Monday, December 27, 2010

Happy New Year! Part One

Happy New Year!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday season so far. I know my native country just starting to get ready for one of the most important celebrations, Christmas. Yes, Russian Orthodox Church and actually all of the Orthodox followers around the world celebrate Christmas on January 7th. I have to say, I've missed those days when I got to celebrate two Christmases. Two weeks of pure joy, but it is tiring!

One holiday that is celebrated by everyone equally is a New Year. Yes, I am aware that in different cultures New Year does not arrive on January 1st (for example, Russia celebrates Old New Year on January 13th and Persians celebrate arrival of the New Year in mid-March). But since the world lives under the same calendar now, we all count January 1st as a start of the New Year.

New Year's Resolutions Survival 2011 Boxed CalendarWhat does this mean to you? To many people it means a new beginning. Most of us make New Year resolutions such as losing more weight, eat more healthy, go to the gym more regularly, spend less, read more, etc, etc, etc. People feel extremely driven at the beginning of New Year. They are full of enthusiasm and confidence. There is no way of stopping them. And then something happens, by mid-February - early March people do not feel as confident or enthusiastic. They feel tired and overextended. What happens?

Well, I have a theory. New year, first day of the New Year, first hour of the New Year is just like birth. You feel new and full of potential with all the time in the world. You set your goals and deadlines. Days go by and you are still enthusiastic. You are progressing just fine. But then, something happens. I call it "life got in a way". This something interrupts your routine and your progress. You are off your schedule and fall behind on your goal achievement. That makes you upset, you are trying to catch up and working harder and harder. But that only makes you more tired and unhappy. Eventually you give up . Sounds familiar? Yes, I have been there. And I did not fail to fail. It's sad to admit but that's the case for many of us. Is there a fix? Absolutely! And I'll tell you all about it in the New Year.

So, please come back on January 1st, 2011 and I'll give you the details.

In the mean time, have a fantastic day and remember,

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Happy Holidays!

Hello Everyone!

There is only one thing to say today, Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone of you will have a fantastic holiday season! Have some rest, enjoy your friends and family, savor holiday food and drinks, and make the best of your time!

Most of all I wish you peace and hope it stays peaceful wherever you are!

See you in 2011!

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Are Your Rich and Happy?

Hello, hello!
Well, another book down. It was not new. I have just re-read something that is very interesting and really struck my cord.
21 Distinctions of Wealth: Attract the Abundance You DeserveThe name of the book is “21 Distinctions of Wealth” by Peggy McColl. She is a Canadian, New York Times best-selling author. I picked up this book for re-read because there are few things that have been on my mind lately.
Ok, let’s get into more details. There are many people in the world that are rich. But they are not aware of that fact. Why not you ask? Well, they struggle financially. And since our typical definition of being rich is having lots of money, these people consider their lives poor.
There is something wrong with this picture. You see, most of them are healthy, they have family and friends around, and they have many talents to offer. Never mind about those people. What about you?
I do not know you very well just yet, but let’s have a quick look at my life. I consider myself rich and happy. I am in a wonderful relationship, we live in the house that we love, I have a great family and wonderful friends, I have my health and one of the most important things, I have a desire to learn, create and share with the world.
I had a very eventful life so far. There were many high points and of course there was a share of low ones. In the last few years there have been quite a few challenges in my life. I am genually a very positive person. But there are some days I get to the point that I am not sure when and if these problems ever going to be resolved. But every day is the new day. And every day there is a new beginning. I am healthy, I have a great support system at home, I am full of ideas (sometimes my head hurts from thinking) and I know that there are people that are interested in hearing from me. And I have people like you to thank for that. I believe that I am rich and happy!
I am also a strong believer in the power above (everyone has a word for that: God, Universe, Celestial Being, Karma, etc.). Earth has its own energy and we are part of it. We also have our own energy fields. We can increase the strength of this field if we wish. But be careful, if your energy is negative you can attract more negativity in your life. Do you really need that?
Your Destiny Switch: Master Your Key Emotions, and Attract the Life of Your DreamsIt works the same with riches and happiness. Be positive and happy! Appreciate the things that you have in your life. You never know when it can be taken away. You are rich and happy! And if you still do not feel it please pick up Peggy’s book. It is very much in line with what I am telling you here.
Look, I know that some of you will probably think that here is another person preaching about magical non-existent powers. But please, have a little quite time for yourself and think about all that has happened in your life thus far. Have certain things happen for a reason? Even if it was a negative happening, was the outcome positive? Has the negative event solved your problem with a positive outcome?
Life is full of riches and happiness! It’s within your reach. You just have to be positive and believe in yourself.  This is your journey and there is a reason for you to be here. We are all born into the same world with the same opportunities. Take your place in life and do not fall a victim to negativity.
Wow, that’s some heavy stuff. But please take point of this. Don’t just read and forget. Follow through, really think about it and definitely pick up “21 Distinctions of Wealth” by Peggy McColl.
I am sure you have some comments and I’d love to hear from you.
In the mean time have a fantastic day and remember…
Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Are We There Yet?

Hello, hello!

How are you today? Are you staying warm in the Northern Hemisphere? How is the weather for you in the Southern Hemisphere?

It is nice to get back to writing after few days of reading. And some reading it was! I have to tell you, I take pleasure in reading and lots of times just loose me in a nice book. But in the last few days I got completely overwhelmed!

Well, it all started with this new venture of mine, it's called "Current Woman". Yes, I am talking about my blog. The point of this venture is to bring to you, the woman of today, all of the information that would be of an interest. And there is a lot of information! I mean a LOT! Just think about it, there is reading material on line, there are multiple magazines dedicated to women, there are TV and radio programs, and then there are wonderful books. I try to keep on top of everything and at times it gets overwhelming, like in the last few days.

Don't get me wrong, I am very interested in learning new things and sharing all I learn with you. It's amazing how much there is still to
discover. And with new advancement in medical field, economy, technology, fashion, etc. there is more and more news every day. And don't get me started on ever changing world we live in. I have
followers all around the world and I try my best to educate all of us about each other.

So, this brings me to the title of this post: Are We There Yet? Really,
there is so much information, that at times I do not think there is any
time to share it. Sometimes things change in minutes, world keeps turning.
Consequently, I have made a decision to organize my blog in a better way.

Here is what’s to come in the New Year:

1. There will be at least five posts a week.
2. You will be informed about current events and happenings.
3. The posts will be broken into sections and every post will be dedicated to several issues.
4. As I mentioned earlier, we will start New Year with monthly giveaways.
5. And the most important part is your feedback! Please comment; let me know what you think about this blog. If there are particular topics that you'd like to discuss it will be my pleasure to do so.

Are we there yet? OK, that will be all for today. I have to go and process some more of that reading that I've done in the last few days, so you can just come to this blog and enjoy it all in one place.

Have a fantastic day! And remember...

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Holiday Shopping, Go to the Mall or Not?

Hello,

It's a beautiful sunny day in Ottawa with -15C (well I don't really like this part). I am blessed to have a chance to enjoy this day from the warmth of my home. Working from home has many perks, especially on the cold day.

This brings me to today's topic - Holiday Shopping. Living in Canada 
is wonderful but is brings its own challenges in the winter. I am of course talking about the weather. For example, yesterday part of Southern Ontario experienced snow storm that has never been seen. It even made it to CNN, which is a rarity. Emergency vehicles and snowplows in the ditch! This is really disturbing. And this is with just 7 shopping days left till Christmas.What are we to do with our little cars?

Of course there are ways to go around this problem. This is the time where the magnificent technology comes in. Thank you on-line shopping! With the variety of stores offering products on-line you can create your own shopping mall at home. Music, books, toys, games, tools... Do I have to go on?

Another interesting development is due to technological advances. On-line shopping does not mean that you have to wait for that package for 10-14 business days. In the days of technology most of us are looking for an instant gratification. And that's where digital products come in. Well, we still need clothes, but music and books becoming an item that's instantly delivered to you after the purchase. Viva digital world!

Wow! This is so great! No driving in the snow (at least in the countries that have it), no fighting for the parking spot, no fainting it the long line ups! Bliss! Or is it?

Well, I have to be honest. I love digital world (how do you think I communicate with you) but I am a believer into "touch and feel". Yes, I like to go to the mall and touch and fell items that I might be interested in buying. It is especially important to me when I am buying anything that I'll be wearing: shoes, blouses, skirts, pants,etc. Even if I have to fight the weather and the traffic I'll still go to the mall.

It also applies to toys, accessories, books and few other little things. Sure I might end up buying them on-line. But it is important to me to see them "in-person" first. I have to have the feeling that this is exactly what I am looking for. After all, I love giving presents and it is important that it's just the right thing.

Another issue that comes with on-line shopping is the security. All of the retailers offer you a secure check out. But what about those hackers? Just few days ago Visa and MasterCard has been affected by hackers (wikileak warriors). That's no fun and you have no control over that.

There is a large increase in on-line shopping. Next year estimation is $960 million, and close to
$2 billion in 2012.This will certainly decrease traffic to the malls. And that is a welcoming fact to those people that still like to visit malls.

So, this a a question of the day. As a current woman, that most likely has a busy schedule, do you prefer to quietly shop from home (on-line shopping) or do you look forward to mingle with the crowds in the busy, loud, exciting shopping mall? I am looking forward to find out.

Have a fantastic day and remember...

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Let's Talk About... Food

Hello, hello!

We have not spoke for couple of days. But as you know time off is the great time for reflection, relaxation and of course FOOD!
Oh glorious food! How I love you! You are beautiful, delicious and fascinating. There is not a day goes by that I don't think about you. You are….
Ok, enough! We all know that food is essential to our survival. We have to eat! What we eat depends on us, our likes, our desires, our beliefs, our strength if you wish (that pie looks soooooo good).
There are many ways that we consume food: raw, fried, boiled, stewed, pickled, toasted, baked and many other ways. We create at home or consume someone else’s creations. We grow it ourselves or gather someone else’s harvest. There are so many ways.
Well, I’d like to introduce you to some of the options that are out there. These have been tested and proven to be one of the best options. So let’s have a look.
Raw Food
Everyday RawRaw foodism (or rawism) is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked,
unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet.

Some of the well known advocates of rawism are Caroline Alt (model), Woody Harrelson and Mel Gibson. It is becoming more and more popular. You might think it’s bazaar way to consume food but we all do it. Think about it, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and berries, how about sashimi. There are many cook books about raw food. Well, there is not really much cooking going on but these books show you fabulous ways to put all the raw ingredients together.

The Russian Heritage Cookbook: A Culinary Heritage Preserved in 360 Authentic Recipes
Homemade Cuisine

Ok, this one is a little different. Homemade usually means made at home. Since we are all different our homemade cuisine will depend on us. Thus, I am pretty sure we all have our own cook books with our own homemade recipes. For example, you’ll find many original Russian recipes in my homemade cook book. Cabbage… Yum, yum! What is your favorite homemade recipe? Would you like to share any?

Restaurant Food

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1What a great concept, you don’t feel like cooking, you go to the restaurant and pay someone to do that for you. There are so many varieties of food: fast food, ethnic food, gourmet food, fine dining, pub food, canteen food (well, they do sell food), takeout food. Once again, it all depends on you and your likes: Chinese food, Italian food, French cuisine, Spanish food (hmmmm, Paella), Lebanese food, Indian food and so many, many more. With the world “shrinking”we have a great opportunity to taste variety of the world class cooking. Are you ready for some Chinese tonight?

So, you get the idea. Current times bring lots of variety and time saving to current woman. Make sure to visit all of the suggested links. There is some interesting information about food. I personally like an option of making your favorite restaurant meal at home. Hey, why not feel like Chef Pierre for a night!

There is not really much more to say but: “Enjoy your meal!” on “Bone Appetite!”.

And remember...

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Happy Anniversary

Hello Everyone,

Happy One Week Anniversary to Current Woman Blog. You might think it is silly to celebrate something like this, but one week is a milestone for anything brand new in my opinion. Just look at the competition!

Well, I thought today we'll do some fun things. There will be few things to read but nothing heavy. How about your style, interesting tips about weight loss and some updates to the Current Woman.

InStyle (1-year auto-renewal)We'll start with your style. Yesterday I came across the game that  test the knowledge of different styles. Now, as you're well aware I am a big advocate for you being yourself. But once in a while we come across the situations with our wardrobe: "Will this blouse match this pair of pants? And how about shoes? And don't forget the accessories." You know what I am talking about.

So, here is what I found, this is a fun game. There are quite a few outfits to go through so watch the time if you are in the office. We don't want your boss to join your game. And don't forget, if you do not do well it only means that you have a different style from everything that they offer. Enjoy! By the way, the colour for 2011 is honeysuckle. Hmmm! This should be interesting.

Women's Health (1-year auto-renewal)Now we are moving to the subject somewhat related to our style, weight loss. I know, I  know. Not again. Well, I am not going to try to sell you another weight loss product just wanted once again to share some info that I discovered. It is actually about eating food not skipping it as well as a very delicious recipe. Have a look for yourself. You see, it's not that tough. And it's not that scary either. Just make sure to ignore almonds if you are allergic to nuts.

So what do you think? Not bad so far. Nothing heavy. Ready for the last installment for today? Updates for Current Woman.

Well, here are some exciting news. In the new year, 2011, we will have some contests and prizes for you. I have many ideas but I also would like to hear your opinion. Please let me know what you might be interested in via comments. This blog is for you after all. So, your opinion counts.

This is all for today. It was a very interesting first week for Current Woman Blog and I am looking foreword to many more.

Have a fantastic day! And remember....

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Elizabeth Edwards

Hello Everyone!

It is a beautiful day once again and I am grateful to be here to enjoy it.

On the other hand today seems to be a sad day: 30 years ago today John Lenon was shot and yesterday we lost one of "Current Women", Elizabeth Edwards. I prefer to think of today as a day of reflection and celebration of Elizabeth Edwards' life.

She truly was a "current woman": strong woman, fantastic mother, supportive wife, determined professional and brilliant writer. Elizbeth had a life full of excitement and adversities. Truly, life to celebrate.

Elizabeth grew up in a military family that led to not having permanent home and a lot of disruption for schooling. This did not stop young Elizabeth to pursue career in law. She was a brilliant student.She began her career as a law clerk and finished her career in the Office of Attorney General in Raleigh. She practiced under her maiden name of Anania. Elizabeth met her husband, John Edwards, in university.

Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's AdversitiesThe first tragedy hit their family in 1996 when the oldest son Wade was killed in a car accident. He was only 16. Elizabeth decided to focus on her family and have more kids. This led for her retirement from the career in law. By 2000 Elizabeth
and John expanded their family with two more children: Emma Claire and Jack. With three remaining children and senator husband Elizabeth continued her role
as a caring mother and dedicated wife.

Another major upset came in November of 2004. Elizabeth found a lump in her breast that lead to a breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent oncology treatments but in 2007 cancer had returned that eventually led to her demise.

During her life, Elizabeth had to face another tremendous upset, her husbands infidelity. Bravely fighting cancer, this was very difficult for Elizabeth to accept. But she stayed by her husband till January 2010 after he admitted fathering a child with his mistress. This was the end of their marriage and Elizabeth legally separated from John.

On December 6th, 2010 it was widely reported that Elizabeth stopped her cancer treatment after doctors advised that any further treatment will be unproductive. She was advised that she had few weeks to live. On her last day she was surrounded by her family, including her estranged husband John. Here is the last statement on Elizabeth's Facebook Page:

Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers"You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving 
 graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and
they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as
much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human.
But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

On December 7th, 2010 Elizabeth Edwards passed away.

This short story only mentions her major life events. But there was no mention of the woman that has not just dedicated herself to family but also to many meaningful charities and movements. Elizabeth was a strong supporter of many controversial subjects, such as gay marriage and movement against war in Iraq. She became an activist for women's health and cancer patients. She created a Wade Edwards Foundation She also taught legal writing at the University of North Carolina School of Law. In her last decade she wrote two books.

This is truly the "Current Woman". She represented many things that I will make her one of the remarkable women of our times. There are lessons to learn and life to live. RIP Elizabeth. You'll be missed!

Have a great day everyone!

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

We Are All Different

Hello from Current Woman!


It is another beautiful day and we are blessed to be here!


Today I'd like to discuss something that affected all of us at some point in our lives. Low selfesteem due to comparison of yourself to "that" other beautiful, skinny, successful woman. "Why her and not me!" you say.

Women and Self-Esteem: Understanding and Improving the Way We Think and Feel About OurselvesYou know what I am talking about. It is one of the major issues in woman's life. It haunts you from the early age and sometimes till the day you leave this world. It is an everyday harsh reality for some of us and a little bump on the road for others. It affects us in a different way because we are all different.

You see, my outlook on life is such: if everyone is the same the life would be very boring. Imagine if we all looked the same, spoke the same, acted the same, pretty much had the same life as everyone else. How can you differentiate yourself from another person?

Yes, it's not an easy task. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements of beautiful, happy, successful
women. And how about all the reality shows! Kardashians! I still do not understand what's "real" about their lives.

But really, think about it. We are all women. We were born a certain way for a reason. We all have a reason to be here. Sure you might not have been able to figure it out just yet but you are, just the way you are, is very important to society. Society needs all of us!

Ok, let's break it down:

-  there are different type of professions that require different types of personalities
-  our poor kids will not be able to recognize their mothers, "My little Bobby called my neighbour Mommy!"
-  imagine everyone is a writer, or a surgeon, or a CEO, we'll be very hungry :(
-  men like different type of women, if we were all the same there will be a lot of sad men :(

Your Destiny Switch: Master Your Key Emotions, and Attract the Life of Your DreamsSo you get the idea. We all have a destiny.

I understand that sometimes it's tough to do it on your own.Sometimes you do not have a support system around you. And once again that's when all of us different type of women can help each other. There are groups, classes, blogs (mine is one of them) and of course books. I personally recommend the books that are mentioned on this page. They are quite good.

The main point is that you should not feel bad because you might not fit some societal "standard". You are who you are!

You are beautiful, smart, courageous, exciting, happy, and much more!
 You are a CURRENT WOMAN!

Have a fantastic day!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Women and Cell Phones

Good Morning!

It is a beautiful morning in Ottawa. Bright sun, tiny snowflakes and crispy air remind us that the winter is near. Shopping malls full of festive decorations, big line ups and no place to park remind us that Christmas holidays are near.

So, since we are talking about Christmas holidays we have to talk about presents. And I believe that one of the most popular presents are cell phones. There are so many and they constantly get updated. And when they get updated we want ours to be upgraded, that means a new phone. The best part is that there are many outlets and service providers that are starving for your attention.

As a current woman, can you imagine yourself not having a cell phone? Not me! I'll be lost without it! Never mind just missing calls. What about emails, SMS, all the social media, GPS. If my phone does not ring, vibrate or buzz in 30 minutes I start to worry. We now able to do mobile banking and mobile shopping. I cannot wait to see what's coming our way next!

Now, watching news this morning I heard a story about cell phone ban for single women in Northern Indian Village. That really upset me. What's that all about? Women being discriminated again!

It is very sad to see. India is considered to be one of the biggest democratic societies in the world. It's great to see that many cultural and religious believes in India are still followed. But I very strongly disagree with arranged marriages. And now these marriages lead to a ban of cell phones and worst, beheading of women. Talking about health issues developing from the use of cell phones, how about loosing your head! Ouch!!!!

Yes, it's Northern India, very close to Pakistan and we know that Pakistan is very religious. But common! It's 2010! There is so much progress! India is one of the biggest emerging markets since mid 1990s! How long will it take to stop discrimination of women.

You know, everyday I catch myself complaining about some little insignificant issue in my life. But with the news like this I have to remind myself how lucky I am. How lucky I am to be alive, how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and food in my stomach, how lucky I am to have a fantastic loving family, how lucky I am to freely share my concerns with other people.

So, I ask you what can we do to resolve this Indian issue? Well, I am not sure how big of an impact we can make in India at this time but we can increase the amount of women with cell phones here in North America to start with. So check out this link and see how you can help. And remember to be gratful for the good things you have in life, even if they are small.

Thank you for your time and support!

Have a fantastic day!

Be ACTIVE! Be INVOLVED! Be a CURRENT WOMAN!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Elegant Winter Boots

Good Morning Everyone!

Happy Snow Day!

Can it be? Is it really snowing outside? Could this possibly mean that we'll have snow for Christmas? WOOHOO!

Now, do not get me wrong, snow for Christmas is great but the cold weather it brings..... Brrrrrrrr!

Yes, I am not a big fan of the cold. In fact I have an allergy to cold. Really, such exist and it's no fun. You are pretty much should not be outside when it's cold. If you do and you are not protected, you'll look like leopard but with red spots. No fun at all!

And don't get me started on all of the clothing that you have to wear in the winter. Long pants, thick socks, thick sweaters, winter hats, winter gloves, bulky warm boots and etc. So, here is the question of the day:

How to keep warm and look elegant in the cold weather?

There are many advisers on this matter. But I want to hear your opinion.

I always try to look good but winter is tough. So, keeping warm takes a priority. Main part of my body that has to stay warm are my feet. If my feet are cold it does not matter how much clothes I am wearing, I'll be cold. And I have to tell you, it is very tough to find very warm ELEGANT winter boots. They do not exist! Yes, check the link. Do you see yourself wearing something like that in -20C????? NO WAY! I love my feet too much to let them freeze to "death".

So, as I mentioned earlier I am very interested in your opinion. Perhaps you have a suggestion that I can use. Perhaps there is a solution besides old proven true Russian boots - valenki. Hey, they really work.

Think about it and let me know.

That's all for today!

Have a fantastic day and enjoy the snow!

Be ACTIVE! Be INVOLVED! Be a DOER with Olga Dewar!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hello!

Hello, hello, hello!

Well, finally my new endeavor is on it's way out the door. I am very excited! There is so much to share and this seems to be the best way.

Now, for those of you who already know me might think that this will be about Real Estate. OK, part of it will be. But this is about much more, something that you and I come across everyday. This is about you and I. This is about current woman: her life, her family, her health, her relationship, her career, her ideas and much more. 

It might be an ambitious project but I believe with your help it will be a great success.

So, this is it for my first post and I can see how this activity can be addictive.

As said by Martina Navratilova:

"I think the key is for women not to set any limits."

Have a fantastic day!

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a DOER with Olga Dewar!