*Tap tap* Is this thing on? It's been several weeks since I opened up this little slice of the internet to write, and recap the current goings on. My heart has been heavy due to recent events, and being busy is an understatement. Work is non-stop, and my freelance side gig has now birthed itself into an additional side hustle which will keep me even busier. I had my first work trip since 2019, and oh yeah there's that thing of being a wife, mommy, sister, daughter, friend, etc... all which if I'm being honest I'm totally slacking on. Woof.
When I'm actually not working, I'm thinking about work and constantly brainstorming. I need to switch that "off button" and find true relaxation for a day... or five. Ha! So grab a cup of coffee, and let's catch up!
About a week or so before leaving for a work trip we tried out a new-to-us bottomless brunch at F&D Kitchen. For a flat rate, you can order endless small plates and mimosas. Yes please! We sat outside and totally indulged, but it was SO hot that a dip in the pool when we got home was a must!
Speaking of the heat, I will make my annual proclamation that I never have and never will dress and share content that isn't real for me. Living in Florida, and further below in this post having traveled to Las Vegas where temps were above 100 - you will continue to see me rockin' what is comfortable for the weather I'm experiencing. When the humidity breaks here probably sometime next month, I may start breaking out some ankle booties and perhaps even some sleeves. But until then it'll be all sundresses and shorts for a bit. If you live in the south, it's just not realistic to wear what is considered fall fashion until it's "winter" everywhere else - because sweat. Oh and humidity. Considering I moved from the north to escape old man winter, I am completely fine with this.
"Mommy can I take a picture with you?" OF COURSE!
I laid low on Labor Day weekend by the pool and with my little fam before flying out early Tuesday morning to Las Vegas for work. I had been there in 2009 and again in 2010, but hadn't been back since. So much has changed, yet so much was exactly how I remembered. If you've been around here since 2019, you'll remember the whirlwind world tour I went on for work. Obviously last year all events were virtual, and this year our event in Asia-Pacific will be fully virtual. I'm still waiting to hear if I'm traveling to the other locations, so stay tuned! And before the questions pour in - I'm a Social Media Director so I travel to cover our events and give a fun glimpse behind the scenes. It's SO much more work than it appears, but I truly love it.
Upon arrival in Vegas, I dropped my stuff off in my room and headed right back out to a tour at the Ronald McDonald House which was the charity we were partnering with for the event. Always rewarding to be a part of the good that our company puts back out there, and of course a cameo by Ronald himself.
The next night, I ventured out with a few co-workers to grab a drink at the infamous Chandelier Bar inside the Cosmopolitan. We actually walked in the heat down the strip, and wanted to keep going to Caesars to check out the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden but it was too dang hot. So, we made our way back to the MGM Grand to have one more before calling it a night.
The next day I was up bright and early with Starbucks in hand to cover more of the event including a fun Master Class on our airbrush makeup. My favorite is the body bronzer which is great for covering up all the marks on my legs when wearing shorts or dresses.
My typical "uniform" while working an event - a comfortable all black outfit and sneakers. I learned the hard way after my first time running around a convention center all day that even flats are not ok. Sneakers - make that sneakers with arch support are key.
On the second to last evening, it was time to get dressed up for what felt like the first time in forever for the Star Gala. I ran through the resort in flip flops carrying my heels because I'm not an amateur when it comes to walking Vegas - everything is SO far! I stuffed my sandals behind the dj booth upon arrival, and began capturing fun content of the evening. Bubbles with co-workers after it ended, and then back to my room to work. I know - so fun right?
The next day was full with our final general session, and a bunch of us were planning on going to jump in one of the glorious pools and lazy river on site but the event ran late. To our surprise the pool now closes at 6:00, and the event wrapped a few minutes before. The two bathing suits I had packed were crying in my suitcase. So, I ended up grabbing one of those sugar filled frozen yard drinks on my way back to my room to sift through content before heading back out for my last evening in Vegas. It tasted AMAZING after a long 4 days of the event.
After a hot shower, I headed back out to capture content at the Venetian since our next stop on the world tour is in Venice. It was fun to go to the Vegas style Venice to get our audience in the spirit for where we'll be next. A quick gondola ride, and then we headed over to the Chandelier Bar for my 2nd time of the trip. It's just SO pretty there!
A fun role-reversal photo inside the giant chandelier was a must since I'm always behind the camera during work events. It was too funny being on the other side of it even though for this blog I do pose for a lot of photos. Relaxing with a cocktail after an event wraps is always a good idea, and then it's the rush to prepare for the next one!
Sign me up for bottomless brunch and mimosas! That palm print dress looks amazing on you! So glad you had a successful work event! Love seeing your photos and recap!
I MISS VEGAS!! We used to go every single year for almost a decade, but we haven't been since Jacob was born. It's one of my favorite places! I bet it felt so good to be back out there doing a little bit of traveling after all of this time off! It looks like y'all had a great time.
Sounds like it's been super busy on your end but it also looks so fun! I love your blue dress and girl, you are rocking that look! I hear you too. It's still summer here even though fall will arrive tomorrow. I am excited for sweaters but until the weather cooperates it's about short sleeves and sundress for me too. Now I just have to work on taking more photos of it! Haha It's been awhile since I'd been to Vegas. Now you got me wanting to visit! I hope your week is going well so far and happy Tuesday!
Loving all the work event outfits. Sounds like you guys had an awesome trip/event! Congrats on the side hustle taking off, that is awesome! It is too hot to put on sweaters here too, so I totally get what you mean about real life.
I feel you, I have a full-time job and a side hustle and it is exhausting no joke. That breakfast looks AMAZING and loving all your looks here I can not wait for it to cool off.
Sign me up for bottomless brunch and mimosas! That palm print dress looks amazing on you! So glad you had a successful work event! Love seeing your photos and recap!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
I want to hear more about this other side hustle!! xo, Biana BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI MISS VEGAS!! We used to go every single year for almost a decade, but we haven't been since Jacob was born. It's one of my favorite places! I bet it felt so good to be back out there doing a little bit of traveling after all of this time off! It looks like y'all had a great time.
ReplyDeleteLots happening! It's hard to do it all all the time but especially in coronaland.
ReplyDeleteHell even in the northeast it is absolutely not fall attire weather at this time yet people are out there in it visibly sweating. LOL
I love the Chandelier bar. I did that investigation for work many years ago. Looks like you have been busy! Congrats on the newest adventure!
ReplyDeleteYay, you're back! Loved seeing your Vegas trip, although I was a little jelly! lol :)
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
Whew such a busy life! But even though it’s a lot of work it looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's been super busy on your end but it also looks so fun! I love your blue dress and girl, you are rocking that look! I hear you too. It's still summer here even though fall will arrive tomorrow. I am excited for sweaters but until the weather cooperates it's about short sleeves and sundress for me too. Now I just have to work on taking more photos of it! Haha It's been awhile since I'd been to Vegas. Now you got me wanting to visit! I hope your week is going well so far and happy Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
Loving all the work event outfits. Sounds like you guys had an awesome trip/event! Congrats on the side hustle taking off, that is awesome! It is too hot to put on sweaters here too, so I totally get what you mean about real life.
ReplyDeleteI feel you, I have a full-time job and a side hustle and it is exhausting no joke. That breakfast looks AMAZING and loving all your looks here I can not wait for it to cool off.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com