The Suite Life -Wynn Las Vegas

I love luxury and always jump at the chance to stay in an amazing hotel.  I was recently given the opportunity to put together my idea of a great space for one of my favorite Vegas Hotels, the Wynn. My approach to interior design is similar to the way I dress. 

I love classic neutrals with bold eye popping accessories and mixing colors, patterns and textures. The neutral palette in the Wynn suites is the perfect backdrop for bold color and an unexpected touch of animal print. The possibilities are endless. An ocean palette with warm earth tones is the perfect balance of  setting the atmosphere for relaxation and having a few unexpected touches of glam. I love the idea of a wood vase filled with beautiful peacock feathers and a few accent pillows for the bed or chairs.  

These little touches go a long way in adding style without going overboard.

The ocean inspired colors look beautiful, relaxing and serene and the silk gives an air of elegance

These beautiful animal print pillows add a swanky touch to the decor.

This simple piece of wood art has such a great sentiment and since it is neutral it is not competing with the other accessories. I also think  think a colorful abstract piece of art would also look amazing against the neutral palette

This beautiful lamp from Restoration Hardware is perfect on each side of the bed. The design blends seamlessly with the rest of the accent pieces

When I think of Vegas Hotels, I always imagine opulence and luxury. The great thing about colorful accents, is that they can be easily changed to suit your mood. What is your favorite Vegas Hotel?

Grilled Shrimp Tostada

 We are some serious taco lovers in my house, but sometimes I cheat on my tacos with a Tostada. Not just any Tostada, grilled shrimp tostadas. Now you see how it happened, right? Love at first bite. Big juicy shrimp, lime juice, garlic, spices, Siracha. This is hot stuff. 

Literally.

But sometimes we need a little heat in our lives. These tacos can be in your mouth in just minutes and you can stop licking the screen. 

You will need about 1 1/2 pounds plump juicy shrimp

Fresh garlic adds lots of intense flavor

Lime juice will brighten the taste. 

Cilantro adds flavor, texture and is a great garnish

Cabbage tastes better in seafood tostadas and tacos. I love the red for color and texture, but  I also love to mix red and green shredded cabbage for shrimp and fish tacos or tostadas

Fresh Avocado adds that special something to these Tostadas

This Siracha adds the perfect hint of heat

And then you have this delectable finished work of art

Ingredients 

For Shrimp

1 1/2 pounds shrimp

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 minced garlic clove

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder 

Skewers for grilling shrimp

For Tacos

6-8 six inch corn tortillas

2 avocados sliced

2 cups shredded cabbage

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Siracha

Directions

Mix oil and spices and toss shrimp in the mixture. Oil the grill and preheat to medium. Place shrimp on skewers and then cook on grill about 2 minutes per side until shrimp is completely cooked through.

Grill tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or use a skillet if you don't have a grill. Top each tortilla with Cabbage, Avocado, Cilantro Shrimp and Siracha.

Bon Appetit!

A New Day

Sometimes Life is a matter of perspective. When you wake up above the ground instead of under it, you are having a good day.. Some people did not wake up, so each time you get to open your eyes, there is a chance to start brand new. A chance to get it right. I am in a new season of my life, but sometimes to get to the new, the old things that held you back have to be cut. Sometimes those old things, old thoughts, familiar people are comfortable. Sometimes people around you can be toxic or bad for you. Sometimes even though something is bad for you it feels comfortable. And then there comes a time when...

IT HAS TO GO.

Growth is painful, but if you are not growing. You are dying. I would rather stretch in areas that make me uncomfortable, rather than not reach my full potential. It's a new day and it's mine. It is a new day for you too:-)

Top: Vince Camuto, Clutch: Target, Pants: Boutique, Shoes: F-21, Cuff, Heavenly Couture, Photography: Stacey Gutierrez

I find newness and growth exciting.  These bright colors make me feel like a ray of light and in my free time I have been busy pouring into the lives of other people through ministry. I like the direction I am going.

I love a great statement necklace and they always add a little something special no matter what you are wearing. The great thing about your life and how you live it is that it will make a bold statement too and you don't have to say anything. How you live and treat people speaks pretty loud. 

Even the words you speak about a person when you think they don't hear you. If they are negative, it says more about you than you than it does about them. Negative words are death and I would rather not speak them. I prefer to say good things behind someone's back or nothing at all.

I am having a birthday in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to celebrating. I am always grateful each time I get to celebrate a birthday and completely humbled that each year so many people want to celebrate with me

This week I am linking up with these lovely ladies: Lisa La Monde  Mix Match Fashion and Beauty101byLisa

Trying my best to make every day mean something

I am loving the combination of Citron and neutral colors. Perfect combination of bold and subtle

Have an amazing day!

Anqi by Crustacean

Do you like the idea of ambient lighting, stunning interiors, mouthwatering food and a fashion runway in the middle of a restaurant? Me too!

If you venture into Orange County, you too can experience this fun restaurant. Anqi is a spin off of the Crustacean restaurant in Beverly Hills. Yes, 50 miles from Beverly Hills is an equally swanky, atmospheric restaurant with the same Vietnamese fusion dishes that Crustacean is known for. Both restaurants are upscale, but the price point is what separates the two restaurants. The prices at Anqi are a little more recession friendly than Crustacean, but you will have the same amazing dining experience. My friend and I found the ambiance absolutely perfect.

A crystal stream and rocks are under this 60 foot fashion runway, which is a functional dining area when fashion shows aren't taking place. Pretty cool, right?

There were numerous drink and appetizer options. The chicken potstickers are a popular item to try here and our server recommended a Lavender Blackberry Mojito. I asked her if they could make me a non alcoholic version of this drink and I was thrilled when they were able to accommodate me by making a mocktail version:-)

This drink had the essence of lavender,muddled blackberries, mint leaves and lime. There was not an ounce of alcohol in this drink and I was still sipping and smiling:-)

The space is expansive with tones of red, orange and black

Great place for date night or to have a nice dinner with friends

This summer greens salad was a great way to start our meal. This salad has squash, manchego cheese, a mixture of salad greens and olive croutons

The infamous garlic noodles and prawns. FULL of fresh garlic flavor

The well stocked bar. I was so impressed that the staff made me a delicious mocktail.

This beautiful space on the photo above is a part of the secret kitchen at Anqi and comes by way of the Chef's table. This special spot must be booked in advance for a minimum of 8 people who will have access to the private dining room, dedicated servers and staff apart from the other diners at the restaurant.

 

 Guests at the chefs table can also request to see the secret kitchen by pressing a button in this room and when the chef grants access the frosted glass clears offering a peak inside the infamous secret kitchen, which is hidden inside the main kitchen and only accessible to the An family, the chefs and employees with more than 10 years service at the restaurant. 

My dining companion passed on dessert, but I don't think any dining experience is complete without a sweet treat to round out the meal. This dessert came highly recommended and me being the chocolate fiend that I am., well, I just couldn't say no. I just couldn't.

You wouldn't have either. 

 

This chocolate dome cake was garnished with blackberry sauce drizzle, hazlenut brittle port reduction and homemade Bailey's Irish Cream Ice Cream and it was absolutely scrumptious.

I highly recommend Anqi, but strongly recommend reservations since the restaurant fills up quickly during the evening and at peak hours.

Anqi

3333 Bristol Street

Costa Mesa, CA

714-557-5679

Sunshine

Hi Loves! It has been a month since my last blog post, but I really needed a vacation. These photos are from a couple of weeks ago, but I was just too busy to post them.  Looking forward to a fun summer with my son who is on summer vacation at the end of the week. The weather has been very strange lately. Dark, cloudy and overcast with no hint of the sun until well into the day. Yellow always makes me think of springtime and it is definitely one of my happy colors.

Blazer: Chadwicks, White T-shirt:: H&M, Jeans: Macys, Purse: Vintage Ralph Lauren,Shoes: BCBG Paris

 

 I love jewelry and I think the silver is a great accent against yellow

You all know about my animal print obsession

I am so excited about summer. Lots of great things happening!

Have an amazing week!