This was our 4th time visiting the island of Oahu in Hawaii! And maybe some of you are wondering why we’re not visiting the other islands, too. Well, we will do that at some point, of course. But we love Oahu so much, and we couldn’t say no to coming […]
Read MoreAuthor: Simona
Romanian Apple Pie Recipe (Placinta cu mere)
In my family, apple pie (“Placinta cu mere”) was a grandma’s dessert specialty. I don’t even remember eating the traditional apple pie on another occasion other than when my grandmother (mamaie) would bake it on a fall day after she returned home from the market with bags full of apples […]
Read More15 beautiful European destinations to visit this fall
Traveling to Europe in the fall season comes with beautiful weather (especially if you travel at the beginning of the season), fewer crowds, breathtaking autumn foliage, lower prices, and endless things to see and do. I’ve always thought fall is the absolute best season for wandering around museums, spending afternoons […]
Read MoreSwedish Midsummer Cake with Strawberries and Cream (Midsommartårta)
This Swedish Midsummer Cake is a show-stopping celebration cake filled with fresh strawberries, cream, and luscious vanilla custard, everything stacked between an airy vanilla sponge. It’s a traditional Midsummer staple, baked everywhere in Sweden to celebrate the year’s longest day. READ MORE: Swedish Princess Cake Recipe The cake’s vibrant colors […]
Read MorePowell’s Books: The World’s Largest Independent Bookstore
Powell’s City of Books is the world’s largest used and new bookstore, spanning over 68,000 square feet and housing approximately one million books. The iconic bookstore is located in Portland, Oregon, and it’s one of the city landmarks. The story behind a legendary bookstore Powell’s Bookstore was founded in 1971 […]
Read MoreRomanian Sweet Cheese Pie (placinta cu branza)
Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie was the first type of pie I was introduced to when I was little. Both my grandmother and my mother used to bake this sweet cheese pie, and I loved it every single time, especially when it was a weekend treat. Growing up, I started also […]
Read MoreBest museums to visit in Oahu, Hawaii
While Hawaii is best known for its iconic beaches, it also has such a rich and diverse cultural heritage. You can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the local culture by visiting some of the best Hawaiian museums located on the island of Oahu. Oahu is home to a wide […]
Read MoreMidsummer – a Swedish celebration of the summer solstice
Midsummer, also known as the summer solstice, is a time of year celebrated for centuries by cultures worldwide. This day marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also considered a magical night and the start of the fertility season. […]
Read MoreVanilla Eclairs Recipe – how to make the classic french eclairs
Eating eclairs filled with luscious vanilla cream and chocolate glaze was one of my greatest childhood pleasures. Of course, there were chocolate, coffee, or hazelnut-filled eclairs besides vanilla. But the classic eclair with vanilla custard remains my true love. Eclairs were a cake we would find everywhere in Romania in […]
Read MoreSpring Traditions from Around the World
Spring is celebrated in many ways, whether it is celebrating Easter, observing the spring equinox, or welcoming nature’s rebirth and the return of warm weather. Here is a list of 10 spring traditions from around the world that could inspire you to embrace the new season! Martisor (Romania) Martisor is […]
Read MoreMartisor – the Romanian spring tradition
Martisor is a Romanian tradition celebrated every year at the beginning of March, and it signifies the return of the spring season. On the first day of March, men give women small pieces of jewelry or charms (like brooches or pins) attached to a double red and white string as […]
Read MorePhoto Diaries: A snowy day in Lake Tahoe
To me, there aren’t many things that could beat a snowy day in the mountains. I love waking up in a winter wonderland and planning my day according to the weather outside. And many times, that means going out in nature no matter how cold or windy it is. Or […]
Read MorePlum Dumplings Recipe (Galuste cu prune)
My grandmother used to make plum dumplings in the late summer and fall when she would find juicy and sweet plums everywhere on the outside markets in Bucharest. This recipe has Hungarian, German, and Romanian origins, and it’s filling enough to be served as a separate dish or as a […]
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