I spent most of last week in Las Vegas, NV. I’ve been several times before, and always find that it’s a place where I have to work really hard to be mindful. The flashing lights, the overwhelming colors, the variety of choices in food, and oh, yeah, the ever-present DING DING DING of slot machines. I set up a space for yoga and practicing my physical therapy routine, and stuck to doing both before I left the room.
A quiet spot.
I walked a lot–one of the things I appreciate about Vegas is that it’s very walkable. I drank lots of water, and found some ideas to bring home.
Fantasy surroundings at No. 9 Noodle Shop
Snow globe fantasy
This noodle shop in Caesars Palace was one of my favorite Las Vegas finds. The food was fresh, and the huge variety of noodles is mind-boggling. My favorite part was the decor, though. It was like sitting inside a snow globe. This was accomplished with cut steel and powder-coated shields and partitions, bolted in front of each wall. One the walls (the drywall) itself, a shadow pattern that matched was painted in gray. Strings of hidden LED lights sandwiched between the walls and the partitions gave the restaurant the 3D effect. Counters and half walls were wrapped with wallpaper printed in the same pattern. Oh, and how could I forget–the entry is flanked by rows of free-standing tanks of goldfish. (No, they were not for eating). The food was delicious, but I need to remember that my surroundings are mainly limited by my lack of imagination.
Look up.
Hand-blown glass leaves at the Bellagio Conservatory.
One of the things I always love checking out in Vegas is the current display at the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Many of these hand-blown glass leaves were as large as my kitchen table, and the light coming in (from the desert–strange) was gorgeous through the colors. I can easily get carried away, at home, this time of year. Autumn decorating, with Halloween and Thankgiving on its’ heels, can be a lot of fun. I’m grateful to live in a part of the world where Fall comes vibrant and rich. I looked up here, in the middle of the desert, and reminded myself that I can get much the same effect at home. Perhaps a few beautiful leaves from the yard, dipped in warm wax (did you do that as a child, too?), and suspended from the ceiling on clear fishing line, would give the same effect.
Display magic
Dior window display, Bellagio Via
I love a great black dress and some simple drama. That isn’t what caught my eye. The faux paparazzi to the left were constructed with built-in, small, LED flashes. Someone must have set the timer just right. They didn’t go off frequently, even or especially in Vegas–that would have just been annoying. The lights flashed just often enough, and with enough low light to catch the eye. I’m longing to make some similar silhouettes for something, perhaps a Halloween display? Natch. Well, I’ll think of some usage…in the meantime, for the record, yes, those are toothpick heels the mannequin has on. I’ve scheduled a rant about geisha heels for another day. I tried on the dress. The fabric is divine; heavy enough to hang well, but very soft. The tailoring at the waist was fantastic. No, I didn’t look at the price tag: a. I don’t need another black dress. b. I hope to send my children to college. and c. for the ahem, endowed–the sheer panel at the bosom is more Elvira on, than ingenue.
A little metallic paint goes a long way…
Copper tree fountain at The Bellagio Conservatory
Back to the Bellagio Conservatory for a moment. Forgive my poor photography skills, I’m afraid I didn’t quite capture this tree in all its’ glory. It is made entirely of copper, though it even it person it took a few glances to perceive that it isn’t a real tree. In the middle of the small pool, it also emitted little streams of water here and there. A great sound after all the dinging of slot machines. My first thought was, “I’ve got to get more time with my brother!” I’ve gotten to learn a bit of welding over the years because my elder brother, Noel, is quite a pro and very patient. I’m afraid this is beyond my available skills and time, though. So, on second thought, I reminded myself that I could just spray paint a large branch with a copper color (or silver or gold, oho!) and set up a similar display at home. Yep, it was weird to be in Vegas and reminded of the beauty of a stripped down hunk of stray wood–but there you have it. I did donate to the city through a few slot machines, so I’m happy to have come away with some things of value.
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