Last month, I turned the big 4-0! For many months leading up to my birthday, I was terrified. Sad and scared that I was leaving my 30's and discouraged that I didn't reach every goal so far. There was so much anxiety and grief I was dealing with in my life that I wasn't sure I felt that it was right to have fun. As it got closer to my big day, I realized I just had to embrace this next decade and party like a boss. I also knew that if my dad was here, he would of kicked my a$$ if I didn't. I suddenly knew I had to live in the moment, to celebrate me. Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to celebrate your birthday and as a local, I don't always take time out to enjoy everything this crazy city has to offer. So even though my 3-day birthday binge left me with a sore cheeks from laughing every night and an ugly (sugar + alcohol) hangover, it was worth every moment. Whether you are a local or tourist, I promise you this fun guide won't leave you disappointed!
DAY 1 (FRIDAY): Check-in hotel (we stayed at the Palms Place Hotel & Spa & loved it!), indulge on delicious food at a fun dinner, then sing/dance your guts out. ✔
SUGAR FACTORY
Where do I begin? We started the birthday weekend off with a bang! The lovely folks at Sugar Factory treated us like royalty and the delicious and outrageous food created by Chef Mitch Homes was jaw-dropping! As a guest of the restaurant, we were able to try and taste different drinks, appetizers, and desserts. Some of our favorites were the Sugar Factory Rainbow Sliders, The Big Cheesy Burger, Caramel Sugar Daddy Cheesecake Milkshake, Lollipop Passion Goblet and of course the World Famous Sugar Factory King Kong Sundae! (even delivered with sparklers!) This was such a fun experience and if there was ever a real-life Candyland, this is it!
THE BEATLES LOVE CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
This show was everything to me. I've been a die-hard Beatles fan since I could remember and with my 25+ years working/performing in the theatre arts behind me, it took this show to bring me back to life. Lately my work has had me stuck behind this screen, but for 1.5 hours while singing to songs like, "Get Back" and "All You Need Is Love", I was so fulfilled with happiness that I wanted to cry. Inspiration overload! The vivid costumes, acrobats, energy, talent and special effects was almost too much for one stage to contain. This historic and visually-stunning, musical journey inspired me to my very core. It brought back a sense of wonder I had suppressed and for that I'm grateful to every single member of the cast and crew for their talent and energy. The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil show is by far the best show on the Las Vegas strip!
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DAY 2 (SATURDAY): Wake up & celebrate with a mini road trip, eat way too much birthday treats, spend quality time with friends and family, soak in all the memories and throw an epic hotel room birthday party! ✔
Apparently everyone runs on DUNKIN' DONUTS and so do I. So head over to your nearest drive-thru for a pretty, pic-worthy donut & a much-needed, morning caffeine boost and hit the road! Enjoy all the gorgeous scenery at Red Rock Canyon and Seven Magic Mountains remain grateful for yet, another birthday.
Now that you are back in the city, it's time to hit the strip and get an energy boost! First stop, SPRINKLES CUPCAKES. Load up on a few dozen birthday cupcakes for the party and don't forget to stop by the oh-so-cute, pink cupcake ATM around the corner from the shop!
Next stop, M&M's World. Both your party guests and friends back home will appreciate the bright, chocolate drops of heaven so stock up like I did on some fun colors like pink, teal and lime green. Four floors of adorable gifts and souvenirs of your fave cute and colorful M&M's characters.
It's party time! Hotel parties make me feel young, so maybe that's why I suggest them. When your friends and family take the time to fly into town and celebrate with you, it's nice to have a private place to gather and enjoy their company. Then after you've drank a ton of pina coladas (and zima!) you can hit the casino later and get crazy with strangers, uh.. I mean respectfully nod and say hello to other fellow tourists. I had fun making a photo backdrop for selfies and curating a fun party theme. I wanted it to reflect me. Happy, Bold, Bright and Silly! When it's your birthday, it's the perfect excuse to embrace your inner child and dance to 80's/90's music all night. ...he he he
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DAY 3 (SUNDAY): Sleep in, nurse hangover, eat cupcakes for breakfast, soak in the sun, head downtown for photo opps and enjoy a few local hidden gems. ✔
DRAI'S BEACHCLUB is the perfect place to shake yo' ass and continue the party and enjoy the rooftop view of the strip.
Downtown Las Vegas is an entire adventure all on it's own. The street art and vintage signs at The Neon Museum will leave you inspired and A few other of my fave spots end the evening at a couple of my fave DTLV spots. Grab drinks with friends at The Griffin and then a bite to eat at the whimsical Park on Fremont. Don't forget to sneak in the back of the patio and take a turn on the teeter totter, then stand in front of the green neon sign (below) and take a selfie. Let it be a reminder that you are fucking beautiful and what an incredible birthday you had...Vegas style!
A huge thank you to my ah-mazing brand partners for helping me celebrate the big 40!
*Disclosure: Thank you to The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil for providing complimentary tickets and to the Sugar Factory for providing complimentary meals. All opinions and reviews are my own.