Beachbody Elite Party & Bellagio Girls' Night
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Beachbody's White Party
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| Recognize my Dorothy Perkins dress? |
Cirque du Soleil Night
Finale Celebration
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Las Vegas: Summer Nights
My recent Las Vegas trip was a lot of fun... because we girls stayed out all night every night! From Beachbody's White Party and finale celebration, to seeing Cirque du Soleil's Beatles LOVE show with my friend AM, it was an awesome time. Here are a few photos of the fun.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Las Vegas: Eating Italian
I don't know how it happened, but I ate at three fantastic Italian restaurants during my vacation in Las Vegas. Talk about indulgence! It just ended up that way.
For our first night in Sin City, Lindsey, VB, and I had reservations at Todd English's OLiVES. Located in the Bellagio, it was really nice to walk through such a famous casino and dine in style. I also liked that their drink menu was on an iPad so you could pick a fancy drink!
I had the Ricotta Ravioli, and it was delicious! Very good, and the menu had a ton of other options. The portion sizes weren't too much, and everything tasted really fresh. In addition, there were definitely affordable options like flatbreads that made this a very accessible restaurant for such a fancy location and offering.
I would definitely eat there again, only this time try to get seating on the coveted patio overlooking the Bellagio's famous water fountain show.
On my night out with AM and her friend JL, we went to the Paris casino for supper. We went to Le Provençal. Paris is another beautiful casino; there are parts of it that really remind me of France! The restaurant definitely skewed Italian, but the location was fantastic and the food was yummy! We started with the Brick Oven Garlic Bread, served in a cast iron skillet. OMG. That's all I have to say.
The last Las Vegas meal I will recount on this impromptu Tour of Italy was at our "home" resort, MGM Grand. We wanted to stay close to the party that night, so we grabbed dinner at Fiamma. I think this one was my favorite Italian meal of the trip, because the noodles were housemade and fresh!
All three of us ordered the spaghetti. We were hungry from the super workout in the morning, I think. And we all ordered individual carafes of wine, so this was probably the night I got most tipsy... in a fantastic way!
All in all, it was completely accidental that I ended up having Italian feasts three out of my four nights in Las Vegas. But the only one complaining is my waistline! Las Vegas may be known for shows and gambling, but the food scene cannot be beat. There are so any good meals to be had in Sin City! They should rename it Foodie City instead!
For our first night in Sin City, Lindsey, VB, and I had reservations at Todd English's OLiVES. Located in the Bellagio, it was really nice to walk through such a famous casino and dine in style. I also liked that their drink menu was on an iPad so you could pick a fancy drink!
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| Cocktail at OLiVES |
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| OLiVES Ricotta Ravioli |
I had the Ricotta Ravioli, and it was delicious! Very good, and the menu had a ton of other options. The portion sizes weren't too much, and everything tasted really fresh. In addition, there were definitely affordable options like flatbreads that made this a very accessible restaurant for such a fancy location and offering.
I would definitely eat there again, only this time try to get seating on the coveted patio overlooking the Bellagio's famous water fountain show.
On my night out with AM and her friend JL, we went to the Paris casino for supper. We went to Le Provençal. Paris is another beautiful casino; there are parts of it that really remind me of France! The restaurant definitely skewed Italian, but the location was fantastic and the food was yummy! We started with the Brick Oven Garlic Bread, served in a cast iron skillet. OMG. That's all I have to say.
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| Brick Oven Garlic Bread |
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| Rigatoni Bolognese |
As my dinner, I had the Rigatoni Bolognese, because I love that sauce. I was not disappointed! The portions were large, and I ate to the point of being stuffed. Good thing I was working out during the trip!
The last Las Vegas meal I will recount on this impromptu Tour of Italy was at our "home" resort, MGM Grand. We wanted to stay close to the party that night, so we grabbed dinner at Fiamma. I think this one was my favorite Italian meal of the trip, because the noodles were housemade and fresh!
All three of us ordered the spaghetti. We were hungry from the super workout in the morning, I think. And we all ordered individual carafes of wine, so this was probably the night I got most tipsy... in a fantastic way!
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| Can't you tell that pasta is fresh? Soooo good. |
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| The evidence. |
Oh, and did I mention we ALL ordered desserts? Lindsey had cheesecake, I had the apple tarte, and VB had gelato. And we finished it. ALL. Foodie comas all around.
All in all, it was completely accidental that I ended up having Italian feasts three out of my four nights in Las Vegas. But the only one complaining is my waistline! Las Vegas may be known for shows and gambling, but the food scene cannot be beat. There are so any good meals to be had in Sin City! They should rename it Foodie City instead!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Las Vegas: Beachbody
I took a few vacation days recently to join my friend Lindsey in Las Vegas for Beachbody's annual Coach Summit. Lindsey is an Elite coach for the company, so I was there to help support her as she was recognized for her accomplishments... and to have a little fun too!
I got to meet some celebrity trainers I've "worked out with" before to fitness videos, like Tony Horton and the Les Mills crew.
I also got a chance to try out their workouts, along with my favs Shaun T and Chalene Johnson, during the Super Workout. There were thousands of people out there exercising all at once!
I will say that I think this has motivated me to get back in shape! I felt a little self-conscious around so many fitness fanatics and trainers, but it as still a lot of fun to experience such a big event. I was also happy to see Lindsey and our friends VB and AM. It was definitely exhausting, but a cool trip to the desert.
I also got a chance to try out their workouts, along with my favs Shaun T and Chalene Johnson, during the Super Workout. There were thousands of people out there exercising all at once!
I will say that I think this has motivated me to get back in shape! I felt a little self-conscious around so many fitness fanatics and trainers, but it as still a lot of fun to experience such a big event. I was also happy to see Lindsey and our friends VB and AM. It was definitely exhausting, but a cool trip to the desert.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Travel Toiletries
I love to share my little travel finds with you all! Recently, though, I had a little toiletry fail. I was traveling for 5 days/4 nights, and my travel sized toothpaste expired. In addition, I didn't have quality shampoo/conditioner that fit the 3 oz. rule of carry-on baggage.
I hit up the Target when I landed, and I not only found my preferred Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste in travel size, but I found a great "starter kit" for Organix Moroccan Argan Oil where it had shampoo, conditioner, and oil to tame my frizz, all 3 oz. or less. I love it! So convenient and adorable, right?
As for transporting my toiletries, I tend to use the same Vera Bradley kit that I've had since I graduated college... my uncle & his family gave me matching duffels and this hanging organizaer as a gift. I love it. It holds so much! Plus the compartments are clear so you can see everything. I keep makeup together, shower stuff together, etc.
The new versions even have an actual hook for hanging!
Lastly, I have to share what I call my cure-all: Smith's Rosebud Salve. This little tin is a lifesaver. It is my go-to lip balm, but also what I use in a pinch for dryness around my nose, on my elbows, even to soothe hangnails and chafing areas. It is a cheap buy from Sephora or Bath & Body Works that really saves the day.
I hit up the Target when I landed, and I not only found my preferred Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste in travel size, but I found a great "starter kit" for Organix Moroccan Argan Oil where it had shampoo, conditioner, and oil to tame my frizz, all 3 oz. or less. I love it! So convenient and adorable, right?
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| source |
As for transporting my toiletries, I tend to use the same Vera Bradley kit that I've had since I graduated college... my uncle & his family gave me matching duffels and this hanging organizaer as a gift. I love it. It holds so much! Plus the compartments are clear so you can see everything. I keep makeup together, shower stuff together, etc.
The new versions even have an actual hook for hanging!
 |
| source |
Lastly, I have to share what I call my cure-all: Smith's Rosebud Salve. This little tin is a lifesaver. It is my go-to lip balm, but also what I use in a pinch for dryness around my nose, on my elbows, even to soothe hangnails and chafing areas. It is a cheap buy from Sephora or Bath & Body Works that really saves the day.
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| source |
Do you have any travel must-haves for toiletries?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Stones River National Battlefield
I was a little spoiled this Father's Day weekend... my parents came to see ME! But since this was all about Dad, we spent much of our Saturday at Stones River National Battlefield. Dad is a military history buff, but particularly into the Civil War. So visiting the site of a major battle was definitely fun for him!
This weekend actually had a bunch of living history happening, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations happening around the country as different battles are commemorated.
There were some great talks during our visit, from real horses with the cavalry, to signal demonstrations, to the firing of rifles and cannon. I think Dad really soaked it all up. If it had been cooler outside, he would have liked to walk the grounds a bit more; I think I'll be taking him back there sometime!
This weekend actually had a bunch of living history happening, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations happening around the country as different battles are commemorated.
There were some great talks during our visit, from real horses with the cavalry, to signal demonstrations, to the firing of rifles and cannon. I think Dad really soaked it all up. If it had been cooler outside, he would have liked to walk the grounds a bit more; I think I'll be taking him back there sometime!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Shop My Closet on Poshmark!
Okay guys, this is a completely self-serving blog post. But after waking up with a post-Kate Spade Surprise Sale hangover, I figured I would share my Poshmark closet with you! (A girl has to subsidize her shopping addiction, right?)
Poshmark is a great website for selling your clothes and accessories. I've been doing it for just a couple of weeks. It's super easy; you use the phone app to take photos and post your items, you haggle with other members, and then they click to buy. You print out a prepaid shipping label, have the USPS take your package, then you get paid once it is received. All items are final sale, so your interactions with the seller definitely matter. But I'm really enjoying it so far!
I have a bunch of items currently listed, plenty of NWT and name brands, like Coach, Lacoste, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Nine West, Longchamp, and more. :)
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| source |
Poshmark is a great website for selling your clothes and accessories. I've been doing it for just a couple of weeks. It's super easy; you use the phone app to take photos and post your items, you haggle with other members, and then they click to buy. You print out a prepaid shipping label, have the USPS take your package, then you get paid once it is received. All items are final sale, so your interactions with the seller definitely matter. But I'm really enjoying it so far!
I have a bunch of items currently listed, plenty of NWT and name brands, like Coach, Lacoste, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Nine West, Longchamp, and more. :)
Sign up for Poshmark with code HROMR, and get a $5 credit!
And if you follow me on Bloglovin' you can get $5 off any purchase.
My Poshmark link is always on the right side of my blog, so feel free to browse and see what's new!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Cardstore... a new way to send adorable snail mail!
My friend Lindsey is a die-hard snail mail fan in an increasingly digital age. She always sends handwritten, personal cards for holidays, occasions, even just because she's thinking of you. So when Cardstore.com offered me a free customized card, I knew exactly where to send it. I moved away from Lindsey about a year ago, so it's made keeping in touch that much harder... and more important!
I really enjoyed creating this card. The total cost for my customized card, including postage and color printing, was well under $4. When you think of the cost of driving to the store and taking the time to dig through the racks, not to mention that most cards cost $2-3 these days, this is a WAY better deal with a lot more love involved! Not only that, but Cardstore has plenty of promo codes and sales that make it even more economical.
You can even take photos straight from your Facebook albums to use in creating the card. I had an old photo of Lindsey and me that I wanted to include. I picked the card I liked most, then added the photo.
Super cute, right? I typed a personalized message, and had the card mailed directly to Lindsey via snail mail.
You can also opt to have the card sent to you, so you can sign yourself and mail it. I actually think this is a great option; you could create custom cards at the beginning of the year for birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day, etc. and order them all at once. Then you'll have them on-hand whenever you need them! Wouldn't it be a cool idea to have a little card organizer by month so you were always ready to send the next custom card out?
Here are a few other designs I'm loving...
I really enjoyed creating this card. The total cost for my customized card, including postage and color printing, was well under $4. When you think of the cost of driving to the store and taking the time to dig through the racks, not to mention that most cards cost $2-3 these days, this is a WAY better deal with a lot more love involved! Not only that, but Cardstore has plenty of promo codes and sales that make it even more economical.
You can even take photos straight from your Facebook albums to use in creating the card. I had an old photo of Lindsey and me that I wanted to include. I picked the card I liked most, then added the photo.
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| I made this card! |
Super cute, right? I typed a personalized message, and had the card mailed directly to Lindsey via snail mail.
You can also opt to have the card sent to you, so you can sign yourself and mail it. I actually think this is a great option; you could create custom cards at the beginning of the year for birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day, etc. and order them all at once. Then you'll have them on-hand whenever you need them! Wouldn't it be a cool idea to have a little card organizer by month so you were always ready to send the next custom card out?
Here are a few other designs I'm loving...
Cardstore.com covered the cost of one free card. The opinions expressed above are my own!
Friday, June 14, 2013
CMA Fest
I'm not into the crowds downtown during CMA Fest, but since my coworker offered me free tickets to see the final night's show at LP Field, I took him up on it and brought my friend VB.
It was hot and jam-packed full of people, but we grabbed a beer at Honky Tonk Central, enjoyed their live band, then walked over the pedestrian bridge to the stadium.
Due to a thunderstorm warning, they abbreviated the show a LOT. And by a lot, I mean artists who should have played for half an hour played like one song. BOO. But I got to see a number of people I've never seen perform live: Lee Greenwood, Gary Allan, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, Lennon & Maisy, The Band Perry, Jake Owen, and Carrie Underwood.
We were in the freebie nosebleeds, so we weren't too disappointed to call it an early Sunday night (especially since I was out until 1am the night prior!). But it was kind of a nice way to take in the country music scene for an evening. And I got to spend more time with VB, which is always a win!
It was hot and jam-packed full of people, but we grabbed a beer at Honky Tonk Central, enjoyed their live band, then walked over the pedestrian bridge to the stadium.
Due to a thunderstorm warning, they abbreviated the show a LOT. And by a lot, I mean artists who should have played for half an hour played like one song. BOO. But I got to see a number of people I've never seen perform live: Lee Greenwood, Gary Allan, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, Lennon & Maisy, The Band Perry, Jake Owen, and Carrie Underwood.
We were in the freebie nosebleeds, so we weren't too disappointed to call it an early Sunday night (especially since I was out until 1am the night prior!). But it was kind of a nice way to take in the country music scene for an evening. And I got to spend more time with VB, which is always a win!
