07 Mar Supporting the Ukraine – Dressing in Yellow and Blue

I am supporting the Ukraine today dressing in yellow and blue.

Supporting the Ukraine – Dressing in Yellow and Blue

I am thinking about so much this week and am showing my support for Ukraine and the people that are fighting and suffering through this war. It is really heartbreaking.

Demonstrating support with my outfit, I choose a yellow and white patterned blouse (Ann Taylor) mixed with a neck scarf is vibrant blue. (Gibby’s Frillery) Dark blue jeans and white boots finish the look.

There are many monuments and buildings lit in blue and yellow to show continuing support. The Eifel tower was lit the day after the Russian Invasion.

I think about what my grandma (when I was little, I called her “Gummy” as I couldn’t say Grandma.) would have thought of the situation. She was from Kiev, and unfortunately, we couldn’t find as much info as we wanted on Ancestry – as to my Gummy’s past in the Ukraine.  The interesting thing was, my Pap, was born in the US, but it was my Gummy who was born in the Ukraine, and yet he was very involved in the Ukrainian culture. He was a Cantor and wrote music for the Ukrainian Orthodox church and was involved in many groups.

Growing up, we participated in many Ukraine traditions. I mentioned before, I am 50% Ukrainian and my mother continued to share with us the Ukrainian traditions and culture as we grew up, and I am very grateful as it has made such a lasting impression on me.

Blessing of the Baskets- Holy Saturday, the day before Easter, the baskets are taken to the church for a priest to bless with Holy Water. The baskets will contain what will be eaten for Easter, paska, ham, butter, cheese, eggs, horseradish, and Pysanky (or Ukrainian decorated eggs) will be added. As tradition, my mom would put a Ukrainian hand embroidered cloth over the basket. The food would not be consumed until Easter Sunday, breaking the Lenten fast.

The Tamburitzans- a dance group- Born out of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where I graduated.

“The Tamburitzans ensemble expanded its repertoire throughout the past eight decades to include a wide variety of folk dance and music representing international cultures.”

Foods-

My mother would introduce us to these Ukrainian foods when we were young.

Paska– an Easter, egg bread. Oh with butter this is so good! “According to tradition, when working the dough, the cook should whisper positive thoughts to achieve the most delicious result.” -source chefspencil.com

Kutya– a combination of wheat germ, poppy seeds, honey, sugar, walnuts. Used for “Good luck” at Holiday meals.

Making Varenyky or Perogies from scratch is a laborious job! My grandma used to take the day to make them. They are often filled with sauerkraut, potato, cheese, traditionally. I certainly miss perohi here, you don’t find many European foods in the South.

Borscht – Beet soup. Well, as a kid I shuddered at the idea of eating beet soup. As an adult, I would certainly enjoy it! It is served with sour cream.

Holubtsi or stuffed cabbage– My mom would call these by their Ukrainian name as well as call them “Pigs in a Blanket”. It is made with rice and ground meat, wrapped in cabbage. A tomato sauce covers the cabbage.

Deruni or Potato pancakes- Get your skillets ready, as these potato pancakes are fried and made into crispy goodness. You would add sour cream or yogurt to top it , and also could add cooked mushrooms and onions.

Kobasa-a spicy, garlic sausage. One of my Pap’s favorite dishes.

How to Help

If you are interested in how to help, you can look through the links for organizations that may appeal to you. 

From the Washington Post– ( LINKS)

Here are a few organizations-

Care.org

ICRC.org

My Outfit

Blouse- Ann Taylor ( sim)/jeans-Old Navy /Boots- Marni( sim)/clutch- Treesje/Scarf-Gibby ( similiar)

Shop This Post-

The pieces I have styled in my post are all older and from my closet. I have curated some pieces that are similar to what I am wearing.

Have a great day!
See you tomorrow for Turning Heads Tuesday

Jess xx