Viva Las Vegas (part 1)

For those of you who follow me on facebook you already know where I've been for the past week. For those who aren't (and by the way, you totally should ; ) our surprise vacation was in Las Vegas and it couldn't have been more perfect. Unlike the "typical" trip to sin city that one might think of binge drinking all day, and booze filled nights, ours was much more tame, but so much more fun than I ever had there before. Lots of sun and cold drinks by the pool (hello lazy river), tan skin, so much yummy food, a few shows and maybe a little gambling too. Take a look at what I've been up to this last week:)

We stayed at the Monte Carlo (found awesome deals on Expedia) and started off our trip the second we landed with some cold mangoritas by the pool, and a yummy fresh salad to fuel up after th 5 hour flight.

well hello palm trees, it's nice to see you!

In the pic with the Miller Lite, you can see the lazy river in the background. The lazy river was by far my. favorite. thing. ever. You purchase a tub and just float. You float all day with a drink in your hand, soak up the sun, and work on your tan. It doesn't get much better than this. I could have done the lazy river alone and left a happy girl! It's the ultimate in extreme relaxation. Well, that and ordering room service whenever possible. I love that too.

I usually treat myself to one new bathing suit a year. I was so happy this floral one came in the mail right before we were ready to leave! It was a great fit and soooo comfortable.

bathing suit top //  bathing suit bottom (both on sale!) // print also in one piece // 

straw hat ---- this hat is even called the "lazy river" hat. amazing.

At the Monte Carlo their featured show was the Blue Man Group. We didn't get a chance to see it (because hey, all those shows get expensive!!) but we figured the Blue Man Group can also be seen in NYC so we'll have to catch them sometime at home. But one cool thing was every night at 6pm they paraded through the casino lobby with their light and music show. Very cool and I'm guessing their show would be an awesome experience.

Instead of the Blue Man Group, we got to see Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity. In case you aren't familiar with Cirque -- they are awesome shows that incorporate acrobatics, ballet, gynastics, music etc. D and I have already seen Cirque's winter show called Wintuk a few years ago around Christmas and loved it so figured I'd give another one a try. Zumanity is Cirque's burlesque show which you have to be over 18 to attend. I was visually stunning and I highly recommend. I also wouldn't mind having any of their bodies -- holy ripped and in shape!! That night after the show we walked the strip and took in some sights. 

Another night we hit up a Brazilian streak house called Pampas. In case you're not familiar, they basically serve you the highest quality meats all night until you say stop. Everyone is given a chip and green means "keep it coming" and red means "I'm so fat and I've had enough"-- if you ever get a chance to go to a restaurant like this I suggest come hungry and not for the vegetarian at heart!

D and I went with a strict strategy. Don't waste your time at the salad bar and load up on the top sirloin and other decadent meats. Because let's face it, we didn't pay $50 per person to eat iceberg lettuce. We just didn't. 

Later after dinner we decided we had to walk off all that meat extravaganza. There are so many sights to see (and so many interesting people too!!) We stopped here at the Bellagio to check out the infamous fountain show.

 {the strip}

 we got perfect timing with the show since it runs every 15-20 minutes. 

It's also hard to find suitable photographers when on vacation (we have a ton of crappy pictures people took) but we semi-lucked out with these few. 

even captured some laughs too!

 Afterwards, we hit up an oxygen bar where we....well, got some oxygen. D always wanted to try it so we gave it a go. Supposedly oxygen has many health benefits and can even create a heightened sense of relaxation when mixed with essential oils. We both definitely felt relaxed, but whether this can be medically proven I have no idea. We were laughing at the pictures we took because it looked like we were in the hospital hooked up to IV's with the tubes up our noses. The running joke started that D had to donate his plasma because all the money we lost in the casinos. That and the photo bombing pic below had D rolling on the floor laughing. I guess it was the oxygen!?

 Aside from the oxygen, we also got 15 minute aqua massages which were the coolest thing ever! You get into this tube (kinda looks like a coffin but you are lying on your stomach) and water jets blast up and down our body massaging all your muscles. There's a barrier between you and the water so you stay completely dry! If I had one of these near me at home I'd be hitting it up all the time. SO perfect for relieving stress and tight muscles. This place was a total score!!

 We left so high and relaxed from the oxygen and aqua massage that we somehow ended up in the Little Chapel O' Love --- and somehow ended up saying "I do" and got married ; )

 ahhhh just kidding! Although I briefly suggested it, D insisted it would be disrespectful to my parents. Ironically when I asked them if they would mind if I ran off and got married -- my mom was fine with it and my dad's exact words were... "hmmm this would be a great idea for me financially!" ahhh gotta love it.

 Anyway, that's part 1 of my trip -- I'll be sharing some more tomorrow.

I also have to say it was wonderful going away and disconnecting from the world, but it's also great coming back with a fresh disposition into the blogging world -- I've missed you all!!

So tell me, what have you been up to this past week? Catch me up on all the gossip! 

xo Steph