Hey everybody!

Happy first day of Spring! I’m celebrating by flying to Las Vegas this Saturday for a girls’ adventure. While in the midst of packing, I thought I would put together my own little guide for the perfect Vegas weekend getaway. I’m afraid my tips as to what to pack are directed solely at the ladies, because, well…I am one. Let’s begin with:

 10 Things You Must Bring with you to Vegas:

1. Inappropriate shoes. And by inappropriate, I mean bring your highest, biggest, most glitter-encrusted ridiculous pairs of shoes. Yes, pairs. I chastised myself once for bringing multiple, complete outfits for one weekend, but my many options came in handy when one of my shoes broke in the lobby of the hotel right as I was leaving. Be prepared, ladies.
2. Dresses. Now is the time to wear all your summer sundresses (for the daytime), and bust out your slinkiest cocktail dress at night. Preferably in the brightest colors you can find.
3. Swimsuits! I also find options helpful here, as you definitely want to take advantage of the lavish pools and day clubs many hotels on the strip have to offer. If your dream is to pull off an itty-bitty bikini, now is the time.
4. A sarong, or beach cover-up. Bring something stylish and colorful to throw on top of your suit to and from the pool. Because, let’s be honest, the trek from your room on the 30th floor of the Mandalay Bay to the pool outside takes 20 minutes.
5. Sparkles. Ladies, bring all your fun gems along for the trip. Break all the rules. Wear your bejeweled watch and earrings and a necklace and all your bracelets. And rings. There are no rules here.
6. Makeup. A no-brainer. But I’m not just referring to your everyday makeup. Remember that ridiculously neon coral lipstick you bought? Bring that. Oh, and that glitter eyeliner you wore for new years? That too.
7. Eyelashes. It’s not often that I sport the fake ones, because they feel more costume-like on me than anything, but why not?! Grab those rhinestone eyelashes from the drugstore and apologize to no one.
8. Adult refreshments. If there is room in your suitcase (or your friend’s suitcase, for that matter) BYOB. I’ve heard the cautionary tale of the $9,000 bar tab. It’s just not worth it!
9. Snack. Grab a few little snacks: granola bars, crackers, anything! I highly recommend a few packs of instant oatmeal. It’s easy to make and nutritious, especially when you just need something quick to sustain you in the morning and don’t feel like paying $40 for a breakfast buffet.
10. Ibuprofen. Or, as I like to call it: I-Be-Broken. Just in case you have too much of a good time. 
    

10 Things to Do in Vegas!

1. Pool time. Pool time. Pool time. Where else in the world can you bask at a fake beach or slide on a water-slide through a shark tank?!
2. The Bellagio Fountains. Possibly my most favorite “show” to stop and oggle on the strip. Both beautiful and fascinating to watch; a great opportunity for photos as well!
3. Buy a drink the size of your arm. Because where else is this socially acceptable?! No where. It doesn’t matter that half-way through it you’re going to feel ill. It sure is fun to carry around.
4. Play the penny slots. I’m not much of a gambler, so this is perfect entertainment for me. I play them in slow-motion and try to get the eye of a cocktail waitress in the meantime. Remember to tip them well!
5. Clubbing. Las Vegas is home to some of the most ridiculous, over-the-top clubs in the world. Even if it’s not entirely your cup of tea, go! It makes for some good people watching and will provide you with some stories to  tell your grandchildren when they’re older. The kind of stories that prove you were a cool kid, back in your day.
6. Treat yourself to a fabulous dinner. I highly recommend Red Square, in Mandalay Bay. If you’re young and on somewhat of a budget, keep an eye out for Happy Hour deals. Eat well and enjoy.
7. The Botanic Gardens at the Bellagio. For a bit of nature in Vegas, visit the Bellagio. They change their displays according to season, and they’re always spectacular to see.
8. The Chandelier in the Cosmopolitan. Where else can you have innovative cocktails inside a lavish, multi-story chandelier. It’s absolutely on my to-do list for the weekend.
9. Shopping. You can find everything here. If you’re looking for more high-end, I recommend Crystals at the City Center. The architecture alone is something to see- I also swear that they pump Viktor and Rolf’s “Flowerbomb” perfume in through the air conditioning. Another great alternative are the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, with a little bit of something for everyone.
10. Jump on the bed. You heard me. Do it. You’ll be in a fabulous hotel (hopefully with spectacular views of the strip), what have you got to lose? I do this every time I’m in Vegas, usually from sheer excitement. The world is your oyster- jump on the dang bed!

10 Things NOT to Do in Vegas

1. Don’t. Tattoo. Anything. Just don’t.
2. Impulsively buy bottle service. A co-worker of mine once had to sell some stock in order to pay his ridiculously large tab. Because buying a bottle of Kristal at 2am will sound like a good idea. Don’t do it.
3. Keep your shoes on. Ladies, this one is for you. I’m usually a staunch supporter of keeping ones shoes on, at all times. But you also need to know when to admit defeat. I once had a girlfriend who insisted on keeping her heels on all night, and could not walk the next morning because the balls of both her feet were giant blisters.
4. Don’t accept those cards people on the street are handing out. Do it once, and you’ll see why.
5. Abandon your friends. Keep the buddy system going, because someone will always need you to tell them when something isn’t a good idea. And, you’ll be happy the next morning when your friend kept an eye out for you.
6. Jaywalk on the Strip. Do you want to die? This is a city that has built pedestrian bridges for a reason.
7.  Don’t forget to drink water. Lots and lots of water. All that walking around on the strip can be really draining, especially in that desert sun. You’ll need your energy with all that fun you’re having.
8. Go to the pool without ID. For all the 30-and-under crowd, there is nothing more infinitely frustrating than being turned down when trying to buy a beverage. Don’t ask me where to put your ID in your bikini, just make sure you bring it along.
9. Pay $17 for a well cocktail. I’m talking to you The Bank at the Bellagio. That’s just absurd. And the only thing that will make this OK is if my cocktail comes with a solid gold straw. Or $8 cash back.
10. Walk through the casino the morning after, if you can help it.  I’m not sure who thought this was a good idea, but the combination of bright lights, cigarette smoke, obnoxious electronic dinging, and a hangover makes for the definition of cruel and unusual punishment.

As always, make good choices everyone!

Love,

EVA♥