The Colors of Summer

Color has been a huge inspiration for me lately. It's no secret that color has an impact on mood. The right color can calm you down, perk you up, or even make you hungry. Take one look at my wardrobe though and you'll see that my heart normally belongs to neutrals. That's why I was surprised when a recent visit to the gardens at the Bellagio swept me off of my feet with their bold use of color. From vibrant, cheery purples to the soft contrast of white and green the conservatory was awash with the colors of summer.

Being there has reminded me of a few things. I need to have more fresh flowers in my life. Even with my black thumb I can keep a vase of flowers going for a week and their presence automatically shifts the atmosphere to a more positive one. I also need to be more adventurous in my color choices. I'm currently rocking a hot pink manicure, but I would love some more color in my wardrobe too. Finally, I was reminded (yet again) of the importance of slowing down. Walking around a garden you naturally gravitate towards taking time to stop and smell the roses, but taking that time is important during the day-to-day as well.

Springtime in Las Vegas

Spring in Las Vegas is one of my favorite things about living in this city. Our winter may lack the harsh weather that plagues much of the country, but there is a certain somberness the hangs in the air that begins to lift in March. It's that brief, brief window before summer hits full force to explore. Hotels reveal their seasonal installations of flowers and butterflies. New, lighter menus make their way into restaurants across the valley. It's a fresh start.

Now that I work unconventional hours I have the opportunity to explore while much of downtown is still quiet. Tuesday mornings are particularly perfect for this. The location of interest this time around? The Venetian. In my quest to try 50 new restaurants I had set my sights on breakfast at Bouchon, and making the trek down there necessitated a stroll around one of my favorite spots in Las Vegas.

Breakfast being the first order of the day I made my way through the hotel lobby to Bouchon. Tucked away by the pool stepping into the restaurant is like stepping back in time into old Hollywood. Patterned tile, brass accents, beautiful palms. Truly a wonderful experience. Menu fare ranges from French favorites to breakfast staples with a twist. Being a french toast fanatic the choice was easy. Thinly sliced, cinnamon soaked apple layered with a bread pudding style base topped with a lightly sprinkling of powdered sugar and just the right amount of whipped cream. Delicious and definitely somewhere I would like to explore further.

Making my way back to the shops I was struck by how beautiful it was without the usual chaos of crowds. Though none of the shops were open, it was the perfect chance to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Long corridors give way to gas lamps, an unexpected surprise, and soon-to-be on duty gondoliers practicing their opera. The sort of moment I'm hoping to have more of as I become more intentional about exploring this city.

The cherry on top of the morning? The spring installation at the Palazzo. Hanging flowers and pink blossoms against the shiny fountain backdrop. One of those sights that just made me smile.

Here's to exploring. Here's to searching out new experiences in this city that's been my backdrop for so many years now. In a meeting this week we were told that one of the keys to success is to be successful with where you're at. I think that applies to happiness too. It's so easy to grasp at happiness "if only". A different house, a different city, a different set of circumstances. We daydream about the lives we want to lead and the people we want to be. At the end of the day that's the fast track to discontent. We are where we are for a purpose and that's something I want to start embracing more.

Grey Mornings

Grey mornings are the best mornings. The sort of mornings for curling up in your favorite arm chair with a large cup of tea and a soft blanket. Opening the shutters to let the light filter in before the day is up and running. Perhaps a little music, perhaps not. Bliss.

Happy Friday lovelies! What are you up to for this first weekend of the new year?

I’m still recovering from a back procedure I had on Thursday, but I should be back into the swing of things by Monday with a review of the new cupcake of the month at Retro Bakery. It involves chocolate and it is divine.

Christmas Eve

Waking up this Christmas Eve morning to a piping hot cup of tea to chase away the morning chill I am reminded of the necessity to slow down and enjoy the simple moments. Early morning walks. Really good scrambled eggs with ribbons of silky goat cheese and dotted with fresh herbs. A comfy armchair and a cute puppy for company. Time to breathe.

I am house-sitting right now and through the rest of the holiday season and the change of pace is nice. My mornings will be looking much like this for the next week or two. I am relishing the time to read and write. To be intentional about setting goals for the new year. To take the time time to reflect on how amazingly blessed I am. It's an answered prayer and exactly what I've been needing.

I am so excited to share what I've been working on, but in the meantime I wish you a Merry Christmas! May these next few days be filled with peace and joy. Take a moment amidst the bustle to take a breath and enjoy the little things that make the holidays special.

Much love to you and yours!