Kaydee Francis

We all have traditions of the season, whether it’s making an annual trip to view holiday lights, sharing special foods with family and friends, or making sure others have the benefit of a memorable holiday. Kaydee Francis of 89052 believes that even the little things make a big impact.  She engages in a year-long tradition of small gestures every day, like smiling and opening a door for others as well as using her given gift of dance to make a difference in the community. 

Dance has been a passion for Kaydee since she was very young.  Growing up in Utah, it was an everyday part of her family.  She began teaching dance at her mother’s studio as a teenager and, after college and dabbling in a few industries, returned to her first love.  Her career has included working for two national dance competition companies as a Show Director and Adjudicator.  She’s traveled the country teaching master classes and setting choreography for competitions and television.  She finally fulfilled her dream of owning her own dance studio when she met her business partner Jami Artiga. Together, they created The Dance Zone.

The local dance facility not only gives young people an opportunity to learn and express themselves through the art, but also to help others by using their craft. The Dance Zone and its students have been associated with several charitable organizations such as Dancer’s Responding to Aids, Golden Rainbow, Josh Steven’s Foundation, Three Square and Toys for Tots.  They recently partnered with After School All-Stars, a group that provides after school programs to keep kids safe and help them to succeed in school.  Kaydee has been busy holding dancewear costume drives for All-Star after school dance programs.  She tells us more about The Dance Zone, getting crafty and her favorite tradition.

It must have been exciting to start your own dance studio.  How did it come about?

“Jami and I decided to go to breakfast at Blueberry Hill…little did we know that this meal would change the course of our lives.  It was this breakfast where we conceptualized The Dance Zone!” 

Why do you think it’s important to give back—even in little ways?

“My take on it is simple; be considerate and set a shining example.  It’s not always how much time or money you donate to a charity that will give back to your community, but the example you set. Small actions can help grow a sense of community.”

Your efforts through The Dance Zone aren’t always so simple.

“We assist in a variety of ways both big and little from dancing at fundraising events to holding a drive for dance costumes, but I am most proud of watching our dancers grow from young people into passionate, beautiful and caring adults.”

What inspires you?

“I believe that if you want something you’ve never had before, you must DO something you’ve never done before!”

What else are you passionate about?

Spending time with my husband, friends and family, traveling and I love animals. I am mom to a giant dog and two fluffy kitties.  I’ve also been involved with the organization No More Homeless Pets.”

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the studio?

“I really enjoy getting crafty.  If it’s messy you can count me in! I like painting and usually I’m sewing and adding rhinestones to costumes but I also love reading. I have tons of books lined up on my Kindle.”

Tell us something you think others might not know about you.

“I’m a big Tomboy!  Even though I love my make-up and rhinestones, I love to camp, hike and spend time outdoors with my husband and dog.”

Any holiday traditions you’d like to share?

“It has to be my mom’s homemade lasagna.  It’s our family’s holiday tradition.”

The Giving Spirit

The Giving Spirit

The holidays are our favorite time of the year at the Zip Code Magazines. We love decorating, eating delicious food (well…that’s all the time), spending quality time with our family and friends and just plain getting a little down time to appreciate everything we have and work for.  

We also love this time of year because it seems to bring a feeling of gratitude and charity to our communities. If you’re looking for holiday charity opportunities in your neighborhood, here are some unique ideas:

AFAN’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive
www.afanlv.org | 382-2326
Help make this holiday season extra special for more than 200 children ages newborn to 15 that are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS living in Southern Nevada by donating to AFAN’s annual holiday toy drive through December 8. Bring unwrapped toys to any Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Jamba Juice locations as well as the AFAN office at 1120 Almond Tree Ln.

Krispy Kreme Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Toys for Tots
www.krispykreme.com | Numerous Locations
Krispy Kreme will be spreading holiday cheer by hosting a month-long toy drive beginning on December 1 through December 24, with a complimentary donut for each toy donated. Drop unwrapped toys at any Krispy Kreme location and toys will be delivered to 98.5 KLUC’s Chet Buchanan & The Morning Zoo’s 15^th Annual Toy Drive. Almost as good as donating to a child in need? Unlimited free donuts.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
www.nphy.org | 383-1332
Help make a homeless youth’s wish come true this holiday season by participating in NPHY’s Angel Tree event. Participate by “adopting” one or more homeless youth off the Angel Tree list and fulfilling their holiday wishes, such as purchasing their favorite foods, gift cards to their favorite stores, appropriately sized clothing, and other gifts. Gifts should be dropped during operation hours at the William Fry drop-in center, 4981 Shirley St. Call (702) 383-1332 or email events@nphy.org for more information.

Operation Homefront
www.operationhomefront.net | 449-9987
Help give back to our military servicemen and women and their families this year by donating to Operation Homefront. Each year the local non-profit provides warm meals to military families at Nellis Air Force Base. This year 350 meals will be served and monetary donations are gratefully accepted.  

Safe Kids Clark County
www.safekidsclarkcounty.org | 731-8666
Safe Kids Clark County is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of injuries to children. Donate to Safe Kids this Christmas to help support education and awareness programs around accidental child injury.

Safe Nest
www.safenest.org | 877-0133
Support women and child victims of domestic abuse by donating a gas, grocery, phone or general gift card this holiday season. You can also participate in the inaugural Ugly Sweater Christmas Event, hosted by Circuit Med Spa + Salon, 2779 Sunridge Heights, with funds benefitting the non-profit. Visit www.circuitspa.com for more information.

Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation
Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation is hosting its 12th annual “Fill the Fire Truck” Toy Drive. Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson and North Las Vegas Fire Departments will participate in a three-week long effort to collect toys and gift cards for economically challenged children throughout the valley.

Toys will be collected the first three weekends in December with collections from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at five participating Wal-Mart locations including: 7200 Arroyo Cross Parkway (Rainbow/215), 8060 West Tropical Parkway (Centennial/95), 6464 North Decatur Boulevard (Decatur/215), 4350 North Nellis (Nellis/Craig), 540 Marks Street (Sunset/Marks). 

Help for our animal friends: The Animal Foundation
Animals are a part of our family and can add so much love and laughter to a home. If you’re thinking of giving a furry companion a permanent home this holiday season, or just want to make their stay at a shelter a little warmer, here are some ways:

• Stop by the Fashion Show Mall, in front of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, on December 7 for the annual Animal Foundation A Home for the Holidays dog adoption event.
• Participate in the Shelter Elves donation drive through the month of December as the Animal Foundation raises money to save lives.
• Keep pets happy and warm as they wait for their forever homes by donating new and gently used linens (blankets, towels, bath mats – anything without stuffing) to the Animal Foundation facility.

For more information about The Animal Foundation visit www.animalfoundation.com. 

Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Pet Therapy Program – “Dog Bed and Blanket Drive” 

As the winter months bring cooler weather, the loving dogs and one sweet cat in the Nathan Adelson Hospice Pet Therapy Program are once again helping their companions in local animal shelters.

From Dec. 1, 2013 through Jan. 31, 2014, all the Nathan Adelson Hospice locations will be collecting new or gently used items to deliver to the local shelters. Items being collected include: dog beds; blankets; towels; and unopened dog food.  Donations can be dropped off at any of the Nathan Adelson Hospice locations: 4141 Swenson St., Las Vegas; in the MountainView Medical Office Building, 3150 N. Tenaya Way (near Cheyenne), Suite 350, Las Vegas; 1401 S. Highway 160, Suite B, Pahrump; and 1201 Nevada State Drive, Henderson. 

Speed Photo Tour

The Speed Tour (Photo-op Tour)
These guys want the crash course in all things Las Vegas. With not much time to spare, they are looking to hit all the tourist hot spots (read: The Strip in all its glory) and have some genuine Vegas knowledge for their return home to those not lucky enough to spend the holidays in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

We divided this page into checklists for you to use as a resource, or provide to your guests should their tour be self-guided. Remember to mix and match based on interests!

The Ultimate Tourist Photo Tour

• Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, 5200 S. Las Vegas Blvd
  If you haven’t been in a while, a new parking lot makes access a whole lot easier and less dangerous.
• Fountains and the Bellagio, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Check online for schedule and music.  Show starts every hour between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight.
• Fall of Atlantis at Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  See statues come to life in pure Las Vegas style. Shows begin every hour on the hour Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday until midnight.
• Volcano at the Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
  Shows begin at 7 p.m. and run every hour until 11 p.m. nightly.
• Top of the World Restaurant at Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower, 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• The Fremont Street Experience, 425 Freemont St.
• Binions Million Dollar Photo, 128 Fremont St.

Vegas Movies and TV Photo Tour

• Circus Circus, 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) 
• Riviera, 2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Casino, Ocean’s 11, Showgirls, Austin Powers)
• Tropicana, 3801 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (The Godfather)
• Bellagio, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Ocean’s 11 and The Hangover)
• Caesar’s Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd (Rainman)
• The Little Church of the West, 4617 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Viva Las Vegas)
• Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, 713 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Pawn Stars)
• Rick’s Restoration, 1112 S. Commerce St. (American Restoration) 

Vegas “Around the World”  and Biggest/Best Photo Tour

• Pyramid and Sphinx at the Luxor, 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• New York Skyline at New York, New York, 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 
• Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel, 3377 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• World’s Biggest Gift Store, 2440 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget, 129 E. Freemont St.
• Vegas Vic at Freemont Street Experience, 425 Freemont St.
• Hoover Dam

The Star Strucks

Star Strucks

They’re young, they’re fun and they are looking for the best time “Vegas” has to offer them. While you might not necessarily be able to keep up the whole time they are visiting, use this itinerary to point them in the direction of the best culture, food and downtown excitement they could imagine. (P.S. We make the assumption that this group is staying downtown or on The Strip and might possibly be on a budget.)

Noon
Yes, noon. Chances are this crew barely made it off the plane before hitting the town and they spent at least an hour this morning getting up and around, recounting the tales of last night’s adventure. Send them for some hair-of-the-dog and a yummy, greasy brunch at the iconic Peppermill Las Vegas, 2985 S. Las Vegas Blvd. You can’t beat awesome Bloody Marys priced right.  

2 p.m.
Culture, history and art do not have to be a stuffy. Once their bellies are full, a trip to the Neon Museum, 770 Las Vegas Blvd. ($18 at www.neonmuseum.org), is culture made fun. For the video gamer, the Pinball Hall of Fame, 1610 E. Tropicana (Free admission at www.pinballmuseum.org), is 10,000 feet of heaven. They can fuel up and get an artistic fix at the Emergency Arts Building, 520 Fremont St, which is also a coffee shop. For a wholly different experience, send them on the Deuce. It’s cheap ($8 for 24 hours at www.rtcsnv.com), and hits all the major stops for a unique way to tour the city.   

6 p.m.
We’ll bet this group has been planning dinner all day, and your tour guide skills will not disappoint. If they want to stay in the vicinity of downtown, Bar + Bistro @ The Arts Factory, 107 E Charleston Blvd #155, offers up killer tapas. For noodles, Le Thai, 523 E. Fremont St., is the spot although you should warn them to get there a little before the dinner rush lest HAVING to grab a drink at Commonwealth next door while they wait for a seat.   

8 pm.
After dinner let the good times roll. Oh, last night you “hit” The Strip? Of course you did. “Well, tonight, how about checking out Fremont East District?” you’ll say. The new hotspot for the young and trendy in Las Vegas, this suggestion will earn you immediate cool points. For live music and cocktails suggest The Griffin or Don’t Tell Mama, both on Fremont Street. For some serious “frat house” fun, point them straight to Gold Spike,  217 Las Vegas Blvd. Wherever they end up in this area, it’s sure to be a great time. 

11 a.m.
Aaaand, we’re back to brunch. This time, instead of a throwback like the Peppermill, shake things up by proposing a PJ party at Simon Restaurant & Lounge in The Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. The chicken and waffles will help dramatically in the recovery process, and they will toast to you with their mimosas for a purely successful Vegas holiday. 

The Young Family

The Young Family
If you have kids, you’ve been here. For the most part they are looking for things they can do in town with the whole family; however, they probably won’t need much coaxing to enjoy an adult night out at least once during this weekend.  Heeeere you come to save the day.

8 a.m.
Growing kids (and tired adults) need a good, hearty breakfast before starting off the day. With five locations across Southern Nevada, you can’t go wrong taking your guests to Egg Works or The Egg & I (www.theeggworks.com) to get your morning going. Huge portions, fast and friendly service and crayons for the kids are a plus. Visit to find the location closest to you. 

10 a.m.
If the nieces and nephews are a little older and, like most children, fascinated by crime scenes and whodunit games, The CSI Experience in the MGM Grand is the place to go (reserve in advance at http://lasvegas.csiexhibit.com). Is this your wild younger sister whose kid has a Mohawk? Then KISS by Monster Mini Golf (http://monsterminigolf.com/kiss), is the place for you. The sweet spot for just about everyone is the Lion Habitat Ranch (www.thecathouse.us) where the king of beasts will entertain even the most restless of kids (and adults).

1 p.m.
When in Rome. Even though we have a hard time being “tourists,” that doesn’t mean our holiday company isn’t down for a little cheesy Las Vegas style. That’s where the Rainforest Café in the MGM Grand comes in. Since you showed them a locals place for breakfast there’s no better, over the top complement. If you opt for The CSI Experience beforehand it’s convenient, too. The atmosphere is fun and different and will keep the kids distracted enough for you to gear up for Part II.    

2:30 p.m.
Vegas is known for being hot, right? Let’s show your visitors and their kids that we’re creative, and if we can’t really have a white winter we’re sure going to manufacture one. The Ice Rink at the Boulevard Pool in The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas opens November 22 and is popular for creating the “winter” vibe we love so much. At $15 ($10 for locals) it’s the prime place to bring the kids for a fun, energy-expending afternoon. S’mores and firepit? Check.

6 p.m.
This is the opportunity for you to be the world’s best family member. Offer to watch the kids and send mom and dad out for a romantic dinner on their own. Off The Strip try for Marche Bacchus, 2620 Regatta Drive, or Hank’s Fine Steaks in the Green Valley Ranch, 2300 Paseo Verde Dr., in Green Valley. On The Strip we love Mon Ami Gabi, 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd., if you can sit on the patio. They won’t be able to thank you enough. As for you, why not take the youngsters to Glittering Lights (www.glitteringlightslasvegas.com)?  

The Outdoorsy/Active Types

The Outdoorsy/Active Types
These guys (and ladies) like to have good time, but not before getting their sweat on, enjoying quality time in the Great Outdoors or having some kind of risky undertaking to get their blood moving. Luckily our town is quite adept in risk taking and over-the-top adventures. You may even experience something new for yourself!

8 a.m. 
Rise and shine it’s fresh air time. Two options less than an hour drive from town are the Red Rock Canyon Morning Horseback Ride ($119 at www.allvegastours.com) which includes breakfast and gorgeous views, or Huevos Rancheros and a Bloody Mary (bacon please!) at The Coffee Cup (www.worldfamouscoffeecup.com) in Boulder City followed by an invigorating zipline tour of Bootleg Canyon ($159 at www.flightlinezbootleg.com). Neither will disappoint.

1:30 p.m.
Head back into town to show your visitors The Strip is more than “Maltese Fortune” slot machines for sissies. The Stratosphere rides ($23-$34 at www.stratospherehotel.com) will get anyone’s heart pounding and if you’re really the crazy kind, spend the extra $110 on the new SkyJump™. Still not enough? Take a dip in the Shark-Reef at the Mandalay Bay (www.mandalaybay.com). At a whopping $650 per diver this one calls for advance planning…but hey…some only come here once, right? 

4 p.m.
Ok, they’ve earned their stripes and obviously want to buy you a beer for being the “Best. Tour Guide. Ever.” Not just any beer, though. Let them experience hometown brews at one of our local breweries. We like Big Dog’s Draft House, 4543 N. Rancho Drive (5 tasters for $6 at www.bigdogsbrews.com); Tenaya Creek Brewery, ($1 per 4 oz. taster at www.tenayacreek.com ); Triple 7 in Main Street Station, (5 tasters for $3.95 at www.mainstreetcasino.com) or Barley’s Casino & Brew Pub, (4 tasters for $3.99 at https://wildfire.sclv.com/Barleys.aspx). 

6:30 p.m.
Now’s time to show them the best restaurant in your neck of the woods, so they don’t go home telling people you live in a hotel. Honey Salt’s (1031 S Rampart Blvd) farm-to-table chic is a great fit for this granola group and has many options as well as a kid’s menu (www.honeysalt.com). The fresh ingredients and authentic feel of the new Novecento Pizzeria (expanded to 9460 S. Eastern Ave., www.novecentopizza.com), is sure to be a hit if you live in Green Valley. If they just HAVE to eat on The Strip, Sage at Aria should do the trick (3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd, www.arialasvegas.com).  

8:30 p.m.
What’s Vegas without a little fun out on the town? Let’s show them the honkey tonk side of Vegas they probably didn’t know existed. For dancing, you can’t go wrong with Stoney’s Rockin’ Country in Town Square (www.stoneysrockincountry.com). Live music and buckin’ broncos (read: mechanical bulls) also abound at Coyote Ugly in the New York, New York ( www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/vegas) or Gilley’s in the Treasure Island (www.gilleyslasvegas.com).    

A Tour for All Tastes

We all have one – Aunt Beth, Uncle Albert or a distant cousin who seems to know all the best places, shows, deals and tours to take out-of-town guests when they visit Las Vegas. The starry-eyed tourists get off the plane, are greeted by said family member at baggage claim and promptly whisked away for a weekend trip they’ll never forget. 

Then, there’s you. Between back-to-school homework help, work, the gym and holiday gift shopping, somehow planning the perfect itinerary for your holiday visitors didn’t make the top priority list. You want to show them a good time, but some have different tastes (who knows what your niece on winter break from grad school wants to do), and for reasons unbeknownst to you, your motherboard has been completely stripped of ideas for a good restaurant aside from the one you frequent, maybe too often, down the street from your house. Well we are here to help! 

Here are some great ideas for tour itineraries around our beloved city for different tastes and interests. We know there’s not one true stereotype, so feel free to pick and choose from each itinerary to get the perfect tour for your guests! You don’t even have to give us credit for making it look easy, but beware… soon Aunt Beth may be calling you for sightseeing advice.

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Click on the categories below for an itinerary:

The Outdoorsy/Active Types (“Let’s go on a hike”)
Could be:

–       Living in a place where every person owns and regularly uses a mountain bike
–       Has competed in a long and scary-looking obstacle course or 24-hour relay race
–       Always looking for a new adventure

The Young Family (“Can we take the kids?”)
Could be:

–       Juggling babies or young toddlers
–       Looking for “family-friendly” Vegas
–       Hoping for just one kid-free night (that’s where you come in)

Star Strucks (“Vegas Baby”)
Could be:

–       Twenty or Thirty-Something’s
–       You’ve heard them use the words “Foodie” or “Sin City”
–       Wearing dark-rimmed glasses or possibly Greek letters from college

The Speed Tour (“We don’t have long”)
Could be:

–       Just in for one day
–       The “gawker”
–       Need good photos and a good story for their friends back home

Entryway Holiday Decor

With the holidays just around the corner, no doubt you’re beginning to think about preparing your home for all the festivities.  Wondering where you should start? How about dressing up your home’s entry to make a seasonal statement?  Whether you have a small porch or expansive courtyard, there are fun ways to spruce up your otherwise ho-hum front entrance to kick-off the holiday or winter season.  There’s no need to rival the Griswold’s with Christmas lights and inflatables either, just remember the 3/3 Rule: 1) Keep it simple, 2) Make it festive, and 3) Have fun.

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From Drab to Fabulous in a Few Easy Steps

There are a few things to do before you pull the ornament and decoration boxes out of the attic.

• Make a plan.  Clean and de-clutter the outside entryway.  Determine focal points (generally the front door, a set of windows, an outside railing — anywhere that draws the eye).  What you can do is dictated by available space, but no matter how much or how little room you have, think about grouping holiday items near each other for best effect. Also design with vertical space in mind in order to draw the eye up.
• Establish a color scheme.  For the maximum impact, choose two main colors and one accent color.  You can use seasonal colors such as red, green, silver, gold or white. Keep in mind there are no hard and fast rules (other than 3/3 rule) so have some creative fun and set the color stage for welcoming your guests. 
• Gather materials. Repurpose existing materials and decorations, and consider using live plants, as that can help bring life to an otherwise cold and dark season. Something as simple as a potted conifer, even an oversized Rosemary bush can be used depending on the climate and availability.    They’re reasonably priced and can remain on the porch until the ground thaws in early spring, at which time you can dig a hole and plant them!  If live plants aren’t your thing, many of the discount stores sell pre-lit small conifers that look genuine and come potted in urn-type planters.  They’re hassle free and last year after year.  
• Tie it all together.  A great decorating tip is to repeat a few elements.  Using evergreen garland along the railing compliments the green in planters.  Ornaments salvaged from the attic with newly purchased ribbon and hung from the porch can compliment the over-sized decorations in the planters.  It’s a perfect 3/3 rule — simple, fun, and festive!

Deck the Halls – Staging the Scene

• Reuse warm-weather containers and planters as part of your outdoor holiday display.  Birdbaths, terra cotta planters and baskets are a great place for lighted wreaths and additional holiday ornaments, and can be spray-painted for a new look to match your latest decor.  They make a dramatic display and transform themselves easily from one season to the next.  Fill them with evergreen garland, huge ornaments, sparkly twigs or white lights and see how fast they go from an annual planter to a full-blown holiday display. 
• Utilize real pine roping for an old-fashioned holiday look or purchase/reuse artificial pine roping to swag from posts, railings or frame the doorway.  Add lights, bows, or other adornments to change the look from year to year.
• Add sparkle.  Lighted displays create an instant intimacy on the porch once the sun goes down.  Consider going eco-green by investing in new LED lights as well.  They’re much more efficient and provide a brilliant light source.  If you’re short on outdoor outlets, consider battery-operated ornaments and use them during peak hours to preserve the battery life. 
• Create a lighted walkway with luminaries.  Battery operated tea lights are all the latest and they come complete with a flicker flame for a truly authentic look.  Luminaries can be created from just about anything ranging from seasonal gift bags to mason jars.  A quick Google search on “winter luminary projects” turns up many creative, inexpensive and easy ideas.   
• Suspend oversized ornaments or wreaths from garden hooks. Also think about wreaths with a different twist. We’re accustomed to seeing wreathes made from pine boughs, but you can also use other plant materials, such as eucalyptus or cotoneaster, a garden shrub that has red berries in the winter. Some garden centers also sell wreaths made of living succulents.

There is something magical about arriving home to a well designed holiday porch. With a few simple items and some creativity, you can give your home a winter season makeover with festive curb appeal.

Holiday Elegance- Urns from Home Depot cost as little as $12.  Some gold spray paint, greenery, lights and ornaments bring new life and classic holiday elegance to your front step during the winter season. (Idea courtesy of www.homedepot.com)

Winter Wonderland- Repurposed ice skates with a touch of garland and ribbon set the stage for upcoming winter fun.  Throw in a vintage sled and wait for the “snow” to fall. Nothing says “Let it Snow” like a sled and skates.  (Idea courtesy of www.betweennapsontheporch.net )

Luminaries of Light-Use vintage or store bought mason jars filled with white beans and flicker candles for a safe and beautiful way to add glow to your entryway.  Tie with raffia or wired ribbon to add color.

Presents to Pine For– Glue floral foam forms together to form box shapes.  Attach lighted garland strands with T-pins, then wrap with colorful ribbon for fresh looking presents that make a presence on your porch.

Modern Minimalism- For an easy, yet striking display, paint a repurposed old frame a bright holiday color. Attach ornaments with festive ribbon for a clean look that speaks to the creative spirit of your home. (Idea courtesy of www.adiamondinthestuff.com)

Kyleigh Brigman

Las Vegas Academy
Class of 2014

Kyleigh Brigman of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts has realized she can set her own course, regardless of resistance. That makes her unstoppable. The high school senior, dedicated to her craft of swimming and empowering others to pursue personal happiness, shows a unique resolve in the face of adversity. Her attitude towards life and building her future only comes with confidence in one’s abilities, and a fundamental faith in things to turn out, as they should. Kyleigh’s desire to help others be their best selves, along with her unwavering focus on personal goals is what puts her – A Step Above.   

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• BCH Swim Team, 2007-Present
• Silverado High School Swim Team, 2010-Present; Captain, 2013-2014
• Japanese Club, 2012-Present
• French Club, 2013-2014; Vice President
• National Honors Society, 2013-2014
• School Newspaper, 2013-2014; Staff-Writer
• Habitat for Humanity, 2013-2014
• Student Ambassador 

Scholarships/Awards

• Regional Qualifier in Swimming, 2010-Present
• National Ambassadors Qualifier, 2013-2014
• 4^th Place, Silverado Girls Swim Team Regionals, 2010-2013
• Cum Laude, 2011-2013
• Most Valuable Player for Swimming, 2013
• Honorable Mention, National History Day, 2012

You are passionate about having a career that helps people: “In ten years I hope to be well on my way to becoming a surgeon. I hope to be in my residency years of medical training, learning how to become the best doctor I can be.”

Tell us about a high school experience that changed your outlook: “My sophomore year of high school, I was told an essay I had written was not an appropriate topic to use in a competition. I didn’t have time to write a new one, so I submitted the original essay. I ended up winning third place, and was later spoken to by one of my interviewers, who said my essay was phenomenal and he planned to use it in his college course at UNLV. I feel this has made me a stronger person because I was so used to doing what other people told me, and others have always influenced me. This event showed me that I am capable of so much by myself, and I don’t need the opinion of others to determine my actions and decisions.”

If you could be the head of any non-profit organization, what would it be? “I would like the be the president of an organization that provides academic opportunities to those who need them. For example, tutoring, test prep, and college mentoring. I feel it is important to have someone there to help and encourage the younger generations.”

Is there a person in your life who has influenced you? “I look up to my brother, Ryan. He taught me that I am able to pursue my dreams, not matter how far in the sky they are. He taught me that there is always a way to get to where I want to be in life. He constantly reassures me that I will be successful in whatever I choose to do in life, and he supports me in all of my decisions.”

Logan Lucas

Coronado High School
Class of 2014

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” Walt Whitman was on to something, and so is Logan Lucas of Coronado High School. The infectiously optimistic high school senior and 89074 resident believes in the power of a smile, and the ability of a positive attitude to carry her through any situation. Active in school, sports and the community, Logan has a way of turning every obstacle into an opportunity, and every perceived failure into a catalyst to try harder. Her clear vision of what’s important in life, matched with her talent and ambition, put Logan – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Cross Country, 2010-Present; Co-captain, 2013
• Junior Varsity Soccer, 2010-2012
• Las Vegas Track Club, 2010-Present
• Environmental Club, 2010-Present
• Student Council, 2013-Present; Secretary, 2013-2014
• National Charity League, 2007-Present
• National Honor Society, 2012-Present
• Ironman Volunteer, 2012-2013
• PB & J-a-thon Participant
• Camp Mend-a-Heart Volunteer
• Hope Link Volunteer
• Boys & Girls Club Volunteer
• Children’s Heart Foundation Volunteer
• My Very Own Dreams Volunteer

Scholarships/Awards

• Scholar Athlete, 2010-Present
• Cross Country Team Awards: All-Region First Team, 2012-2013; All-Division First Team, 2012-2013; State Champion Team, 2012; All-Division Second Team, 2010-2011
• Cross Country Individual Awards: Top New Runner, 2010; Outstanding in Class, 2011-2013
• Track & Field Team Awards: 4×800 Relay Team Region Champions, 2011-2013; 4×800 Relay Team State Champions, 2013;
• Track & Field Individual Awards: State Qualifier, 2012-2013; Outstanding Distance Athlete, 2011-2012; Distance Sportsmanship Award, 2013

You take on your life and future with a very positive attitude: “In ten years I see myself doing what I love and interacting with people in a career dealing with Public Relations. No matter where life takes me, I think it is important to laugh and always have a smile.”

Your outlook on hard work came from your parents? “I have been successful because both of my parents have shown me how important it is to work hard and be determined. They taught me to shoot for the moon, and even if I missed I would land upon the stars. I know now, because of them, to never give up. Failure is not the worst thing that could happen but failure to give your best is.”

What is a favorite quote that you live by? “Today is the day, this is the team, and no one can beat us.”  This is the quote my team and I would say before each race on the starting line. It got us motivated and pushed us to run as fast and as hard as we could. Each race we ran for each other and became more like sisters than teammates.”