Hello!  Sorry for the radio silence the past couple days, I've been adjusting to the time change (which is hardly anything, at three hours, but still), getting back into the swing of work and trying to just get organized since returning from Vegas. 

I know some of you follow me on Instagram (thanks!) but not everyone has it and I like when others do Instagram recaps on their blogs, and since I did it for Punta Cana, thought I would share my Instagram snaps from my trip to Las Vegas last week.

Warning, this post is super photo heavy, hence why I'm putting it all after the jump.  If you'd like to see a condense version of this, they are in the hashtag album #acoinvegas on Instagram.

So here we go!

Upon arrival, despite it only being 11am, I was able to check in right away.  I stayed at the Aria Hotel which is across the strip from Planet Hollywood and really quite fantastic. 

I was given a tip by a friend to ask if they would offer a complimentary upgrade to a higher floor level / better view of the strip and it worked!  They initially were going to give me the 7th floor (of 54) and bumped me up to the 52nd (hello amazing!) free of charge.

I grabbed some food after dropping my bags, explored the hotel a bit then crashed for a solid six hours (not going to the bed the night before due to a 6am flight will do that to you).  When I got up, just after the dinner hour, I went downstairs and hit the buffet for an amazing dinner.  Then back to bed to sleep off the remainder of the jet lag.

I ended up getting up bright and early on Monday morning and hit the gym at the hotel.  It was surprisingly busy but quite nice.  There was an abundance of cardio machines--which I never touched--and a sizeable weight area. 

 A lot of people ask me why I work out on vacation but I kind of enjoy it.  My rationale is this: on vacation you technically have all day every day to do whatever you want.  I like to start my day with a workout because I find it sets a great tone for the day; you feel better as you get dressed, there is no rush to be anywhere and I feel a little less guilty about all the indulgence that come with holidays (margaritas & buffets anyone?). 

I could never be the person who gets up during the week and works out before work.  It's either after work or bust, but on vacation, time is infinite (sort of) and especially if you're sitting around in a bikini all day, that helps keep myself in check.

  

Outfit deets:  Urban Planet romper (new!) tucked into Bench shorts, Diba sandals & Target lace bralette.

After my workout and breakfast, I showered and got dressed.  I headed out to explore the strip, but mainly to shop.  I hit up Ross & Marshalls and scored huge at latter.

Outfit deets:

* Chaps dress which you saw in my Summer Event Wear video last year.

* Joe Fresh cardigan which you've seen with a similarly printed dress (which I no longer own) a few years ago.

* Liliana wedges (a personal fave) which you saw in my Punta Cana vacation outfit post, and when I first purchased them.

* Accessories: Limite necklace, MK watch & Gucci shades.

Today is my last day in Vegas; I'm taking the red-eye home tonight.  It's been a really fun week with far too much walking!  I'm ready to put heels on, driving and eating a little healthier.  That said, I will definitely miss the great view, not making the bed (haha) and having no set routine each day.

Hope you have all had a great week--who's happy the weekend is here?!  My plans don't include much since I will be home around noon on Saturday and since I've never flown a red-eye before, I can imagine I will need to sleep the majority of the day away.  Sunday will include the norm after any trip: unpacking, laundry & of course giving Eve some loving.  Have a great weekend!

Photos by Serena Rivard.