The Ways That Dogs Make Us Happier

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)

Monday's Pets on Furniture

Kim has this fun series of pets on furniture where she features some of her readers' precious companions enjoying a nap or a rest on their favourite sofa, chair, table or even a bed...

Ah, it's a dog's life! What's your pet's go-to chilling spot?

P.S: Hounds in crowns.
P.P.S: Window seat.

(Photos via Desire To Inspire)

My 365 Days Old Puppy

Our shaggy little Jenny is 1 today! She loves to play with her rubber (pink) bone, adores kids and adults, a bit scared of bigger dogs but loves tiny little ones to pieces, lays down on her back every time she wants us to pet her, will do all the tricks for a treat, and spends most of her days following my every move - making sure that I'm not too far away! She is definitely a gem...

Do you have a pet? What's her/his name?

P.S: This.
P.P.S: That.

(All photos by exPress-o)

Doggy Birthday Cake: Do or Don't?

Okay, our Jenny is turning one in April and I'm seriously considering to bake her a birthday doggy cake. Am I mad?! Last week, a friend of mine, sent me this link to Erin's recipe saying that I should totally do this for Jenny and I secretly agree with her!

The thing about me is that I show love with baked goods. So if I like you, I will probably show up at your doorstep with a box of homemade cookies or my go-to French lemon cake. If I don't, you know...

So despite knowing that baking a birthday cake for a pet might seem totally bonkers for some, I'm pretty sold on the idea, actually...

What do you think? Do or don't?

P.S: This one and that one sounds good too.
P.P.S: Plus, don't miss our beautiful earrings GIVEAWAY this week!

(Photos by The Almond Eater)

A Holly Jolly Christmas...

A jolly good Christmas, everyone! How are you celebrating this year? Are you traveling, hosting or taking it easy?

Same as the past few years, Balazs and I are spending the Holidays in Budapest and London with the whole family. Oh, I'm so ready to get the festivities started! This whole week, I've been totally daydreaming about eating Christmas pudding for breakfast, sipping hot wine at noon and just being totally and utterly merry...

So, here is my wish for all of us: let's be present in this moment, because it passes so fast :) Deal?

And since this is the last post for the year, I'd like to thank you all for popping by exPress-o daily! Your support and sweet notes make me feel all warm and happy. I truly couldn’t ask for a more amazing group of ladies and it's such a treat sharing my little slice of world with you. I'll see you all back here in two weeks time, on January 8th, but in the meantime, feel free to browse through exPress-o. Maybe you’ll discover a post or two that you missed previously.

P.S: Fancy a bit of chit-chat over the Holidays? Join me on Instagram.
P.P.S: Plus, those simmer pots, these tweaks and a handful of awesome tips:)

(Photo by exPress-o of our sweet little Jenny, the reindeer)

Psst: the comments are switched off during the Holidays. But if you want to drop me a little hello, you can always reach me via email - diana.mieczan@hotmail.com :)

Top Freelancer Tip

It’s simple really, but in my opinion, the only way for freelancers (like myself) to cope with cabin fever, especially during the cooler seasons, is to own a dog.

Hear me out, besides having a constant cuddle-buddy, your dog will get you out of the house a couple times a day, which means you have to get dressed, make yourself look like a human, maybe even put proper pants on :) and you get to enjoy a little breather.

Whatever the weather, each time I’m looking forward to take Jenny out, because it means a break, a way to disconnect and be in the moment. What I find most fascinating about those walks is that they give me perspective on my work and after I'm back to my screen, everything I couldn't figure out before, just falls into place...

Also, as Tanya says, they give you a sense of purpose, which is nice when you spend tons of time working on your own...

Hope that helps! Any freelancers out there? Do tell your go-to tips...

P.S: Cutie.
P.P.S: Hounds in crowns.

(Photo by exPress-o)

4 Months Old

This little rascal turned 4 months over the weekend and I can't believe how much she grew over the past two months. Yesterday, I read something that melted my heart and I bet it will melt yours too, if you are a dog person...

"We know that when dogs and humans make eye contact, that actually releases what's known as the love hormone, oxytocin, in both the dog and the human. It turns out oxytocin, the same hormone that helps new mothers bond with their babies, is released in both dogs and humans when they play, touch or look into one another's eyes. What we know now is that when dogs are actually looking at you, they're essentially hugging you with their eyes."

Sweet, isn't it? Do you have a dog? Tell me about her/him...

P.S: Cuties...
P.P.S: Remember this?

(Photos by exPress-o. Quote by Brain Hare, 60 Minutes: The Smartest Dog in the World via A Piece of Toast)

Meet Jenny...

...our new puppy! She is a two-and-a-half months old miniature apricot poodle. She arrived to us about two weeks ago and I've been dying to share a few photos of her cute little face. Since she has got here, we discovered that she is a warm, sociable, cheeky, loving, clever and at times, super mischievous pup that has been keeping us on our tiptoes. She follows me everywhere, naps on my lap while I work, adores fighting with her sleeping pillow, and if I happen to be out of her sight, she has the voice to show her disapproval:)

From now on, I'll be sharing glimpses of her growing up mostly here, I'll try my best to bribe her with a treat to sit still long enough to snap a photo or two :) Also, if you have any advice about puppies, do share...Thank you!

P.S: Remember Aspen, the mountain pup?
P.P.S: Plus, those adorable hounds in crowns...

(Photos by exPress-o)