Be Your Own Boss

Sometimes all you need is a little push. A little burst of inspiration. No matter what the motivation is to be your own boss, you can start today. 

Aspire to Inspire

We read a quote and it makes us think deeper. We listen to songs that speak to our soul. We look at something and it makes us feel some type of way. Someone came into our life some way and we feel differently because of their message or actions. Life is full of inspiration.

Kindness, Pass it On!

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” -Diana Princess of Wales 

Wooden Sculptures by Artist Jeff Uitto

Good morning & happy Monday, loves!

Vincent Van Gogh once said, "If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere."
I believe this to be true, because I always say that the Earth is full of treasures. From the flowers blooming in the spring to the white blanket of snow over the mountains. Even Nature's leftovers can become a thing of beauty. 

A beautiful and creative mind has seen art where other people might have seen "just pieces of driftwood washed up on the shore" He gives it life. 

Friday à la française!

Yesterday I wrote a book review for How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are. Today, my outfit was inspired by that book and thus here we have Friday à la française!

How to Be Parisian. The Book Review.

I went into Barnes & Noble the other day and, like usual, I can't leave that store without buying a book. And there it was, sitting pretty on the shelf looking right at me saying, "Take me home, take me home!"  So take it home I did. 

Cute & Cozy!

It's been super cold in the East Coast these past few weeks and it seems like it's not going away anytime soon. Here's how I stay warm! 

Last Minute Valentine's Day Card

It happens to everyone, you're too busy with work, school or other responsibilities and time just seems to be flying by. Then like out of nowhere, BAM! it's Valentine's Day, and you still haven't bought a gift let alone gotten a card. Don't panic, here's an easy and cute Valentine's Day card you can make. 

Fashion Meets Architecture

Happy Monday! 

This morning I was reading the Architectural Record magazine and loved the Renovation, Restoration, Adaptation section. Take a look at one prime store in New York's Fifth Avenue get a modern, fresh new look.   

L-O-V-E canvas art

Learn how to make this LOVE canvas art. 

Lovely Hearts Art

Here's another fun project, make this Lovely Hearts canvas artwork. 

Dot Art- Ombre Valentine Heart

Spread a little love by making cute canvas art for Valentine's Day. They are perfect as gifts or to use as decoration!

Read more to find out how to make this Ombre Valentine Heart!

Love It Up: Gift Guide (for the kids)

Since my last post was a gift guide for that special lover, here's one for that special kid in your life.

Love It Up: Gift Guide (For Your Sweetheart)

Valentine's Day is fast approaching but don't panic I got you covered!
From today until February 14th, I'll be posting ideas of everything you need  for this year's Valentine's Day; from gift guides and DIYs to delicious treats! Stay tuned. 

Art: Appreciation of the Arts

Paintings (or any art for that matter) are like the fingerprints of artists. Not one painting is ever the same. There's different emotions behind each one, different circumstances under which it was painted, different techniques used, and even different materials. Artists are their own persona, each one with their own experiences and knowledge. They each convey different meanings. In another words, every artist has its own language and it takes years to develop that language. 

Trending: Art Attack

From canvas to catwalks... 
designers are creating walking works of art. For this year's spring/summer season, think bold brush strokes, ink spills and paint splatters prints & patterns in your wardrobe. 

Read more about this trend for the upcoming season...

Reading Corner: Artfully Modern

Take a look at a book that combines art, design, and style. 

A Modern Home For A Modern Family

Every morning I read the Architectural Digest. You know how most people read The New York Times or their local newspaper well I'm more into what's happening in the design world. I try to keep up-to-date with new projects going on worldwide and emerging architects and/or designers. Read more to see my latest discovery. 

Style: Blizzard in the East

Blizzard warning in the east coast today. You know what that means, chunky sweaters and cozy up by the fire. 

Fashion Friday

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication," Leonardo da Vinci said it best and he couldn't have been more right! Although I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about fashion it can still be applied to the way you dress. Today, less is more when it comes to style. Plain doesn't have to mean boring. So do you want a minimalist wardrobe but are scared that you'll end up with a dull outfit? No worries, read on to find out THE place where plain is NEVER boring. 

Looking up: Architecture & Design

Have you ever seen something so eye catching that you get lost in the moment? Yeah, this happens to me often, whenever I pass by any building that has amazing architectural design. I often find myself looking up, gazing at the small details, and often thinking how they did that.

 Read on about a little bit of history on architecture and see more photos!

Novogratz Design

If you want fun, hip and artsy design for your home look no further than the Novogratz family for inspiration. New York City-based interior designers Robert and Cortney Novogratz love decorating with patterns and go crazy with color to give any room life, energy and originality. 

Read on about their collaborations to get some their most eye catching decor for your home. 

Target Tuesday

You don't have to spend thousands to decorate your home you just have to know where to look. You can get an expensive looking tray or decorative bowl for cheap at the right place. One of my favorite places to find those home decor for less is Target .

Read on to find out the pretty decorations you can buy for less that $50.

Monday Mantra

Start your Monday on a positive note!

Style: Casual Weekend

The weekend is here and if you're thinking of having a very casual one then you probably want to dress accordingly. So whether you're going grocery shopping for afternoon baking, or just taking a stroll through your neighborhood's main street doing window shopping or even just having a coffee at the park, you want to be comfortably dressed yet still look presentable (I don't believe in wearing sweatpants unless you're going to the gym or staying at home!)

Read on to find out how to dress chic for a casual weekend!

Carpe Librum

If you know me personally you probably know how much I love books. I can spend a whole day at a bookstore or Barnes and Noble. I love to shop for books, and ask anyone who knows me they'll tell you I prefer print than those ebooks they have now. Books take you places, make you feel different emotions and in the end teaches you something (whether you realize what the moral of that book is)
Anyway, nothing fascinates me more than a really good book (well, and amazing art, delicious coffee/tea/desserts, and beautiful places.)

 Read on to discover books I've read and what inspired me.

Carpe Librum!

The Star Trail: Ben Canales

If you live in the city or pretty much anywhere where air pollution doesn't allow for clear starry nights then let me introduce you to Ben Canales. His mission? To "bring the stars back home to you!"

Big Living, Small Space

Working with small spaces can be challenging but it can also deliver bonuses and endless choices.
 Read on to get tips on making a small house appear bigger!

House Beautiful

Style Icon: Olivia Palermo

This fashion icon didn't get her reputation for no reason. The socialite turned reality star turned entrepreneur has an enviable style that goes beyond pretty outfits and classy accessories.

The one and only, Olivia Palermo.

Decorating: Living Rooms

Traditional or Modern? Rustic or Vintage? French or Spanish?
With so many design styles to choose from it's hard knowing how to come up with a design that works for you. Whether to choose one color for the living room or have a palette of 2-3 colors to work with and whether to use gold accessories for a sophisticated look or incorporate a more relaxed feeling using wood and natural materials.

Find out tips and tricks on decorating a living room adding your own style. 

Decorating: Grouping Pictures, Frames & Artwork

Some people spend hundreds of dollars to get artworks or picture frames hanged professionally on their wall, specially if it's a grouping. You have to put some thought on the framing and placement of hanging a group of anything (pictures, frames, artwork) so that it  Give new life to that boring blank wall and paint and an eye for the right arrangement. 

Here's how to do it with style -- without big framing costs.

At Home: Decorating with green & yellow

Like a bowl of sunshine citrus colors have lots of zest-- enough to brighten a gloomy day. Working on a green and yellow room!

At Home: Pop of Color

Wake up on a bright note! 
one option for color in the bedroom is corals and citrus. They add warmth and energy, think hues inspired by pink grapefruit and oranges! 

Artist: Iris Scott

Who said finger painting was for kids!?

Someone has taken finger painting to the next level!

New Year, Same You?

New Year, Same You?
Every New Year's Day people say "My new year's resolution is.." or, "I'm going to do this and that..." but no one really follows through. Or if they follow through with their plan, most just give up by the next month. How about actually sticking to your new year's resolution this time, read on to find out things you can do to change your life a little and start this new year fresh and happy. 

Welcome to Bella Menti!

Bella Menti (meaning beautiful minds in Italian) is a lifestyle blog covering art+design, style and culture. As the name states, the blog will showcase things and places from the beautiful minds of people all around focusing on the artistic and cultural aspect of life. It will provide ideas and tips on interior design and home décor, give you the latest in the fashion world and explore culture; such as art, film, music and literature from around the world.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I love writing it for you!  

-A