May 27, 2014

Hygiene Routine


These blog posts are so popular now which, when you think about it is actually pretty bizarre... I don't know but for some strange reason I am curious about what everyone else does to keep themselves clean!  Also, there's something about the word "routine" that gets my "organized side" very excited. Here I wanted to share a few products which I've liked lately which have become a part of my everyday hygiene. I also didn't really think of the order so please excuse if it's a little bit messed up :)

May 16, 2014

Rafns; or where to eat well in Salem, Oregon



A part of living abroad or in any new area is getting to discover new places and new people. I moved away from Russia not too long ago I am still kinda new here. As a foodie I like to explore cafes, restaurants and shops that offer something a little out of the box. Let me explain in the next few sentences what I look for when I go out to eat:
  •  I grew up in a family of great cooks and I always look for great tastes. 
  • My family and I always make everything from scratch. 
  • Most of things in Russia are organic so we'd never think of using GMO products in our house. 
  • I discovered that how my body feels (inside and out) depends on what I eat.

I knew that there'd be lots of places like that in Portland, but at first we'd be living in Salem, Oregon, so I was hoping to discover something special, like Rafns. It was such a great thing to discover this little shop in downtown Salem. It's actually a deli, restaurant and a grocery shop that focuses on foods that are grown and crafted here in Oregon. What makes this place special is that they work directly with Oregon growers in order to provide the highest quality foods. They have a big variety of different items from wines, dairy, meats, all the way to different condiments. It's owned by a couple, Nathan and Rochelle Rafn, which gives it's a special feeling. I personally believe that family owned businesses (especially in the food industry) work the best.


So if you are in the area or driving through downtown Salem - don't hesitate to stop by. Their lunches are great and if you like cooking you can get some products for your dinner right away. 

Please visit their website for more detail. 


May 2, 2014

Smith Rock and something about my fears


Let's talk about bravery today. Do you consider yourself brave? What do we actually know about that?

I used to be this kind of a person who always thought that nothing would ever happen to me. At some point I felt kind of immortal, like there is no way anything could ever make me disappear of even get hurt. It also affected my life-views, when in school and at work I'd always be fighting for truth. I'd never be scared to stand out and speak up and make sure that everything becomes fair and right.
For some reason recently this feeling has been fading away, as if I've started to actually believe that I'm not that fearless. That I'm also a human being and just like with every other humans in this world, something might happen to me also.
I must admit, I hate this feeling as it makes me feel this  annoying discomfort, as if I'm not in my element anymore.



And you are wondering, why is she talking about her fears? It's because I feel that instead of hiding it all in my head I must expose them and probably talk to a few people. What do you think, am I brave still even if I'm scared?

That day we went to the Smith Rock - gorgeous "Valley of the Dinosaurs", like I always call that in my head. It's so peaceful and calming, where you forget about technology and the existence of the modern world. And besides the wonderful trails to hike this is one of the top destinations for the world-class climbing.
I used to climb at the gym twice a week when I lived in Moscow two years ago. I've never been afraid of heights and I always felt secure, as long as you do everything right of course.
But this year for some reason the thought of going on to the real rock terrifies me. It became out of my comfort zone. And I'm trying to figure out what am I scared of now? I know how climbing works, I know that I'll be safe, but something inside me stops from putting the gear on right away.

Now I think that true bravery is about overcoming your fear, because in the end of the way everyone is scared... right?






xx Sonichka