Adventures In Tejas

Texas, one of my most loved larger than life states to visit.  I recently spent a long holiday weekend there with my favorite adventurer.  A chance to get away, relax, and explore.  This place never disappoints and I highly recommend it. If you haven't been, you need to go....But first, cheers to adventure #1.

Night one was spent at the Hyatt in downtown Dallas, a late flight in meant a night cap at the hotel bar, which was a great place to unwind after a long day.  This hotel is a busy one but has some awesome views and the amazing Reunion Tower Restaurant, where we dined the next evening, and as I say, he is my best accessory.

Next up, Dallas South Side...where we checked into the Nylo.  A small boutique-style, loft-style hotel with concrete floored rooms, large windows, sliding bathroom doors, and a rooftop pool with the most fabulous view of Downtown Dallas.  This colorful hotel has a contemporary feel with a balance of art and music.  It was the perfect locale to spend the next two nights.  Across the street was a great little tavern, Full Circle...it was not only convenient, but the people were friendly, the drinks were good, and they served Poutine.  It was my first time trying this famous Canadian dish, and I was hooked.  Double-order please!  Needless to say, we ordered it both times we were there.

The pool at the Nylo was a simple yet gorgeous infinity pool where we spent one whole day relaxing and taking in the city.  It was the perfect day.  A quick trip downtown to eat dinner at a local Mexican restaurant that evening before we moved onto Ft. Worth the next morning.  I must mention, we had a wonderful brunch at The Cedars Social with bottomless mimosas and bacon...must have bacon. We made sure to leave our mark...

We spent the next two days visiting his family and I was happy to be able to meet them.  I felt very welcomed and they were the most gracious and lovely people.

As all vacations do, the trip was coming to an end and I think I can say, neither one of us were quite ready to leave.  But, that just meant, onto the next adventure...stay tuned.

Until the next flight,
Shona

Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga ~ Colleen Salmans Photography

Sometimes opportunities come your way when you least expect it...

I was at my last clinical day for Nursing School and I received a message from a dear friend regarding a photo shoot for Cote Munizaga by local photographer Colleen Salmans.  They needed a few models to wear her clothing line.  I thought, why not give it a shot? I sent in a few head-shots, not professional of course because well for one, I don't have any and two, I have never really given myself the title of a "model"...

Within a couple of hours they got back to me and just like that, I was one of the ones chosen for their photo shoot.  An exciting new experience and although the day of I was super nervous, the designer and photographer were two of the nicest people I have ever met.  Next up, I did some research on the designer and was amazed at her line.  Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga is the fashion line and it's full of rich colors, unique designs, hand crafted one by one, using textiles from other continents.  One word, beautiful.

The first location was the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This building has amazing architectural design and is one of my favorite's in Kansas City.  We shot outside and did some really unique photos in the parking garage.  The second locale, Art Alley in KC. If you have never been, google it and visit.  Brightly painted graffiti walls right in the heart of this beloved city, the perfect backdrop for this clothing line.

At the end of the photo shoot, I had done more than just take photos...I made new friends and learned a lot about them too!  Cote invited us to her presentation at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Arts for GUILDit, where art and business fuse.  Cote is not only in fashion, but also an interior designer who was born in Chile.  She came from Israel to KC and brought the fashion with her.  An amazing designer that I have gotten the privilege to know.

Make sure to check out Colleen Salmans Photography on Facebook and IG @colleen_salmans_photography. She is an amazing person and photographer.

Cheers to opportunities...
Shona