Skies on Fire | Valley of Fire

I'm happy to (finally!) share one of my favorite shoots to date, picking flowers and dancing the night in away in the Valley of Fire. Okay, maybe not picking flowers, I brought that one along with me -- but don't those turquoise accents look dreamy? This is quite possibly the most beautiful sunset I've ever experienced, the sky seemed to be on fire, and nothing felt better than to let loose and flow with the breeze. How could you not when you're wearing that dress by Leon Max and jewelry by Lena Bernard? So I did just that, while playing some of my favorite tunes and feeling the love with Darius Twin.

Valley of Fire Diary

Here's my photo diary, some 35mm snaps and some of Darren's, from our sunny-day in the Valley of Fire! 

This amazing tee from Re-Vice reads 'burn the bras' -- there's no better place to wear it than in the Valley of FIRE, with of course, their perfectly crafted denim. 

Can you tell I am really loving the colors going on here? Just look at those tones -- the petal pink compliments the burnt orange hues with such a vibrant and desirable contrast. Plus, look at those rocks glowing amongst the vibrant blue skies. So I'll do what I always do, grab my camera and snap away.

I'm also really feeling those 70s vibes (as you can see!) 

Now I'm going to feel the wind, while showing off my new watch by Cluse and ring by Sarah Perlis. 

And again, the scenery had me snapping away!

Here's another moment when I was really feeling the petal pink, rose gold, and denim on those rocks.

There's never a bad moment here at the Valley of Fire. I mentioned this in one of my recent posts, but it's only a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas. Yeah, you gotta go! 

Petal Pink | Valley of Fire

When planning for our photo adventure passing through Valley of Fire, and remembering those deep red-orange hues, I knew there needed to be a touch of petal pink added into the mix -- I mean hello hue heaven! The moment I stepped foot in this Leon Max piece, I immediately felt like that Valley of Fire princess I had imagined in my photo-planning daydreams. The only thing that was a little off was me hiding the fact that I was freezing. It just so happened to be raining, hailing, and 38 degrees outside - but I couldn't let that stop me ::)

This place is so dreamy - if you ever have a moment to see it for yourself, you gotta! It's only a 45 minute drive from Vegas and near many other interesting sights as well. 

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Playing with Fire | Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire has become one of my favorite destinations to explore. This was my second time visiting the area, but I found myself continually discovering something new and exciting. Everywhere you turn, there are these vibrant red rock formations resembling the color of a burning flame. What excited me the most was seeing the colors of the landscape change throughout the day, from the morning light, to the intense afternoon sun, to finishing with the colorful golden hour & sunset.

So when life gives you a scenery full of 'fire', play with it. And by that I mean add some ELIZA Designs LA. All of her pieces are handcrafted here in LA, and carry the most brilliant gems. I love that she always includes the meanings of the gems as well when purchasing her pieces. I found that the Herkimer Diamond piece hit closest to home - not only because it is absolutely beautiful, but because it 'helps the wearer remember their souls purpose on earth, while opening them up to angelic guidance from the highest, purest source. Herkimer diamonds awaken inner light in the wearer, allowing it to radiate outward to the positive benefit of all.' This means so much to me, because I feel like knowing oneself is key to living life to it's fullest potential. Check out her amazing work, and read up on these gem meanings here. I've also included the exact pieces I'm wearing below!

Paisley on My Mind | Valley of Fire

Fire Wave | Valley of Fire

Welcome to the Valley of Fire, yall ~ aka the first stop of our Southwestern road trip! My oh my this location was even better than I was expecting - and I didn't think that was even possible. The luscious shades of orange and red on those rock formations reacted quite nicely with the dreamy golden hour light, causing the most vivid colors to shine throughout the park. As we went further in, we began to see every color of the rainbow perfectly placed within the rocky landscape. Let's just say this was the best way to start the journey. 

I was so excited to wear the outfit pictured above - so much that I had to shoot it first! And because the colors just worked perfect in that location. The mala beads from Jeanne Verger are a new favorite of mine. She's actually having a flash sale today -- If you use the code 'ASTROBANDIT' you will receive 20% off of your entire order! I just loved the way they looked with that perfectly boho dress from Raga and turban from I'm With The Band. 

Southwestern Wanderers

'Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road' says Jack Kerouac, and I raise my glass to that.

There are people like me who find themselves by wandering. By welcoming a world of their own with each and every step they take, without limits or boundaries; because by wandering, they are experiencing, discovering, and understanding themselves and the world around them better. They are free spirits. They live to love and love to live in peace and in liberation.

I recently returned from a long road trip through the Southwest, passing through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. That's 6 states in the span of a little more than a week! So, I've decided to put together a little recap so you can feel like you were right there with me.

Here I am enjoying a glass of Liberated's Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc at Zion National Park in Utah after a long day of travel. We stayed here for golden hour, the sunset, and even the starry night sky, because 'half the park is after dark.' What a bright moment, just look at those stars!

Before our Zion travels, we stopped by the Valley of Fire for a night. Those vibrant red sandstone formations are all over the park - each unique in their own way. This one looked like cheese ^_^

Here I am drooling over fall in Zion - we never see leaves change to vibrant yellow and orange hues in Southern California (since there doesn't seem to be seasons here). 

Before leaving Zion, we stopped to defy gravity for a little bit. Look at those textures!

Now it's on to the next location: Page AZ - where we will see both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Let's just say many hours of listening to really good music and non-stop staring outside the window, wondering how something could be so beautiful.

Well, we made it to our next destination: Horseshoe Bend. And to celebrate, we had a glass of Liberated. 

While, of course, taking in those stunning views. 

It was pretty much a dream.

The next morning, we stopped by Antelope Canyon to see the location we had been curious about for a while. Let's just say it was like walking through a maze of sandstone art. You can only access it by tour, but luckily they give you a lot of time to take photos!

Next up on the itinerary: Monument Valley in Utah. Here I am trying to blend in with the environment. Don't those formations look like hands?! 

Here I am reliving my favorite old westerns by John Ford. Yes, that is me on the horse!

Well, now that we've seen Monument Valley, it's time to move onto our next (and final!) destination: White Sands. But first, let's stop here because the golden hour light looks so dreamy!

And, let's stay for the sun to set because look at how big that moon is!

Well, we finally made it to the last location on the list - a place I have been dying to see for as long as I can remember in a small little town called Alamogordo, New Mexico. 

Nothing but pure joy. White Sands, you are one majestic beauty.

One final glass of Liberated to end the trip the right way.

Which left me dancing and feeling alive!

And in love.

'Peace, love, and liberation' -- three words that perfectly describe my life on the road, traveling throughout the Southwest where some of the most beautiful locations in the world exist. Thank you, Liberated, for the journey and for your crisp tasting Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc.