Cherry picking feels like childhood

This past weekend was amazing: packed with fun activities yet very relaxing. I went to visit my family outside Philadelphia, and it was so nice to get out of the city (sorry NYC!). But seriously, I love NYC and big city stuff although with each year I feel more and more the need to get away because I miss nature. And these feelings take me back to my childhood in a small town in Ukraine, where we could go to the forest, river, lake any moment. So this past weekend was good in the sense that I could re-live some of my childhood memories especially picking fresh berries in my parent's backyard and going cherry picking. Of course, cherry picking in Ukraine involved just climbing a cherry tree near your house and there you have cherries. Here we had to find a cherry farm (Rowand's farm in NJ), and drive there for one hour, and pay for the cherries that we picked. But still it was a wonderful time (and my dad was in heaven because he's just crazy about cherries), and I highly suggest cherry picking (or strawberry picking) as one of the great summer activities!

Outfit: J.crew denim shorts, old H&M tunic worn as top, J.crew swimsuit (similar top and bottom here - it's adorable!), J.crew panama hat

Photos are by me and Joe Villarin

Sunset paintings

Sunset is a magical time of the day, and the images above prove it. Can you believe that some of them have not been edited or edited just to a limited extent? Also this is the view from my apartment in the north of Manhattan - I know I'm very lucky to have such a view of Hudson river and beautiful sunsets. There have been so many sunsets (I miss a lot of them unfortunately); all of them are one of a kind, special, unbelievable, breathtaking... I love to see my apartment wrapped in golden burning light, and I love to feel the warmth of the setting sun enveloping my being. I love to take a minute to enjoy these peaceful quiet moments - it makes this life so much more wonderful!

These photos were taken by me over a period of two years. 

Please, give credit and link to this page if you would like to use them.

Instagrammed: New York City wedding

Believe it or not but this past weekend was my first NYC wedding, and I was really excited about it! I was excited about celebrating this beautiful day with a special couple in my favorite city. It gets better: celebration (and lots of dancing!) took place in Ukrainian Institute (Harry F. Sinclaire mansion) on the Upper East side right across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We even got a "private" viewing of the current art exhibit (I definitely recommend checking out their art exhibits - especially opening nights with the reception (one coming up this Friday!), and also their concert series). For more details visit www.ukrainianinstitute.org

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Happiness is in your hands

 

1- One by Kaju / 2- Primary / 3- Clare Vivier / 4- Zara / 5- Lovebirds

My love for clutches is a very recent phenomenon. I used to be afraid of carrying a bag that is not attached to me by a chain or some kind of handle. Also I didn't like the idea of holding something in my hands all the time. But it all changed when my mom and me found this adorable vintage evening bag (from France) at the thrift store several years ago. Now I'm in love with clutches: they are small but can hold all the necessary things, many have detachable straps or chains, and they add a lot of instant elegance to any outfit.

For this summer I would suggest getting a clutch in a pop of color because one can never have too many colors for summer, right? Moreover, all these colorful clutches I chose above just make me really happy. So there you go: happiness is in your hands :)