Las Vegas Restaurants: Bachelorette Party Ideas

Whether you're planning your bachelorette party like us or headed to Vegas just for fun, you'll be overwhelmed with the restaurant choices. A few years back, celebrity chefs began their quest to take over the Sin City. They've provided us with a tremendous selection of fine restaurants. We've narrowed down our list and have started to make reservations which are important especially if you're going with a big group.

First, since we're going to see Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, we're looking at Koi for sushi. Yes, you can go to Koi in NY or LA, even Bangkok; but not all of us are from one of those big towns and even if you are, you may not go often. Don't miss the dragon rolls or the cod- they're delicious.




We love to go to a steakhouse, especially in Vegas. It's a great beginning if you're having a few cocktails and there are always a ton of men around. This time we're going to try CUT Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck, who's never let us down in one of his fine dining restaurants.



We're curious to check out the Wynn's new tower, Encore, so what better way than dinner at Sinatra and a night out at XS? Sinatra's Italian food and retro styling with an ode to Frank seem very Vegas.

One more unique-to-Vegas restaurant is CatHouse, which is the first spot to equally fuse fine food and risque entertainment. It attracts celebs, is modeled after a 19th century bordello and encourages voyeurism. We're curious, aren't you?

Travel Toothbrush - New Find

Over Fashion Week, we were invited to one of of favorite places in the universe, Robert Verdi's Luxe Labs. While there, we were got to do everything from get a mani next to Miss J from America's Next Top Model to preview the new Tarina Tarantino collection to learn about an ingenious new travel toothbrush, courtesy of CVS. Travel toothbrush is a bit of a misnomer, the Colgate Wisps are more of a go-anywhere disposable toothbrush, like your gym bag, your carry on or your cocktail bag on a night you think you may get lucky. The miniature toothbrushes come individually sealed, four to a pack, contain toothpase, can be used without water and have a pick on one end that can be used when you don't have floss handy. The Colgate Wisps won't leave your mouth as fresh and clean as a Sonicare would, but it sure beats putting toothpaste on your finger.

Wish they had these babies when we were single!

a moment of not horror

I've really been looking forward to Where the Wild Things Are (maybe not nearly as much as Mr. New Plaid Pants), although the book wasn't a massive integral part of my childhood. I don't know why, it just...wasn't. Maybe I was too old when I discovered it, or maybe it simply didn't resonate with me; whatever the case, I certainly have always had an appreciation of it, particularly Maurice Sendak's wonderful art.

Because of my disassociation from it, I don't have that "You're raping my childhood!" feeling that perhaps some of you have regarding Spike Jonze's efforts, or, alternately, "I can't wait to see my most favoritest book ever come to life!". No, I simply think it looks beautiful, engaging, and that it might be- don't laugh- a bit of movie magic. I mean, surely you've seen the trailer by now if it doesn't affect you somehow, you're probably an evil robot and I may have to report you to Bruce Willis or Harrison Ford.

The nail in the coffin labeled "Okay, I really can't wait for this movie!" was hammered into place today when I found out that the Wild Things soundtrack is by none other than Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It's streaming right here for your listening pleasure. I've officially got my anticipants on!

talkin' 'bout mah generation

There are a number of horror films that I watched when I was a very impressionable age, and they helped mold me into the fan I am. I list a bunch of them over at AMC today...so read and weigh in what what made you YOU. Bad movies are just as valid as good ones!



Ah, my youth. Believe me, I love living in an age of instant access. A zillion channels on the TV, a DVR, DVD player, streaming movies, blah blah blah. I do miss the charm of something like Creature Double Feature, though...it helped make movies that much more special. Movie Loft, the Sunday Movie at Noon, and the like were events to look forward to- and there weren't many other choices available, so you'd watch whatever flick came on. It was definitely an education. And really, how awesome is this?



If there was any mystery as to why I am the way I am, I'm sure that 30 seconds would solve it!

Sponsored Post: Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge

I can cross off one of the Sydney Lifepoints off my lifelong to do list: Climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. That's me mid-climb a few years back.

A few words of explanation about the oh-so-attractive jumpsuit: You're required to wear them for safety reasons (ditto the harness and sunglass leash) so nothing drops onto an unsuspecting pedestrian or driver below. The jumpsuits are gray so they--and you--blend in with the bridge, so as not to ruin the vista for everyone else not on the climb and so the drivers on the bridge arent' distracted by sudden movements.

As far as the experience itself, as the photo above attests, you experience some pretty phenomenal views from the top of the bridge. There's nothing quite like seeing all of Sydney, including the iconic Opera House from that vantage point.

Everyone wants to know if it was scary to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The three hour climb up the bridge was a little nerve wrenching, but not overly so. I would put it on par with riding the Tower of Terror at Disney World.

The only downside? I climbed on my birthday and the experience left me a little too pooped to enjoy the night. Of course, that could have been the jet lag and Champagne combo, too!

Intrigued? Enter to win a trip to Sydney on Facebook.

Hair in Las Vegas - Bachelorette Party Ideas

If you're going to go to Vegas for your bachelorette party, you gotta go out with Vegas hair, meaning, big, voluminous, sexy--a la Sharon Stone in Casino. We generally get a blowout before we go, then like to schedule one while we're there. While we can usually rock our blowouts for 5 days safely; in Vegas, between the partying, late nights and sunning by the pool, we find we like a little refresher midway through the trip. Plus, Vegas salons are an ideal place to pick up celeb gossip (we once had our hair styled by the same person who had recently worked with Eva Longoria) as well as finding out where the hot spots are for that night.

We're fans of Michael Boychuck's COLOR Salon at Caesar's Palace. With it's all white decor, it makes us feel like we've "dyed" and gone to heaven. No matter how hungover you are when you enter, you'll leave energized and ready for your next night out on the town.



We've never been to Kim Vo at the Mirage, but we did interview the celeb colorist a time or two back in the days when we worked at Life & Style. Kim was on Shear Genius and cops to coloring a number of famous blondes, including, Britney Spears, Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson and Pamela Anderson.


Finally, the Salon at the Bellagio has rooms set aside for bachelorette parties (weddings, too) so you and all your besties can get your hair, nails and makeup done at the same time.

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Benefits BAM

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Emily Elizabeth is donating 40% of the sales of their Three Essentials Necklace trio in pink gold to Feel Your Boobies, a campaign to remind us the importance of self-exams.

Maybe we're feeling sappy because Anne's getting married soon; but "faith, hope, and love" are three things we'd love to keep close to our hearts. And friends, it's all for a good cause.

i swear, i know how to talk!

Part two of my interview on The Last Podcast is UP UP UP. So LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN if you WANT WA--ehhh...

Hooray!

Virgin America's Fly Girls

Back when we were teens, we wanted to grow up to be flight attendants. Our mom talked us out if it. (Fortunately? Unfortunately? We're still not sure.) Regardless, we'll def be tuning into Fly Girls on the CW when it premiers later this year. According to one article, the show "will take place over eight half-hour episodes, looking at the on-the-go lives of five Virgin America flight attendants who jet to locations such as Las Vegas, Miami and New York." We can't wait!

scenes i love - the haunting

All this recent talk of Paranormal Activity has got me thinking about a movie I referenced in my review, The Haunting (1963). One of greatest haunted house movies ever made (if not THE greatest), it proves that what you hear but don't see can be more terrifying than any spectacle.

Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa in Beverly Hills

For the West Coasters - We would like to make you keen on a unique, full service nail salon in Beverly Hills. The Chi Nail Bar & Organic Spa uses 100% Natural ingredients and organic products. The owner, Fawn Ton combines her beauty knowledge from her Mother, a beauty industry veteran and her grandfather, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. All treatments are blended with natural soy products so there are no toxic smells. Your mind can rest easy that what you are applying on your fingers is healthy! Maybe this explains how all the treatments help to rejuvenate the body naturally. When you go, you might bump into celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Leann Rimes, Jessica Lucas, Heidi Montag and Regina King. The spa offers a wide range of natural treatments - Caviar Pearl Facial, Jade Hot/Cold Stone Massages and hand/foot treatments such as Coconut Hand & Foot mani/pedi or the signature Himalayan Green Tea hand & foot treatment which includes Green Tea Soak with exfoliating Himalayan Pink Salt scrub and hot towel wrap with organic cream massage. We feel better just hearing about it...too bad we're in NY or we'd be there in a heartbeat!

Las Vegas Hotels - Best Pool Scenes in Vegas

Crossing our fingers that when we're in Vegas for our bachelorette party in October that the warm weather is still going strong so we can sweat off our hangovers by the pool. But which Vegas hotel has the best pool scene?

Since we're staying at the Palazzo, we're definitely planning a day at Azure, the adults only European-style pool. We'll be treated to frozen grapes and Evian misters and indulge in Canyon Ranch spa treatments, bellinis and food from Wolfgang Puck's.

For those looking for a daytime party, there's Tao Beach at the Venetian, sister property to the Palazzo. Check out Voyage TV's video on the crazy pool scene.


A visit to the Palms for a poolside spa treatment may also be in order. A Cherry Smash (a foot and calf scrub and massage) sounds like the relief we'll be needing after a night out of dancing in stilettos.


Our friends on Facebook raved about the pools at Mandalay Bay, which include a wave pool and a lazy river. We'll have to figure out a way to crash since it's guests only.

can you say holy crap??

Hey, remember a few weeks ago when I was all, "Yeah, so I'm inking this comic book and the penciler is this guy named Brent Schoonover and he's really a terrific artist!"? And remember how we all drooled over his Creature from the Black Lagoon illustration?


Yeah, well...feast your peepers on what arrived in my mailbox today.

Click! Make big! I'm still pinching myself over the gross beauty of this 11" x 14" inch amazingness. Go to his website, get some Brent art, and let's all pinch ourselves together! HOLY CRAP!

i know how to talk!

It's true, I do...and this interview I did with The Last Podcast proves it! It's rather cracked out, but it's fun...or at least, that's how I remember it. That's how I remember most things, though. Give it a listen! Part two will come along soon enough, so don't worry.

In other me news, I have an opinion! One of my most favoritest comic book artists, Becky Cloonan, posted this picture of Dracula's Bloofer Lady on her blog and lo, I say...it's wicked way beyond bitchin'.

one two, Freddy's doing his thing...

SO? Did you watch the trailer for A Nightmare on Elm Street? Didja didja?



As you may know, I'm not a fan of Platinum Dunes' output thus far. The trailer for their take on Friday the 13th had me all pumped but the movie...not so much. By "not so much", of course, I mean I pretty much hated it. But lawd o lawd, this looks good! And so I will cast aside my dislike of the Dunes, I'll forget how F13 pooped on my heart, I'll stop reading about NoES, and I'll look forward to this one, so there. Cynicism be damned!

And they kept the iconic "glove between the legs" shot, so that's worth at least 10 nerd points, right?

Bachelorette Party Ideas: Shows and a Night Out in Vegas

We've booked our plane tix to Vegas for Annie's bachelorette party, now we're trying to figure out what trouble we'll get into while we're in town, a Thursday through a Sunday. Our group on Thursday looks to be the smallest, so we're considering a show.

Of course when you think show in Vegas, Cirque de Soleil comes to mind first. Annie has already seen "O", so that was ruled out. After that, we're concerned about which casino the show is in. Getting cabs can be a pain when casino hopping, not to mention a buzz kill. We know we want to go somewhere we can multi-task: See a show, eat dinner and hit a club.

Topping our list is Criss Angel's Believe (or it was til we found out Criss is off the night we're in town). The show, described as a, "haunting exploration deep inside the inventive mind of mystifier Criss Angel as he hovers between the land of the living and a surreal," made the cut because it's at Luxor and we're curious to check out the new Cathouse Lounge.





Next on the list is KA, at the MGM Grand. Its acrobatic feats, Capoeira dance and martial arts sound sexy. Plus, we would like to dine at Joel Rubuchon's restaurant at the MGM and there are enough clubs in the hotel, we're bound to find one we like.






Then there's Le Reve at the Wynn. It's created by Franco Dragone and we don't know much about it, though the photo below almost convinces us it would be worth our while to see. Plus, we know the clubs and restaurants at the Wynn are all winners--especially the dreamy Tryst.


For some silly, sexy fun, we're considering checking out Peepshow at Planet Hollywood. Aubrey O'Day has joined Holly Madison in the singing, dancing, stripping extravaganza. Add in that we could start the night with spicy tuna on crispy rice at Koi and we may just have our winner!



Of course, if Cher were in town when we were, all bets would be off. We would head over to see her faster than you can say Diva.

Makeup at the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Show

We went backstage at the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show during fashion week to hear and see the latest from some of fashion's greatest hair and makeup professionals. Amidst the chaos of photographers and models running in from various shows with wet hair, we managed to grab a quick couple of minutes with MAC's Lisa Butler. She explained to us the vibe she was going for and how it correlated with Tommy's new line that was being displayed this season during fashion week. The overall look for the models was "sweet." The models looked sophisticated, yet they also incorporated the girl-next-door look. Lisa said (in a British accent that made us jealous) that they had a "blond, American look" which embodies Tommy Hilfiger's line of clothing.

She pulled off the look by using Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation with SPF 15 and a natural finish cream which consists of a water-powder mineral blend. This keeps the skin looking fresh without being cakey. For the eyes, she used Nanogold eyeshadow, for the cheeks she used Rosy Outlook, and for the lips, she used a lipstick that has yet to be named but it looks like a pink bubblegum. To finish the look, she used a light coat of mascara and a clear brow set. The makeup did not overpower the models, nor was it meant to catch your attention. Like his clothing, it was supposed to look natural and wearable.

Be sure to check out Tommy's new flagship store on 5th Avenue and 54th next time you're in NYC!

Web Snob Roundup September 25th

55 Secret Street watches celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson demonstrate the perfect messy ponytail backstage at Vena Cava's Spring 2010 show.

Stiletto Jungle shops the top picks from the debut Kate Spade clothing collection.

All Lacquered Up wants to hear your opinion on the Celebrity Lace Nail Trend.

Is Khloe Kardashian's wedding really for Kourtney? Allie is Wired reports the rumor.

Bag Bliss shows how easy it is to create your own one of a kind Laudi Vidni Handbag!

Bag Snob has a sneak preview of the MUST HAVE Bottega Veneta Cruise 2010 Collection.

Beauty Snob goes back stage at the Vera Wang Spring 2010 Show to witness the magic Lucia Pieroni, Color Creator for Clé de Peau Beauté.

Coquette gets a preview of the new RACHEL Rachel Roy collection at Macy's with Rachel herself!

The Daily Obsession invites all those in Seattle to check out an amazing, private art exhibit open this weekend only.

Fashion Pulse Daily shows how Norma Kamali's fashion are way more than meets the eye.

Before you color your hair, read this Fall Hair Color Trend report From Pantene Stylist, Hallie Bowman on I'm Not Obsessed.


The Jet Set Girls dish about Betsey Johnson designing an Eloise suite at the Plaza.

Check out the five fall items Second City Style says you should pick up now that will still be chic come spring.

SheFinds can't wait to go a-line at the office this fall.

Shopping and Info found the leather jacket worn by Elena on Vampire Diaries.

Stylehive has compiled a collection of fun finds inspired by Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" video... how come we weren't this endearing in our geek phase?

The Beauty Stop explains how to tell if your mineral makeup is the real deal.

The Shoe Goddess chats about accessories with Monica Botkier!

eye4style gets sexy in the most unsexy way imaginable.

Clinique Great Lips Great Cause

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we're bringing you products that give back. The Clinique Great Lips Great Cause key chain set is available at Sephora. $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with each purchase.

It contains three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit, and Whisper, along with a "C" and pink ribbon charm. You'll never have to fumble through that cute, over-sized handbag again to find your favorite gloss!

awesome movie poster friday - the PUBLIC DOMAIN edition!

Man, there's some good horror out there in the public domain. Despite the fact that these films are available online for free or on DVD in your local dollar store for...umm...a dollar, most of them have gotten the deluxe super fancy-pants treatment as well, such as the Criterion Collection edition of Carnival of Souls. Yeah, free is awesome, but these films below are important pieces of cinema history, so don't skimp, ya cheapo!

There are really some wacked-out posters for Night of the Living Dead in the world. What's up with the German on featuring Jesus as a hairless werewolf? And the Italian poster that seems to credit the director as George A Kramer...?! Boy oh boy, I tell ya...something something something.