The France Dance

The France Dance
11 Days in a Carry-on

11 Days in a Carry-on

The Journal is a collection of letters about creative stewardship—tending thoughtfully and imaginatively to the life we’ve been given. Through rituals, recipes, places, objects, and everyday curiosities, we’ll explore how to find beauty in what we have, joy in where we are, and inspiration for what comes next. Along the way, we’ll gather the little rituals, pleasures, and collections that bring us joy, restore our peace, and make us feel most like ourselves.

the journal

A tree-lined pathway with tall trees on both sides and green foliage forming a canopy overhead. The pathway is made of gravel and appears to lead to a small building or monument in the distance.
A tree-lined pathway with tall trees on both sides and green foliage forming a canopy overhead. The pathway is made of gravel and appears to lead to a small building or monument in the distance.
Pink hydrangea flowers in a reflective silver vase set on a wooden table, with a wooden cabinet and a white mug holding colored pens in the background.
Pink hydrangea flowers in a reflective silver vase set on a wooden table, with a wooden cabinet and a white mug holding colored pens in the background.
Small white ceramic teapot with a blue heart on its front, placed on a decorative box with blue hearts and diamond shapes, on a white surface.
Small white ceramic teapot with a blue heart on its front, placed on a decorative box with blue hearts and diamond shapes, on a white surface.
A bookshelf displaying a green book titled "Evergreen" by Lydia Mullen, along with other books and decorative items.
A bookshelf displaying a green book titled "Evergreen" by Lydia Mullen, along with other books and decorative items.
Close-up of a cup of green matcha tea with a leather teaspoon resting on a table, with a book and a ceramic container in the background.
Close-up of a cup of green matcha tea with a leather teaspoon resting on a table, with a book and a ceramic container in the background.
Peaches in a cardboard basket at a market.
Peaches in a cardboard basket at a market.

passports

~

farmers markets

~

vintage

~

matcha

~

fresh flowers

~

french cafe radio

~

linen

~

passports ~ farmers markets ~ vintage ~ matcha ~ fresh flowers ~ french cafe radio ~ linen ~

read the journal

The Art of Living Beautifully

MAGAZINE ARCHIVES

The Art of Living Beautifully began in 2014, born from Lauren Palmer’s desire to rediscover her own creativity in the years after becoming a mother. What started as a personal creative outlet grew into a collection of stories told through print and digital magazines, essays, photography, and film—all exploring what it means to live a more present, tangible life and cultivate a personal culture of one’s own.

For four years, The Art of Living Beautifully magazine was published quarterly, capturing life in and around McKinney, Texas, alongside stories of food, style, home, creativity, and culture. Looking back, these volumes became an early expression of the philosophy that continues to shape Lauren’s work today: pay attention to what moves you, remain curious about the world around you, and allow what you discover to become part of the life you are creating.

The original issues of The Art of Living Beautifully are preserved here. Select an issue below to explore the collection.

A woman with shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a black top and wooden bead earrings, sitting at a desk with a laptop, a white cup, and a paper roll. Behind her, a colorful abstract portrait painting is visible along with various notes, pictures, and a bookshelf in a cozy home office or craft room.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a blue sleeveless top and white ripped jeans, is sitting on a patterned pink and white sofa, smiling at the camera. There is a camera on a tripod next to her, and a small table with magazines, a mug, and accessories. The room has natural light from a window, with some framed art and drapes visible.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a blue sleeveless top and white ripped jeans, is sitting on a patterned pink and white sofa, smiling at the camera. There is a camera on a tripod next to her, and a small table with magazines, a mug, and accessories. The room has natural light from a window, with some framed art and drapes visible.
A person with short brown hair and a dark blue top is sitting on the floor surrounded by travel guides, maps, postcards, and brochures. They are holding a mug of coffee in one hand and a green brochure in the other. Various travel magazines and postcards with images of landmarks and scenic views are spread out around them on a beige patterned rug and a tiled floor.

“My story became a blog. The blog became a digital magazine. The digital magazine became a printed magazine. This led to films, workbooks, and events. My original goal in founding The Art of Living Beautifully was to make myself a better writer…but it did so much more than that.” -LP

view the TAOLB magazine archives