as well. Growing up, we were having borsch, at least, once a week. 

I don’t need to Flirt, I will Seduce you with my Awkwardness

Posted by Marina on Aug 30, 2012 in Love | 278 comments

From keeping an in-depth dating Excel spreadsheet for evaluating his dates,  pretending to be an Israeli spy to arming himself with a slew of weapons, including two crossbows and a rifle, and allegedly burning down his ex-girlfriend’s parents house there’s no shortage of press coverage when it comes to wacky dating behavior.

Four Days in San Francisco

Posted by Marina on Aug 27, 2012 in Travel | 431 comments

I was attending UX Week Conference in San Francisco recently and decided to stay in the city for a few extra days just to explore it a bit.

One of the things that I’ve learned about San Francisco pretty quickly is that it’s a cold and foggy city. It was about +30C in Toronto when I left. In San Francisco it’s about +15C right now, plus wind.

Fried Eggs, Russian Style

Posted by Marina on May 15, 2012 in Food, Russia | 632 comments

I actually don’t know if this recipe for fried eggs is authentically Russian. I learned it while living in Russia, so to me its Russian.

Anyway, it’s quite simple and easy to prepare, and its my favourite way to prepare fried eggs for breakfast.

Trip to Varadero, Cuba

Posted by Marina on Apr 5, 2012 in Travel | 32 comments

I went to Varadero, Cuba with my brother in March 2012 for a week. It was first trip to Cuba for both of us. Here are my notes from this trip.

Cuba day 1  - Sunday 

By chance, we were riding to the airport with a Russian cab driver, who previously lived in Cuba for 6 years. Strange coincidence.

Just Hold my Hand

Posted by Marina on Sep 7, 2011 in Love | 46 comments

I was walking this morning to work, well, almost running, as usual, when I saw this cute older couple walking slowing in front of me. I slowed down too and was observing them for a bit. What got my attention is how the two were holding their hands, while walking. I noticed how carefully the gentlemen was holding his lady’s hand. Even from seeing their backs, you could feel that they still love and care for each other a lot.