Vegas, baby! {part two}

Yesterday's post mostly covered the first day. Since we got into Las Vegas in the afternoon we didn't have much time for anything, but get ready and head out! On the second day, we met up with our long lost friend, Lauren, who moved to California shortly after our 2009 graduation. It was so wonderful seeing her and catching up on life! We checked out the pool & 'beach' areas, but the sun was causing our skin to sizzle so we headed out to the strip to shop and check out what Vegas had to offer. Although, I only won a penny on the first night (yes that would be $0.01), I made up for it on Saturday when we hit up the Paris casino and left with $95 in my pocket! I'm not a huge gambler, but it was fun to try the different slot machines.

{Lauren & I}

{Mal & I}

{A view of the New York New York hotel. On the last day we rode the rollercoaster that goes around the hotel.. I was sure I was about to die.}

{A view of the New York New York casino from the top balcony}

{The lovely ladies at the entrance of the Wynn hotel}

{All the lovely ladies again in the casino of the Wynn hotel}

{Pretending to receive important phone calls in XS*, my favorite club in Las Vegas}

{The night ended with goldfish petting, because who doesn't want to do that? Also, check out the tile work in the Wynn, isn't it fabulous!}

*XS was by far the best club we went to during our visit. The club had tables and dancing inside with more tables and dancing and cabanas and pools outside. This was also the club where the "Asian Invasion" occurred. Just imagine: an extremely drunk Asian man and his not so drunk side kick. They both approach my group of girls and the very drunk Asian starts to dance wildly; flailing his arms around , getting incredibly close to each of us while dancing and shaking his booty in our faces. I thought I was safe to get up and walk away, but no, he tracked me down and swopped me and my kinda short dress up and swung me around like a doll. Incredibly awkward and incredibly scary. I'm glad we all survived.

Stay tuned for highlights of day 3 tomorrow!

Vegas, baby! {part one}

If you have been following my blog, you would know about the long awaited trip to Vegas! Well it came and went way too fast, and here are some of my favorite photos from the trip!

{9:53 am beers before the flight!}

{the sleeping beauties!}

{our lovely hotel}

{my delicious quesadilla dinner at the House of Blues}

{view from the rooftop bar on the first night}

{casino gambling & free drinks}

There will be much more to come so stay tuned!

Stripes + Crop = Love

My sister just started her new job a few weeks ago at Buckle, which is a retail clothing store. She’s in the management trainee program and by this time next year will be managing her own store! Cool, huh? I've always felt Buckle was a hit or miss store depending on the location. I’m not really into the Affliction shirts and graphic tees, but Amy’s store really has some cool pieces that almost feel boutique-ish. I snagged this awesome striped cropped sweater (literally, snagged. While I was in the dressing room, 2 people came looking for it!) that I can’t wait to wear with skinnies and boots, or maybe wide leg trousers and wedges! I kind of felt bad buying it, since I have been trying to save money for my Vegas trip, which happens to be in 3 days!! But, it was just one of those pieces I knew I couldn't live without!

Foster the People

Okay, I promise this is my last music post for the day! But, seriously, how can you not love the catchy chorus?!

Lights

I just heard this song and had to share. I love it!

Skinny Love

I discovered Bon Iver in 2008 when they opened for one of my favorite bands, Wilco. They have certainly become a favorite over the years and I believe I listen to this song a little more than the others. Let me know what you think!

Wedge It Out

Wedges are by far my favorite shoes. They give you height without being too terribly uncomfortable. With various trends on the rise, wedges come in all types of shoes; even some designer sneakers have a hidden wedge beneath the leather. While searching for dresses for my upcoming Vegas trip, I've come across a few wedges that I just might have to make mine!

Chinese Laundry Wedge

Bamboo Ceasar Wedge

Matiko Cavala Wedges

All of the wedges pictured below can be found at Lulu's, which has easily become one of my favorite online sites to shop. Check them out and fall in love.

Half Christmas

Has anyone else noticed how 2011 has just flown by? Sheesh! I feel like I should start shopping for Christmas gifts!  Christmas was my favorite holiday for a long time until this day recently took over its spot. Nonetheless, I love to celebrate the fabulous holiday season in various ways, and in honor of the soon approaching holiday season I have listed a few traditional favorites, along with a few new things I would like to try this year.

{the perfect red lip- image from Glamour}

{annual cookie painting on Christmas Eve}

{recreate this ornament wreath- image from Martha Stewart}

{find the perfect sparkly dress- image from LuLu's}

Not pictured, but definitely not forgotten, would be the annual Christmas party with my fabulous friends! Maybe this year I will actually take some pictures of our wonderful time! Seriously, I have the best friends on the planet.

Sugar Shock

This weekend was wonderful because I didn’t have anything planned! I usually love to have weekend plans, but I’ve been going non-stop for the past couple months and the next couple months look like the same kind of thing, so it was nice to just chill. Although I didn’t have anything planned, I still made time for running in the rain, which is probably one of my all time favorite things, birthday parties, lunch with my sis and parents, a nap or two, and the creation of a dessert masterpiece. Yes, when I share this recipe for this little masterpiece you all should go running to your little kitchens to try it out, because it is one of the easiest things ever! And mighty delicious too! Here are a few photos from my 10 minutes in the kitchen.

Recipe:

1 large roll of cookie dough, preferably chocolate chip

1 package of double stuffed oreos

1 package fudgy brownies

Line a 13x9 pan with wax paper (this makes it easier to remove the brownie bars when cool)

Press the cookie dough on the bottom of the pan. Arrange Oreo's on top of the cookie dough. Follow directions on the brownie box and pour brownie batter over the cookie concoction. Place in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes. Enjoy*! :)

*It's probably a good idea to make these when you have someone to share them with; otherwise you might find yourself eating the entire pan... they're that good! 

Vacay!

I have never been so glad to see a Friday! Sunday morning we are leaving for vacation and I have so much to do before now and then. So, I'm off to pack and clean and dance around to some music like this:

Have a great weekend! 

Fourth of July

After this fun weekend I have decided that the 4th of July is my new favorite holiday. Not only because it marks the day of America's freedom, but also because of the American ways we celebrate, like: grilling hotdogs and hamburgers, and steaks and veggies, low country boil, bikinis, boating, beer, friends and fireworks. I started the weekend out on Surfside Beach with my family. It was a very low-key stay that began every morning with a barefoot run on the beach. I decided I could totally get used to waking up with the beach sunrise. The waves were calm and the water was perfect; I only wish I could have stayed longer.

Maybe I've just never noticed this before, but I thought it was so cool. The little birdie tracks in the sand! Kind of reminded me a of a treasure chest map!

On Sunday my mom and I checked out a local Italian market. From beaded jewelry to vase trees, the market had just about everything, including cannolis! An Italian market would not be complete without them!

I returned from the beach on Sunday in time for a day on the lake with friends on Monday. We all piled on the boat with our coolers filed with cold beverages and headed to the sandbar. The sandbar is basically a big party in one of the coves on the lake where each boat ties up to another. As we were floating and having a great time, a huge storm snuck up and completely drenched us! We tried to escape, but had to dock up to random docks on the way back! Everything on the boat was soaked, but Emily and I were smart and rode in the bathroom nook on the way back, snacking on semi-soggy crackers; it was definitely a fourth to remember!

Sorry for the bad quality; that would be from my iPhone.

Finally, my brother is in town! Yay! We grilled burgers last night and enjoyed a beer or two!

One more iPhone photo...

I hope you had a happy fourth! 

Tribal Prints

Here are a few pieces that showcase one of my favorite trends right now. Tribal prints kind of remind me of a grown up cowboys and indians, which are fun to pair with bright colors. Check it, lovies!

1. Buckle

2. Buckle

3. Urban Outfitters

4. Forever21

5. Forever21

Girl Crush

This song just puts me in such a happy mood! Love Nicki Minaj!

Multi-colored Nails: Part Two

Here is the second part to my multi-colored nails post. As I said earlier I used Essie colors French Affair and Tart Deco.

I chose pink and orange because I seem to be drawn to them lately, whether in my fashion or makeup choices. Try it out and tell me what you think!

Multi-colored Nails: Part One

So today I decided to try the multi-colored nail trend. I'm not certain I'm a big fan, but it's a fun change from my usual. When I find my camera cord I will upload the photos, but the camera cord is hiding very well so this could take some time! Sorry, lovies.

Pinterest

I was introduced to Pinterest a while ago, but it wasn't until recently I received a invite to join the 'pinning world'; and I've been obsessed since. Actually, you can now call me the pinning queen because it seems that's all I do lately... sign in to Pinterest and pin my little heart out. For those of you who live a sheltered life and are not sure what Pinterest is, well you are missing out. It's basically a way to create mini inspiration boards of whatever your heart desires. Check out a few of mine here!

Perfect Day

I stumbled upon this image today, and though today was far from perfect, it's the kind of inspiration that will get me through the rest of the week. Have a wonderful Thursday, lovies!

image

Just Say Yes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcALzVnknC4

You probably know Snow Patrol from the 2007 hit 'Chasing Cars'. I love them and this song, so you should probably listen and then try not to fall in love.

Go-To Outfit

There are many times when time is of the essence and I have to be somewhere, well 5 minutes ago. A go-to outfit for these times is crucial for running home and running out the door. Above are a few pieces from Gap, that when pulled together make for the best anywhere outfit. I love how the yellow belt adds a pop of color to an originally neutral outfit.

Life Update

Oh hey lovies. I'm back, for real this time, I promise! The past two weeks have been absolute madness, but I have loved every bit of it. Between home renovations, my sister's college graduation, and family visitors I have hardly had any time to devote to anything other than family. Which I'm sure you totally understand! So here's the skinny on my life for the past couple weeks:



For Mother's Day I decided to help my mom and dad re-do their bedroom. Before the renovations my mom had installed a burgundy wallpaper, that was pretty, but made the room seem incredibly small. After weeks of searching for new color themes, I brought her out of her comfort level and painted the walls a pretty salmon color.  Our next project is the master bathroom, which I will do a much better job of taking before and after shots! I also promise to show an after picture as soon as I take one. (I know I'm a Slacking Sally)

{On Amy: French Connection dress, On me: Zara skirt, Nine West heels, Michael Kors watch}

After completing the renovations my aunt and uncle arrived from Florida for my sister's college graduation. With them, they brought Sami & Suzie (Jack Russell/chihuahua mix). The house full of dogs made for an interesting couple of days, but always fun.  Last Friday my sister graduated with a B.A. in Business Management... so proud! It was a bittersweet moment that made me realize I am getting old and I don't really like it. Hey life, you can slow down anytime now. I also, got to hang with some old friends, which always makes life better.



And as a graduation gift to herself, Amy brought home Macy! She is a beautiful 5 month old German Shepherd/Border Collie mix, who is extremely playful and smart. I have enjoyed the past couple days just playing with her and rubbing her belly, which she loves immensely. She also likes to run circles around the house, chewing on bricks, chasing bumble bees, and running in red mud. You know, typical puppy tomfoolery!

{taking it back with a picture from 2008}

And last but not least a birthday shout out is due for one of the best friends ever, Mal!! We will be celebrating the big 2-4 this weekend, and hopefully I will have some tasteful pics to share with you next week. And if they aren't tasteful, then you will have to know that we had a fabulous time!