exPress-o

Thank you and see you around!

2018-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some of you might have anticipated this day and here I am to tell you that, yes, this is my last post on exPress-o for a while. I'm not saying this is 'it', I'm simply saying that the past 8+ years have been the most amazing/challenging/fun years of my life. I'm saying that this space shaped my personal taste, expanded my creativity and made me think outside of the box. I'm saying that I'm thankful to all of you for reading all my posts from the very beginning, and I'm saying that despite all that, I'm ready to let it go, for a while, at least...

Thank you, amazing readers for meaningful connections, friendships and work opportunities. Thank you to this slice of heaven for showing me that being an introvert in a world of extroverts works as long as you do it your own way. Thank you for all the emails, notes, comments in the past 8+ years. I read them all and I even have some of them saved for a rainy day....

This is certainly not a goodbye...See you around? :) xo

(Photo of Alfred Eisenstaedt enjoying a tube floating party on the Apple River in Wisconsin in 1941 via For Emma, Forever Ago)

This Week's Gems

2018-05-31T08:41:00.000-04:00

'The plan is to have no plan' - indeed!...

Beautifully understated...

Swoon...

The only earrings you'll want to wear this summer...

The whole set, please!...

I'm telling you, we all would need this lavender ball in our homes...

Simple beauty...

Genius mismatched coffee lover socks!..

Beauty!...

:)...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

Yay! It's Wednesday Cake!

2018-05-30T08:13:00.000-04:00

Continuing my love for seasonal strawberries, here are the healthiest and yummiest berry muffins around. They are flour, egg and butter free, but you'd never know! Go on, try them yourself...

Strawberry Muffins
(The base is adapted from My New Roots' rhubarb muffin recipe. Makes 12)

Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/4 of vanilla bean)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries chopped roughly
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Measure out 1 ½ cups of the oats and put them in a food processor. Pulse until you have a coarse flour.

Put the flour in a large bowl, and add the remaining 1 cup of oats, the coconut sugar, the vanilla extract, the baking powder and the baking soda. Stir to combine.

Next, add the maple syrup and the applesauce to the flour mix, and mix just to combine.

Then fold in the chopped strawberries.

Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a muffin tin with a dash of coconut oil. Fill the muffin cups with dollops of the batter. Bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden and the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ta dah!

P.S: How to use your strawberry tops.
P.P.S: Fancy more?

(Photos by exPress-o)

Dogs in Food

2018-05-29T07:56:00.000-04:00

Ha, have you heard of the 'dogs in food' instagram account? It's a hilarious feed all about pooches in delicious dishes, aka the perfect little morning pick-me-up...

P.S: Giggle.
P.P.S: Book buddies.

(Photos by Dogs in Food)

Weekend Jollies

2018-05-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

Cheers to the long weekend! What are you up to? A couple of friends just flew in for a visit, so I'm really looking forward to catch up with them over the next three days. Wishing everyone a jolly good time. I'll see you back here on Tuesday morning. Psst: don't miss out on those awesome links below.

What's it like to shop after not shopping for two years?

The happy secret to work better.

True gems of a place.

Brilliant read for anyone who wants to become a freelance photographer.

List of great ethical canvas sneakers right here.

'5 ways I'm taking back my time'.

The healing power of music.

Letting go of friends...

'I was sitting on the floor of my living room when I decided to start my dream list.'

This is happening tonight :)

Natural toilet cleaner that works.

Nifty.

7 self-care rituals that take 15 minutes or less.

50-item wardrobe.

Yum!

Four antidotes to procrastination.

Winning slowly is the same as losing.

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Eight years ago today
- Seven years ago today.
- Six years ago today.
- Five years ago yesterday.
- Four years ago day after tomorrow.
- Three years ago tomorrow.
- Two years ago today.
- One year ago today.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.
P.P.S: Sign up for your daily dose of exPress-o in your mailbox! (In the right side column).

(Photo by With Love From Kat)

This Week's Gems

2018-05-24T10:07:00.001-04:00

Summery perfection!...

The loveliest charm bracelet for someone who loves all things France!...

Pretty ceramic juicer for the win!...

Stunners...

The loveliest dry oil for your skin and hair...

Yes...

My new favourite...

Sarah's stunning currants printable...

:)...

The perfect key chain for summer...

Genius...

The most amazing blend...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

7-Feet Tall Goldendoodle

2018-05-23T10:25:00.000-04:00

Meet Christopher Cline and his totally adorable (and 7-feet tall) Goldendoodle named Juji. About three years ago, Christopher, in hopes to 'pass time', started to play around with Juji's photos and the rest is history. Let's just say, those two really love a good adventure:) What a sweet pair!

P.S: Human dogs.
P.P.S: A little remider.

(via DailyMail)

Beneath The Surface

2018-05-21T10:12:00.000-04:00

Wow, those awe-inspiring photos were taken in a bunch of amazing places around the world, from the Farne Islands in the North East of England to even Cuba. They showcase the incredible underwater world in its full glory. Personally, I can't get over the cuteness of that seal in the second image. You?

P.S: Life on a goat farm.
P.P.S: llama type of day.

(via DailyMail)

Weekend Jollies

2018-05-18T09:30:00.000-04:00

Cheers to the weekend. What are your plans for the next two days? Tomorrow night we are meeting friends for dinner and a movie, but tonight is all about chilling on our balcony with a glass of wine. Wishing everyone a beautiful next two days, I'll see you back here on Monday morning, but before you start weekending, don't miss out on those cool links below.

The strange, uplifting tale of 'Joy of Cooking' versus the food scientist.

Imagining a world after Anna.

What a gem of a place!

'I grew up on a diet of 90's skinny white-girl culture: Rachel Green, Buffy, Carrie Bradshaw.'

Ha!

Buying slow fashion on a 'stay-at-home' mom budget.

Springtime adulting.

Dear sugar...

The career advice no one will give you.

Kitchen niftiness on another level.

The art of leaning back.

How to avoid impulse purchases.

How eating a plant-based diet has changed my perception of food.

This.

Oatmeal is my gem!

Yes!

Eight habits that are worth the trouble.

The very best breathing technique for anxiety.

Nifty.

How to join the minimalism movement.

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Eight years ago today
- Seven years ago today.
- Six years ago today.
- Five years ago yesterday.
- Four years ago tomorrow.
- Three years ago today.
- Two years ago today.
- One year ago day before yesterday.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.
P.P.S: Sign up for your daily dose of exPress-o in your mailbox! (In the right side column).

(Photo by Jiawa Liu)

This Week's Gems

2018-05-17T09:33:00.000-04:00

This dress is on my wish list...

My go-to sassy arrow studs...

Oh boy, you have to try this salted pretzel dark chocolate! My favourite right now...

The prettiest stem vases...

Showstopper...

To make your home smell amazing...

Swoon!...

True!...

Hi there:)...

Stunning quilt...

Summer hat sorted...

Rainbow leggings = rainbow workout :)...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

Yay! It's Wednesday Cake!

2018-05-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

Yay, after a little break, we are back with a new Wednesday cake and it's a good one! To celebrate the glorious strawberry season, last Wednesday I made Anna Jones' healthy and scrumptious brownie with fresh berries and pistachios.

It came out gooey, rich, deliciously satisfying and totally chocolate-y. It's one one those desserts that a true chocolate person will never say no to. Try it...

Strawberry + Pistachio Brownies
(Makes 12 brownies. Recipe by Anna Jones from her Modern Way to Cook cookbook)

Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp chia seeds or 3 eggs
- 200g dark chocolate (70%), roughly chopped
- 100g coconut oil
- 200g coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g ground almonds
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder, if you are using chia seeds
- 50g cocoa powder
- 125g strawberries
- 50g pistachio nuts, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 180c/fan 160c and get all your ingredients and equipment together. Grease a small brownie tin with coconut oil and line it with baking paper.

If you are using chia seeds rather than eggs, put the seeds in a little bowl and add 9 tbsp of cold water. Leave to form a gel-like paste.

Place a large, heatproof bowl (big enough to fit all your ingredients) over a pan of barely simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Put 150g of the chocolate into the bowl along with the coconut oil, sugar and vanilla extract. Let them melt, stirring from time to time until the sugar is dissolved.

Once melted, take the bowl off the heat and stir in the beaten eggs or the chia seed mixture, then the ground almonds, baking powder (if using), cocoa powder, half the strawberries and pistachios and remaining chocolate. Fold everything together until well mixed. Pour the brownie mix into the lined tin and scatter over the rest of the strawberries and pistachios.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until just cooked but still a little soft in the middle. Leave to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting. These will keep for 3 - 4 days. Ta-dah!

P.S: Yum!
P.P.S: Fancy more?

(Photos by exPress-o)

Food Bites

2018-05-15T10:08:00.000-04:00

Food Bites is a super creative feed from a mum who makes every meal more fun with her culinary creations. I'm all about those mozzarella chicks, you?

P.S: Culinary canvas.
P.P.S: Remember those food maps?

The Ways That Dogs Make Us Happier

2018-05-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

Ever since we got Jenny last year, I've realized how incredibly uplifting her constant positive energy can be. She adds all those happy vibes to our days and her tail never quits.

Anyway, recently a few friends told me that I look happier and just generally more relaxed since Jenny come along. So I started to read up on the benefits that come from owning a pet and to my surprise, I realized how good they really are not only for our psyche, but also for our overall well-being.

Here are a few examples:

- A study published in Scientific Reports shows that owning a dog reduces our risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers found, after looking at data from over 3 million people, that the increased social support and physical activity that comes from having a dog lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 11% and death from any cause by 15%.

- They help us make friends. Taking your dog out in public is a great icebreaker - a study by Britain's Warwick University found that 40 percent of people reported making friends much easier because of their dog.

- They boost our mood. Towards the end of the work day all you can think about is going home to your patiently waiting pup. It's because they are basically the best stress buster ever. Petting a dog can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure who also had pets could keep their blood pressure lower during times of mental stress than patients without a pet.

So, here it is...Do you have a dog? Tell me all about her/him:)

P.S: Fancy more?
P.P.S: A little reminder.

(Top photo via A Well Traveled Woman. Tips via Apartment Therapy and The Loop)

Weekend Jollies

2018-05-11T11:51:00.001-04:00

Cheers to the weekend! What are you up to? Tonight we are going to a vegan festival and I'm hoping to eat my weight in vegan burgers and ice-lollies. Besides that, I'm planning to go for a swim one of those days and maybe take Jenny for a long hike somewhere beautiful. Wishing you all a great next two days, I'll see you on Monday morning.

How to do salad for dinner like they do in Paris.

'But I’ve also added some positive new rules. Like, I’m not allowed to talk to myself in a way that I would never, ever talk to someone else...'

SO good!

Tuning into France’s best podcasts.

'Yes, I use a hair dryer to make roast chicken'.

This...

Polish crocus goodness...

'The things that move me.'

The male glance: how we fail to take women’s stories seriously.

'My fake commute.'

Spot on.

Simple dish-washing.

5 ways to dress up your staircase.

'Our big bear family.'

Homemade biscuits for your pooch:)

Have you ever been to Verona?

Why we should all jump rope.

'We know, individually, that skin cannot be “bad” or “good - or, at least, we should.'

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Eight years ago today
- Seven years ago yesterday.
- Six years ago today.
- Five years ago yesterday.
- Four years ago tomorrow.
- Three years ago today.
- Two years ago today.
- One year ago today.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.
P.P.S: Sign up for your daily dose of exPress-o in your mailbox! (In the right side column).

(Photo of Diablo Lake by Ryan Brien)

This Week's Gems

2018-05-10T10:56:00.000-04:00

The sassiest dress!...

Totally smitten with those black diamond studs. You?...

The cutest paperclips...

Keeper!...

Summery...

Jazzy sheets for summer...

Love!...

The prettiest top...

Fishy business :)...

Stunning porcelain lamp...

This set of British Creake and Co cutlers knives is something special!...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

Baby-less

2018-05-09T11:17:00.000-04:00

Having (or not having) babies is a deeply personal matter that some are more open about, while others prefer to keep the decision close to their heart. Having said that, I've been totally impressed by the diverse, non-judgmental online articles giving a voice to women around the world who decided to opt out of motherhood, or are just simply unsure about it. The decision is never easy and many factors go into it, but knowing that others go through the same thing, it's always reassuring, don't you think?

So today I'd love to share a bunch of thoughtful article links and quotes that I've been reading lately, about women and man who decided, one way or another, that parenthood is not in their future and they are totally cool with that...

'I’m going to rip the bandaid off and get the hard part of this story over with - I’m 35 years old, and I don’t want to have children. It’s not that I’m trying to save the world from overpopulation, or that I’m scared my child is going to grow up a victim of climate change. Or even that I’m nervous to try and find out that I can’t have kids… It’s just what I know and feel in my gut: I’m not meant to be a mother.'

'People often confuse 'having children' with 'being a grown-up'.

'I once heard a comedian say, 'never ask a woman if she’s pregnant unless you actually see a baby’s head coming out of her legs.' Sage advice - too bad no one ever takes it. I can't tell you how many times people asked me if I was pregnant, if I was planning on getting pregnant or what I was waiting for to get pregnant.'

'But when strangers ask about my plans for a child-free life, it can come off as if they're really asking what kind of person I am.'

'If I had a child today, I'm sure I would love her more than I can comprehend. But I'm also pretty sure I wouldn't love my life...'

'Having a baby doesn't define a woman. Being a kind and loving soul does.'

'It all felt very real all of a sudden, in a way that it never has before. And with that, I entered the mourning process for the child we most likely will never have.'

'Something weird is happening as I get older... I want babies…less and less.'

Any thoughts?

P.S: What's your perfect number?
P.P.S: Plus, this lovely series.

(Photo via For Emma, Forever Ago)

Constructal

2018-05-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

Wow, Juana Gómez is an incredibly talented Chilean artist who uses embroidery to explore themes of genealogy, mythology and biology in the most interesting way.

In her own words:
'This fundamental law can be seen in the veins of a leaf, the course of a river and its tributaries, the central nervous system of humans, sea currents and routes of Internet traffic - deciphering the common language, connecting the micro with the macro, the outer and inner world, in order to distinguish a pattern that influences the inert, biological, social and cultural. It continuously affects us, unconsciously, and rules the everyday aspects of our movements through the city, and others as personal as the symbols of our dreams. Its essence lies in the way things flow along the path of least resistance.'

Striking, thought-provoking and kind-of genius! Don't you think?

P.S: Remember this?
P.P.S: Or that?

(via The Guardian)

Down The Aisle

2018-05-07T11:08:00.000-04:00

Have you read any of the food stories on the FEEDBACK yet? It's my new go-to place to discover all the different choices amazing people make to nourish themselves and their loved ones. The stories range from recipes and family traditions to daily routines and kitchen hacks that people have developed based on their habits, taste and limitations, whether they are time, financial or health related. A few of my favourites are: Julia Turshen, Caroline Ventura and Tarajia Morrell.

Brew yourself a cuppa and enjoy!

P.S: This.
P.P.S: That.

(Photos via Feedback)

Weekend Jollies

2018-05-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

Cheers to the weekend! What are your plans for the next two days? We're hoping for a breezy, easy and totally relaxing weekend, with no big plans what-so-ever. I love lazy May weekends and I'm excited for the sunshine, you? Wishing everyone a beautiful next two days, but before you start weekending don't miss out on those awesome links below.

'Nice-to have.'

'The 2 ingredients that transformed my mornings.'

On my mind...

Five bright ideas!

Why aren't you laughing?

Dear therapist: My son has an impractical, ridiculous career plan...

So cool!

The Swedish secret to a balanced, happy life.

A must read.

Lovely.

How to manage stress.

Yum!

The incredibly easy one-touch cleaning rule will keep you clutter-free...

Cute, cute, cute...

Maintaining your closet.

The 4 rules you need to know to become a freer, more creative cook.

:)

Can't get enough of this self-care series.

10 ways to get out of a funk in 15 minutes.

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Eight years ago today
- Seven years ago today.
- Six years ago today.
- Five years ago yesterday.
- Four years ago tomorrow.
- Three years ago today.
- Two years ago today.
- One year ago today.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.
P.P.S: Sign up for your daily dose of exPress-o in your mailbox! (In the right side column).

(Photo by Spencer Kirk)

This Week's Gems

2018-05-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

The perfect summer maxi dress...

Jazzy stitch studs...

The best treat for a true cheese lover!...

What a pretty bar ring...

Mm...

Saucy...

Yes to bandanas!...

Love!...

The coolest cork vases...

One of a kind olive wood scoop...

Hi!...

Jenny approved:)...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

Pallo, the Cat

2018-05-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

Aw, meet Pallo, the sweetest cat on the planet. This cutie lives in Helsinki, and his owner describes him as a very confused little rascal that loves to play in the snow. He also totally mastered the art of sitting like a boss:) As for me, his ears and his expressions totally melt my heart...

P.S: Girls and their cats.
P.P.S: A chance encounter.

(Photos by/via Pallo The Cat)

Rope on Braid

2018-05-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

Hi, I've missed you all! After a week of family fun, my mom and her husband flew back home last night, while Balazs and I had a lovely spring night-in on our balcony.

Speaking of all things fun, recently I spotted this understated little idea of wearing messy braids tied with a simple piece of rope, and since my hair is finally long enough to braid, I'm planning to spend the rest of the season sporting this little do to perfection!

P.S: Plus, this...
P.P.S: And that.

(Photos by/via The Happy Hunters)

Surreal People

2018-04-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

Can’t get enough of those surreal stretched-out and mirror rearranged portraits by Sakir Yildirim. They totally capture my mood these past few days. Aren’t they something?

Btw: I'll be away for the remainder of the week, as my parents are on their way to spend a couple of days with us exploring the city. I'll be back to regular schedule next Tuesday. Wishing everyone a beautiful week and see you soon.

P.S: Do nothing for 2 minutes.
P.P.S: And this.

(via SwissMiss)

Zander, The Flying Dog

2018-04-23T07:26:00.000-04:00

Meet Zander, the coolest dog on the planet! This awesome rascal is a Hungarian Vizsla who lives in Scotland and loves to run. His owner, Susan has a thing for capturing him while he is in midair - making him look like he is always flying. Cutie!

P.S: Speaking of...
P.P.S: Fancy more?

(via DailyMail)

Weekend Jollies

2018-04-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

Cheers to the weekend! What are you up to? Today marks our 16th anniversary, so we are totally in a celebratory mood! Eek, 16 years - yup - so crazy to think about it! Anyway, tonight we're off to our favourite Mexican place for a round of cocktails, tons of reminiscing and some delicious food. Wishing everyone a beautiful next two days, I'll see you back here on Monday.

Mirror Face Women, photographed through a two-way mirror, reveal what they desire in themselves.

8 small-space living instagram accounts you should be following.

I'm all in.

Oh, lovely citrus Himalayan salt diffusers!

Here's what you look like before and after running a marathon.

Week of empowered outfits...

In praise of 'scruffy hospitality'.

'If you’d asked me 362 days before my wedding if I thought I’d be married in a year, I would have laughed and laughed...'

Healthy swaps to clean up your family meals.

The new neon nails.

When life happens, it's nice to have less stuff.

Natural sugar scrub to try!

I'm intrigued!

How smartphones hijack our minds.

11 must-read essay collections written by women.

Wow!

'All I ever really want...'

How do families around the world spend their vacations?

Coercive control is dangerous and ugly, regardless of gender.

Have you seen this?

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Eight years ago today
- Seven years ago today.
- Six years ago yesterday.
- Five years ago yesterday.
- Four years ago the day before yesterday.
- Three years ago tomorrow.
- Two years ago today.
- One year ago yesterday.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.
P.P.S: Sign up for your daily dose of exPress-o in your mailbox! (In the right side column).

(Photo via That Kind of Woman by Sarah)

This Week's Gems

2018-04-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Beautiful floral dress...

Oh my goodness, we all need this lovely constellation bracelet, don't we?...

This plum body lotion is everything!...

One of a kind swoonworthy necklace right here!...

Totally fancy trying this linen back rub, you?...

The 'it' tote to make your life easier. Here is more about it...

The comfiest flats around...

Aww, baby bump mug...

Minimal beauty...

Nifty...

A must have!...

On my wish list...

Dearies, what caught your eye this week? Any great finds or buys?

P.S: Fancy more gems?

Four Seasons

2018-04-19T11:40:00.000-04:00

Autumn

Winter

Spring

Summer

This is so special! Recently, Jani Ylinampa decided to document the incredibly snug and beautiful Kotisaari Island in Rovaniemi, Finland. He wanted to show how this tiny little spot changes depending on a season. So with the use of a drone he managed to do just that and the results are mesmerizing, if you ask me!

P.S: This.
P.P.S: That.

(via Bored Panda)

Coconut Butter Rooibos Latte

2018-04-19T05:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but all I want from today is someone to make me this coconut butter Rooibos latte. Balazs, are you reading this? :)

Btw: what is your go-to mid-day pick-me-up these days?

P.S: This too.
P.P.S: And that.

(Photo by Dolly and Oatmeal via Tradlands)

Denim Overalls For Spring

2018-04-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

Speaking of spring, I'm obsessed with denim overalls and lately I've been wearing this pair on repeat! I love how comfortable, wearable but still put together they make me feel. So if you fancy an easy-breezy spring uniform, get a pair and wear it with your favourite tees this spring. Ta-dah!

P.S: This.
P.P.S: That.

(Photos by/via Collage Vintage, Stockholm Streetstyle, Mija, Johnny Remember Me and Madewell)

Not Sad Desk Lunch

2018-04-18T04:59:00.000-04:00

A friend recently told me that her go-to way to cheer up these (still) coolish busy weeks is by digging into a great desk lunch. She says that when she takes the time to prepare something colorful and healthy, yet easy the night before, she always has a better next day. So inspired by her idea, here are eight not sad desk lunches that we all should try out this month.

Staring with the above's, Farro-quinoa-brown rice with seared turnips, roasted beets, Brussels sprouts, garlicky spinach, smoked salmon and topped with za’atar sauce...

Homemade cup o' noodles...

Caprese salad + sourdough in a jar...

Sesame tempeh slaw...

Mason jar salad with Asian dressing...

Southwestern shrimp salad...

Egg and quinoa salad in a jar...

and jerk chicken bowl...

Which one tickles your fancy?

P.S: School lunches around the world.
P.P.S: Yum!

(Photos by/via Food52, bon appétit, Delicious, Food Lovin' Family, Dominique Eloïse, the kitchn and Alaina Sullivan)