Mesmerizing Deer City in Japan

Holy Moly! Have you heard of this incredible deer town? Nara is the awesome city in Japan where Sika deer are regarded as national treasures and are free to roam as they please!

The bizarre thing is that with the city's population of  300,000 people and more than 1,000 deer, it seems that everyone just gets along perfectly fine! Supposedly the locals are so used to those rascals being around that some were even given nicknames like Chloé and Santé. Also, I read that they behave exactly as they would in the forest. They just eat grass, walk about and enjoy an occasional deer-biscuit from tourists.

Could you imagine leaving your home in the morning for work and meeting a horde of deer on your way like it’s no big deal? Wow, totally a place to visit, don’t you think? I’m mesmerized!

P.S: Audrey Hepburn and her baby deer.
P.P.S: A chance encounter and living with Neil - the lion!

(Photos via Wired, Rocket News24, Shin Nara, The Cherry Blossom Girl, The cat, you and us and Travel Caffeine)

Coffee + Nap = Coffee nap:)

Ha! Finally the perfect pairing: coffee + nap = coffee nap:) If by any chance you suffer from a late-afternoon slump on regular basis, the key to fix it is a 20 minutes coffee nap! Supposedly it’s the best thing ever to get energized in no time - even scientists think so!

The idea is that you drink a bit of coffee, and then lie down for some shut-eye quiet time. During that time, your body relaxes and rests, and just when it's time to get up, the caffeine kicks in, so you rise refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day. I’m so trying this today! You?

(Here is Emma's awesome (and oh-so sweet) video of how it works).
P.S: Also, coffee shop chatter and this awesome coffee trick.
P.P.S: Plus, 365 days of coffee and a film about coffee.

(via The Kitchn. Photos via Brown Dress with White Dots and Makenna Alyse)

Busy Hands

Clever! Have you seen Romo’s instagram feed? This 22-year old creative soul recently started a little project where he captures scenes of his hands engaging in various (awesome) activities. The idea came to him after he realized that our hands are one of the most active parts of our body and he wanted to showcase the things his hands are up to every single day. What I love most about this project is the sheer creativity behind every single shot. So cheery, fun and beautifully captured, don’t you think?

P.S: Also three more awesome projects: "I have this thing with floors", "view from topp" and "we never met".
P.P.S: Plus, this incredible Japanese fox sanctuary.

(via Whudat)

How to: Jeera spa water

Speaking of summer, have you heard of jeera water?

It’s a common drink in India based on steeped cumin seeds. After Cheryl’s recommendation, I’ve tried it a few weeks ago and I can't get enough of it! The mix of fresh garden herbs combined with cumin seeds makes for the most delicious health tonic that eases digestion and promotes hydration.

So if you’re bored of sipping on plain water, here is how you can make a bottle of your own jeera water on a fly:

In a skillet, toast 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds for about 3 minutes over medium heat, shaking the skillet so they don't burn. Next, stuff a few handfuls of fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, cilantro or thyme in a tall glass water bottle and using a funnel, add the toasted cumin seeds. Fill the bottle with filtered water and drink throughout the day while topping off the water as you use it. Ta dah!

P.S: Also, lilac water.
P.P.S: Wash your bowl and a few other jazzy takes on water :)

(Photo and recipe by 5 second rule)

9 takes on foxy summer one-piece swimsuits

In a big way, summer for me is about spending as much time as humanly possible by a lake or a sea! And ever though Balazs and I are not planning a tropical trip anytime soon, I'm excited for our weekend getaways, where I can spend the whole time in my trusty swimsuit eating watermelon and dipping my toes in a cool lake water while chatting away with friends.

So, whether you’re planning to spend the next few weekends by a lake or a relaxing holiday somewhere magical - here are 9 very wearable, totally foxy and incredibly flattering one-piece swimsuits that will make you feel comfortable in your skin no matter what!

Which one tickles your fancy? Are you more of a one-piece swimsuit type-of-girl like me or do you prefer bikinis?

1. Lace-up Maillot - 2. Black strappy bandeau swimsuit - 3. Striped one-piece - 4. Electrolight reversible printed swimsuit - 5. Black and coral printed swimsuit - 6. Salidita one-piece- 7. Float suit  - 8. Vintage boyleg swimsuit - 9. Halte swimsuit.

P.S: A nifty sunburn trick I learnt in Malta.
P.P.S: And speaking of Malta, here are 10 essentials to take there with you.

(Photos via Emily. Layout by exPress-o)

French Markets

Holy Moly! A few days ago Tania wrote about how her family always visits the local French framers' market and it made me daydream about a whimsical French countryside holiday. Just imagine spending your days getting lost in the little alleys, taking a breather in one of those family-run little cafes with the freshest croissant, and waking up early to join the whole town for a weekend market day. I remember when we were in Paris, I spend so much time exploring the markets, they are just so amazing!

Wishing everyone a dreamy start to the week!

P.S: Also, this one and that one.
P.P.S: Feeling peachy?

(Photos by Joy Felicity Jane)

Cheers to a peachy weekend!

Cheers to the weekend! What are you up to? Tonight, Balazs is making a hearty dinner to celebrate the beginning of summer and tomorrow we’re going for a 9-year-old's birthday party. I was promised some pancakes for helping out decorating the garden, so I’m excited, to say the least :) Loves, have a peachy next two days and I will see you back here on Monday morning. Fancy going down the internet rabbit hole? Enjoy!

25 famous women on the best advice they've ever given (or received).

Breathtaking.

If you're a tea-lover, this is your Heaven! Infusers, teapots, gadgets and all that jazz!

Have you heard of the little free library project? The coolest thing ever!

A perfectly imperfect baby.

'Instead of viewing silence as a sign of boredom or disinterest, we could see it for what it is: the ultimate expression of acceptance'.

Self health.

How to smell pretty at parties.

A genius trick to lighter and smoother hummus.

Oh swoon - The Scottish Highlands!

What a nifty take on eggs benedict!

What's happening in your brain when you can't stay awake.

Brilliant!

'Life is many things, and among the best of them, it is meals.'

Agree or disagree?

10 common crimes against cheese :)

The taste of human emotions.

Interesting!

How to dress for your body shape.

And fancy a blast from the past?
- Four years ago tomorrow.
- Three years ago today.
- Two years ago today.
- One years ago today.

P.S: How about a bit of chit-chat? Join me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and even Pinterest.

(Photo via Greta Flieg)

This Week's Gems

Summer uniform at its best!...

How about a little ruby ring for a cheery pop of colour?...

Simply perfect...

The best kind of tote...

This curve necklace is the quintessential minimalist piece!...

This one-piece makes me swoon...
I'll take both - the bike and the flowers :)...

It doesn't get any better than those golden wing earrings + a top knot!...

Classic little clutch for a romantic night out. (Yay, Noncha is offering a 20% discount to the shop with the code: gems20)...

Bangle goodness...
Everything wooden...
Hello gorgeous...

Oil bath for the senses...

Snazzy!...

Dream dinner right now...

What do you think about hanging shelves? (I love them)...
Magically calming...

Happy Friday, dearies! What caught your eye this week? Any great finds? xo

P.S: Fancy more gems?

New mama & baby gift guide

This year, more than ever before, Balazs and I are surrounded by new glowing mamas, adorable newborns and exhausted moms-to-be. Is it the same at your end? It feels like everyone around us got pregnant at the same time - giggle! So, today I'd like to share a few of my favourite newborn + new mom gifts that I've been treating our friends to on rotation for the past few years. Those 14 are tried, tested and loved by our friends, so hopefully they will make great gifts for yours too.

1. A confetti balloon because babies love looking at vivid colours - 2. Minted birth announcement magnets to make new mom's life much easier - 3. A romper suit - 4. Organic goose warming pillow with cherry stones to nourish baby's senses - 5. "Minus Nine to One" - The diary of an honest mom by Jools Oliver (I give a copy to all my friends) - 6. Swaddle - 7. Tea kettle + nursing mama tea blend  for late night feedings - 8. Lipstick in "wild child" for the mornings after - 9. Food bundles delivery - 10. Calm kid mist to sooth a baby in no time - 11. Pretzel rattle toy - 12. Jasmine flower milk bath for aches and pains - 13. "Eat, sleep, poop" notebook to keep track of everything  - 14. Celestial moon print for a good night sleep. 

P.S: Future baby names?
P.P.S: Parenthood is about love, not genetics series.

(Top photo by Grey likes baby. Layout by exPress-o)

Tiny tattoos on the loose

Eek, now I want to get a petite tiny tattoo :) Do you have one? Austin Tott is a photographer who created a series of images where he matched miniature hand-drawn body art with corresponding backgrounds. The tiny camera and the urban bike are my absolute favourites, but in reality all of them are so beautifully understated, a bit quirky and somehow irresistible. Aren’t they?

P.S: Also, a few more understated awesome tattoos.
P.P.S: Persona and 1000+ coffees :)

(via Design boom)