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.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Las Vegas, Part III: Here and There
After I said goodbye to Mom, I met up with my coworkers at Wolfgang Puck Postrio Bar & Grill at the Venetian for a delicious Italian dinner. It was the best meal I ate in Las Vegas. I had a rigatoni with fennel sausage bolognese, and I ate every bit. Delicious.
From there, we took a taxi to our home away from home for a few days: the J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. It was definitely not close to the strip (more Summerlin than Vegas, really) but was a peaceful retreat with mountain views. The decor was a bit dated, but the rooms were large and the bed super-comfy.
I had a great time getting to know my coworkers. We were working during the day, but every meal together helped me learn more about the people I work with every day. I also got to relax myself; I made sure to get plenty of sleep, plus I had an amazing custom facial at the Aquae Sulis Spa.
On our last night in Vegas, we all headed to the strip for a Cajun/steak dinner at Voodoo Steak at the Rio. Second favorite meal in Sin City; great steak, sides, and cocktails... I recommend the pineapple mojito and truffle mac & cheese. The balcony also has ana amazing view of the Strip.
Afterwards, we capped off the night with a campy romp at MJ Live, a Michael Jackson tribute show. It wasn't the most splashy Las Vegas show, but it was entertaining and memorable.
Even though Las Vegas was a blast, I think it was time for me to go home. Nashville was calling my name! And sure enough, even though it was snowing when I left, it was warming up when I returned. I'm happy to be back in Nashvegas.
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| Intense Venetian ceiling! |
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| source |
From there, we took a taxi to our home away from home for a few days: the J.W. Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. It was definitely not close to the strip (more Summerlin than Vegas, really) but was a peaceful retreat with mountain views. The decor was a bit dated, but the rooms were large and the bed super-comfy.
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| source |
I had a great time getting to know my coworkers. We were working during the day, but every meal together helped me learn more about the people I work with every day. I also got to relax myself; I made sure to get plenty of sleep, plus I had an amazing custom facial at the Aquae Sulis Spa.
On our last night in Vegas, we all headed to the strip for a Cajun/steak dinner at Voodoo Steak at the Rio. Second favorite meal in Sin City; great steak, sides, and cocktails... I recommend the pineapple mojito and truffle mac & cheese. The balcony also has ana amazing view of the Strip.
Afterwards, we capped off the night with a campy romp at MJ Live, a Michael Jackson tribute show. It wasn't the most splashy Las Vegas show, but it was entertaining and memorable.
Even though Las Vegas was a blast, I think it was time for me to go home. Nashville was calling my name! And sure enough, even though it was snowing when I left, it was warming up when I returned. I'm happy to be back in Nashvegas.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Las Vegas Part II: Shopping & Cirque
The next two days in Las Vegas, Mom and I explored even more... we started our day with a breakfast buffet (came free with our hotel stay) at Mandalay Bay's Bayside Buffet. The food was so-so; Mom loved diving into the seafood (yes, for breakfast!) but we wouldn't have paid full price for it. I found a lot of the food in Las Vegas to either be fantastic or just "meh".
Afterwards, we walked a TON in search of shopping destinations (Fashion Show Mall and Miracle Mile) but I found the stores to be wanting as well. No great finds for this shopaholic! But we did walk by Caesar's Palace.
That evening, we went to another show... yup, we splurged on tickets this trip. I'd never been toa Cirque du Soleil show, so we went to the very first one to ever hit Las Vegas: Mystere. There are seven (and counting!) Cirque shows in Vegas, but this one still ranks near the top after 20 years.
It was riveting! I think Mom found the clowns a little odd, but the feats of strength and theatricality were top-notch. I want to see more Cirque shows!!! I'd love to come back and see "O" or The Beatles LOVE.
On our last day together in Las Vegas, we did what we do best: SHOP. We finally found some great deals at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets - North. I snagged some deals at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Coach! I was definitely more into the shops at the outlet vs. stores on the strip. Thought I will say the Crystals luxury mall is architecturally gorgeous; I just don't need any Louis Vuitton or Tiffany's at the moment.
I had so much fun with my Mom in Las Vegas! I'm glad we were able to meet up and enjoy some one-on-one time together.
Afterwards, we walked a TON in search of shopping destinations (Fashion Show Mall and Miracle Mile) but I found the stores to be wanting as well. No great finds for this shopaholic! But we did walk by Caesar's Palace.
That evening, we went to another show... yup, we splurged on tickets this trip. I'd never been toa Cirque du Soleil show, so we went to the very first one to ever hit Las Vegas: Mystere. There are seven (and counting!) Cirque shows in Vegas, but this one still ranks near the top after 20 years.
It was riveting! I think Mom found the clowns a little odd, but the feats of strength and theatricality were top-notch. I want to see more Cirque shows!!! I'd love to come back and see "O" or The Beatles LOVE.
On our last day together in Las Vegas, we did what we do best: SHOP. We finally found some great deals at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets - North. I snagged some deals at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Coach! I was definitely more into the shops at the outlet vs. stores on the strip. Thought I will say the Crystals luxury mall is architecturally gorgeous; I just don't need any Louis Vuitton or Tiffany's at the moment.
I had so much fun with my Mom in Las Vegas! I'm glad we were able to meet up and enjoy some one-on-one time together.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Las Vegas, Part I: Walking the Strip + Jersey Boys!
I was traveling to Las Vegas for work this week, and when Mom heard we got the idea to fly out early and enjoy a weekend on the strip.
We got a great deal to stay at New York New York, which I originally anticipated would be cheesy and older... turns out, it was modern, fun, had a ton going on, and was one of my favorite casinos!
We really liked our room, which had a partial view of the strip. We were kind of on the far south side of the strip, so the first day we did a TON of walking to orient ourselves. We walked from our hotel to the Bellagio, stopping to check out shops and things along the way. We caught the famous water show at the Bellagio, then headed inside to take a look at the beautiful hotel.
I love the blown glass inside the Bellagio... and also the insane chocolate fountain we saw at a candy shoppe!
In addition, it was the last day of Chinese New Year's decor, so Mom and I got to see the great floral decorations. I happened to be wearing my Chinese "happiness" earrings that day too!
That night, we had dinner and a show planned... a delicious French dinner at Mon Ami Gabi, and some great tickets to see Jersey Boys. Both were at the Paris casino.
We celebrated our birthdays at dinner (Mom's was in February, mine is this month) with a little dessert too. We also thought the show was very well done; we both love musicals. Mom took me to my first musical when I was in middle school, so it was fun to see a show together again.
It was an awesome time, and we definitely slept well after such a full day on the Strip!
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| New York New York |
We got a great deal to stay at New York New York, which I originally anticipated would be cheesy and older... turns out, it was modern, fun, had a ton going on, and was one of my favorite casinos!
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| Free photo! |
I love the blown glass inside the Bellagio... and also the insane chocolate fountain we saw at a candy shoppe!
In addition, it was the last day of Chinese New Year's decor, so Mom and I got to see the great floral decorations. I happened to be wearing my Chinese "happiness" earrings that day too!
We celebrated our birthdays at dinner (Mom's was in February, mine is this month) with a little dessert too. We also thought the show was very well done; we both love musicals. Mom took me to my first musical when I was in middle school, so it was fun to see a show together again.
It was an awesome time, and we definitely slept well after such a full day on the Strip!
