Vegas Recap: Flirty 30 Day Three

Our last day in Vegas was bittersweet. We both agreed that we could have gone home that morning and been happy. Since we weren't leaving until the following morning we decided to venture up the strip to check out some of the sights. 

I kept the look for the last day very natural and relaxed. Here I am dancing on one of those moving floors. We realized that Bellagio had one that puts you right on the strip. Very convenient.

I can't get over how amazing this hair color is. Gorg! If I do say so myself...

We ended up spending a lot of time in the MGM. I actually flipped a dollar into $20 in there. I was excited, LOL! I really liked the MGM. The vibe there was so young and fun. We have LOTS of photos from this trip. I feel like a photo dump would be slightly offensive and too much to bare. I think I'll occasionally slip some of my favorites into some upcoming Thought Bubbles posts.

Sunday morning when we woke up the view was so peaceful and serene. The sky was so many different colors. It was beautiful. Our shuttle picked us up (a little tardy) and we were on our way to the airport. In true Vegas fashion one of the other passengers had to throw up so the shuttle driver obliged him at a red light and opened the door. It was gross.

My husband was like, "Don't touch anything. He's either drunk or contagious." 

My view from the plane on our way home. Gotta love Southwest….

And my last footage round up from our trip…

I hope you enjoyed my Vegas trip as much as I did. I have a lot of fun and exciting things coming up on the blog in the month of March. Thanks for reading!

Vegas Recap: Flirty 30 Day Two

Day Two got off to a great start. I had read lots of reviews about Hash House a Go Go and I really wanted to eat breakfast there. We got dressed and headed over to the Quad to get in line for a table. 

This was my look for the day. I am in absolute love with my sweater coat. It was perfect for the chilly temps. My scarf is a gift from my Mom. I've had it for years and I thought it was a nice touch to the coat. What do you think?

On the way to breakfast (It was like a five minute walk) we passed by a star that said "Diva". My husband spotted it first and pointed it out to me. Was he trying to tell me something about myself? LOL! I had to take a pic next to it!

During our wait for a table we chatted it up a bit and hung out. There were tons of people waiting. The restaurant was cranking people in and out though. I don't remember our wait being extremely long, maybe thirty minutes or so. When you don't have kids with you a wait doesn't seem that bad. 

At breakfast I ordered the The Tractor Driver combo. I am a sucker for pancakes and potatoes. This was so amazingly delicious. Do you see how big that pancake is? I couldn't eat the whole thing but I wanted to. I enjoyed a mimosa with my breakfast. Our server was great. He let us know that it would be a longer than usual wait for food because everything is cooked from scratch to order. Yum!

At the table next to us there was a girl celebrating her 21st birthday. I told her it was my birthday too. She must've told the waiter because before he gave us our check he bought this out to the table. Nothing like an ice-cream sundae to start your morning on your birthday...

After walking around the Forum Shops in Caesar's Palace and doing a little shopping (mainly at the Nike store. Jeanette Jenkins has me obsessed with Nike gear. I blame her for my recent addiction) it was time to head back to the room to get ready for dinner.

We (I) took a little bit longer than expected getting dressed. I can't believe it but I didn't get one pic of my entire birthday dinner look. I did manage to get a quick pic of my handsome hubby though...

Here I am from the torso up at dinner...

I wore a skirt and crop top sequin number with some strappy shoes. It was cute. The food was even better than what I had on though. I got the lamb. He got a porterhouse steak. Our sides were brussel sprouts and truffled mash potatoes (i would smack somebody's mama right now for some of those). This is the best dinner we've had in a long time.

We had an amazing view of the Bellagio fountains at dinner. You'll see a bit of that in the video below. Before leaving our server gifted me with a birthday dessert...

After dinner I changed into something more comfortable for gambling, dancing and drinks. My husband took the pic below and he cropped it to oblivion before sending it to me. Sorry about that...

More random footage from day two in Vegas is below. I am living this trip all over again in these posts.

Vegas Recap: Tips for First Timers

All this week I'll be sharing videos and pics from my trip to Vegas. I hope you all enjoy it!

Today's video is about tips for women visiting Vegas for the first time.

30th Birthday Countdown: Vegas Hit List

Well. Here we are. It's my Flirty 30. Finally!! My actual birthday isn't until Friday but I will be beginning my celebration tomorrow. I am beyond excited!

We have never been to Las Vegas before and I am looking forward to the trip. I've been trying to research things to do and places to see. I've been on Trip Advisor reading forums and learning some interesting tidbits. Like apparently there's a twenty dollar tip trick you can do at the front desk of most hotels to get an upgrade…

We won't be trying that. I signed up to receive emails from the hotel we're staying at months ago. I booked our room after receiving a promo code for twenty percent off the room and a $100 food credit. I'm all about a food credit. Or any credit or discount for that matter.

Our day starts very early tomorrow morning. I thought it would be fun to make a "Hit List" of all the things I'd like to do while there. This isn't a schedule or strict checklist. More like a "this would be nice/cool to see/do" kind of list.

Dance until my feet hurt…

Dine at a celebrity chef's restaurant…

Eat at a Vegas Buffet...

Play the Slots...

See a show...

In & Out Burger...

Eat some really good Sushi...

Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate...

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Spot a Celebrity...

Conservatory & Fountains at the Bellagio...

Mommy Makeover Hair Inspiration

We have been stuck inside for the past two days due to the frigid temps. I feel so bad for all of the people in Atlanta and Birmingham that were literally stuck in their cars, work or school over night. My Dad was one of the people out there sitting somewhere on 285 and I-75. So glad he made it home okay. It only took him 12 hours to get home. Someone needs to do better planning for the next winter storm.

Anyway.

Being at home has given me a little time to think about what type of hair color I'm going for. Remember I have three bundles of Peruvian loose wave hair that I'll be getting installed on Saturday. I'm so excited for a new look.

I initially fell in love with Cynthia Bailey's hair color on RHOA…

But then as I searched the wonderful world wide web I started to see more versions of the ombre trend that were pretty…

So what do you think? Is the ombre trend had its moment or is it good to go for another season?

Approaching 30

I've been talking a lot lately about my thirtieth birthday. Also known as my Flirty30. I've also been reading a lot about people turning 30. As it turns out many of my blogger friends are also turning the big 3-0 this year (or they already have). My real life BFF turns 30 the week before I do. We were born exactly one week apart. In all these talks and blog posts about 30 I have noticed one common theme…

Thirty is all about "getting your life". That means something different to everyone. For me it means coming into my own. I am so excited about crossing over and leaving my twenties behind. My twenties were so good to me. Graduated school, got married (not in that order lol), worked at some great places, lived in some great places and I had the pleasure of becoming a mother.

My twenties flew by. I'm not really sure that I enjoyed them the way that I should have. I was too focused on making money, learning about what it meant to be married and finding my stride as a Mom. Now that all of that is behind me I am looking forward to getting back to knowing myself again. It won't be easy but in my 30s I am going to make time for myself. Instead of wishing I was doing more of something I'm just going to do it.

I'm going to relax more. Spend more time with my girlfriends. Not stress out over every little thing with these kids. In my 30s I'm going to be more okay with treating myself every now and then. I'm going to believe my husband when he says I am capable of going after my dreams.

I have never been so excited about a birthday before. I'm so ready.

What's been your biggest birthday so far?

30th Birthday Countdown: Mommy Makeover

I'm not going to say that I have been looking slightly beat down lately. But…

Let's just say I am in need of a new look. Badly. That's where Vinuss Hair Extensions comes in to play.

I pulled a Britney in 2010 when I was pregnant with Savannah and cut all my hair off. Love that look. Then it grew out. Love love love my curls and natural hair. However. I was not prepared for the maintenance that's involved with natural hair. I found a hair regimen that worked well for my hair and it's grown out a lot.

Enter BabyM.

Now that I have two little crumb snatchers (whom I love dearly) vying for my attention I have less time to wash/co-wash, detangle, trim, twist, roll, blow out or straighten all this hair. I have tried to make time, but if you read this blog then you know these kids keep me very busy.

I promised myself that for my 30s (and especially my Flirty30) I was going to pull myself all the way together. So. In an effort to give myself a break from feeling bad about not having time to do my hair I will be getting a sew-in.

The nice people over at Vinuss were nice enough to send me three lovely bundles (16, 18, 20 inches) of 100% unprocessed virgin Peruvian loose wave hair. Their customer service is excellent and their prices are even better.

My hair arrived individually bagged and labeled. Each bundle was packaged in a hair net. The first two bundles in the pic below are still in their net. I removed the net from the last bundle so that you could see the difference.

Here is an up close pic of the ends of the 20 inch bundle. Super smooth. Very shiny. 

Here is a picture showing the wave pattern. The hair is so soft. I'm beyond excited for my install in a couple weeks. I plan to have it dyed a golden blond. I'll be going for the color that Cynthia is currently wearing on RHOA. I am obsessed with her ombre color.

I'll be posting my new look very soon. Thinking about changing up your look using hair extensions? Do yourself a favor and visit Vinuss.  Their prices are perfect for a Mommy on a budget. You can thank me later.

When was the last time you changed your look?

*I was provided with product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.*

30th Birthday Countdown: What I'm Wearing in Vegas

I have finally narrowed down my options for my trip to Vegas. I didn't want to spend a lot of money shopping before our trip. Mama wants to make sure she has money to spend in Vegas you know what I mean?

Just when I thought I was going to have buy one of the dresses I showed you before Jesus smiled down on me with a 50% off sale at Express. While checking out the sale I saw that they had restocked my initial birthday outfit that was previously sold out. So happy that I'll get to wear sequins on my birthday and it cost less than dinner for two at a Vegas buffet. Win.

Party Looks by thechicsahm featuring a blue dress

Now y'all know I love black. I have said that many many many times here on the blog. So it's no wonder that almost all of my night looks are black. I can't help it. To switch things up a bit I am taking this blue dress with me. It's cute, comfortable and it has an exposed back zipper which I love. I'll be pairing the leather skirt with a sheer black top. So cute and sexy. 

I have this whole strategy for packing and doing a carry-on bag. It can be done. (i hope) What do you think about these looks?

Witness for Fitness: Getting Right for my Flirty30

Well. Earlier this week I told you I was going to do the Sexy Abs DVD this week. What I learned from that was that it is hard to get in a DVD during the day. I have to either get up earlier than the kids or get my workout in after they go to sleep. With Savannah being sick and her sleep schedule being off I had to adjust what I was doing. So until she's back on her regular schedule I will be getting workouts from my fitness interest board.

pin

This particular workout is my goal. By the end of these twenty four days Sav should be feeling better. I can also add my DVDs back in to the rotation should things get back to normal sooner. So I'm moving forward. Still working out. Just had to change my plan a bit.

How is your workout plan going this week? Did you have to change up your plan?

30th Birthday Countdown: #OperationSnapback w/ Baby Teems

I am officially getting my butt in gear for my Flirty30. Literally. I have had my share of all the holiday eats and now it's time to start trying to get in shape. I have had several false starts with my fitness routine. I'll do something for a couple days and then go back to doing nothing at all.

What makes this time different you ask? Well, this time my mind is made up. I am mentally focused on working out. I actually think about it and have a desire to do something. My homegirl over at BabyTeems has this big #OperationSnapback movement going on. You have to check it out! (there's even a giveaway going on right now!!!) She has inspired me to start pulling it together. 

With that said. I will be sharing what I'm doing everyday in terms of my workout here on the blog or on my instagram account. Today I am going to do the Jeanette Jenkins Sexy Abs DVD featuring Kelly Rowland. 

So. Who's with me? Follow me on Instagram at 'chicsahm' to see what's not posted here. Make it a great Monday! We're headed to the pediatrics office and I'll be working out after our appointment!

30th Birthday Countdown: What to Wear

In an effort to get more excited about my upcoming Flirty30 celebration I decided to start pulling (yes, pulling. cause i'm stylist for myself and all the other people that live here lol) looks. I'm not too worried about what to wear during the day but I wanted to go ahead and start putting some thought behind what I'll wear at night.

I haven't been to a nightclub since college and I've never been to Vegas so I want to have some fun with my style during this trip. The black skater dress is currently hanging in my closet. I plan to wear it with my black booties and some accessories that will make it pop more. That outfit will take care of night one.

Birthday Looks for Night by thechicsahm featuring a reversible dress

Our second night there will be my actual birthday. For some reason I feel like sequins are the way to go for that night. I just want to sparkle and shine that night. I'm looking for the perfect dress. Asos had several that I love but I just want to make sure it's thee dress before pulling the trigger. If I can't find one that I like enough then I'll probably go with a LBD. The one with the cutout back is cute.

And for our last night I am going to wear a leather mini skirt. I already have the skirt so I'm currently looking for the perfect top to pair it with. So what do you think of my options so far? Let me know if I'm headed in the right direction in the comments!

Kid Free Anxiety

We are now a little under two months until my Flirty30 celebration. Time is flying a little too fast for me. I didn't think I would have so much anxiety about leaving the kids for a couple days but the closer we get to my birthday the more nervous I become. I have never been away from them for more than an hour or two so this is a big step for me.

I know that they'll be in good hands but I'm still having a hard time with thinking about being gone for a few days. Maybe it's because I'm still a relatively  new mom and still somewhat of a Smother Mother. I would like to think that it's hard for any woman to leave her kids for the first time. Today while talking to a friend I admitted that I'm not even that excited about the trip because I feel bad for leaving the kids.

I know I need to have some time away. I know I need to relax and have some fun kid free but knowing that doesn't make it any easier. My goal is to slowly begin to get excited. I can plan fun things for us to do, think about my outfits and know that the kids will enjoy being spoiled by their Grandmother.

After all, a Flirty30 isn't going to be all that fabulous if I'm a nervous wreck the whole time. How did you handle being away from your children overnight for the first time?

30th Birthday Countdown

While I was mopping the floor just now I realized that in about 93 days I will be thirty years old. I'm excited. Not even mad or dreading it. What I am struggling with though, is how to celebrate. My husband has thrown around a lot of different ideas about me possibly doing a girls weekend or a four day getaway with just the two of us.

I am so undecided. I can't even think of where I want to go. He seems to think that Vegas would be perfect. We could get direct flights and apparently Vegas has something to offer everyone. I have never been but from what I've seen it's gambling and a lot of partying. Which I'm cool with. Just not for four days. I want to leave this little getaway feeling refreshed and rested. If I'm in the club every night for four days I'll need a vacation from my vacation.

I want my Flirty 30 to be memorable, fun and exciting. Not exhausting.

So. Who's been to Vegas? What did you do other than club that you found to be very entertaining? I'm open to just about anything.