Other Adventures

This + That

Last night I went to First Friday in downtown Las Vegas with my sweet ma and pa. This part of the city is inspiring to me — something about the mix of concrete and neon, old glamour and graffiti, mid-century architecture converted to new galleries and art spaces, made the whole experience feel more authentic and fulfilling than wandering around on the strip.

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline BeardPhoto Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

This morning I finally completed a long anticipated DIY project. What feels like eons ago, I wrote about a gorgeous floral camera strap that I spotted at Fashion Week. I wanted to add it to this year’s Christmas list, until I showed it to my mom — she pointed out it could be easily recreated with some festive trim and the strap I currently own. So, after a bit of Googling, I ordered trim from this Etsy shop and got to work. Here’s the result:

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

An added bonus? The left over trim makes the coolest floral headband.

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

On my schedule for the rest of today: pinning, sipping of tea, and perfecting the art of lounging. With only 72 hours left at home, I am soaking up all of the down time I can get. Hope you all enjoyed this weekend’s edition of “Selfie Saturday” — maybe I can actually make that a thing? Or better yet, “Mirror Pic Monday”? Ahh, I can just imagine the hash tags.

Winter Wonderland

It has been about 48 hours now since I stepped off the plane, back in Vegas after traveling up to Colorado. I guess you could say after my inspirational Thanksgiving trip, I had a hard time resisting the call of the mountains. This trip was no less inspiring than the last, filled with even more adventures, stunning views and more snow than I had ever seen before. It was magic. With camera in hand, I captured some of the best parts of one of my favorite places on earth:

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

Photo Credit: Madeline Beard

As I ventured across the state, skiing for the first time, diving into late night hot springs, going on hikes, and staying in some wondrous places, a soundtrack accompanied my travels.

It’s safe to say I’m ready to plan my next Colorado adventure, but for now I will reflect on the beautiful memories made during my time there. Simply the best way to ring in the new year.