What Happens in Vegas?

Hey Loves!  I'm still in Vegas! (Duh, no one only goes for one day!)  So I asked Ty from Arkansassy to give us all some Vegas tips!  Seriously ladies, I took note of all these tips!  Alright, I gotta get back to this shit show bachelorette party!

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Y'all have all heard it: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Well.  That may have worked for the Frank and Sammy, but since the arrival of Facebook and Google, that's pretty much out the window.

What happens in Vegas will end up on your Facebook wall.

Mark that one now.

I don't really consider myself to be a Vegas pro.  I've been three times now.  One was for a gymnastics meet when I was twelve, so there really isn't any Vegas wisdom coming out of that trip, except to say that the New York New York roller coaster is awesome and if you see a Cirque du Soleil show, you'll want to run away and join the circus.

The other two, though, were on bachelorette parties, and I'm gonna go ahead and give y'all my helpful nuggets of wisdom for a Vegas adventure.

one.  Drink on the plane out to pre-game, but don't freshman-style NYE-it before you even land.

When I went in 2009, we had a group of four of us that flew out of Kansas City because the flight was dirt cheap: me, the bride (Amber), the bride's sister (Meagan), and another bridesmaid (Sarah).  Our flight was delayed for almost four hours.

So what do we do?  Find the Taquiera.

It was here that we encountered both a bachelor party and an old man festival that were on our flight.  Sarah, a genius in her own right, had the brilliant plan to buy a deck of cards and play a few drinking games.

I really don't know how they let us on the plane.

Or how, once on the plane, we didn't get air-marshalled.

It didn't help that the old man festival was comprised of a bunch of Kansas City lawyers who went on a boys' trip every year.  Who had like, 1,397 free drink tickets for Southwest.  Uncle Rick, as he was known, was a pretty generous guy in that regard.

At one point, the flight attendant gets on the loudspeaker and says, "Could the two ladies dancing in the back please find their seats?"  Sarah and I are all, "Wow, what a bunch of idiots" ... until we realized it was us.  Jammin' on an iPod.

Then our bride passed out in baggage claim.

I think we're actually holding each other up in our first group shot.

All I'm sayin' is that you don't want to enter Sin City the same way you leave it.

[yeah, it's blurry. like my memory]

two. You never look as cute whipping your hair at The Bank at 2:00 a.m. as you think you do.



You think you're a goddess, looking like La Lohan, making cute pouty lips with your hands in the air, and you just don't.

YOU. DON'T.

My takeaway is this: make sure you get a few good pictures right when you get where you're going.  Otherwise, there won't be any framers from the trip.

Wouldn't you rather have a bunch of these:

... than a bunch of these?

I think my point is made.

three.  You're way more likely to be confrontational in the club because you're a zillion miles from home and stuffed full of Grey Goose courage.

Even with each other.

The last time we went, my friend Jenna kept giving me hate looks for no reason, until I yelled, "Why are you being such a bitch??"

Then we hugged it out and moved on.  In a matter of minutes.

On that note, maybe we should do that more often in everyday life, instead of that passive-agressive thing.  Lesson learned there.

four.  Lay out your pajamas before you go out.

Just trust me.  I slept in my suitcase on my first adult trip because I couldn't find my pajamas in an 80-lb. suitcase at four in the morning and didn't feel like dealing with it anymore.

Thank goodness I didn't just take a carry-on.  Or else I'd be bent like a little hobbit.

five. If you aren't a big drinker in normal life, it doesn't matter.  You will still be a rockstar in Vegas.

It's called Sin City for a reason.

You go out walking the strip to see some landmarks and do some shopping, and before you realize it, you're wearing a 64 oz. gold plastic bottle on a chain around your neck.

Full of Red Bull and vodka.

Wait, what?

Then you get your eyeliner on and your sequins on and you're feeling sassy.

And you want all the alcohols.

That's when it goes downhill.

You still think you are sex-ee dancing like you're in the Britney "I'm A Slave 4 U" video..

You're really just a big mess.

Would you do that in your hometown?

OF COURSE NOT.

But things don't count in Vegas, guys.

six. The flight home will make you very sad.



If you were anything like me, you'll come in from the last night out at 5:00 a.m and have a 10:00 a.m. flight.

[word to the wise: never schedule a morning flight out]

Then you realize you never got a chili dog from New York New York, and in your still slightly-impaired state, you'll decide it's a good idea.  Lemme tell you, a beer and a chili dog at eight in the morning can cure all ailments.

Oh, and a long nap.

Duh.

What's your Vegas persona?

Hi loves!  I'm on my way to Vegas to celebrate the bachelorette party of one of my most stylish friends. It only seemed fitting to have one of my most stylish blog friends take over my blog for the day!  Niki, take it away!

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Hi everyone!  I'm Niki, and I blog over at Glossy Blonde!  When Ashley asked me to do a guest post on her blog, I was SO excited!  I love Ashley!  And then I found out she was going to Vegas, and things got even better.  If you're new to my blog, one thing that you will quickly learn is that I love me some glitz and glam.  And, well, glitz, glam and Vegas go hand in hand!

So, today I put together a little Vegas-inspired fashion!  I love Vegas fashion because you can really push the edge and take it to a whole new level!  I also love to mix girly and edgy and Vegas is the perfect place to do just that. For the "glamour girl", I put together a glitzy glam look, complete with gold sequins, red lips, and a touch of edge with a layered ring (I'd also recommend leaving hair down and a little wild)...

**Go Shopping**

... and for the girl who prefers leather and a little more spice, I created a "femme fatale" style.

**Go Shopping**

So there you have it!  Some outfit inspiration for Vegas-ready stylistas! Which one is more your Vegas personality??? Feel free to stop on by Glossy Blonde and say hello sometime!  Anyone who is a friend of Ashley's is fabulous in my book!

Make 2013 your B*tch

Happy New Year Loves!!

So lets talk about resolutions real quick, shall we?

I have one, and only one resolution.  I resolve to make 2013 my bitch.  That's right folks, not only am I starting out the New Year all sassy, but that sass comes with a hearty side of confidence.  2012 was not bad, but it was a year of transition.  I was finding myself.  I moved to a new state.  I got into the whole blogging thing.  I lost love.  I gained a new appreciation for myself.  So 2013 is time for me to be my best self.

Some of you may be thinking, "Ashley, how does one make 2013 their bitch?" Well don't fret my dears, I am going to tell you!

Step one: Let it go. Any of that proverbial baggage is gone. Leave it on the 2012 train and board 2013 with a fresh slate and a lighter load.

Step two: Stop holding yourself back.  Do the things you are intimidated by.  I really do think you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.  Push your limits (in a healthy way of course) and enjoy the personal growth you gain from it.

Step three:  Your health, both mental and physical, is more important that any other person, job or obligation.  Make time for the gym, eat healthy and give yourself mental breaks.  Don't feel guilty about this.  Putting yourself first allows you to make the people and things that get second place feel less like an obligation and more like a blessing.  When you are tired grumpy and fat, it's hard to give anything else the real attention it deserves.  Join us later in January to be part of the Blogger Biggest Loser.

Step four:   Be honest in everything you do. Games and lies are a waste of valuable time. We just have this one chance at life. If you screw up at work, own it. If you aren't getting enough attention from your man, tell him. If your friend hurt you, be honest about it. I'm not saying be a brat and go around stomping on people's feelings, but just be authentic.Stop worrying about what other people think and be yourself.

Step five:  Love. If everything you do sprouts from love, your life will yield endless blessings. 


There you have it folks.  My recipe for a kick ass 2013.  Thank you all for making 2012 a monumental year for me.  Being a part of the blogging world has opened up my life to so many wonderful people and great opportunities.  Here's to each of you.  Cheers! Happy New Year!!

P.S. Don't forget, 1/2 price ads through Jan. 1 with code OWIOWIHALF and $5 off blog designs if you inquire before Jan. 7th.

A Few Things

1. I have been thinking about doing a blogger biggest loser, since so many of us are on a quest for health/ sleeker bodies in 2013.  Who's interested?  I'm looking for a cohost...

2. Half price ads for anyone who books between now and Jan. 1!  Use the code OWIOWIHALF on passionfruit!


3.  Need a blog makeover?  I started doing a little design work.  I have a two week wait right now, but if you send me an inquiry before Jan. 7th I will give you $5 off my already re-donk-u-lous-ly* low prices.

*Redonkulously- (adverb) So darn low that it makes you want to shake your badonkadonk ridiculously because you are saving so much money.  You're welcome!

The 12 Things I Learned in 2012

I am a bit of a thief today.  I was reading Jenn's post from Party of One and and inspiration caught me.  So thanks for the inspiration love!  Without further adieu  here is my list of the 12 most important things I learned in 2012.

1.  Don't be afraid to be who you are.  I have spent a lot of my life trying to fit into someone elses version of me.  In 2012 I learned that when I stop worrying about what other people think of me, I think a lot more of myself.  Blogging has been a big part of me finding my true voice.  So thanks to all of you who've been listening!

2.  Good things come to those that don't force them. If you want something bad enough, don't settle until you get it.  Don't take good enough when patience will bring you perfect.  This can apply to so many aspects of life and for me it was my career.  

3. Embrace change.  Fighting it will only make you more unhappy than the change itself.  Change means growth and growth means strength.  

4. Identify your happy place and make it part of your routine to be there.  For me it is a particular beach.  I try to go at least once a week and appreciate the splendor that is the earth.  

5.  If it doesn't expire within the next 3 weeks, it is probably not that good for you.  Frozen foods aside, if it could survive an apocalypse  it's not going to be easy for your body to digest and it's going to ferment in your intestines... just say no to processed foods (Self, I am talking to you!)

I'm a little hair obsessed... and went back to my roots.

6. Invest in multiple types of shampoo and conditioner.  Use one of the more expensive brands like Kerestase at least 1-2 times a week.  It'll make a difference and it won't kill your bank account. Use something cheaper in between to save money. (I recommend Mane and Tail.  It keeps hair healthy and shiny!)

7. He's just not that into you.  No I didn't read the book, but I have come to realize looking at both my relationship and the relationships of my friends, both successful and unsuccessful, if he wants to see you, he will find a way.  If he wants to talk to you, he will find a way.  And if he wants you, he will show you.  

8.  You are in control of your own destiny.  While I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, I also think you have to be the one driving the change.  Maybe that means prayer, maybe that means envisioning the things you want, maybe it means not taking no for an answer.  Just remember you are in the drivers seat!

9. Don't be afraid to be good at what you do.  Whatever it is, own it.  Celebrate you successes and be confident in your work.

10.  Accept failure and mistakes.  Fail informatively.  Don't place blame.  Accepting fault and coming up with a solution to the problem is sometimes more impressive than if you had succeeded in the first place.  A person that can claim their failures along with their successes can learn from them.

11.  Make time for those that matter.  I love to catch up with friends and family when I am stuck in traffic.  It makes the time go by faster and it makes me less angry at the asshole that just cut me off.  I think I have more quality talks with those I care about now that I live in another state.  

This little boy is in the final stages of cystic fibrosis and wanted to hold a record for number of Christmas cards received 

12. Be kind.  It's easy to forget to be kind when life gets hectic, but random acts of kindness are so heartwarming.  It makes my day so much better when I do something unexpected for someone else.  I can live off the high for the rest of the day.  

What are some things 2012 taught you?

The Best Friday

So let me tell you why today is the most exciting day of my adult life!  No it's not because of anything the Mayans predicted.  It's because for the first time, ever, I have 2 whole weeks off from work.  Since I started working back in August of 2007, I have never taken this much time off.  I feel like it's almost unheard of these days to take 16 days off in a row and not be a teacher or unemployed or self employed.  And boy do I have big plans:

The house I grew up in.

-I am headed home to AZ for the majority of my vacation to celebrate the holidays with the fam and cause a little trouble with my best girlfriends. It's going to be so strange to be a guest for Christmas.

-Getting my hair done (which is super exciting because it has been 4 months. Eek!

Me and bestie about 2 years ago

-Rubbing my bestie's baby bump for an awkwardly long amount of time.

Suns love from 2010-12

-I get to say hello to my beloved Phoenix Suns, not once but twice!

A rainy Coach House Christmas circa 2008

-Meeting up with the whole gang for a Coach House Christmas (details to come later)

-Drinking as much wine as I want with my best girls.

-Getting some serious design work done for The Life: Stylish (Need a new blog layout?  The Life: Stylish can help!  *shameless plug*  And since we are being shameless... wanna sponsor me?)

-Ringing in 2013 with a big glass of bubbly and a lot of hope for the future.

My last girls trip to Vegas

-Heading to Las Vegas for a bachelorette party where we plan to paint the town!


Now if all that doesn't sound awesome, I don't know what does!

Oh, and here are my thoughts on this whole end of the world business.  I hope today really is the end of the world (gasp!)... a very specific world.

A world that cares more about being the right one, than doing what's right for everyone.
A world where people lash out at one another instead of show kindness, love and compassion.
A world that cares more about our stock investments than where we are investing our time.
A world where people are afraid to ask for help, from others, from professionals and from God.

So if R.E.M was right and it is the "end of the world as we know it", then I agree, "I feel fine!"

Gift swap, swap, swaperoo

Hooray, it's time to reveal my gift swap partners!!  First I want to thank the lovely Tabitha, Janna, and Kelly for putting everything together.

Next I want to apologize to my partner Michelle of  Michelle's Pixie Dust.  I am really bad at mailing things.  Like seriously, it takes weeks to get the package out to my car and then it rides around with me for a while, then I go to the post office, take one look at the line and go home... until the last possible day.  So she probably got her gift yesterday.  Maybe.   I'm not making any excuses!  I suck at mailing things. End of story.  I just hope she really likes it.

Now onto the goods.  My secret Santa not only got me my gift ahead of time, but totally figured me out!

Not only did she get me to different adorable list makers, but she got me makeup.  Makeup is a total weakness of mine!  And I have been wanting to try the elf brand (which hello, what a better brand for a secret Santa swap?!)  and the verdict?  I'm pretty much obsessed!  I couldn't have asked for a better secret Santa than Melissa of Lulu and Sweet Pea.  

I just can't wait to see what everyone else got!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...