exPress-o

Fashion Inspiration: Blues

2012-01-30T17:00:00.002+01:00

A few days ago while waiting for my appointment in the dental office, I read an article about the comeback of blue shades with cobalt hue as the main attraction. I've always loved midnight blue and navy is one of my favourite black colour alternatives. Although, I adore the cheerier shade, I'm not sure if cobalt suits my complexion but I'm extremely happy to wear darker shades of blue mixed with greys and mustard colour instead :) Love! Darlings, what shades of blue you fancy most? Do you wear blue? xo

P.S: Also, some red love and the dreamy winter whites.
P.P.S: Other snazzy trends:)

(Photos by/via Note to Self, Garance Doré, The Sartorialist & Vanessa Jackman)

Easy-Peasy Take On Pesto

2012-01-30T12:09:00.001+01:00

Loves, have you made pesto from scratch before? A few super talented ladies made this scrumptious video recipe and I've been craving it ever since. They recommend mixing it with a serving of gnocchi but I just want to run to our local bakery, grab the freshest loaf of bread they have and eat it while dipping pieces of bread in it till the jar is empty :) Yum! What do you eat pesto with? xo

P.S: Other tummy-licious recipes: red pesto ravioli and oven baked cherry tomatoes.
P.P.S: Tips and tricks to a perfect dinner party!

(Photos via classic pesto video from tiger in a jar)

Giveaway Winner

2012-01-30T12:05:00.000+01:00

Drum rolls, please!!!

The winner of the Blog Milk Shop GIVEAWAY is Sima. Congrats!! xoxo

Ps: Thank you all for playing...

Have a pretty weekend

2012-01-27T21:38:00.000+01:00

Loves, what are your plans for this weekend? It's the last one in January. Is it just me or this month just flew by? Tonight I'm opening a bottle of wine, running a hot bubble bath and spending the evening reading away and tomorrow we are off for a wedding. It will be an emotional day for sure and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it all. (I always cry at weddings, you?). Sweets, have a blast in the next two days and if you are in a blog-reading-type-of-mood here are a few fantastic links to check out. Enjoy!

Pretty cool cabin in Brooklyn.

How to recognize the perfect espresso cup:)

Lens flower pots - brilliant!

NYC at dusk.

This place blew me away!

One awesome dog:)

Twirling with Kate Spade.

Delicious looking root vegetable recipes (especially the parsnip gratin).

Balloon bubble bath.

Incredible map couture!

Perfect for Valentines.

I love this entry room.

Darling wedding.

I'm craving this soup today.

Oh my!

A few cool ways how to create a romantic evening:)

Also, there are only 2 more day left to enter our awesome blog makeover GIVEAWAY!

And here are three exPress-o coffee posts you might have missed:
* Syphon coffee.
* Magic coffee.
* French press.

Darlings, see you Monday morning! xo

(Photo via Amanda Jones)

This Week's Gems

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000+01:00

Have you seen J.Crew's new arrivals? I'm totally swooning over those two cardis and this sassy skirt...

One of the most snazzy white porcelain coffee sets I've seen in a while. Just look at that milk jug - Love!...

How beautiful are those miniature journals? Fantastic for jotting fun inspirations:)...

I've never seen more unique cuffs! Aren't they splendid?...

Beautiful!...

Those cuties just got me super excited for spring:)...

Imagine wearing this necklace with one of your favourite tweeds and a snazzy shirt. Stunning!...

I'm loving those cute puppy tags! Totally need those for Monty and Buffer! Btw: how adorable is Sima's new pup?...

Ha! Next Movember, I'm getting this Moustache Growers Guide as a gift to Balazs:)...

Bangles perfection!...

Loves, Happy Friday! What caught your eye this week? Any great buys? xo

P.S: Have you entered our GIVEAWAY yet? Don't miss it:)

Home Inspiration: Mood Board

2012-01-27T12:01:00.001+01:00

Lovelies, do you have a mood board in your home? Lately I've been thinking about creating an area in my flat (probably my office) where I hang, clip, pin all the little everyday inspirations I find in magazines, little notes I make on ideas (quotes from books) and those little knick-knacks that I simply can't get rid off. (I have an unhealthy habit of ripping off magazine pages when I like something and just storing them all over the office). Simply, it would be nice to have all this in one spot. So, I'm totally digging the boards above, especially the one that you make with basic tape. I probably could find one with stripes or polka dots :) Oh boy! xo

P.S: And a wine cork bulletin board that you can make yourself.
P.P.S: Grand memories and do you remember the kitchen food wall?

(Photos via fjellby via Trendenser, Poppytalk & Hus and Hem via French by Design)

Scarves: Three Times Fancy

2012-01-26T22:31:00.002+01:00

I'm always amazed by all the snazzy ways people wear their silk or pashmina scarves. Somehow, it totally inspires me when I see new creative twists on the classic look and beautiful ways they incorporate scarves into their outfits (even during winter). Those three pretty ladies totally nailed it, don't you think? Do you wear silk and fabric scarves or pashimas? Or you rather stick with the cozy, knitted ones? xo

P.S: More scarf talk and my ode to scarves.
P.P.S: Don't miss the snazzy blog makeover GIVEAWAY!

(Photos via Lenorenevermore, Note to Sarah & Tracing Suzanne)

Updo's

2012-01-26T17:00:00.000+01:00

This upcoming weekend, Balazs and I are going for a tiny and super intimate city hall wedding of our friends. For the past few days I've been looking for lovely hairdo ideas that would match the occasion and I fell in love with those four beautifully understated updo's. Aren’t they pretty? Which one do you fancy the most? (I'm going to wear a simple navy-blue dress with it). xo

P.S: The perfect bun trick!
P.P.S: And a messy 3-twist do.

(Photos via Mahogony, Hair Romance & From Paris to London)

Le sigh!

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000+01:00

Le sigh, how romantic are those photographs? I'm simply head over heels smitten with this sweet collaboration between the fantastic duo of Scott Schumann and Garance Doré and the iconic Tiffany. The amazing pair was asked to capture all those little tender gestures and special moments between two people in love for the 'what makes love true' campaign. I think they nailed it! (Btw: if you fancy, you can also upload your own romantic photograph on the site and include a little caption).

Lovelies, I was wondering, what are the little simple gestures your partner does that make your day that much more special? (My answer in the comments)

P.S: Also, here is the video of behind the scenes. (How adorable is Garance's accent?)

Blog Makeover Giveaway

2012-01-25T17:00:00.001+01:00

Today’s giveaway is from Blog Milk Shop, an awesome blog design trio with a unique concept created by the sweet Ana Degenaar of Blog Milk. Together with Danni Hong of Oh, Hello Friend and Jennifer Hagler of A Merry Mishap they make a super team of extraordinary women who create web/blog templates that are equally functional and beautiful while still affordable and customizable. They simply want you to have the best possible template, quick, friendly service, easy access and all this at a great price. Isn't that something? But wait, it gets better; they also offer a Premium blogger themes campaign where they monthly award the highest traffic source with a template and a header design.

The New Year always calls for big changes, right? So, today Ana is offering you the chance to win one of their themes including a custom header and full upload, all for free. It's totally up to you which theme you fancy most. I simply adore this and this one. So snazzy and clean!

For a chance to win you should be a follower of exPress-o, please visit the Blog Milk Shop and let us know which theme you fancy the most in the comments section. As always the giveaway is open worldwide. The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday night. Good luck! xo

For extra entries:
Follow exPress-o on Twitter, follow Blog Milk on Twitter, follow Blog Milk (right side of the page "follow us"), join exPress-o group on Facebook or tweet about the giveaway and please make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

P.S: They are having some great sales going on right now as well!

Dinner With Friends?

2012-01-25T12:01:00.001+01:00

Last week I read this article in theKitchn about having dinners with friends. They also did a little survey asking people how often they had guests over for a chat and a good meal. It was so interesting to see the difference in opinions. Some said that they entertain on weekly/monthly basis, some admitted that their social life is much busier during the warmer months, while others have people over only for special occasions, which sums up to about 4-5 times a year.

It must be due to our work-type because Balazs and I love being around people when we are not working. We organise movie nights or evenings with wine and cheese pretty regularly. (It's easy and totally pain free with some homemade bread spreads).

But after reading the article I realised that during winter months we prefer spending more time relaxing at home or watching Seinfeld - just the two of us. Must be because of the short days and cold, right? Also, one of my friends said something that stuck with me, it is at times a big fuss to cook something or prepare but it's so worth it when people enjoy the food we make and the atmosphere we create.

Anywho, I would love to know where you stand on the whole dinner-parties, dinner-dates with friends subject. How often do you have people over for a meal or how often do you go over to them for a drink? Does it change depending on the seasons? Or maybe you think that the whole dinner party concept is way too much hassle and you rather just meet them up in a restaurant? Do share…xo

P.S: Remember this awesome progressive dinner Parisian style?
P.P.S: My solo-dinner-dates challange, also tips & trick to a perfect dinner party!
Psst: Awesome GIVEAWAY coming up!!!

(Photos by/via Galaxie Andrews via Kinfolk Mag & Luisa Brimble)

Metal Ponytail Holders: Thumbs up or Down?

2012-01-24T22:30:00.000+01:00

Lately, I've been wearing my hair in a ponytail almost every other day and yesterday I've spotted a girl on the street wearing one of those cool metal ponytail holders. Who would have thought, right? It's such a snazzy way to sassy up your plain ponytail look. You still use a regular hair tie for the base and top it up with one of those jazzy pieces. Pretty, don't you think? Would you try it? xo

P.S: Sandra used metal napkin rings for it and I read that regular thick rings would work too.
P.P.S: Also, 60's ponytail and cute ribbon hairdos:)

(Photos via Loving You, Mahogany & Inch and Up)

Midsummer Night in Poland

2012-01-24T17:00:00.000+01:00

Crikey, in celebration of the shortest night in the year, known as Midsummer Night, tons of people from the beautiful city of Poznań gather each year to spend that evening together. Each person or a group releases their lit lantern into the sky at the same time at 10:30 pm in celebration of sun, moon, joy, love and fertility. After a few minutes the darkness of the night transforms into magically twinkling and colourful skies of happiness and celebration. I love when communities come together to celebrate. Don’t those photos look magical? I’m totally gobsmacked by it all! xo

P.S: It totally reminds me of the Loy Kratong floating lanterns in Chiang Mai - Thailand.

(Photos by Adam Brosz)

Cabin Fever

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

Lovelies, have you rented a cabin before? Oh boy, instead of working, I spent this morning drinking French Press coffee and daydreaming about renting a little cabin somewhere in the mountains or maybe next to a tiny lake. I can't stop thinking about spending a long weekend dipping my toes in a lake, reading books on a hammock while listing to birds singing and my favourite: spending evenings all cozy next to the fire roasting s'mores. Maybe I’m strange but I love how my hair smells after bonfire. xo

P.S: Also, tiny houses on tiny islands.
P.P.S: Fairytale house in Wales.

(Photos via Cabin Porn via Julie Digs Design)

Cozy Catskill

2012-01-23T23:04:00.000+01:00

If I ever considered moving out of the city and getting a house, it would be for this one. A few years ago, photographer Fabio Chizzola and his wife Laura moved into this beautiful old stone farmhouse in the Catskill Mountains. Besides having tons of space they also own raspberry bushes in the backyard and make jams and applesauce during apple-picking season straight from their own apple orchard. Oh boy, just looking at those photos I can almost feel the crisp cold air on my cheeks and the incredible sense of openness when you stand in that garden. Just want to inhale all that freshness. Hmm, what a fantastic place for playing hide and seek. xo

Loves, how would your dream house look like? Where would it be? xo

P.S: Also, countryside home in Belgium with the coolest glass room.
P.P.S: And a few lovely home inspirations.

(Photos by Randy Harris for The NY Times via Wo & Wé)

Winter Whites: Thumbs up or down?

2012-01-23T17:00:00.001+01:00

According to the British Red Magazine, winter whites are rocking this chilly season. The whole palette is up for grabs, from whiter shades of pale, ethereal creams to the sexy snow blown silks. Certainly wearing white from head to toe might not be everyone's cup of tea but mixing it with greys and pale shades proves now and again that it's a great colour to brighten up your winter wardrobe. Loves, what do you think? Would you wear white during winter? Or is it just not cozy enough colour for the chill? I'd love to know... xo

P.S: Perfect winter essentials: cozy sweaters, long warm scarves and snazzy tights!
P.P.S: Layers = LOVE.

(Photos by/via Katie Ermilio, Kris Atomic, The Sartorialist, Vogue Closet & Habitually Chic)

Moss & Fern

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000+01:00

How was your weekend? Mine was super relaxing and sunny. The air on Sunday morning felt like spring :) So why don't we ease into the Monday madness with a bit of calming and magical nature. Are you up for a walk in the woods right now? Grab your comfy shoes, cozy scarf, and meet me there, deal? Don't worry, you can reheat your coffee later. xo

P.S: When was the last time you took a walk in the woods? It was ages ago for me...
P.P.S: More dream-worthy places: Blue bell woods and firefly forest.

(Stunning winter woods photographs by Alicia Paulson)

Giveaway Winner

2012-01-23T11:17:00.001+01:00

Drum rolls, please!!! The winner of Elisabeth Michael pillow GIVEAWAY is Liesl.

Ps: Thank you all for playing...New awesome giveaway is coming on Wednesday!

Have a dreamy weekend

2012-01-20T23:11:00.000+01:00

My Lovelies, I'm so pleased it's Friday, aren't you? It's been one of those very busy weeks. I'm ready to slip into comfy jammies, make grilled cheese sandwiches with Dijon and spend the evening laughing out loud while watching Seinfeld. What are you up to? Did you have a good week? As always here are a few great links from around the web for you to enjoy:)

Real deal Bolognese.

And this gem would come super handy while making pasta.

Sherlock Holmes flat for rent.

Red lips:)

The photograph that makes my heart skip a beat.

Perfectly frozen.

Ombre dip dye tags that you can make yourself.

I'm dreaming of summer too:)

Water dancer.

Yes, please to all.

This would make a perfect V-day card.

Indeed!

Chalkboard walls.

Oh my goodness, buckwheat baby with salted caramel syrup. Yum!

With lemons.

Adorable side braided bun tutorial.

Quotes for those not so good days.

Don't miss our snazzy pillow GIVEAWAY! (You have only 2 more days to enter).

Darlings, see you Monday morning. Love! xo

(Photo via From Paris to London)

Ikat-Patterned Nails

2012-01-20T17:00:00.001+01:00

Crikey, how pretty is this ikat-patterned manicure? And guess what, it's easy-peasy to do as those beauties are actually nail wraps that you simply apply like stickers. Just finish it off with a bit of clear nail polish for a glossy shine and you are ready to go! I'm sold:) How about you? Have you used nail wraps before? xo

P.S: Here is the step-by-step how to.
P.P.S: Also, adorable polka dots and this pretty metallic shine.

(via Lucky Mag)

This Week's Gems

2012-01-20T12:02:00.000+01:00

How pretty is this hat? (Bonus: It's made of 100% organic merino wool)...

Bag-tastic! Perfect for romantic weekends away...

Three Scotch colours I'm intrigued by: troya, flying scotsman and seaboard...

I love stacking rings and this one is super charming...

This coat makes me swoon! I love the sexy colour, detailing and it would look great with skinnies. Bingo!...

Just imagine what a snazzy addition this poppy pod stickpin would make to your winter tweed or your cozy sweater. Love!...

Must have: mini espresso maker:) It just looks so darn cute, doesn't it?...

I adore the vibrant print and the sassy cut of this number. I would wear it with a pair of black, warm tights, long boots and braided hair...

This robin print would make a lovely addition to a nature-loving kiddo's playroom:)...

Thank you cards perfection! Just imagine sending those cuties out. Awesome!...

Happy Friday, Lovelies! What caught your eye this week? Any fantastic buys? xo

P.S: Don't miss our snazzy pillow GIVEAWAY! (Your sofa would love it)

Home Inspiration: Stripes

2012-01-19T22:28:00.003+01:00

For Christmas, my mom sent me a classic striped kitchen rug that I've been planning to buy on my next trip to Britain. It's one of those super soft type that makes your feet sink-in while you're doing dishes :) Anyway, the whole thing made me realize that it would be nice to get a few more striped items for our flat as they make the space look that much cozier. So, here are a few of my inspirations. (I'm swooning over that striped sofa - just saying).

Lovelies, do you have any striped stuff in your home? Would you like to? How do you incorporate them into your existing style? xo

P.S: More striped goodness: icons and their stripes and bolder take on bloggers uniform:)
P.P.S: Also, bar carts, kitchen nook and snazzy frames.

(Photos via Design*Sponge, Krystal and Pinterest)

Butterfly Tree

2012-01-19T17:00:00.001+01:00

Can you imagine taking a walk in a rainforest and stumbling upon those beautifully rare Blue Morpho butterflies just chilling on a tree trunk? Nature truly creates the most spectacular colour palettes. Aren't they splendid? What a treat! xo

P.S: Also, the swoon-worthy Japanese flower garden!
P.P.S: And the dreamy gardens of Marqueyssac in France.

(Photos via/by NPR and Artflakes)

How to Make a Better Grilled Cheese Sandwich

2012-01-19T12:00:00.001+01:00

I'm hooked on Ruth Reichl new column! Each week she shares tricks and tips on how to make our favourite meals even more irresistible. Pretty cool, isn't it? And guess what, the other week she wrote about her take on the warm, gooey and perfect-for-lazy-evenings: grilled cheese sandwich. Bingo! So, here are Ruth's three little tricks that tickled my fancy immediately and hopefully will make us all enjoy our chees-y goodness even more:

*Always use butter (spreading it inside and outside of the bread) but never margarine.
*Spread grated (good quality) cheese rather than sliced for quicker and more even melting.
*And my favourite one: add a gentle swipe of mustard (or horseradish) to the inside of the bread for that extra layer of flavour.

Mmm...everything tastes so much better with mustard, especially Dijon, doesn't it? Lovelies, do you have a secret ingredient that you add to your grilled cheese sandwich? Do share...xo

P.S: How funny that tiny little changes can make such a big difference in taste.
P.P.S: Also, here are three other sandwiches I love, including the funny (and a bit gross) tricky one.

(Photos by Honest Fare, Closet Cooking & Whitney Chen)

Wednesday Giveaway

2012-01-18T16:00:00.001+01:00

Today’s giveaway is from Elisabeth Michael, a beautiful home décor boutique, full of cozy pillows, beautiful drapes, beddings and snazzy shower curtains. Liz, the designer is offering you a chance to win one of her pillows. It's totally up to you to pick the one you fancy the most from her shop. Isn't that great? This beauty would definitely brighten up your sofa and this striped number makes my heart skip a beat!

For a chance to win you should be a follower of exPress-o, please visit the Elisabeth Michael shop and let us know which pillow you fancy the most. As always the giveaway is open worldwide.The winner will be chosen at random on Sunday night. Good luck! xo

For extra entries:
Follow exPress-o on Twitter, follow Elisabeth Michael on Twitter, follow Liz's blog, join exPress-o group on Facebook, subscribe to Elisabeth Michael inspiration newsletter (top-right of the page) or tweet about the giveaway and please make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.