Lynds in Real Life

A Lifestyle Blog

Health Las Vegas

Working My Way Toward Wellness With Stretch Therapy – Week Two

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My first two weeks of stretch therapy at Kika Stretch Studios Summerlin were phenomenal! My last post was written before I had my stretch therapy sessions, and this post is to give you my impressions (& what the sessions are like), as well as an update of how I’m feeling (hint: great!).

Kika stretch therapy at Kika stretch studios Summerlin

The first two sessions (with Tamara) were really amazing! I’ve been suffering from low back pain for a very long time; I’d say at least a decade. In these stretch sessions, Tamara guided me and truly helped me stretch all the muscles in my body. I’d say it’s pretty similar to doing restorative yoga, but during this, you have a certified stretch therapist to really push and stretch your body. I’ll have to take video at my next session so you can see what I mean!

So like I said, it gives me yoga + Pilates vibes. However, it also incorporates physical therapy and massage therapy. Imagine those four things rolled into one, and that’s what you get with Kika stretch sessions. [basically, wellness perfected]

Kika stretch studios Summerlin Kika stretch therapy health wellness

My low back honestly feels better than before! It’s not perfect, and the pain does come back about four days after my session (which they said is typical). But my back does feel better than it did two weeks ago.

TL;DR: the stretch sessions are relaxing, yet invigorating. It’s my favorite part of my week! The studio is beautiful, my stretch therapist is knowledgeable and nice, and my back feels better (even if only a little bit).

This week, I’m hoping to work on my neck, because I pulled a muscle and I can’t turn my head! *facepalm*

•What would you want to work on in stretch therapy? Share with us in the comments!

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Fitness Health Las Vegas

Working My Way Toward Wellness with Stretch Therapy – Week One

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I’ve been experiencing some kind of chronic pain for at least 5 years. My worst pain is in my low back, followed by hip pain (in both hips, but mainly my right hip), and as of the last year, my right neck/shoulder (thanks to surgery and at least one wonky nerve).

In Las Vegas (Summerlin specifically), there’s a stretch therapy studio called Kika Stretch Studios. I think it might be my saving grace!

At this studio, a highly trained Kika therapist gently assists the client with stretching. I’d say Kika stretch therapy is a mash up of yoga, Pilates, physical therapy, and massage therapy (4 of my favorite things!). The stretch sessions are designed to relieve the body of muscle pain, tension, and fatigue.

“Revive your body and ease your mind. The Kika Method© is meant for anyone who wants to move and feel the natural way that you were designed to.”

Kika Studios Website

I’m starting a 5-week wellness journey where I’ll participate in a Kika stretch therapy session every Friday (after the busy work week and before the relaxing weekend!). The stretch therapist I’ll be working with is Tamara.

I’m really excited and can’t wait to share all about my experience and progress – I hope you choose to follow along with me! I’ll be posting here on my blog, as well as my Instagram and Facebook pages.

Be on the lookout for a “first session” post in a couple days!

Best of Vegas Articles Las Vegas

The Best Late Night Eats in Downtown Las Vegas; Best of Vegas

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My latest article spotlights the 5 best places to visit for a late night snack in Downtown Las Vegas.

 

I am beginning a series of freelance articles published on BestOfVegas.com. This first installment provides great places and dishes for a late night snack when hanging out in Downtown Las Vegas!

 

Check out my recommendations here:

https://www.bestofvegas.com/articles/best-late-night-eats-downtown-las-vegas/

 

Blog Image by Henson Rodriguez
Las Vegas

Monopolies Are Bad For Nevadans, Here’s Why

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This post is sponsored by Nevada Speaks.

I have loved living in Nevada for the past 2 years. It’s such a cool state, full of beauty, history, recreation, and of course, Las Vegas (where I’m living currently)!

visitlasvegas.com
The cost of living is relatively low (at least compared to where I lived before moving to Nevada). I’ve lived in a few apartments here, and my boyfriend and I are currently in the process of moving into a house. It’s exciting!
But, there’s a problem. Monopolies. And I’m not talking about the board game. You don’t get to collect $200. It’s more like you have to give away that $200, to the ONE energy company available in Nevada.
With the energy monopolies, Nevadans have no choice in which company/service they use. Without competition, Nevadans have to pay whatever the energy company says. Don’t want to pay it? Fine, but you won’t have any power. The options are: pay what you’re told, or live in a powerless apartment/house.
Let’s be real, that’s not a fair choice. So we are stuck paying possibly hundreds of dollars a month on our electric bill. With no competition, this energy company is free to charge whatever they want. They don’t have to worry about us going to a different company… because there isn’t one!

It’s clear: more competition = lower rates.

#YesOn3 #YesQuestion3

 

  • What are your thoughts on monopolies? Are we better with them, or without them? Comment below!

 

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Events Las Vegas Races

The Color Run Las Vegas + A Four-Pack Ticket Giveaway

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I’ve been training for a half marathon (my first EVER!), and running has proved to be HARD. It’s definitely harder than I imagined. I realized that if I’m doing something fun while I’m running, it’s a lot easier. Luckily for me, and the entire city of Las Vegas, the #Happiest5k on the planet will be here Feb. 24: The Color Run Hero Tour!

Celebrate the hero in you at The Color Run Hero Tour with new course elements like: A Hero Zone, two SUPER Zones featuring double the color, a super-charged Finish Festival, superhero themed elements and more. It’s the perfect event to have FUN while being active!

You can look forward to the super charged Finish Festival after the run that will be brimming with adorable Instagrammable photo ops! This festival will feature a Grub Garden, with food vendors and outdoor seating, plus a Hero Zone, which is a trampoline photo-op activation that gives Color Runners the opportunity to soar into the sky and capture their #TCRHero moment. There will be a foam area, music, and dancing. The Color Run’s signature massive color will throw every few minutes from the main stage!

When: Saturday, February 24 ::  8:00 a.m.

Where: Downtown Las Vegas :: 945 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101

What’s Included: This year’s kit features a unicorn hero medal, lightning bolt tee, temporary tattoos, pin, buff, and color packet.

I’m signed up as part of a team: Sweat Pink Las Vegas, & you should join too! Men and women welcome 🙂 Sign up through my link here! 

Check In Party: 

Come to the Check-In Party and pick up your participant kit in advance to avoid lines on event day!

Where: Downtown Container Park
707 Fremont St
Las Vegas, NV 89101

When: Friday February 23, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Charity Highlight

As the #Happiest5K on the Planet, TCR wants to make the world a happier place. They’re teaming up with Three Square to work toward a hunger-free community.  There are 3 ways to get involved:

* Bring non-perishable canned goods to thelocal food drive at The Color Run event.

* Donate now HERE!

* Virtual Food Drive HERE!

Instagram Giveaway

Head on over to my Instagram to enter the giveaway for a FOUR-PACK of tickets to The Color Run Las Vegas!

 

Disclosure: I received free entry to The Color Run in the hopes I’d mention it on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
  • Have you completed The Color Run 5k?
  • How do you make running fun?

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Food Las Vegas Lifestyle

The Best Brunch Spot in Vegas; 7th & Carson DTLV

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Downtown Las Vegas is my absolute favorite place in Vegas. When people visit, they tend to think The Strip is the only place to eat, party, and experience Vegas culture. Personally, I’d skip The Strip for Downtown any day. Downtown, AKA Old Vegas, AKA Fremont St. is a mecca of art, entertainment, and most importantly, FOOD! Halloween weekend, I joined my favorite ladies from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers for a Spooky Soirée Brunch at 7th & Carson (and yes, we all dressed in costume!). 7th & Carson is a brand new restaurant located on Carson Ave in DTLV, and it is AMAZE.

The girls from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers and I were greeted with Hot Melon cocktails by owner Liam Dwyer (incredibly nice and knowledgeable guy). The Hot Melon consists of Jalapeño Tequila, Fresh Watermelon, Mint, and Cracked Pepper. It was created by Liquid Chef Oscar Takahashi, and was SO delicious!

We were then seated inside 7th & Carson, which was quaint, casual, and trendy. I especially loved the different patterns on each table, and the exposed ventilation on the ceiling.

We were ready to experience some of the unique brunch options, created by Chef Gregg Fortunato! First on the list:

YOGURT PARFAIT
Toasted Granola, Seasonal Berries, Local Honey

The cream was a nice addition to the parfait. At first, it seemed unnecessary. But then I mixed it with the yogurt, and it added a nice touch of flavor! Next, we tried:

GRILLED PEACH + BURRATA
Arugula, Black Pepper Honey, Basil Pesto

The grilled peach + burrata salad was probably my favorite! I’m not much of a salad eater, mainly because they usually taste plain. However, this salad was full of yummy flavors and textures. I’d never had burrata before, but I definitely love it! The touch of honey made it perfect. Then we had:

BREAKFAST PIZZETTA
Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Fresh Mozzarella

I wasn’t sure how I felt about scrambled eggs on pizza, but now I realize I have been missing out my entire life! This breakfast pizzetta was so delicious, I ate at least 2 pieces. Up next:

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST
Whipped Butter, Peaches, Lavender Syrup

Aside from the grilled peach and burrata salad, the Brioche French Toast is my favorite! The peaches, lavender syrup, and mint leaves created a unique and mouthwatering taste. I can’t wait to go back for more! Then we tried:

AVOCADO TOAST
Sourdough, Avocado, 63° Egg

This is not your average avocado toast. The fresh avocado with the 63° egg was light, yet fulfilling. I could order 100 of these and be happy! Lastly, we tried:

CHICKEN + WAFFLES
Apple Waffle, House Fried Chicken,
Bourbon Syrup

Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles?! It’s such a weird, but perfect combination. The chicken was crispy, the apple waffles were the best I’ve ever had, and the diced apples paired perfectly with the dish. The bourbon syrup was to die for!

I was so pleased with our brunch at 7th & Carson. I can’t wait to take my boyfriend; I’ve been raving about it for weeks. I also really want to try their lunch and dinner menu!

Thank you 7th & Carson for the preview and sampling of your brunch menu! I had the best time, and will be back soon!

The beautiful ladies from Vegas Lifestyle Influencers ♥ [I’m hidden in the back, to the right]
Photo credit: @homeinhighheels

I’d also like to thank the wonderful sponsors for making this soirée possible!

Pistache Skincare, Purlisse Beauty, Red Cherry Lashes, & Sugarpova

7th & Carson

616 E. Carson #110

Las Vegas, NV 89101

702.868.3355

www.7thandcarson.com

@7thAndCarson

THURSDAY TO MONDAY: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Reservations@7thAndCarson.com

  • What’s your favorite brunch item?

  • What’s your drink of choice during brunch? Answer in the comments below!

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Las Vegas Lifestyle

Eat, Work, Play, Exercise, and Live, All in One Place: The Gramercy Vegas

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I used to nanny in Playa Vista, CA, aka Silicon Beach. I loved it because it had condos/apartments, shopping, restaurants, and even a movie theater within walking distance. I haven’t been able to find anything like that in Las Vegas. When I first moved here June 2016, I lived in a 327 sq ft. studio (I know, right?!). When I was searching for a much-needed upgrade, I looked specifically for apartments near retail and restaurants. I’m not always in the mood to go far from my place. Unfortunately, I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for. At least not yet.

Driving down the 215-W, after dropping off my boyfriend at Mandalay Bay, I was always noticing this big sign for The Gramercy.

Photo Credit: Gramercy Vegas Facebook Page

Shortly after first noticing the sign (what was it for, I wondered?!), Vegas Lifestyle Influencers announced the opportunity to check it out: a brand new residential apartment complex, complete with retail, restaurants, and office space!

We were greeted with champagne & swag bags

With the ladies of Vegas Lifestyle Influencers inside Pinches Tacos :: Photo By: @InAndOutOfVegas

RETAIL

Restaurants:

  • Pinches Tacos
  • DW Bistro
  • Portion Control
  • The Cuppa Coffee Bar
  • Kitchen Table (coming soon!)

Tacos el Pastor + Blood Orange Margarita @ Pinches Tacos

Exercise:

  • Raw Fitness

Beauty:

  • NOHEA Nails

 

Chicken + Zoodles / Chalk Wall at Portion Control

The Gramercy offers:

  • Studios, one, two, and three bedroom apartments and penthouse lofts
  • Urban-style luxury apartments (private balconies, high ceilings, open kitchens)
  • Underground parking , direct access elevators, and plenty of guest parking
  • Work, play, eat, and exercise without leaving home!
  • Play with your pup at the dog park
  • Resident perks
  • Conveniently located (15 minutes to The Strip, 10 minutes to Downtown Summerlin)

For more information on The Gramercy Vegas, visit their website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

  • What do you look for in an apartment complex?
  • What is one thing you’d love to suggest to add to The Gramercy?

 

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Las Vegas

PizzaRev Taproom Opens A New Location in Las Vegas

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PizzaRev Taproom, a Craft Your Own™ pizza restaurant, opened in Las Vegas a couple weeks ago. My boyfriend and I had the opportunity to visit, create our own pizzas, and choose from 18 beer and wine selections!

At PizzaRev, you’re able to create your own pizza. You choose the crust, sauce, cheese, meats, veggies, and seasoning. Then, they put the pizza in a stone oven and bake it at 900°. It comes out crispy and perfect!

Other than getting to craft my own pizza, my favorite thing about PizzaRev is the wall of beer. There are 16 different brews to choose from, plus 2 wine choices. They serve Woodchuck Cider, which is one of my favorites, so I got a glass of that!

The pizza was delicious, the cider was crisp and cold, and the atmosphere was very inviting and casual. I definitely recommend PizzaRev, especially when you’re near The Strip! It’s on Sahara at Rancho, which is only a couple streets from Las Vegas Blvd (The Strip). We can’t wait to go back!

  • Get half-priced beer and wine with the purchase of a pizza during Happy Hour; every day, 3-6pm.
  • Apply to host a fundraiser.
  • Join PizzaRev rewards, and work your way to earning free pizza!

Follow PizzaRev for updates, new items, and deals! You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website.

 

PizzaRev Taproom – Sahara Rancho
2400 S. Rancho Drive Suite #100 // Las Vegas, NV 89102
702.665.6170

 

  • PizzaRev is all over the country; have you been to one?

  • What’s your favorite beer?

 

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Las Vegas Reviews

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift for Las Vegas Lovers

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This post is sponsored and contains affiliate links.

I moved to Las Vegas, NV a little over a year ago, and I’ve grown to love this city and all its art. I found a poster of the city of Las Vegas through ModernMapArt (aff. link) and I had to have it!

This Las Vegas poster shows thousands of streets in Las Vegas, with the different widths representing the sizes of the roads. It’s printed on museum-quality, thick, matte paper and uses UltraChrome ink. The poster is also fingerprint resistant. You can get it in white or red!

I framed my 16×20″ white print and hung it above my TV in my living room. It’s the perfect focal point!

This print comes in multiple sizes: 8×10, 12×18, 16×20, 18×24, and 24×36. The price ranges from $29.99 USD to $79.99 USD, depending on the size.

I highly recommend this print for all Las Vegas lovers! It’s a great gift, whether it’s Father’s Day, a birthday, or Christmas.

You can get your Vegas poster here.  It takes about 3-5 days to process and another 3-5 days to ship if in the US (ships worldwide, though!). It does not come with a frame, but I got mine on Amazon (aff. link) for about $15 and it fits perfectly!

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Las Vegas

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill Opens in Las Vegas (Summerlin)

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Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, a California company, is opening its doors to Las Vegas (Summerlin) Monday, May 8, 2017! Founder Steve Paperno wanted to combine the “variety of flavors he experienced traveling through Mexico with innovative recipes and his passion for healthy living.” Sharky’s uses fresh, natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients, as well as antibiotic-free meats.

I had the opportunity to try Sharky’s before they opened, and I’ve got to say, I am IMPRESSED!

I tried the California Tacos (2 taco plate) served with a side salad (pictured below).

I also ordered the house-made red sangria. I’ve tried countless sangrias, and this one definitely takes the cake! I could taste how fresh it was.

My boyfriend tried the half-size Sharky’s Chicken Salad, and the California Tacos with avocado (2 taco plate). He gave me his mandarin oranges. 😉 This salad is so beautiful and colorful!

The lovely people at Sharky’s make fresh juices, too. Lemonade, watermelon basil, and hibiscus. We tried the watermelon basil and the hibiscus. SO YUMMY!

Watermelon Basil on left, hibiscus on right

I took a photo of the menu, but I’ll admit, it’s not the best photo! You can find the online menu here.

The atmosphere was perfect, for both casual and intimate dining. The lights are dim, but not so much that you can’t see. There are booths, tables, and high tables. The ceiling is industrial-like (but the pretty kind), and the walls are wood. There’s a huge window in the front which lets in great natural light (but not the glaring sun). There is an outdoor patio that’s very nice as well!

Also, here’s my cute date:

I recommend signing up for the Fin-Addict™ rewards program. You get points just for purchasing food and drinks (pre-tax)! The info on that program can be found here.

Don’t forget to follow Sharky’s on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (plus their website, www.sharkys.com)!

If you’re not in the mood to dine-in, you can order online and take it to-go!

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill
8975 W Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89117
702.255.5605
  • What kind of ingredients do you look for in a quality restaurant?
  • Do you have a Sharky’s restaurant near you? If so, have you visited?
  • What would be your favorite item on the menu?
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