Trip Guide: Las Vegas!

So I did something absolutely spontaneous this weekend and it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Well, the 14 hour car ride wasn't, but everything inbetween was a blast! I gambled, drank overpriced margaritas, and walked over 10 miles.  That's right bitches...I went to Vegas! Two of my girl friends and I headed out to the desert to party away our Spring semester stress.  We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for the night and enjoyed as much as the strip as we could. I now consider myself a Vegas Vet (not really) and I want to provide you tips in how you can survive your next trip to Sin City!

Trip Guide: Las Vegas

Fly, Don't Drive

There is nothing worse than driving 14 hours when you're hungover and sad. We may have driven this time and were able to enjoy a few stops on the way home (the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon), but I would NEVER do it again.  I hate being cramped in a tiny car and expected to survive off of Cheetos and Sour Patch Kids. Next time I go, I am definitely flying.  If you do decide to drive (bless your heart) I would suggest listening to a book on tape or language-teaching CD so you can benefit from the hours of no rest. Or my friend Christina recommended listening to comedians -- you can't sleep when you're laughing!

Bring Alcohol With You

I paid $10.50 for a frozen strawberry margarita at Margaritaville...and that was in a little plastic cup. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy fun drinks when you can (Fat Tuesdays!) but bringing a bottle or two with you will definitely save you money, especially when you can split the cost with your friends.  We brought a bottle of vodka and a chaser to do shots before we went out so we wouldn't need to buy $12 drinks to get buzzed. It'll save you money in the long run!

Walk the Strip Early

By hitting the Strip early, you are avoiding a ton of tourists and other people that you'd normally start to see in the afternoon.  We arrived at around 9AM and started exploring right away, and we skipped SO many lines because of it. It's nice to be able to explore and take photos without hundreds of people using their selfie-sticks behind you (why is that a thing?).  That way once it starts to crowd up, you can retreat back to your hotel and lay by the pool!

Buy a Macaron at the Venetian

It's a Vegas tradition (according to my favorite professor)! On the first floor of the Venetian is the Bouchon Bakery. They have everything from croissants to baguettes, but you MUST get one of their macarons.  They are a little pricey but definitely worth it, trust me.  My favorite is the salted caramel! :)

Be Willing to Splurge

This is Vegas, after all! I'm not saying you should drop $45 for every meal, but I think one fancy dinner would definitely be worth it.  We weren't hungry enough (or prepared for) a big meal, but next time I go I want to try one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants or some other big name place. There are so many options to choose from that I doubt you'll be disappointed.  We ate at Pink Tacos at the Hard Rock and it was so yummy and decently priced (especially because free chips and salsa YES). Explore beforehand and see where you want to go, that way you have something to look forward to!

Have you been to Vegas? Any other tips or tricks? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.

January Favorites!

How is January already over?! I have already broken all of my New Year's resolutions (love me some carbs), and my final semester of college as an undergrad has begun! I haven't done a monthly favorites post in quite some time, so I thought why not kick off six more weeks of Winter (little shit groundhog saw his shadow) with my favorite things of January!

January Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21) - It should come as no surprise that I'm obsessed with eyebrows. And this brow pencil...oh sweet JAYSUS! It's honestly the best brow pencil on the market. Period.  My brother gave me a Sephora gift card for Christmas (bless him) and this is what I bought with it and I regret nothing. I have received so many compliments on my brows after this purchase. I recommend it to all. Buy your's here.

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection ($36)- I've been into natural smokey eyes lately, and this palette is perfect for just that. I can make my eyes look sultry, sexy, and everything inbetween. I think I've used this almost everyday since I bought it...no shame. I like that inside there is also a little booklet showing you different looks! And the case is perfect for travel. Win all around. Purchase here.

Fashion Favorites

Nike Compression Tights ($60)- Literally obsessed with these leggings. OBSESSED! I will never buy any other brand of workout leggings for the rest of my life I swear. They're soft, flexible to move in, and make your legs look AMAZING! I wish I could buy them all out from Nordstrom. These motivate me to get my booty off the couch! Get your own pair here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Disc Earrings ($48)-There is nothing classier than a small pair of studs to go with every outfit, and these have been my go-to earrings this month. They are the perfect size without being annoying to wear. I got these for Christmas last year, but for whatever reason I've been reaching to wear them a lot recently. So cute, so presh, and you so need them in your life. Find them here.

Music Favorites

7/11 by Beyonce- No one beats Queen B. Fun fact: my friends and I blasted this song and danced while we waited to have our exit interviews for my wine class. This song literally makes NO SENSE but I love it. And I love the video for it. Watch and listen here.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson (ft. Bruno Mars)- Disco + Bruno Mars= heaven. I cannot stop listening to this tune. And the video? I'm smitten. After listening to this song I was want to blast "Stayin' Alive" and other disco hits. Bruno is officially bringing back the 70s. Take a listen for yourself here.

September by Earth, Wind, and Fire- This is a classic and one of my favorite songs of all time.  If I'm ever in a sour mood, I put on this song and instantly feel 300% better.  It's also a great song to get ready to when you're going out with the girls. Don't ask me why...it just is. Have a listen here.

Where do Broken Hearts Go by One Direction- We've already established my weird obsession with boybands. But this song is SO FREAKING GOOD AND IT'S ONE OF MY TOP 3 FAVORITE SONGS BY THEM EVER, OKAY?! It's so rock n roll and sexy and I belt out the lyrics every time it comes on. Best line is "are you sleeping, baby, by yourself? Or are you giving it to someone else?" Let it be known, Harold, that I would be giving it to someone else. Ayyyy listen here.

TV Favorites

The Walking Dead (AMC)- Holy damn. This show is...EVERYTHING! I randomly started watching it over Winter Break and my mama and I got hooked. HAVE YOU SEEN DARYL DIXON?! I want to marry him and have him protect me forever. I watched all 4 seasons on Netflix in a month on top of work, school, and social gatherings...that's how amazing this show is. What I love about this show is that crazy things happen in every episode, not just at finales. I have rarely been bored watching an episode, and even if I am something big always happens at the end! This show is my new LOST...and that's saying a lot from me!

Food/Drink Favorites

Stella Rosa Wine- We all know I'm a wine fanatic. This wine is so good. It's light and a little sparkly, and the perfect amount of sweet. I could drink four bottles of it, which is okay cause it's barely 5% alcohol (oops). Next time you're at the liquor store grab yourself a bottle of the Moscato. You're welcome.

Trader Joe's Falafel Wraps- Recently I have had the luxury of a Trader Joe's opening five minutes away from me, and I have been taking full advantage of it.  These wraps have falafels and tabbouleh wrapped in a pita.  I personally add some Trader joe's hummus to keep me good and full.  If you like Mediterranean food then you will love these wraps. I promise.


What are your January favorites? Are you excited for February? DO YOU LOVE DARYL DIXON AS MUCH AS I DO? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.

Recipe: Simple Guacamole!

I have a confession...I'm addicted to cooking, cooking shows, and just food in general. I mean, have you SEEN Chopped before?! When I'm stressed, bored, or just in the mood for it, I cook and bake to my little hearts desire and I love tweaking recipes to make them my own. I figured if I'm going to be doing it regardless, why not share my favorite recipes and cooking secrets with you!

I eat avocados more than the average person.  Not only are they full of healthy fats and vitamins, but they taste so damn good and can be used in countless ways! One of my favorite ways to eat them is in guacamole (cue stomach growls and watered mouths). I am anti store bought guacamole (sorry) but never knew how to make this yummy dip at home! My friends all had different ways of going about it from adding avocados to salsa (gag) to the seasoned packets at the store (never tried them but they scare me) and I learned something...restaurants (Chipotle ayyyy) just do it the best! And it's not because of some fancy ingredient but because they keep it simple. So below you will find my quick, simple, and easy recipe for homemade guac!

Simple Guacamole

If I could eat guacamole on everything I would...and I sort of do. I eat it with chips, omelettes, salads, chicken, quesadillas...I'm pretty much addicted. Not gonna lie, every time I go to the grocery store I make sure I include ingredients to make this guacamole. It's just the perfect addition to everything!

You'll need just 5 ingredients to make this guacamole yourself (that's right, FIVE!). The recipe I'm listing is for one serving, but if you want to make a lot just double everything by how many avocados you use!

Simple Guacamole

1 ripe avocado (the mushier the better)

1/4 red onion, chopped

3-4 sprigs of cilantro, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 red pepper flakes (optional if you're feeling frisky)

In a medium bowl, mush together avocado, onion, and cilantro with a fork. Add salt and pepper and stir.

That's it. Literally. You're welcome. Now go make some and watch Walking Dead with me so we can cry about how beautiful Daryl is.

Do you have any favorite recipes? Is your guacamole better than mine (doubt it)? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.

Back to School Goals!

For once I am actually excited to go back to school because IT'S MY FINAL SEMESTER AS AN UNDERGRAD!!!!!! I have literally been waiting for this day for 3 1/2 years. Plus my schedule is a breeze this semester (2 actual classes, one online, and one Spring break course) which means I have more time to have fun and enjoy my final semester of college! I'm going to share with you my goals to complete before I earn my degree!

(I've been doing this awkward thing where I take first day of school photos so ignore my cheeky smile and forever baby face.)

1. Be spontaneous

2. Don't sweat the small stuff

3. Drink more water

4. Find a new passion

5. Focus on ME

What are your goals for school? Anything exciting planned? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.