A Firefly Squid Sea in Japan

Crikey, remember the glowing lake in Australia? Well, here is another jaw dropping gem - firefly squids in Toyama Bay. If you fancy experiencing something out of this world, you should totally visit Japan between now and the end of July. During this time those glowing tiny creatures surface to the top of the sea in massive numbers and put on an incredible lights show. I read that this particular spot in central Japan became a total magnet for tourists in recent years, and just looking at those photos, I'm not surprised. Wouldn't it be cool to camp out on the beach, watch stars, chat and wait for them to pop out of the water? Smitten! You? xo

P.S: How about this enchanting forest also in Japan?
P.P.S: Or this charming spot in Germany.

(via Amusing Planet)

Hidden Cave Pool in Mexico

How would you fancy a dip in the secret blue cenote as the locals call it? This little slice of heaven is hidden in the Ik-Kil park on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It's open daily to swim, dive, snorkel and have plenty of fun in the crystal blue water. (And the entry is only $3). Just imagine spending hours floating about, catching the sun and listening to the sounds of the water. Bliss! Have you been there before? Would you go? xo

P.S: Also, swimming over Manhattan or with Manatee.
P.P.S: Remember the serene jellyfish or the breathtaking ocean pool in Sydney?

(Photos via /by Elizabeth, Miguel Angel Sanchez, Victor Diaz & Pablo Damonte)

Wanderlust

Crikey, wouldn't you love to beam yourself through those beautiful photos of the Kaieteur Falls in Guyana right now? Even though I'm not crazy about heights, I would totally fancy spending a day there. (Yes, despite the fact that this gem is the largest single drop waterfall in the world - eek!). Just looking at those photos makes me want to take countless deep breaths, dip my toes in the cool water and get utterly lost in all that beauty. Bliss! Ready to pack? xo

P.S: Also, remember this one?
P.P.S: And the breathtaking rice fields in China!

(Photos by Dale Giesbrecht via tywkiwdbi)

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)

Cabin Fever

Lovelies, have you rented a cabin before? Oh boy, instead of working, I spent this morning drinking French Press coffee and daydreaming about renting a little cabin somewhere in the mountains or maybe next to a tiny lake. I can't stop thinking about spending a long weekend dipping my toes in a lake, reading books on a hammock while listing to birds singing and my favourite: spending evenings all cozy next to the fire roasting s'mores. Maybe I’m strange but I love how my hair smells after bonfire. xo

P.S: Also, tiny houses on tiny islands.
P.P.S: Fairytale house in Wales.

(Photos via Cabin Porn via Julie Digs Design)

Moss & Fern

How was your weekend? Mine was super relaxing and sunny. The air on Sunday morning felt like spring :) So why don't we ease into the Monday madness with a bit of calming and magical nature. Are you up for a walk in the woods right now? Grab your comfy shoes, cozy scarf, and meet me there, deal? Don't worry, you can reheat your coffee later. xo

P.S: When was the last time you took a walk in the woods? It was ages ago for me...
P.P.S: More dream-worthy places: Blue bell woods and firefly forest.

(Stunning winter woods photographs by Alicia Paulson)

Travel Fantasy: The Cave of Melissani

The short days and chilly weather is starting to wear me down, so this morning let's go to this incredibly beautiful Greek cave where the water is crystal clear and the sun shines in the most spectacular way (especially at noon). We could spend the day sun-bathing on a boat, sipping minted rose water and if we want to go crazy, we can go for a dip in the Melissan lake or better yet, enjoy a little nap while listening to the soothing sounds of water. Bliss! xo

P.S: Do you remember this cave in Vietnam?
P.P.S: And here are some other swoon-worthy travel spots!

(Photos by/via Nikita and Pinterest)

A Floating Bridge in Bangladesh

Genius! I read that the rampant-growing water hyacinth on the Buriganga River in Dhaka gives tons of commute troubles to the locals as it prevents boats from moving freely on the river. So, a group of very clever boatmen came up with a brilliant idea of a floating bridge. They connected 34 wooden dinghies together and they even charge a tiny fee for the service. Doesn't that bridge look super cool? xo

P.S: More amazing travel destinations!
P.P.S: I still can't stop thinking about the Montaña Mágica Lodge.

(Photo via Marisa)

Japanese Flower Garden

On a gloomy day like today I'd love to beam myself through to the Kawachi Fuji Garden in Japan. Just imagine spending countless hours wandering around the dreamy pathways of the wisteria tunnel, having a peaceful picnic under the flower-rainbow and playing a game of "I spy with my little eye". Those photographs give me such a calm vibe. Wanna join in? xo

P.S: Do you remember this love tunnel? It totally reminds me of the first photo.
P.P.S: Also, gardens of Marqueyssac in France. Love!

(via Rikki)

Travel Fantasy: Ice Hotel

In just little under a month one of my friends and her husband are taking a weekend off and fly to a tiny village in Sweden called Jukkasjärvi. The home of the most amazing Ice Hotel. Besides sleeping in - 5°C (23°F), eating the fresh local flavours of Swedish Lapland and dog sledding, they are also embarking on the Northern lights tour with the other hotel guests. Doesn’t that sound awesome? The hotel itself is beyond stunning and each guest can choose their favourite room from 21 different suites. They also give you guidelines for how to dress for the cold and how to sleep in the freezing temperatures. Loves, would you go? xo

P.S: But of course if you are not too keen on the freeze, you can experience it as well, as instead of the cold accomodation, you can choose the warm one.
P.P.S: Amazing solar storm!

Tree Train Tunnel in Ukraine

Goodness me, this definitely tops the list of the most romantic train tunnels I have ever seen! This beauty is hidden in an enchanting forest in Ukraine and locals call it sweetly, the love tunnel. Isn't it beautiful? Just looking at those photos makes me want to pack up, dress to the tee and take one of those amazing Orient-Express train trips across the world. Wanna join in? xo

P.S: The same tunnel during autumn:)

(Photos by Oleg Gordienko via Like cool)

Daydreaming London Style

Kjrsten and her adorable family recently moved to London and yesterday she posted a few photos of Camden Town that I simply adore. Lovelies, wouldn't it be fun to take a boat ride down the Regent's Canal, stop for a serving of freshly fried fish & chips at the market and wander around the little alleys? Have you been to London before? xo

P.S: Here is Kjrsten and her little kiddos enjoying a tea party.

Enchanting Firefly Forest in Japan

Oh boy! This enchanting forest in the Chūgoku region of Japan, is the home to gold fireflies that charm the area regularly with their blinking sassiness. Doesn't this place look magical? (I'd love to see it in person one day). xo

P.S: My darlings, Happy Halloween! Have a spooky and fun night. Balazs and I are off for a scary movie night with friends. What are you up to tonight?
P.P.S: Firefly forest in Germany.

(via LiveJournal)

Hidden in the Alps

You can find this thrilling gem on one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Switzerland. The Äscher cliff restaurant is located between the Wasserauen and Ebenalp hiking paths. I can just imagine taking a little break there, recharging my energy on Swiss cheese fondue, apple cider and breathing in the fresh Appenzell Alps air while taking mental photos of the area :) Lovelies, want to join in? Have you even been to Switzerland? xo

(Photos by Brad Miersma)