Embrace American culture through PUMPKINS!

Squash: Butternut, Spaghetti, Pumpkin, Kabocha, yellow, orange, white, green, with stripes...How long does it take you to realize that using a word "pumpkin" can be rather simplistic? The more you know about pumpkins and know how to use them, the higher is your level of americanization. (just kidding but I like to think about it this way).

3 years achievements

All people are different and behave differently in a critical situations. I changed my entire life for the man I love. I left everything I had in my life to move to a completely different environment. So what have happened in these 3 years? Have I got acclimated? Am I happy? Do I still miss something in my life? Or is it still like a waiting zone in the airport?

DECODING the Best of Philly Fashion #4

Here is our last fashion decoded post for this year! Lilly Pulitzer has been elected as the go to country club brand in Philadelphia... And I couldn't contain myself from playing the role, it was too much fun!

Falling in love with...fall

If you think that once summer is over you will only stay home falling slowly into winter lethargy, you are wrong! Philadelphia is a place where you can really enjoy all four seasons needless to say that fall is maybe the best one.  My third expat fall in Philly is well underway and I want to share with you its best moments.

DECODING the Best of Philly Fashion #3

I thought it was going to be such an easy job to visit local stores and make my own reviews... Well, not always I have been successful.

Can't miss apps for expat wives

Earlier this year, I presented you some mobile applications that may become handy to a newbie in Philadelphia, and more specifically to the expat wives like us. Take a look at my updated list of some new apps. Let us know if it useful or if you've discovered some that might be useful to other expats.

When I came to Philly more than a year ago there was a lot to discover and to adapt to. New measurements, new currency, also new TV channels, new pubs and restaurants for the night life. Luckily, we live in the 21st century and the process of discovering my new life was a lot easier thanks to new technology, the apps in particular!

7 American habits I gained when I moved from Russia to US.

1) Say 'Hi' to everybody and even wonder 'How are they?' If you plan trip to Russia,  don't expect people be nice to you on the street. Always remember, it is cold in Russia, so every unnecessary muscle move can lead to keeping energy away from keeping you warm :). Jokes aside, I learned to smile to strangers and engage into small talks with nice ladies in the supermarket (which here is grocery store). And I myself recently found it so rude when a guy at the church didn't want to shake my hand when exchanging peace.

Weekend IN or weekend OUT of Philly?

If the Memorial Day kicks off summer season and weekend getaways at the beach, with the Labor Day it all unofficially ends.

Did you know...?

DECODING the Best of Philly Fashion #2

I had suggested my next stop on my last post, but unfortunately that store is still not operating regularly until (and including) Labor Day weekend. But no worries, the Philadelphia Mag never placed them on a rank, so there is no one better than another - they are all winners in their own categories. So here I share with you another one of my visits, and attempts, to show you what the Best Of Philly Fashion means, this time featuring the best NEW OFF-PRICE STORE: Century 21.

Ice cream, baby !!!

I am an ice-cream addict. I can have ice-cream every day. And now that I have confessed it, I will share my favorite places in Philly with you:

DECODING the Best of Philly Fashion #1

Did you know... Philadelphia was named the #2 city in the world for shopping? The nomination came by The Conde Naste Traveler, and did not surprise me much considering the size of King of Prussia Mall or the amount of discounts I usually find in the off-price stores around. However, the more I read about the best local places to shop... the more I believe someone gotta translate to us (expats) what this mean exactly!

Embrace culture through your stomach :)

     In my culture we have an expression : "The way to the man's heart is laying through his stomach". That's why being a guest at Russian woman's place you will notice how she is concerned with everybody being full :)). For me as a bright representative of this culture, being an expat I would adjust the expression to : "The way to adjust to a new culture is laying through your stomach", or simply "trying the national dishes". We are blessed to experience different cuisines travelling abroad and in US you can try a diversity of cuisines without leaving the country.

Why am I richer ?

Once you decide to live abroad, there are things that will never be the same again. Some things change forever. Yeah, we all know that the change is a part of our lives. Many things would have changed either way, even if we stayed where we lived before. But here (here abroad), living this experience, some difficulties make us different and richer from what we would have become if we had stayed.

Book review for parents in U.S.

     Today I would like you to join me in some kind of book review. Many expat wives face (or will face) the challenge of being pregnant, deliver and grow a baby in a new country. We all grew up noticing and judging our parents, friends' parents and a number of other people, we have all received implicit or explicit parenting tips, inevitably thinking ‘when I finally have a baby I will do it my way’, the smartest way,  ‘I will do this and I won't do that’. Then you become an expatriate wife and

The high price of living away from home

Over the past weeks I had my twin sister visiting me in Philadelphia. For the first time she was the one leaving when we said goodbye. While I am the one who would be away from our family and happenings, I experienced this time all the bitterness of driving back home from the airport, with my mind filled of flashbacks from the new memories we made. I sighted entering my now empty house, already missing the fun and energy my sister and her kids had brought in. Not knowing when we will do the same again. The following article fell on my lap right after, while I waited for my husband to arrive, and get my mind an easy, since my thoughts were racing back replaying all the decisions we made and make everyday, as very normal expatriates. It is so perfect written, since 2 days ago I have been making its translation from Portuguese, so I could share it with you. If anyone is interested in reading the original, here it is.

By Ruth Manus:

The High Price Of Living Away From Home.

Costs that go way beyond rent.

Flying: the eternal jealously and frustration mankind experience every time a flying bird cuts the sky. We learned to do a million of different things, but being able to fly... That's something life didn't allow us. Maybe for knowing that we, humans, belong to places and people too easily, and in this case, flying would bring crises hard to handle, between the temptation to leave and need to stay.

Well. Then man created the wheel. The Kombi. Skateboard. Harley. The Boeing 737. And we discovered that we could fly without wings. But things got complicated when we realized we could leave without a date to return.

After this, all the braves began to arise leaving behind their poor cities full of misery and hunger to feed their families in capitals filled with opportunities and monsters. These braves left the comfort of their own home to study and dream of an incredible and hypothetic future awaiting them. They left beloved cities to live opportunities that can't happen twice in their lives. These people in the end left behind the lives they could held in their hands, flying to new lives they decided to face with an open heart.

The lives of those who go flying elsewhere are paradoxal, every day. It is a constant heart on the fence. It is crying for wanting to be there while not willing to move from here. It is seeing heaven and hell on departures, and dreams and nightmares in staying. It's to be proud of the choice that offered you a thousand treasures, and hate yourself for the same choice that took from you another thousands precious things.

Living this life is a classic routine: laying in bed thinking of your old home, in the miles away, in the beloved people there, in what they are doing without you, in the laughters you didn't participate, and the hard times you were not there to help either. It's trying to hide a tear without success, and sight knowing you are the only to hold responsible for your decisions. In the next morning, it's wake up feeling alright. Life makes sense again, even though you know other nights like that will come.

But do we ever learn to... get sick without being taken care of, smell food with our eyes, make empty apartments into homes, transform coworkers into friends, pain into resistance, strongly missing someone into just thinking of one?

Will we learn to... be a son/ daughter from far, love via Skype, see kids growing by videos, pretend that Whatsapp can substitute a bar table, be a friend through emoticons instead giving hugs, laugh out loud while typing HAHAHAHAHA... to swallow up the crying and move forward?

I wonder if that will always be the fate of those going through this. Will we be still asking ourselves if we should be here or there? Is this sort of a test, a choice, braveness or karma?

Wondering if we will ever know what's the right place to be. After all, is there a right place to be and live all the uncertainties of life that we insist on pretending we can control?

I know it is not easy. And admire those who face all this, every day. Those who left Vitória da Conquista, Sao José do Rio Preto, Floripa, Juiz de Fora, Recife, Sorocaba, Cuiabá or Paris to build a life in Sao Paulo. Those who left Sao Paulo to go to Rio, Brasilia, Dublin, New York, Aix-en-provence, Brisbane, Lisbon. Those who left Bolivia, Colombia or Haiti to live in Brazil. Those who changed Portugal to Italy, Italy to France, France to Emirates. Those who left Senegal or Marrakesh to pursue happiness in France. Those who left Angola, Mozambique or Cape Verde to live in Portugal. My admiration to those who try, face things up, and go.

It is a high price to pay. We ask ourselves, blame ourselves, stress ourselves. But destiny, life, and our own gut sometimes say we should leave. Some don't go. Those like me who did, are not free of fear and many weaknesses. But we are forever free from fearing to never have tried. Keep walking.

US,I'll miss you!

During my vacation I had a chance to talk to a friend who used to live abroad and then decided to come back to her home country. Difference number one between me and her was that she didn't follow her husband, number two, she didn't move across the ocean. Anyways, listening to the story of someone who expatriated from her home country and came back was very interesting and made me ask myself a question: what would I miss about the US if I came back to Europe?

Philly is (finally) in blossom

I have never enjoyed the arrival of spring as much as here in Philadelphia. Guess why? The winter is just so long and seems so endless that at the first warm sunrays people go literally wild. Myself included. There is no point in staying home in spring.

Where will I do my hair again?

It's been a while since our latest review feature. And because finding a good hairdresser can be tricky,let's see some other hair salon we tested for you.

For your Philadelphia visitors

For an expat is out of this world the feeling of anticipation prior to the visit of dear friends and family... Excitement that just compares to the feeling of traveling their way! There is so much to see here, and so many places to be, and people to meet... Even though seems insane to present all the pieces to guests, as if they would be able to see things thro your lenses and experience your new hometown as you do as an expatriate... I can't help myself trying to do so! And if this isn't a love note to Philadelphia, what else would be?

Diversity and Funny Accent at School

     Are you planning to go back to school? Have you already signed up for summer classes or still researching and have plans for fall when you have energy after your summer vacation? In any case I bet you can be a little nervous as I definitely was.

Life savers updated

I have updated my life savers (originally posted last November), thinking of newcomers specially.

Many things are done a lot faster (and easier) in the US than in my home country. My guess, partially because of Americans driven spirit, or lack of time to dedicate to things that shouldn't take much time. Anyway, integrating myself to this lifestyle did make my day-to-day routine less time consuming, creating room for more me time (gracias!)

Moving help

• White Fence for all home services price comparison and purchase.

• If moving to another house or other state, try quoting what is best in your region using these: Moving, Unpakt or 123Movers
• Housecleaning or home repairs: Handy

Household products
• Multi surface disinfecting wipes (aka Lysol wipes, but any other brand does the job): it is self explanatory. Just keep in mind it also kills cold and flu viruses. Trust me, you will end up using it more often than you can imagine. I find it superefficient on bathroom/ kitchen sinks - swipe and shine!

• Instant stain remover pens (aka Tide To Go or Clorox pen): if you are known for keeping you head over the clouds, carry one in your purse too. Accident happens, and you don't wanna wait for that coffee stain to dry up! I always keep one handy when hosting a party, your guests will appreciate fast and efficient help to save their attire from wine or tomato sauce slip.

Findings

• Zocdoc is an amazin app! Think of Yelp but designed to health services... Great, huh? You can filter doctors by specialty, location, have access to reviews, calendars AND book an appointment on a click. This is gold, ladies!
• Instacart for online grocery shop. Delivery rates and prices are better than FreshDirect, just saying.
• Restaurant delivery: Caviar or GrubHub
• This is super right now: Airbrush tan at your home! Make your appointment at SPF (safe personalized faux) Tanning
• Dying to try v-steaming? I haven't tried yet, but here is the place to go: Total Serenity Spa

Out and about

• Uber!! Can't get enough of this app. Cars and drivers are totally clean and nice, they pick you up wherever you are and don't need cash... and UberX is super cheap. Totally saved me many times!

City
• Call 911 for any emergency
• Call 311 or *FIX for street department (in case you wanna report a pothole or cave-in).
• Check Philadelphia school district to find schools nearby and assign your kids.
• For information on school and university closings: tune KYW radio 1060, call the hotline 215-400-INFO, or check and subscribe to FOX 29 school alerts online.

Thank me later.!!!

Peace

Run like an expat !

What do you think about running? Do you find it energizing as I do? Actually, I wasn’t a runner before I moved to Philadelphia. I used to run around the park in Milan but I only started to run seriously here in the US. It may be because Philly boasts of a great number of running trails or simply because it is an easy and a low-cost work out option. But the most curious thing is that Philly is a running city!

There are run races in every season, of every distance and accessible for everyone. If you are not familiar with the races at all, you may want to know that: 

usually the races are distance races of 5k, 10k, half-marathon or marathon 

there always is a registration and a registration fee

you always run for the cause. In fact, most races are charity runs.

Whether you are an experienced runner or you have just bought your first runner's shoes, here is a list of Philly's most famous races:

The Color Run

Famous in all world, it is also known as “the happiest 5K on the planet”.  It was my first run ever and guys, it was a huge fun. You don’t have to be a runner as no particular physical preparation is necessary. All you need is a willingness to wake up on a Sunday morning and have fun with your friends tossing colors at each other (a little alert here:after the run, you will find colors in the most hidden parts of your body). If you want to do something different from a Sunday brunch or if you are starting your career as a runner, you will definitely enjoy the Color Run. So check it out and get ready for the next one on 25 April!

And, something for expat moms: the run is also child-friendly! 

More info at The Color Run website! 

The Graffiti Run 

It is another colorful 5K with the very similar concept of having fun while you are running. Color explosions of powder wait for you at the green, red, orange, pink zone and finally at the finish line. Again, the purpose is to have blast with friends and so everyone is welcome. Save the date if you are interested because the next Graffiti Run will take place on Sunday, May 18 in Philadelphia/Camden Waterfront.

More info at The Graffiti Run website

Rocky Balboa Run

How should a race held in Philadelphia be called if not after his legendary movie hero? Every year in November, thousands of runners and walkers join the famous Rocky Run. You have two options here: 5K or 10K. Registration is required and the price range is $45 to $65.

More info at the Rocky Balboa Run website

The Broad Street Run

This run is the Philadelphia’s special run. First of all, it is not measured in kilometers but in miles. It is, in fact a 10-mile run along Broad Street passing some most important landmarks of the city. Second, it is the largest 10-mile race in the US. The Broad Street Run, named also Blue Cross Broad Street Run due to its sponsor, is held in May. 

If you want to participate, you will have to be selected in the lottery starting as early as in February. Don't lose hope if you are not selected, though. There are also other charity bibs you may purchase until they all are sold.

More info at the Broad Street Run website!

The Philly 10K

This run was established by Philadelphia Runner, popular running stores in Philadelphia. After its debut last year, the next Philly 10k is coming up on 30 August, 2015. It is a road race through the heart of Philadelphia with the starting point on East Passyunk. You may admire the Philly's most beautiful neighborhoods while enjoying the run! This is what I call combining business with pleasure.

More info coming soon!

Half-marathons 

For all seriously running expat wives, there is a bunch of half-marathon races held in Philadelphia. Here are the most famous one: The Love Run (March), Odyssey Half Marathon (June 14), Rock’n’Roll Marathon Series (October 31). Ok, I am not that far with my work out yet. But if YOU are, you can share some running hints with me...

So girls, are you ready for some expat wives run ?

8 Brazilian habits I lost when I moved to America

Culture habits and relationship dynamics are very particular to every country. Although moving abroad does not change us to the core, it does shape our behavior. Here I share with you few things that have slowly transformed me ever since I moved from Brazil:

Just thoughts (or Thoughts alone)

 When was the last time I was alone? Probably it was in my home country, having long-distance relationships with my husband-to-be thousands miles away. Of course that shouldn't be qualified as being alone in a common sense. But for me being alone means

Get (un)dressed !

The first warm temperatures and sun rays made me feel so happy this week! Firstly, because everything becomes more beautiful in spring, secondly, because I don’t need to wear thousands of layers and thick winter coats anymore (knock knock knock on the wood).

So, while I was searching for some spring clothes in my closet, I thought about sharing a few interesting styles each for a different occasion.

Think out of the box

Here's a new way of shopping that has spread around America pretty quickly, setting a new trend on online purshase behavior: Subscription Boxes. As an expatriate, I can say I haven't seen the same occurring in my home country, or some of those I recently visited. It works just like signing for a magazine - for a monthly fee you get monthly services and products = almost customized evaluation + best selection + delivered at your door. Super convenient and game changing!

To dispute or not to dispute?

     If you've been living here for a while, you may have noticed some differences between your county and US. Depending on your case, you may admire many of these differences like pride to be independent, free speech rights, a reassuring justice system. All conquests of a democratic country. It is great to live in such a country. But do these rights apply to you?

10 expat problems

1. Managing investments in 2 or more countries
Yes, dealing with different currencies/rates makes staying on top of investments a little bit of a piece of work!

2. Lost in translation
Have you found something super funny but trying to explain to someone else you realized its translation doesn't make sense? Embarrassing! My husband thinks I have no sense of humor no more!

3. Emotional buying
I can't leave my husband alone shopping in the Italian market, he brings everything home!!!! I mean it!

4. Missing out
I wasn't there when three of my nephews were born or when my mother passed. I missed some weddings, group vacations, birthdays, housewarmings and baptism parties...

5. Being okay with #4
I learned I can't be everywhere. Time doesn't stop and my resources aren't infinite. Life happens, and my participation on people's lives shouldn't be punctuated by milestones or anything but connection. Yes, cherish and love can be felt from long distances!

6. Goodbyes
But I didn't get numb! I cry when the vacation is over and it is time for saying goodbyes to my loved ones... Every time.

7. Cravings are not restricted to PMS anymore
Self explanatory, right! I crave passion fruit juice or coconut water like... all the time.

8. Autocorrector does not correct anymore
I have 3 languages in my phone, my Autocorrector is almost my enemy!

9. Belonging or not belonging: that is the question
When you think of yourself a little bit of an alien in your expatriate country but go back home for vacation only to find out that you feel the same way there too!

10. DIY beauty routines
It's hard for me to find a place that gives me satisfactory beauty service. Too bad, depending of where you move as an expat it gets difficult to find a good waxing studio, or hairdresser. So I learned homemade facials, to trim my bangs, wax myself... and honestly I'm happy to wax me (said goodbye to bruises and bumps, and hello to extra cash... Not a bad exchange!). In my first attempts I bought microwavable wax (super easy to find on eBay, Amazon & some drugstores), but slowly moved to making my own honey wax. Wanna give it a try, and learn for any emergency? Here's how to DIY.

Ingredients: 2 tsp Honey • 1 part Lime • 2 parts Sugar | How to: bring everything to boil while stirring non-stop until it smoothly covers the back of your wood spoon. It will be super hot! Do not touch it until is warm to the skin and have gooey consistency

Hope I brought a smile to your face, at least I had one while writing this! Go ahead and tell me what's in your list!

Peace out!
Mari

Love is in the air

     Next week most of us will celebrate Valentine's Day. There are definitely people there who thinks that this holiday is not serious enough and there is no need to do something special for celebrating it. I would agree that you can't compare with Christmas or New Year, but since the moment I met the love of my life I started to take Valentine's criticism very personally. When you are in love, you start to like all these fake red hearts and silly postcards everywhere.

 

How to spend a productive and gratifying winter

It is freezing outside and the only thing you feel like doing is...NOTHING! You are normally very active person who enjoys all different outdoor activities but now the best thing that comes through your mind is to grab a blanket and watch a nice movie. That is also an option, don't get me wrong. But for those who want to win over their lazy selves, I offer you some tips for turning chilly weekends into pleasant and self-rewarding moments.

5 things I learned from living abroad

The other day someone asked me if the experience of living in another country taught me not be afraid to try new things, and I realized that's not true for me. It's the other way around: was my experimenting mindset that helped me to live better in a new country. But then, I got trigged to list what moving has thought me so far. And here it is!

Self-development opportunities?

     There are lots of ways for self-improvement. My way is not a panacea. And my advice would not be applicable for everybody. But one thing I know for sure, if you are not happy with what you are at right now, you need to change something.

Keep calm and...detox

January 2015, welcome! If January were a human, it would probably be dragging her(him)self away slowly from the couch