tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67278320474173227132024-03-13T05:14:18.996-07:00studio elenaElenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-90157038167877136672020-07-27T11:57:00.005-07:002020-07-27T12:04:10.235-07:00It's 2020 and I'm going back to blogging<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBkNoqmoHck/Xx8f-M-mW6I/AAAAAAACLsw/nFq6Fc3IzbA3hQZelx6EEkxGsmdLFuhPQCPcBGAsYHg/s1868/2387AF2D-9AEE-4D84-8A64-3AE3259372E8-BDD684B7-B094-4B9B-AEAB-331CAF2B1485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1868" data-original-width="1481" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBkNoqmoHck/Xx8f-M-mW6I/AAAAAAACLsw/nFq6Fc3IzbA3hQZelx6EEkxGsmdLFuhPQCPcBGAsYHg/w625-h781/2387AF2D-9AEE-4D84-8A64-3AE3259372E8-BDD684B7-B094-4B9B-AEAB-331CAF2B1485.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know, blogging is so 2010, isn't it? But to be honest I feel like I am missing this experience on Instagram. Sure, IG makes it difficult to leave, writing posts on the phone is easy but there is something missing for me: a sense of direction, putting effort into my posts and organizing my thoughts, ideas and interests. I've been trying to pack to blogging for the past few years and would get stuck on choosing the blog platform etc. That's the reason I'm making it simple this time, I'm going back to my old blog, the one I had before Instagram years ago. There is not even an app for Blogger on my phone and I need to use a computer to write a post. I know so not very Insta! But maybe it's better that way if it makes me slow down and be more intentional. Even if nobody is reading this any more I will have space for me, my own diary and hopefully a useful tool for self development. I'm excited to start over again!</div>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-84499748235973352912013-06-21T11:01:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:01:33.210-07:00Yoko Takahashi<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/9100520233/" title="YOKO TAKAHASHI by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/9100520233_579d828320_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="YOKO TAKAHASHI"></a>
I've been such bad blogger lately but these pictures of Russia by Yoko Takahashi made me so nostalgic that I just had to share them with you. These are like looking into my childhood memories, travelling by trains to grandma's house in summer, feeling carefree. Just pictures of ordinary things but they take me into my happy place.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/9102751984/" title="YOKO TAKAHASHI by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/9102751984_296185082f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="YOKO TAKAHASHI"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/9100520953/" title="YOKO TAKAHASHI by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://l4.yimg.com/sm/5337/9100520953_bba5302d4e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="YOKO TAKAHASHI"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/9100519729/" title="YOKO TAKAHASHI by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/9100519729_bc0aa67d3e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="YOKO TAKAHASHI"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/9102752464/" title="YOKO TAKAHASHI by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/9102752464_d2af2734d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="YOKO TAKAHASHI"></a>
View more of Yoko's amazing work here: <a href="http://yokotakahashi.com">yokotakahashi.com</a>
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-19974206375345234732013-05-20T12:22:00.002-07:002013-05-20T12:22:14.560-07:00victoria day weekend<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758883744/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/8758883744_05811373d0_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8757760709/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8132/8757760709_55e0af290c_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758884838/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/8758884838_a3f430bdd2_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758888390/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/8758888390_5f9480ffd3_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758892406/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8758892406_4088a2c5a3_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758889594/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/8758889594_ffc89e2bfa_c.jpg" width="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8758893876/" title="Bronte Creek by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/8758893876_75c1bedc3a_b.jpg" width="640" alt="Bronte Creek"></a>
Yesterday we went to the Bronte Creek park near Toronto. We rode our bicycles, visited a little farm and had a picnic under a blossoming apple tree. I was a lovely day!Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-34169959477275811592013-04-22T10:06:00.000-07:002013-04-22T10:06:36.227-07:00ooshki at City of Craft<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8672808504/" title="Rose by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8672808504_a044b6df13_b.jpg" width="640" height="924" alt="Rose"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8672800794/" title="City of Craft 2013 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8672800794_0c6d62cb79_z.jpg" width="640" height="462" alt="City of Craft 2013"></a>
You probably know from Instagram that this Saturday I went to the <a href="http://www.cityofcraft.com">City of Craft show</a> in Toronto. But this time I was there not as a visitor but as a vendor. I was really excited since it was my first time being a vendor at a craft fair. <br>
So thank you everyone who came by to say hello, it was great meeting you in person! And for those who couldn't make it or are not in Toronto I have some news — the next <a href="http://www.ooshki.com">shop update</a> will be on Friday, April 26th, at 12:00pm Toronto time. Please stop by and I hope you'll find something you love!
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-74477851502504306682013-04-10T07:28:00.000-07:002013-04-10T07:28:28.998-07:00my anti - bags<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8609836751/" title="Totes & Clutches by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8609836751_7ff5e5c1ce_o.jpg" width="640" height="606" alt="Totes & Clutches"></a>
I remember the early 2000s and the time of big brand "it-bags" and how it all became overdone afterwards. I've noticed lately I am not carrying handbags any more because simply I can't find any that I like. So instead I am using fabric totes and clutches. I find using pouches with totes makes it easier to keep things organized, otherwise throwing everything in one tote would make a huge mess. My husband jokes with me "and do you have another small bag to put inside that clutch?" Anyway... These are just some of my favourites out there.<br><br>
Just when I finished putting together this post <a href"http://swarmhome.bigcartel.com">Leslie Oschmann's</a> newsletter came in the mail. I forgot how much I like her <a href"http://swarmhome.bigcartel.com">painting totes</a>! I think they are beautiful and original and would love to get one some day.<br><br>
What do you use to carry things around these days?<br><br>
1. <a href="http://fieldguided.bigcartel.com/product/thunder-in-our-hearts-tote-in-black" rel="nofollow">Fieldgided Thunder In Our Hearts Tote</a> 2. <a href="http://anntorian.bigcartel.com/product/handwoven-zipper-pouch-medium-no-4" rel="nofollow">Anntorian Handwoven Zipper Pouch</a> 3. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nofundamentals/7773926020/">Pretzel Tote by Caitlyn Murphy</a> 4. <a href="https://baggu.com">Baggu Gold Pouch</a> 5. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleFrenchShop?ref=seller_info" rel="nofollow">OUi Tote by My Little French Shop</a> 6. <a href="http://www.falconwright.bigcartel.com/product/clamshell-pouch-brown-leather-with-white-sprigs" rel="nofollow">Clamshell Pouch by Falconwright</a>. Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-73666394618403758722013-04-05T08:36:00.000-07:002013-04-05T08:36:34.246-07:00Inspired by: Kate Jenkins<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8610311828/" title="kate jenkins1 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8610311828_eb01561f3b_o.jpg" width="640" height="896" alt="kate jenkins1"></a>
Some time ago I stumbled upon these amazing crochet pieces that I was meaning to share with you. They are creations of UK artist <a href="http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk">Kate Jenkins</a>. Kate's work is unique and innovative with a humorous side. There are many super cool things in her collection: food, treats and amazing detail work on crochet typography labels. But I think my favourite are all her seafood items. I just love these sequinned fishies!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8610311732/" title="kate jenkins2 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8610311732_20b0cd393b_o.jpg" width="640" height="325" alt="kate jenkins2"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8609204649/" title="kate jenkins4 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8609204649_45e2fcdb0f_o.jpg" width="640" height="963" alt="kate jenkins4"></a>
All images © <a href="http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk">Kate Jenkins</a><br>
<a href="http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk">www.cardigan.ltd.uk</a>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-30146159733089879812013-04-03T08:04:00.001-07:002013-04-03T08:04:25.071-07:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8614631948/" title="EH_TITLE by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8614631948_daf88a4aee_z.jpg" width="640" height="156" alt="EH_TITLE"></a>
Sofia is a country girl at heart. It has been her favourite play subject since we took her to the <a href="http://itsprettylight.blogspot.ca/2012/10/a-day-at-farm.html">pumpkin patch last fall</a>. So when we took her to the farm last weekend she was very excited. It was a first warm day of the season, the farm we went to was way too crowded but Sofia had a good time. She didn't understand the egg hunt idea so instead of collecting the eggs she was putting them into other kids baskets. Love that kid.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8613524203/" title="EG1A by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8613524203_3a39de19e0_b.jpg" width="640" height="965" alt="EG1A"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8613765065/" title="FARM2 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8543/8613765065_750a5b73ea_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="FARM2"></a>
There was a puppet concert, farm animals and a tractor ride. This girl loves tractors.<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8614631944/" title="EH2 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8614631944_d77d802473_z.jpg" width="640" height="479" alt="EH2"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8613524559/" title="E_S by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8613524559_1cebdcffb2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="E_S"></a>
She actually told me one day: "Sofia wants to live on the farm!" We are gonna try to get her out there more often this summer, strawberry picking is on our to do list. I hope you all had a nice long weekend!Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-20530524902398866152013-03-28T21:19:00.000-07:002013-03-28T21:24:12.025-07:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8598891954/" title="pastels by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8598891954_e08e75e1ee_o.jpg" width="640" height="693" alt="pastels"></a>
I haven't done these in a while but all of a sudden was inspired to create a mood board. Here is one for the Easter weekend with some spring colours. <br><br> I am always into pastels this time of year, too bad I can never wear them. Maybe only as a nail polish. Do you like to wear pastels? <br>
I hope you have an exciting long weekend ahead.
<br><br>
1. <a href="http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2012/03/diy-easter-eggs/" rel="nofollow">Easter eggs</a> 2. . <a href="https://sugarpaper.com/shop/product/reversible-wrap-pale-pink-1/" rel="nofollow">Sugar paper wrap 3. <a href="http://www.baublebar.com/designers/adia-kibur/adia-kibur-pastel-gem-rock-necklace.html">Adia Kibur Pastel Gem Rock Necklace</a> 4. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/154529830936271474/" rel="nofollow">Illustration by Katie Evans Design</a></a>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-31226742835879384362013-03-12T10:12:00.002-07:002013-03-12T10:12:13.173-07:00Lately<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8551227307/" title="strawberries by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8551227307_91ae9af239_z.jpg" width="640" height="568" alt="strawberries"></a>
To be honest I haven't picked up a brush for such a long time but I really feel like drawing these days. If only I devoted at least an hour to it each day, I'd be a happier person. It always makes me feel good, even if the end result is far from what I'd like for it to be. I guess maybe if I make a commitment here on my blog I might draw more often? I hope that is the case.Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-70282450762009752772013-02-14T08:51:00.000-08:002013-02-14T08:51:22.016-08:00Happy Valnetine's<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8472945307/" title="Happy Valentine's by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8472945307_8cf587b87c_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Happy Valentine's"></a>
First post of 2013. Whoa! To be honest this year turned out to be not really what I was hoping for, but I'm sure we will be fine. <br>
Happy Valentine's to you from Sofia and I! Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-47504193834322377762012-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:002013-01-18T14:26:39.417-08:002012 in pictures<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8330314446/" title="2012a by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8330314446_90b844b27d_z.jpg" width="640" height="321" alt="2012a"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/6773047617/" title="Snow by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6773047617_5614dabb21_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Snow"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/6876587381/" title="Valentine's Day by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6876587381_348f1cd3f5_o.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Valentine's Day"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/6888338835/" title="New dolls + new shop by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6888338835_90dddc7991_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="New dolls + new shop"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/6988061799/" title="Sofia 9 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6988061799_f793f4e885_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia 9 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/6854340210/" title="Birds by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6854340210_b5cb8bbba2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Birds"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7064921377/" title="Peach and pink by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7064921377_d9b194e35e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Peach and pink"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7106400027/" title="Cherry Blossoms by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7106400027_a5c7ef6e2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Cherry Blossoms"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7310884252/" title="Sofia's 1st Birthday Party by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7310884252_b6fa16fc0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia's 1st Birthday Party"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7310888114/" title="Sofia's 1st Birthday Party by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7310888114_49e512e4d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia's 1st Birthday Party"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8327983438/" title="IMG_1085_sm by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8327983438_75ec34e714_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1085_sm"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7448404586/" title="Field flowers by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7448404586_2530815889_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Field flowers"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7488024278/" title="First steps by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7488024278_aa3e125af4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="First steps"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7498042522/" title="Toronto Island by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7498042522_e3b1bae626_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Toronto Island"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7604226230/" title="July by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7604226230_0c09406045_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7604226672/" title="July by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7604226672_552890c8f5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="July"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7697913672/" title="Bracelets by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7697913672_d98904769f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bracelets"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7856998648/" title="Summer weekend by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7856998648_c52462dca0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Summer weekend"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7973488622/" title="September Weekend by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7973488622_47c34f3c75_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="September Weekend"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7977351181/" title="IMG_3508_sm by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7977351181_8e5415b1cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_3508_sm"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/7977351495/" title="IMG_3515_sm by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7977351495_716fa3a361_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_3515_sm"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8074337058/" title="Sofia at 16 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8074337058_c6a636ff5e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia at 16 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123874792/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8123874792_35d81d1bfc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094762189/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8094762189_53f041cfd1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8327984234/" title="IMG_5336_sm by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8327984234_f6e791f126_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5336_sm"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8327983932/" title="IMG_5032_asm by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8327983932_ec8497668f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_5032_asm"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139192000/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8139192000_abbe5129ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8145331783/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8145331783_7bd12f4332_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319098308/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8319098308_9974e8b9c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319098702/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8319098702_90356268b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
This is what my 2012 looked like. Mostly all baby, watching taking her first steps, turning from a baby into a little girl. Plus some crocheting. Minus ten kilos.<br>
I am really looking forward to a new year. Thank you so much for reading, commenting and being here all along. Happy New Year friends!
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-38330461063095460322012-12-30T14:45:00.000-08:002012-12-30T14:45:58.538-08:00Sofia update<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326892048/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8326892048_c941c189b9_o.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
Sofia is one year and 7 months old. She started to play pretend games. She got a tea set a s gift recently and she likes to give her toys some tea and cupcakes. She also started to take two toys and pretend like they talk to each other: "Hi doggy! - hi bunny!" This month she discovered Mickey Mouse and loves all the characters! Goofy is her fave. Some funny things she said this month:<br><br>
After playing with her wooden sandwich set she puts it back piece by piece, and says "the cheese is tired, cheese is going to rest".<br><br>
Sofia, Let's put the rug under the tree to cover the cords.<br>
- Let's lay on the rug!<br>
You are not a doggie to lay on the rug like this <br>
She (brings her plush dog): <br>
- Let's lay with doggie!<br><br>
What is your name?<br>
- Sofia <br>
And what is your last name?<br>
- Skokov. Daddy Skokov, mommy Skokov, grandma Skokov, grandpa Skokov, grandpa Santa Skokov, snowmen Skokov.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326891550/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8326891550_1fac575dc7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326891222/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8326891222_198360ae7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="496" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326892428/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8326892428_488a14a77b_o.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326891718/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8326891718_6e33bfa0cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8326892186/" title="Sofia 19 motnhs by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8326892186_01b0526d4a_o.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Sofia 19 motnhs"></a>
I keep recording her on Soundcloud. It's probably not very interesting if you don't know Russian but here she is looking at the page where an owl is sitting in the tree hollow and says: "An owl... Is coming out... Out to the nature... And looking... And it will see the animals."
<iframe width="640" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F72590236&color=f0a1ca&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true"></iframe>
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-35613667064570749512012-12-28T20:38:00.001-08:002012-12-28T21:29:25.652-08:00Best gingerbread cookies I've ever made<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8320829492/" title="Gingerbread by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8320829492_5f2dc6d08a_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Gingerbread"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319768097/" title="Gingerbread by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8319768097_724646aaf2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Gingerbread"></a>
No, seriously. I am not very experienced baker and all of the gingerbread cookies I've made before turned out really hard. More like gingerbread snaps. So this year I searched for a soft kind of cookie recipe and found <a href="http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2010/12/05/grandma-maudes-great-big-soft-gingerbread-cookies/">a perfect one</a>! I hope my readers from back home who celebrate Christmas on January 7th will find it useful. And I'd like to have a record for myself.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8320829396/" title="Gingerbread by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8320829396_7ef60ea163_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Gingerbread"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8320829658/" title="Gingerbread by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8320829658_1d3afc31fa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Gingerbread"></a>
The recipe is by <a href="http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2010/12/05/grandma-maudes-great-big-soft-gingerbread-cookies/">Valerie Lugonja</a> so I am basically will just repost it here. You can visit <a href="http://www.acanadianfoodie.com/2010/12/05/grandma-maudes-great-big-soft-gingerbread-cookies/">her blog</a> for step by step pictures and instructions. I haven't changed anything except the amount of molasses. The recipe calls for a cup but I used half a cup. I even might use 1/3 cup next time. And I increased the amount of spices.<br><br>
Ingredients:<br>
1c sugar<br>
1c butter<br>
1/3c molasses (I used blackstrap)<br>
1 c sour milk (sour it with a Tbsp. vinegar)<br>
add 2t soda to sour milk just before adding to batter<br>
add 1t soda into vinegar just before adding to batter<br>
1 egg<br>
1T vinegar (you may need an extra one if you need to sour your own milk)<br>
1/2t nutmeg<br>
1/2t ginger<br>
1/2t cloves<br>
1t cinnamon<br>
1/2t salt<br>
4-5c flour<br><br>
Instructions:<br>
Cream shortening and sugar<br>
Add molasses and egg, and continue to cream mixture<br>
Add two teaspoons of soda to the sour milk<br>
Add one teaspoon of soda to the tablespoon of vinegar<br>
Add milk, vinegar, spices, and salt to the molasses and egg mixture<br>
Move the batter into a bigger bowl, if necessary and fold in the flour<br>
Refrigerate batter before rolling and cutting into shapes on a lightly floured board<br>
Roll the dough about 5mm thick, it will rise in the oven<br>
Decorate with icing<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319768399/" title="Gingerbread by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8319768399_bd20ed58e7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Gingerbread"></a>
For the icing:<br>
1 egg white<br>
225g of icing sugar<br><br>
Instructions:<br>
Whip the egg white until the peaks start to form. Add half of icing sugar, whip up more until smooth. Add the rest of the icing sugar, mix well. Transfer to the large ziplock bag and make a tiny cut at the corner. <br>
The cookies really turned out soft and stayed soft for over 4 days. Definitely will be keeping this recipe.Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-9466059526300682322012-12-28T19:49:00.002-08:002013-01-18T14:29:04.807-08:00Our Christmas<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319744302/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8319744302_ae21b9d345_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318685465/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8318685465_47cdca0a0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319744092/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8319744092_c32c82802e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
Here is a little bit of our Christmas. I decided to decorate the tree after all, but with unbreakable ornaments: paper, straw and some made of yarn. Sofia of course pulls them off the tree and I pick them up and put them back on. It's never-ending.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318685661/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8318685661_1e8942569d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>h
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/t/8319743604/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8319743604_378b9d6aa1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319743808/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8319743808_becbc89eb9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319742808/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8319742808_a17dbd4361_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
These are Sofia's oraments, last year's snoflake and a portrait for this year.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319746264/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8319746264_b1472bb9c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
Another ornament I hope to keep: her handprint I made with polymer clay.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318686771/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8318686771_396b7865c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318686901/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8318686901_84f5617cf3_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
I made gingerbread cookies too. They turned out so good that I will be sharing the recipe in the next post. Best I've ever made, really.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319744774/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8319744774_4688370b2a_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
And here is our Christmas morning and a sleepy kiddo.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319745034/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8319745034_744fbf7114_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319745970/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8319745970_bc29a2a30d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318687887/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8318687887_06f97f40c2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318688381/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8318688381_8210abf02b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319746522/" title="Christmas 2012 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8319746522_693536cdd3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Christmas 2012"></a>
We had a Family dinner in the evening and Sofia was our sugar plum fairy.
I made that tutu for her for the holidays, planning to dress her up again for the New Years.Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-26187555462162341922012-12-28T11:29:00.001-08:002012-12-28T11:29:03.516-08:00Toronto Christmas Market<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319096596/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8319096596_8f8301e916_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
Hello friends and happy holidays! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!<br>
I am so behind on my blogging that I was debating if I even should post these now. But oh well better late than never.<br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319096766/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8319096766_5926232d09_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318040207/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8318040207_462aa2b87b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319097186/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8319097186_8188f36f00_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319097430/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8319097430_9307c5cd98_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318040891/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8318040891_3fcdfa2986_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318041191/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8318041191_f78b26574d_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319098106/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8319098106_c0959879e5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319098308/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8319098308_9974e8b9c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319099094/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8319099094_8cc2384649_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319099268/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8319099268_df8e050476_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8318042695/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8318042695_447e921399_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8319098702/" title="Toronto Christmas Market by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8319098702_90356268b3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Toronto Christmas Market"></a>
We went to the Christmas market that is held in the beautiful Distillery District on its last day. Surprisingly I actually didn't even know there is one in Toronto, and that's after living here for over eleven years. We had a great time and Sofia loved it. Especially the carrousel and train rides. We'll be certainly going back next year.
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-73170376418803428232012-12-21T14:49:00.001-08:002012-12-21T14:49:32.484-08:00City of Craft Toronto<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264356127/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8264356127_2181e91071_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357143/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8264357143_7de215c8a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
I've been such bad blogger lately. But with all the projects finished and Christmas shopping done now there is finally a little time to catch up. Over a week ago I went to the City of Craft show in Toronto where I took a million of photos and never had a chance to post them. It's amazing how many talented people there are in this city. If you haven't had a chance to go or are in a different city here are some snaps.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264358137/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8264358137_976852b506_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://coriandergirl.com">Coriander Girl</a>is one of my favourites. Love the tiny bottles with little bouquets, rose buds and lavender.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265426224/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8265426224_d199ca36ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Earrings by <a href="http://www.rarespecimens.ca">Rare Specimens</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265426002/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8265426002_77f0ecaf0f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265425924/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8265425924_8873416b16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Ceramic blooms by <a href="http://www.juliemoon.ca">Julie Moon</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264356719/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8264356719_55a78cc13f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://ghostfaceknittah.blogspot.ca">Old Weston</a> always has most beautiful booth.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265428034/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8265428034_6d5bba737f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://rcboisjoli.com">Rcboisjoli</a> ceramics and Alexx Boisjoli, the disgner himself.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264356937/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8264356937_6596e65cb2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Embroidered pendants by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hellofromeauclaire">Eau Claire</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357033/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8264357033_92d5bc7c8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Embroidery kits for making these cute toys by <a href="http://www.kirikipress.com/starterkit.html">Kiriki</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264358205/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8264358205_96cfa5877b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Fabrics and little things for sewing by <a href="http://needlebook.blogspot.ca">Needle Book</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264356861/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8264356861_99f1d65a07_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Leather clutches and wallets by <a href="http://falconwright.blogspot.ca">Falconwright</a>.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265426982/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8265426982_cd8c26043a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357435/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8264357435_08567c6779_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Postcards, notebooks and prints by <a href="http://paperpusher.ca">Paper Pusher</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265427962/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8265427962_edca260deb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Mushroom art and dolls by <a href="http://www.margotjenner.ca">Margot Jenner</a>and her shop with Ukrainian name <a href="http://www.margotjenner.ca">"Pidpenky"</a>.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265426878/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8265426878_f6618a11f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Amazing crocheted corral rief
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265428410/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8265428410_623a4be5cb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Homemade baked goods by <a href="https://twitter.com/yulebritannia">Yule Britannia</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357515/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8264357515_965d86633c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Loved the pompom display by <a href="http://www.emilytaylor.ca">Emily Taylor</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265428316/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8265428316_56476b0362_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Really wanted to get on of these onesies by <a href="http://www.supayana.com">Supayana</a> for Sofia but they were no sizes, it says "Magic fairy tales" in Russian and the dolls is nevalyashka which Yana turned into a cute bee. I hope to find it at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/supayana">Yana's Etsy store</a>.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357607/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8264357607_75cd48d471_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Knits by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowerPot">Flower Pot Designs</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265428496/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8265428496_5c81fafde6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.happycampercollections.com">Happy Camper</a> jewelry
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265427338/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8265427338_ae1d74820c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265427428/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8265427428_b45b0655cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Ceramic pieces by <a href="http://whimworks.ca">Lana Filippone</a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264358835/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="707" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8264358835_cef2af7560_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
Crocheted cuteness by <a href="http://hellomorico.com">Morico</a>. I loved the toy lama!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8264357895/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8264357895_550af89f7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265427692/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8265427692_b72571921e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.selenawong.com">Selena Wong</a> is a talented artist and also a very sweet girl. The bunnies she draws are too cute!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8265427616/" title="City of Craft by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="City of Craft" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8265427616_9a6786e6b5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
ANd some of my snatches: new sturdy leather clutch by <a href="http://falconwright.blogspot.ca">Falconwright</a>, flower bottles by <a href="http://coriandergirl.com">Coriander Girl</a> and a bunny by <a href="http://www.selenawong.com">Selena Wong</a>.
<br>
Wishing you a happy weekend and hope you have time to slow down and enjoy the holiday season.Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-76202504078489198022012-12-10T21:17:00.001-08:002012-12-10T21:17:36.507-08:00November<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508285/" title="nov1 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8262508285_b397035219_o.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="nov1"></a>
This is what my November looked like. Most of the free time I had I spent crocheting the toys and didn't even pick up my camera. So Instagram photos are all I have, again. I am quickly gonna post these before December craziness takes over.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508393/" title="1 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8262508393_df8ce0c08b_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="1"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508493/" title="2 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8262508493_27208eed0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="2"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508651/" title="3 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8262508651_e1a81bf5e8_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="3"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508715/" title="4 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8262508715_41a33d1a9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="4"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263576580/" title="5 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8263576580_5e25c6c7f3_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="5"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263576694/" title="6 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8263576694_6b4400724a_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="6"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262508951/" title="7 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8262508951_106f236bae_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="7"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509031/" title="8 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8262509031_2df23b5b17_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="8"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509105/" title="9 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8262509105_4ab45d49d6_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="9"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263577008/" title="10 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8263577008_1939603de9_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="10"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509259/" title="11 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8262509259_7a2dd0a2db_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="11"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509361/" title="12 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8262509361_a006d56405_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="12"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263577286/" title="13 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8263577286_0ee1558a81_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="13"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509505/" title="14 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8262509505_25e50ea324_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="14"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263578114/" title="19 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8263578114_dfd7c2610b_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="19"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263578192/" title="20 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8263578192_2ea1c06a1c_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="20"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509587/" title="15 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8262509587_a365759862_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="15"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262509663/" title="16 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8262509663_40f6f776ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="16"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8263577568/" title="17 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8263577568_c94e081d68_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="17"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262510579/" title="21 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8262510579_42880d656e_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="21"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8262527107/" title="18 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8262527107_d4c6a71d35_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="18"></a>
On IG you can find me as @elenakovyrzinaElenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-82606161461381228022012-12-05T07:41:00.000-08:002012-12-05T07:41:53.506-08:001,5 years old<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8242505208/" title="Sofia 1,5 years by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="Sofia 1,5 years" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8242505208_20ae5b9453_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br><br>
Last week Sofia turned one and a half years old. She is 84 cm tall and weighs 11 kg. She's got almost 16 teeth now. She is so funny that one. She calls her grandma "dear".
When she saw a Christmas lights deer on the street (made of wires) the other day she said "the deer is made of spaghetti". One time she was making a pretend-soup from felt veggies and insisted on putting real crackers in it too. Her favourite game though is to bounce on yoga ball and to sing. She loves songs. Her favourite ones are these from the old Russian cartoons I show her: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9ueDIZseEY">Town Musicians of Bremen</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qam9JBk5Oig">Winnie the Pooh</a>. (They are with English subtitles, please have a look if you are curious, I personally think they are awesome!). And of course she loves Elmo, Dora and her fave English language song is "Wheels on the bus". Ane she loooooves books, I really hope she doesn't outgrow this.
<br><br>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8241436621/" title="Sofia 1,5 years by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img alt="Sofia 1,5 years" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8241436621_8d692c6ce0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br>
Here is a little children's poem she's helping me read, it's in Russian again but it goes like this:
<br><br>
My phone rang. Who's calling?<br>
- An Elephant<br>
Where from?<br>
- From Camel's (place)<br>
What do you need?<br>
- Chocolate!!!<br><br>
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Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-79462428972272477482012-11-28T15:48:00.000-08:002012-11-28T15:48:27.762-08:00ooshki shop update<a href="http://ooshki.bigcartel.com" title="shop_update1 by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8227490875_5460dd7dda_o.jpg" width="640" height="1000" alt="shop_update1"></a>
Just a quick note that I finally updated <a href="http://ooshki.bigcartel.com">my shop</a>. I have four cat dolls and six rattles. Please stop by! <a href="http://ooshki.bigcartel.com">ooshki.bigcartel.com</a>Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-15461160930231908592012-11-12T10:39:00.002-08:002012-11-12T10:39:56.775-08:00October <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161887406/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/8161887406_8c2b6b655d_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161785418/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8161785418_71ca614e6f_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161754277/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8161754277_62a4413942_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161785578/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/8161785578_b7c6506c6f_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161754877/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/8161754877_50620100d5_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161755047/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/8161755047_7b540713cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161755211/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8161755211_b384995b66_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161755373/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8161755373_318e6d213b_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161755625/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8161755625_d272160a5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161786652/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8161786652_bfa9890fa1_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161755891/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8161755891_ec7ecd9432_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161786972/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8161786972_5d17bb50f6_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161756253/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/8161756253_d0ac92197c_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161787328/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/8161787328_b1042c8f8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161756659/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/8161756659_b4e2c91c87_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161787852/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8161787852_be0be1e0de_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161788060/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8161788060_52b03298f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161788242/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/8161788242_4ae80669b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161757471/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8161757471_6d46be336b_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161788530/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/8161788530_73408b0648_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161788770/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8161788770_cc5a575ea9_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161758047/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/8161758047_6d2c3a5005_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161758281/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/8161758281_365041e8c6_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161758523/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/8161758523_f23d3b05b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161789832/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/8161789832_350be5e995_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161789978/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8161789978_dfc8a57e25_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161790134/" title="October on Instagram by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/8161790134_c35307a89d_z.jpg" width="640" height="320" alt="October on Instagram"></a>
October was great. One of my favourite months really.
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-19810830408048800702012-11-06T09:05:00.000-08:002012-11-06T09:05:01.472-08:00Sofia at 17 months<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161425242/" title="17 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8161425242_47bc79f8b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="17 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161392365/" title="17 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8161392365_abf121e3a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="17 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8161392253/" title="17 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8161392253_03ed96137d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="17 months"></a>
Her favourite game is to run in the circles around kitchen. She comes over, grabs your hand and says: "catch me!"
She likes to build forts with couch pillows.
She likes us to sit with her and make animals from play-doh.
She started to put three words together in a sentence: "Sofia is crawling like a bug".
She says so many funny things, once she opened the fridge and said: "winter!"
She saw a toy house in one of the brochure we got in the mail and said: "I'd like this".
Lately she always likes to carry this doll spoon and plate everywhere with her, she even takes it with her to bed to sleep. Go figure.Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-15461961284808631422012-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:002012-10-31T18:53:48.262-07:00Our Halloween<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139237164/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8139237164_9cb97a137f_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Halloween"></a>
When I was growing up there were no such holiday as Halloween in USSR. There is a tradition of dressing up and "trick-or-treating" in Ukraine but it's done mostly at Christmas time. But Sofia is a Canadian kid and she will have her own traditions. This year she is a little older so this is the first time when we are celebrating this holiday. Everyone including myself thought that I will make a costume for her but I ended up buying it. This doesn't feel very creative but I just couldn't find time, and I think she still looks pretty cute in it. We are not taking her trick-or-treating just yet, so on Sunday we had friends over for a little celebration instead.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139162649/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8139162649_31cc302335_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Halloween"></a>
I was lucky to take these photos, it was the last warm day and the forest was beautiful. Now after the hurricane the trees are almost bare and it's gloomy, rainy and cold!
On the left picture Sofia is fascinated by the pumpkins: "Wow they look the same!"
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139162381/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8139162381_043c786101_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139162029/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8139162029_89a6ee399f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139192578/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8139192578_283f4bf79b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139192484/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8139192484_511ed8fee8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139161655/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8139161655_e905323c67_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139161175/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8139161175_264e3fcae7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Halloween"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8139192000/" title="Halloween by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8139192000_abbe5129ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Halloween"></a>
I hope you are having a fun holiday!
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-61880576958566297672012-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:002013-01-18T14:30:08.797-08:00golden haze<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123874568/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8123874568_65f8148586_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123856931/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8123856931_a2aabd38bb_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123874792/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8123874792_35d81d1bfc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123856723/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8123856723_800d7a62be_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123875118/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8123875118_2e59a295bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8123875002/" title="Golden Haze by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8123875002_2a91783e16_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Golden Haze"></a>
The forest near our house is so beautiful these days, it's like you are walking in a golden cloud. Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-39020282476208267362012-10-17T11:09:00.001-07:002012-10-17T11:09:09.627-07:00A day at the farm<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8095093528/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8095093528_83f13ae57d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094766790/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8094766790_3f5a7d8f44_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094757941/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8094757941_174f481e76_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094764168/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8094764168_3f64a24174_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094758219/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8094758219_9641ed9cf4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094764592/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8094764592_3311f23426_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094764344/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8094764344_3630c4aa6a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094759119/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8094759119_f3883e3011_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094765832/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8094765832_a21c06872f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094760321/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8094760321_1a19cc322a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094765364/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8094765364_4f93968e5e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094759839/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8094759839_290e0022ba_b.jpg" width="640" height="960" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094759365/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8471/8094759365_52eb2cb265_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094760613/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8094760613_333a701a36_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094762445/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8094762445_3d47bee8a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094762047/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8094762047_f560f9a8ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094762189/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8094762189_53f041cfd1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094767216/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8094767216_e0d6721526_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094760861/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8094760861_d334f43a1e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094762739/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8094762739_b0d91b1a6b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094763173/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8094763173_ccc511b557_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8094768578/" title="Pumpkin Patch by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8094768578_64d20db9ca_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Pumpkin Patch"></a>
On Thanksgiving weekend we took Sofia to her first pumpkin patch. She loved the whole thing! From petting the farm animals to tractor rides she was fascinated by it all and didn't wan't to leave. Picking the apples was her favourite part, we must take her there again!
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6727832047417322713.post-14768495222724223142012-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:002012-10-10T11:22:29.009-07:00Sofia at 16 months<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8074336908/" title="Sofia at 16 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8074336908_90f605c360_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia at 16 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8074340819/" title="Sofia at 16 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8074340819_40cceebe80_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia at 16 months"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/virtualinsanity/8074337058/" title="Sofia at 16 months by Elena Kovyrzina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8074337058_c6a636ff5e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Sofia at 16 months"></a>
Here is a little update on Sofia. She is getting so big so fast! She is talking a lot, she has started putting two words together, simple things like "daddy is home" and "our house". She is making up her own words for things too. For example she calls macaroni — "namoni" and Vinnie the Pooh — "Nimomoh". Her favourite made up word these days is "karirariramba", she says it with the Russian rolling "R" sound. I have no idea what it means but she repeats it all day. The other day when she saw airplane leaving two lines behind it in the sky she said that the plain is wearing pants :) She is also finishing up rhymes in poems, here is <a href="https://vimeo.com/49608310">a little video here if you'd like to see</a> (in Russian though). She knows two letters, A and O, and two shapes diamond and circle. She knows our names and when asked what her name is she says "Tatiya". She loves to put her teddy bears, bunny and Elmo in a toy stroller and push it around. She loves <a href="https://vimeo.com/47891775">to dance</a> too. I am sure there are more things but of course I can't remember it now. Her hair is finally long enough for pony tails, it's so cute I can't stand it!
Elenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05185419281596627657noreply@blogger.com3