Baby-less

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)