One-day trips around Sicily: Villa Cattolica in Bagheria

Hello, beautiful souls!

Today I want to suggest one more cool destinations you can visit in one day if you ever find yourself in Sicily and in need of some paintings, photographs, vintage movie posters and killer tiles. Seriously, #tilesgoals.

Coat - Sisley | Sweater - H&M | Jeans - Zara | Boots - Bata | Bag - Pieces via Asos

So yes, if you are in Sicily, you have a free day and want all of those things, you need to visit the museum at villa Cattolica in Bagheria.

But first, chack out my video on YouTube (and remember to subscribe) and read till the end of the post to know some of my suggestions and tips. 

Travel time - Turin -> Milan -> Bergamo work trip

Hey, lovely people!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that a few weeks ago I travelled to the North of Italy to conduct some interviews for my research. I've already visited Turin once (check out my blog posts about that trip here and here)  and also been to Milan multiple times (I love to write about my complicated relationships with this city so you can check my previous posts here), but have never been to Bergamo.

And even though I was mostly working and didn't have much time to just enjoy my trip, I still manage to squeeze in some fun activities - a cup of cappuccino at the cat cafe, a few nice walks and the visit to the Museum of Cinema (last time we did only the elevator to the top of Mole to enjoy the view).

So let's go!

I came to Turin on the warmest, sunniest and loveliest day and, walking through the city centre with my suitcase, thought how lucky I am to find such a lovely weather up in the North of Italy.


Check out my travel vlog over at my YouTube channel (and remember to subscribe and switch on notifications not to miss any future videos)

Continue to read and see some photos!

Three years later

Three years ago, after a lot of thought, the revolutionary winter and one of many Lufthansa strikes, I finally managed to land in Palermo. 

It was Sunday, April 6. I remember wearing a denim shirt with leather collar, searching for my suitcase for ages, missing the bus to the city and waiting for half an hour in the rays of the warmest Sicilian sun. Oddly enough I didn't have any specific expectations or worries.

It was the beginning of a new adventure, but not more than that. 

 

I had quite specific plans for when I will come back to Kyiv, that included photography, politics, and going back to Thailand for a few months to work on my book. Sicily was one of the great steps on the way to mindful and enjoyable life, but I never planned to stay here more than for 9 months of my EVS project.

#45daysofblogging 26: Last day in Turin - shadows on via Garibaldi

Day 26 - September 12

The last day in Turin was lazy, warm and very good. Perfect for lazy walks around the city, picking up some last minute necessities, visiting Tiger for the last time (oh, I cannot even explain how much I love it!) and cooking a lovely lunch at our friends home. 

#45daysofblogging 24: Turin - days 1 and 2

Day 24 - September 10

In May we went to Turin - the city I fell for hard and fast.

Everybody was telling me that it's beautiful, but I never expected it to also be so comfortable, friendly and artsy (in the best sense of the word). I only do to spend three days there, but I want to come back there again and again, just because I felt so good and comfortable there. Let's put it like this - Turin became the leader of my goal cities for now (while Milan and Rome didn't enter into the competition at all).

How I wear my: gloves

I haven't participated in "How I wear my..." since April or May. My heart wasn't in the right place - I was working on my applications a lot, and when I wasn't working, I was too sad about not being in the place I want to be, I really didn't feel like dressing up. When the real autumn started, with yellow leaves and beautiful rains, I realized I didn't even touch some of my favorite summer dresses. I wasn't depressed, but my mind was elsewhere.

Now, with new/old city and new realities I feel more inspired to blog and to participate in round-ups. Especially in this one, created by two wonderful ladies - Jill of Everything Just So and Adrienne of The Rich Life (on a budget).

Please, check out their posts where you can find lots of spring outfit inspiration and get to know more amazing bloggers!

So gloves... As I’m back on Sicily now, this post becomes even more interesting. Mostly because even here I wear gloves in the evening, and it's +11-14C degrees at night. Some of my friends are literally laughing in my face when they see gloves on my hands (honestly, happened yesterday when I went out to get a pizza). But I basically don't care - even though I’m okay with wearing tights and skirts all winter long, if my hands get cold, I’m freezing all over. These double-sided gloves are from Italian brand PittaRosso, that sells horrible (and I mean it!) shoes and quite decent accessories. I bought them last year and they are still making me happy every rainy cold day.

Wearing:

Top and scarf - H&M

Jacket - Pimkie

Backpack - Asos

Earrings - Centro

Glasses - Carl Zeiss

Gloves - PittaRosso

Autumn's here

We have an amazingly beautiful autumn in Kyiv this year. It's almost like a reward for me - during the time I spent in South East Asia I couldn't stop dreaming about autumn. About clear cool air, beautiful leaves and cozy scarfs-boots-coats outfits (I think everyone's going to dream about it while living in +40C temperatures).

So this weekend we went to one of my absolutely favorite spots in Kyiv and my friend took some pictures of me. And yes, I wear glasses now. It's not a fashion choice - my eyes get so tired because of constant writing/translating that this is the only possible way to help them relax a little. I'd love to still have my perfect eyesight, but we have what we have. I kinda love them, so I don't mind.

Wearing:

Jeans, coat, boots, denim shirt - thrifted

Satchel - everything5pounds

Scarf - bought it at Pratunam market in Bangkok

Bracelets - handmade, Centro and bought at Chatuchak market in Bangkok

Earrings - KUZ and borrowed from my mom
Glasses - Carl Zeiss

I'm actually holding a pumpkin tart here. I bought it from 'Baker Street' bakery and was trying not to break it.

{outfit post - the playground}

This is the most popular playground in Kyiv - it's situated on Peyzazhna (Landscape) alley and everyone likes to go there and take pictures. It started off as a park, then a part of it transitioned into theis lovely playground, and now it's becoming an art project (I'll definitely blog about art part of it later).
Adults love this place even more then kids do. I've already had a post about this amazing place too - I love this playground and often go there with my friends.

Найбільш популярний дитячий майданчик в Києві - розташований на Пейзажній алеї, і всі дуже люблять ходити сюди фотографуватися. Спочатку тут був просто парк, потом частина його перетворилася на дитячий майданчик, а решта зараз переростає у арт-проект (я згодом зроблю пост саме про його арт-частину).
Дорослі люблять це місце навіть більше за дітей. Я вже колись писала про цей майданчик - дуже люблю його і часто проводжу тут час з подругами.

I wore/Я вдягала:

Dress - Asos

Suede jacket - borrowed from my mom (I actually haven't returned it yet since going to Lithuania. I'm an awfull person))

Booties - no brand

Belt - Centro

Bag - Orsay 

Bracelet - Topshop

Earrings - handmade (I've made them that morning)

{outfit post - la chocolaterie}

Just a simple look - this is what I love to wear almost all year around. A dress, a nice pair of shoes, some bracelets, possibly a cardigan. That's it.
I wore this outfit a while back for a morning date with my friends at "Lviv Handmade Chocolate" in Kyiv - one of my favorite places, their chocolate candies are delicious.

Доволі просте вбрання - так я люблю вдягатись весь рік, хіба що речі бувають більш теплими чи легшими. Сукня, гарні туфлі чи чобітки, кілька браслетів, можливо кардиган. Все.
Ці фотографії зробили доволі давно, на ранкову зустріч з друзями у "Львівській майстерні шоколаду" в Києві. Це одне з моїх улюблених місць, і їхні цукерки дуже смачні.

I wore/Я вдягала:

Dress - boohoo.com
Shoes - no brand
Socks - Centro
Bracelets - Kyiv and Lviv street vendors, handmade shop on Podil, Jennifer
Owl ring - Seppala

{outfit post (kinda) - Winter is coming}

I know, I know, everyone's already used that line)
It's not that cold in Kyiv, but I can't help it - I'm freezing. Last Sunday I was very busy with running some errands:
- bying the tickets to Mozart, l'opéra rock,
- visiting the Maria Prymachenko and Oleg Pinchuk art exibition in the new building of the Museum of Kyiv,
- heping my friend Sasha at her crafts shop,
- going to movies to see Cloud Atlas for the second time and then getting some beer with my friends.
The temperature was barely -1C, but I just had to wear my winter parka for some reason. I felt great in the evening though - the wind was realy strong and cold. So I don't care if I look like a it's -40С outside. I'm so not ready for winter...
Be the way, this cool red bus is one of the places you go to buy concert tickets in Kyiv, if you don't want to order them online)


Знаю, знаю всі вже використали цю фразу)
В Києві ще не так вже й холодно, але я нічого не можу вдіяти - весь час мерзну. Минулої неділі мені довелося багато побігти містом:
- я купувала квитки на  Mozart, l'opéra rock,
- ходила на виставку Марії Приймаченко та Олега Пінчука  у новій будівлі музею Києва,
- допомагала моїй подрузі Саші у її крамниці,
- ходила з друзями в кіно, вдруге на Хмарний Атлас, а потім на пиво.
Температура ледь опустилась до -1C, але я все одно мала вдягнути пуховик. І не пошкодувала про це ввечері - вітер став дуже сильним та холодним. То ж мені байдуже, що я вдягнена так, наче на вулиці -40С. Цікаво, що я буду робити взимку...
До речі, цей кльовий червоний автобус - одне з місць, куди треба у Києві йти за квитками на концерт, якщо не хочеш замовляти їх в інтернеті. 

I'm wearing:

Parka - Adidas
Faux fur collar - Asos
Belt - b.p.c (via bonprix)
Bag - boohoo
Tote - gift from Lithuania
Boots - no brand
Jeans - thriftes
Fingerless gloves - I've made them myself

How I wear my: burgundy

A few weeks ago lovely Jill from Everything Just So invited me to participate in "How I wear my" again. I was very honored, and also the theme of October was burgundy and bordeaux - two of my all time favorite colors) So I was very happy to take part)
But it took me a while to post this pictures - my laptop died, and I haven't bought a new one yet.

I wore/Я вдягала: 

Dress/Сукня - Asos
Pashmina/Пашмина - from a small market next to my first job
Bag/Сумка - Centro
Flats/Балетки - Centro
Jacket/Піджак - Pilot
Bracelet/Браслет - Topshop

Here are two ways I wore burgundy pashmina that day - as a scarf while walking the street and as a pashmina while having coffee with my friends. I absolutely love this color - it's easily one of my favorites, along with turquoise. I've bought this scarf for it's color, but never thought that it'll be this versatile. I use it to add the extra bit of color to the outfit, as I did today, with this grey-blue dress from Asos. Never actually thought it'll work, but I love the result. That's what's great about burgundy - not only it's gorgeous, chic and uper feminine, it can also surprize you by it's versatility)) You can see a lot of beautiful ladies wearing burgundy and bordaux over here, at Jill's blog - How I Wear My: Burgundy and Bordeaux.

{outfit post - sisters}

My dear friend came to Kyiv rescently and stayed here for a week. We had a chance to walk for hours, drink tons of cups of latte and talk about The Hunger Games (I usually don't like bestsellers, but this one I absolutely loved). And also she showed me a charming little boutique called Sisters(yes, a girl who's been living in UK and Poland for years showed me a store in Kyiv, I'm as shoked as you are))). I loved the place so much I want to dedicate a blog post to it in future. Also I've bought this cute bolero there and couldn't help myself - I had to style it immediately))

Моя хороша подруга нещодавно приїжджала на тиждень до Києва. Ми з нею гуляли годинами, випили сотні літрів латте та багато розмовляли про Голодні Ігри (я дуже не люблю бестселлери, та цей прочитала за кілька днів, всі три книжки). А ще вона показала мені чарівний невеличкий бутік, що називається Sisters (так, людина, що вже кілька років живе у Англії та Польщі, показала меня крамницю в Києві, я теж у шоці)). Мені настільки там сподобалось, що я хочу в майбутньому написати окремий пост про цей бутік. Я купила там це симпатичне болеро і одразу ж мала придумати, з чим його носити))

  

I wore/Я вдягала:

Dress/Сукня - Topshop (can also be seen here)
Shoes/Взуття - No brand, simple suede wedge booties
Bolero/Болеро - Vesela (via Sisters Boutique Kyiv)

Owl ring and pendant/Підвіска та каблучка з совами - I am (picked by my mom, a huge owl enthusiast)))

Amber brooch/Брошка з бурштином - vintage, belonged to my late grandma

{outfit post - I'm SHERlocked}

Those of you  who loves Sherlock (BBC) as much as I do, can totally understand why I look so excited on this picture))) Ever since the 2nd season's finale there's been a cute urban movement all over Europe - posters, graffities and all sorts of cool things are left by fans and for fans in the most unexpected places) Here's one in Kyiv, 'cause we do believe in Sherlock)))
I wore this outfit for a walk with friends, who were visiting the city, and for my friend's birthday party afterwards. It matched my spring mood perfectly - I caught cold last week, but got better over the weekend and was so happy to feel good again and to have a nice walk on a warm day.

Ті, хто любить серіал "Шерлок" (ВВС) не менше за мене, зрозуміють, чому я на цьому фото така щаслива. Цей класний урбаністичний рух розпочався в містах Європи після закінчення другого сезону - фани лишають для фанів оголошення, постери та граффіті у найбільш неочікуваних місцях. Ось одне з них у Києві, бо ми теж віримо у Шерлока.
Це вбрання я вдягала на прогулянку з друзями, що саме були у місті, та на вечірку на честь дня народження моєї подруги, на яку я збиралась ввечері. Воно чудово відповідало моєму весняному настрою - минулого тижня я застудилась, але до вихідних все почувалась краще, тому було дуже приємно гуляти з хорошими людьми такого теплого дня.

I wore/Я вдягала:

Dress/Сукня - thrifted
Petticoat/Спідня сукня - from my mom's old dress (she bought it in 80th, when we were living in Czech Republic)
Shoes/Взуття - No brand
Belt/Пояс - Oggi

Cardi/Кофтинка - thrifted

Jacket/Куртка - boohoo.com
Bag/Сумка - Orsay

Earrings/Сережки - the masks were a gift from Venice, and the silver studs with cubic zirconias are from KUZ (aka Kyiv Jewellery Factory)

Hope yоu all are in much better health and enjoying watrm days as well)

Сподіваюсь, що ви не хворієте і також насолоджуєтесь теплими днями)

{outfit post - teen leaders}

Last Saturday I've had another meeting with kids from leader school here, in Kyiv. The school is our dear friend, so me and my co-worker are often having classes with their students.

We're telling them about the work of an event-planner, about all the things you need to remember while planning a party and also asking them tocreate they're own event.

I love these meetings. Kids are all so proactive and interested in our work! I always have the best time with them))

I wore:

Skirt - H&M (thrifted)
Grey t-shirt - Topshop
Cardigan - Oggi
Boots - Christian Ley
Sissors necklace - DIY
Pink waistcoat - our uniform from work.

I've been obsessed with pairing this skirt (what an amazing color, right?) with grey t-shirt for a while and I just can't get enough of this outfit)

{outfit post - it's getting cold on this island}

I haven't posted any autumn outfits yet, so i need to change it.
This one is from when I visited Moscow. It was pretty warm in Kyiv, but pretty cold in Moscow, so i had to put om some layers.

Dress - Topshop
Coat - no brand, bought in Metro (love those knitted sleeves, such a cute detail)
Cardigan - thrifted

Boots - Bershka

Tights - Legs Color

Scarf - b.p.c.

Belt - b.p.c.

Bag - no brand

Gloves - DIY

I'm back!

It's been a great and a bit stressful. We've had a great time - wonderful walks around the city, delicius meals at my favorite restaurants, cozy rooms at my new favorite hostel (I've never lived in a hostel before, but this one, called Godzillas, was all I wanted and more - nice rooms, great neighbours, perfect location and a perfect price)), and even a chance to visit PaperWorld Expo.
Also we've almost missed out flights. Yes, plural! I've never ever been late to the airport before, but today we've arrived to check-in desk 2 minutes before the end of registration. I thought I was going to die of a massive heart attack!
Well, we've caught our flight, so right now I'm at home, blogging and drinking green tea from my favorite cup, which was given to me by my perfect Grandma)
I'm going to write more about my trip later and put more pictures, but now I'm just too tired. Hope everyone had a great week :)

Це було чудово та трохи "нервово". Ми чудово провели час - гуляли містом, смачно вечеряли в моїх улюблених ресторанах, жили у затишних кімнатах в моєму новому улюбленому хостелі (я ніколи раніше не жила у хостелі, та цей, що називається Godzillas, був навіть кращим, ніж я сподівалась - гарні кімнати, хороші сусіди, ідеальне розташування та ідеальна ціна)), навіть мали нагоду відвідати PaperWorld Expo.
А ще ми ледь не пропустили свої літаки. Так, у множині! Я ще ніколи не спізнювалась до аеропорту, та сбогодні ми прибігли до стійки реєстрації за дві хвилини до її закінчення. Я думала, що помру від інфаркту просто там, на підлозі терміналу.
Та все скінчилось добре - ми встигли, тому зараз я вдома, пишу блог та п*ю зелений чай з кружки,я ку мені подарувала моя чудова бабуся)
Я напишу про свою подорож більше та викладу фотографії, але зараз я надто для цього втомлена) Сподіваюсь, у всіх цей тиждень пройшов чудово!)

On the Red Square (I was visiting Moscow for 4th time, but I had to take this lame turist picture)))

На Червоній Площі (я була в Москві вже вчетверте, і все одно мала зробити таку попсову фотку)))

girl's new hair

Yes, I've cut my hair. And dyed it again.
Actually, I've had this hair style on and off for a while, but ever since I've started blogging, I was trying to grow my hair longer. Same story - at some point I just stop liking my reflection at the mirror, so I go and cut my hair again.
I love it. I honestly love it. And I love the feeling of freedom you've got once the lenth is gone. So yes,I'm very happy with my hair)

The picture is pretty bad, for what I appologize.

Так, я обрізала волосся)))
Власне, я періодично робила собі таку стрижку протягом кількох років, але з тих пір, як почала вести цей блог, намагалась відпустити волосся. Та знову стара пісня - у певний момент я розумію, що мені вже не подобається власне відображення у дзеркалі. У той самий момент я йду до перукарні і знову стрижуся.
Мені подобається. Мені дуже подобається. І мені подобається відчуття свободи, яке виникає, щойно волосся падає на підлогу. Тому так. я люблю свою зачіску)

Фотографія поганенька, за що я прошу пробачення.

I'm wearing:

Top - Laura Ashley

Cardigan - thrifted

Jeans - thrifted (not visible on the picture)

Bag - thrifted

Sissors necklace - DYI

outfit post

Jacket - Wallis (thrifted)

Sweater - Oggi

Tweed skirt - don't know the brand, bought it at Metro (these photos don't do it justice - it has a beautiful big tweed bow on the belt, but here it blends with the background )

Boots - Sketchers

Angel earings - made by my mom

Snake ring - my mom's (vintage)

Ring - Parfois

Bracelets - a gift from Poland

Lunch hour

Coat - Oggi

Striped top - bought it in Metro

Scarf - thrifted

Jeans - Zara

Booties - Carnaby

Satchel - Derby

Earings - from Thailand

I went out to get a cheese chiabata and latte, and decided to take some pictures near this weird old building. I love weird. And old.

Some news:

- I've bought a new laptop. My old one is having so many problems that I can't work on it properly. And I have a lot of freelance translation jobs now and lot's of creative ideas (short stories and articles). So it was inevitable.

- we're having an annivercsary party at the office tomorrow. Well, basically we're working for like an hour and then we're going to the paintball club for a game. I'd really like to go, but there's a huge chance that I won't make it - I'm having an event on Monday and client haven't approved of a few details yet. Well, possibly no paintball for Maryna.

- work's been interesting - sometimes boring, sometimes nerve-wracking, sometimes really boring. Craving some nice projects - I like organisation and planning, not writing policies.

That's pretty much it. I wish everyone a nice day and getting back to work.

Warm and cozy

Dress - Oggi
Cardigan - thrifted (for half a dollar)
Belt - thrifted
Boots - no brand

Yesterday one of my best friends Mila'd became a PhD. I was in the auditorium when she was defending her thesis and really liked it. I've never been much of a sience person - I like to study, I like reseach, but no, I couldn't write a thesis even if my life depend on it. I do have a serious dislike of all the execution's limitations. Even my master's thesis was a torture for me. That's why I love to paint and don't have a PhD.
That's what I wore for the occasion. I love this outfit - it's warm and comfy, and also makes this dress appropriate for wearing casually (it's way to open to wear it without cardigan on such occasions). Pictures are a little awkward - I was very tired and had a terrible headache. But the day was great.
Congratulations, Mila!