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!
Let’s be real. If eating healthy required a degree in culinary arts and a personal assistant named Karen to handle all the prep, most of us would be living off chips and queso. (No judgment if that’s your current situation. Queso is a lifestyle.) But here’s the truth: eating healthy doesn’t have to be a full-time job. You can have your kale and eat it too, without spending every night sobbing over a cutting board.
Chop It Like It’s Hot
The second you haul that bag of vegetables home, act like a ninja and start chopping. Don’t shove them in the fridge to die a slow, wilted death while you “wait for inspiration.” You’re not waiting for inspiration; you’re procrastinating. Chop them. Toss them in containers, like these airtight veggie storage containers. Boom. You just shaved 20 minutes off your next meal prep. And future you is going to feel like an absolute boss when dinner or lunch takes five minutes to throw together.
Stop Overcomplicating It
Listen, you don’t have to be the next Top Chef to feed your family. Nobody is handing out Michelin stars in your kitchen. Pick a few staples that you like and rock those babies on repeat. Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, rice. Done. Taco Tuesday? Keep it simple with some seasoned ground meat, chopped veggies, and tortillas. The next day? Nachos from the leftovers. You can even have a “Snack Plate Dinner” where you toss random things on a plate—like cheese, nuts, fruit, sausage, and whatever else isn’t expired—and call it a day. Fancy? No. Effective? Hell yes.
Want some go-to staples to make your life easier? Here’s a no-nonsense list to keep stocked:
Proteins: Ground beef, steak, fish, turkey, chicken, pork. Keep it rotating so you don’t feel like you’re living in a grilled chicken loop.
Veggies: Frozen green beans, white rice, Brussels sprouts, black beans, chickpeas, asparagus, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and always the ingredients for a solid side salad. And side note? Sometimes frozen veggies are actually fresher than the “fresh” ones. They’re frozen at peak ripeness, while the “fresh” ones might have been hanging out in a truck for days. So don’t sleep on the freezer aisle.
With these staples on hand, dinner becomes as easy as tossing some meat on the grill (like this handy Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill and Smoker) adding a small starch, and piling on the veggies. Keep it simple and ditch the casseroles—because basic doesn’t mean boring, it means done, delicious, and most of all – healthy.
Variety is Great, But You Gotta Chill
Do you need to be a culinary Picasso every night? No. Stick to your basics until you’re bored, and THEN toss in a new recipe. Variety is awesome, but consistency keeps you sane. It’s okay if you rotate the same meals for a few weeks. Your kids probably won’t even notice as long as they’re fed and it doesn’t taste like sadness.
Prep When You Can, Not When You Should
If Sunday meal prep is your love language, go for it. But don’t force yourself into this box. Do small things when you can. I DO NOT MEAL PREP ON SUNDAYS! Sundays are for sweatpants, not sweatshops! I personally grocery shop and chop on Mondays, because let’s face it, they already suck. I also try to make sure to cook enough for leftovers for lunches. Side note, I used to be disgusted by leftovers until earning a serve safe certificate realizing restaurants are ALL LEFTOVERS. Yep, most restaurant food is prepared and kept for up to 6 days!
How I define “Healthy” as a Nutritionist
Eat Real Food. It’s that simple. Real Food to me is food that comes from plants, animals, or the sea – not created in a lab. I also don’t consider it to be “real” if I cannot pronounce it. If you must do Packaged food, look for labels with fewer than 5 ingredients. If you are using whole food to fuel your body instead of counting calories on the side of packaged lab food, you are on the right track! Once you are used to making meals out of whole ingredients, you can start to cut or add carbs, protein, etc.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not on a Cooking Show
You don’t need to perform culinary gymnastics to be healthy. You just need to make small, smart choices that work for you. And hey, you might enjoy spending hours in the kitchen prepping a meal that your family underappreciates. Pin a rose on your nose, Mother of the Year. The rest of us are just out here trying to survive and maybe look decent in swimwear this summer.
If anyone judges you for keeping it simple, hand them a knife and let them do the cooking. Bet they’ll shut up real quick.
So, cheers to eating healthy without losing your mind. Because the only thing that should be full-time is your paycheck, not your kitchen schedule.
Thanksgiving is next week, and yes, my Christmas decorations are going up right now. Why? Because I’m a rebel with a cause—my cause being: I do whatever makes me happy. And you can too. That’s our theme this week: doing what works for YOU as we approach a season that can feel like pure magic for some and a walk through hell for others. From passive-aggressive comments to the pressure to eat or not eat the right amount, and the inevitable guilt trip about where you’re spending your time, the holidays can be a lot. Let’s talk about reclaiming your peace, power, and plate—yes, literally your plate.
Porton-Size Drama: Because Everyone’s Got an Opinion
Ah, the plate-sized critique—it’s a holiday classic. Whether you’re going back for seconds or putting barely anything on your plate, someone always has something to say.
Whether someone’s saying, ‘Wow, that’s a big plate!’ or ‘Is that all you’re eating?’—it can feel uncomfortable, right?
If you load up with that extra scoop of stuffing, you hear: ‘Wow, someone’s hungry!’ or ‘I thought you were on a diet..” Or on the otherhand, you decide to take it light because you’re just not feeling it, or maybe… just maybe you cant stand the taste of some of the food or you know aunt nancy licks the spoon when she cooks and the thought of it grosses you out — I said what I said… and suddenly it’s: ‘Oh, are you even eating? Or Is that all your getting? You should try this… You know, you really should try everything!’
Can we normalize this? Your plate, your rules. Whether you’re indulging or keeping it chill, what’s on your plate is not an open invitation for commentary. Let them focus on their own portions, and here’s how to focus on your own peace.
Food is fuel, joy, and choice. Whether it’s a double serving of pie or a little nibble of the things you like, people usually project judgement about other’s food choices when they have their own insecurities. Maybe they would love the extra servings but cant bring themselves to do it, so they critisize you for doing so, or maybe they feel guilty about their heaping plate of pie so they critisize you for choosing no desert. Or finally they are just so damn proud of what they made it offends them when someone doesn’t touch it… This is a “them” problem, not a you problem. Let them judge while you savor every damn bite of whatever it is you want.”
You can effortlessly take the spotlight off your plate by flipping the script. Try answering the unsolicited comment with a subject-changing question like, “So, how’s work been?” Or own it completely—point to something on your plate and rave about how good it is. Redirect, refocus, and keep it moving!
And if all else fails, let them know your favorite health coach (yep, that’s me) isn’t about calorie counting or portion policing—it’s all about clean eating, nutrition-packed meals, and respecting that food is a personal journey. Oh, and remind them they can always reach out to me for coaching if they want to level up their own plate game!
The Attendance Olympics: The ‘No’ That Saves Your Sanity
“Why do the holidays always turn into a competition for where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and whether you RSVP’d to Aunt Susan’s second potluck? The pressure to show up everywhere can be suffocating.
Here’s a thought: Your presence is a gift—and one you can choose not to give this year.
If your energy is running low, say no. You’re not obligated to turn yourself into a holiday marathon runner just to keep everyone else happy except yourself. And guess what? You don’t need a dramatic excuse. A simple, ‘I can’t make it this year, but I hope you have a wonderful time,’ is more than enough.”
Mindset Shift: Prioritize the people, places, and moments that energize you. If that means skipping the big family gathering in favor of a cozy night with your dog and a Hallmark movie, so be it.
Sometimes skipping events can be one of the biggest acts of self care if it means protecting your energy. I always ask myself, am I going because I feel that I have to, or am I going because I want to.. And sometimes the answer isn’t in the favor of the people expecting me, and thats just fine. My life not theirs.
Dodge That Holiday Dodgeball
“Let’s talk about the family dynamics that make holidays feel like emotional dodgeball. You’re dodging backhanded compliments like: ‘Wow, you’ve really changed!’ (Gee, thanks.) Or you’re stepping around full-blown debates about your life choices, food, politics, or why you’re still single.
Here’s the thing: Boundaries are your holiday MVP. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, a defense, or your emotional bandwidth. When someone lobs a passive-aggressive grenade your way, you don’t have to catch it. You can say: ‘I’m not discussing that today.’ And then walk away to get more wine—or pie. Preferably both.”
Mindset Shift: Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re bridges to your sanity. Set them unapologetically and stick to them. And if you must use a comeback, here are some that pack humor and grace leaving you confident and in control.
Comment: “Wow, you’re still single?” Comeback: “Yep, I’m just waiting for someone as amazing as me. It’s a high bar.”
Comment: “I see you didn’t bring a dish to share.” Comeback: “I decided my sparkling personality was enough this year.”
Comment: “You’ve really changed since last year.” Comeback: “I’m pretty sure we’re supposed to.”
Comment: “We never see you anymore.” Comeback: “Well, you’re seeing me now—let’s make it count!”
Comment: “Are you really wearing that?” Comeback: “I know, right? I love this look. Highly recommend it.”
Comment: “Must be nice to have free time to do that.” Comeback: “It really is amazing.”
Comment: “Why don’t you have kids yet?” Comeback: “Because I love sleeping in and eating hot meals right now.”
Comment: “You look tired.” Comeback: “Funny, I feel great! Maybe it’s just my resting holiday face.”
Comment: “You’re not going to the family reunion again?” Comeback: “Nope! I’ll send my love —it travels better than I do.”
Comment: “I see you must not like the casserole?” Comeback: “Speaking of what’s on my plate, I love the turkey this year, what seasonings did you use?”
These comebacks can help you keep your cool, stay in control of the conversation, and subtly let the other person know their comment wasn’t appreciated.
The Holiday Blues: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
“Not everyone feels joy and cheer during the holidays—and that’s okay. Maybe it’s a tough time of year for personal reasons, or maybe the constant hustle just feels overwhelming. If you’re not in the spirit, give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.
Here’s your reminder: You don’t owe the world festive. It’s okay to be quiet, reflective, or even a little grumpy. The holidays aren’t a one-size-fits-all experience, and anyone who says otherwise can take their tinsel-wrapped judgment elsewhere.”
Mindset Shift: Allow yourself grace. Whether you’re thriving in the sparkle or just trying to survive, you’re doing the best you can—and that’s enough.”
I am giving your permission to be real and skip the festive act if that is what you need. If anyone has a problem with that, tell them to catch me outside how bout that.
“The holidays don’t have to be perfect, Instagram-worthy, or even traditional. They just have to work for you. Whether that means eating whatever the hell you want, skipping the third holiday gathering, or setting boundaries like the boss you are, remember: Your peace is priceless, and your choices are valid. So go ahead, pour the extra eggnog—or don’t. But either way, own it.”
Stop Faking It Until You Make It—Here’s What to Do Instead
Let’s Explore the real difference between ‘faking it till you make it’ and fully embodying the person you dream of becoming. And be sure to stick around—there’s an exciting announcement at the end of this post that you definitely don’t want to miss!
I get it all the time—weekly, sometimes even daily. People comment on how many things I’ve managed to accomplish or how many skills I’ve picked up over the years. I even have a friend who jokes about making a billboard that reads, “There’s nothing Jess can’t do.” Whether it’s small business ownership, economic development, website design, photography, home decor—you name it. But here’s the thing: I’m not some kind of prodigy. My method is actually quite simple.
I Never Once Thought I Couldn’t Do It
It’s really that simple. I wanted to be a photographer, so I visualized myself as one. And then I became one. No doubt, no hesitation. And guess what? You can do it too.
Some people struggle with visualization—and that’s totally okay. Here’s a quick exercise for you: think of anything you desire. It could be money, weight loss, physical fitness, better relationships, an amazing circle of friends, health, or even all of the above. Now picture it—this transformed version of you. Imagine yourself flexing those muscles in a tank top, rocking a bikini, strolling around your dream house, slipping into those jeans hidden in the back of your closet, holding hands with the love of your life, or being surrounded by friends who genuinely value you. Whatever it is—see it, feel it, experience it in your mind. Write it down if it helps you.
Embody It—Don’t Just Fake It
Here’s where the magic lies. Moving forward, start making decisions as if that future version of you is already here. Every choice you make should come from that place. Not from a place of lack or need, but from a place of abundance. It’s like you’re already that person and now it’s just about maintaining that state, not striving desperately to reach it.
“Fake it till you make it” is just a facade. And your subconscious mind? It knows better. Faking it can keep you locked in a mindset of lacking, of chasing. But when you fully embody the transformed version of yourself—both in public and in private—your mind has no choice but to align with that reality. Your subconscious kicks into action, guiding you to make decisions that bring about the abundance you’re visualizing.
The Power of Your Mindset
There’s so much more to this exercise than what I can fit into this post, but trust me—it’s one of the first things I teach all of my clients. And guess what? They see lasting progress. Why? Because this work changes the way you operate at your core.
But Jess, I Thought You Were a Nutritionist?
I am! I’m a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach. But here’s the deal: nutrition, to me, is anything that feeds you. Yes, this includes food, but it also involves your psychology, your spirituality, your environment, your relationships—literally everything that nourishes or influences you. That’s the only way to make any kind of lasting change, whether it’s weight loss or achieving peak levels of wellness.
So yes, I can help you with meal planning and clean eating. But we often need to dig deeper to uncover what’s holding you back before we can move forward.
The Announcement: Let’s Get Unstuck Together!
Right now, I’m offering a coaching program that includes weekly sessions, my published books, and access to me via text—for a price lower than ever before! I want to help as many of you as possible to get unstuck. Let’s fill my calendar and start this journey together. Check it out here —–> Transformational Nutrition Coaching
The last grey room of the house… finally white and black, with some beautiful new fixtures, shower curtain, and medicine cabinet.
Shop This Project
Setting the Scene: The Vision
Every great makeover starts with a vision, and for this bathroom, the goal was to blend modern organic with rustic charm. I wanted to create a space that felt relaxing, yet on-trend.
Lighting the Way: Farmhouse Fixtures
One of the key elements of this makeover was the farmhouse light fixture. With its vintage-inspired design and warm glow, it instantly adds character to the space. Positioned above the mirror, it not only illuminates the room but also serves as a stylish focal point.
Reflecting Style: Trendy Round Mirror
No bathroom makeover is complete without a statement mirror, and this one certainly delivers. The trendy round shape adds visual interest, while the sleek frame complements the modern aesthetic. Positioned above the sink, it reflects natural light and opens up the room, making it feel more spacious. For this space, I could have gone a few inches larger on the mirror, but for now – this works great. It was simple to hang and although it appears to be heavy duty, it was light weight.
Functional and Fashionable: New Medicine Cabinet
Storage is always a priority in a bathroom – especially in a house that only has ONE! The new medicine cabinet checks all the boxes. It provides the perfect blend of functionality and style. Plus, the sleek design and black color, against the white wall seamlessly integrates into the overall look of the space.
Curtain Call: Extra-Long Linen Shower Curtain
To add texture and depth to the room, an extra-long linen shower curtain was installed. Not only does it create a soft, airy feel, but it also adds a touch of luxury to the space. Paired with the ceiling track, it allows for easy movement and adds a twist to the traditional shower setup.
Painting a Picture: Behr’s Blank Canvas and Black
Last but certainly not least, the paint colors set the tone for the entire makeover. With Behr’s “Blank Canvas” and “Black,” the bathroom exudes sophistication and style. The matte sheen adds a subtle elegance, while the contrasting colors create depth and dimension.
The Final Look: A Blend of Modern Organic and Industrial Farmhouse
When it all comes together, the result is nothing short of stunning. The farmhouse-inspired elements, such as the light fixture and round mirror, are perfectly balanced with modern touches like the shower curtain track and sleek paint colors. The end result? A bathroom that’s both beautiful and functional—a true sanctuary within the home.
Bathroom Counter Refresh Aesthetically Pleasing Home Upgrades Part 1 (soap dispensers, walmart planter) all items are shoppable on my website, follow the link in my bio.
My posts contain affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. There are also a few ads from google placed throughout my site. This helps fund my work and research. Thank you for your support!
