The Big Easy: My Days in New Orleans

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

While I have been away from my blog, I have been traveling to a side of the country I have never been. Last week I spent a few days in New Orleans. It was my first time in the “Big Easy” and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many of you, my idea of the city was a mixture of images I had seen in movies and the news coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

My trip to the city was for a conference, so naturally we stayed at a hotel across from the convention center. Luckily the convention center is located just blocks from the French Quarter, where my coworker and I spent most of our trip. We were also located next to the Harrah’s casino. The city was a ghost town when we arrived around 5 p.m. Tuesday. We walked up and down the streets taking the sights in. However, what I saw was very different from what I had imagined.

I did see the historical buildings and monuments I had seen on TV and in movies over the years, but what I didn’t expect was a dirty damaged city still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. The streets were broken and cracked filled with puddles of murky water. The city streets smelled of sewer and garbage, unless you happen to be passing by one of those wonderful hole in the wall restaurants. Drugged out homeless people hung out along Bourbon Street, and shirtless youth performed with home made tap shoes for change. Strip club after strip club displayed pictures of naked young girls, clearly visible as you walked by. As we made our way to Andrew Jackson Square we saw horse drawn carriages, but unlike the carriages that line Central Park these carriages were pulled by horses who looked in desperate need of food and care. By the end of day one we were left feeling disappointed and sad for a city that must have been so much more years ago.

On the second day of the conference the city was hit by two tornadoes with winds up to 90 mph. As I watched from the window, I was in awe of how the weather could get so bad so quickly. By the evening the storm had passed, and we were able to tour the city once more. We had dinner at Mr. B’s Bistro, a formal dining experience in the French Quarter. The restaurant came highly recommended by Urban Spoon and Yelp, but I was not impressed. The scallops arrived slightly under cooked for my taste, and the soup had a strange after taste. My cocktail however, had just the right amount of vodka. More on this restaurant and others in my next blog.

By Thursday I was over the French Quarter, and the dirty streets. However, the conference ended hours before we had to head to the airport, so we decided to take one last trip through the city. I am glad we did, because the experience was much more enjoyable than earlier in the week. The humidity had evaporated, and the sun was shining. The streets were alive, with tourists newly arriving to the city. We finally heard the jazz music we had heard so much about, and enjoyed some true New Orleans dishes like blackened catfish and fried gator.

I was sad to have to leave just when things started getting good, but alas it was time to return home. I hear mixed reviews of NOLA. Some gush that it’s an amazing city with lively streets and even livelier nightlife, while others talk about how dirty the city is. I have to admit that unfortunately my experience was of the latter. I will note that the majority of my time spent in the city was during the week, and I am sure that things get much better during the weekend. Whether or not you visit will depend on what type of experience you are looking for.

Visiting New Orleans was an interesting experience. I’m not sure I’ll ever return to the “Big Easy”, but I am glad I was able to tour the city and form my own opinion. I truly hope that the city recovers some day.

Attractions: Iron Man Exhibit

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Iron Man 3 is about to come out in theaters, and I can’t wait! There’s something so awesome about Tony Stark, and the actor who plays him. Of all the super hero movies made in my lifetime, the Iron Man franchise is my favorite. I love to laugh, and Robert Downey Jr.’s dry and sarcastic sense of humor is just what I need when I sit down for a movie.

This past weekend I visited the Iron Man exhibit at Disneyland. The exhibit is located within the innovations building in Tomorrowland. The Innovations building is the location of the “House of the Future” where each room is designed with state of the art technology, created in an attempt to show visitor’s a glimpse into what our future homes will look like. In addition to this exhibit, for a limited time you can visit a little piece of Stark Industries.

In the Stark Industries exhibit you can view the evolution of the Iron Man suite. See the first model all the way through the newest version the Mark 42 used in Iron Man 3. You can also “suit up” as Iron Man with the new game featured at the exhibit. You can virtually put on the suit and fly like Iron Man. The technology works much like the Kinnect.

The only downside to this exhibit is it will cost you around $125 to see, since it is located inside of the theme park. If you are planning on visiting Disneyland this year regardless, then you definitely have to check out this fun exhibit.

News: Boston Marathon Bombing

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Imagine waking up the day of your first marathon. You are proud to be participating in the world’s oldest annual marathon, watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. You have trained for this, dieted for this, and are ready. You make it through the race, ready to cross the finish line, and then a loud noise goes off and smoke fills your lungs.

I had another blog post planned for today, but after hearing the news of the bombing in Boston there was nothing else to write about. Watching the images of the scene is nothing but tragic. Women and men of all ages covered in cuts and blood. People being taken away in stretchers, and loaded into ambulances. Smoke billowed into the air, filling the streets where proud athletes should have been celebrating. Two explosions went off at the finish line of the race. As of now two people have been declared dead, and 23 people have been injured. Up to date news here.

To get a complete understanding of how significant this bombing was, you need an understanding of what Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon mean to the people of Boston.

Many of the injured have been training for months to prepare for this big event. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon. It ranks as one of the world’s best known road races. People come from all around the world to participate in the Boston Marathon each year. In addition to those participating, an estimated 500,000 spectators gather to witness the race. It is actually New England’s most widely viewed sporting event, which is a tremendous feat being that the Patriots play in the city.

The Boston Marathon always takes place on Patriot’s Day. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the battle of Lexington and Concord, which was for those of you who don’t know, the first battles of the Revolutionary War. The city of Boston has declared Patriot’s Day a civic holiday, with children off from school and many people off of work.

As of now we do not know what caused the explosions or who was at fault. The FBI’s bomb experts are on their way to Boston to investigate the scene. Luckily for those at the scene, emergency personal are always located near by during marathon races. Many lives could be saved thanks to the emergency vehicles and personal who responded.

I pray for the families effected by the explosions, and for those who lost their lives for no reason. This situation is just another incident that demonstrates how fragile life truly is.

Health Risk: Vitamin Deficiency

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

With so many things to get done in a day, taking care of our skin and bodies takes a back seat to grocery shopping, picking up kids, making dinner, or juggling the many tasks of our demanding jobs. Yet if you don’t take care of your physical health, you won’t be able to do many of the things you either need or love to do.

Eating healthy is important for many reasons, but it isn’t always as convenient or delicious as fast or processed foods. If you’re not eating from essential food groups, you are probably lacking in vital vitamin categories. If you can’t get in all the nutrients you need in a day, taking vitamins is important. I have never taken vitamins, except for when I’m feeling a cold coming on, but recently I learned the danger of vitamin deficiency.

Over the past year I was much more tired, I had no energy. It became harder to lose weight, which I associated with getting older. I experienced numbness and vibration in my limbs. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. Finally, I had blood work done when a doctor noticed a nodule on my thyroid. Thankfully there was nothing wrong with my thyroid, but she did discover a vitamin B and vitamin D deficiency. While a normal person should have around 1,100 pg/ml of vitamin B, I had 115.

Vitamin B deficiency can cause a series of health problems. Long periods of vitamin B deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage. People with 200 to 400 pg/ml can experience neuropsychiatric and hematologic abnormalities. Neuropsychiatric abnormalities include depression, bi-polar disorder, Schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Hematologic abnormalities include anemia and vibration (numbness). Want to incorporate more vitamin B12 in your diet? This webpage lists the top ten foods for vitamin B12.

Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair loss, weak/dry hair, brittle nails, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. There are a variety of reasons why you may be deficient of vitamin D. People with dark skin are at increased risk, because the pigment melanin reduces the skin’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun. To increase your intake of Vitamin D naturally you would need to spend more time under the sun or visit a tanning bed. Odd since these actions can increase skin cancer and skin aging, but safe exposure is key. Wear sunscreen!

A simple blood test can determine if your body is deficient of vitamins, but you can also diagnose yourself. Listen to your body. If you are feeling tired or experiencing some of the symptoms above increase vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 isn’t always easily processed by our stomachs, so the best way to get Vitamin B12 is through drops or strips that dissolve under your tongue. GNC offers these products at around $13. Vitamin D can be taken in pill form or in yummy chews, which GNC and other health stores offer.

Start taking care of yourself, and live a longer, healthier, better life.

The Wedding Planner

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Ever had a guy bring up marriage in the early stages of dating? Believe it or not it happens. I call these men “wedding planners.” It’s a funny notion, since we’re raised to believe that men can’t commit. Personal experience would tell me the same for the most part, but then there are the “wedding planners”, guys who bring up marriage early on in a relationship. At first it may seem like a breath of fresh air, a guy who isn’t afraid of putting his feelings out there, he’s honest, and real. Then you’re forced to face the reality of, “if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.”

Jenny had ended a relationship, and was in the stage of singledom where she felt as though she was done. She no longer saw herself getting married, and she was okay with it. She couldn’t even see herself being in a serious relationship. She was happy being single, and spending time traveling and being with her girls. One night a few guy friends of hers asked her to come out with them. Jenny typically didn’t go out unless one of her girl friends was by her side, but she was in a confident place in her life where she thought why not? She got ready and headed to the hotel where she would be meeting up with her guy friends.

When she got there the hotel room was full of women, not that it surprised her knowing her guy friends well. There was only one guy in the room, leaning up against a wall. He seemed afraid to talk to anybody, which seemed odd because he was very attractive. Jenny sat there talking to one of the girls, and noticed that he didn’t hold a conversation long with anyone. Girls would attempt to talk to him, but his responses were always short. He didn’t seem to have an interest in anyone. When the girl sitting next to her got up to use the restroom, the attractive guy came and sat beside her. It was awkward, because he didn’t say anything. He just sat next to her sipping on his drink. Finally Jenny had to say something. She hadn’t wanted to give him the satisfaction of letting him think she was into him, but the awkward silence was killing her. She broke the silence by introducing herself, and they were having a nice conversation when her guy friends announced it was time to head to the club.

When Jenny left that hotel room she thought it would be the last time she would talk to Jim. When they got to the club everyone was dancing and having a good time, but Jim just stood there drinking his drink. From time to time Jenny caught him glancing at her, but told herself to think nothing of it. After an hour had gone by Jim finally walked up to her and asked her if she wanted to join him outside. They walked out onto the balcony, and began to have what ended up being a great conversation. Jim started out by talking about how he wasn’t in town to meet anyone. He was a former marine here visiting Jenny’s friend who had fought alongside him. He was only in town for a couple of days, and not looking to start anything with anyone. He said that he wasn’t talking to girls who approached him, because he didn’t want to lead them on. When Jenny heard all of this she thought for sure he was letting her know that this wasn’t going to go anywhere. He lived in Texas, so Jenny had no expectations. She was simply having a conversation with a cute guy.

He never let her out of his site for the rest of the night, holding her hand and leading her wherever they went. Throughout the rest of his days in L.A. Jim tried to spend time with Jenny. She wasn’t interested since she knew he was going back home, and wasn’t looking to start anything. After turning him down over the weekend, she finally said yes to having lunch. When Jim left to Texas he promised to keep in touch with her, and wanted to get to know her better. Jenny shrugged this off, knowing that men will say just about anything. But Jim kept his word and over several weeks they would communicate day and night. He was charming, but Jenny found it odd that he was so serious about her after hanging out only a couple of times. He mentioned over and over how she was a girl he’d want to marry, that he had a big house and wanted her there with him. He spoke about missing her so much, but Jenny wondered how someone could miss someone they barely knew.

Jim couldn’t understand why Jenny was so hesitant to believe his feelings were true. He messaged her best friends who he had met during his trip to California. He told them he wanted to be with her, and asked them how he could get through to her. Finally Jenny agreed to visit him in Texas. He bought her a flight, and planned the whole trip. Jenny couldn’t help, but to start to get excited. Could this guy be for real? If he was doing all of this he must really like her? After all who would put all this time, effort, and money into someone they didn’t care about?

The time came and she had a wonderful time in Texas. They did a lot of domestic things together, cooking together, watching movies, staying up late. She actually started to see the life she could have if they worked out. Things were great, but then towards the end of the trip Jenny got a feeling that this would be the last she would see of Jim. He began to talk about how much he hated Los Angeles, and Jenny didn’t plan on moving out of the state. How could it work? Still she enjoyed the rest of the trip, and when he took her to the airport he told her to call him when she landed. They kissed and said good bye.

When Jenny got home she gave Jim a call, but there was no answer. She texted him the next day, and there was no reply. Then she was deleted from his Facebook page. He finally reached out to her and told her that he was just, “cleaning up his Facebook page.” Two days later he was engaged. Jenny’s mutual friend broke the news to her. How he was engaged two weeks after spending time with her, Jenny didn’t understand. Jim got married, and divorced in less than two years. Jenny never heard from him again, and was better for it.

The lesson here is not that there are no good men in the world. It’s not that men can’t commit, or that you should be worried if someone wants to be serious early on in the relationship. The lesson is that marriage is a big deal, and anyone who is willing to enter into it after a couple of dates isn’t in the right mindset. Getting to know someone takes time. Even if someone is in love with you after knowing you for two days, they don’t really love all of you. It takes more than two days to know someone, to know their personality, their interests, their goals. You might be in love with certain aspects of a person, but not the person as a whole, and that’s what you need in order to enter into marriage. If someone starts to talk to you about marriage that early on, ask yourself what their motives are. Find out more about their relationship history, and you’ll have a better idea of if it’s going to last or not.

Sabotage! Friends or Foes?

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

The hardest part about weight loss is keeping the weight off. The ability to keep the pounds off takes self-motivation, but it also requires support. Our loved ones and peers influence many aspects of our lives, and that includes what and when we eat.

When we meet up with friends it’s over drinks or dinner. When we’re dating someone new most dates include food. When we get comfortable in a relationship, we sit at home snacking together in front of a TV. The ones we love get used to our personalities, our habits, and the way we look. Change can be uncomfortable and unwelcomed, but what do you do when you need to change for your health? You can’t put the needs of others before the needs of yourself especially when it comes to your health.

When I lost 85 pounds after high school many of my relationships changed. Friends became foes, my boyfriend became jealous and abusive, and my family found it hard to believe that it was actually happening. My relationships with everyone changed, and not for the better at first. If I was a less self assured person, if I had any doubt of the importance of being healthy, I would have let these negative behaviors derail my goals. Certain friends would encourage bad eating habits, others would put me down to tare down my newly found self-esteem. Jealous friends would say things to belittle me and my appearance. My boyfriend at the time became verbally abusive, in fear that my increased confidence inspired by my weight loss would cause me to cheat or leave him.

Still I knew what I wanted for me. I was tired of not being able to wear what I wanted to wear. I was tired of being looked at and stereotyped. I wanted to feel healthy, lighter, free. I wanted to be confident about my appearance, and I didn’t want anyone else to have an unfair advantage over me. Everything changed when I lost weight. I lost friends, I lost a relationship, but I gained so much more. I made new friends, I found a better boyfriend, I went out so much more, discovered new places, and enjoyed my twenties like I never would have been able to do had I not lost the weight. I also added years onto me life, and prevented myself from getting any of the diseases associated with obesity.

The path wasn’t easy, especially for me with my thyroid condition, but I overcame everything and lost the weight. I’ve kept it off for over ten years now, and will never allow the weight to come back. No matter who wants you to stay the same, if change is what you need to be happy, you can’t let anyone hold you back. Be the you that you always wanted to be, and you’ll always be happy regardless of who else is in or not in your life.

When He’s Just Not That Into You

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Books have been written about it, movies have been made, multiple conversations have been had, and yet we’re still having trouble figuring out when a guy just isn’t that interested. I think the problem lies in the fact that sometimes mixed signals can serve as an excuse to stay with someone who is otherwise terrible for you. Despite what he says, his actions will tell a better story. Here is a real life example of when you have to look at a specific action, and not words or actions from the past (names have been changed to provide privacy):

Where are You?

Steve and Emily were dating for four months. They spent every weekend with each other. They lived an hour away from each other and both worked full time, so they rarely spent a weekday together. Still, when she would come to town on Friday he never let her go home until work on Monday. He had introduced her to his family and friends. They went on double dates with her friends, and they spent lots of time hanging out with his. He would compliment her constantly, and they never had an argument.

Although the weekends were great, she started to feel like it was odd that they never communicated during the week. The drive made it hard to see each other, but shouldn’t he call or text once and a while? She let it go, because of their busy schedules. One Friday night she went up to see him, and the next morning he was gone. She called him and he was golfing. She found it weird that he went off without letting her know he was leaving, and she felt awkward waiting around his apartment for him. She decided to leave, but later that day he begged her to come back. He said he’d make it up to her with dinner. They had a nice dinner, but when he went to pay his card was declined. Normally this wouldn’t have been a major issue, but Emily had explained earlier that day how her card had been closed for security reasons. He told her that it would be okay, that he was going to run to his apartment and come back to pay.

His apartment was only a couple blocks away, so Emily didn’t understand why it was taking so long for him to return. She finally decided to call him, and figure out what was taking so long. “Hey what’s up where are you?” Steve has the nerve to say. “What do you mean where am I? I’m at the restaurant where you left me,” Emily says. He was in a bar down the street hanging out with his friends. “Why don’t you come here?” he asked like she had just gotten into town, like he hadn’t just left her 15 minutes ago. When she asked him, What about the bill?” he said that he had left his ID with the waitress, and that he would go back and pay the waitress later. Steve had left her in a restaurant with the check without a way to pay, and had gone to a bar.

She left that night feeling angry and confused. He had been so great in the beginning. He had made a difference in her life, and she enjoyed the time they spent together. She started listing all of the reasons why he must care about her, even though leaving her at that restaurant in that way was a clear indication that he definitely did not. He called her repeatedly that night, but she never picked up. Days turned into two weeks before she saw him again. He had texted and called her consistently apologizing and begging her to see him. She finally felt as though she had punished him enough, and the honest truth was that she missed his company.

She got ready and headed over to see him. They had a great night, and she felt reassured that he did care about her. The next morning they had planned to spend the day together at the beach. He was making breakfast when she decided to make the bed. She threw the blanket off to fix the sheets when she discovered it. A pair of freshly rolled off panties that weren’t hers. Her heart dropped, but in all actuality what did she expect? All of the facts she had ignored, all of the red flags she concealed, all came back to stare her in the face.

He was a wealthy young guy living at the beach. He went out almost every night, he never called or texted her during the week, he left her in a restaurant for God sake. She was disappointed, but couldn’t help laughing at herself for letting it happen like it did. She finished making the bed, used a tissue to put the panties on top of the bed and then walked out into the living room. His roommate was sitting there and saw her exiting. “Hey buddy your girl is escaping,” he shouted to Steve who was still in the kitchen cooking obliviously. He came out into the living room, “Where are you going?” he asked. She didn’t feel like he was worth making a scene over, what would that get her? She would just look like a crazy girl in front of his roommate, and it wouldn’t effect him at all. “I have plans with my brother I forgot about, and I have to go. I’ll see you another time.”

Steve looked confused, and he kept pushing for a better answer. She walked out the door, and was already down the stairs when he rushed outside after her. “I thought we had plans? What do you mean you have plans with your brother? Why are you leaving?” Emily just smiled and said, “Why don’t you just go back into your bedroom and take a look at what’s on your bed. You’ll know why I’m leaving.” Steve asked her why she wouldn’t just talk to him, but she walked off towards her car and left.

Steve found the panties of course, and tried to make up lies. He said that they were from a long time ago, that they had been there from before he met her. “That’s even more disgusting Steve, you never wash your sheets?” she asked. He even tried asking, “Aren’t they yours?” Like she wouldn’t recognize her own. She told him that they were better off ending things, that he was young and clearly not done fooling around, and that she didn’t want to be with someone who was sleeping with other people. They had never had the conversation about being exclusive, so it was her fault for assuming they were.

Sometimes we want to like a guy so much, we give ourselves 100 reasons why he cares. We look at things he says and does, to excuse why we’re with him, even though he’s provided clear proof he’s just not that into the relationship. Time is too precious, and there are too many guys out there who would actually care, to waste your time with someone who doesn’t.

Travel: Viva Las Vegas

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

As I prepare to leave for Vegas this week, I am inspired to post about my love for the real city that never sleeps. My love affair with Las Vegas began when I was 7, and my extended family took a trip to Las Vegas. I’ve celebrated many a milestone in Vegas. I was at the club at midnight for my 21st, drove straight there after graduating college, and spent every birthday there ever since. Now it’s my boyfriend’s little sister’s turn. She turns 21 this week, and we’re taking her to sin city to celebrate right.

Las Vegas is a shape shifter a cameleon. It can be the city you want it to be. Most people know Las Vegas as sin city, but there’s more than just sin going on in this lively city. With critically acclaimed restaurants featuring world famous chefs, top rated spas, live stage performances, and shopping locations Vegas can fulfill your every desire.

When I visit Vegas there are a few things I have to do. Here is a list of my top Vegas destinations:

Surrender: Nightclub Encore Hotel

Attempting to get me to go to a Hollywood club these days is a dangerous mission. I did the Hollywood scene early on in my 20s and enjoyed it, but now it’s just tired. However, mention going out in Vegas and I’m always game. There’s something different about the atmosphere, the people, the music that makes it more enjoyable. My biggest issue with staying out past midnight these days is that my heels become unbearable. Unless you’re up for buying a table, or get invited to one, standing around all night becomes painful. Which is why I love Surrender. Partially indoors, partially outdoors, this club has something for everyone. The inside is beautifully decorated, but the outside is amazing. With LED lights, water fountains, and a pool reflecting light, the scenery at Surrender is worth the price of admission. There’s always a hot DJ performing, and the crowd is well mixed. Palm trees and bright lights make you feel like you’re in Miami. The best part of the outdoor area is that there are places where you can sit and rest your feet, even if you don’t have a table. Drinks don’t come cheap at around $18 a cocktail, but then again you are in Vegas. The indoor dance floor is small, but that’s because party goers can dance anywhere they like in the massive outdoor area. To buy a ticket or book a table reservation visit here.

Chateau: Nightclub Paris Casino

Located at the top of the Paris Casino Chateau is as romantic as a Vegas club gets. The Paris Casino itself is a wonder to behold. The replica of the Eiffel Tower is a wonder, and the Arc de Triomphe truly makes you feel as though you are driving around the streets of Paris. To enter Chateau you walk up a beautiful stairway located inside the casino. When you first enter Chateau it looks like any other Vegas club. The black walls, DJ stand, and dance floor are nothing out of the ordinary. Then you take a trip to the balcony where the magic happens. Located beside the Eiffel Tower replica, the balcony provides a view of the entire Vegas strip. Big bulbs light the Chateau sign above the bar. The light from the bulbs reflected on the white furniture turns the entire balcony gold. You can’t leave Vegas without experiencing this view. To book your table visit here.

The Spa: Encore Casino

I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing when I first walked into the spa at the Encore spa. I was there to workout, but was distracted by the amazing furniture and attention to detail. The couches, the lighting, it’s reminiscent of a Moroccan palace. One of the best ways to enjoy Las Vegas is to purchase a spa service. Practically every casino features a spa where you can enjoy massages, facials, and spa amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. When you’re in need of relaxation the spa at the Encore is just what you need. Feel like a princess for the day at this lavish indoor spa facility. Prices for massages range between $150 and $250 on weekends, facials are priced at similar rates. The spa offers waxing services as well. If you’d like to stay in shape while on vacation, the gym at the Encore is located within the spa. The facility is smaller than other casino gyms, but features brand new top of the line equipment. You can also request a personal trainer. To view the whole Encore spa service menu visit here.

Margaritaville: Restaurant Flamingo Casino

Enough with the pricey destinations right? Margaritaville is not the destination when you’re looking for class and eligance. Margaritaville is the place to go when you need something hearty to soak up all the alcohol you drank the night before, or when you want to continue drinking throughout the afternoon. The giant volcano located next to the bar erupts throughout the day as they play the Margartiville theme song. Don’t sit too close to the giant glass next to the volcano. A dancer takes a slide down into the glass filled with water, swishing a way and getting you wet. The best nachos I’ve ever had are found at Margaritville, along with a pretty amazing margarita. These nachos come piled as a high as a mini mountain. Definitely for sharing, this cheesy dish comes with your choice of steak or chicken. Order these nachos and you won’t be disappointed. To view the full menu visit here.

Serendipity: Restaurant Caesar’s Casino

I first obsessed over a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity in New York. I was on a family vacation, and was miserable. I had become deathly ill during the trip, and had an icicle fall from a building and hit me over the head (don’t ask). Nothing was going my way. I couldn’t eat anything, nothing tasted good, and my brother insisted on going to Serendipity because it was in one of his favorite films. The New York location is tiny, but charming. I ordered my frozen hot chocolate, because I had seen it in one of my favorite films One Fine Day. It was amazing. Fast forward a few years later, and a larger Serendipity location was built in Las Vegas in front of Caesar’s Palace Casino. The restaurant isn’t as charming as the New York location, but serves all the same treats that make the original so famous. Still nothing beats my frozen hot chocolate. If you’re in a hurry, the window located at the back of the restaurant serves quick items to go. To see a full menu visit the website here.

Wynn Buffet: Wynn Hotel & Casino

You can’t leave Vegas without eating at a buffet, it’s a staple. Practically every casino has one. I’ve heard people swear by the Bellagio buffet, the Mirage buffet, the Paris buffet, but they are all wrong. The buffet at the Wynn hotel is by far the best. The buffet at the Paris Casino is charming. I was excited to dine there, because the inside reminded me of Fantasy Land inside the Disneyland park. cobbled floors, lamp posts, and charming homes make up the inside of the restaurant. It’s such a shame that the food doesn’t hold up to the decor. The Bellagio buffet was boring, and the interior was nothing special. The Mirage buffet is great for seafood, but again nothing to die for. Then there is the Wynn buffet with it’s huge flower bouquets, vibrant colors, and amazing food choices. There are many more choices for the health conscious eater as well. Buffet prices vary depending on time of day, but it’s typically around $30 per person.

Fashion Show Mall

Located next to Treasure Island, and across from the Venetian hotel, the Fashion Show Mall has everything you need. There are plenty of malls and store locations on the strip, but the Fashion Show Mall has it all in one place. No matter how much I travel I always find that I’ve left something behind. Whether you need a party dress for going out, flats to walk around the strip in, or a swimsuit to hit the hot tub, the Fashion Show Mall has what you need. If you’re looking for a good deal check out the outlets on your way into the strip.

I hope you get a chance to visit the strip soon, and check out these incredible destinations.

The Holiday For or Against Singles

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Happy Vday

The longer I am in a relationship the more I realize how overly dramatic I was while single. I was single for a while before and after my previous long term relationship. Single in that I wasn’t in a committed relationship. I dated, and I “saw” people for long periods of time, but went without calling someone my boyfriend for about three years. You can imagine how traumatic that first relationship was.

When that relationship was done I was left with a feeling that I wasn’t good enough. When the holidays came around I remembered that feeling, especially on Valentine’s Day. I felt that I had to do something or else I’d be at home questioning myself all evening. How ridiculous! Now that I’m in a healthy relationship, I remember what most holidays are about. When we’re kids we’re not thinking about the fact that no man/woman loves us romantically during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years Eve. We’re excited to see our family, play with our cousins, our toys. On Valentine’s Day we pass cards to all of our friends. Why as adults do we put so much pressure on having love during the holidays?

As Valentine’s Day approached this year I couldn’t think of anything I necessarily cared to do. My boyfriend, in fear of disappointing me, threw a bunch of ideas at me. They were sweet and thoughtful, but I kept thinking about the crowds, the overpriced menus, the wait times, and I thought why? I have a great relationship I don’t need a dinner to tell me that. I’m fine with staying home, and getting a card. Then I think back to the Valentine’s Days I spent crying, or dreading, or caring way too much about. Funny how the holiday is no big deal now.

When you’re dating someone new or you’re single there’s a lot of pressure felt on Valentine’s Day. Just remember that even if a man or woman hasn’t said I love you yet, your family and friends have. You do have people who love you every day, celebrate that! One of the best Valentine’s Days (if not the best) I ever had was when I spent it in Las Vegas with two of my best friends. We bought sweets for ourselves, my brother bought me flowers, and we spent the night dancing away. Enjoy where you’re at in life right now, don’t worry about where you should be.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What’s Wrong With Me?

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

How to Avoid too Much Mercury

Spicy Tuna I’ll Miss You

I am a chronic migraine sufferer, so when I had a migraine Friday night an hour after dinner I didn’t think much of it. My stomach felt a little upset, and my boyfriend wasn’t feeling too great either. We had just had sushi at Katsuya, and we wondered, “Did we get food poisoning?” Sushi is tricky, and we all know how easy it is for sushi to go bad, but Katsuya is supposed to be a quality establishment is it not?

When I got home I took an excedrine for my migraine, as I often do and fell asleep. I had anxiety the next day as well, and another headache. It’s now going on the fifth day, and I still have a headache, some anxiety, and nausea. I did research, and discovered I have mercury poisoning.

I have heard of mercury poisoning before, and heard that mercury exists in seafood, but never heard of the effects it can have on your brain. I figured I would be throwing up, or have symptoms similar to food poisoning. Never did I imagine it would cause headaches, anxiety, etc.

While I love seafood, the lesson in all of this is to be aware of the amount of mercury you digest. Mercury searches for fat to intrude. Since our brains our comprised of fatty tissue, the mercury finds it’s way into our brains affecting our thoughts and emotions. If you feel like you have mercury poisoning, consult your doctor.

Here is a list of fish and their mercury levels according to about.com:

LOWEST MERCURY

Eat 2-3 servings a week (pregnant women and small children should not eat more than 12 ounces (2 servings):

Anchovies
Catfish
Clam
Crab
Crawfish
Flounder
Haddock
Herring
Mackerel
Mullet
Oyster
Perch
Pollock
Salmon
Sardine
Scallop
Shrimp
Sole
Squid
Tilapia
Trout
Whitefish

MODERATE MERCURY

Eat six servings or fewer per month (pregnant women and small children should avoid these):

Bass
Carp
Cod
Halibut
Lobster
Mahi Mahi
Monkfish
Perch
Snapper
Tuna (Canned Chunk light)

HIGH MERCURY

Eat three servings or less per month (pregnant women and small children should avoid these):

Bluefish
Grouper
Sea Bass
Tuna (Canned Albacore, Yellowfin)

HIGHEST MERCURY

Avoid eating (everyone):

Marlin
Orange Roughy
Shark
Swordfish
Tilefish
Tuna (Ahi)

It’s important to remember that seafood is a healthy alternative to red meat. There are plenty of nutritional benefits to eating seafood, just remember to eat fish with low levels of mercury.

MeeshMe

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