I can't sleep so I'll blog about the time I got lost hiking

So it's Saturday night, well technically it is now Sunday at 12AM, and I cannot sleep. I can't be 100% sure, but it may have something to do with the 3 naps I took today on accident and a Starbucks energy drink I had at 8PM. Never mind the fact I am supposed to be up at 5:45AM for a 5K. Yah, I don't know who I am either. I don't run. Like at all.

Lately I've been obsessed with this workout class called Skyrobics. It's an hour long cardio and toning class at my local trampoline park and as an ex-gymnast, it is right up my ally and actually a workout I look forward to. Not to mention it is super low impact on my joints and we all know I don't have the best ankles. Last I left you guys, I was going to hike Red Rock Canyon here in Vegas.

By the way, if you want more regular updates on my life out here in the Wild, Wild West, then make sure you follow me on Instagram (@thebargainblonde). I certainly update that much more frequently than my blog these days.

Anyway, I survived hiking Red Rock but not without some hiccups. Our 1.5 mile hike turned into 8 miles. Yes, 8 miles. And no, that was not intentional. Trust. The trails aren't marked so somehow, someway, we ended up off course and 4 miles out from our starting point. That meant we had no choice but to hike the 4 miles back to our cars. I have never been so happy to see my car in my life. The views were gorgeous and I can't complain about the exercise, so I chalk it up as a successful outing getting lost and all.

Do you guys ever go hiking? Before moving here, i never realized how gorgeous the mountains are in Las Vegas. I never, ever get tired of looking at them every morning and every night. It's one of my favorite things about this city. See people, there is more to Vegas than The Strip. So there. I miss you guys (as usual).

 

January/February 2013 Recap via Instagram

It's been a long time since I filled you in on what I've been up to. I just realized I have not really done any sort of life update since my Christmas recap. With March (yes, March) upon us already, I thought I'd do a brief January/February recap. Not only for you, but I like to be able to look back on my blog and remember what I did and where I've been. But mainly for you, of course. Is anyone even still out there?? I feel like I completely fell out of the blogging universe.

January began with New Year's Eve. I swear I passed out before midnight. Yes, my first New Year's Eve in Vegas and I was in bed before midnight with Nyquil and Reese's teddy he left behind at Christmas.

If this isn't an attractive NYE look, I don't know what is

I've enjoyed my new owl coffee mugs from West Elm that I got for Christmas.

I've perfected at home soak off of gel nails without ruining your nails. Tutorial anyone?

essie marshmallow topped with sally hansen shall we dance

I think after 6 months of living here, I've officially learned how to navigate my way around the Las Vegas Strip.

stuck in morning traffic

It's been a while, but you may remember that since I moved here, I was using my coffee table as a TV stand, I finally bought a TV stand from Joss & Main a month of so ago and I was very proud of myself for putting the entire thing together all by my lonely.

Do we approve?

Have a few FaceTime sessions with the nephew:

Finally put pictures in picture frames in my room 3 months later.

Saw George Strait in concert at the MGM when an old college roomie was in town.

pre hair trim. Can't even fit my hair in the picture it was so long. #michelleduggarhair

Decided it was finally time to trim my hair. If you know me at all IRL, you know I am psycho when it comes to my hair. I've had several traumatic experiences throughout the years and finally found an amazing hair stylist who I've been going to for the past 6 years in Dallas. Well, I could not wait any longer, so I went to a new person here. I was not traumatized from new hair cut, but let's just say I'll be flying back to Dallas for my next one. No pics, sorry. Maybe soon. Don't love it. Actually, that experience could be it's own post.
I'm in the stages of planning a baby shower for my bestie who lives here. She's due very soon. I just sent invites out a few weeks ago. Here I am watching The Bachelor (don't love any of the girls this season) and addressing the invites:

Have come to the conclusion, no where is off limits for gambling or boozing in Vegas. When I was getting my prescription filled on Valentine's Day, I had to shake my head when I saw this while I waited to check out in line at my neighborhood CVS.

Only in Vegas

And most recently, I spent last weekend relaxing. I made an enormous omlette on accident, went to the grocery store, painted my nails and made my slow cooker beef stroganoff, which I've every night since Sunday except last night because we had a work dinner. (single girls who live alone problems)

Mushroom, onion and bacon omelette with a side of freah Whole Foods salsa

Essie Strawberry Shortcake

As much as I love this recipe, after 4 days in a row of it for dinner ... I'm ready for something else

That about sums up January and February. Like I said, it's not too exciting. I leave you with a pretty picture of the sunset from my balcony this past Sunday night. I love the mountain sunsets here. One thing you cannot get in Texas.

The pictures don't come close to doing justice

TGIF. Everyone have a great weekend! I'm going hiking at one of those gorgeous montains Saturday afternoon for the first time. Wish me luck, and please have the paramedics on standby. Thank you.

Happenings as of late [via Instagram]

For starters, I got my Internet installed in my apartment last Wednesday. Cue the angels. This will hopefully make blogging a little more convenient.

 

I couldn't stop laughing when I got this text from my mother who was traveling for work and just boarded a plane. I seriously laughed by myself for a good 5 minutes just picturing this.

I spent a Saturday evening on the couch watching The Vow, lusting over the sexiest man alive and crying for a good hour. Have y'all seen this movie? Feel free to judge me.

My obsession with the Robertsons has continued to grow and I'm very upset there isn't a single brother left who isn't wifed up. Even Si has a lady friend. FML. Oh and please excuse my ghetto current living room setup. I am on the hunt for a new TV stand, so my coffee table is sufficing as one for now. Yep.

I spent the first part of my Sunday at my now favorite coffee shop oohing and awing over the latte art. This week I got a tulip. Oh, and that is a Lorraine quiche that was melt in your mouth good in case you were wondering.

Last but not least, I had a special blogger visitor this weekend, which I'll post about ASAP. I'm not making any concrete promises on when because clearly since moving to Vegas, I've been completely lackadaisical with my blog.

At this point there is no sense in even wasting my time apologizing about being MIA. I'm just really busy during the week so my blog has unfortunately had to take a back burner and that is all there is to it. Lets hope I can't get it together soon.

And one last thing for my fellow reality TV lovers ... I loved the movie Catfish so naturally i am obsessing over the TV version that premiered on MTV last Monday. However, can we talk about last night's episode? The dude's name was Scorpio. Really, mam? If the name "scorpio" isn't a red flag, I don't know what is. And don't get me started on Sunny from last week. D.U.M.B.

But more about TV talk later. For now, it's bed time for this west coast girl. It's still so bizarre being in this time zone. Bargain Blonde outie.

Friday Favorites: The RE-Resurrection!

We finally made it to Friday.  Hall-e-lu-yer! And what better way to start our Friday than with a little Friday Faves action?

Up first is my most favorite and only favorite from the week: I FINALLY GOT ALL OF MY BELONGINGS FROM DALLAS!  (And then moved them into my Vegas apartment.) Double yay. 

Have I ever mention that I have the best Mom in the history of Moms? I'll tell you why. She flew from Raleigh, NC (where she lives) to Dallas to pick up a moving truck that I reserved from Penske. Then she and my brother proceeded to load it with all of my boxes, furniture, etc.  

Moving truck halfway packed.

Then ... are you ready for this? She drove that 16 foot truck from Dallas to Las Vegas all by herself. That's a 20 hour drive with a moving truck by herself.  Mom of the year, I know. Wouldn't you agree?

I'm not even close to being done unpacking, but I hope to be by the end of this weekend.  To tide you over, here are a few photos of the view from the balcony of my new place:

I suppose I could show you my front door:

Any inside pictures will have to wait because I still have a lot of boxes to unload and things to put away. I've actually finished my kitchen and dining room, but I want to wait to do one big post of pictures from the interior.  MMM K?

So I'd say that is a pretty big Friday Favorite so I rest my case. I have nothing else to trump it. Now you tell me what your favorites are from the week and link-up below!

A stunning Vegas wedding

Welp kiddos, I'm back from Vegas and still trying to catch up on my sleep so my apologies for the delay on the recap.  

The wedding was perfection and Kristina was seriously a vision. I had the best time and can't imagine the weekend going any more perfectly.  

Her hair was perfection. Her dress was perfection.  Her make-up was perfection.  See for yourself.  I already know y'all are going to die over her dress.

Joshua and Kristina's first look:

Snaps from the stunning wedding day:

our bouquets 

Bride getting beautified.

me, Lesley (grooms sis) and BFF Liz

Liz and I at reception

We're working backwards today, so now for the rest of the pictures from the wedding weekend:

First time flying first class.  It was the life. 

Did I mention Emmitt Smith (ex Dallas Cowboys player) was sitting directly behind us on the way there? He's on the right. You may recall he also won Dancing With the Stars back in the day.

on the way to the rehearsal dinner

My rehearsal and wedding shoes. Both from Dillards. 

if getting married means all this ... sign me up immediately.

Kristina - 

You've been my best friend since 6th grade when we would sneak out of reading class to play with our lip glosses.  I love you and was honored to stand by your side.  I am so thankful and blessed to have you in my life, and I couldn't be happier for you and Joshua!  Start planning our NOLA trip immediately.  

Love, 

Lindsey Lee aka honey boo boo child

We have come a long way from our matching gap cardi sets.

In Da Club: Vegas Style

Well hello there Bargainistas!  It's me...Beth...from Shenanigans of a Southern Redhead (formerly SweetBef's Blog) As you know, our favorite little Bargain Blonde is out perusing the Vegas strip getting ready for her BFF's wedding this weekend.

Lindsey has been to Vegas numerous times in the past.  I, unfortch, have only been once and that was almost 3 years ago. 

I thought about sharing with you gals about my first strip club experience ever in Vegas, but I wanted to keep it clean for Lindsey's readers. (Hi Momma Bear Riggs!)

Instead I thought I'd share a few tips that I learned during my 4 day vacay in Sin City.  Getting into those swanky night clubs is WAY easier than you think.  And for those that may not know this or for those that haven't been to Vegas maybe this little tidbit of information will help you successfully get your party on.

1. You'll probably be approached by some weirdo creeps with bookbags passing out "party passes" to get you into the clubs.  Don't talk to them.  It costs you NOTHING to get into these celebrity ridden clubs.  They'll make you think it does. 
2. Figure out what nightclub you'd like to party in and go the hotel where that club resides.  There you'll find a nice lady or gent sitting in front of the club and all you have to do is write your name on the guest list.
3. Now this guest list does not mean you'll be poppin' bottles all night, but it will get you entry and you won't have to wait in those ridiculously long lines.
4. If you want a VIP table and bottle service you'll have to fork over around $400 or you can do like we did and make friends with fellas at a VIP table and mooch off their booze.

By finding out this out early we were able to go to Kellan Lutz's (of Twilight fame) birthday party at Prive' in Planet Hollywood and the next time were able to enter the Pussycat Dolls Lounge and PURE in Caesar's Palace with no problem.

Sadly, we didn't see Kellan Lutz, but we did see Lance Bass in Prive' chatting it up with two female little people at his own VIP table.

I hope this helps you non Vegas experts on your next excursion to Vegas.