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What I'm Watching, Reading, & Listening to: True Crime Podcasts, Anthony Bourdain, & Aladdin
Despite an influx of social media consulting clients, I still had time to watch a whole slew of television series, listen to a ridiculous amount of true crime murder podcasts, & read the occasional book. I recently reached the 2-year mark of being fully self-employed as a blogging coach, travel influencer/writer, & social media manager for small brands & businesses! I work remotely, so I spend a lot of time in coffee shops, libraries, coworking places, & anywhere with Wi-Fi.
Here's everything I'm watching, reading, & listening to lately!
Here's everything I'm watching, reading, & listening to lately!
* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click &/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or my social media platforms, I may make a small commission from that click &/or purchase. It's at no additional cost to you! Learn more about my disclosure.
Reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain & probably listening to a true-crime podcast. |
Read my yearly freelancing anniversary updates from Years 1, 2, & 3!
TV Shows I'm Watching (& One Movie)
Aladdin
Hell yes, I went to see the new Aladdin film with Will Smith in theatres. It was incredible. I was singing along the way & can appreciate some of the updates they made to the characters & plotline to align with modern times. My favorite is the "Prince Ali" song! Did you see the new Aladdin? Do you like the original with Robin Williams or the new one?Rick and Morty
I'm years late to the Rick and Morty party but this inappropriate animated comedy is made for adults. It's the If you're curious where to watch Ricky and Morty online, you can find seasons 1-3 on Hulu.The Act
Being the true crime fan that I am, I promptly watched The Act once I heard it was coming out. I'd already seen the documentary, Mommy Dead and Dearest. The series revolves around the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard & Dee Blanchard — murder, lies, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. The Act stars Patricia Arquette, Joey King, AnnaSophia Robb, & Chloë Sevigny.Game of Thrones
I can't be the only person who completely binge-watched Game of Thrones in a three-month span. Who's with me? Man oh man, although this extremely popular show premiered in 2011, I only began watching in 2019. Spoiler-free commentary from one of my Facebook friends, "I liked the ending but the pacing of the last season was so much faster than the others that it felt off."The Golden Girls
Sometimes you just need a wholesome show to relax after a long day of work. After spending all day listening to true crime podcasts, it's optimal for my brain (& dreams/night terrors) to listen to four mature ladies from the 80s talk about life. The Golden Girls is refreshing & holds up well after all these years.Hey Arnold!
I actually watched Hey Arnold! a lot as a cute little kiddo. It was on Nickelodeon & are used to watch at my grandma's house. All those were the days when responsibilities were little just like myself. I watched whatever is available on Hulu but you can also watch Hey Arnold! The Ultimate Collection.Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is the updated version of Gossip Girl, except gnarlier, darker, & deadlier. The show revolves around a bunch of high schoolers & their web of lies. It was something to put on while typing or writing.GLOW
GLOW stars Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Marc Maron, among others, & follows a group of ladies as they dabble in the world of wrestling; the show takes place in the 1980s & was inspired by GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a series which ran from 1986-1989.The Handmaid’s Tale
Other than actual true crime, The Handmaid's Tale is it one of the most horrifying TV shows out there right now. It’s based off a best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in the modern USA, the show takes place in the totalitarian society of Gilead, where are women are seen as property, oppressed, & forced to carry children for high-ranking officials.Books I'm Reading
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
I read the updated edition of Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. Anthony's voice seeps off the pages of Kitchen Confidential. It feels like you're watching him on The Food Network, his voice shines through, almost blindingly. The book reads like a diary entry from the year 2000 before Bourdain became the badass culinary iconic we know him as.You Are a Badass Every Day by Jen Sincero
Technically the full title reads You Are a Badass Every Day: How to Keep Your Motivation Strong, Your Vibe High, and Your Quest for Transformation Unstoppable. Use Sincero's You Are a Badass Every Day as your daily dose of inspiration, affirmations, & strategies to stay empowered to feel your most badass.Podcasts I'm Listening To
Crime Junkie
Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat host Crime Junkie, one of the most popular true crime podcasts out there. They use sound in the podcast to relay an eerie vibe, much like film scores for soundtracks to dramatic movies. It certainly makes me feel more on edge. Crime Junkie recently made headlines due to plagiarism allegations.Criminal
"This is Phoebe Judge." Listen to any episode of this podcast & you'll know exactly what I’m talking about; the host, Phoebe Judge has a unique voice, which I always associate with the classic journalism/newscaster persona. Criminal is heavily researched so you know you’re getting the facts & the latest information available on a case.Morbid
Morbid falls under what I consider soap opera/gossipy/personal true crime shows, as does My Favorite Murder (listed below). Morbid, hosted by Ash & Alaina, has a sassy dynamic banter. It turns out the ladies are actually related. Can't lie, it took me about 20 episodes to determine who was speaking because I couldn't tell them apart! P.S. Alaina is an autopsy technician, so she brings real-life perspective to...death.My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder might be the original true-crime podcast don’t quote me on that one though. This popular podcast sets itself apart because it's considered a true crime comedy podcast. Hosts Georgia Hardstark & Karen Kilgariff aim to give you a couple of chuckles even though they’re talking about pretty heavy stuff. The ladies released their book Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide in mid-2019.To Live and Die in LA
To Live and Die in LA podcast follows the disappearance of actor Adea Shabani. Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss investigates the mystery, unraveling one thread at a time until the whole thing comes apart. Unlike the other true crime podcasts in my list, this podcast covers one case the whole way through, allowing Strauss to decipher what happened. Prepare to be enthralled.How to Set Effective Personal & Business Goals So You Actually Get Things Done
Instead of sitting, waiting, & wishing for things to happen, establish clear goals & create actionable tasks to complete them. There's no time to wait. NOW IS THE TIME. Follow these tips to make the most of your goals. Interested in establishing successful blogs?
Take it from me, someone who CONSTANTLY gets off track. These strategies increased my overall productivity compared to the month before.
Take it from me, someone who CONSTANTLY gets off track. These strategies increased my overall productivity compared to the month before.
1. WRITE IT DOWN
What good is a goal if you can't even remember it? Write your goals somewhere so you can see it. Type them in the notes section of your phone. Write it down on paper. Looking at your list serves as a constant reminder to strive for your goals.2. BE SPECIFIC
Simply saying "I want to blog more" doesn't amount to much. How often do you want to blog? For how long? On which days? Where? What were you doing before? Vagueness is not your friend. The small details make a difference. A better & more specific goal is: "I want to publish one blog per week for the next 4 weeks. I can commit to writing, editing, & photographing my post on Saturday mornings since that's my only free time."3. SHARE YOUR GOALS
What pushes you more (or is more embarrassing) than having a friend ask, "Did you ever finish that thing you were working on?" or "I thought you were going to give up watching so much Netflix." Sharing your goals might be the shove in the right direction. If you feel unmotivated, your friend asking "Whatever happened to...?" could be just what you need to keep going. So tell your friends & family! Share it on your blog or on social media. You could also hire me as your coach. :]4. DON'T GIVE UP
It isn't easy to create successful blogs these days. Whatever your goals are, don't give up if it doesn't happen or work out right away. Sometimes life gets in the way. Distractions happen, but don't let it completely derail you. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't instantly work out. Keep at it! I was blogging for 4 years before I earned even one cent!!5. DO IT
Don't just say you're going to do something, do it. Don't procrastinate. You want to workout more or write more? Well, get up off your butt & head to the gym or go on a walk or start typing on your laptop, even if you have nothing to say. Actions speak louder than words, so let your actions do the talking.
Related reading: The Real Reason I Quit My 9 to 5 Corporate Job
That Time I Spent the Night at London Gatwick Airport
I'm only 4 hours into my 24-hour+ airport adventure at London Gatwick. I'm sipping on my Costa Coffee. People order food, eat, then head off to their flight. Must be nice. I'll be chilling here for a couple dozen hours.
I'm writing a blog post for a sponsored ad campaign, but little do I know the Wi-Fi expires after 90 minutes. After those brief 90 minutes of glorious but slow freeeee Wi-Fi, I'm forced to sign up for a Boingo account to pay for Wi-Fi to get my work done by deadline.
Ah, the joys of the laptop lifestyle.
Here's the kicker, I forgot to cancel my account & paid for another month. Oops.
I will eventually spend the night tossing & turning on a lumpy loveseat with my lovebug Fred, as terrible Christmas covers blast overhead. We're running off a high from 9 exciting days of exploring London. We found a prime spot at the upstairs Caffè Nero, one of the only spots I saw that had couches without armrests (better if you want to fully lie down).
The hustle & bustle of the airport lulls for a bit from 11 PM - 4 AM, I would know, I was up. The flights slow down & people start to congregate by couches & seats. A couple of guys speaking Arabic play cards on my left. A few ladies from New Zealand laugh over a cup of 2 AM coffee. I watch something available on British Netflix.
Related reading: Welcome to the Cologne Cathedral in Germany
I inhale the beautiful range of people & languages. I love travel. Even though I have a sexy batch of pimples festering from my 36 minutes of sleep on the arm of the couch, I am grateful for this experience, to travel, & most importantly, to be alive.
We toss & turn our way through the night until our flight the next morning. We grab breakfast at Pret-A-Manger, a staple during our trip. We love their affordable pricing & vegetarian options. Then board our flight on Norwegian Airlines to head back to San Diego. Back home to the real world, back to the sobering reality.
But yeah, that was the time I spent the night at London Gatwick Airport. If you get the chance, stay in one of the Gatwick Airport Sleeping Pods They're located in the South Terminal. The pods are part of YOTELAIR London Gatwick Airport.
It took two weeks to recover from the lack of sleep at the airport & then lack of sleep on the flight home. Not a good time, but the travel memories are worth it (kind of).
It took two weeks to recover from the lack of sleep at the airport & then lack of sleep on the flight home. Not a good time, but the travel memories are worth it (kind of).
Have you ever spent the night at an airport? I'd love to hear your story. Leave a comment! :]
Read This If You're on the Verge of Giving Up
Hello my friend,
It sounds like you're on the verge of giving up on that thing you've been working toward. That's a totally normal feeling. It's hard out there, been there myself. So, you're on the verge of giving up but you haven't quit quite yet. I just wanted to say...
THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR YOU SO DON'T YOU STOP!!!
Don't forget that every single minuscule effort & thought that you put in matters. It matters in life, it matters for your dreams, it matters for your work, it matters in your relationships. Those big moments matter, but so do those teeny tiny ones!
The current struggle is that you can't see it. Since you can't see the changes, improvements, benefits, it feels like nothing is happening. Know that sometimes you have to BELIEVE. It's there. It's happening. Things are HAPPENING.
Believe in yourself. Believe in the process. Just believe.
I know that seems like a near impossible task.
But keep on keeping on.
Remember your goal.
Remember that success is a series of small wins.
Remember to do something each & every day, even if it's super small. After a year of daily effort, 365 tiny things turns into something huge.
Sometimes you have to do something scary or out of your comfort zone.
Ready for some real talk? I feel the saaaaame way. Sometimes I genuinely have no clue what to do next, which step to take, if it'll work. But that's all a part of the process. We're ALL winging life. We're ALL the oldest we've ever been.
I got out of my comfort zone just a few days ago at the Vans Warped Tour 2018 press kick off event. It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me to go to events. I have to hype myself & pump myself up just to step out the door. But it gets easier every time I do! I ended up having a blast eating rainbow sprinkle & Oreo ice cream, scoping out the Vans headquarters, & doing something new.
When I feel on the verge of giving up, I remember to breathe in & out. I remember that everything takes time & effort. I remember to focus on things that bring me joy, happiness, knowledge, love, friendship. I remember to believe. I remember that baby steps count, even if it's just a few steps out the door. It counts!
Remember to do something each & every day, even if it's super small. After a year of daily effort, 365 tiny things turns into something huge.
Sometimes you have to do something scary or out of your comfort zone.
Ready for some real talk? I feel the saaaaame way. Sometimes I genuinely have no clue what to do next, which step to take, if it'll work. But that's all a part of the process. We're ALL winging life. We're ALL the oldest we've ever been.
I got out of my comfort zone just a few days ago at the Vans Warped Tour 2018 press kick off event. It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me to go to events. I have to hype myself & pump myself up just to step out the door. But it gets easier every time I do! I ended up having a blast eating rainbow sprinkle & Oreo ice cream, scoping out the Vans headquarters, & doing something new.
When I feel on the verge of giving up, I remember to breathe in & out. I remember that everything takes time & effort. I remember to focus on things that bring me joy, happiness, knowledge, love, friendship. I remember to believe. I remember that baby steps count, even if it's just a few steps out the door. It counts!
What are your goals for 2018? What do you think of comfort zones? What are you struggling with right now? Leave a comment & join the discussion.
Spending the Night at The Clement Hotel in Palo Alto
Northern California is beautiful fall and winter as the red, yellow, & orange leaves gather on the ground, creating a squishy rainbow padding as you walk around. The evening air of Silicon Valley cools down to the point where you always need a protective layer for warmth. I'm from San Diego, where it's hard to find any sign of the seasons — leaves & layers included. An adventure to Northern California is just what I needed!
Located at 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301, The Clement hotel Palo Alto is an all-inclusive hotel that has a fitness center, business center, free wifi, parking, and everything you could need for your stay.
Due to Covid, valet parking has been suspended temporarily. Self-parking is available. The whirlpool and roof top pool are currently closed until the summer, but pool cabanas are available. We had fun hanging out on the roof in the cabanas.
Fred & I created a mini trip out of it. We maneuvered our way out of Southern California, stopping in Bakersfield, Santa Maria, & Palo Alto along the way. The Clement is a luxury hotel with personalized service based in Palo Alto, California. The location is beautiful; The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those things you'll just have to see for yourself. From the rooftop pool to the delightful food, The Clement Palo Alto is an all-inclusive boutique hotel for those who are ready for the finer things in life. Breakfast lunch dinner, they've got it! Stanford University campus is just a hop, skip, & a jump away. They have a fire pit,
Palo Alto, California is about 35 miles south of San Francisco & 14 miles north of San Jose. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, The Clement Hotel focuses on first-class accommodations in a boutique atmosphere. The location is right near Stanford University. Enjoy the energy of downtown Palo Alto.
Living Room
Fred & I chatted on the Outdoor Dining Terrace, checked our email, & scoped outside before heading back to the elegant Living Room for the evening. We enjoyed a cocktail as well as a charcuterie board right by the fireplace. Warm & toasty!
Jury Room
The Jury Room makes for the perfect business center whilst you're on your travels or you can host a business meeting in their state-of-the-art boardroom.
Kitchen
Want to venture outside of the guest rooms? The Kitchen adjoins the Dining Room & features a fully stocked Guest Pantry. There's also an on-site chef if you desire something more in-depth. I love that the Pantry is available 24 hours a day. That means if you're hankering for a snack at 3 AM, you could head down to the dining room & grab water, fresh cut fruit, a cheese board, ice cream, or other munchies. The Clement hotel Palo Alto offers a seasonal menu with starters, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and desserts.
Clement Hotel Palo Alto Guest Suites and Rooms
Your guest suite is sure to be freaking fabulous. We had a separate living room, bedroom, & bathroom, including cool gadgets like two 65 inch Samsung televisions, Nespresso Vertuoline coffee machines, & an in-room refrigerator stocked with a handful of beverages like mango juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite, & Voss water. This guest suite is seriously the size of a large 2-bedroom apartment with tons of amenities to boot. I love that I could make a piping hot cup of chamomile tea right in the room, or get room service delivered straight to our door. The Clement is a boutique hotel heaven in Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, giving guests a peaceful place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in town.
Bath
The bathroom includes two sinks, a super rad television built into the mirror, a soaking tub, separate rain head shower, & a Toto Washlet toilet with a heated seat, which my mom raved about during her stay in Toyko, Japan. I adored the ODE Natural Beauty Verde Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub; it's genuinely one of the best body scrubs I've tried! I relaxed in the big tub as I checked myself out in the mirror. Okay, I was watching The Simpsons on the TV built into the mirror! Talk about all-inclusive luxury.
We loved panoramic views of Stanford & Palo Alto from the roof-top deck. The location is impeccable. Who doesn't like a rooftop pool? We found ourselves there at least twice during our under 24-hour stay. Up there you'll find a swimming pool, whirlpool hot tub, & private cabanas. There's even individual sunglasses & sunblock set out for anyone to use. If you're there in daylight, enjoy the bustling view of Palo Alto. If you're on the rooftop deck at night, stay cozy by the heaters & jam to the music with a cocktail. Don't miss out on the rooftop pool, seriously. You don't even have to go inside of it if you're not a swim fan. Just breathe in the view & the trees. Sip champagne in your cabana then dip your feet in the hot tub & call it a day.
Experience
Everything you need is right there on the property. You can relax from the moment of welcoming arrival until you leave. You can access snacks when you want or perhaps you're in the mood for cocktails. Visit the facilities and familiarize yourself. I had a blissful but short experience at The Clement Hotel. From the TV in the mirror to the comfy white linens, The Clement Palo Alto gives guests a place to rest, unwind, eat, sleep, & simply enjoy their time in Palo Alto. It felt special to receive such personalized concierge service. It felt like what I'd imagine Kim Kardashian's everyday life is like: everything is taken care of, always the best of the best, & if they don't have it they'll get it for you! Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! The Clement hotel Palo Alto is one of those fantastic hotel experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Plus, it has such a fantastic location close to Stanford University.
What part sounds the best to you? Have you ever had an all-inclusive luxury stay before? How was it?
Why are Diptyque Candles so Expensive?
Diptyque candles were high on my radar for years, but I was too frugal to shovel over money when I hadn't even smelled them before. The candles are available in certain stores, but the closest store was an hour away. 50 candles are very popular. You'll see them in magazines, a celebrity must have a list, & in San Diego lifestyle blogger photos. They are chic. They are well known. But are they worth their hefty price tag? Some people don't feel comfortable spending $60 or more on a candle, while others could easily spend hundreds. Why are Diptyque Candles so Expensive?!! Are the candles worth the money?
Diptyque is a luxury scented candle brand. The quality candles are said to release scent even when they're not burning. Some scents include Baies, which features notes of blackcurrant & Bulgarian rose; Figuier which features notes of the fig tree; Feu de Bois which features woody notes; Roses which features notes of changing roses; & Tubéreuse which features notes of the tuberose flower.
Maison Diptyque is known for its scented candles available in various scents, designs, colored votives. Give them as a gift set to your closest candle loving friend or use them to warm up your own space. This could be a savored gift for a special day like a birthday, promotion, holiday, etc since it's expensive & relatively well-known, particularly by candle lovers.
Shop the Diptyque Mimosa Scented Mini Candle on Selfridges - click here to browse!
The Diptyque candle set comes with five fragrance favorites:
Baies - featuring notes of blackcurrant & Bulgarian rose.
Figuier - featuring notes of the fig tree
Feu de Bois - featuring woody notes
Roses - featuring notes of changing roses
Tubéreuse - featuring notes of the tuberose flower
Size & Value
The 5-count set is an excellent way to test Diptyque candles without committing to the bigger, ultimately more expensive sizes. Each candle is 1.23 oz, about the size of a shot glass, so that's $11 per shot glass-sized candle. For reference, a 2.4 oz Diptyque candle retails at $35, & the 6.5 oz candle retails for $65. So, unless you find a Diptyque sale, the $55 Nordstrom Sale price is a fantastic value.It all comes down to the scent, the burn time, and if you want to splurge on the cost. It really helps if you can smell it beforehand to see if you like the fragrance to see if it's worth the expensive price tag. If you don't know the sound comment it might not be worth spending $60 on something you're not even sure of.
Where To Buy Diptyque Candles
You can find Diptyque products in a few places. You can find them online in places such as Nordstrom, Amazon, and of course on the Diptyque website. People who love candles will want to take a few Diptyque candles home. Candle Collections include: Baies, Figuier, Feu de Bois, Tubéreuse, Roses, Ambre, 34 Collection.
My candle care tips (for any candle brand)
The first light is the most important; be sure to keep the candle lit until the wax melts across the entire first layer. This will help you avoid the dreaded tunneling effect or memory ring. Once the ring is formed, it doesn't go away. Always burn until the entire top wax layer is melted. Always trim your wick before relighting.The One Thing to Keep in Mind
There is no denying that Diptyque is a luxury scented candle brand with quality, powerful ingredients. However, don't expect these little guys to fill a big room. Because the candle surface area is small, there is less wax melting & thus, less scent to be dispersed. If I had gotten a larger candle, I believe there would be more scent emanating throughout the room.Worth the Money? The Verdict
Is Diptyque Worth It? The candles smell incredible. When cared for, they burn evenly. The packaging is chic. They last long. They look gorgeous in photos. They make me feel fancy. The candle set makes a thoughtful gift for a candle lover. If you value candles, this is a great value.The quality of the glass container is quite nice. I removed leftover wax & washed out the glasses to decorate my home. Since I have the super small candles, they store little things like buttons, pins, coins, or something small.
Jo Malone is another popular candle brand similar to Diptyque. They are known for their range of scents.
Shop on Amazon.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite fragrance? Too expensive? Worth it? Have you tried Diptyque? Leave a comment! :]
Fun Things to Do in Reno, Nevada and Tahoe
Looking for a quickie trip to the Reno Tahoe area? Well, you came to the right place! I have to be honest with you though, there is so much to do there. Seriously, so much. The best way to explore the area, especially if you're in a rush, is to spend one day in Reno & one in Tahoe. From art galleries to local restaurants, there are plenty of fun attractions and things to do in Reno, Nevada. It's the perfect weekend trip. And of course, your list of Reno things to do isn't complete without a visit to the casino.
The Reno Tahoe area is incredibly versatile. Reno, Nevada calls itself "The Biggest Little City in the World.” After visiting the city, I understand why. There's such a range of fun things to do in Reno, Nevada depending on your preference, so I broke it down into some essentials.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
Pick & choose what you're into. You can get a lot done if you figure out what you're interested in.
This 48-hour guide to Reno Tahoe is meant to help you figure out how to get the most out of a limited amount of time.
If you want to explore in a jiffy, here are a bunch of attractions and fun things to do in Reno, Nevada.
Let's begin with the essentials: food, drink, & nature. These are my favorite parts of Reno Tahoe, the things that you can't live without. Let's get to it!
The Essentials
Food
Whether you're craving pan-friend dumplings, homemade soup, or an all-you-can-eat buffet, there's a huge selection of restaurants in the Reno Tahoe area. My tip: Figure out what you're in the mood for because the options are vast. If you need some help, Visit Reno Tahoe has an extensive list of eateries by category.Reno
Midtown Eats has a fantastic beer-battered cauliflower appetizer. My friend swears that Jox Sports Bar & Grill has the best wings in town; Fred loved the honey-glazed barbecue wings. If you're into pasta & pizza (who isn't?!), Campo came highly recommended. The city has a lot of tasty grub to offer.Tahoe
Do a search for Lake Tahoe lakefront restaurants to see what comes up. Lone Eagle Grille has lakefront Tahoe views & an entire vegetarian menu (if you ask for it). I recommend the Vegetable Linguini, Roasted Cauliflower Pizza, & the Baked Tahoe for dessert. Drool. The jackfruit “carnitas” tostada bites from Bite American Tapas sound absolutely heavenly too.Drinks
From bar crawls to wine walks, there's no shortage of coffee shops, breweries, bars, pubs, sports bars in Reno & Tahoe. It all depends, do you want a cocktail, a beer, a coffee? Well, they have it all. Visit Reno Tahoe has a cool interactive map of breweries & distilleries in the area.Reno
IMBĪB Custom Brews has delicious sour beers. Death & Taxes has photo-friendly cocktails. Seriously, just look at this drink. My favorite: the Arlington Tea made with Earl Grey. A local recommended 1864 Tavern. French-inspired Chez Louie sits inside the Nevada Museum of Art & has an incredible maple latte.Tahoe
From porters to pale ales, Alibi Ale Works has core beers, rotating seasonals, & some fancy limited release brews too. Get fresh orange, grapefruit, & even carrot juice at Fire Sign Cafe. There's also Tahoe Mountain Brewery, Jake’s on the Lake, & West Shore Café.Nature
Are you a fan of the great outdoors? Me too! Reno, Nevada & the Tahoe area offer a range of natural beauty, vista points, & exciting activities. Whether you want to brush up on your ice skating, camp for a couple nights, picnic by the beach, or simply take a walk along the river, Reno Tahoe genuinely has whatever you're looking for. Stroll the scenic Truckee River and savor some of the free things to do in the heart of the city. Your outdoor adventure includes parks, trails, river views, and more. Enjoy Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Washoe County. At 580 acres, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Washoe County's largest and most dynamic park with a range of amenities and facilities. Hit the trail!Reno
You can get a stunning view of Reno from the Nevada Museum of Art penthouse. Enjoy a scenic stroll with bridges, walking paths, & art installations as you promenade along Reno's Truckee River Walk, the RiverWalk is a popular spot. Take a walk at Wingfield Park, Mount Rose, or San Rafael Regional Park. Take off your shoes & get your feet wet. Better yet, hop in & go tubing or swimming. We took an evening saunter through Idlewild Park & it was quiet, relaxing, & peaceful. The list of Reno things to do just keeps growing.Tahoe
Take in as much nature as you can & stay at one of the many Reno Tahoe campgrounds. My tip: book in advance because campsites often get fully booked during peak season. Lake Tahoe has endless possibilities that range each season. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowboarding, or maybe you want a sleigh ride instead. Once it warms up, try biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or just lounging around at the beach. Go skiing at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe if you want to savor the snow.Now for the fun stuff: go shopping, check out the casinos, explore the events, & then browse through my favorites!
The Fun Stuff
Shopping
Get in, we're going shopping! Like seriously, there's everything. The Reno Tahoe shopping options are extensive. From The Legends Outlet at Sparks to The Summit in Reno to The Shops at Heavenly Village in Tahoe, you could spend your 48 hours just shopping if you wanted to. Definitely stop by Junkee for clothes & antiques.Casinos
Your visit wouldn't be complete without a trip to the casino(s). There are casino options nearby in Reno, Tahoe, & also the Sparks area, such as Atlantis Casino Resort. Whether you gamble or not, it makes for great people-watching. Fred & I did a couple dollar slots then left to explore the area more. You could opt for a spa day at the casino resort spa. Read more about my experience Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada. Visit here.Museums
If you like museums and exhibits there's the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art. There are local art galleries as well. Take the family and take in the interesting culture and exhibits.
Events
Local events and entertainment change daily & range for every single season. My tip: check the events calendar & do a little bit of online research to see what's happening while you're in town. Or maybe the whole reason you're visiting is because of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, The Great Reno Balloon Race, or Northern Nevada Pride. So much to do, so little time.Hotels
In Reno, you will find hotels near the center of town such as Whitney Peak Hotel, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Plaza Resort Club, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, and more.
My Favourites
♥ Arlington Tea cocktail from Death & Taxes ♥ Blue waters of Lake Tahoe ♥ Strolling the Truckee RiverWalk District ♥ Midtown Reno's murals ♥ Nevada Museum of Art ♥ Browsing Junkee for hidden treasures ♥ Evening walk through Idlewild Park ♥ Stillwater Spritzer at Stillwater Spa & Salon ♥ Driving through the mountains in Tahoe ♥ Dipping your toes in Truckee River or Lake Tahoe ♥ Beautiful nature ♥ Hanging out with an old friend in Reno ♥ Baked Tahoe at Lone Eagle Grille ♥
Have you visited Tahoe or Reno? I'd love to hear your top recommendations. :]
Playing & Staying at the Atlantis in Reno, Nevada
The Reno, Nevada temperature read 103°F. The local radio personality said it was a heat wave for the start of summer. We'd camped the night before, driven 4.5 hours from Lone Pine, California to Reno that morning, & we were in desperate need of a mentally & physically refreshing shower. We wanted to check into our hotel immediately. We arrived in Reno, & the Atlantis* stood tall like a welcoming giant. We followed it like a beacon, found parking, & went inside. The cool air conditioned casino breeze felt like an oasis from the harsh heat.
* Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
We arrived at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa as soon as we could check in, 3 p.m. We checked in, got our keys, & made our way to our room as fast as humanly possible. Atlantis was kind enough to give us a Concierge Tower room on the 25th floor. It wasn't until later we realized that Concierge Tower guests can get VIP check in. It wasn't until day two that I realized our windows were tinted purple.
The Concierge Tower
I got a kick out of the key-card access glass-enclosed elevator ride up to our room. These elevators are exclusive for Concierge Hotel Tower members; you literally have to scan your card in order for the elevator to move. I loved using it in the evening because you could see Reno light up at night. Concierge Tower hotel rooms include custom furnishings, robes, slippers, TV in the bathroom, as well as access to the 25th floor Concierge Lounge.
We tried to utilize all the benefits of the Concierge Lounge such as the morning breakfast & afternoon hors d'oeuvres. We went every single day. If anything, just go for the view. Get a table by the window & sip your morning cup of coffee with sweeping views of Reno. The Concierge Lounge service was absolutely incredible.
The Spa
Spa Atlantis is luxurious & convenient! Head on over to their full range spa & salon. I received a Swedish massage, while Fred enjoyed his Spa Day Pass. We met up after my massage & enjoyed the Brine Inhalation-Light Therapy Lounge, the indoor whirlpools, & the Nature Experiential Shower. I pretty much tried every version of their spa waters. They have recipe cards for all of their waters; I regret not grabbing the cards!
The Casino
The Atlantis Reno is a player's paradise. Slots, table games, poker rooms, keno, race & sports book. They have it all. I'm a terrible gambler, but casino life is part of Reno & the Atlantis. Smoking is allowed on property, so head on over to the designated smoke-free areas if you have smoking sensitivity.
The Food
The dining options at Atlantis Reno are plentiful, even as a vegetarian. There are bars, lounges, delis, buffets, grilles, sushi bars, & basically anything you could dream of. Bistro Napa came highly recommended. We grabbed gelato with a friend at Café Alfresco. We had breakfast buffet at Toucan Charlie's but I'd opt for lunch next time or perhaps the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
The Amenities
I kid you not when I say Atlantis has it all — atrium pool, cabaret, Fitness Center, spa, salon, slots, wedding packages, & more. I joked with Fred that you could just stay inside for a week & never explore anything else in Reno because there is that much to do within the Atlantis. They aim to ensure that you're completely entertained during your stay. I'd say that's accurate!
The Verdict
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is genuinely a great option if you're in Reno, Nevada & want a place to stay in the heart of the city. I received nothing but impeccable service. Whether you're there with family, as a couple, on business, with friends, by yourself, there are options to suit your needs. It's buzzing with life. It's air-conditioned. It's a Reno staple.My Favorites
♥ Afternoon hors d'oeuvres at the Concierge Lounge ♥ Nature Experiential Shower ♥ Melon water at the Fitness Center ♥ All the spa waters ♥ Fluffy white robes ♥ Watching TV in the shower ♥ Desserts at Toucan Charlie's buffet ♥ Evening elevator rides ♥ Sweeping views of Reno ♥ Blogging/working from the hotel room ♥
Have you ever stayed at the Atlantis? What about Reno? I want to hear your thoughts! :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
*Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. I was not paid, but did receive free hotel stay, buffet breakfast, & Swedish massage. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure. :]
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