Orientation Au Pair in America - October - first days in the USA ☺

HELLO,
YES, I DID IT!

I'm in the USA - and still soooo excited about it, I can't believe it at all.
Btw.today I had a terrible NIGHTMARE that I was in Poland again...

Anyway, I'm gonna post many photos today so brace yourself!
First of all, 1 day before the departure I had a meeting with my friend in Warsaw and I slept there.
We had a really nice vegan dinner (burger) #krowarzywa I literally LOVE IT.

Then we were walking down the Warsaw's streets it was a pretty nice Saturday.
On Sunday we ate out some delicious pancakes - it was only 1 pancake but I was totally full.

After that, the busy and nervous time came.

At the crowded airport I met a girl that was going there on AAA Driving Course also 1 day before the whole Orientation - it was funny!

I was a bit surprised because the security check was really quick.

When we finally found our seats in the plane I started being worried about the flight but when we were between clouds my feelings have gone... I mean I didn't care about anything because there was nothing to do if something went wrong - I was afraid of this long flight it was ALMOST 10hours.

You would have thought eating in the plane is awful and so on but the FOOD was so tasty!

Lemme show you:

Ummmm... Why am I posting so many photos of food? I'm probably a bit hungry !!

Anyway, when we landed at the JFK airport we had to wait in a crowded room in a long queue.

The whole process took us about 2 hours,

the last interview was the worst, trust me! 

I got a lot of questions about my trip and then this man decided to let me in (this last entrance depends on his last word - it was possible that I wouldn't come in) and I got my Visa signed!

My friend got the suitcase broken so we had to report it quickly and then the woman from the APiA took us (she was waiting there 2/3 hours!), it was almost midnight - in Poland it was almost 6AM, so I was really exhausted...

The DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Tarrytown,NY was AMAZING!

And our room:

 

Sorry for that little mess ☺

I didn't even know that I was going to live with 2 other girls on the first night, because I was there 1 day before the planned departure - I had the AAA Driving Course on Monday when other girls were arriving.

So, my roommates welcomed me ummm... not really kind - it was the middle of the night and they were tired after their arrival.

Anyway, in the morning we met each other, we couldn't stop laughing and talking!!!

I enjoyed it!

And don't be afraid of DoubleTree's food, just look at this:

Everyday the hotel staff were waking us up at 6.30am, 

then we were having breakfast at 7am - 7.45am and at 8 o'clock the Orientation starts, with some breaks for drinking or eating (for example lunch etc.) so it wasn't that bad - we learned a lot about taking care of children at any age so it was really helpful and interesting.

To be honest, I've made LOADS of international friendships!

Unfortunately,I took some selfies (only) with a few of them - there were about 150 people.

That was definitely my bad hair&face day but who cares - I love you guys ☺

What else, my host family was waiting for me in the APiA office in Stamford, girls were really excited and so do I.

When we finally arrived to Darien, everything seemed different - the city is beautiful,they do celebrate

Halloween - a lot of houses have been already decorated!

Firstly, I got a little gift - bathroom stuff and maps,books about Darien etc.

THAT'S IT! 

The next notes will be about Darien,CT , my daily routine (schedule) ,feelings, trips, differences between Poland and the USA.

I've just made a video about my departure and the Orientation days in DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Tarrytown,NY - check this out!

Girls, if you're still waiting for your Perfect Match - please, remember that everything is going to be alright, maybe not today, but unexpected things happen in life - trust me.

xx,

M.

The gifts in the process...

Helloooooo everybody,

as I mentioned before my daily routine consists of  'most important tasks'.
It's just something you need or want to be done each day, when you achieve these goals you'll feel totally productive.
Each day, I prepare to my adventure - it means I do something everyday to make my dreams come true - it's such an amazing feeling.

Talking about the flight...

2 days ago 

(it was exactly 17 days before the departure) I got the message about my flight details,

• it's DIRECTLY from Warsaw to NYC
• fortunately, it's not in the morning - my flight is at 5.20 pm
• I'll arrive with another Polish girl - I'm glad, I'm not going alone

What's more, yesterday was a really busy day,

I was at the dentist's just to check if everything's fine (and of course IT IS!), I was at the bank and I opened a foreign currency account - which is so important to have it before opening the American account and after all, I had some teaching English classes with kids.

What's best, I bought my wonderful Wittchen suitcase - everyone recommends the material ones, that's why I got it.

Lemme show you then,

Today, I started making bracelets for the girls (with their names!) that I'll take care of, it seems to be an incredible thing  -  long-lasting, handmade and memorable gift! Additionally, each girl will get the box for jewellery filled with Polish sweets - I'll show you soon peeps!

But everything can't be perfect, I ordered these boxes online and I was sure it was half of the actual size, just a little disappointment - 

less space in my suitcase  =  less clothes to bring with me...

all in all, there're always some advantages, more sweets for the girls!

Today's song:

Tomorrow, me and my friend are going at the stable - it's Sunday - I'm taking some time to relax and recharge my batteries for the next (busy) week.

I'm falling asleep, g'night then,

xxx,

M.

Memories last forever !

Hi everyone,

I'm one of those people who strives to be productive during 'days off'.
 So, I always schedule my month to not waste the time and I'm pretty sure this makes me even happier when I have things done (ticked) - so try it, you won't regret it ☑ .

Anyway, today I'm completely rested. I was cooking a dinner...yes, of course it was delicious!!! I went for a walk (because the weather FORTUNATELY is great). What's more, I organized some things connected with the flight to the US and I sold some of my things that I haven't been using for a long time for example horseback riding stuff. I had an accident on November 3rd 2011, it was a long time ago but shortly, I fell down during gallop and I nearly lost my consciousness. 

(the last ride - these 2 photos were took right before the accident)

I was too shocked, after all I just started to cry but there wasn't any pain. Then, me and my friend went for a walk with horses like nothing happened. When I came home I couldn't move my arm so we immediately went to the nearest hospital but they told me to go to the emergency in another town (30 mins by car) - it was insane.

All in all, I broke my collarbone and I was recovering at home for over 1 month, I totally stopped horseback riding but I still wholeheartedly love these animals.

I'm organizing files etc. on my computer and I want to share with you some of my memorable photos:

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day - as always !!!
Just some shopping before my departure to New York, it's ONLY 3 weeks left!

Tumblr inspiration.

Hope you're having a good evening,

xx,
M.

nutrition and healthy drinking - some fresh green juice!

Exactly!
Just stay healthy and be motivated!

I've just decided to write a quick note (it's almost 12.30am) and share with you my recipe for a delicious green juice. 

• 1  (green!) apple
• 1 pear
• half celery
• half cucumber
• some ginger - not too much
• some parsley (if you like)

This one cup gives you a lot of power - try it!
Apple and pear juice are sweet so when we combine it with some vegetables it becomes a really tasty drink in your free time during the day.

Geeez, now is the last step, my juicer is a nightmare to clean!

More recipes soon!

 Anyway, enjoy your meal and have a good night peeps.

I'm working on the #2 Vlog,

let me know if you have any ideas for my next videos, 

nightnight.

Isn't it (SOOOO) true?!?

xx,

M.

News! #1 vlog Martinity-preparing to the flight- Au Pair in America

Hi!

NEWS,NEWS,NEWS!

I'm going on October 4th!

My wonderful Host Family asked me to participate in the AAA Driving Course which includes classes about safe driving, tips and helps drivers to acclimate to American roads - so it means I'm arriving 1 day before the Orientation.

Some detailed informations about:

AAA Driving Course - CLICK HERE

Orientation and the Training School - CLICK HERE

Another NEWS!

I went to Warsaw on September 1st (yes,my birthday!) and I had the Visa appointment at the American Embassy on September 2nd.

What's more?!?!

VISA APPROVED ♥

To be honest, I didn't expect anything but the whole security process was just easy.
Everyone was sooooo polite, it was amazing - just a little surprise.

So the security check, showing some documents, checking my fingerprints etc. were really quick then I had to wait almost 1 hour for my interview.
The room was so crowded (nearly full!) and I saw the information 'max. 270 people' - a bit funny sooooo I was waiting and talking with random people (there were around 50 peeps before me).

After that I was finally called on my interview. 

I was so nervous, you can't even imagine it.
All in all, I was talking to the kindest consul ever, our conversation was fine and everything went well.

If you're preparing to the Visa process you would expect some question connected with:

• your plans in the United States and when you come back
• your experience
• place where you'll be living etc.

So honestly, everything's just easy!

Instead of my meeting at the American Embassy I had a great time - just having fun (and some unexpected adventures) with my friend and meeting new people ☺ I love Warsaw - it's such an amazing place with foreigners from all around the world!

NOW,

I'm looking for a resistant suitcase and some appropriate gifts for my Host Family.

See my first Vlog for Polish people - it's just an introduction.

I did my best.

I'm waiting for your opinions and suggestions, maybe I'll have to change something or try to do it better next time.

Hope you like it!

see ya soon,

xoxoxox,

M.

Perfect match! Au Pair in America AIFS

Hello everyone,
I still can't believe it, I have my perfect match!
My blog has just officially started as an Au Pair's blog!

MY AMERICAN ADVENTURE begins on October 5th,

I'll fly to the New York to the training school (it's called orientation) and then I'll live in Darien, CT.

I will take care of 3 cute (older) girls.

The host parents are really honest and open, we've already talked about almost everything.

What's more, they have an adorable dog!

From the beginning this family was my favourite one,

I'm glad we both had the same feeling.

I've talked to their current au pair and she told me lots of advantages and opportunities that family gives her. She has visited about 15 states and is going to travel to the West Coast.

All in all, I know I won't be disappointed, I'm going to work, to meet new people and to get to know the American culture, be fluent in English!

Now,

•  I'm waiting for the visa package
• after receiving it, I'll have to book my visa interview at the US Embassy (I do hope I'll get the visa easily!)
• next step is getting the National Driver Licence
• after all, I'll get my airline ticket... packing, saying good bye -

and I'll be THERE!

I'm thinking about my blog,

I'm gonna write here in English and upload videos on Youtube (Vlogs) in Polish.

What do you think about it?

Moreover, do you live or will be living near me?  I'd love to make new friends there!

 Let me know in comments below.

see you soon!

xx,

M.

Easiest muffins EVER!

hello everybody!
I hope you're having a great day,

today
- I've just finished baking...

I made the EASIEST and delicious muffins ever!
This recipe makes about 6/7 bigger muffins or 12 small muffins.

Here is a favourite muffin recipe of mine!

You will need:

1 glass flour

1/4 glass oil rapeseed oil

1/2 glass milk

2 spoons sugar 

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 small egg

and some salt (1/2 tsp)

Additional ingredients - to be honest, you can add your favourites for example cranberries(the best choice!), nuts, some chocolate , fruit, caramel or jam - just add to the basic recipe the flavours you would like.

It sounds very easy and IT IS! 

The key to making great muffins is not overmixing the batter!

• 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. 
• 2. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl.

• 3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl then add the oil and milk.
• 4. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ones and mix no more than ten seconds, be careful - it's important to not overmix the batter. 

• 5. Fill muffin cups only a piece of it - from 1/2 to 2/3. It's not necessary but you can also use a muffin (cupcake) pan.6.It will bake approximately 20 mins or so depending on your oven. 

 When baking time is up - insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin.
If the toothpick comes out clean, it means they're done.

It isn't perfect, I try to do my best - I'm sure I'll learn from the experience.

Anyway, as an additional igredients I added almonds, cranberries and oatmeal.

BE CREATIVE!

Please leave a comment with your favourite combinations, thoughts and opinions!

Thank you,

xxx

M.

Stop Yulin 2015 - just sign the petition

Hi,

please sign it:

https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival

We must stop this insane and senseless ritual, there're loads of dogs being killed in the streets at the Yulin Dog meat Festival.

Is this humanity? 

What is the point of this?

I can't understand it.

That's the hell on Earth, all you have to do is 'sign it'.
Apparently, most of these cute animals were stolen from their owners, captured and transported under horrible conditions... and still have their collars...


We need to STOP IT and WE have to fight, animals have no voice, they can't ask for anything.
It is really heartbreaking, together we can change it.

Just sign and share it with your friends, it only takes a moment - and you will save another life.
I hope you'll do it.


xo,
M.

Au Pair's motivation

Hiiiiiiiiiiii!

I think this is the best time of my life.
So...

• I feel free (tbh I've never said that before)
• I'm AFTER my FINALS
• I promised myself that I will take chances, do everything and live my life 
• I moved out a few weeks ago - and I'm totally ok with it
• I'm looking for the next job (I'm so self-minded and definitely too active - I can't waste my time, be bored and lay on the sofa everyday)

These are just advantages...

What's more, nothing's perfect.

 I've just started thinking about my future life.
I have no plans, that's terrible, I don't know what to do, some people tell me that Au Pair plans in the US are with no prospects and I should attend an university in Poland because I passed it very well (I don't think so) - these words make me hesitant.
I need an advice but everybody says different thoughts and I don't know what to do.

My auntie told me I should stay here, be educated (because after this 1 year as an Au Pair - she says - I won't be willing to start school again) - and some other things, but what's most important, after that conversation I feel upset.

However... I realized that I want to do something wholly different and show people that I can reach my goals. I don't wanna be like an ordinary girl after high school.

ALL IN ALL, I think there's nothing to worry about I just have to wait for my PM.

NOW, I can take chances and just live.
(especially, without thinking about next exams etc. - it's finally over!)

(my) the only one advice

peeps, don't waste your time 

see ya,

xx

M.

----------------------

Hejjjjj,
myślę,że to najlepszy czas w moim życiu

Tak więc...

• czuję się wolna (szczerze mówiąc, chyba nigdy tego wcześniej nie powiedziałam)
• jestem po maturze!
• obiecałam sobie, że będę korzystać z życia
• dobrze mi się mieszka samej (przeprowadziłam się kilka tygodni temu)
• szukam kolejnej pracy, bo nie potrafię spokojnie usiedzieć, bez szkoły jest nudno - nie mogę marnować czasu

to są tylko zalety,
ale nic nie jest perfekcyjne.

Zaczęłam myśleć o moim przyszłym życiu.

Nie mam konkretnych planów - to jest okropne!

Nie wiem co robić, niektórzy ludzie mówią (ci co wiedzą o Au Pair), że ten wyjazd jest bez sensu i powinnam od razu złożyć papiery na uczelnię w PL, bo dobrze mi poszła matura (ja tak nie sądzę) - takie słowa sprawiają, że jestem niezdecydowana - znowu druga połowa wspiera mnie w tych planach. 

Potrzebuję rady co do przyszłej rodziny (nie chcę podejmować pochopnych decyzji) , ale każdy ma różne zdanie na ten temat i w sumie nie wiem co robić, jestem pewna, że mam zbyt wiele wymagań.

Moja ciocia powiedziała, że mam tutaj zostać, uczyć się (ponieważ po roku bycia Au Pair mogę nie mieć chęci powrotu do nauki) i kilka innych spraw, ale co najważniejsze, po tej rozmowie poczułam niepokój, ponieważ moim preferowanym wyjazdem był czerwiec (jest maj...)

Tak czy inaczej... Zdałam sobie sprawę, że chcę zrobić coś całkowicie innego i pokazać ludziom, że mogę zdobyć spełnić swoje wyznaczone cele. Nie chcę żyć jak większość ludzi wokół znanego przez nich miejsca, miasta, kraju - chcę podróżować i nie ograniczać się.

W podsumowaniu, nie ma się czym przejmować, czekam nadal na PM.

TERAZ, mogę korzystać z chwili i zacząć po prostu żyć.

(szczególnie nie muszę się martwić o egzaminy - nareszcie koniec!!!)

ludzie, nie marnujcie czasu!

see ya,

xx

M.

finals

Hi,

My FINAL EXAMS!

It's the hardest time in my life, really.

Tbh, I'm so tired of studying, I can't stop thinking about my next and last 2 exams (so much stress!)

Moreoverrrrrrr, I completely moved out - it's the best experience of my life, I learn new skills everyday and I don't regret it!

g'night

xx

M.

-------------------------

Hej.

MATURA!

To najtrudniejszy czas w moim życiu, poważnie.
Szczerze, jestem zmęczona nauką. Nie mogę przestać myśleć o moich 2 następnych egzaminach ( duuuużo stresiku!)

Co więcej, wyprowadziłam się z domu - to najlepsze doświadczenie w moim życiu, uczę się codziennie nowych umiejętności (szczególnie na własnych błędach) i niczego nie żałuję!

g'night
xx
M.

Au Pair Poland

Hi, long time no see! I had a lot of things to do, school, job (I'm working in a cafe) and I couldn't write there anything. Have you heard about Au Pair? If no (I'll explain), it's a babysitter from a foreign country working for, and living as part of, a host family. Like it was said before, I'd love to visit the USA and I'm totally sure being Au Pair is the best possibility to make my dreams come true. I'm gonna share with you my thoughts and happenings during my preparations to departure. See my application video, I hope you like it!
 All in all I have to study now,the matura exam is coming :(
If you have any questions about being Au Pair or issues connected with it, email me without any doubts! martynakowalek@gmail.com
 I'll be regularly posting what's going on in my life and maybe some covers too ,
 bye ☺

Changes

FAUL & Wad Ad vs. Pnau - Changes (Pretty Pink Remix)

After a long break from doing anything on my blog,I'm officialy back with the first photo on MY LOOKBOOK !!!
In posts like this I'm not gonna express myself by writing(because it's a bit boring) but there'll be a lot of photos. I hope you enjoy and click HYPE button if you like it :)

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Po długiej przerwie w robieniu czegokolwiek na moim blogu,oficjalnie jestem z powrotem z pierwszym zdjęciem na lookbook'u !!!
W postach jak ten,nie mam zamiaru wyrażać siebie za pomocą pisania(bo jest to jednak nudne) ale będzie tutaj mnóstwo zdjęć. Mam nadzieję,że się podoba i klikniecie znaczek HYPE :)