Una Bella Vita

What Makes Love True?

2012-01-27T07:37:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you've all heard of this collaboration Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and his sweetheart Garance Dore are doing with Tiffany's, "What Makes Love True." Here are some of my favorite shots from the adorable site - I think you can even send your own photos in too!

My Favorite Movie Scenes Pt. 9

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

gotta love a man who comes back for the girl he loves!

Dirty Dancing

red lips.

2012-01-25T18:11:00.000-05:00

I think this is the first time I've posted a picture of myself - eek! Scary.

I am so in love with my NARS "Heat Wave" lipstick. It's kind of amazing what a coat of red lipstick will for your confidence.

I'm over here today.....

2012-01-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

Talking about my experience in Bulgaria this past summer!

I hope you check it out. :)

p.s. here's a song I'm loving right now - it's beautiful!

Sunday Gems!

2012-01-22T11:15:00.002-05:00

Wow, this is so beautiful. Nature is awesome!

Creative & pretty Valentines.

Here are some more beautiful Valentines (pssst...you could easily make these yourself! Try it!)

I tried this wave tutorial - fantastic, probably my new favorite style.

The New Revolution in Beauty!! (thanks to a reader for sending this in!)*

I am currently lusting over these.

Tips for dressing for a job interview.

hello, new favorite design blog.

Such a pretty and fresh way to display flowers!

These State prints would make such a perfect gift, but they don't have one for my home state of New Jersey! What's up with that?

I almost didn't want to post this because I don't want it to be sold out - but this necklace is seriously beautiful...and I need it.

Have you ever wondered what part of the world is directly under you? (Helloooo Western Australia! I see you down there!)

P.S. Just curious, how many of you are watching Downton Abbey? I'm shocked by how many Americans are obsessed with it right now...when did everyone get such good taste!?

P.P.S This weeks lovely giveaway ends tomorrow! Don't forget to enter to win some super pretty Wish cards :)

The Dolomites

2012-01-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

I love this photo of the Dolomites in Italy by Kevin Kunstadt.

(It reminds me a lot of the Rila Mountains, where I hiked this past July.)

Gorgeous!

p.s. Kevin Kunstadt has a fantastic set of photography from Northern Italy! Check it out.

T.T.A (Tea Towels Anonymous)

2012-01-20T19:40:00.000-05:00

I'm quickly becoming obsessed (understatement) with tea towels! I've always looked for pretty ones on Etsy, but recently I've been HUNTING them down, and dreaming about a drawer filled with a pile of pretty towels I can show off to visitors...(first I need to find friends who would actually be impressed with this.....)

Here are some that I'm loving on Etsy right now:

LOVE!

Is anyone else obsessed?

Any suggestions on pretty ones, or shops you love on etsy?

2012-01-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

I love the soft focus and simplicity in this photography by Cheryl Raharjo.

Monday Giveaway!

2012-01-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to have this giveaway for you all - this is something that has been on my Etsy Favorites for quite a long time. They're "Wish Cards" from naneHandmade. Nadia has sweetly agreed to give one set of 6 small wish cards to one Una Bella Vita reader!

These are seriously so sweet, and I can already think of people I would send them too :)

To enter, simply leave a comment!

*Followers of Una Bella Vita may leave two comments for an extra chance at winning!

I'll pick a winner, via random number generator, on Monday, January 23rd.

Good Luck!

Update:
Larissa Wunder, Congrats! Email me your address asap.

Alaska

2012-01-16T10:50:00.000-05:00

In love with this beautiful photography from Alaska, by Ashley Vaughan.

Has anyone ever been/lived there? I'm dying to go!

Saturday Gems

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

from here
**

SO obsessed with this song and band! If you like Mumford & Sons you will love it!

the perfect pen to write your love letters with...

I am loving these minimal movie posters.

Pretty braids!

I wish we had book stores like this in the US.

The 100 most beautiful words in the English language.

Jane Austen notecards

Wonderful message...

Buy a lipstick & support the fight against human trafficking.

Mash ups!

Such a sweet, romantic outfit.

Have a lovely Saturday!

Sad Truth.

2012-01-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

Found this on tumblr, if anyone knows what it's from, please let me know!

How true is this? I know what we can do about it:

via

Bye magazines with photoshopped models & diet tips! I don't need to subject myself to something that not only feeds insecurities but creates new ones based on lies!

I will not miss you. :)

le tour de eiffel

2012-01-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

such a pretty sight!

from here

Far Away Places

2012-01-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos, from one of my very favorite Tumblrs, Trendy Traveler.

For those with wanderlust!

Emma, 2010

2012-01-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

Emma, 2010

I LOVE this version from BBC, even better than the Gwyneth Paltrow version. If you haven't seen it, you NEED to!

In my bag...

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love a good 'whats in my bag' post? (anyone...anyone?) Well I do!

I got this Fossil bag for Christmas, it's totally different than what I usually carried. For one, it's black (I know it looks brown in this light) and very structured. I've always been more of a cross-body, boho type bag, but I'm loving this. Especially since my huge 'Complete Novels of Jane Austen' fits easily, and I especially love the lock & key details.

Nothing too exciting; lotion, pens, point & shoot, a mirror, moleskine, sunglasses, lip balm, lipstick, bobby pins and really gross mints that I need to throw away.

I use these daily. I load this retractable Mary Kay blush brush with blush and use it to touch up throughout the day!

This is definitely my favorite thing in my purse. I bought it in Bulgaria, and opens two ways; so I keep bills in one, and cards in the other. Love it!

Can't function without my moleskin for lists, schedules, appointments, addresses, and doodles.

My fingerless jeweled gloves; not very warm, but always cute.

That's it! What's in yours?

Sunday gems

2012-01-08T12:20:00.000-05:00

Cary Grant, 1956

An amazing view...breathtaking.

This is the cutest Christmas Story rendition I have ever seen!

I'd love a cup of tea in this.

A fun way to motivate yourself to save for something special!

You never marry the right person...super insightful.

I'm obsessed with these hair tutorials!

How to host house guests - love this.

amazing bookshelf!

The perfect red lipstick for ANYONE! (trust me!)

**
Have a relaxing Sunday!

Y-U-M.

2012-01-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

Dr Sam C, on flickr

pretty girl food

from here

from Primary Reps, on flickr

from blushin muffin, on flickr

roses

2012-01-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

starting a new year.

2012-01-03T18:09:00.001-05:00

"Start wherever you are and start small." -Rita Baily

"Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy." -Sarah ban Breathnach

"Everything has a beginning and has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well."

-Buddha

"Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect."

-Alan Cohen

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning." -Meister Eckhart

"All achievements, all earned riches, have their beginning in an idea." -Napolean Hill

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wonderful photography by Alex Phillips

Disgusting.

2012-01-01T19:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this may be old news to most of you but I'm going to say it anyway.

I just saw a copy of an old issue of Seventeen laying around my house, and this picture is on the back cover:

It's a Rimmel ad, and says "Zooey Deschanel wears shade...." under the picture.

But....

....

...

That is NOT Zooey Deschanel! I am SO sickened by this photoshop job of such an amazingly beautiful woman! I mean, whose nose is that???

Ugh. Disgusting. I have to say, I am pretty disappointed that Zooey is continuing to be the face of a company that photoshops like this. Needless to say, I will no longer be purchasing from Rimmel. What a disgusting, negative message to send to it's customers! No wonder so many women feel ashamed of how they look - we are being fed a photoshopped image of a woman who many see as one of the most beautiful women in the business!

WHEN WILL ANYONE EVER BE ENOUGH????!

p.s. Yes, I know this happened back in March, but I just came across this ad for the first time today and couldn't contain my anger & disappointment!

2011, you've been good.

2011-12-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

When I think back on this year, SO many amazing things come to mind. Here are just a few:

In April I drove 6 hours with two of my best friends to spend Easter at Tybee Island, GA.

In May I graduated from college and made my way home to PA

In June, I flew across the Atlantic to Sofia, Bulgaria to work with Mission to the World as a summer intern. We visited Velingrad, Asenovgrad, Plovdiv, and lived in Sofia.

In Mid-June, we took a weekend trip to Istanbul Turkey, where we visited the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and the Kings Palace. We stayed in a hostel (strangely enough called 'Paris Hostel'), drank loads of apple tea (YUM!) and suffered on a hot, stinky train.

In July we took a week long hike in the Balkans (Rila Mountains) and saw some of the most beautiful views imaginable.

In August I returned to the US, and moved into my first apartment to attend grad school.

Since then, I've spent time studying, traveling to NYC, GA & KY, enjoying fall and a lovely Christmas break.

So much can happen in a year! This time last year I had NO idea I would spend the summer in Bulgaria. I had no idea I would be attending grad school...or living on my own. It just goes to show how many amazing things can happen in one year - I can't wait to look back on this post next year and see how much has happened in 2012!

Henna

2011-12-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

from here

I've always been so intrigued by henna! When I was younger I would always get a star design on my hand or wrist. But if I ever had a chance to do henna again, I would totally get a super intricate design like these. They're just so pretty!

white

2011-12-28T09:21:00.000-05:00

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Christmas

2011-12-26T13:24:00.001-05:00

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas! :)
What was your favorite gift to give, and to get?

life lately..

2011-12-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

Completely enjoying Christmas break! Lots of present wrapping, How I Met Your Mother watching, uke playing, and movie watching.

pretty things

2011-12-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

I just came across this pretty photography from green_is_in, on flickr. Makes me dream about flying overseas...

braid

2011-12-22T07:19:00.000-05:00

Photography by Noodles and the wolves, on flickr

Gorgeous. I need to learn to do this braid!

bravo

2011-12-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

"You cannot gauge or contain beauty. There are approximately 6 billion individuals on this plant who were born with their own unique expression of beauty. We live in a society that promotes a single standard of beauty, expecting everyone to go to extreme lengths to attain it. I do not fit in society's standard of beauty and you probably don't either, and there is no shame in this. We have the choice, and the ability and power to reject this single standard of beauty. We can rise up and make room for the diversity of beauty which each of us has beheld this entire time. This would be a game changer, this would truly be revolutionary."
-Rae Smith

p&p

2011-12-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

Christmas at home

2011-12-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I posted my own pictures. I'm going to try to do more of this in the future! Here are some of the Christmas decorations from my family's home. Love!

p.s. I use a Nikon d50 & used a 50mm lense for these

Weekend love

2011-12-17T17:17:00.001-05:00

from here

I watched this video at least ten times...chills!

An awesome and easy smoky eye tutorial.

How to dress like J.Crew!

Pretty little posts.

Teenage bedrooms...those were the days!

Is this real life?

Maybe it's just me, but these don't look even a little bit appetizing...

Ahhh, cutest pregnancy announcement ever!

Awesome idea for a Christmas gift!

I want this on my wall!

Check this out before your next trip.

I'm on Pinterest now!

Try this: go to google. Type 'let it snow.' press enter. ;)

Happy Weekend!

A super random post of super random things.

2011-12-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

What do all these pictures have in common?

they came from my tumblr! And that's about it.

pink rooms

2011-12-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

House Beautiful
**
Pink rooms are not just for 5 year olds anymore...yay!

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

(Valeria Lazareva)

(K.)

(Hannah Fresia)

(openyourheart_)

**
lovey love.
so cute.

"If the stars should appear but one night every thousand years how man would marvel and stare." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011-12-09T07:07:00.000-05:00

From Mallory, on Flickr

mirror, mirror

2011-12-08T05:32:00.000-05:00

2011-12-07T05:32:00.000-05:00

found on Style Me Pretty

Gorgeous wedding shot - love her blue cardigan!

Gift Guide 2011: For your dad

2011-12-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

Chicago print by Hero Design Studio

Moustache bottle stopper, for a wine lover (OR a mustache lover! hmm..)

Japanese bird alarm clock for a bird watcher

Mr and Mrs Mugs, for your parents coffee and tea in the mornings

"Take It Easy" print for the man-cave

Pop Shop Self for the classic dad

Body Image

2011-12-03T21:21:00.000-05:00

Some of you already know that I am currently pursuing my Master's in Biblical Counseling. One of my final paper assignments was to write a talk or message focusing on a specific subject that you could give at a retreat, etc. I chose body image, you all know I am really passionate about this. I decided to post the paper (or "talk) here, God knows we all need encouragement in this area. I hope you find some here.

We live in society that is obsessed with the physical appearance. We grow up watching commercials that tell us we need to look better, with magazine spreads that present flawless airbrushed models, and Hollywood actresses who diet for a living. Women today are facing an identity crisis. We see ourselves as inadequate- unable to live up to our society’s standards of beauty. As a result we spend hundreds of dollars on makeup and hair products. We try dozens of diets to make our bodies look the way society tells us they should. We compare ourselves to every other woman walking down the street in hopes that we are more beautiful than them, but we never feel like we are. Our self-esteem spirals out of control as we become more and more obsessed with physical appearance.

The results of this can be devastating to a woman; eating disorders, self-esteem issues, illness, self-mutilation, self-loathing, isolation, and shame. Our society’s obsession has thrust women into a vicious cycle, and we often feel alone in this. Most women remain silent through their struggle, not wanting to seem weak or broken by the enormous pressure. The overriding issue is one that begins deep inside of each of us.

Every woman has a desire to be loved. We all want to be loved and adored by our friends, family, and spouses. We believe that in order to be loved we must be beautiful. Our idea of beauty is one that is deeply flawed. We listen to what our society tells us is beautiful; we are constantly coming into contact with pictures of what a beautiful woman should look like, in movies, on television and in magazines. We compare ourselves to these images, and find ourselves lacking in every area. We believe that we cannot be loved, we cannot be beautiful as we are right now, and instead we have to strive for something else, something unattainable. We don't realize this is unattainable, because it is all we know, and all we see. So, we reach for it, believing that we will only be beautiful once we attain it. Until then, we are not worthy, we are not beautiful, and we cannot truly be loved.

This is a problem is a spiritual one; one that distorts the truth of who God is, and of who God tells us we are. This type of thinking is often a sign that we are putting our hope into something other than God; in this case, we are putting our hope into our physical appearance. We believe that if we could just be beautiful, everything else will fall into place. We see beauty as a gateway to love, comfort, and security. As a result, we fear beauty. Because if we are putting all of our hope into it, we can also be completely broken by it. We are afraid of what not being beautiful means; will we be loved if we are not beautiful? We devote our lives to the quest of attaining physical perfection.

The consequences of putting all of our hope into something as fleeting as our physical appearance, is that we continue to fail and be disappointed. We will never be able to reach the level of physical beauty we desire, and as we strive to do so we will continually be broken and so, the cycle goes on. We strive to be beautiful, we see someone more beautiful, we fall into a pit of despair. In this cycle we are brought to destruction, in the form of self-loathing, eating disorders, or shame, over and over again.

Recognizing that this problem of a flawed self-image is a spiritual one is the first step in removing ourselves from this cycle. We are leaving God out of this issue by believing that physical beauty is the answer to our brokenness. We have a distorted view of God, and his role in our lives. Scripture tells us that “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”[1] There is nothing in this universe that God does not have a part in. We are told that he is in every situation, including this one!

We know that God is not only aware of our self-image issues, but that he is very much active. He knows everything that is in our hearts[2], in fact, he knows our hearts better than we do. We know that God is Lord over everything and that he has a plan for our lives, one that is bigger than anything we can comprehend. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a hope and a future.”[3] We know that God loves us, because God is Love.[4] He sustains us[5], and he calls us his children[6], he has promised to never leave us[7]. We are all precious in His sight, and we were bought at a price.[8]

All of these are important parts of God’s character and his attitude towards us. It is easy to lose ourselves in earthy things, like physical beauty. But we do not need to earn God’s love; he loves us so much that he bought us at an unimaginable price. And, not only that, but Scripture also tells us, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”[9] The God of the universe exults over you with loud singing! The One who is Love, rejoices over you. These are the truths that should rule us. We should be ruled, not by the desire to attain physical beauty in order to attain earthly love, but by the desire to please and glorify our infinite God who loves us, who bought us, who cares and sustains us.

If we know God, we are able to escape the viscous cycle of destruction. We only need to shift our hope. Our hope does not belong in physical beauty, which is something that will consistently fail us. Our hope belongs in God, the only one who never fails, who is active in our lives and in bringing us joy and goodness. He offers us a refuge, one that doesn’t depend on physical beauty but on faith in Him. This shift of our hope has the potential to turn us from fearful, self-loathing, shamed beings into free, joyful, and dearly loved children of God.

[1] Colossians 1:17

[2] 1 John 3:20

[3] Jeremiah 29:11

[4] 1 John 4:8

[5] Psalm 54:4

[6] Romans 8:14-16

[7] Deuteronomy 31:46

[8] 1 Corinthians 6:20

[9] Jeremiah 3:17

2011-12-02T07:38:00.000-05:00

by Kyle Hale, on flickr

These are so lovely! Wouldn't this be a sweet idea for engagement shots?

Los Angeles

2011-12-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles

Shot by John Williams

I've never really thought about L.A. much...then I saw this photo.

2011-11-30T15:20:00.000-05:00

Ah, classic. I feel like Titanic has been popping up everywhere lately.

How do you all feel about the 3D re-release coming up next year? Will you go see it?

Gift Guide 2011: For your mom

2011-11-29T13:07:00.000-05:00

The Sonnets by William Shakespeare, for a lover of the classics

Dusk vintage blue gem necklace, for a classy mom

Tea with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson, for a tea lover

Minnetonka Soft-Sole Moccasins, for the mom on the go!

(The MOST comfortable shoes I have ever worn - I've already gone through 2 pairs!)

a super pretty 2012 cloth wall calendar

Leather Dangles by Moorea Seal, for a whimsical mom

a Cheese Dome for a hostess

a pretty tea towel for a mom who loves a pretty kitchen

**
I don't know about you all, but I am drowning in finals/papers/projects...!! I was told grad school was way more intense that undergrad but I think I blocked that out til now.....yikes!
Hang in there! We're SO CLOSE to Christmas break!!!

Jane Eyre

2011-11-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Jane Eyre, 2011

wisdom

2011-11-25T08:35:00.000-05:00

"If there's just one piece of advice i can give you, it's this - when there's something you really want, fight for it, don't give up no matter how hopeless it seems. And when you've lost hope, ask yourself if, ten years from now, you're gonna wish you gave it just one more shot. because the best things in life, they don't come free." -meredith grey, grey's anatomy

Gift Guide 2011: For your guy

2011-11-23T07:41:00.000-05:00

a wire bike sculpture, for a cyclist

Match striker, for a pipe-lover

bacon popcorn...because it's just gross enough

(ugh, I'm gagging..)

"Glory is Forever" print by Hero Design Studio, for ANY guy

A classic henley for a classic guy

A Cabbie hat for an artsy guy

a Globetrotter tee, for a traveler

a beer-tracker bottle opener

(you know..so you can keep your eye on him ;)

The Moustache Grower's Guide...because all men have a weird obsession with facial hair

Moleskin Music Journal for a musician

Pulp Fiction minimalist poster for the movie lover

I splurged a bit more on these gifts - but they are still super affordable!

soft focus

2011-11-22T11:15:00.000-05:00

Photography by pruginko, on flickr

Goodness, the focus in these shots is beautiful!

2011-11-21T16:04:00.002-05:00

From here

I just came across this on Tumblr, and am now posting it here for self-motivation. Time to focus on these papers! The semester is almost over, we can do this!

Gift Guide 2011: for your girlfriends

2011-11-20T14:35:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you lovelies, but I HATE all these gift-guides that most blogs publish with gifts that are super expensive. Who are these people who can afford $100+ gifts for all their friends, because I want in on that! I decided to put together a gift guide for everyone like me, who wants to find something creative and affordable for the people they love in their life.

So, here is gift guide #1:

Ideas for your closest girlfriends.

"How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life," for an Audrey lover (which, let's face it, is pretty much everyone.)

a Moleskin Book Journal, for book lovers

pretty barrettes for someone girly and romantic

adorable animal posts, for an animal enthusiast

an inspirational print, for the contemplative friend

A Globetrotter tee for a world-traveler (these are unisex!)

an amazingly cool star projector for your star-gazing friend

a pretty feather statement necklace, for your fashion forward friend

The Seven Year Pen, for those who love to write
(These are seriously amazing...guaranteed to last for seven years, smooth to write with - LOVE mine!)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, for a hopeless romantic

How I Met Your Mother DVDs for your hilarious friend

(If you have never seen HIMYM, you will L-O-V-E it...TRUST me.)

An amazing Elephant Print from River Luna, for your animal-loving, artsy friend

a super cool wrap bracelet from Ten Things, for your eclectic friend

There you go! I tried to keep everything under $25!

(Just throwing this out there- I basically took all of these from my bookmarks...I love everything here!)

Coming up next.... a gift guide for the favorite guy in your life!

movie still saturday

2011-11-19T11:41:00.001-05:00

the time traveler's wife, black swan, the tree of life, hunger games, the uninvited, the social network, red riding hood, thor, beastly.

p.s. Una Bella Vita is now...... unabellavitablog.com!!

2011-11-18T11:41:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth's spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his ever having fallen in love with her.
"How could you begin?" said she. "I cannot comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?"

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the lock, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago.
I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."
**
psst...something exciting is happening to Una Bella Vita! Who knows what it is?

Dream Room..

2011-11-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

My GOSH, how beautiful is this room?

from, h4ndz on flickr, great taste!

winding down on Monday...

2011-11-14T20:37:00.001-05:00

photo, from here

Music fan? My lovely older sister runs an awesome music blog, such a great way to pick up new stuff!

AHH, can't wait to see this!! (my obsession is partly YOUR fault, for making me want to read the book so badly!)

A very interesting way to live...

Supposedly the BEST cover-up ever....has anyone tried it?

Ahhh, such a charmed life!

Designer uniforms...ironic.

A girl can never have enough maps of Paris!

Aww, a Hobbit reunion! (Yes, I am a LOTR dork.)

A fun way to tell time...

I'm extending the Una Bella Vita Book Swap! I'm too busy to put together a list right now, but keep sending in your books and I'll keep you all updated!

Don't forget to enter this weeks beautiful giveaway!

Orange

2011-11-13T11:55:00.000-05:00

theseyoungarchies, on flickr

Lee Peterson, on flickr

riojasaurus, on flickr

couqinete, on flickr

Friday Giveaway!

2011-11-11T05:05:00.001-05:00

I have a really beautiful giveaway for you this week, lovelies!

Marisa paints these amazing feathers, you can see all of them on her etsy shop, River Luna. Gosh, they are just gorgeous. You can buy originals, or prints - how lovely would these look grouped together on a wall? In love!

Marisa is generously offering a $30 in credit towards her shop! With that, you can buy a large original or a couple of smaller prints - all of her feather paintings are so unique and stunning...

Um, can I just have them all?

Make sure to check out Marisa's blog to get updates on her latest work, and on her Facebook you can see some STUNNING animal paintings (you have to check out Elephant Walk!) She's also on Twitter!

Gosh, seriously in love with her work. So much talent, an amazing eye for color and tiny tiny detail. Beautiful!

To enter:

Simply leave a comment!

*Followers of Una Bella Vita may leave another comment for an extra chance at winning.

I'll pick a winner, via random number generator, on Friday November 18th.

Update:
Rita, you're the winner! Congrats!
Email me please :)

BOOK SWAP!

2011-11-09T15:17:00.005-05:00

from here

BOOK SWAP!

Hooray! I'm so excited about all the responses I got on yesterdays post.

Chances are, if you're a reader, you love books and you love mail - soooo...let's do this!

Here's what I'm thinking:

Anyone who is interested:
email me one book you'd like to share with someone else by Saturday, November 12th (title your email "book swap" please!) (peacelovebellavita@yahoo.com)

Once all the books are in I'll put together a post listing all the books available, and you can email me which book you'd like.
(first come, first serve)

Then, I'll (somehow) figure out who gets what book, and we all ship out and READ!

rules:

You have to be willing to share a book if you'd like to receive one.

***You have to be okay with paying for shipping.

If you'd like your own book back, you'd have to work it out with the person your swapping with.

I'm going to say this is only for people within the US - HOWEVER, if you are an international reader email me, there might be another international reader interested in swapping too.

I really want this to be a fun way to share our favorites with other people - not a way to get rid of a crappy book you didn't like very much! It would also be fun to put together a post with all the books that were read a brief review from the readers - that we we can all get even more recommendations.

Sooo,

What do you think? Any suggestions? Ideas?

p.s. I already have one international reader interested - so don't hesitate if you are international too! :)

Poland & Book Swap?

2011-11-08T19:28:00.001-05:00

Yermakov, on flickr

Worclaw, Poland

OOOH MY, officially on my list! Whose been?

Is anyone interested in doing some kind of book swap? I LOVED all your recommendations..but can't afford to buy them. Maybe we can do a trade...or I can set up a reader book swap so those who are interested can swap with eachother. What do you think? Hmm....ideas.

p.s. Christy, you're the winner of this weeks giveaway! (Scroll down to see if it's you..or another Christy.)

something pretty annnnd BOOK HELP!

2011-11-07T19:37:00.002-05:00

Von, on Flickr

my, my, this is beautiful. true art.
So sorry for my absence!

Okay, I need some book recommendations! ASAP! I recently finished the Hunger Games series (super young adult, easy to read, engaging... and am still in the midst of reading the book about Jane Fairfax on my sidebar...oh, and Stephanie Perkins' newest book Lola and the Boy Next Door..) But I need something new to read. Since I'm in school and super busy something light would be best...any ideas? What is your favorite book ever? What are you reading?

Wednesday Giveaway!

2011-11-02T11:18:00.001-04:00

This weeks giveaway comes from online shop, Pixics. They have adorable dresses, cute jewelry, and some funny tees. (Even a section for guys, if you're looking for a gift!) The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a $20 voucher for the site!

Here's what I'd buy:

Ahh, that first dress....!!!

To enter, simply leave a comment!

*Followers of Una Bella Vita may leave two comments - for an extra chance at winning!

I'll pick a winner, via random number generator, on Tuesday November 8th.

Good Luck!

Update:
Christy, you're the winner! Congrats :) Email me asap!

2011-11-01T11:38:00.003-04:00

found here

Woooo, we made it to November! I love love love this time of year. Here's what I'm looking forward to this month:

-Thanksgiving! HELLO!

-Stuffing. My fave. (As I read back over this, I realize that this could be misread as "Stuffing. My face." and I am totally fine with that too.)

-Pumpkin pie

-Hot chocolate every night

-Wrapping up this semester - then I'll be 3 semesters away from a Masters!

-Seeing more family

-Boots, scarves, tights, gloves

-Christmas countdown!

-Holiday themed TV Shows...I just love seeing my favorite characters celebrate the holidays as I am...hah!

-Holiday movie time: Elf, The Santa Claus, Christmas with the Kranks, etc, etc

-Christmas music in stores...and in my own apartment, who am I kidding..

I'm realizing that this list is more aimed towards Christmas than Thanksgiving/November...but I think we all associate November with the beginning of the holiday (Christmas) season, yes?

What's on your list?

p.s. Important Giveaway Announcements!
Hollow Bones, you're the winner of last weeks super cute giveaway
Simply Melissa, you're the winner of the Kateisit giveaway from a couple weeks ago - email me please, or I'll have to pick someone else! :)

2011-10-30T10:53:00.000-04:00

"Be happy. It's one way of being wise." -Sidonie Gabrielle

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Herman Cain

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -Albert Einstein

"Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them."

"Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed." -Storm Jameson

"Happiness always looks so small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is." -Maxim Gorky

"There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them." -Anthony de Mello

"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will." -Epictetus

photography by riojasauros, on flickr.

mountains

2011-10-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

photos by Lazareva Valeria

Wow, how gorgeous is this place??

2011-10-27T11:39:00.000-04:00

by Unlisted Sightings, on Flickr

Tuesday Giveaway!

2011-10-25T12:27:00.001-04:00

Super excited for this giveaway (...as always!) Natacha makes these beautiful woven fabric necklaces and when I saw them in her shop, Nonoukiko, I fell in LOVE! They are so cute; would spice up any outfit, and be so flattering too. The lucky winner of this giveaway will get to choose from any of the colors

! Here are some options:

(I'd pick the salmon!)

I can totally picture wearing this with a simple white top and jeans...or maybe a striped top to mix patterns and colors and have a crazy fun outfit...or maybe even a high wasted skirt with a ruffly blouse! So many options!

Make sure to visit Natacha's shop to check out some other pretty jewelry she makes, and her Facebook as well!

To enter:

Simply leave a comment!

Followers of Una Bella Vita may leave two comments for an extra chance of winning!

I'll pick a winner, via random number generator, on Tuesday November 1st!

Good Luck!

Update:
Hollow Bones, Congrats, you're the winner!
Email me asap!

Punting on the River Cam

2011-10-24T10:41:00.000-04:00

Cambridge, England

pretty photo by Thomas Heylen, on flickr

I did this once...waaay back in 04. I actually got to stand up on the back and use that long pole and let me tell you it was NOT easy. I was sore for days! But Cambridge was beautiful.

2011-10-23T17:51:00.000-04:00

love these girls...and Twitter!

2011-10-21T23:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's true - I've given in and joined Twitter. Honestly....not really sure about this, but I thought it was time to connect better with you lovely readers and maybe do some short, sweet, and inspiring tweets to brighten up your days. Maybe? Well, hopefully I'll get the hang of it.

Follow me here, let's connect!

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

found here

i like...

2011-10-19T20:58:00.000-04:00

boys with flowers...

from here

tea and toast...

lorena*arance

pretty chairs, good books, and a lazy afternoon....

from here

piles of whipped cream on my hot cocoa...

from here

What are you liking this week?

Moleskin

2011-10-18T16:05:00.002-04:00

from here

I love Moleskins. I've never tried using one as a sketchbook like those ^, but love the amazing and cute Moleskin doodles done here. I have one that I keep in my purse and write lists in, keep important addresses in, doodle in while I'm on the phone, or use it to play hangman with my little sister in church..(shhh!) But every time I'm in Barnes & Nobles I spent a lot of time lingering around the display trying to justify buying another one. Do any of you keep a Moleskin? What do you use yours for?

Quiet moments in France...

2011-10-17T08:22:00.000-04:00

beautiful photography by Isabelle Bertolini

Weekend Love.

2011-10-14T18:18:00.001-04:00

Not too sure what this movie is about, but gosh, the trailer is beautiful.

Ahhh, if I had one wish I would use it to go to Paris.

Biggest fall trend right now...not sure what I think about them.

Great advice.

Dying to get my hands on this book!

Speaking of books, has anyone read the Hunger Games? If so, what did you think?

A perfect fall drink.

Ahhh, all 90s kids will love this.

Trapdoor in the kitchen floor - my dream home would definitely have this.

The sweetest 'first look' ever....I might have teared up myself. I think we all deserve a love like this.

The ultimate fishtail braid tutorial.

o-m-g, Mara totally looks 60s amazing! Love her.

In LOVE with this bag. If only I wasn't a starving grad school student!

Have a lovely weekend, and don't forget to enter this weeks giveaway!

Thursday Giveaway!

2011-10-13T07:00:00.005-04:00

Today I have a really lovely Giveaway from Kate, a super talented art student who runs Kateisit on etsy.

She is offering readers a choice between two of her really unique and lovely items:

First, her AMAZING illustrative portraits. (She illustrates them over book pages!)

These are so lovely, she's offering to make a custom portrait -just send her a photo. Here are some pretty examples:

OR, the winner can chose a book frame (so perfect for book worms, love them!):

so pretty, right?
To enter, simply leave a comment!
*followers of Una Bella Vita can leave two comments for an extra chance of winning.
Make sure to check out Kate's shop and blog!

I'll pick a winner, via random number generator, on Tuesday October 18th.
Good Luck!

Update:
Melissa, you're our winner! Congrats! Email me and we'll get everything set up with Kate!

2011-10-12T13:37:00.000-04:00

Marinne Chuang

Janine Vangool

from ?

Writing letters and getting letters might be one of my very favorite things in the world.

Let's live here:

2011-10-11T11:22:00.000-04:00

Ok?

by #freelance, on Flickr

2011-10-10T11:19:00.000-04:00

fun stuff to look at... happy friday!

2011-10-07T14:45:00.001-04:00

from here

How adorable is this cover of Ingrid Michaelson's 'Giving Up'? Love them!

I'm still deciding if I'm excited or upset that that made my favorite book ever, into a movie.

Lovely Audrey Hepburn photos.

Haha, such a good idea! My family could use one of these...

pretty rings

How to style a hair bow! I LOVE the mini one!

Emotional baggage check.

If I could trade lives with anyone...

Why do I love this video so much?!

WOW - STUNNING wedding! Those bridesmaid dresses....amazing.

really beautiful & thought provoking quote

I am such a big fan of Meg.

Ahhh, still miss them!

Gorgeous...reminds me of the Titanic.

Have a lovely weekend!
:)

2011-10-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

the notebook, water for elephants, the fall, gangs of new york, no strings attached, jumper, beastly, harry potter, alice in wonderland, atonement, remember me

"as a culture, women are brought up to be fundamentally insecure." -Lisa Ling

2011-10-04T17:49:00.000-04:00

I've never posted a video here before, but this is really important for all women and men to watch.

I've talked before about my disgust at the media and what they are turning women into and am delighted to find a growing movement against this misrepresentation.

watch a longer version, here.

Ladies, this is so so so so important for us NOW and even more for the future generations - things are only going to get worse for them if we don't start recognizing what is going on and standing up against it.

Adele

2011-10-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

My GOSH. I just watched Adele's 'Someone Like You' video.

She is so so so gorgeous. Love her! Watch it here, but make sure to watch the version Adele did live in her home (it's beautiful!)

Roma

2011-10-02T17:21:00.000-04:00

ahhh, so jealous of my friend Chris who got to travel to Rome last month!

Equally jealous of his AMAZING photography skills. He captured so many little things that made me fall in love with Italy in the first place. These might be my favorite shots of Rome...ever.

Check out more on his blog, here.

Happy October!

2011-10-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

I love fall. The smells, the colors, the memories of Saturday morning soccer games and playing in huge leaf piles. Apple cider, pumpkins, scarves and sweaters. I think I was made to live in Autumn.

Here are some of my favorite things about this lovely time of year:

Watching the leaves change...

By Rosie Hardy

By Lee Peterson

Cozy sweaters...

By Sandy Vdo

From here

and a Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks...

by December Sun

by Chen April

Hooray, Welcome Autumn! I've been waiting for you...

2011-09-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."

-Audrey Hepburn

Niagra Falls

2011-09-29T13:03:00.000-04:00

by B0nes, on flickr

Sabrina Dennis & Gabriela Lemons Photography

2011-09-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

No, these are not movie stills - just super cool photography by Sabrina Dennis and Gabriela Lemons.

Love it! Check out more of their stuff, here.

2011-09-23T10:16:00.000-04:00

"Today, fill your cup of life with sunshine and laughter."
-Dodinsky

"The only way to have a life is to commit to it like crazy."

-Angelina Jolie

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw on the paint on it you can."

-Danny Kaye

"Life is a compromise of what your ego wants to do, what experience tells you to do, and what your nerves let you do."

-Bryce Crampton

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."

-Albert Camus

"Life had meaning only if one barters it day by day for something other than itself."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss."

-Thomas Carlyle

"The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

-Havelock Ellis

Photography by one of my very favorite photographers Alexandra Phillips.

2011-09-22T10:10:00.001-04:00

"is 'fat' really the worst thing a human being can be? Is 'fat' worse than 'vindictive,' 'jealous,' 'shallow,' 'vain,' 'boring,' 'evil,' or 'cruel'? Not to me."
-JK Rowling

AMEN.

2011-09-21T11:31:00.000-04:00

James Dean and a siamese kitten.