10 Spring Takes on Artichokes

Did you know that artichoke season is officially here? Yup, it's time to stock up and get cooking. So, if you need a bit of artichoke-inspiration, here are ten spring-y recipes that will hit the spot, starting with the whole wheat artichoke pizza (above)...

Spinach and artichoke dip stuffed garlic bread...

Roman braised artichoke hearts...

Artichoke avocado toast...

Artichoke and pea rigatoni pasta...

Spinach and artichoke grilled cheese...

Warm artichoke and mushroom salad...

Spinach and artichoke quiche...

Vegan cream of artichoke soup...

And mini artichoke and onion tarts...

Which one tickles your fancy?

P.S: Also, this.
P.P.S: And that.

(Photos by/via  Half Baked Harvest, Host The Toast, Serious Eats, Love and Lemons, Kitchen Treaty, PopSugar, Healthy Blender Recipes, Downshiftology and Vegetarian Times)

Weekend Jollies

Cheers to the weekend! What are you up to? Tonight we are meeting friends for a jazz concert and a dinner afterwards. Wishing everyone a beautiful next two days. I'll see you back here on Monday morning, but before you start weekending, dive into those cool links below. Enjoy!

Love this new series...

Intuitive gut.

'Niksen' is the Dutch solution for a guilt-free break.

'Best friend-status is typically achieved after 200 or more hours'.

Wow!

20 podcasts so good you'll wish you had a longer commute.

Feeding change...

'Antidepressants changed my life in ways I never expected.'

The best snack!

'8 ways running transformed my life.'

A closet trick.

'Why I don't apologise for my messy house.'

Five women...

It's not about the stuff.

Four French women on how they really feel about aging.

Cool!

3 reasons we seek change.

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 the day before yesterday.
- 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 Robert Doisneau via Richard Geiger)

This Week's Gems

This tee is pretty perfect, if you ask me...

Something to make your evening bath totally dreamy...

 The 'it' pair of studs for spring...

A charming little piggy bank...

Stunning circle necklace...

Beautifully wearable, vegan and nifty tote bag for spring. You can get one here...

Simply perfect...

Love this zipper pouch...

Yes to silk bandanas this spring!...

Mmm...

My go-to spring loafers right here...

Cuties!...

Oh-la-la...

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

P.S: Fancy more gems?

A Little Chinese (Cough) Remedy

Suffering from a bad cough? According to Alaina, this simple Chinese stewed pear remedy will cure it right away. Supposedly, 'pears are a lung friend, they energize your breathers, lubricate the throat and help quell a nagging cough. Also, their sour qualities also help dissolve phlegm'.

So if you need a bit of help to get well, cut a pear in half, add water to partially cover, add a cinnamon stick and sliced ginger root, simmer - covered - for 20 minutes or until tender. Add raw honey and a pinch of black pepper. Eat the fruit and drink the sweet nectar. Ta-dah!

Will you try it?

P.S: Also, this.
P.P.S: And that.

(Photo and recipe by/via Alaina Sullivan)

Soft Shells

"You’re not your job. You’re not how much money you have in the bank. You’re not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet. You’re not your fucking khakis. You’re the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world."

Canada-based photographer Libby Oliver created this amazing portrait series entitled 'soft shells' to  capture individuals with every single item of clothing they own. The reason for it was to show how clothes are an integral part of our being and to explore the tendencies we have to visually represent our personality through garments, as well as to mask our insecurities from the outside world with the clothes we choose to wear.

Totally thought-provoking, don't you think?

P.S: This.
P.P.S: That.

(via Konbini)

Nifty Jar Opening Tip

Ha! I've just learnt a random but very useful tip to opening stubborn jars and I think you'll like it.

If you ever need a bit of extra help opening a jar, instead of hitting it against the counter, just use a piece of beeswax food wrap instead. Because of its grippy and a bit sticky texture, it makes for the ideal jar opening tool. Yup, it works like a charm!

Ah, the little things in life...

P.S: Also, this.
P.P.S: And that.

(Photo and tip by/via Celia - Litterless)

The Best Scrambled Eggs in 30 Seconds (or Less!)

Here is a game-changer for all you egg-loving-people out there! Next time you are about to scramble some breakfast eggs, try the Buvette’s technique for steaming them with a coffee machine instead. Yes, you heard it right, use a simple espresso machine to whip up the softest and fluffiest scrambled eggs in thirty seconds or less!

It's the best and only way to eat eggs....

P.S: Egg-cellent fix.
P.P.S: Wash your bowl.

(Photos by Fix Feast Flair)