loveterrimarie

Blog

  • Vegas : Would I Go Back?

    Vegas : Would I Go Back?

    Would I Go Back? My Honest Review

    Let me go ahead and answer the big question: Would I go back to Vegas? Absolutely. And here’s why. First off, I’m not a real gambler like that — I maybe spent 45 minutes tops on the slot machines, and that was mostly me pressing buttons and hoping for the best. But that’s the thing about Vegas: you don’t have to gamble to have a good time.

    The Strip itself is a whole experience. Between the lights, the live music, and just people-watching? It’s giving sensory overload in the best way. There’s something for everyone — rooftop lounges, street performers, luxury shopping, little taco spots… whatever vibe you’re chasing, Vegas will meet you there.

    One thing I forgot to mention in my earlier posts? Fremont Street. Whew. That area had so much going on. Live DJs, light shows, ziplining overhead — it was a whole different energy than the Strip, but just as fun.

    I stayed at Paris Hotel, had my nightly Bellagio Fountain rituals, floated through a fake canal at The Venetian, and wandered Miracle Mile Shops like I had money to blow . The trip gave everything I wanted: fun, freedom, and girls trip energy I didn’t know I needed.

    Would I go back? 100%. Would I do it differently next time? Maybe. Spa day. A rooftop dinner. Definitely a show. And you already know I’m going to break down a Vegas on a budget guide soon because yes — it’s possible to do this city without going broke. Stay tuned for that.

    🌆 Want all the juicy Vegas details? If you missed the rest of the series, I got you!

    💛 my first time in sin city

    First Impressions &.

    Read More

    📍 Where to Stay: Stay in Vegas

    On the Strip,Off the Strip, &.

    Read More

    🍽️ What I Ate: A Vegas Foodie Recap

    Quick stops, cute finds, and fried lobster.

    Read More

    💸 Vegas Moments: The Must-Sees + Cute Little Things That Made the Trip

    Quick stops, What Made the Trip.

    Read More

    💭 Honest Las Vegas Recap

    Would I go back? My real thoughts on the whole trip.

    Read More

  • Vegas Moments: The Must-Sees + Cute Little Things That Made the Trip

    If there’s one thing Vegas is gonna do, it’s entertain you. Whether you’re big on shows, sightseeing, or just taking in the lights and vibes — trust me, there’s always something to get into.

    One of my favorite things? Just walking the Strip at night. Everything lights up. The energy hits different. There’s music, people dancing in the streets, and every five steps you’re like “wait, what’s that?”

    I stayed at the Paris Hotel, right across from the Bellagio Fountains, and listen—those fountains were my nightly ritual. I’d grab a little cup of ice cream, park myself outside, and just let the moment sink in. That water show against the Eiffel Tower replica? It was giving cinematic.

    We also walked through The Flamingo Hotel, and yes, I had to snap a pic of the real flamingos. Don’t ask me why they have flamingos in the middle of Vegas—but it’s iconic, and I was here for it.

    Another fave was the Gondola Ride at The Venetian. I didn’t know how romantic a fake river inside a hotel could be until I was floating under little bridges with strangers singing opera. It’s cute whether you’re solo or with your girls—it’s giving main character energy.

    Oh—and Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood? So clutch. Great little stores, and the food court was budget-friendly without tasting like it. It’s the kind of place where you can ball a little and still feel like you didn’t go broke.

    I didn’t get to catch a show this time around or hit up every rooftop spot I wanted (next time for sure), but even with just exploring, it was everything I needed.

    So what’s the move?

    Vegas has the glitz, the glam, and the moments in between. You don’t even have to gamble to have a good time. Whether it’s a girls’ trip, a solo soul reset, or just a break from the day-to-day—this city knows how to give you a good time.

    And if you’re already thinking, “I wanna go!” — don’t wait.
    Let’s book it.

    🌆 Want all the juicy Vegas details?

    Listen—this post was just the vibes. But if you want the tea on where to stay, what to eat, what to do, and my full honest review… I got you!

  • Las Vegas Foodie Edition: What I Ate in the City That Does the Most

    Las Vegas Foodie Edition: What I Ate in the City That Does the Most

    Listen… I didn’t come to Vegas to gamble, I came to eat—and baby, the food did not disappoint. Vegas is the kind of place where you can go from bougie bites to wild late-night snacks all in one day, and I made it my mission to do all the above.

    🍽️ Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

    This was my “I’m being fancy but still chill” moment. It’s at The LINQ Promenade and YES—this is where I had fried lobster for the first time. Crispy, seasoned just right, and came with a side of dipping sauces that made me shut up mid-bite. I wanted to go to Hell’s Kitchen too, but reservations were tight… next time, though. It’s on the list.

    descriptive alt text

    🔥 Wing King

    Now let me be real—I pulled up here because I saw they had CBD-infused wings. Yes, you read that right. And they were GOOD. They even have cannabis-infused wings if that’s more your style, but I stuck with the chill vibes. It’s a lowkey spot, nothing fancy, but the flavor was hittin’.

    descriptive alt text

    🌮 Taco Bell Cantina

    I know… you’re probably like “Taco Bell, girl??” But no—this ain’t your usual late-night drive-thru. This spot is right on the Strip and feels like a mini turn-up. They’ve got a full bar, music, and the kind of energy that makes you forget you’re eating fast food. I had a frozen Baja Blast and went upstairs to the lounge area that overlooks the street—it was a vibe.

    🍦The Ice Cream I Can’t Name but Still Dream About

    I wish I remembered the name, but just know it was THAT good. Every night, I’d grab a cup and post up outside my hotel watching the Bellagio fountains light up. I didn’t need a show or a reservation—just that little moment with the lights, the sound of the water, some people watching, and the best ice cream ever.

    🛍️ Miracle Mile Shops (inside Planet Hollywood)

    Perfect for when you want to grab something quick without doing too much. Tons of food spots that won’t break the bank. I love places like this because you can mix shopping and snacking without running all over the Strip. It was giving convenience and flavor.

    Final Bite

    Vegas really said, “You hungry? I got you.” I left full, happy, and already planning what I’m gonna eat next time. The food scene is a whole experience on its own—you don’t have to spend crazy money to eat good and make memories.

    Thinking about your own foodie adventure? Let me help you plan it right. I’ll make sure you eat good, stay somewhere cute, and don’t miss the best bites.

    Let’s Plan Your Trip

    🌆 Want all the juicy Vegas details?

    Listen—this post was just the vibes. But if you want the tea on where to stay, what to eat, what I spent, and my full honest review… I got you!

  • Vegas Vibes:My First Time in Sin City

    Whew… Vegas!

    when I say this trip was long overdue, I mean it. I’ve always heard the stories, seen the movies, and wondered what the hype was really about. So when I finally touched down in Sin City for the very first time—ya girl was ready to experience it all. And baby… Vegas did not disappoint.

    From the glittering lights of the Strip to the wild food adventures (hello, overpriced lobster mac), this was a trip that gave main character energy from start to finish.

    What Took Me to Vegas

    Truthfully? I needed a change of scenery. Life had been lifin’, and I was craving a break—the kind that mixes fun, food, and long nights. Add to that the fact that it was a cousin trip and, baby, it was time. Vegas was it.

    We wanted vibes, laughs, memories, and a place that could handle our energy—and Vegas was exactly that. From the group chat to the Strip, this trip was one for the books.

    First Impressions

    The moment I stepped off that plane in September, it felt like stepping into another world. The weather? Perfect. Not too hot, not too cool—perfect for walking the Strip and living my best life.

    • The Strip is loud, chaotic, and full of energy—in the best way.
    • Everything is extra (from the buildings to the buffets).
    • And listen… you will walk more than you ever expected so don’t play yourself in cute-but-painful shoes .

    My home base for the trip was the Paris Hotel (yes, the one with the Eiffel Tower vibes). Right across from the Bellagio fountains. At night? Magical. Sitting outside with a snack, watching the fountains dance, lights twinkling from the Eiffel Tower replica—it honestly felt like a dream.

    💛 What I Loved

    ✔️ The energy
    ✔️ The food (most of it )
    ✔️ All the things to do
    ✔️ The photo ops 

    We hit up so many spots that gave life on a budget. The Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood had everything—shopping, food, vibes. The Flamingo? I had to see the actual flamingos (obviously). And The Bellagio Conservatory was in the middle of a seasonal change, but the luxury window shopping? Oh, it was giving expensive taste and window-shop realness.

    And let me just say—the gondola ride at The Venetian was lowkey cute, even solo. I rode it with my girls but honestly, it’s a whole moment either way.

    Now let’s talk food!
    Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips had ya girl trying fried lobster for the first time. Whew—it was hitting. I wanted to hit up Hell’s Kitchen too, but I couldn’t snag a reservation in time (definitely on the list for next round).
    Oh—and the ice cream. Y’all. Don’t ask me the name… just trust me when I say it was the best I’ve ever had. Every night, I’d sit outside my hotel with my little ice cream cup, watching the Bellagio fountains, people-watching, just soaking it all in.

     What I’d Skip Next Time

    • ✘ The hype restaurants that weren’t worth the coins
    • ✘ Walking the Strip at night alone (girl, don’t do it)
    • ✘ Overplanning—we did a lot, and it almost stole the joy

    Next time? I’m making space for more chill and more surprises.

     Would I Go Back?

    Absolutely! With a plan and a lil more money 💸

    Now that I’ve gotten my first-timer jitters out the way, I’m ready to do it even bigger. Vegas has layers, and this trip only scratched the surface. Next time? Spa day, rooftop views, and maybe a show or two.

    🌟 Want all the juicy Vegas details?

    Listen—this post was just the vibes. But if you want the tea on where to stay, what to eat, what to do, and my full honest review… I got you! ✨

    (Coming soon—bookmark this page so you don’t miss ‘em 👀)

  • Where to Stay in Vegas: What You Need to Know

    Okay y’all—if you read my main Vegas recap, you already know I stayed at the Paris Hotel and absolutely loved it. But let’s break it down a little more, especially if you’re planning your own trip and want the real on where to stay, what to expect, and what spots are actually worth your coins.

    🌆 Why I Chose Paris Hotel

    Listen—location is everything when you’re in Vegas. I picked the Paris Las Vegas Hotel because:

    • It’s right across from the Bellagio fountains (aka my favorite nightly vibe)
    • You’re smack in the middle of the Strip—perfect for walking and people watching
    • The Eiffel Tower vibes gave it that dreamy, romantic feel even though it was a girl’s trip

    It wasn’t the most luxurious hotel on the Strip, but it gave a solid balance between aesthetic and affordability. Plus, the casino area wasn’t doing too much like some of the others. You could actually chill, grab a bite, and go to your room without walking through a maze of slot machines.

    🛏️ The Room

    The room was cute—not crazy big, but clean and comfortable. We had two queen beds, a decent view, and the bathroom mirror lighting was elite (you know that matters if you’re beating your face before dinner 😍).

    The only con? No microwave. And if you’re anything like me and need to reheat leftovers after a late-night snack run… just know you’ll have to get creative or eat it cold lol.

    💸 Budget vs. Bougie: What to Expect

    Hotels in Vegas are tricky—you can either ball out or stay on a budget, but there’s definitely a middle ground if you’re smart about it. Here’s a quick breakdown of what I learned:

    Hotel Vibe Good For My Take
    Paris Las Vegas Mid-tier chic, good location 10/10 would stay again!
    The Bellagio Luxury vibes, iconic fountain Gorgeous but pricey
    The Flamingo Budget-friendly, good for first-timers Cute for quick stays
    The Venetian Romantic, upscale shopping/dining Perfect for couples or solo luxe
    Planet Hollywood Trendy, Miracle Mile shops inside Affordable and convenient

    🎯 My Tips for Booking Your Stay

    • ✨ Book early—those prices creep up fast!
    • ✨ Skip the resort fees drama by checking the fine print (they’ll hit you with that at checkout)
    • ✨ Location > luxury if it’s your first time. You’ll be out more than you’re in the room.
    • ✨ Use rewards or cash-back sites if you’re booking directly—run up those points, boo!

    📍 Final Thoughts

    So where should you stay in Vegas? It depends on your vibe. But if you’re looking for central, cute, and convenient—Paris Las Vegas was everything I needed as a first-timer.

    I’d definitely stay again, but next trip? I might splurge a little and see what the Bellagio is talking about .

    Either way, Vegas has something for everybody—just don’t wait last minute to book, okay? You know they love to play games with them prices 😂

       Want More Vegas Tips?

    I broke the full trip down into more posts so you can plan smarter and travel better

  • 5 Soulful Travel Tips for Your Next U.S. Adventure

    5 Travel Tips for Your Next U.S. Adventure (With That Extra Flavor You Need)

    Traveling across the U.S. is a vibe, but let’s be real—nothing kills the mood like a bland trip. Want to make your next adventure unforgettable? Check these tips that’ll have you traveling in style, no stress, and with all the culture you deserve.

    1. Skip the Chains, Go Local – Look, we’re not here for the same fast food spots you find on every corner. The U.S. is full of Black-owned restaurants, soul food spots, and Caribbean or African eateries that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re in the South for fried chicken or in the North for a spicy jerk plate, get to know the culture of the cities you’re in through the food.

    2. Road Trips Are a Must— Flying is cute, but have you ever taken a road trip through the heart of the country? Rent a car, roll the windows down, and cruise. The open road will show you the real deal: historic landmarks, and cultural hotspots on the way. Trust me, you’ll find the good stuff in the small towns.

    3. Skip the Overrated Tourist Stops Yeah, everyone’s heard about NYC or the Grand Canyon, but why not hit up places with more soul? Detroit’s got music history, Atlanta’s bursting with Black culture, and places like the Gullah Islands will give you a taste of deep Southern roots. Take the road less traveled, and you’ll uncover gems that aren’t all over Instagram.

    4. Be Flexible, Let the Vibes Lead You Plans are cool, but don’t stress if things don’t go your way. Change of plans? So what. The best moments are the ones that happen spontaneously—whether you end up at a festival, a pop-up cookout, or discovering an underground art scene. Let the journey come to you.

    5. Pack Light, But Keep It Fresh Ain’t nobody got time for heavy bags. Pack light, but make sure you bring that drip: comfy kicks, a hoodie with style, and some fly shades for that road-trip glow. Oh, and don’t forget the charger—because you know, content is king.

    These tips are for anyone who wants to travel like they mean it. They are about making moves and soaking in culture. You’ll make memories that will last way beyond the trip. Ready to turn your adventure up a notch?

    Let me know in the comments below , what’s the best road trip you have taking?

    Love Terrimarie

  • Secrets to Tender Charred Chicken: Oven Method

    Secrets to Tender Charred Chicken: Oven Method

    🍗 Tender, Charred BBQ Chicken (Oven-Baked Style)

    Hey beautiful people!

    Have you ever had tender charred BBQ chicken straight from the oven? If not, go ahead and bless your kitchen with this one. It’s easy, juicy, and packed with that backyard BBQ flavor—without needing a grill! Your guests? Whew. They’ll be asking for the recipe and seconds.

    I love using dark meat like thighs or drumsticks, but any bone-in chicken works. Major key: use a good baking sheet for that perfect char.

    👉🏾 I use this one from Amazon and it gets the job done every time.

    🛒 Ingredients:

    • About 20 pieces of bone-in chicken (I like thighs + drumsticks)
    • ½ tablespoon olive oil
    • Season All (to taste)
    • Garlic powder (to taste)
    • Onion powder (to taste)
    • Smoked paprika (to taste)
    • Cajun seasoning (optional, if you like heat)
    • 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

    👩🏽‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

    1. Wash and pat chicken dry with paper towels.
    2. Preheat your oven to broil at 400°F.
    3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in evenly.
    4. Season the chicken with all your spices—be generous, sis!
    5. Place chicken skin-side down on a baking sheet.
    6. Bake for 25 minutes.
    7. Flip the chicken skin-side up, pour half the BBQ sauce over it, and return to the oven for another 20 minutes.
    8. Turn the oven up to 425°F.
    9. Pour the rest of the BBQ sauce over the chicken and bake for a final 6–10 minutes.
    10. Remove from oven and let rest before serving.

    ✅ Pro Tips:

    • Total cook time: 51 minutes
    • Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F
    • Pairs perfectly with baked beans and potato salad

    Let me know in the comments if you try this — tag me or send pics, I’d love to see your plate 😍

    This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💕

  • Quick and Flavorful Leftover Rice Recipe

    Quick and Flavorful Leftover Rice Recipe

    Quick & Flavorful Leftover Rice (In a Frying Pan!)

    Hey beautiful people! I have the perfect dish when you’re in a rush. You need to whip up something but don’t feel like it because you just cooked. I’m talking about having rice left over from another meal a day or two ago. You don’t want it to go to waste.

    Look no more — I got you. This rice is just that flavorful. I’m going to tell you how to make it a game changer. It’s really quick and easy to make. All you need is a frying pan, leftover rice, minced garlic, bell peppers, and onions.

    Yes, you can make this with fresh rice too, but I personally prefer leftover rice for that perfect texture.

    🛒 Ingredients:

    • 2 cups of cooked leftover rice
    • ½ diced red bell pepper
    • ½ diced yellow bell pepper
    • ½ diced orange bell pepper
    • ¼ diced green bell pepper
    • ½ diced onion
    • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    👉🏾 Need a solid frying pan? I use this one from Amazon. It heats evenly and holds up after plenty of cooking — highly recommend.

    👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

    1. Put your vegetable oil in a frying pan and wait until it heats up.
    2. Place all the seasoned veggies in the pan, except the garlic. Let them cook for about 2 minutes.
    3. Add the garlic and rice, then mix well.
    4. Once the veggies are soft to your liking — boom — you’ve got some bomb rice to go with any meal.

    I sometimes eat this by itself because it’s just that flavorful.

    Have you made a meal with leftover rice? Let me know in the comments!

    This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💕

  • Juicy Chicken Thighs or Breasts Recipe

    Quick & Juicy Air Fryer Chicken (30-Minute Magic)

    If you’ve got an air fryer and 30 minutes, then sis — you’ve got dinner! This juicy, golden-brown chicken hits every time and takes the stress out of “what’s for dinner?” It’s flavorful, fast, and foolproof.

    I usually grab chicken thighs or breasts, season them up real good (no bland plates over here), and boom — dinner is served. This one stays in heavy rotation at my house!

    🛒 Ingredients:

    • 4 chicken breasts or thighs
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp garlic powder
    • ½ tsp onion powder
    • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
    • Vegetable oil spray (optional)

    👉🏾 Don’t have an air fryer yet? I use this one from Amazon and it stays in heavy rotation. Crispy, quick, and easy to clean!

    👩🏽‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

    1. Rinse and clean your chicken, then pat dry with a paper towel.
    2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
    3. Season both sides of the chicken with your spice mix. Be generous — if you can’t smell it, it’s not seasoned enough 😄
    4. Spray lightly with oil and rub it in for an extra crisp finish (optional but worth it).
    5. Place chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
    6. Cook for 25 minutes total, flipping halfway at the 10–12 minute mark for even browning.

    ✅ Pro Tips:

    • This pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and a veggie for a quick, balanced dinner.
    • Want extra flavor? Marinate your chicken for 30 minutes beforehand with olive oil + lemon juice.
    • Chicken is done when internal temp hits 165°F.

    This meal is a lifesaver on busy nights — quick, easy, and still feels like love on a plate. Let me know in the comments when you give it a try!

    This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use or love. Thank you for supporting my content 💕

  • Day 3: My life

    Day 3: My life

    Hello Beautiful People ✨

    I started my day off exactly how I intended — and it felt good. This won’t be a long post, just a quick check-in to say this: some mornings really do feel like a reset.

    My reading this morning reminded me that I can absolutely get back to where I want to be. It’s not too late. It’s not too far. It’s still mine.

    I woke up with energy and peace. For breakfast, I made a veggie scramble, some oatmeal, and a hot cup of tea. Simple, nourishing, and exactly what I needed to ease into the day.

    I want to leave you with this — a gentle reminder:

    Your Happiness has to Start with You.

    Not with how much you get done. Not with how perfect your routine looks. Not with what others expect. Just you — choosing joy, one small moment at a time.