First time in Vegas? Go big or go home—or in our case, go big and see our friends get married by Elvis. Our very first trip to the infamous desert city wasn’t just about soaking in the neon lights but celebrating love, dancing our hearts out, and of course, a little chaos. If you’re planning your first Vegas trip (or your first Las Vegas wedding experience), here’s what you need to know to make it unforgettable.
Where We Stayed: The Flamingo for Vintage Vegas Vibes
We kicked off the trip with a stay at the Flamingo. Why? because the wedding couple was right next door in the Hilton Grand Vacations club. Also, if you are doing something as classic as getting married by Elvis, might as well stay in the original casino finished and opened by Bugsy Siegel in 1946! First impressions? Vintage Vegas charm topped with a strong smell of something that is legal in Las Vegas, but not in Iowa! It’s one of the most iconic hotels on the Strip, and if you’re looking for classic Vegas vibes without blowing your whole budget, it delivers. Bonus: the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is free to explore, and yes, there are actual flamingos!
How to Do a Las Vegas Wedding Right: Elvis + Limo = Iconic
If you’re thinking of tying the knot Vegas-style, you can’t go wrong with the Graceland Wedding Chapel. It’s classic, fun, and yes—you get married by Elvis. Our friends did, and it’s a memory none of us will ever forget. Plus, you get the bragging rights of saying, “Yeah, we did the Elvis thing.”
Pro Tip: Splurge on the limo ride to the chapel. Not only does it add a little glam to the day, but it’s a great way to soak in the Strip, pump up the playlist, and snap some fun pre-wedding photos.
Must-Do Attractions: High Roller and Caesars Palace
Want a sky-high view of the Strip? Book a ride on the High Roller. It’s 550 feet of stunning views, made better by the fact that some cabins come with a bartender. Cocktails and views? Yes, please. Bonus: The High Roller was located right next to the Flamingo!
Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the ultimate photo ops, and don’t skip the open bar cabin if you’re looking for a little extra fun.
Don’t leave Vegas without a stop at Caesars Palace. It’s not just about shopping—though there’s plenty of that—but about stepping into a Vegas classic that makes you feel like you have traveled back in time to a roman empire. Take your photo by the iconic fountain (yes, the one from The Hangover) and pretend you’re part of movie history.
For the Adventurous: Fremont Street Zip Lining
If you’re up for a little adrenaline, zip-lining down Fremont Street is a must. It’s wild, fun, and gives you a totally different view of Vegas. You’re flying over street performers, neon signs, and probably a few people regretting their life choices.
Pro Tip: Book your zip-line adventure in advance, especially on weekends. And if you’re nervous, maybe don’t look down… or do, if you’re into that kind of thrill.
Where to Eat: From Steakhouses to Street Eats
No Vegas trip is complete without great food, and we hit both ends of the spectrum—from fancy to fun.
Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at the Flamingo served up classic Vegas vibes with modern steakhouse luxury. The ambiance was all glitz and glam, and the steaks? Perfectly cooked and paired with sides that made you feel like royalty. If you’re staying at the Flamingo, you may enjoy giving this a try! (Shhh, dont tell anyone, but there is a speakeasy located in the back of Bugsy & Meyers!)
Pro Tip: Make a reservation in advance—this place is popular. And don’t skip the dessert!
Something casual but unexpectedly amazing? Hawte Doggery became our latest obsession. We were originally turned on by hot dogs on our trip to New Orleans, so we absolutely had to try this place and it did not disappoint! Gourmet hot dogs that were absolutely next level. Think creative toppings, bold flavors, and zero regrets.
Pro Tip: This is the perfect late-night bite after a few cocktails. It hits the spot when you’re wandering the Strip in need of quick, delicious fuel. Its located in The LINQ Promenade – a strip of its own nestled between the Flamingo and Linq hotels.
Don’t Miss the Moments In Between
The best Vegas memories are the ones that aren’t planned. Random street performers, strolling through the Paris Hotel, and just soaking in the chaos. One minute you’re walking through a casino, and the next, you’re in an impromptu dance party.
Pro Tip: Let spontaneity happen. Wander. Explore. Say yes to the weird, random moments—those are the stories you’ll remember. When you are in the large resorts on the strip, take it all in. Visiting New York, New York? Let yourself pretend you are exploring the famous east coast city, and grab a slice of pizza! Stopping in to the Paris hotel? Take a quick pic by a street light for a memorable photo “strolling the streets of Paris!”
What I Packed for Vegas (and What You Should Too!)
If you’re heading to Vegas, here’s what you need in your suitcase to survive the heat, the walking, and the chaos:
Comfortable White Tennis Shoes: These go with everything and will save your feet when you’re walking the Strip or exploring hotels. Here’s my all time favorite pair!
If you’re planning your first trip to Vegas, here’s the secret: it’s not just about hitting every attraction but about letting the city surprise you. Mix a little planning with some room for spontaneous activities as well! From saying “I do” with Elvis to zip-lining over Fremont, Vegas is about making memories that definitely don’t always stay there – like a Las Vegas Wedding!
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Because once you’ve experienced Vegas chaos, it kind of calls you back for more. In the meantime, check out some of my other exploration and travel recommendations here.
Until next time, Vegas—stay wild and keep the lights on for me.
A Wild Weekend in South Dakota: Our Family Trip to Mount Rushmore 🇺🇸⛰️
Let me tell you about the weekend I finally checked Mount Rushmore off my childhood bucket list. As a kid, it was always promised. “Next summer,” they said. “Someday,” they said. Well—someday finally came. And it showed up in the form of a spontaneous family road trip with our two pre-teen boys and a car full of snacks.
We made our basecamp in Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s got solid hotel options, plenty of dining, and it puts you close to all the big attractions without camping next to a souvenir shop. (Not that I’m against souvenir shops—I’ll get to that.)
First Stop: Wall Drug 🤠
If you’ve ever driven through South Dakota, then you know Wall Drug is unavoidable. As in, they have signs for hundreds of miles that basically hypnotize you into visiting. And honestly? It didn’t disappoint.
Wall Drug is equal parts kitsch and chaos. Picture a wild west fever dream with free ice water, taxidermy, and giant dinosaur statues for no good reason. The boys were obsessed. I, on the other hand, was just trying to keep them from knocking over 1,000 ceramic cowboy boot mugs.
Detour Through Deadwood 🌒
From there, we swung through Deadwood—a historic gold rush town turned tourist stop. During the day, it was pretty cool! Lots of old western buildings, quirky shops, and history everywhere you turn.
But once the sun went down? Yeah… it turned into a ghost town real quick. A little spooky. Probably fun for a date night, but not exactly a party for the pre-teen crowd. We didn’t stay long.
The Black Hills & Badlands: Jaw-Dropping Views 🏜️
On the way back, we took the scenic route through Badlands National Park, and WOW. It’s like the moon and Mars had a baby and dropped it in South Dakota. Sharp ridges, deep canyons, and golden grasslands that stretch forever. The boys were stoked to spot prairie dogs darting around, and I was just vibing in awe.
Next, we rolled into Custer State Park, and that’s where the wildlife show really kicked off. Bison, pronghorns, even a scrappy little coyote made an appearance. We were basically on safari—but in the Midwest. Pro tip: crack the windows, but keep your snacks sealed. Those bison? They’re bold.
The Most Random Highlight: Backwoods Trout Fishing 🎣
In true road trip fashion, we also veered wildly off-plan and went trout fishing. My partner remembered doing it as a kid, and next thing I knew, we were 60 minutes down a gravel road toward what can only be described as the sketchiest fish pond in the Midwest. Was it slightly backwoods? Yes. Did we have the best time ever? Also yes. We caught dinner and a core memory.
Finally… Mount Rushmore 🗿✨
Now for the moment that made my inner child cry: Mount Rushmore.
We woke up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds (and because children don’t understand the concept of sleeping in on vacation). Watching the sun rise over the Black Hills was already magical, but as we walked up to the monument, my boys literally started bouncing with excitement.
Then—BOOM—there they were. Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln. Right there in the rock, larger than life. It hit me harder than I expected. Seeing those giant presidential faces staring back at you, knowing you made it happen for your kids and your younger self? Unreal. Cue the slow-mo emotional montage.
What to Pack for Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills 🚗🧳
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few must-haves:
Sunscreen & Sunglasses: That South Dakota sun shows up. My fav SPF.
Layers: Mornings are chilly, afternoons heat up fast.
Park Passes & Maps: Don’t rely on cell service!
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A Private Chichen Itza Tour That Was More Sweaty Than Spiritual 🏛️☀️
When you think of visiting Chichen Itza, you probably imagine some profound, spiritual connection with ancient ruins and cosmic Mayan energy. And honestly? I thought I’d feel that too.
But nope.
It was 100% more sweaty than spiritual—though still absolutely worth it.
We booked a Chichen Itza private tour as a day trip from our resort in the Riviera Maya. And this wasn’t just any family vacation pit stop—my kids had just wrapped up a unit on Mayan history and culture in our homeschool curriculum. So this tour? Basically their final exam.
Private Tour Perks: No Herding, Just Learning 🚐
Booking a private tour was the best decision ever. We got picked up directly from the resort in an air-conditioned van (blessed), skipped the big tour group chaos, and got personalized insight from our guide. He was knowledgeable, super friendly, and had a deep love for Mayan history—which worked out perfectly, because my kids were ready to flex their knowledge.
Like seriously… halfway through the tour, the guide turned to me and said, “How do they know all this?”
Homeschool, baby. It works.
A Quick History Refresher 🗿
Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most powerful Mayan cities, thriving from around 600 to 1200 A.D. It’s best known for El Castillo (aka the Temple of Kukulkan), which is not just a stunning pyramid—but also a massive calendar, observatory, and acoustics playground rolled into one.
Yes, it’s true: if you clap in front of the steps, the echo sounds like a chirping quetzal bird. We tried it. It works. It’s weirdly magical.
The Heat Is No Joke 🔥
Let me be brutally honest: it was hot. Like, sunburn-through-your-sunscreen hot. Even with hats, sunglasses, and plenty of bottled water, we were melting.
I was ready for some spiritual awakening. What I got was a full-body detox via sweat. And I still wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Pro tip: Wear breathable clothing, pack sunscreen, and bring more water than you think you need. Or just pretend you’re at a Mayan sauna. Same vibes.
What the Kids Thought 🤓
Shockingly, they loved it. Between quizzing the tour guide and taking a hundred photos of every angle of the ruins, they were fully into it. Even the history they didn’t learn at home came to life as they walked through the temples, the observatory, and the sacred cenote.
They may have learned more in two hours here than in two weeks of textbooks. I call that a parenting win.
A Cenote Surprise & Lunch Break 🌮💦
Before heading back to the resort, our private tour included a stop for lunch and a visit to a nearby cenote. If you’ve never been to one, it’s basically nature’s swimming pool—cool, clear, and surrounded by jungle vibes.
I didn’t snap any pics (because, let’s be real, I was too busy enjoying the dip), but trust me—it was the refresher we needed after sweating our faces off at Chichen Itza. The water felt like hitting the reset button, and the simple lunch served afterward? Total perfection. Nothing fancy—just delicious local food that hit the spot.
If you’re booking a tour, make sure this stop is included. Your body will thank you. 💧🌮
If this sweaty little history adventure made you laugh, inspired your next family trip, or just gave you a good idea for your bucket list—share it! Pin it, post it, or text it to your travel buddy. Every share helps support this blog and keep new adventures coming. 🙌
Let’s be real; there’s always some illness lurking around the corner, trying to attack our immune system. It’s like, can we catch a damn break?! If only everyone would stay home when they’re sick, and germs didn’t exist, amirite? But, unfortunately, we can’t control what other people do. We can, however, control ourselves, and that’s what my family and I do to stay safe.
#1 We Like Our Supplements
Okay, listen up, people. We don’t mess around when it comes to our supplements. We load up on Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to boost our immune system. Let’s face it: it’s nearly impossible to get all the vitamins and nutrients we need from our messed up food supply. Most of the crap we eat today in the western world has zero nutritional value. So, we gotta give our bodies what they need to survive, or we’re screwed.
And get this, researchers from Spain found that COVID-19 patients with low levels of zinc in their blood didn’t do as well as those with healthier levels. So, we have that in the cabinet too! More info here.
I am not a doctor. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.
#2 We Limit Sugar
Look, I know sugar is debatable when it comes to being an immunosuppressant, but we do know that eating too much of that sweet stuff can screw up your body’s nutrient balance. And, if you mess that up, you’ll have some inflammation and metabolic disruption, which nobody wants.
So, at my house, we don’t keep sweets or sugary drinks in the house. If we don’t buy it, we don’t eat it (often). It’s that simple.
#3 We Get Outside & Move
Seriously, get your butt outside and move around. It’s a no-brainer. According to Dr. Stephen Chen, exercise can mobilize millions of immune cells, which is like an army of soldiers ready to fight off illness. And they’re all primed and ready to go when you exercise.
Oh, and by the way, if you’re outside and you’re alone, take off that damn mask! There’s no scientific reason to wear it when you’re by yourself in the fresh air. Give your lungs a break, for heaven’s sake.
#4 We Drink Water, A lot of it.
Hydration, hydration, hydration. It’s key to a healthy life, especially when your body’s facing a potential threat. Our immune system relies on the nutrients in our blood system, and over half of our blood is made up of water! So, drink up, buttercup.
#5 We Eat Our Greens! I know, I know, some veggies can be gross. But, listen to me, these greens are your friends. They contain antiviral agents that can help boost your immune system. We’re talking arugula, beet greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, and watercress.
If you want to get nerdy and learn more about how these veggies impact your immune system, look into isothiocyanates (ITCs) and their immune-boosting capabilities. Trust me, your body will thank you.
#6 Essential Oils
Okay, okay, I can already hear some of you rolling your eyes, but hear me out. Essential oils are the bomb .com. And, yes, some of them can help boost your immune system and prevent the spread of illness. We use Lemon Oil to clean surfaces in our home. Lemon has some kick-ass antibacterial properties for cleaning, and it smells damn good too. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, so it’s a win-win situation. We also love Eucalyptus oil, which has decongestant and expectorant properties that support a healthy respiratory system. It’s like a breath of fresh air, y’all! We diffuse that bad boy at least once a week to keep our home smelling fresh and feeling healthy.
Want More Immune-Boosting Tips Like This?
This post is just the beginning. If you’re ready to clean up your diet and boost your energy naturally, my 21-day real food cleanse, Eat Clean 21, is packed with immune-supporting recipes, clean eating plans, and practical tips to get your body functioning at its best. (No calorie counting, no weird diet rules, just real food and real results.)
💪 Think of it as the ultimate reset button for your body—and your immune system.
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If this list gave you ideas (or maybe just a little guilt trip to eat your greens), don’t keep it to yourself! 📌 Pin it, post it, or text it to someone who needs a wellness wake-up call. Every share helps my little blog grow—and helps spread the word that we do have control over how we care for our bodies.
During a brief stint working as a 911 dispatcher, my co-workers and I would take turns bringing in different gourmet coffee. In the midst of an intense discussion about what coffee tastes better, one of the deputies recommended butter coffee and another co-worker agreed.
Assuming butter coffee was simply a slab of butter melted into my coffee, I scooped out some of our salted margarine from the bin and dropped it into my coffee. “Gross!” I said to myself as I poured it down the drain.
Almost a year later, and after losing approximately 30 lbs from cutting sugar, I set out on a journey to heal my ADD symptoms. It was then, that I stumbled upon “Butter Coffee” in a different light.
Bulletproof Coffee: The worldwide coffee phenomenon.
During an interview with Regina Meridith, Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof coffee, explained the cognitive benefits of adding butter and brain octane oil to your coffee, only this time I learned that it needs to be unsalted, grass fed, butter (not margarine) as well as to blend it all together to create a foamy latte-textured drink.
After hunting down some Kerry Gold Unsalted butter and purchasing Brain Octane Oil from Bulletproof, my life changed forever!
The enlightening benefits I received from consuming one cup of “Bulletproof” style coffee each morning:
Consuming healthy fats in the beginning of my day, provided me with increased energy & cognitive function.
Motivation
Decreased appetite in the morning – allowed for a longer intermittent fast.
Decreased sugar cravings.
I loved bulletproof coffee so much, that we introduced it at our coffee shop as the “Invincible Joe” Our butter and oil coffee is made from our single origin beans brewed and blended with grass-fed unsalted butter and coconut oil. We make this coffee at Carrier Coffee Company because it tastes great and has amazing health benefits.
If buttered coffee isn’t your thing, you can still get plenty of benefits from MCT or coconut oil. Try drinking your coffee black alongside a scrambled egg cooked in coconut oil, which is naturally rich in MCTs. You can also add it to your favorite smoothies. Just remember to stick with the all-natural (i.e., trans fat-free) varieties.
It’s an extra 200-300 calories, so it has to replace some food or another caloric beverage, Otherwise, you would gain an extra 20 to 30 pounds each year by having a cup per day. If you’re trying to cut calories or saturated fat, Bulletproof probably isn’t the brew for you. But it does have a whole lot more health benefits than many of the other blended whipped cream-on-top beverages you could be sipping.
If you try bulletproof coffee or any other kind of blended coffee at home, use caution when blending hot liquids. Please consult with your physician before starting a new diet or consuming increased amounts of fat & MCT oil as part of a health plan.
