Let’s get one thing straight: You can’t out-train a crappy diet — no matter how many hours you spend in the weight room or on the field, track, mat or court.
And yet every season, someone’s still pushing the same outdated advice: “Carb load with a big plate of pasta the night before the game.” “Drink Gatorade to refuel.” “Eat whatever you want, you’re young!”
Wrong. If your performance matters, your nutrition better match it. And that doesn’t mean buying expensive powders, stocking up on energy drinks, or living on spaghetti.
The Carb-Loading Myth: Why Pasta Isn’t a Performance Food
Ah yes, the night-before ritual: a giant plate of white pasta drowning in Alfredo sauce because “we’re carb loading.”
But here’s the truth no one’s explaining to these kids:
Carb loading is not just about eating more carbs.
It’s about:
The right types of carbs
When you eat them
And whether your body is conditioned to store and use them properly
Dumping a load of pasta into your system the night before a game doesn’t magically fill your energy tank. In fact, it can backfire:
Spikes blood sugar, then crashes it
Leaves you bloated and sluggish
Provides zero fiber, vitamins, or minerals
Doesn’t refuel muscle glycogen effectively unless you’ve been depleting it through training
Let’s be clear: Not all carbs are created equal. Fuel smart with carbs from fruit, oats, potatoes, brown rice, and veggies — the kind that actually build energy stores without crashing your system.
The Right Way to Fuel: It’s About Consistency & REAL FOOD
The best-performing athletes don’t rely on a last-minute carb binge. They eat with intention every single day.
The Gatorade Illusion: It’s Basically Soda in a Sports Bra
Sure, Gatorade might look cool on the sidelines — neon bottles, commercials with pro athletes, and all the hype. But let’s be real:
Most of the time, Gatorade is just glorified sugar water with a colorful label and some salt sprinkled in.
Why the Sugar Is a Problem
One standard 20 oz Gatorade has 34 grams of sugar — that’s over 8 teaspoons in one bottle.
That much sugar:
💥 Spikes your blood sugar fast
😴 Leads to an energy crash mid-game or mid-practice
🧠 Affects focus and reaction time
🐛 Disrupts gut health (which affects immunity and recovery)
You don’t need a sugar crash in the 4th quarter when your body’s relying on stable energy and mental sharpness.
Why the Artificial Dyes Are Dangerous (Especially for Athletes)
You know that bright blue, red, or green glow? That’s not fruit. That’s petroleum-based food dye. Most Gatorade flavors are loaded with:
Red 40
Yellow 5
Blue 1
These dyes have been linked to:
🤯 Hyperactivity and mood swings
😵💫 Attention issues and irritability
😷 Inflammation — which slows recovery and messes with performance
🧬 Cellular stress — not what you want when building muscle or training hard
And yes — some of these dyes are banned or restricted in other countries. But not here. Go figure.
💧 So What Should You Drink Instead?
If you’re sweating hard and need electrolytes, skip the chemicals and go clean:
Better options:
Water + pinch of sea salt + splash of orange juice
Coconut water (unsweetened)
Electrolyte tablets or powders without dyes or added sugar!
Just plain water if you’re not in a high-intensity sweat session
Sugar crashes, brain fog, and chemical dyes have no business in your game-day lineup. If you’re serious about performance, don’t fuel like it’s a gas station slushie
This, Ladies and Gentlemen: This how you make a steel door look like wood – even when it is flat with no texture.
You ever look at something in your house and think, “Ugh, I hate that—but I also don’t want to drop $500 fixing it”? Welcome to my steel deck door. Flat. Dull. Zero personality. But instead of replacing it, I decided to give it a glow-up with a little paint, a little gel stain, and a whole lot of fake-it-til-you-make-it magic.
And let me tell you—it worked. This thing looks like real wood now, and I didn’t even break a sweat (okay, maybe a little sweat).
I even made a TikTok showing the process—check it out if you want to see this baby come to life in real time.
(And yes, I’m fully aware the current siding is not vibing with the new door color. Be patient—white vertical board and batten siding is coming soon, and that’s when the whole vision will finally slap. Stay tuned.)
Step One: Pick a Base Color That Makes Sense
You don’t want to go straight in with the wood grain—give it a believable foundation. I used Khaki Shade by Behr, which is a really soft, neutral tone that mimics the undertone of natural wood.
Let it dry completely. Don’t rush this. If you try to do the wood grain too soon, you’ll end up with a sticky, smeary mess that looks more like a toddler’s art project than a classy faux wood finish.
Step Two: Bring on the Gel Stain
I used Varathane’s Cherrywood Gel Stain—because I wanted that rich, reddish warmth without going too dark. I worked in small sections and applied it with a chip brush before using a wood grain tool to drag the pattern through.
It comes with a couple different patterns, so don’t just slap it on your door and hope for the best. Test them out first. I practiced on a scrap board to figure out which look I liked most.
Step Three: Work in Sections + Keep It Clean
Do one small section at a time. Like, really small. Gel stain dries fast and gets tacky, so if you try to do a whole panel at once, you’re gonna have regrets. Also, clean your tools immediately—especially the wood graining tool. That gel stain is no joke once it dries. I used paint thinner to help clean mine and it made a big difference.
Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started
The wood grain tool takes a little finesse. Rock it slightly as you drag it down to get a more natural look.
Don’t overthink the pattern. Real wood has imperfections, and that’s what makes it look legit.
If you mess up a spot, no big deal—just reapply the gel stain and try again.
Ventilation is key. This stuff smells.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this is one of those projects that makes you feel like a total badass when it’s done. My flat, lifeless steel door now has character, warmth, and serious curb appeal—and all it took was some gel stain and a little confidence.
If you’re staring down a door that could use a facelift, try this first before replacing it. It’s budget-friendly, renter-friendly (as long as your landlord’s cool with it), and totally satisfying to pull off.
If you liked this article or my videos about how to make a steel door look like wood, I’m all about low-cost, high-impact design—browse the full collection of transformations here.
Share it! Pin it, post it, text it to your group chat of home-decor-obsessed humans. Sharing this post helps my blog grow and keeps the DIY projects flowing—and I seriously appreciate it.
Okay, real talk—I’m writing this from the couch, wrapped in a blanket, sipping on something that looks a little… prehistoric. But don’t let the caveman vibes fool you—this is liquid gold, and it’s doing serious healing magic in my gut.
That’s right. We’re talking bone broth—the old-school remedy making a comeback for a very good reason. And if your stomach’s been throwing tantrums like mine has lately, you’re going to want in on this.
Why Bone Broth Is the OG Gut Healer 🦴✨
Bone broth isn’t just trendy—it’s timeless. For centuries, people have simmered bones, connective tissue, and scraps into nutrient-rich broth to heal everything from the sniffles to sore joints. But lately, gut health has taken the spotlight—and bone broth is having its main character moment.
So why does it help?
1. Collagen & Gelatin = Gut Lining Support
Bone broth is loaded with collagen, which breaks down into gelatin. Gelatin helps coat and soothe your digestive tract—like a warm hug for your insides. This is major if you’ve got gut inflammation, leaky gut symptoms, food sensitivities, or want to have better overall gut health.
2. Packed with Amino Acids 🧬
Bone broth is rich in amino acids like glutamine, glycine, and proline—each one plays a key role in rebuilding tissue, reducing inflammation, and supporting your immune system. Basically, it’s like giving your gut a toolbox and saying, “Fix this mess.”
3. It’s Easy to Digest
When your digestion’s off, even healthy food can feel like a war zone. Bone broth is gentle, soothing, and nutrient-dense without requiring a lot of digestive effort. Which makes it the perfect comfort sip when you’re feeling off.
When I Sip It (And Why You Should Too)
I turn to bone broth any time:
My gut’s acting up
I’m recovering from being sick
I’m doing a gentle reset or detox (hello, Eat Clean 21)
I need something nourishing that doesn’t involve chewing (because #lazy)
Sometimes I drink it straight from a mug with a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of turmeric. Other days I’ll use it as a base for soups, stews, or even to cook rice for an extra nutrient boost.
🛒 Affiliate Moment: Want to try it for yourself? Here’s my favorite organic bone broth brand that’s ready-to-sip and super clean: 👉 Lono Life Bone Broth
And if you’re the DIY type, I’ve got a recipe coming soon!
Feeling Bloated, Foggy, or Just Blah?
You’re not alone. Gut health issues are everywhere—but healing starts small. And sometimes, all it takes is sipping something warm and ancient to remind your body, “You’ve got this.”
If you’re looking to really reset and support your gut from the inside out, check out my full-body wellness reset, Eat Clean 21. It’s a 21-day real-food detox packed with gut-friendly recipes (bone broth included), meal plans, and more. 📘Find Eat Clean 21 on Amazon!
💌 Please Share This Post!
If your gut needs some love or your bestie is always complaining about “stomach stuff,” hit share. Every pin, post, and comment helps this blog grow and helps someone else feel better in the process. You’re the real MVP.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your living room is giving tired, mismatched, or “meh”… it might be time for a refresh. Not a little fluff and a scented candle. I mean full-blown, pull-it-apart-and-start-over vibes. And that’s exactly what I did.
What started as “I should do something with that TV wall” turned into a full living room makeover—with new furniture, a 9-piece photo collage, and yes, an olive tree that made me question if I’m now a plant person. Spoiler: I am.
The TV Wall That Started It All (Literally)
This glow-up wasn’t just a design choice—it started with a hammer and a decision.
I had to tear out the electric fireplace and mantle to expand my son’s room. Once that wall was down, it opened up a whole new layout opportunity. I realized I could move the TV to the much bigger wall, completely rethinking the flow of the space.
That move changed everything.
I’ve got a Samsung Frame TV (yes, the one that looks like art when it’s off), so now when you walk in the front door, it’s one of the first things you see—and it actually feels intentional. Like, “oh this person has taste,” not “they shoved a screen where it fit.”
Design meets function, and it’s finally working for me.
Lake Erie (Sort Of)
You might notice the piece of driftwood sitting on the shelf below the TV. Funny story—I’ve never even been to Lake Erie.
I spotted it during a visit to my dad’s house. It was just laying around, looking all perfect and sculptural. So I casually (and repeatedly) mentioned how obsessed I was with it. You know, just enough comments to make it very clear it would look better in my house than in his garage.
Sure enough, by the time I was loading up to head home, it was already tucked into the back of my vehicle.
Yes, I’m 37 years old and still out here taking stuff from my parents. Some things never change—and thankfully, neither does driftwood.
The shelf itself—and the full TV wall it lives on—is a whole DIY project of its own. I’ll be sharing that build in a separate post soon, because trust me… it deserves its own moment.
The 9-Frame Gallery Wall (a.k.a. My New Favorite Thing)
I’ve always loved a good symmetrical grid, and this one hits just right. A 3×3 layout using matted weathered frames created a high-impact moment above the oversized chair. It’s clean, dramatic, and makes every photo look professionally printed—even if it was taken on a cracked iPhone and printed on the cheapest possible paper at home!
The matted frames are the secret sauce. Trust me on this one.
The Couch Chronicles (Because Yes, I Replaced It… Again)
This was couch number two within just a few years, and let me explain why—because this was not just a “because I wanted to” situation.
My living room has what I like to call a chaotic layout. There’s a giant window on one side and a constant flow of traffic running straight through it, thanks to the entry at the opposite side that leads to my boys’ rooms. It’s not exactly a cozy nook—it’s more like a design puzzle with elbows and backpacks flying through it.
My first solution? I bought a modular sofa set so I could configure it to the weird shape of the room. Great idea in theory… until I realized it was the most uncomfortable furniture on the planet. No one sat in there. My family literally avoided the living room like it was cursed.
So, round two.
I replaced it with something much more modern and low-profile—clean lines, soft fabric, and a neutral tone that didn’t compete with everything else going on in the space. It was still cozy enough for Sunday naps, but stylish enough that I wouldn’t cringe every time I looked at it.
Most importantly: it worked. The room finally feels like a place we can all hang out again.
Olive Tree Energy 🌿
I swore I didn’t need one. I was not going to give in to the overdone olive tree trend. It felt like one of those Pinterest things everyone has and no one questions. But after Ava’s surprise bedroom makeover (read about it here), I couldn’t not have one. It just made sense.
Now that it’s here? I’m fully converted. The faux olive tree softens the room, fills that awkward corner like it was custom designed for it, and brings in that warm, designer-magazine vibe without trying too hard.
Plus, it never dies. And that’s exactly the kind of plant energy I can commit to.
Before Pics Coming in Hot
There’s something wildly satisfying about seeing the before photos that show the fireplace and the old couch. What used to feel like a mismatched mashup now feels intentional, cozy, and so me.
What I Love About This Refresh:
It was budget-friendly but made a huge impact
Nothing permanent—just layered styling and thoughtful swaps
It blends clean design with cozy textures
It finally feels like a space I want to be in, all day every day
Oh—and the Art?
If you’re wondering about that textured art moment above the couch, yep… I made that too.
It’s part of the full living room glow-up, and honestly? One of my favorite DIYs to date. I used plywood, spackle, and flat black paint to create this big, bold, three-piece set—and it looks like it came straight out of a designer showroom.
If your space feels stale, change it. Rearrange it. Add a tree. Hang a gallery wall. Toss the couch that makes you cringe.
You don’t need permission to make your home feel amazing. You just need a free afternoon, a little vision, and maybe some spackle.
This space makeover made you double-tap in real life?
Share it! Pin it, post it, text it to your group chat of home-decor-obsessed humans. Sharing this post helps my blog grow and keeps the DIY projects flowing—and I seriously appreciate it.
Round 4 Las Vegas. Back to the land of neon lights, slot machines, and questionable life decisions. But let me tell you, this trip wasn’t about gambling away my life savings (although I did consider it after one overpriced cocktail). We were invited by friends, Heather and Eddie who had never been to Vegas before. We were all ready to celebrate Heather’s 50th birthday in full-blown food snob style! And I’ll tell ya, we definitely all walked away with some new, higher standards for a steak!
Staying Classic at the Flamingo
We kicked things off at the Flamingo, because if you’re going to Vegas, you might as well stay somewhere iconic. Plus, pink birds and palm trees? Yes, please. The room had that vintage Vegas vibe, and an amazing view, with a side of “this carpet has seen some things.”
Even though this was my second stay at the Flamingo, I still haven’t caught any of their famous shows. But let me let you in on a little secret: the slots there? Very generous in the early morning hours. One of my favorite rituals was placing a Starbucks pickup order, heading downstairs, and enjoying my coffee with a side of gambling. There’s nothing like sipping on a venti pikes place while pretending you’re Archie Karas at 7 a.m. That’s peak Vegas energy. Bonus points if you’re rocking sweatpants and a messy bun while placing your bets, because nothing says ‘high roller’ like looking like you just rolled out of bed and straight into a jackpot.
Steak with a Side of Kitchen Secrets
Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Steak wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. We enjoyed a full menu tasting that included: a scotch egg, Hamachi Crudo, Diver Scallops Risotto, Beef Wellington, and Sticky Toffee Pudding! We reserved a spot next to the kitchen, where we could watch the magic happen, and even chat with the chef. I don’t know if it was the extra dirty martini talking or the proximity to fame, but I was ready to quit my life and become a sous chef by the end of the night. The Beef Wellington? Perfect. The vibe? Even better. The Quail Egg? HOLY SMOKES! And yes, I did resist the urge to yell, “IT’S MUSH, ABSOLUTE MUSH, WHAT IS HAPPENING?” Even though the risotto was so dang good!
Pro Tip: If you want to indulge in this kind of foodie experience, consider booking a more budget-friendly hotel so you can splurge on unforgettable meals. Let’s just say, when that check arrived, it wasn’t for the faint of wallet—but every bite was worth it!
Because every bougie night out deserves a dress that’s as unforgettable as the memories. This one? It nailed the vibe. Grab your own show-stopper here!
Desert Detour: Hoover Dam and Beyond
Because we’re not just about glitz and glam, we rented a car and headed to the Hoover Dam. We walked halfway across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to get a fabulous view of the Dam, Lake Mead, and even some of the Colorado river! The engineering was impressive, but the real highlight? Random desert photo op stops. We even hiked up to this little cave for a shot that screamed, “Yes, I’m an adventurer. Please admire me.” Oh, and I may or may not have taken home a rock as a souvenir. Because nothing says “memorable trip” like smuggling a piece of the desert back in your suitcase.
Golden Steer: The Holy Grail of Steak
You know a place is exclusive when getting a reservation feels like winning the lottery. The Golden Steer is old-school Vegas, dripping with history and beef so good it makes you want to cry. Frank Sinatra probably still haunts that place.
But let me be real—I rolled in miserable from an earlier cocktail. Not wanting to kill the vibe, I kept my game face on, and our amazing waiter totally saved the day. He brought me some Tums, served in the fanciest little bowl you’ve ever seen. Vegas knows how to keep it classy, even when you’re fighting heartburn.
Don’t sleep on the famous tableside Ceasar salad! Watching it being crafted right next to our table felt like a whole event—because somehow, tossing lettuce with style really does make it taste better. Classic, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it was the kind of salad that makes you question why you ever settle for the bagged stuff.
And let’s talk about the crab legs. The biggest, pre-busted beauties I’ve ever seen. Nothing better than a crab leg you don’t have to fight for. Just pure, buttery, seafood bliss.
The steak was melt-in-your-mouth, and the sides were worth every carb. This is the kind of dinner that makes you legit want to be in a whole new tax bracket!
Pro Tip: Want to lock down one of these impossible-to-get reservations? Download the OpenTable app and set an alert for cancellations. When that notification hits, don’t hesitate—tap ‘book’ faster than you can say “Vegas jackpot.” And just a heads up, once you’ve secured that coveted table, be ready for another big ticket. Fine dining in Vegas? It aint cheap!
While I messed up and didn’t get a full pic of my dress that night, you can catch this beaut in my friend’s hilarious Tik Tok (see links below).
Sky-High Views on the High Roller
If you haven’t seen Vegas from 550 feet in the air, are you even doing it right? The High Roller gave us all the views and a few moments of deep reflection on how tiny we really are compared to all that glitter. You can read more about the High Roller on my previous Las Vegas Wedding Post here.
Blackjack Shenanigans on Fremont
We couldn’t do Vegas without a little Fremont Street action. We hit up Circa, Golden Nugget (my absolute favorite), Binion’s, and Four Queens. The vibe? Pure old-school Vegas fun. Our strategy was simple: sit down, win some chips, and once we were ahead, pack up and move on to the next place. Like a little blackjack hop, but with more adrenaline and less walking.
Golden Nugget was the standout—maybe it was the vibe, maybe it was the cards, or maybe it was the drink service keeping spirits high (literally). Either way, there’s nothing like that sweet moment when you stack some chips and strut out like a winner. Sure, we probably broke even in the end, but it was a whole lot of fun pretending we were pros for a night.
Pro Tip: Keep moving once you’re up. It keeps the night exciting and your winnings in check. Not sure how to bet on Blackjack? Take a blackjack strategy card like this one with you, most casinos allow it, just be sure to ask the dealer for permission to use it ahead of time!
The Moments Between
The best parts? The laughs, the random stop at a 360 spinner on the Strip that we definitely off of a few times (graceful is subjective, right?). Then there was our stop at Blake Shelton’s bar, Ole Red, where the music was loud, the drinks were cold, and the vibe was pure country-meets-Vegas chaos.
And of course, making all of our Vegas trip TikToks in the hallway, in the uber, and even one poking fun at our husbands because nothing says “Vegas” like choreographing a video in your fancy shoes while someone yells, ‘One more take!’
Last but not least: gambling away all of our winnings on the very last day of the trip. We’re not exactly high rollers, but hey, breaking even is a HUGE WIN in Vegas.
TikTok Shenanigans: Because What’s Vegas Without Some Laughs?
Vegas brings out the wild side, and we made sure to capture it—awkward spins, hallway dancing, and maybe a few questionable moves. Check out some of the TikToks we made that had us laughing until our sides hurt:
Comfy, but stylish tennis shoes: These are my go-tos and they have survived 3 Las Vegas Trips! They literally go with every outfit!
Pro Tip: Think chic but functional. Vegas is all about being ready for anything—from fancy dinners to random adventures.
See You Again Soon Las Vegas!
Vegas is always a little chaos. We conquered it this time with a solid plan and it really paid off. Will I keep going back again and again? You know it! Though maybe with less ambition to conquer every steakhouse on the strip. I’m still full – and my wallet hurts!
Cheers to good friends, unforgettable experiences, and stories that definitely don’t stay in Las Vegas.
Because what happens in Vegas… gets blogged about later, put on TikTok, or both!
Happy 50th Birthday, Heather!
Feeling the Vegas Vibes?
If this post made you laugh, inspired your next girls’ trip, or just reminded you how fun it is to travel with your favorite people—share it! Pin it to your travel board, post to your stories, or share with your group chat and get to planning the next trip!
