By Lesley Beador
When I look back at the path that led me here, I can see how much the places I’ve lived have shaped not only my lifestyle but also my values. From my early years in Lake Tahoe to summers spent in Park City, Utah, and holidays in Montana, each landscape has offered something unique. Mountains, meadows, rivers, and snowy trails have become more than backdrops to my life—they’ve been teachers, playgrounds, and sources of inspiration for me and my family.
Growing Up in Lake Tahoe
My love for the outdoors began in Lake Tahoe, where I went to high school. There is something about being surrounded by pine trees, crystal-clear water, and mountains that makes you feel small in the best way possible. I fell in love with Mother Nature early on, and that love has never faded. Tahoe gave me my sense of adventure—it’s where I learned to ski, where I discovered how grounding the forest can be, and where I realized that nature has a way of keeping us both humble and inspired.
Graduating high school early was one of my first big steps toward carving my own path. I took community college classes while still in high school, which allowed me to move forward faster. That same determination to keep moving forward is something I still carry with me today.
Summers in Park City, Utah
As a family, Park City has become one of our favorite places to spend time. Summers there feel like an escape into both adventure and history. We’re currently restoring historic homes in town, which has given us a deeper connection to the community. There’s something special about breathing new life into a home with stories to tell.
Our days in Park City are filled with fresh mountain air, biking, hiking, and enjoying time together. It’s a place where we slow down and savor the little things—whether that’s yoga in the morning, paddle boarding on a nearby lake, or just laughing together over crafts with the kids. The mountains seem to encourage us to live in the present.
Holidays in Montana
Montana is where we go to recharge and embrace adventure. The wide-open meadows and endless sky make you feel like you can breathe deeper. During the holidays, we trade schedules and screens for rafting trips, quad rides, snowmobiling, and long hikes. We also spend a lot of time in Yellowstone National Park. The beauty and wildlife there are impossible to put into words—it’s a reminder of how wild and wonderful the world can be when we take the time to explore it.
Montana is also where we bond as a family in a different way. Out in nature, away from distractions, we focus on experiences and memories. It’s not about perfection—it’s about muddy boots, messy hair, and laughter echoing across the mountains.
The Impact on My Kids
As a mother, nothing makes me happier than watching my kids grow into themselves. My daughter Inga is pursuing acting, and Anna is diving into singing and acting as well. I believe their creativity is deeply connected to the way we live. When children spend so much time surrounded by nature, it sparks imagination and curiosity. They learn to see the world not just for what it is but for what it could be.
Travel and Perspective
Between family adventures and my own love of travel, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 48 states. Each one has given me a new perspective, but I always return to the mountains and meadows with renewed gratitude. Travel broadens your mind, but it also helps you appreciate home in a deeper way.
Wellness and Balance
Living in these beautiful places has taught me the importance of balance. Whether I’m practicing yoga, going to a spin class, or skiing down a mountain, I’ve learned that taking care of myself allows me to better care for my family and pursue my passions. That’s part of the reason I’ve been working on developing my skincare line. Beauty isn’t just about how we look—it’s about how we feel inside and out.
Giving Back
Alongside adventure and entrepreneurship, giving back has always been part of my journey. I’m involved in a number of charities, and one of the causes closest to my heart is Meals on Wheels. Delivering meals to people in need reminds me that kindness is one of the greatest ways to connect with others.
Living Life to the Fullest
Whether we’re skiing in Deer Valley, restoring homes in Park City, or riding snowmobiles in Montana, one thing is constant: we live life to the fullest. Adventure, family, and gratitude guide us every step of the way. The landscapes we move between aren’t just places on a map—they’re chapters in our family’s story. They’ve taught us resilience, creativity, and joy, and I’m grateful every day for the beauty that surrounds us.
In the end, from mountains to meadows, life isn’t about where you are—it’s about who you’re with and the memories you create together. And for me, that’s the greatest adventure of all.