So, it's definitely been well over a month since I returned from Vegas... It's been a mad few weeks since I landed and this has been my first opportunity to sit down and write...

If you didn't know, I went to Vegas at the the start of February with my friend Liz. We stayed at Hooters Casino and Hotel (which btw, is 300% worth a stay- great value and the rooms are big and spacious!) and stayed for a week. Let me tell you now, the week flew by and I was SO sad to come home, however, it was definitely a jam packed week!

I cannot stress this enough, Vegas is an INCREDIBLE place. It really is the adult Disney Land. It's so vibrant and you can see why people call it the city which never sleeps. We'd wake up and pop down to the casino at 6/7/8am and people would still be sat there gambling from the night before!

The majority of the hotels have a casino within them, even the petrol station had slot machines in! I also loved how each of the hotels along the strip had a different theme.

We did so much it would be impossible to cover EVERYTHING, but below are some things to do and places to eat that I'd recommend!


Things to Do
Grand Canyon- this is simply something you cannot miss. We did a coach tour which was a loooong ass day but it was more than worth it. When we visited, there was snow on the ground and the views were simply stunning. I'd have been gutted to miss this. Along the route, we also visited the Hoover Dam and Route 66 which were great sights to see. My sister loved the film Cars when we were younger, so it was amazing to see Seligman, Arizona which is the town which Radiator Springs was based on.


Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign- Typical tourist destination, but you can't go to Vegas and not see it (as pictured above!).

Stratosphere- Just incredible aerial views of the strip! A must see. You can also throw yourself off the top of it attached to a bungee cord, something which we witnessed someone doing.. not for me!


Gondola- We ended up on a cheeky Gondola ride for two despite booking to have a shared ride (Cheeky tip: go first thing in the morning muahaha!). It was surreal to be punted down a river in a hotel but feeling like you're in Venice and being serenaded in Italian.


Zip-Wire across Downtown Las Vegas- I hate heights. Anyone who knows me, knows I hate heights. However, this was on Liz's bucket list, and so we booked to go. I'm so so so so thankful she made me do it, as the experience was actually so thrilling.


Neon Museum- the bloggers/ Instagrammers playground. The graveyard for all of Las Vegas Neon Signs.


Any Casino- You can't go to Vegas and not gamble. Simple. As you can see, massive baller that I am... cashed out at $15!


Downtown Las Vegas- Incredible party atmosphere in the evening. A must see!


Chippendales- Honestly, you cannot NOT go to the Chippendales. I was lucky enough to be invited up on stage, TWICE. I mean, you have to go. WHAT IS NOT TO LIKE? Hellloooooo fit men! (ps. here's a photo of me slow dancing to Ed Sheeran with a naked Chippendale... you're welcome).



Places to Eat

Heart Attack Grill- the food was incredible but do not over order or you'll get spanked! We saw someone getting spanked and it looked PAINFUL. I opted for the double bypass burger with flatliner fries. No chilli and no extra bacon! There was SO much of it, I'd never have managed anymore. It was really good though!


La Pizza La Pasta at Eataly- This was our last night meal pre-Chippendales. We had had burgers and chips pretty much all holiday or some variation and we fancied a change. I had the Quadratini di Ricotta which is a pasta filled with ricotta and spinach in a lemon butter and walnut pesto sauce and it was GORGEOUS.


Nacho Daddy- one of the BEST meals we had. Also AMAZING margs, we opted for the White Peach Margs and they were INCREDIBLE. The nachos were seriously good too but I'd recommend sharing one portion between two! I had the ground beef nachos and their claims of never a dry chip are DEFINITELY true.


Beauty and Essex Bar- Some incredible cocktails at the Cosmopolitan, rather pricey but they were LETHAL.


I had the most wonderful time with one of my best friends, I'd definitely go again and it was a fabulous holiday!

Soooo if you are new here, Hi! I AM GOING TO LAS VEGAS. If not, I'm sorry to bore you with yet MORE Vegas spam.. but unfortunately there will be a lot more from where this is coming from... beauty posts will commence again after holiday!

But for now, I thought I'd share mine and Liz's bucket list for Vegas (and also so I don't make a list and lose it... if it's published for the world to see, I won't forget it exists hahaha).

Food Places
The Heart Attack Grill
Hooters
Egg Slut
Steak n' Shake
Sugar Factory (for the ADORABLE fish bowl cocktails)
In-n-Out
Sprinkles Las Vegas Cupcakes & Ice Cream (for the cupcake ATM obvssss)
Outback Steak House
Black Tap
Toast Society Cafe in Spring Valley
Chipotle
Guy Fieri's El Burro Borracho (for the Trash Can Nachos)
Creamery (for the dessert tacos)
Cafe Hollywood (for the Freakshakes)
Pinkberry

Bars
The Beauty Bar
The Millenium Fandom Bar
The Laundry Room
Peppermill Lounge Las Vegas

Experiences
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
Route 66
The Neon Museum
Gondola Ride at The Venetian
Gamble at the Bellagio
Zip Line across Downtown Las Vegas
Strip Show- Magic Mike/ Chippendales

Places of Interest
Eiffel Tower
Stratosphere
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign
Bellagio Fountains
Downtown Las Vegas

Shops
M&M Store
Hershey's Store
Walmart
Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
Fashion Show Mall
Town Square Las Vegas
The Forum Shops at Caesars
Amazon Store
Sephora
Bath & Body Works
Ulta
Macy's

In a world where every second person is 'Hinch-ing' their homes or 'KonMari-ing' their entire wardrobes/ lives, I thought I'd weigh in with my complete* rule book to packing a well-rounded suitcase for a holiday. Here are my four 'go to' rules:

1. CONSIDER ALL EVENTUALITIES RELATED TO YOUR HOLIDAY
I know this sounds obvious, but if you are going on a girls holiday it's likely you're going to lose an earring, or your tan is going to go streaky or someone is INEVITABLY going to end up with the hangover from hell. Pack extras, back ups and think about meds you might not be able to get in your destination!

2. KEEP IT ORGANISED
Two words which will change your entire packing life. Packing Cubes. I love them. They're only £5-£10 off Amazon and they keep your entire case neat and tidy so when you get to your destination and open your case you're not like ummmmm I put my favourite pair of knickers where!? Wrecking your entire case searching and then living like a tramp for the next week out of your suitcase (read: pit of despair).

3. TRY TO BRING SOME REALITY TO THE MADNESS
I am awful at overpacking. I'll go away for a SINGULAR night and bring an entire mini suitcase. Unnecessary and heavy! Golden rule I have adopted is to make a list and stick to it (harder than it sounds). Try and streamline where possible and just think to yourself- will you really wear that 5th pair of shoes?!

As a proper keeno, I love a list and try to adhere to the following categories:

i. Underwear/ Nightwear
ii. Toiletries and Make Up
iii. Clothes
iv. Shoes
v. Electronics

Write your list how you want, obvssss... but make sure you think it out.

4. PACK A PAPER COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT
I know this makes sense. However, up until 3 weeks ago, I hadn't even considered it. My friend Liz was like, duhhh. And let's get real, it does make perfect sense. If you get mugged or whatever (god-forbid that happens!) it's always a good idea to have a paper copy and also an electronic copy of your passport so that when you rock up to the embassy, they're not just like hu dis?!

So, if you follow me on Twitter (if you don't... have you been living under a rock?!) you will know that in a short TWO WEEKS, I am going to Las Vegas with one of my main gals, Liz. As much as I am excited for it, there is A LOT of preparation to get done before I go, especially in the beauty department.

I thought I'd share the sort of prep I do in terms of pre-holiday beauty and the sort of time guide I follow to ensure I am holiday ready!


1. HAIR

A Month Before: As a platinum blonde, I need all the help I can get in the hair department. I tend to find my hair is really prone to breakage due to having it peroxided/ constantly straightening it so around a month before I go on holiday I begin taking a supplement for Hair, Nails and Skin. This time round I've opted to test our HairBurst (review pending!).

Two Weeks Before: Two weeks before, I'll get my hair coloured (shout out to the only salon I'd get my hair done, Legally Blondes) . I know it's nice having your hair all freshly dyed right before holiday BUT from my research... the sun can fade your expensive dye-job so it's worth having it done a few weeks before as the colour will have settled and won't fade but still look fresh.

Two Washes Before: Two hair washes before I go, I will use a deep conditioning treatment like my favourite Palmer's Protein Hair Mask (which I reviewed here). I find that they make my hair so smooth but also tend to make my hair slightly greasier, so I won't use it on the wash right before I go.

The Night Before: I will tone my hair the night before I fly so the colour is at it's best and not brassy (I use Bleach London products, see my review here)! As I have red (read: ginger) undertones, I am prone to my colour looking brassy. I'll also do a full blow-dry and straighten so my hair is ready rock when I emerge in sunnier climes.

2. TAN

Three Weeks Before: As a fake tanning novice, I always do a test run about three weeks before I go away to ensure the colour I want is coming out of the bottle and that my application techniques are still up to scratch. It also gives me a week to scrub it off, and begin my real prep for the real tan.

Two Weeks Before: I am one of those people who absolutely detest being all slimy and cold having got out the bath and having to douse myself in moisturiser. It's one of my pet hates. However, the key to a beautiful and most importantly, even, tan is having well nourished and moisturised skin. So, two weeks before I go away, I begin the hideous process of dousing myself in moisturiser morning and night to prepare for my tan.

A Week Before: A week before, and it's time for extreme exfoliation. An even starting skin means an even tan!

Two Days Before: I will tan up two days before, right before bed, and snuggle up in my sleeping bag liner so I don't ruin my sheets. Definitely thinking of trying the Purity St Tropez range which promises no ruined bedsheets! Side note: has anyone tried it?? Is it good?!?! Two days before also gives me time to rectify any mishaps (hello orange hands).

3. WAX/ SHAVE

Three Days Before: As I tan two days before I go, I will wax/ shave three days before. I usually decide whether it will be wax or shave dependent on how lazy I've been in the weeks up to departure... LOL.

4. TEETH WHITENING

Two Weeks Before: I use Crest whitening strips (which, yasss I'll be stocking up on when I'm in 'murica) and will use these everyday for two weeks pre-departure to ensure my teeth are gleaming and picture ready.

5. SKINCARE

Three Weeks Before: I am terrible for skincare. Like, literally awful. I rarely cleanse, tone and moisturise, despite having the Clinique 1, 2, 3 system (reviewed here back when I did used to do this every single day). Three weeks before, I try to make a consientious effort to actually cleanse, tone, moisturise and apply an anti-ageing serum. I've hit the ripe old age of 25. ALL OF THE ANTI-AGEING COME AT ME.

One Week Before: I make sure to apply a face-mask a week before so any impurities can come out and be gone before I fly!

6. LASHES AND BROWS

One Week Before: As standard, I get my eyebrows waxed and dyed and lashes dyed (hello lazy girl life, no mascara or filling in my eyebrows for a daytime look!), but I'll arrange my standing appointment to be a week before I jet off.

7. MANI/ PEDI

A Few Days Before: As an acrylic nail fanatic, I'll get my nails infilled as close to departure as possible. In terms of pedicure, I tend to get this done at the same time as my infills and I usually opt for shellac to ensure it's long lasting and won't chip off around the pool or when I excessively wear my flip flops.

As 2018 draws to a close, I'm surprised at how quickly it's come around. Nonetheless, the end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the previous year and evaluate the lessons learnt. I was having a read through some of my favourite blogs and I stumbled across Mollie's blog post on her 'takeaway' lessons from 2018 and she inspired me to write this post! There are five main things I've learnt from this year which I'll share below which have inspired my New Year's resolutions.

1. If you put in hard work, success will come to you

This year I worked full-time hours at work whilst completing a full-time masters degree, I put in the hard work and dedication, with some days getting to the office at 4am and leaving at 11pm. I put my heart and soul into both working and my masters degree, writing countless assignments and writing a 15,000 word dissertation, culminating in being awarded my masters degree in Marketing Management with Merit! I'm ending the year with a great qualification which has held me in good stead for a job in Marketing. Which, I managed to do, by securing a job as Digital Marketing Executive at a software firm and I couldn't be happier that my hard work has allowed me to work in a role whilst utilising my masters degree.

What will I do differently in 2019? I wouldn't necessarily say I'm going to do anything different in 2019 with this lesson. However, I'm going to continue putting in hard work to my job, improving, learning and striving to become the best marketer that I can possibly be.

2. Friendship is a two-way street

This year, I've become friends with some incredibly wonderful people and become a lot closer to people who I wasn't necessarily close with this time last year! However, I have also found myself in several toxic friendships. Two main instances come to mind: a toxic competitive relationship where the friendship was based on one-upmanship, continually berating me in front of others and tearing me down behind my back. The other friendship I found that just because you call someone a 'friend' doesn't mean the friendship is reciprocated.

It's sad to see people I initially considered friends to become this way, however, at the end of the day you have to do what's best for you and sometimes cutting these types of 'friend' loose is the only way to move on. In 2018, I began to remove these toxic friendships as quite frankly, I don't have the time or the inclination to waste any more time on these types of people.

What will I do differently in 2019? In 2019, I will continue to remove toxic friendships and cut ties with people people who bring me down and aren't happy to celebrate my successes when I am there 100% to celebrate theirs. I'm going to put my extra time into continuing to develop my existing friendships with my wonderful friends and making sure I'm doing everything to be a good friend.

3. It's okay to not be okay

I'm one of those people who always try to be happy, and positive and not be a negative nelly. However, I've learnt that it's okay to reach out to your friends and family if you're stressing about an assignment,  dissertation or shit friendship situation. They can often give you some of the best advice and an outsiders perspective.

What will I do differently in 2019? I resolve that in 2019, I am going to make more time for me- giving myself an evening a week to do life admin and to not be rushing round 24/7. I also resolve I am going to be healthier, and get back on the diet wagon to get back to my goal weight. Healthy mind is a happy life after all!

4. Sometimes you need to prioritise money

After the huge expense of my masters, I've realised I reeeeeally need to get better at prioritising my money and begin saving.

What will I do differently in 2019? I will pay off my credit card and begin saving for a house deposit. Even if this means compromising on buying less make up and missing out on some social occasions.

5.  There's still so much to learn and mistakes can be a good thing

Even though I've now finished in formal education, everyday is a school day. I still learn something new everyday and about a huge range of different things. From car insurance, to marketing, to general news and random facts, I've learn a lot in 2018.

I've also learnt that making mistakes can also lead to more learning opportunities as finding out what you've done wrong and how to fix what you've done wrong is all part of the learning process.

What will I do differently in 2019? I'll continue to learn something new everyday and search out different opportunities to learn more. I also resolve not to be afraid of making mistakes, and learn you can't always be a perfectionist.