Iconic Shots & The People Behind Them

Douglas Kirkland: "This is from my Evening with Marilyn."

Steve McCurry holds his 1984 photo of a young woman from Peshawar, Pakistan.

Harry Benson: "Brian Epstein — Beatles' manager — had just told them they were number one in America, and I was coming with them to New York, 1964."

Lyle Owerko: "No one knew such a beautiful warm day would serve as the backdrop to one of the most painful and confusing events to the heart of mankind - 9/11.

Ron Galella and his photo "Windblown Jackie" 10/4/1971

A few years ago, Tim Mantoani embarked on an amazing project using the legendary 20x24 Polaroid format camera. The finished product is a book full of super talented photographers holding their iconic shots that was just recently published. He wanted people to acknowledge and celebrate the incredibly talented photogs behind those well-known images that we are so familiar with, yet not many of us can name the photographers who took them. He also wanted to credit them for the amazing work they have done and let us know "that iconic photos don't just happen, that cameras didn’t make these photos, the photographers made them."

What a fantastic project, don't you think? It’s so lovely to match the person with the photograph that stirred so many emotions in all of us. Lovelies, what are your thoughts? xo

P.S: More breathtaking photographs.

(Photos by Tim Mantoani via Wired)

Romantic Tree Camping In Germany

For those of you who would like to try something a bit different this Valentine’s Day, how about sunset tree camping on top of a Bavarian mountain summit in Germany? Just imagine spending the evening listening to the soothing sounds of nature, cuddling up with your husband/boyfriend under a cozy blanket and getting lost in the most amazing view from up above! I think it's fair to say that this would be an unforgettable experience under the stars. Lovelies, would you try it? Have you already? xo

P.S: Three more romantic spots: this enchanted forest, that magical night & this love tunnel.

(via Double Takes)

Ten Best Romantic Comedies

Lovelies, with the Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought today would be fun to share ten of my favourite romantic comedies, including ten quotes from those movies that rock my world. They are perfect for a cozy evening-in and just the thing you need to unwind after a busy day! So here they are:

Sleepless in Seattle - Annie Reed: Now that was when people KNEW how to be in love. They knew it! Time, distance... nothing could separate them because they knew. It was right. It was real. It was...

Bridget Jones - Bridget: This is an occasion for genuinely tiny knickers.

When Harry Met Sally - Harry: I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Pretty Woman - Vivian: In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight.

Love Actually - PM: ...If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around.

Notting Hill - Anna: After all... I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.

The 40 Year-Old Virgin - Andy: Is it true that if you don't use it you lose it?

The Ugly Truth - Mike: That's crap. They say they want romance, they say they want true love, but all they want is a check list. Is he perfect? Is he handsome? Is he a doctor?...

Along Came Polly - Irving: It's not about what happened in the past, or what you think might happen in the future. It's about the ride...

Wedding Crashers - Jeremy: I'm not perfect. But who are we kidding? Neither are you. And you wanna know what? I dig it! And...You shut your mouth when you're talking to me!

Darlings, now it's your turn, what are your favourite romcoms? Do you fancy any of the above? What films would you add to the list? xo

P.S: Also, a few awesome movie posters!
P.P.S: All things movies.

(Photos via IMDb. Layout by me for exPress-o)

Winter Girl Crush

How cozy does Courtney look in her bold colour winter layers? I simply adore the way she accessorized it with a fun scarf, cute hat and those adorable glasses. Also, I love that the button-back popover adds a pretty and totally unexpected back detailing to the overall look. Doesn't she look snazzy? Loves, would you wear an outfit like that? xo

P.S: A few more cuties I adore!
P.P.S: And one of my favourite trends, the geek-chic glasses:)

(Photos by Jamie Beck)

For The Chill

Oh boy, it seems that the snow brought sore throat in our home. Balazs have been under the weather the past few days and instead of making the usual cuppa of hot toddy to lift his spirits, last night I tried Lindsey's idea. The delicious combination of lemon, mint, ginger, cinnamon and honey made a perfect good-night-sleep mix and to be honest, it tasted so good that I brewed myself a cuppa this morning as well! (Here is the full recipe). xo

Do tell, what are your sore throat or cold remedies? Anything you swear by?

P.S: Also, chai tea and those artful teabags.

(Top two photos by Lindsay Jewell, bottom layout by me)

Bird's Eye View Of NYC

Oh boy, just looking at those awesome photos makes me a bit queasy but as wussy as I am about heights, I'm totally blown away by Navid Baraty's bravery. The Brooklyn based photographer climbed those amazing NYC buildings and by leaning over the edge he gave us a genius glimpse into the true character of the Big Apple. He said "watching a city from above can reveal so much about its character" - spot on! I simply adore this place, don't you? Lovelies, when was the last time you visited the city? Are you planning to take a trip this spring? xo

P.S: Navid's work totally reminds me of this rooftopping project, and have you seen New York, I Love You already? (Awesome).
P.P.S: Also, twinkling New York City and Big Apple after dark.

(Thanks, Rebecca)

Food & Fashion

Blimey, how brilliant is this series? Miss Moss cleverly paired up a few of my favourite street-style photographs with matching food. I'm simply smitten with the concept and think that fashion never looked as scrumptious! What do you think? (Btw: speaking of adorable, how sassy is the red polka dots blouse and the floral maxi skirt in the third pairing?) Love. xo

P.S: Also, fashion & landscape!

Have a sunny weekend

Brr...it's been freezing this week so much so that even my dogs refused long strolls. Normally, that never happens. The plan is to whip up some pasta, brew a whole pot of fruit tea with honey and catch up on Idol. How about you, lovelies? What are your plans for this winter weekend? Wherever your feet take you, make sure to bundle up, so you stay cozy and warm. As always here are a few great links for you to enjoy.

Café au Art!

Giggle, skateboarding bulldog.

Potato chip cookies.

If you're planning a wedding, here is a very cool seating chart idea that will make your life easier.

The coolest mommy bike, ever.

Adorable video!

Awesome - star map, 1940, February.

Picasso.

Smitten with those hand-stitched cards:)

Such a cute little dude.

Polka dots.

Have you ever tasted a piña colada doughnut? It looks pretty yum.

Love.

Ultimate chocolate desserts guide. Yum!

And here are three all-about-eggs exPress-o posts you might have missed:
* dippy eggs and soldiers.
* poached egg trick.
* omelette perfection.

Also, HUGE thanks to Ana from Blog Milk Shop for sassing up exPress-o with cool updates (new colour, snazzy fonts & easy-peasy share buttons under each post for your fancy & the long overdue banner tweak)! It was such a pleasure and I hope you, my darlings like the new and improved "dose of exPress-o" as much as I do! Ana, you are a star!

Dears, blowing you all a huge kiss! See you Monday morning. Love. xo

(Photos by Jonathan Duriaux)

This Week's Gems

I'm totally smitten with this camera bag. It looks super feminine, comfy and snazzy:)...

Those cheeky mugs by Jamie Oliver make me giggle...

Simply adorable and great for Valentine's day!...

Oh la la. French flea market inspired skirt with pockets! A must for spring...

Stacking rings perfection. I especially adore the dotted cutie...

This shower curtain would make even the gloomiest bathroom super light and sunny. Love!...

If you're thinking about having a Valentine's day party, those straws would make a snazzy addition for sure!..

Vintage polka dots rock my world right now...

Stunning bracelet. Would make a fantastic everyday piece...

How adorable is this print? Ana made it in celebration of Valentine's Day and guess what, you can download it here for free. Sweet!...

Happy Friday, lovelies! What caught your eye this week? Any great buys? xo

The Awesome Whale

This morning, while catching up on my reading I spotted this awesome story from a few years ago and I simply had to share. Have you read it before? It made my morning, so I hope it will brighten yours too. The brilliant photos are of a female humpback whale that got entangled in a spider web of crab traps. After the divers freed her, she swam to them and gave each a friendly, gentle nudge, as she was thanking them for the helping hand. I read that some divers said that it was the most beautiful experience of their lives and the one who cut the rope out of her mouth said that her eyes were following him the whole time and he will never be the same. × CloseMelts my heart! xo

P.S: Also, the tiny panda cubs that I adore and those two buddies from Radha Nagar Beach.
P.P.S: Oh, and of course baby Shukura and his raincoat:)

(Photos by Barcroft via San Francisco Chronicle via Global Animal)

Heart-Shaped Elbow Patches

Speaking of adorable, how would you fancy sassing up your favourite top or a cozy sweater with a pair of heart-shaped elbow patches? I'm all for snazzy patches and those are simply perfect not only for Valentine's but forever. Just imagine wearing them with your favourite pair of pants, bit of lipstick, rosy cheeks and a French messy bun - Valentine's Day perfection! Would you wear it? xo

P.S: Here is Erica's full step-by-step tutorial.

(Photos by Honestly WTF)

Thoughts On Motherhood

Yesterday, Gabriella wrote about this amazing project on motherhood called MAMA: Motherhood Around The World and even though I'm not a mom yet, I was glued to the website for a good few hours reading the incredibly compelling stories of women from all around the world. They are all in different age, from totally different backgrounds and cultural believes, the one common subject they have is motherhood.

After watching this video, I immediately started to think about the posts I wrote on babies and age, remember them? I loved our honest conversation about the subject. I remember being moved to tears by some of the comments and emails I received from moms-to-be or those who couldn’t have babies, those who adopted or planning to and even those who are not sure if they want to have children.

I believe that we all should have a choice of if, how, when, and how many. What I adore about this project is that it addresses those points even deeper in a form of challenging us to think of how many women in the world actually have an opportunity to decide if, how, and when to create a family and what are the reasons women choose motherhood.

I truly recommend making yourself a nice hot cuppa and checking out the project but in the meantime, do tell: Are you ready to be a mom? Are you planning to have a baby this year? Do you have kiddos already? Do you have a plan or you'd rather be surprised? Or maybe motherhood is not something you see yourself in? xo

(As previously, if you don’t feel comfortable talking about it, you can always leave your comment anonymously)

P.S: If you haven't already, you should totally read Jenny's unexpected birth story from a couple of years ago. Incredible!

(via Design Mom. Photos via Tara, IMOW, Keith Davis Young, The-ILL, Wilmahathaway)

Heart Milk-Cubes

Crikey, how sweet would it be to add those little heart milk-cubes to your husband's/boyfriend's morning cup of coffee, glass of hot milk with honey or even a bowl of cereal? Balazs drinks coffee with me each morning so I just might surprise him on Valentine's Day morning with a special cuppa like that! xo

P.S: The hearts are super easy to make, you just need an Ikea heart-shaped ice cube tray and some food colouring. If you fancy trying it, here is Victoria's full how to.
P.P.S: Also perfect for Valentine's Day - umbrella for two:)

(Photos via A Subtle Revelry)

From Behind

Last Saturday, just before the city hall ceremony my friend (the bride) came up to me and discretely asked to check her out from behind. She read somewhere that a lot of people attending weddings make up their mind about the wedding dress based on the view they have at the ceremony - which is mostly from behind. I had no idea, but it makes sense, doesn’t it? So here are four stunning wedding gown photos (of course) from behind that make my heart swell. (And the strangest thing is that after all this, I don't think I can look at wedding dresses the same way ever again). xo

P.S: Remember this dress? I still can't stop thinking about it.
P.P.S: And this 1940's beauty!

(Photos via Emannuelle Junqueira, Pinterest, dustjacket attic & Green Wedding Shoes)

Aurora Borealis

Crikey, just a few days ago on January 24th some extremely lucky people around the globe had a chance to watch the incredibly spectacular solar flare storm. Did you manage to spot it from where you are? I read that this phenomenon doesn't happen often and the last aurora show of this scale was six years ago. Oh boy, looks like nature wanted to treat us to a proper fireworks show, doesn't it? I don’t know about you but I’m gobsmacked by it all. Magical. xo

P.S: Solar storm captured in the Great North last year.
P.P.S: Planets through a tiny water drop.

(Photos by Bjørn Jørgensen, Mattias Forsberg, Stephan Hoglund, Lars Tiede, K*M*J & Janne via Oriental via Wired)

Where They Create - Brooklyn, NYC

Confession, I can easily spend hours in the morning in my pj's getting inspired by the awesomely cool Paul Barbera and his website "Where They Create". Have you seen it? Each work space he shoots oozes creativity on all levels. The photos that I most adore are of the Brooklyn based catering and food styling duo, The Jewels of New York. Lisel and Diana are simply adorable and it's really lovely to get a peek into their everyday work-life. Food styling looks like a cool job, doesn't it? xo

I was wondering, if you could have any jobs or professions, what would you choose? (Really anything…) Do share. xo

P.S: Also, work.place and an office like no other!

(via 16 House)