Hello!

My name is Niki. I’m a freelance creator, storyteller,

and self-proclaimed

adventuress

based in Budapest, Hungary.

About

I’m passionate about exploring the world and within, and sharing my experiences through travel stories and introspective snippets of my latest revelations.

Open for freelance writing work and collaborations in the realm of what I call conscious hedonism: all things travel, culture, sustainability, and veganism.

From recommendations of the best vegan restaurants in European cities to personal tales of adventure, I’d love to write something for you.

Let's work together!

Read my words & hear my thoughts

Újévi zöld fogadalmak

Újévi zöld fogadalmak

Zöld karácsony: Mi kerüljön az asztalra?

Zöld karácsony: Mi kerüljön az asztalra?

Zöld karácsony: Dekorálj tudatosan!

Zöld karácsony: Dekorálj tudatosan!

Zöld karácsony: Ajándékozz tudatosan!

Zöld karácsony: Ajándékozz tudatosan!

Fenntartható Budapest

Fenntartható Budapest

Nejlonbiznisz

Green Guide Budapest

Green Guide Budapest

Disney Princesses’ Favorites

Disney Princesses’ Favorites

A Brief History of Donuts

A Brief History of Donuts

Valentine’s Day Treats for Everyone

Valentine’s Day Treats for Everyone

Keen to know more?
Let's get in touch!

Blog

Take us to Amsterdam

Travel

Take us to Amsterdam

9 Lessons Attending an Arts University Taught Me

Musings

9 Lessons Attending an Arts University Taught Me

45 Hours in Warsaw

Travel

45 Hours in Warsaw

Follow my visual diary on Instagram

Birthday musings, pt. II. For years now, I’ve h

Birthday musings, pt. II.

For years now, I’ve had this habit of setting a ’theme’ on my birthday for the year ahead. After 2019 and 23 being all about self-exploration, risk-taking, transformations and crazy dates, I decided that my year of 24 and 2020 would be about stability (I know, I know…).

For the first couple of months, with a bunch of event decoration jobs lined up and a relationship that pretty much began on the night of my birthday, I was on the right track. Until, of course, Covid happened. Jobs got cancelled, my relationship ended, and after 6 years of living apart, I moved back to my mom’s place.

The state of the world made us all rethink the definition of stability - making us realise it had never really been there; that we had to establish it ourselves, despite everything being in shambles. After licking my wounds for a while, I learnt some new skills and got into website making, and, recently, styling for product photography (and something else I can’t wait to share with you). We also had a chance to really buckle down and focus on growing @greenguidebudapest (hopefully you’ll soon see the results of this, too).

While I initially thought moving back to the ‘mommy hotel’ was a sign that I had failed as an adult, I am now super happy that I get to spend a lot of quality time with my favourite person in the world, watching every single Netflix series, and I’m forever grateful to her that I have place to rest until I piece my life back together. Besides, who wants to be alone in a time of isolation?! I just hope I’m no longer as useless when it comes to chores as I was as a teenager…

As crazy as this year has been, it has also shed light on so many important lessons, given me new opportunities, and by turning my life upside-down, made me prioritise my relationships and health above everything else. Above all, I still managed to get my much desired travel highs, too (yes, I’m still posting my Lisbon pictures from August).

(continued in the comments ⤵️)

Birthday musings, pt. I. A couple of weeks ago, @

Birthday musings, pt. I.

A couple of weeks ago, @mimmanosek commented that it’d be impossible to throw me a surprise birthday party, because I plan my birthday ahead of everybody else. And let’s be honest, I’m also a bit of a control freak.
I had this past weekend planned down to a T: Spanish class and a girls’ G&T night out with @tthsztr and @adelszirtes on Saturday; a little hike and dinner with my @greenguidebudapest family on Sunday, then brunch, lunch, a massage and dinner with my mom and dad today. Ever since I truly embraced that I’m in fact a hedonist, I figured I might as well dedicate an entire weekend to doing the things I love the most: eating and spending time with my favourite people.

Except, Mimma was wrong - I did get a surprise in the end. In the form of a capitalised ‘POSITIVE’ on the bottom of a Covid-test. Luckily, I was only unwell for a couple of days and have nearly completely recovered, but I’m in quarantine regardless. But hey, at least this year, I didn’t have to wake up to Trump winning the elections, like I did 4 years ago 🙏

Not gonna lie, I did spend a couple of hours wallowing in self pity over the the promise of a vegan full English brekkie at @hellofruccola fading away into the distance, but, who am I kidding? I may be confined on my birthday, but it means nothing but hanging out with my darling mamma and cat, possibly out on the terrace in the sunshine, making spicy roasted cauliflower, dancing in the living room to some wacky 80’s tunes, napping on the couch with my cat, and trying not to work (but probably doing so anyway) - so, basically, everything I’ve done for the better part of this year, and everything I love doing so dearly.

While I often get frustrated, insecure or anxious about the things going on in my life and in the world, I try to snap out of it to realise just how bloody lucky I am.
Lucky that I get to spend my days working on a project fuelled by our love for sustainability, something so very close to my heart; with my very best friends, who tolerate me even when I’m hangry and/or 40 minutes late from meetings.

(continued in the comments ⤵️)

And I’m free, free fallin’ 🎶 During my re

And I’m free, free fallin’ 🎶

During my recent trip to Lisbon, I met the lovely @dinah.oefelein, who has only just graduated high school, but is already a badass solo-traveller, witty, mature, and all-round spectacular human despite her young age. I found it funny how, after spending my entire life hanging out with older friends and never feeling the age difference, I experienced the same with her, only with the roles reversed (‘Oh, how the turntables,’ Micheal Scott would say).

The only thing that briefly reminded me of our age difference* is our very dissimilar reactions to finding local teens diving off a bridge in Cascais. When I grasped for air and tried my best not to have a heart attack for them, she just went, ‘Cool! I’ll try it too!’ and proceeded to undress while I, going into full mom-mode, begged her not to. I failed, of course, but ended up cheering them all on from the sideline and snapping some pics of the fearless youth (can you believe they were born in the 2000s?!) 👵🏼

Here’s to never fearing the freefall (but always checking if the water is deep enough before you take the plunge) 💦

*Okay, it might be a personality difference, but it’s easier to blame it on age 💁🏼‍♀️
.
.
.
#cascaisportugal #cascais #bridgejumping #fearlessyouth #feelinglikeagrandma #genz #officequotes #michaelscottquotes #portugal #visitportugal #taketheplunge #freefalling #jumpingoffbridges #lisboacool #lisbonportugal #feelingold #solotravel #femmetravel #travelettes #cascaislovers #cascaisbeach #cascaisjovem #visitcascais

Recharging my batteries 🌞 This was also the da

Recharging my batteries 🌞

This was also the day I finally took my @underseawear bikini to the beach! After a good year of eyeing this style called Jane (mostly for my love of Tarzan, but also for the style), I finally bought a set during their spring sale, while having absolutely nowhere to go in it. But I finally got the chance to test it out this summer, and I have to say, in addition to it being made of recycled ocean plastic (econyl fabric), designed by lovely Hungarian women, made in Hungary, packaged in an eco-friendly way and looking awesome, it also has a great, comfy feel to it and is an absolute pleasure to wear 💙
.
.
.
#flyunbound #portugal #sustainablefashion #econyl #sustainableswimwear #amar_lisboa #lisboa #sesimbra #praiadabica #exploreportugal #soakupthesun #beachvibes #beaching #oceanlover #sunseasand #beachbum #lisboacool #lisbonbeach

Today’s mood: Ophelia, minus the madness & drown

Today’s mood: Ophelia, minus the madness & drowning 🌓

#blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #bwphotography #ophelia #floating #dreaming #indiansummer #balaton #flyunbound

It's been two years, but I still can't get over th

It's been two years, but I still can't get over these facades ☁️☁️☁️⁠
------⁠
Két éve már, hogy először láttam ilyen csodálatos házfalakat, de azóta sem tudom túltenni magam rajtuk ☁️☁️☁️⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#travelthrowback #lisbondiaries #passionpassport #girlswhowander #femmetravel #visitportugal #explorelisbon #amar_lisboa #super_lisboa #toplisbonphoto #lisboacool #igers_portugal #igersportugal #super_portugal #ig_portugal #loves_portugal #portugal_de_sonho #portugallovers #lisbonarchitecture #portugal #lisboa #lisbon #ilovelisboa #iloveportugal #lisboasecreta #minhalisboasecreta #flyunbound #lisbonbuildings #ihavethisthingforwalls #azulejos⁠

Last full day in braces! Equally excited for my br

Never getting tired of this view 💎⁠ —⁠ A

Never getting tired of this view 💎⁠
---⁠
A megunhatatlan látvány 🌼⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#travelthrowback #lisbondiaries #passionpassport #girlswhowander #femmetravel #visitportugal #explorelisbon #amar_lisboa #super_lisboa #toplisbonphoto #lisboacool #igers_portugal #igersportugal #super_portugal #ig_portugal #loves_portugal #portugal_em_fotos #portugal_de_sonho #portugallovers #portugaligers #portugal #tipsguidelisboa #lisboa #lisbon #ilovelisboa #iloveportugal #lisboasecreta #minhalisboasecreta #flyunbound #lisbontram⁠

Learning to love yourself // Allowing yourself to

Learning to love yourself // Allowing yourself to shine ✨⁠
⁠
It's a life-long process, but one that's so crucial. One thing's for sure, though: honouring and dressing your body - this wonderful shell carrying your soul throughout this lifetime - into fine garments every once in a while definitely helps.⁠
⁠
Speaking of: second hand doesn’t mean second grade. This gorgeous pre-loved dress, for example, is one of the most treasured pieces of my wardrobe. I first saw it at an online second hand clothes sale but sadly missed it, so when a couple of weeks later, I found the exact same piece it on @recycledfashionstore, I knew it was a sign that I had to buy it. 💛⁠
⁠
You might be surprised what beautiful, unique pieces you stumble upon in vintage and second hand stores - if you need any new clothes, give thrifting a go this #secondhandseptember and beyond 💎⁠
⁠
(Yes, I was extra enough to take this dress with me when visiting this spectacular palace just so I could pose against the crazy awesome background 💁‍♀️ Massive thanks to the instagramless friend, Rui, for putting up with me!)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#turikincs #lisbondiaries #lisboasecreta #minhalisboasecreta #solotravel #selflove #passionpassport #girlswhowander #femmetravel #visitportugal #explorelisbon #amar_lisboa #super_lisboa #toplisbonphoto #lisboacool #super_portugal #ig_portugal #loves_portugal #portugal_de_sonho #portugallovers #portugal #tipsguidelisboa #lisboa #lisbon #ilovelisboa #secondhandstyle #feelinglikeagoddess #yellowdress #yellowismyfavoritecolor

Now, while solo travel is great for self-reflectio

Now, while solo travel is great for self-reflection and for spending some quality time with myself, I perhaps enjoy it even more because of the abundant opportunities it gives me to meet the kindest, most incredible souls from all over the world I probably would have never met otherwise.

Pictured here are just a few of the amazing humans I crossed paths with on this journey - just by looking at these photos, my little heart swells with so much joy, gratitude and love that I’m genuinely afraid it’ll all spill out of my chest at some point. Thank you for making my trip so special and so full of laughter, @dinah.oefelein @anni44 @escoparis and instagramless Rui❤️

-----
🇭🇺 Azért is szeretek egyedül utazni, merti ilyenkor igazán közel tudok kerülni önmagamhoz, de még jobban élvezem azt, hogy ilyenkor lehetőségem nyílik olyan elképesztően kedves, csodálatos emberekkel összebarátkozni a világ minden tájáról, akikkel más esetben talán sosem találkoztam volna.
Ha csak ezeket a fotókat nézem, olyan mértékű hála és szeretet tölti meg a kis szívem, hogy komolyan aggódom, hogy egyszer mind kibuggyan belőle ❤️
.
.
.
#travelthrowback
#solotravel #selflove #passionpassport #girlswhowander #femmetravel #visitportugal #explorelisbon #internationalfriends #hostelfriends #travelfriendship #lisboasecreta #picnic #lisbonlovers #lisbonlife #lisbonworld #beutifulhumans #kindsouls #humanconnection

Over the past few years, I’ve learnt that I feel

Over the past few years, I’ve learnt that I feel I am at my best when travelling. When - with just my turtle shell of a backpack on my shoulders - I head out into the world, and let myself be vulnerable enough to open my heart up to all the beautiful people and wonderful experiences I may encounter on the road. 🎒

So, in order to feel like this courageous, open-minded, badass version of myself again (which I have somewhat forgotten existed while living in a shrunken comfort zone at home), when some money came in from a previous project I thought I wasn’t going to get paid for, I booked a flight. And just before the Hungarian borders closed down again, I snuck out for a week of sunshine and miracles to Lisbon, a city so near and dear to my heart. 🌞

And I’m happy to tell you, it worked - and had a lasting effect, too, as I’m still feeling great, more than a week after returning home. Here’s to feeling like our best damn selves every day 🥂

💌P.S. This is the intro post to many, many more Lisbon photos to follow for the next few weeks (months?) #sorrynotsorry

💌P.P.S. It’s #secondhandseptember! As an avid thrifter, I encourage you to join the challenge and try to always look for second hand options when buying clother (or other objects, for that matter) this month, and beyond! The dress pictured is one my favourite pre-loved pieces 💚
.
.
.
#travelthrowback
#carmoconvent #solotravel #selflove #passionpassport #girlswhowander #femmetravel #visitportugal #explorelisbon
#amar_lisboa
#super_lisboa #toplisbonphoto #lisboacool
#igers_portugal #igersportugal #super_portugal #ig_portugal #loves_portugal #portugal_de_sonho #portugallovers #portugaligers #portugal #tipsguidelisboa #lisboa #lisbon #ilovelisboa #lisboasecreta #minhalisboasecreta

When you’ve already said your heartfelt goodbyes

When you’ve already said your heartfelt goodbyes to this year’s asparagus season, but then a countryside Aldi surprises you with one last bunch…

~~~

Amikor már rég könnyes búcsút intettél az idei spárgaszezonnak, de az enyingi Aldiban találsz még egy utolsó csomagot…
.
.
.
#asparaguslove #asparagus #roastedasparagus #vegan #veganfoodshare #plantpower #eatmoreplants #eatyourveggies #veganfood #veganlife #whatveganseat #lemonyasparagus #flyunbound #conscioushedonism #mutimiteszel_vegan #spárgaszerelem
#aldiftw #spontaneousdinner

In my happy place: surrounded by plants, drooling

In my happy place: surrounded by plants, drooling over the vegan brunch options. 💚@mimmanosek and I were lucky enough to check out the latest vegan-place -to-be and mini oasis in the city, @pesti_palanta , before their grand opening. 🌿

For more photos and my full review (in Hungarian) check out the @greenguidebudapest blog! Link in their bio 💚
————
Nem kell sok a boldogságomhoz: csak vigyetek egy olyan helyre, ahol vegán brunch és sok-sok növény van. 💚
@mimmanosekkel még a nyitás előtt volt szerencsénk kipróbálni a @pesti_palanta -t, a város új minioázisát, ami szerencsére nem csak a növények klorofilltartalmának köszönhetően zöld. Fenntartható törekvéseikről és finom vegán kínálatukról részletesen írtam a @greenguidebudapest blogján - linket a Green Guide biojában találtok!
.
.
.
#flyunbound #tudatoshedonizmus #conscioushedonism #veganinhungary #budapestvegan #vegantravel #veganbrunch #veganrestaurant #newveganplace #hungryvegan #whatveganseat #planrpower #urbanjungle #plantmom #plantlovers #veganplantlady #plantlady #veganbreakfast #magyarvegan #magyarvegánok #mutimiteszel_vegan #greenguidebudapest #veganiseasy

Latest obsession: tempeh. This fermented soy produ

Latest obsession: tempeh. This fermented soy product is packed with protein and is so versatile!

There are tons of recipes online, but my favourite is just to marinate it in soy sauce and fry as thin slices, or as little crispy bits, and sprinkle it on top of a tofu scramble as if it was bacon.

This glorious plate I had at @magora.vegan.etterem.vac included so many veggies and a peanut sauce for the tempeh cubes - can’t tell you how good it was.

—————

🇭🇺 Legújabb mániám a tempeh. Ezt a fermentált szójakészítményt nagyon sokféleképpen el lehet készíteni, és tele van fehérjével, így szuper bármilyen feltétnek.

Én általában csak simán szójaszószba ázattaom és úgy sütöm ki, vékony szeletekre vagy kis “pörcökre” vágva, ami aztán simán mehet egy tofurántotta tetejére, mintha bacon lenne. És ami a legjobb, hogy lehet kapni magyar szójából készültet is!

Ezt a gyönyörű tálat pedig a váci Magora étteremben fotóztam: telis-tele volt zöldségekkel, a tempeh kockák pedig mogyorószósszal voltak leöntve, úgyhogy erősen vetekedik a 'top 10 vegán étel, amit valaha ettem’ címért. Nekem hiányzik Budapestről egy ehhez hasonló hely, ahova hétvégén, illetve este is be lehet ülni, és még terasza is van.
.
.
.
#flyunbound #vegan #whatveganseat #tempeh #veganfoodphotography #veganfoodporn #veganfood #tempehrecipe #veganlife #plantpower #plantbased #vegansofig #veganfoodshare #veganfoodie #conscioushedonism #veganlifestyle #veganinhungary #magyarvegan #budapestvegan #veganrestaurant #happycow #tempehlove #vegannutrition #veganetterem #novenyialapu

Load More… Follow on Instagram