Spring Cycling With Basket: Thumbs up or down?

Darlings, how do you commute? Do you drive, take the subway, brace the city on foot or maybe cycle? Since Balazs and I don't drive, we mostly walk or bike. Sadly, over the winter my beloved bike-basket got stolen, so I'm on a hunt for a new one. I've been looking around and I have the hardest time deciding which one I fancy the most or if I should get one at all this time around.

They all seem perfect, especially this bike porter or this little basket. So, I'd love to ask your advice: do you have a basket? What kind? Or maybe they are not your thing? xo

P.S: Fancy more biking goodness? Remember icons and their bikes?
P.P.S: Also, the brilliant the invisible bicycle helmet and an awesome way to park your bike!

(Photos via Well Dressed Woman, The Simply Luxurious Life, Miette, Wit & Delight, Piccsy, Cycle Style and Milk)

San Francisco At Dusk

What's your favourite time of the day? Balazs lives for dusk. Yup, he loves those twinkling 12 to 14 minutes when the sky changes colours, gets gloomier, calmer and truly peaceful. Want to know my little secret? Well, whenever I notice that Balazs needs a tiny pick-me-up at the end of the day, I check this nifty little website for the precise time of dusk occurrence that day and surprise him with a relaxing stroll during that exact time. It gets him every single time!

The photos above are of the mesmerizing San Francisco at dusk. Aren't they beautiful? xo

P.S: More amazing San Francisco, including this heavenly bakery.
P.P.S: Remember this?

(Photos by Kristin Kirkley)

2 Ingredients + 30 mins = Nutella Cake

Oh my goodness, hands up if you (on occasion) treat yourself to a spoonful of Nutella straight out of the jar. If you are a Nutella-nut like I am, hold on to your chair as I'm about to blow your mind - giggle. The cake above is made only from Nutella and eggs. That is correct - only 2 ingredients! My friend Magda sent me the recipe last night saying: "it's time to hit the gym more often as I can't stop making them". Yowza, I'm so trying it tonight, you? xo

P.S: Fancy more? How about Nutella buns, Nutella fudge, Nutella French toast and French Nutella croissants? Yum!
P.P.S: How to make homemade Nutella.

(Photos by Kirbie's Cravings)

Central Perk in Beijing

Ha, did you know that Beijing has its own Central Perk café? Yup, the exact same as on the set of Friends! A little over two years ago a huge fan of the show opened this awesome gem in downtown Beijing. He spent countless months going through thousands of photos from the show’s Central Perk set so he can recreate the true vibe of this special spot. He was so inspired that he even got the same type of sofa, the signature oversized cups and even the bicycle outside the shop. Du’s aim was so create a chill out place for friends to hang out, enjoy each other’s company and appreciate the awesome bond they share.

Pretty brilliant, don’t you think? Are you fan of the show? Now I wish I could fly to China just so I can check out this gem in person, you? Have you ever been there or maybe you were lucky enough to take a tour of the Friends set? xo

P.S: Eight tips guys should take away from Friends.
P.P.S: Also, NYC coffee break:)

(Photos via Juzine and Ying Diary)

Fancy a little March challenge?

Fancy a little March challenge? Well, a few days ago four of our couple-friends including Balazs and I agreed that March will be all about simple romance. We’ve been talking about going back to basics and trying to make 2013 all about simple pleasures so we are finally taking the plunge.

The rules are simple: one evening a week instead of going out for a dinner or drinks, we will stay in, turn off our phones and cook together something easy but scrumptious. We will drink wine, listen to music and eat at a candle lit table. The most important thing: no work talk. That evening should be all about goofy chat, belly laughs like those we used to have back in the day and lipstick stained glasses:) Are you game? xo

P.S: Make someone's Day!
P.P.S: A little life lesson: the mayonnaise jar :)

(Photos by Angelica - The Places We Go)

Jazzy Take On Water

Do you ever forget to drink during winter? Yikes, it happens to me all the time and then by the end of the day I feel super dehydrated and very thirsty.  It’s one of the simplest things to remember but somehow it’s the last thing on my mind during busy days. So the other week Balazs suggested that I should try jazzing up my plain water with some fruity ice cubes to make drinking more appealing. And you know what, it worked!

So far I tried: pomegranate + coconut stripes, lavender and mint, flower petals + mint (I love rose petals the most), blood orange juice cubes, thyme + rosemary + basil, kiwi + strawberry, lime + lemon zest.

What I do is make a bunch of different combinations and let them chill in the freezer. Each day depending on what water flavour I’m in a mood for, I pop a few ice cubes into my water bottle and I am ready to roll.

How do you stay hydrated? Any other yummy combinations? I'd love to try them... xo

P.S: My favourite clear ice cubes tip and a few more delicious takes on ice cubes: with berries, watermelon and those cocktails cubes would be perfect for a spring girls night in:)
P.P.S: Plus, vanilla and chocolate!

(Photos via Pink Preppy Lilly Lover, Spoon Fork Bacon, Yummy Mummy Kitchen, Culinary Musings, Black Happiness, Viage)

Scottish Ponies

Crikey, I always knew that Scotland is awesomely cool and full of hidden gems but after spotting those adorable ponies, Shetland just topped my travel wish list! Those two cuties named Fivla and Vitamin look super cozy in their Shetland woolies, don't you think? They were chosen to represent the Year of Natural Scotland - fancy! (giggle).

Have you ever been to Scotland? Would you like to? It's so dreamy there... xo

P.S: Remember this tree house in Loch Goil?
P.P.S: Aww....best pals:)

(via Lauren Morton-Farmer. Photos by Visit Scotland)

Spring Pointy Toes: Thumbs up or down?

Pointy toes or round toes? It's a hard pick as I love them both but ever since last spring, I've been utterly smitten with pointy shape shoes and especially flats! Somehow they add that sassy chic feel to my step that other shoes can't. I adore pairing them up with rolled up pants, V-neck tees and blazers for last minute work meetings or dinner-dates. My friend Sofia says that they do the same to an outfit what red bright lipstick does to your lips - spot on! Oh, I can't wait to get this pair just in time for spring:)

What's your pick? Pointy flats, heels, round flats or heels? xo

P.S: Fancy more fashion goodness?
P.P.S: Yowza, that dress makes me swoon.

(Photos by/via Atlantic-Pacific, The Sartorialist, Elle Adore Style, Alterations Needed, Stockholm Streetstyle, Harpers Bazaar and The Glitter Guide)

Spring Lipstick Trick

Whenever I talk to friends about wearing bright lipstick, most of us agree that our biggest worry is second-guessing ourselves if some of our lipstick ended up on our teeth. I’m embarrassed to admit how often I used a restaurant knife to check for smudges - things happen, right? Well, not necessarily. Recently I overheard a lady saying that she uses Rosebud Salve to avoid lipstick faux-pas. Yup, a lip balm :)

Fancy knowing how? Well, you simply spread a tiny bit of your Rosebud Salve on your top few teeth and you are set. Somehow the texture prevents lipstick to smudge on your teeth and gives you one less thing to worry about during those romantic date nights :)

Any lipstick tips you’d like to share? What’s your shade of choice lately? xo

P.S: Plus, a few other nifty lipstick tricks.

(Top photos via Ana Degenaar & Joy Cho. Layout by exPress-o)

Stolen Smooches in Paris

There is something about stolen smooches that makes the world jollier. The excitement, the anticipation and the butterflies when you know it’s just about to happen.  No matter where the smooch sneaks up on you it’s always romantic but if it happens in Paris and an amazing photographer accidently captures the moment, that is pretty darn incredible, don’t you think?

Well, Peter Turnley is one of those brilliant photographers who for the past 40 years has been strolling the streets of Paris capturing love. J’adore!

Aren’t those photos beautiful? Have you ever been to Paris? Did you smooch someone special there? xo

P.S: Do you remember this famous kissing image by Robert Doisneau? In 1980 they used to work together.

P.P.S: Plus a nifty little smooching guide:)

(via pnd)

Yowza! Avocado and Poppy Seed Cake

Avocado cake do or don't? What's your pick? Remember when a few months ago we talked about this nifty little butter substitute trick where you basically swap half of the required butter with creamy avocado? Well, this phenomena totally changed the way I bake and the fantastic thing is that it actually makes the cakes and cookies softer, chewier and of course much healthier. The best part is that it truly doesn’t affect the taste.

So, today I have a treat for you that I'm dying to share: an avocado and poppy seed cake!

Yup, it’s green, it’s finger-licious and it's very healthy. It’s like a 2.0 of a traditional banana-loaf and all our friends agreed that it is one of the creamiest, sweetest and beautifully fluffy cakes they ever tasted. So, let’s dig in. You’re game? Would you try it? xo

Here is the full recipe:
(Recipe adapted from Je veux etre bonne - Food Me Over)

Ingredients:
- 50 g. butter
- 2 small avocados or one big
- 180 g. brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 100 g. flour
- 50 g. poppy seeds
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice

For the icing:
- 1 small avocado
-  1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 200 g. icing sugar

Preheat oven to 340°F (or 160°C). In a medium bowl mix together the soft butter, the sugar, the avocados and the lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Next, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Mix in the yolks one by one and in another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff and set them aside. Next, add the flour, the baking soda and the poppy seeds to the batter. Mix well and then fold in very gently the egg whites. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes but make sure the top doesn’t burn. If it gets too dark, just cover with foil and return to oven.

Next, while your cake is in the oven, place one little avocado into the food processor and process until creamy. Next add the lemon juice and the icing sugar and blend until totally smooth.

After the cake is ready, let it cool off for a few minutes and then cut it in half lengthwise and fill it with the icing. If you have some of the icing left, you can also spread it on the top of the cake or you can simply sprinkle some powder sugar on top instead. Ta dah!

P.S: More avocado goodness:  this taco, those finger snacks, that booster and this glorious sandwich!
P.P.S: Plus, more recipes that tickle my fancy right now.

(Photos and layout by exPress-o)

Best Pals

What do you say about starting this Monday morning with some cuteness overdose? Well, as soon as I spotted this adorable twosome last night, I couldn't stop aww-ing for the rest of the evening.

This sweet mom's Instagram is filled with photos of her son and his best pal - the cute French Bulldog. They live in Tokyo and they seem to be inseparable, don't they? They eat together, nap together and even watch telly together. What a perfect pair!

Have you had a best pal pet while growing up? xo

P.S: Fancy more?
P.P.S: And, do you remember this rascal?

(via My Modern Met)

Giveaway Winner

Drum rolls, please!!! The winner of the Sima Gilady Giveaway is Tasia. Congrats!! xoxo

P.S: Loves, thank you all for playing. xo

Cheers to a cheeky weekend:)

Cheers to Friday, lovelies! What are you up to this weekend? Will you be watching The Oscars? Balazs and I are pretty excited for Sunday and crossing our fingers for a few favourites. Loves, have a cozy next two days and as always here are a few links for your weekend-blog-hopping-fun. Enjoy!

The extraordinary science of addictive junk food.

This little video is so very special and touching - a must see! (Thank you, Ethaney)

Adorable mates:)

Way to go, Eddie! He must be the most adorable otter ever!

Crikey, this wedding dress makes my heart skip a beat.

This ring couldn't be more perfect, could it?

How to feel when your ex is nominated for an Oscar.

Sleeping around:)

Interesting: 6 habits to prevent food waste.

That cake oozes so much freshness.

Yup!

The magic onion effect...

Rome and its breath-taking view.

Swoon!

I'd love some of those sweet potato gnocchi right about now...you?

I hope that spring is coming soon.

Springtime coat-goodness. Which one tickles your fancy?

Don't you just love good gallery walls?

A few benefits of owning a dog.

Work spouse?

How to grow an original art collection on a budget.

Also, don't miss our snazzy and sassy necklace GIVEAWAY! Only two days left to enter.

Darlings, see you Monday morning. xoxo

P.S: Fancy a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Twitter, Facebook or even Pinterest.

(Photo via Modern Hepburn)

This Week's Gems

Those pants would be perfect for spring! Love....

Awww....love birds!...
Clutch goodness...

Do you own a Eames lounge chair? Balazs and I are swooning over this one in walnut...
This bird ring makes me swoon! It's so adorable...

This hanging vase is simply stunning, isn't it?...

How adorable is this zebra scarf?...
Because every girl should have a feather bracelet...

Ha, brilliant!...

P.S: Fancy more gems?
P.P.S: Also, don't forget our sassy necklace GIVEAWAY!

Bottled Style Paperwhites

Have you ever tried growing flowers in tiny bottles and jars? A few weeks ago this little post gave me the final nudge to try growing my own Paperwhites. I’ve never grown them before and certainly not in adorable little bottles but hey, it was time to get brave and so far so good, but I can’t wait for them to blossom. So if you fancy giving it a go too, here are the step-by-step instructions.

Fun fact: if you get your bulbs drunk by adding alcohol to the water you can stunt the growth of the stems. Ha, who knew, right?

P.S: Plus a few tips to window herb garden perfection and grass eggs:)
P.P.S: And, radiator shelf (+plants).

(Photos by Erin Boyle)

Round Island Lighthouse

Whenever I look at a lighthouse I get utterly enchanted by it. They seem to hide so many mysteries and almost burst with romance, would you agree? Well, this little Round Island Light House is not an exception.  It’s been part of Michigan since 1895 when it was first lit. Yup, a whopping 118 years ago!  Wouldn’t you love to pause your week and spend a few days just getting lost in all that calmness, stillness and the beautiful nothingness? I totally would – swoon!

Have you ever been to a lighthouse before? How about this one? Are there any around where you live? xo

Fun fact: This beauty appeared in this film.

P.S: How about this ultimate Icelandic getaway? Or this spot in Sweden?
P.P.S: Plus, this cliffside town, house perfection and more travel lust:)

(via Michigan in Pictures. Photos by/via Dale Fisher, Round Island Lighthouse, Elaine and Rich-s)

The Perfectly Runny Dippy Eggs Trick

It is no secret that I love ooye-gooey dippy eggs and I can honestly say that I would choose them over the most scrumptious pastry any time. Having said that, they can be a bit of a pain to make but after years of hits and misses I finally got a hang of them :)

Fancy knowing the secret? You simply steam them. Yup, it’s that easy. All you have to do is bring a 1/2-inch of water to boil before placing your eggs (any number you want) in the pot. Then lower the temperature to medium and cover it. Next, set the timer for 6 or 6 ½ minutes (depending on how runny you want them to be) and voila! Run your eggs under cold water to cool off and you’re ready to dig in. They came out perfectly dippy and runny every time!

P.S: Also, the poached egg trick and one scrumptious breakfast-for-dinner under 5 minutes!
P.P.S: Grilled cheese eggs = YUM!

(Egg tip by Cooks Illustrated via Hither & Thither. Photos by Jenna - Eat, Live, Run)

Wednesday Giveaway

Today’s giveaway is from an incredible artist and my dear friend, Sima Gilady. Her boutique is full of beautifully unique, personalized and hand-stamped jewelry that will make you feel snazzy and sassy each time you wear it. I own two of her necklaces that I rarely part with:)

Today, Sima is offering one lucky person a chance to win a necklace. You can choose between the original golden bar necklace or the tiny heart necklace. Which one tickles your fancy? They are both extremely stylish and would add a dash of understated beauty to any outfit.

For a chance to win you should be a follower of exPress-o, please visit the SimaG shop and tell us which piece is your favourite from the shop and /or which necklace would you choose. 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, like Sima Gilady on Facebook, follow Sima on Pinterest, join exPress-o group on Facebook, follow Sima on Twitter, follow exPress-o on Pinterest, subscribe to Sima's blog or tweet, blog, pin about the giveaway and please make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.