I feel like I’ve said I was forty for at least a year. I mean, once you’re 39 years + 1 day… aren’t you really pretty much 40? I feel like I’ve done this with other landmark birthdays. Maybe not 21, because with that one came special permissions, but for most…
So… I’m officially 40. It wasn’t easy deciding how to celebrate the big day, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how/if I wanted to celebrate. When asked that silly question, “what’s your favorite holiday?” I’ve always responded: My Birthday, and frankly, I’d say your birthday too. Birthdays are a special time of year that are really all about that person. Where the other holidays get lost in the mix of fireworks or roses or Cadbury Mini Eggs, birthdays stand alone and can be customized completely.
For my birthday, I had expected to be at an annual work meeting. I spent 39 there and was planning to spend the actual day there again for the big 4-0. When the meeting shifted, I found myself a girl with no plan, and about 45 days to establish one. To add to the mix, those 45 days were inclusive of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years… an incredibly difficult time to plan anything. Eeks!
I knew this though. I wanted to have a getaway, and I also wanted to do something important for myself, and something to help others. While not fully executed, I believe #40for40KG will accomplish all of this!
While there were many obstacles in my way, I came up with a pretty good idea for the getaway: How about flying to Vegas for 40 hours to Celebrate my 40th Birthday? I can’t handle much more than 2 days in Vegas, so the idea of 40 hours sounded perfect. In and out, we could celebrate like queens… and head home safely.
And just like that, the first leg of #40for40KG was born! To send me off in style my friends in Denver took me to dinner, and started the birthday off right a few days before my flight! Here’s a pic from one of the groups! We missed a pic the second night with some of my favorite peeps – doh!
On my actual birthday, I got up bright and early and headed to the airport. Disclaimer: You only turn 40 once, so this was a full 40 hours off plan, as it should be. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. And because most of what happens in Vegas should always stay in Vegas… this recap will be the abbreviated version.
Arriving in Vegas, I met up with my friend Donna at the airport. Quickly, we jumped in a cab and headed off to the Cosmopolitan. The Cosmopolitan has long become my favorite place to stay in Vegas. It’s just so pretty… a little feminine… and all class. If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend checking it out.
Also lovely, the Cosmopolitan is a Marriott property. When I travel, I typically stay at Marriott properties, so I decided my 40th was the perfect time to use up some of those points. And, they had a special rate for a two bedroom suite (on points!) so naturally I reserved that. Officially the best room I’ve ever stayed in during a trip to Vegas, the views were incredible as were the accommodations. It was a shame we only had 40 hours to enjoy it!
We wasted no time, and headed off to the casino. First stop: Cosmopolitans at the Chandelier Bar. Donna had brought with her cute glasses for us to drink from and a feather boa for me to wear. Such fun!
Yes, the Cosmopolitan has the best cosmos on the strip, and they are a must-have. We spent some time here at the bar gambling (winning some money for the evening’s events!) and enjoying beverages.
Soon, it was time to move on to the next casino, to get outside, and to see the Bellagio.
The Bellagio is home the glorious Chihuly glass exhibit, the beautiful conservatory, and to the famous Cable Car Martini that I’ve shared here on NTTC in the past. We listened to great music while enjoying our favorite spicy cocktail.
And, before long, we decided to do a little shopping. I have a bad (yet good) habit of shopping while in Vegas, and I’ve always bought myself a little something commemorative to a time in my life at the Bellagio. This trip was no different. I wanted something to celebrate this landmark birthday, and I found it.
As a nice touch, Donna insisted that the folks at Tiffany arrange for a champagne toast post-purchase.
We headed back to the room to freshen up for the evening that lied ahead. Dinner at Beauty and Essex followed by more shenanigans. The highlight of the night was time we spent at the dueling piano bar at New York New York. Have you been there? We ended up having a blast and spent the night singing and dancing the night away to all of our favorite songs. Such a great night!
After a great night’s sleep, we headed out the next day to see the strip by day… taking a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris. Traveler Tip: I found discounted tickets on Groupon!
We even ran into some fancy showgirls outside of the hotels. Of course, we couldn’t resist the photo op. I mean, what’s more vegas than this?
Forty hours in Vegas flies by… so, before we knew it, we were on our respective flights heading home. Vegas was just the beginning of this celebration.
Here’s what else I have in mind for #40for40KG: What if, for 40, I went ahead and lost that 40 lbs I’ve been staring at? And, what if… for my 40th year, I conducted 40 Random Acts of Kindness? Like good ones, not just buying someone behind me at Starbucks a cup a coffee. Whoa, don’t get me wrong… Even though, this is SUPER awesome, I want to do things a little more creative than that for the big 4-0. Things that HELP people in unexpected ways. I have a few ideas, but I’ll need a few more from you… so, feel free to leave them in the comments.
So… that’s my plan for 40. I reserve the right to add more “40 themed items” to the list… purge 40 items from my closet perhaps? Practice yoga at least 40 times? Meditate 40 days in a row? I could keep going…
Thanks to all who took a moment to send birthday wishes and celebrate with me! xoxo