A Lifestyle Blog
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:
This post is sponsored by Commercial Silk Plants.
I’m terrible at keeping plants alive. Like, the worst. The only thing I’ve kept alive is my cactus from 2015, and even then, it doesn’t look great! I heard about Commercial Silk Plants and decided silk plants are perfect for me!
I decided to order a bamboo tree. I’m really into trees and plants from other areas, because desert plants in Las Vegas can be so boring (except the saguaro cacti!). I wanted something that would stand out a bit. This tree stands about 4 feet tall and fits perfectly on my balcony.
The tree feels so real! It’s unbelievable. I’ve seen artificial plants before, and it’s so obvious that they’re artificial. But this tree, this SILK tree, looks and feels real. It’s amazing! Just look at these leaves and the bamboo stalks:
I’m not getting a Christmas tree this year, so I’ve decided to decorate the bamboo tree and have a festive, fun Christmas! Why not create my own traditions, right?
Commercial Silk Plants is the leader in the manufacturing of indoor/outdoor boxwood and hedge panel related products exclusively for commercial projects and the wholesale trade.
Our goal has always been to produce the world’s finest, most authentic artificial trees and silk plants for commercial projects. Our broad experience in the interior landscaping business has enabled us to build and install the most natural looking artificial plantscapes in the industry (website).
I highly recommend Commercial Silk Plants for your wholesale needs, and Silk Plants Direct for direct retail!
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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!
I’d also like to thank the wonderful sponsors for making this soirée possible!
7th & Carson
616 E. Carson #110
Las Vegas, NV 89101
702.868.3355
Reservations@7thAndCarson.com
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
The Gramercy offers:
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!
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!
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!
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!
Are you traveling to Las Vegas and looking for kids activities? Do you live in Las Vegas and want to entertain your kids off the strip? You’re in luck: SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium just opened at Boulevard Mall (Official Grand Opening is the last weekend in April), and it is AMAZING.
SeaQuest is a 28k square foot interactive aquarium inside Boulevard Mall in Vegas. Interactive = “if you can reach it, you can touch it.” There are several exciting exhibits, ranging from fish to parakeets, to snakes and sharks. I visited SeaQuest with the kids I nanny, and we had the best time (they said it was the most fun they’ve ever had)! We were able to feed fish and ducks, sit in an aviary with the birds, and pet the sting rays.
The sting rays were probably my favorite. We were feeding them, and they kept “jumping up” for more! I pet them a few times and they’re really slimy. They were so cute! I also really liked these fish that dig themselves into the sand.
There’s also a big sulcata tortoise and a tiny baby tortoise. The baby tortoise was so small, he fit in my hand. I loved them!
We saw a huge snake and I got to hold a starfish!
I’ve partnered with SeaQuest to offer a discount and a giveaway.
Discount: Use code lyndsinreallifeday25 for 25% off daily admission (expires June 30, 2017), to be purchased online only at www.seaquestaquariums.com.
The giveaway prize is one FREE BIRTHDAY PARTY at SeaQuest Las Vegas for 10 guests!
www.seaquestaquariums.com/vegas
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I turned 29 this past Wednesday (April 5); only one more year until 30! [eek!] I had the day off work and wanted to spend it doing something I haven’t done before. Last year was hard to top, because I spent it at the beach in Malibu (I lived in Los Angeles then). However, living in Las Vegas, we live really close to the infamous Red Rock Canyon (about 40 minutes from downtown Las Vegas; not to be confused with the one in the SaMo mountains). I love being outdoors and being active, so my boyfriend and I decided we were going to hike the Ice Box Canyon trail @ Red Rock Canyon!
And don’t worry, we didn’t forget to bring our little poodle, Archie. 🙂
We chose Ice Box Canyon because it’s mostly shaded, and it’s ideal for the summer, when the temperatures get above 100° F. It was about 76° on my birthday; perfect hiking weather! Tim (my boyfriend) had hiked this trail before, so he knew what to expect.
The trail was marked difficult, but I would rate it as moderate. On the way to, well, wherever our destination was, was a bit uphill. I definitely broke a pretty good sweat. There are a ton of big rocks to climb over. I was surprised at how well Archie could jump up and over the rocks! I’d rate it as moderate because I’m not in the best shape, but I was able to complete the hike without feeling like I was dying. Beginners can definitely do this hike, in my opinion.
I wanted to wear something that was going to provide compression, while not being too constricting. I wanted it to be moisture wicking for when I would inevitably sweat. I also wanted to look cute, because it was my birthday! So I chose to wear an outfit from Katie K Active, a company that makes all-inclusive women’s active wear (sizes S-3X).
I’ve been a brand ambassador with Katie K Active for 3 years; they’re hands down my favorite active wear brand. The cool thing about being an ambassador is I get to offer my readers a DISCOUNT! Go to KatieKActive.com, place your order in your cart, and use promo code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order plus free shipping!
We got to see so many cool things along the way, like cacti, wildflowers, and fun rock formations.
Tim and I were being silly, as we usually are. 😉
Oh, and we found a cute little pond!
The hike was so much fun, and I can’t wait to go back. 🙂
Later in the day, Tim picked up my surprise birthday cake from Freed’s Bakery. He knows I love when he gets me a cake as my birthday present. He even sat down with a cake specialist to design it! Freed’s Bakery has been voted Best Bakery in Las Vegas over 30 times; he did his research to get me the perfect cake.
This particular cake was made with bavarian cream, vanilla cake, and buttercream frosting. It serves 6-8 people (but we definitely ate this just between the two of us, shhh).
I had such a great birthday, and if it’s any indication of how this next year will go, I am gladly looking forward to my 30th (but it can go slow!).
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BarkHappy, a relatively new app for dog parents, hosted a BARKsgiving Pawty this past Thursday in Las Vegas. It was a blast! We’ve been using BarkHappy as a way to meet new dogs and their parents in the Vegas area. We love the events (dog park play dates, parties, charity events), and were really excited about a Thanksgiving party!
The event took place at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Town Square. It’s a really cool restaurant! They have a huge outdoor patio so people can bring their pups. They even have a dog menu, which is so cute! We ordered the beef and rice for Archie. He loved it!
Each ticket was $10, and all proceeds benefited A Home 4 Spot, a local rescue and 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Each of us received a goodie bag, which included:
We met some great people, and their super cute dogs! Archie had a blast. It was a bit chilly, which was the only downside. However, Lazy Dog has plastic covers for their patio and heaters, which helped a lot!
We are really excited for the next BarkHappy event (holiday event in December). It’s always a pleasure!
You can download the BarkHappy app on APPLE and ANDROID. Find us if you’re in the Vegas area! We’re under Archie & Lyndsay. 🙂 Note that BarkHappy is in most cities, but you can only find people/pups in your area. The app also shows you dog-friendly restaurants, parks, etc in your area. It’s pretty great!
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