On a whim

Morning, friends! How’s your day treating you? 🙂

flowers

Things are good over here. I’ve got my stuff ready to go for work and have CPR training before my shifts today –mine needs to be renewed. I know this experience will be better than my last cert. In Valdosta, I had a way creepy instructor who used me as the “demonstrator” and I didn’t want him anywhere near my belly button thankyouverymuch.

B-fast:

bagel

-gluten-free Udi’s bagel (I’m in bagel love)

-egg whites

-goat cream cheese

Packed lunch:

lunch

-organic avocado

-organic green grapes

-mini salad beast (with romaine, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sunflower seeds)

-leftover carrot, beet bean burger 🙂

I also have my 5 outfits packed up. 1 for weight room supervisor, 1 for teaching, 1 for my own workout, 1 for pool and 1 for Zumba. Lots of laundry over here, fo sho.

So ever since the Pilot has been home, I’ve been wanting to take a vacay with him. He started work yesterday and I figured that it would be best to go now before things get really crazy with his work schedule. Yesterday, I texted him and said “Vegas?” and was so excited when he wrote back and said “sure, why not?”
We’re going to Vegas, baby 😀

strip

It’s for a few days –that’s all ya need!- and I can’t wait- Vegas is one of my all-time faves. We went last year with some friends and had a blasty, but I’m excited to spend time just the two of us 🙂 We leave Sunday morning!

Some of my favorite Las Vegas stops:

Spa Club at Canyon Ranch (Venetian)

juice

Dinner at Mesa Grill

mesa pilot

Brunch at Mon Ami Gabi

mon ami (2)

Cabana chillaxin

cabana (2) cabana

Watching the Bellagio fountains

us (2) fountains

Shopping my face off 🙂

shopping

So tell me friends, what are your favorite must-sees and must-dos in Vegas? We’d also like to see a show, so if you have any show recommendations, that would be awesome too 🙂

Off to do the work thang- see ya later today with that Reader’s Request post <3

xoxo

Gina

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138 Comments

  1. Heather (heathers dish) on June 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    If say you guys definitely deserve a vacation…and Vegas is a great place for just a weekend!

  2. Libby on June 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    I would highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend seeing Cirque’s O. I saw it 10 years ago with my family, but my dad saw it this year again and said that it’s gotten even better. Another option would be LOVE. I saw that this winter with my family, and if you’re a Beatles fan, it’s as CLOSE as you can get to see the Beatles live in concert. It’s all about the music, and each seat has its own set of speakers. I’ve also heard that Viva Elvis is really spectacular. Its incredibly visual with driving music. O would still be my first choice (I hope to go back to see it again soon), but the other two are fun choices as well.

  3. Laura @ Backstage Pass on June 2, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Vegas, baby!!! Nice!
    I’ve only been once but have heard that the Cirque shows are amazing. I think there are a couple different ones to choose from.
    When I visited, my friends and I did a day trip for a sunset horseback ride – I think the tour company name is Wild West Horseback Adventures? They picked us up at our hotel and drove us to Sandy Valley Ranch, on the border of Nevada and California. The Valley was absolutely BREATHTAKING and while the quality of the trail ride itself was mediocre, it was really fun. They also had us do a team-penning exercise in the riding arena, which was hilarious. Dinner was included and the night ended with a beautiful bonfire under the stars. It was well worth the $$$! If you and the Pilot like horseback riding and ranch-y stuff, I’d recommend the experience.

  4. Kim on June 2, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    They went to Vegas on the Bachelorette (shame!) last week, and they showed parts of the new Jabbawockeez show that made me want to go to Vegas just to see it. Being a dancer, you probably know about them; they won America’s Best Dance Crew awhile back, and they were amazing!

  5. Abby on June 2, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    How fun! 🙂 I’ve never been to Vegas-It sounds like a blast though!

  6. Emily on June 2, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about all that laundry! You have probably posted about this before, but what kind of Zumba clothes do you prefer? I’m a Zumba fanatic, and I’m always looking for new outfits. I have some official Zumba gear and other random items. Do you have a favorite brand or site?

  7. Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life on June 2, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    I have a picture in that same spot in front of the Bellagio fountains from my trip last August! http://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2010/08/27/an-evening-in-italy/

    I had many people recommend Earl of Sandwich and I’m SO glad they did. It was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had!

  8. kristi (sweet cheeks) on June 2, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    yay vegas!!! I have family up there but have actually never been myself. It looks like a blast!

  9. Ali @ Around the VeggieTable on June 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    FUNNNN! Hope you have a great trip! I’ve never been…I think it might be a little too wild for me 😉

  10. Chelsa on June 2, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    that sounds like a great time I hope you two have a blast

  11. Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers on June 2, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Vegas?!? I’ve never been, but it sounds like a good time waiting to happen!

  12. Nicole on June 2, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Beatles LOVE show. Changed my life. I was actually crying and had only had 1 of their fabulous Beatles-themed cocktails.

  13. Krista N on June 2, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    The Beatles LOVE show is amazing! We stayed at Aria in the sky suites this last trip and it was a wonderful experience. Also in the Cosmopolitan there is a cool bar called Chandelier and you are actually sitting in a Chandelier. I am a vegetarian but we ate one dinner at STK, it has a cool vibe with a DJ, and great fish selections. There is also an STK in NY. Have fun!!

  14. RhodeyGirl on June 2, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    GO SEE O.

    YOU WON’T REGRET IT- IT’S THE BEST CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW OUT THERE!

  15. Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats on June 2, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Yay – how fun!!!! I just went in April for my second time around (just me and the husband that time too) and went bezerk for Max Brennan’s Chocolate Shop inside the forum shops at Caesar’s. INSANE, is all I’ve got to say about that! Here’s a quick recap: http://iowagirleats.com/2011/04/20/the-perfect-dining-experience/

  16. britt on June 2, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    i LOVE vegas! can’t wait to see pics from the trip.

  17. M on June 2, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    You must also try the Udi’s cinnamon raisin bagels and their lemon streusel muffins– OMG! foodgasams 🙂

    Jealous of your Vegas trip! I hope you guys have so much fun!!!

  18. Amy on June 2, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    My hubby & I just booked a kids free, 4 day trip to Vegas also. Staying at the Palazzo and we can’t wait! Shows that we have seen and loved are Celine Dion, La Reve, Mystere….you really can’t go wrong with any of the Cirque performances. Have a wondeful trip with your Pilot:)

  19. Megan on June 2, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Love this blog! Also had to let you know that you are so famous! Traveled to Boulder for the holiday weekend for a wedding and downtown Boulder was having their annual Creek Fest. There were tons of booths set up–one of which was Sun Warrior. Since you rave about it, I wanted to check it out and try a sample before we splurged on a whole bag. One of the reps, Matt, was great and asked where I had heard of Sun Warrior. I told him THE FITNESSISTA! 🙂 The next thing he asked was–have you tried her balls? And I’m like…ummmm Amazeballz? He turned all red and I said–of course and they are fabulous. 🙂 I then fit two big bags of Sun Warrior in my suitcase. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:20 pm

      omg! that is so crazy awesome 🙂

  20. erin @well in l.a. on June 2, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Vegas! Love all the walking and gawking you can do! 48-72 hours is my limit each time. Then it’s time to go home and recover from it all! Good for you for knowing when it is time to take a vacation.

  21. Katie on June 2, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    How exciting! I’m going to Vegas for the first time next week for a birthday party…..our friends rented out the Absolute Vodka room at Caesars Palace…..and once I found out there was a Serendipity at CP, we booked it! 🙂 I actually sent the link for you Meza review to my husband to see if he wanted to go or not.

  22. Nicole on June 2, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! You must see it!! The music, costumes, makeup, colors, and of course the music, are fantastic!!! Highly, highly recommend it!!! One of the coolset experiences I have ever had, and I’ve been lucky enough to have quite a few having travelled all over the world 😀

  23. Katie on June 2, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Vegas baby!! I know yo have been wanting to go back again with pilot! So glad you guys are!!! U guys are going to have a blast of course ; )

    xoxo <3

  24. Holly MW on June 2, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    Mesa Grill and Mon Ami Gabi are also my two must-do restaurants. There are so many amazing restaurants in Vegas but I just can’t bring myself to stray.

    As for shows…see Le Reve at the Wynn!!! “O” is really good too but my pick is Le Reve. We are going in a few weeks and I can’t bring myself to see a different show. I guess I get stuck in Vegas ruts.

  25. Taylor @ Taylor Baker on June 2, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    Definitely Beatles LOVE! I’m a Vegas native and have seen about everything. Nothing compares. A close second for me is Vegas’s version of Phantom of the Opera. They cut it a bit so it’s not too long, but the room they made for it is interactive. Incredible.

  26. OntarioGirl on June 2, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    I’ve never been before but I’m getting married in Vegas on July 6th!!!! I’m so excited and will be sure to check out the places you recommended. We’re eating dinner after our wedding at the Paris hotel restaurant that overlooks the light/water show at the Bellagio so I’m hoping it will be romantic! We are also staying at the new Trump Hotel which is *just* off the strip but attached to the Fashion Show Mall so I’m super excited to shop my face off too 😀

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      wow! happy almost wedding!!!

  27. Kristin on June 2, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    I just got back from Vegas Monday, it was pretty fun, not gonna lie. Although my trip was more interesting since I had no voice (lost it after a massage, go figure). I like walking up and down the strip and meeting lots of people, this trip I met Swiss men, they were Uhhhhmaaazzzzingggg. I had sushi at Tao, which is a pretty cool place at Palazzo. I usually also go to Emeril’s at MGM because the food is the bomb diggity. I loved going to Carnival court at Harrah’s, that place is sooo much fun. I was just in Vegas in March too, and I’ll probably try to go back at the end of summer maybe, who knows. Gotta love Vegas, hope you and the Pilot have lots of fun.

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      love tao!!
      swiss men, eh? 🙂

  28. Moni'sMeals on June 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Good for you guys! I too am going to Vegas (in a few weeks.)

    Have fun. 🙂

  29. Chris on June 2, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Love Vegas and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED: The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage!!!!! Have a great time!

  30. Judy on June 2, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    We just went about 2 weeks ago! One morning I did my running along the strip… pretty cool!

    One night, we stayed out until 3:00 a.m. and did “people watching”. Very, very interesting….

    Enjoy your trip!

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      people watching is my fave sport 🙂

  31. Alexa @ Simple Eats on June 2, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I want to go to Vegas SO badly. I’m glad you and the pilot get to have some time together!

  32. Jaclyn on June 2, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Loved, LOVED brunch at Mon Ami Gabi, that was a fave of mine for sure too!
    Paris in general was great – oh, and you should see Mystere! That was fab!! 😀

    Have fun Gina!!

  33. Nicole on June 2, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    You MUST see “LOVE”, The Beatles Cirque show at The Mirage. It is amazing! Have fun!

  34. Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola on June 2, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    How fun that you are off to Vegas! That will be so wonderful to have some vacation time with the Pilot! As far as must-do things… have you ever been to a Serendipity location? They have one in Vegas and the frozen hot chocolate is amazing! Enjoy!

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:17 pm

      i haven’t been but have always wanted to try it!

  35. TanyaS on June 2, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    I highly recommend getting off the strip and heading out of town to Red Rock Canyon. So serene.

    We enjoyed Zumanity if you’re into a something a little racy! Full of humor & awe.

  36. Kate @ NaturaStride on June 2, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    JEALOUS! I love/miss Vegas! Some of my favorite spots include Kokomos (at the Mirage), Aureole (Mandalay Bay) and Red Square – try the Key Lime Pie Martini (Mandalay Bay), and gambling at Bellagio. As far as shows, I have seen LOVE and Zumanity – LOVE is amazing! 🙂 Have fun!

  37. mi-an on June 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    ahh fun! i was in vegas just a month ago to watch the pacquiao-mosely fight. we stayed in mandalay. went shopping at the outlets and ate lots of yummy food! enjoy!

  38. Casey on June 2, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    “O” is an incredible show…a must see!!!

  39. courtney on June 2, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    LOVE is a must-see!

  40. kaila @ healthy helper! on June 2, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    Have fun in Vegas Gina! You two deserve it!

  41. Beth (well ill be) on June 2, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    Aren’t yall spontaneous?!? Social House is great for sushi. It used to be in the Treasure Island but I think it moved. Any cirque show is great but the Love one is so much fun bc you know all the songs!

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:15 pm

      we’re not usually spontaneous haha

  42. Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) on June 2, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    I think it’s AWESOME you guys are going to Vegas on a whim, impromptu style! You dont have kids and this IS the time to do this kinda thing..yes, so happy for you!

    I love all the Cirque shows, O and Mystere are my faves. Despite them having newer ones, those are the two I will see (and have seen) over and over.

    And inside the Bellagio, Michael Mina’s Restaurant, is by far, the best food I’ve EVER EATEN in my life. On more than one occasion. That’s high praise. I’m picky 🙂

    Whatever you guys do,..no doubt…you’re gonna have a blast!!!!!

    HAVE FUN!!

  43. ashley on June 2, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    you MUST MUST MUST MUST see the cirque de soleil show called Beatles Love. It’s at the mirage and it is amazing. I saw it the first time I went to Vegas with my boyfriend and we wanted to see it again the next night, but we ended up going back to Vegas for a second trip less than a year later on a whim like you and we were dying to see the show again! i tell everyone that ever mentions that they are going to Vegas that they have to see the show! have fun!!

  44. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn on June 2, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Is that a cheddar or tomato bagel?! It looks to DIEEE….also I would like to know nutrition stats/protein for the Udi’s because I also do g-free and I miss bagels:)

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:14 pm

      it’s a plain bagel! 280 cals, 6 g protein and i can’t remember the fat or carbs :/

  45. Allison @ Food For Healing on June 2, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    i actually seen Udi’s gluten free bagels at the grocery store today, and i thought of YOU! hehe

  46. Wendy Heath on June 2, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    Yay Vegas! Do you ever use LivingSocial? There is a deal for a 3 night midweek stay at the Palms for $329!! Though you gotta make sure there aren’t date restrictions. Thought I would share! I spend so much time looking at the escape deals lol… currently drooling over Mexico packages. Got a B and B stay at a local winery in my area for a steal too! I would guess you and the Pilot don’t need to watch money as hard as I do being in school but a deal is always awesome! Have so much fun in Vegas — we loved Ka the Cirque show at the MGM Grand.

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:14 pm

      i love living social! they need to stop sending me those escape packages- i already bought one to a resort here last week. the deals are amazing!

  47. Marie on June 2, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    Vegaaasss baby! One of my fave place to go as well! If you haven’t been on the terasse next to the Mix Lounge on top of Mandalay Bay hotel you MUST go there for happy hour.
    The view of the strip is litteraly breath taking, plus if you go happy hour you get the sunset!
    Hope you have a good time with the pilot , have a safe trip 😀
    Marie

  48. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on June 2, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Ahh how fun! 😀 I’ve never been to Vegas but I’m dying to go. I wish I could be as spontaneous as you guys!

  49. andrea on June 2, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    hey gina!! i live in vegas…if you need any recommendations while you are here, email me!! i emailed you the last time that you were here and i def recommended mesa grill 🙂 but as far as shows go….O, Love, Mystere are def the best cirque shows. There is a really reeeeally good indian place off the strip by the Hard Rock called Origin India and an amazing Tapas place called Firefly. Let me know if you need any other recommendations!! Have Fun!!! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 2, 2011 at 9:13 pm

      you never let me down with your rec’s 🙂 thank you!

  50. Jillian on June 2, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I agree with the majority of the people, Beatles “Love” show is pretty freaking unbelievable. I went a year and a half ago and I still think about it all the time. It is probably one of the most entertaining performances of any kind I have ever seen. I stayed at The Mirage and went down to the ticket counter the morning of the day I wanted to see a show and got two tickets for the price of one. Not bad! Even if you have to pay full price, it is, without a doubt, completely worth the money.

    Oh to be in Vegas again…

    Have fun girly!

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