{everyday beautiful life: plush palate }

The things that make my life beautiful...

Coffee * This is quite possibly my favorite little pleasure in life :) It's what gets me out of bed in the morning and ready to face the day ahead. For me, it represents that quiet time I have with myself before all the noise of the day kicks in.

Journaling * My most prized possessions are my beloved journals. They document the beauty, pain, hope, fear, and growth in my life. If ever I lost a journal, it'd be like losing a vast library into my heart. I treasure the catharsis and companionship writing has always gifted me with.

Traveling * It's in my blood, it's in my veins, it's in the depths of my soul :) Perhaps that's what ultimately led me to move to Italy after college, without a plan, without a job, without anyone, but armed with hunger and a dream! I fell in love with the place the same way you fall in love with a person - passionately and wholeheartedly.

Fresh Flowers * They never fail to put a smile on my face and make me happy. That's why I always have fresh flowers in my apartment. I buy two bouquets every Sunday to get me through the week. They add instant life and joy to my life.

Food+Wine * Some of my best memories were made over shared meals. Good food and wine bring people together and feed the soul. Food should be enjoyed in all its raw and natural deliciousness (so none of the low fat, low car stuff for me!)

Beautiful Spaces * I am of the breed whose happiness and productivity is very affected by the environment in which I am. For me, good design is not incidental, it's a way of life. Being in a fabulous space makes you feel fabulous in return. When you are surrounded by beauty, balance, luxury and comfort, you can't help but channel that same energy inside.

Running * This is my best medicine. It helps me feel strong and powerful. I love to run long distances, breathing in the fresh air, slowly drifting away from stress and into that wonderful thing known as runner's high. I feel at my most beautiful after a long run - glowing skin+radiant eyes!

Sunbathing * Feeling the warm sun on my skin, on a beach, in a swimsuit makes me feel beautiful :) There's something very nourishing about soaking up the sun and sexy about sunbeams dancing on your skin.

Friends * I am blessed to have so many loving friends all around the world! They have been my joys, my rocks, my partners in crime, my sources of laughter, my counselors, my shoulders to cry on, my mirrors, my party pals and my sisters. They have been there to challenge me, love me unconditionally and compassionately, and to always make me feel beautiful!

Love+Passion * All we need is love! Being with someone who makes you feel beautiful on the inside and desired on the outside is what every woman deserves!

{tgif}

As previously mentioned, I'm totally feeling the beach this weekend. Hope you enjoy yours!

{friday finds: ramona west}

{Vintage leather skirt - $45}

{Vintage butterfly top $49}

Two badass finds on Ramona West vintage {via} Etsy. Click on images to get to item in shop.

More here.

{just a few things}

Just an FYI, I'll be moving my blog to self-hosted in the next few days. It will either be www.lilbitsofbeauty.com or www.bitsofbeautydaily.com {feel free to weigh in, since bitsofbeauty.com is being held captive by some unreachable company.} Hopefully, all will go well, with no hiccups. If you see anything odd, please "pardon the dust" so to speak.

{Some links to visit}
+ Today's iStyle is about what I would change at Vogue
+ Some awesome levitation photos
+ 2 questions you should ask yourself
+ Yay, baby pictures!
+ Dreamy Tom Munro pics

Photo: Christy Turlington {via} Vogue archives

{bit of wisdom: go further}

"The truth is we can always go further.
Love more, live more, risk more." - Paulo Coelho

Photo by Rodney Smith

{chanel couture fall/winter 09}

Good morning! What better way to greet the day than with gorgeous unattainable clothing?

So delicious and elaborate. I can't pick a favorite, can you?

{somewhere over the rainbow}

Bet Dorothy would love a pair of these. We're not in Kansas anymore...

Shoes by Christian Louboutin {available at Neimans}

{beach baby}

I've had the biggest craving for my toes in the sand and a nice breeze. I actually love going to the beach when it's cooler {by floridian standards that means under 90 degrees} in the morning or late afternoon. No beachbag or towel; just a dress and maybe a bikini, although these trips are often spontaneous, so there might not be a bikini. Don't get me wrong, I love the days when I get there early with a picnic, music, books, a blanket, bikini and sunscreen, ready to spend the entire day on the sand. There's just something so relaxing about doing it the other way, too.

There's a dog beach about an hour north of where I live. It's so peaceful and the people are great. Crossing my fingers for good weather this weekend, so Lola can have her first beach experience. {I'm a tad scared that she'll get washed away by a wave.}

So, what's your favorite beach experience? Feel free to share in the comments. I'm curious to know.

Photo by Rosie Hardy
Photo

{everyday beautiful life: daydream lily}

This week we welcome Liss of Daydream Lily. If you're not familiar with her dreamy blog, please visit and add it to your reader! Below are 8 things that make Liss' life beautiful:


1. {Vintage Ceramics} I have an odd collection that I've acquired from various shops. All the designs are so delicate and pretty, looking at them makes me happy. They also make for a great talking point at dinner parties!


2. {Illustration & Art} The walls in my house are full of art. I recently got an Audrey Kawasaki limited edition print which has pride of place in my lounge room.


3. {Books} I'm a reader, always have been. There is a picture of me about 7 years old in bed reading this big novel, I think that summed up my childhood. Im always reading something and love getting lost in the stories. Currently reading Almost French.


4. {A Bath} Nothing can change my mood like a nice bath. Even better if you add a nice scent or bath crystals to soak in.


5. {Sweets & Chocolate} I'm more of a dessert and sweets girl then a savoury girl. Its my guilty pleasure!!Its my dream to one day eat at a restaurant and only order dessert.


6. {TV on DVD} I love to get a boxed set and sit and watch the whole season at once. Another of my guilty pleasures.

7. {Blogs & Bloggers} I read so many blogs!!! and all the people who read mine truly make my day. I always say I just love the blogging community.


8. {Dresses} I love dresses, and I love shopping for new ones too. Now I just have to wait for the sunshine to return so I can start wearing them again.

All images from Daydream Lily except: 2. Bec Winnel {Liss' oh so talented sister!} 4. Bloomacious 6. NY Mag

{etsy bit: masks}

I'm really into these masks {and the headband}, as are other bloggers. They're by Tom Banwell and are available on Etsy. They aren't very expensive either, so I'm wondering...





Would you wear a mask on a day other than Halloween?

{what the wednesday: hungry model}

Is she blotting her lipstick or just incredibly hungry? {Insert joke about underfed models here.}

Photos by Marcin Tyszka

{exploring everyday}

You don't need to go on a trip to some foreign land to be an explorer or to have an adventure. You need to just be present, in your surroundings, wherever you may be. If you could take the list above out into the world with you and do these things, instead of just hurrying to the next step or the next place you need to be, you'd be an explorer of your world. Now that's a beautiful idea... an everyday beautiful idea, perhaps?

image {via} Gala