BEST OF LAS VEGAS | TOP 13 'MUST-SEE' DESIGNED BARS + RESTAURANTS

If there’s one thing Las Vegas isn’t missing, it’s the plethora of incredible restaurants. However, not all of them are as gorgeous as these top 13 must-see designed restaurants for all you design and architecture addicts. From the retro-inspired tropical bars to stepping back into the glam, Great Gatsby era, these inspiring hospitality interior designed spaces are top-tier places to visit while you’re on vacation this summer in the desert. Don’t just indulge in the tastes and smells, but enjoy the colors, textures and lights of the amazing interior design and architecture Las Vegas has to offer.

Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge | Mirage Las Vegas

The tropical oasis located on the Las Vegas Strip serves up signature cocktails, elevated bar bites, and a refined cigar menu coupled with nightly entertainment. Whether sipping a specialty cocktail at the inside bar, meeting friends for a late-night snack, or people watching on the outdoor patio, Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge will be the place to see and be seen.

Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge at The Mirage Las Vegas | Design: Basile Studio

Check availability at The Mirage Las Vegas and book your stay today!

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Superfrico | The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Superfrico is an Italian American Psychedelic restaurant inside the ultimate Las Vegas house party. Beyond its enigmatic purple doors, world-class, rule-breaking creatives cut loose and do their thing—in the kitchen, behind the bars, inside the walls, under the bed—and you’re invited. A veritable smorgasbord for the senses, Superfrico is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. Expect wall-to-wall eye candy across a series of imaginatively-themed, infinitely explorable bars, lounges and dining rooms, all with a bumpin’ soundtrack courtesy of the Strip’s only all-vinyl DJ.

Superfrico at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas | Design: Spiegelworld

The Chandelier Bar | The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

A multi-story visual wonder housing three unique lounge experiences, The Chandelier expresses elements of playground, art exhibit, and cocktail haven all at once. The Chandelier is a living, breathing architectural wonder created by shimmering, beaded curtains of light.

The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas | Design: Rockwell Group

Vesper Bar | The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

With mirrored tiles surrounding neon accents and waves of gilded gold hanging above you, Vesper Bar brings a contemporary flair to a classic look. Enjoy a signature cocktail from a menu featuring timeless classics and some that we’ve reimagined or choose something from our extensive list of wines by the glass and bottled beers.

Vesper Bar at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas | Design: PUNCH Architecture

Check availability at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas and book your stay today!

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Bejing Noodle No. 9 | Caesars Palace Las Vegas

With the wide selection of authentic dishes on our menu, it means you'll never eat the same thing twice. Whether you’re craving chow mein, fried rice or a lychee martini, you can find it at our upscale Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas. Walk through a dramatic entrance flanked by giant fish tanks and immerse yourself in energy reminiscent of the streets of Hong Kong or Beijing.

Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas | Design: Bergman Walls & Associates

Stanton Social Prime | Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Chef Chris Santos continues to redefine the dining scene with his creative cuisine and innovative dishes at Stanton Social Prime in Caesars Palace Las Vegas. True to the showmanship of Las Vegas, Stanton Social Prime also features theatrical tableside presentations, delectable desserts, and charming craft cocktails.

Stanton Social Prime at Caesars Palace Las Vegas | Design: Rockwell Group

Check availability at Caesars Palace Las Vegas and book your stay today!

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Craig’s Vegan | Resorts World Las Vegas

Nothing says guilty pleasure quite like ice cream and Craig’s Vegan Ice Cream inside of Resorts World Las Vegas is delivering just that. The LA-based establishment has made it’s way to Vegas with all of its vegan fanfare in tow. Satisfy your sweet tooth with rich, creamy and decadent vegan frozen treats like ‘Perfectly Chocolate’, ‘Kursten’s PB Krunch’ and ‘Melrose Mint Chip.’ Stop in for a scoop or a sundae, or take (multiple) pints to go.

Craig’s Vegan at Resorts World Las Vegas | Design: DEZMOTIF Studios

Bar Zazu | Resorts World Las Vegas

Bar Zazu showcases the spirit and flavors of Europe in a festive and stylish atmosphere. The chic bar, lounge, and whimsical dining room provide a distinct ambiance for visitors to enjoy Executive Chef Nicole Brisson’s globally-inspired cuisine alongside an array of brews, wine, and specialty cocktails.

Bar Zazu at Resorts World Las Vegas | Design: Moser Architecture Studio

Check availability at Conrad Las Vegas At Resorts World and book your stay today!

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Delilah Lounge & Fine Dining | Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas and acclaimed global hospitality partner h.wood Group present a modern-day supper club, Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas. Located in the exclusive Tower Suites enclave, Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas offers a true supper club atmosphere, inspired by the earliest showrooms of Las Vegas in the 1950s. The venue has multiple environments for guests to dine and socialize, with live music and special performances, DJs and Sunday Night Jazz.

Delilah Lounge & Fine Dining at Wynn Las Vegas | Design: Todd Avery-Lenahan, The h. Wood Group

Check availability at Wynn Las Vegas and book your stay today!

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CATCH | ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas

The go-to dining destination for celebrities from Los Angeles to New York City, CATCH is the only location to bring epic renditions of Asian-influenced sushi, seafood and steak. So meet here, eat here and party here. At CATCH, you can come for dinner, and stay late night. You are where you eat.

CATCH at ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas | Design: Rockwell Group

Check availability at ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas and book your stay today!

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Night + Market | Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection By Hilton

California chill meets Bangkok frenzy at chef Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market. His award-winning Thai street food has won his Los Angeles locations countless awards, most recently a James Beard nomination for ‘Best Wine Program.’ What started 10 years ago as an extension of his family’s kitchen has led Yenbamroong to be named Food & Wine’s ‘Best New Chef’. He takes recipes from the ‘old country’ and gives them a dizzying modern spin.  Whether it’s the crispy rice salad or outside-the-box fried chicken sandwich, some of the dishes are traditional, some are evolutions, some are not even Thai at all, but presented together it’s Night + Market.

Night + Market at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection By Hilton | Design: Studio Collective, Rockwell Group

The Bar at Commons Club | Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection By Hilton

Commons Club Lounge is designed for people to gather, enjoy and be in the moment. Hotel guests and locals alike can treat themselves to an extensive, but highly curated wine list. For the savvy connoisseur, we offer a wide-ranging, locally-sourced wine by the glass menu. Beers and craft brews also prominently populate the list. Our signature cocktails reflect our English heritage, but with influences of the ever-present cocktail culture that is only in Las Vegas.

The Bar at Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection By Hilton | Design: Studio Collective, Rockwell Group

Check availability at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Curio Collection By Hilton and book your stay today!

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La Strega by Chef Gina Marinelli

We feature inspired, Italian cooking by Chef/Partner Gina Marinelli. Italy is Chef Gina's muse for her menus. Through her travels throughout various regions in Italy, she features menu items that are filled with old world charm, modern flair with the touch of a Strega.

La Strega | Design: Chef Gina Marinelli

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SAMSUNG GALAXY S8+ AND LAS VEGAS STUDIO POP-UP

This post was sponsored by Samsung.

As a content creator in today’s world, I’m constantly living my life through a lens. Capturing moments of my day and sharing them with you is just part of my regular, everyday routine. So I was excited when Samsung invited me to their Samsung Studio Pop-Up for an insider's peek at their newest innovation, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ !  It was a great opportunity to experience Samsung's cutting-edge products up close and personal. Once I got to know just how ah-mazing the Galaxy S8+ was, I took it for a spin and thought I would show off a couple of my fave, inspirational hidden spots here in Vegas!

At the Samsung Studio Pop-Up, guests could experience Samsung’s 4D Gear VR Theater, interact with the Samsung Gear 360° or even challenge a friend to a cycling game.  I’m all about a little retail therapy, so I checked out their new products and learned about the features on my new Galaxy 8+. I’m obsessed!

Love this pink, suede Alcantara cover!

Ended the evening with a mini dance party and performance by DJ Marshmello, hosted by Kelly Rowland.

The Infinity screen is one of my fave features of the Galaxy S8+. It’s one of the best smartphone screens and the biggest ever put on a Galaxy phone. It stretches from edge to edge and the curved design easily fits in your hand.

Another few ah-mazing features I’m completely smitten with…

• The Infinity screen even gives you the ability to use two apps at once

• The Infinity screen has 16 million colors and 4.1 million pixels

• The Galaxy S8 and S8+ is water resistant in up to 5 ft. of water for up to 30 minutes ( I saw this with my own eyes at the Samsung Studio!)

• Iris scanning for enhanced security and face recognition

•10nm processor that runs on 20% less power, so you get a longer and more efficient battery life

If I’m out on the weekend, you will typically find me hanging out in Downtown Las Vegas.  The old, nostalgic feel of the city combined with the new, colorful art gets me every time.

Some fun, inspirational street wall art I captured with the Galaxy S8+...

Whether you are heading to Vegas for a fun-filled weekend or just choosing to enjoy a little local staycation once in awhile (like me!), the Samsung Galaxy S8+ is the perfect little travel companion to capture the glistening lights and the local gems, like this.

Caffeine + Communication = Love.

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HOW TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY VEGAS STYLE

Last month, I turned the big 4-0!  For many months leading up to my birthday, I was terrified.  Sad and scared that I was leaving my 30's and discouraged that I didn't reach every goal so far.   There was so much anxiety and grief I was dealing with in my life that I wasn't sure I felt that it was right to have fun.  As it got closer to my big day, I realized I just had to embrace this next decade and party like a boss.  I also knew that if my dad was here, he would of kicked my a$$ if I didn't.  I suddenly knew I had to live in the moment, to celebrate me.  Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to celebrate your birthday and as a local, I don't always take time out to enjoy everything this crazy city has to offer. So even though my 3-day birthday binge left me with a sore cheeks from laughing every night and an ugly (sugar + alcohol) hangover, it was worth every moment. Whether you are a local or tourist, I promise you this fun guide won't leave you disappointed!

DAY 1 (FRIDAY): Check-in hotel (we stayed at the Palms Place Hotel & Spa & loved it!), indulge on delicious food at a fun dinner, then sing/dance your guts out. ✔

SUGAR FACTORY

Where do I begin?  We started the birthday weekend off with a bang!  The lovely folks at Sugar Factory treated us like royalty and the delicious and outrageous food created by Chef Mitch Homes was jaw-dropping!  As a guest of the restaurant, we were able to try and taste different drinks, appetizers, and desserts.  Some of our favorites were the Sugar Factory Rainbow Sliders, The Big Cheesy Burger, Caramel Sugar Daddy Cheesecake Milkshake, Lollipop Passion Goblet and of course the World Famous Sugar Factory King Kong Sundae! (even delivered with sparklers!)  This was such a fun experience and if there was ever a real-life Candyland, this is it!

THE BEATLES LOVE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

This show was everything to me.  I've been a die-hard Beatles fan since I could remember and with my 25+ years working/performing in the theatre arts behind me, it took this show to bring me back to life.  Lately my work has had me stuck behind this screen, but for 1.5 hours while singing to songs like, "Get Back" and "All You Need Is Love", I was so fulfilled with happiness that I wanted to cry. Inspiration overload!  The vivid costumes, acrobats, energy, talent and special effects was almost too much for one stage to contain. This historic and visually-stunning, musical journey inspired me to my very core. It brought back a sense of wonder I had suppressed and for that I'm grateful to every single member of the cast and crew for their talent and energy.  The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil show is by far the best show on the Las Vegas strip!

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DAY 2 (SATURDAY): Wake up & celebrate with a mini road trip, eat way too much birthday treats, spend quality time with friends and family, soak in all the memories and throw an epic hotel room birthday party! ✔

Apparently everyone runs on DUNKIN' DONUTS and so do I.  So head over to your nearest drive-thru for a pretty, pic-worthy donut & a much-needed, morning caffeine boost and hit the road! Enjoy all the gorgeous scenery at Red Rock Canyon and Seven Magic Mountains remain grateful for yet, another birthday. 

Now that you are back in the city, it's time to hit the strip and get an energy boost! First stop, SPRINKLES CUPCAKES. Load up on a few dozen birthday cupcakes for the party and don't forget to stop by the oh-so-cute, pink cupcake ATM around the corner from the shop!

Next stop, M&M's World. Both your party guests and friends back home will appreciate the bright, chocolate drops of heaven so stock up like I did on some fun colors like pink, teal and lime green. Four floors of adorable gifts and souvenirs of your fave cute and colorful M&M's characters. 

It's party time!  Hotel parties make me feel young, so maybe that's why I suggest them. When your friends and family take the time to fly into town and celebrate with you, it's nice to have a private place to gather and enjoy their company.  Then after you've drank a ton of pina coladas (and zima!) you can hit the casino later and get crazy with strangers, uh.. I mean respectfully nod and say hello to other fellow tourists.  I had fun making a photo backdrop for selfies and curating a fun party theme.  I wanted it to reflect me. Happy, Bold, Bright and Silly! When it's your birthday, it's the perfect excuse to embrace your inner child and dance to 80's/90's music all night. ...he he he

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DAY 3 (SUNDAY): Sleep in, nurse hangover, eat cupcakes for breakfast, soak in the sun, head downtown for photo opps and enjoy a few local hidden gems. ✔

DRAI'S BEACHCLUB is the perfect place to shake yo' ass and continue the party and enjoy the rooftop view of the strip.

Downtown Las Vegas is an entire adventure all on it's own.  The street art and vintage signs at The Neon Museum will leave you inspired and A few other of my fave spots end the evening at a couple of my fave DTLV spots.  Grab drinks with friends at The Griffin and then a bite to eat at the whimsical Park on Fremont.  Don't forget to sneak in the back of the patio and take a turn on the teeter totter, then stand in front of the green neon sign (below) and take a selfie. Let it be a reminder that you are fucking beautiful and what an incredible birthday you had...Vegas style!

A huge thank you to my ah-mazing brand partners for helping me celebrate the big 40!

*Disclosure: Thank you to The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil for providing complimentary tickets and to the Sugar Factory for providing complimentary meals. All opinions and reviews are my own. 

I LEFT MY HEART IN OREGON.

credit: mt. bachelor

If you follow me on instagram you might of noticed I took a little break last weekend. A very important, much needed getaway and in more ways than one I completely fell in love.  

Bend, Oregon was my destination and I was greeted by gorgeous nature, fresh air, the friendliest people and two absolutely adorable deer. 

My time here was spent unwinding and thinking. Sometimes in life, you just need to hop on a plane and go with the flow.  Last weekend was nothing short of magical. I learned a lot about myself and want I really want in life. I realized that I had bigger priorities and I refused to settle for less. The struggles I've endured over the past few years just seemed to melt away. For the first time I was able to see a clear future for myself and it just might be filled with a closet full of boots, gloves and scarves...

Bend is a quaint city filled with humble, kind people and my heart swelled from the joy.

Look at that view.  I'm not sure if it's gets better than this. The cold, crisp air felt invigorating and the nature was something I'd been craving for way too long.

I felt like a queen with a two bedroom suite (and a private hot tub) that overlooked the Deschutes River. Between the soothing sounds of the river, the crackling fireplace, the flowing wine and the great company I had, I was in complete heaven. 

Friday afternoon I spotted these two beauties from a distance and on Sunday morning, before I left, momma and baby came over to say hello. I'm pretty sure I gasped from excitement! After being a city girl for so long, I forgot the simple things in life that make me happy. 

If you are looking for a winter ski or family ski getaway for the holidays I highly suggest you don't hesitate another minute and book your lift and lodging package at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort in Bend, Oregon. This was by far the most quiet, coziest place I've ever stayed. It felt like home and I honestly, almost refused to leave. I spent time enjoying the nature and soaking in every breathtaking view.  I learned how to relax again and to sum it up, this trip was simply life-changing. It's ah-mazing what a few days in Oregon did for my soul. 

A big thank you Mt. Bachelor Village Resort and Bend for welcoming me showing me nothing but love. Oregon, you have my heart and I will be back sooner than later.

HALLOWEEN TIME AT THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Yes, I'm over 30 (cough! ...way over) but that doesn't mean I have to stop enjoying the fun things in life. No matter how old I get I will always be young at heart and embrace the happy things in life, even if the package it comes in, is a smiling, talking mouse.

I've worked hard this year and the best way I could imagine to celebrate, was a little fun at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. I chose to take my brother Chris, since he's been with me through the tough times and has a bit of an obsession with all things Halloween.  We indulged in as many rides as we could fit in, we ate too many churros, chocolate chip cookies, chilaquiles, cinnamon crisps, bread bowls and bbq skewers. The 13 hours of walking balanced it all, at least that's what I keep telling myself...

Haunted Mansion Holiday is always my fave and the old, musty smell of Pirates of the Caribbean brings me back to the days when I use to work at Disneyland Costume Department (one of my most beloved jobs of all time) and on special cast member employee nights we would ride this over and over again. It was magical.

The happiest place on earth.  A place where you can laugh, forget your worries, sing, dance, act silly, and wear mouse ears without being judged.

Fantasyland is by far, my fave and in honor of the dvd/blu-ray release of Alice Through The Looking Glass, here's a little glimpse into Alice's world...

Thanks Disneyland, for allowing me to take a little break from being an adult.  If you're reading this post and are wondering how to have some Halloween fun this month, while you need to 'forget about your worries and strife', I highly suggest a trip to The Happiest Place on Earth!

*Disclosure: Thank you to Disney for graciously providing me with park-hopper passes.