Things I loved, things I didn't: Vegas edition

I got home late Friday night after spending three fun days in Las Vegas with my dear friend Michelle and her darling daughter, Dani. They invited me to join them for part of their spring break at a timeshare just behind the Flamingo Hotel. Pictures at the end but first, here's what I loved and what I did NOT love about Vegas.

LOVED:

• The Bellagio. I went to Vegas thinking I'd love the Venetian most of all but I am still dreaming about staying at the Bellagio the next time I visit. I loved the Dale Chihuly sculptures in the lobby but the Conservatory was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I want to go back and see how they change it for the different seasons. Click this link for more info. And then the night/water show out front? LOVED IT!
• Serendipity 3's frozen hot chocolate. It totally lived up to the hype.
• Brunch at Treasure Island. Mini-donuts people. That's all you need to know (and yes, I gained 0.4 at WW this week - don't judge.)
• The painted ceilings in some of the malls. It made me happy to see blue skies and clouds inside.
• Brighton stores (I counted two on the strip, two in the airport.) I bought a beautiful new watch. Plus, they give you darling bottles of water when you shop there. I loved getting something for free in such an expensive city.
• The weather. It was sunny and 75-80 the entire time. I've missed being warm.
• The Bellagio was far and away my favorite but the Venetian, New York New York, MGM Grand, Paris and Caesars were pretty incredible as well.

DID NOT LOVE:

• All the smoking. Why do people bring their babies or children here? Seriously, not a good idea, in my humble opinion.
• Watching pervy old men happily take the naked women cards handed out on the street.
• The no law against walking around with alcohol. It's just weird to see but yet, also kind of funny to watch people walking around drinking out of a giant $20 Eiffel Tower replica.
• People who think they can wear clothes they really have no business wearing. Michelle and I thought about setting up a booth just to offer our own fashion advice to the poor souls walking around in leopard pants, too high of heels and Ed Hardy anything.
• Getting splashed by a Lexus driving by as we walked to brunch. I should have taken a picture of how wet I got but I was too busy being mad/sad about it. :(

And now, the pictures. Not in order...

The closest we got to Donny...I couldn't talk Michelle and Dani into seeing a show, dang it!

Me outside of the pirate ship at Treasure Island

Dani, Michelle and I waiting for the light show outside of the Bellagio.

The Conservatory at night

Cute snail at the Conservatory - his shell is all flowers

More Conservatory. Did I mention I loved it? I'm not sure if you knew that yet...

I can't remember where this is -- Caesar's? But more than the incredible statues, you should be noticing my fabulous purse.

Me and Michelley in the lobby at the Venetian. Again, rocking the cutest purse ever.

The Venetian again - loved these umbrellas

Dani and me shopping - look at the beautiful painted ceiling.

Me and Snoop

Sigh...Justin...

And finally, my favorite shot of the Conservatory. Yes, I want you to love it as much as I do!

I have been changed for good

No this is not a post about friends or even a post about one of my favorite musicals. Instead it's a post about things that have seriously changed my life for good. And because I care so much about you, my readers, I will now share this list with you.

1. Remember what I used to do with my lipsticks? Well, my fun new coworker, KK, taught me a simple trick and now my lipsticks are flat. Don't believe me? Just look at this actual picture of my actual lipstick!

So all you slanted lipstick people, listen up! When you start using a brand new lipstick, apply it using only the very tip, until you eventually wear down the tip and are left with a flat surface. It really works! (Do I need to do a video demonstration? I will if you want.) Anyway, I am SO happy that I will forever get to use every single bit of my lipsticks and will no longer break off the tips whilst applying.

2. Popchips! Have you all tried them yet? They are seriously making my lunch time so satisfying. I buy them from Amazon which works for me because they are individually portioned, 100 calorie bags but I hear they have big bags at Costco and most grocery stores now. I'm a fan of the BBQ flavor most of all and they don't taste one bit like Pringles, which is what I think baked chips taste like.

3. Please tell me you're all eating Orowheat sandwich thins. If you're not and you're trying to cut extra calories out of your life so you can eat more Easter candy, then you must switch to eating them now. I seriously eat a turkey sandwich each and every day and absolutely love it. Throw in a bag of popchips, an apple and voila. You have the perfect lunch (finishing up with a fat free pudding cup at about 2:00 because hello, I have to have dessert or I will lit'rally -- say it like Rachel Zoe, people! -- die.)

4. After keeping it for 15 years, I have finally retired my old clock radio. I don't know why I kept it so long (maybe because it still works?) but I'd been eyeing one of those iHome ones at Costco which has a dock that charges my iPhone and finally pulled the trigger. I couldn't find it on the Costco site but here it is on Amazon but for like $30 more (so buy it at Costco.)

Anyway, I had no idea that newer clock radios are so polite that the music starts out softly and then gets louder so as to gently wake you (how thoughtful, huh?) I also had no idea that newer clock radios will allow you to adjust the snooze to longer than 9 minutes! I also had no idea that newer clock radios keep your alarm set for the same time every day so there's no more of that OCD/"did I set my dang alarm" feeling. All of that AND it has a remote? Perfection, I tell you! Why on EARTH I waited so long to buy this item, I will never know. Anyway, if you have an iPhone (and better yet, if you are a two iPhone/iPod family) you totally NEED this.

Okay, that about sums up why my life is so amazingly perfect right now. I'm really a simple girl with simple needs.

Honest. I am!!

Happy Easter/Conference Weekend everyone!

Recent blog entries I've loved

Because I don't want to blog about the singles activity I went to last night (way too depressing) and because I haven't taken pictures of fun things I've been doing lately (brunch with Krysta, BBQ with my family, a play with Kim) I'm going to blog about other people's blogs. Smart, huh?

I've fallen off my blog of the week wagon but here are some recent entries I loved and thought you'd love as well. I probably have more than this to share but guess what? My reader is up to 607. This is what happens when I get too busy at work and I don't get to take lunch (but it does make for nice results at WW - go me.)

Anyhoo...

You know how people come up with lists of things to accomplish before a certain age? My friend Jasmine's sister Autumn posted the BEST such list. Read it here. Seriously awesome. Number nine made me laugh out loud.

One of my darling/former YW, Jamie has such a fun blog. I love her. Read her letter to her life here. It made me want to write my own such letter.

I really want to get over my fear of pie-making and bake this pie but not the cookies for the crust. I love that there are people out there who go to that extent when baking but me? I buy cookies from the store and feel great about it.

I made these chocolate chip cookies today for our handyman at work who is so nice and does whatever I ask without rolling his eyes or complaining. They've got a really good flavor and a nice texture but I don't know that they're the best ever. I used all butter but didn't chill the dough so will try them again and be more exact next time.

Have you read anything interesting I need to know about???? Do share. I mean, I won't have time to read them but I might have free time again someday.

Blogworthy news

I'm not sure I'm loving the whole "blog once a week" thing but since I've had a lot going on lately (including stuff I couldn't really talk about) I just haven't been able to blog. But the cone of silence has been lifted and I can officially tell you I got the job!

The interview was much easier than I expected -- only three simple questions. They obviously liked my answers because two days later I was told the job was mine. I started supporting the new guy on Monday in addition to my regular work and let me just tell you, I am going crazy. Thankfully, I will be able to start offloading my old job to my replacement by next week.

I have such mixed emotions about everything. I'm over the moon happy about the new job. Seriously thrilled, I tell you! My new boss is so nice and very similar in leadership style to my current (beloved) boss. He's also just as devoted to his family, just as ethical and a really great guy. The job will be different and with different challenges which is good after working in the same group for nearly five years. I could also easily pull a Dwight Schrute and cross out the "to the" after the "assistant" part of my title and sound REALLY important.
HOWEVER, I get in my car and cry just about every night as I drive home because I'm so sad to be making this change. Last night, my (beloved) boss called all three phone numbers, sent texts to both work/personal cell phones and finally called my friend Krysta to try and find me because he thought he had said something that upset me. I mean, come on...who does that? I know we'll still be close - it'll just be "different" and I'm not always a big fan of "different."

Anyway, I'll be fine. This really is a great thing. I just want (a.) to stop crying so much and (b.) to sleep for 8 hours in a row. Is that so much to ask? I think not.

Five before bedtime

1. I interviewed for "the job" yesterday. It went very well and now I'm playing the waiting game. I loathe playing the waiting game. It's my least favorite game.

2. My favorite candies are now available in stores, staring at me as I try to pay for my healthy groceries. Dear Cadbury Creme Eggs and Peanut Butter M&Ms/speckled egg variety, why are you so fabulously good??? Get thee hence.

3. This should really be a post in and of itself but last week I took a day off work so I could watch my sister's four kids overnight while Jen and her home from Iraq husband could go stay downtown. Here's what I did while playing favorite auntie/pseudo mom...

I made my bro-in-law's favorite cookies:

I let this cute dog (and the other one who isn't quite as cute) in and out all day.

I went shopping at the mall during the 3 hours Natalie was at school on Friday and found my way cute interview outfit. I celebrated by stopping at Sonic on the way home. I got a lovely drink chock full of limes and crushed ice. Yum.

I attempted to do Natalie's hair before school. I should have taken a better picture but it was not pretty. I'm not one of those girls who grew up doing everyone's hair. I can barely style my own hair, let alone anyone else's. She was nice about it though. Thank goodness she's only five and doesn't care (and seriously isn't she just the cutest?)

I played this very fun game. Love it although now it's stressing me out because it's gotten too hard.

But the best news is that this restaurant paid for Jen & Matt's dinner after Jen told them Matt was home on R&R. THEN their hotel gave them an upgraded room for free. I love it when businesses are kind and generous so I linked to them and when you are so inclined, you should give them your business as a thank you.

4. I spent time with these wonderful girls this weekend. It does my heart good to see them. My favorite thing was laughing uncontrollably during games on Saturday night (Celebrity Taboo!) Sigh. I love to laugh almost as much as I love these girls. I think I'm laughing (or more likely, talking) in this picture. I'm a dork.

5. Should #5 be A. that I played on the trivia team again this week and we won for the second week in a row, despite the fact that two of my correct answers were pooh-poohed in the final round (the animated sequel to Disney's Peter Pan is what? And what 80s movie series was set in Hill Valley, CA?) Or B. should it be that my boyfriend, Mr. Crushworthy came to visit me today? Hmm. Both are good and noteworthy. The latter included a hug so I'm thinking I'll go with B.

It's been a week? Seriously?

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a week. What's up with that? Want to know what I'm thinking about? Okay, I'll tell you!

• I loved the Oscars. I watched with three of my dearest friends, as we have done for the past several years. We eat, laugh and yes, we throw a quarter into a bowl if we miss a category. I won this year by only missing four. And guess what? I've only seen two of the best picture nominees! I am just THAT good at guessing, people. My favorite parts of the night were Alec & Steve as hosts (perfection!), the opening with Neil Patrick Harris (love him!), the dresses that Sandra, Kate, Queen Latifah and Sarah Jessica wore (stunning!) and Sandra's speech (beautiful!)
• I made the BEST non-WW appetizer for the party. Bacon wrapped little smokies that you sprinkle with brown sugar and bake (Callie, you must make them!) Seriously, so good. One of my friends came about 45 minutes later than the rest of us and we seriously contemplated eating all of them and not letting her know I'd even brought them.
• I'm taking a multi-vitamin plus vitamin C and vitamin D supplements every day and I still feel like I'm getting sick again. What the heck??
• I have some friends that play trivia in a restaurant downtown every week and they needed an extra person for their team so I joined them and helped them to win! It was all very random stuff, covering every subject under the sun. I'm good at the stupid pop-culture stuff (should not surprise you) and I'm going to play again next week.
• Have I mentioned I'm going to Vegas for a few days the first week of April? Well, I am and I've never been. I don't know yet what I want to do when I get there. I just know I don't want to see Blue Man Group. But other than that, I'm open to suggestions.
• I forgot to record Jason & Molly's wedding last night but caught part of it. I just don't get why they went ahead with the wedding outside, in those beautiful clothes, when it was a torrential downpour. It was a wedding on TV, paid for by a major network and a huge department store chain. Could they not afford a big tent? Why didn't they have a plan B that was at some equally beautiful indoors location? Molly's hair looked beautiful for ONCE in her life (sorry Molly but you need a hair makeover or to become BFF's with Ken Paves) and she ended up looking a little drowned-rat-ish when she should have been stunning. I felt sad for her even though everyone acted like it was fine and wonderful.

Aaaannnnddddd...that's all I've got.

It is done. See ya, Jake & Vienna!

Thank heavens this season of The Bachelor is FINALLY over. Here are my random thoughts after watching last night's finale:

• I say things incorrectly all the time. I am certainly not perfect. HOWEVER, I could hardly stand listening to "sister-in-laws" over and over. I wish the producers would have told Jake's mom the correct way to say it.
• Watching Jake's family when they first met Vienna was beyond painful. Who else thinks Jake pulled his family aside off-camera and told them Vienna was his choice because there is NO way they could so quickly change their collective minds about her. I mean, Jake's mom visibly hated her and you don't get over that in an hour-long meeting.
• I laughed when Vienna invited Jake back to her room for "dessert and cheese and crackers." I'm guessing it was twinkies, chicken in a biscuit crackers and spray cheese. Yummy.
• Okay, Jake. You had to tell Tenley you weren't the least bit attracted to her physically right after you tell her "emotionally you captivated me." How did you become so unlikeable and insincere? Jake so lucked out that Tenley is probably the sweetest and most forgiving girl on the planet. Imagine if the situation had been reversed? Vienna would have gone all sorts of crazy had she been in Tenley's position. Sigh. Now THAT would have been awesome TV.
• It's hard to see from this picture but when Vienna was looking at herself in the mirror prior to the final rose ceremony, I imagined her thinking "I can't believe I found these earrings at Claire's on sale 3 for $10." They were horrible and cheap looking.
  
  
• I always wonder why the girls are willing to face the Bachelor again on TV after the the final rose. Who wants that sort of public pain? I don't get it.
• I couldn't find a good picture but so many times watching last night, I thought Tenley strongly resembled a less-endowed Mariah Carey. Mostly her profile, I think. Anyone else see it???
• I can't decide what Vienna has done to herself after seeing her on After the Rose. Is it just weight loss? I'm thinking so. And she looked like she had no eyelashes or mascara on and her eyes just looked weird and baggy (that could also be from weight loss.) Wait! As I'm re-watching it now, I'm wondering if she had botox or Restylane. I know she's young so she should have smooth skin but her forehead looks sort of unnaturally taut. And Vienna, you cannot go without mascara. Trust me, I know stuff. The natural look is not your friend.

Okay, I will close by saying Jake and Vienna obviously seem to both think the other is amazingly awesome and that's great. I mean seriously, I would love to have that for myself. But, still, I give it six months. I'm sure Vienna is hoping for a Jason/Molly style wedding next year but I really don't see that happening.

I'm glad we have two months off so I can forget the frustration before we have Ali the Bachelorette this May. You know that despite all of my complaining, I'm still gonna watch.

I know, I know. It's a sickness.