You’ve been there before. Rushing around trying to get ready for that big event. Dress? Check! Shoes? Check! Spanx or equivalent? Running to mall now…. Hair? Check! Nails? Darn it! Forgot nails! All I need is a 15-minute manicure and I would be set. Now where would I find such a place to offer such a service?

Why, the mall, of course! If you are a busy mom like me, and if you read my blog the chances of that statement being true are about 3 to 1, then you know how frustrating it is to make sure every last detail for that super important event for your kids or spouse is crucial. There is no time for a 4-hour day at the salon to get beautiful. Not anymore at least. Those days are long gone for me. Now, I have to time and plan everything to happen in one spot, if I can be so lucky. I have absolutely no problem getting my make-up done by my favorite artist at the Tom Ford counter in Neiman Marcus. Shoot- if they are doing blow outs that day, I sign up for one of those, too! Spanx, shoes, last minute jewelry needs all can be found between Neimans, Nordstroms and Bendels. Now tell me why I can’t get my nails done at the mall? Oh wait. I can!

LAKA Manicure Express recently set up shop at the north end of the Fashion Show Mall near the Las Vegas Strip entrance on the second level. No time like the present to race over and get a 15-minute express mani and 15-minute express pedi while completing all your tasks. I’ll admit, I am a gelish kind of gal, especially on my toes, but every now and then, I just need a quick touch-up or a mid-month fix to keep me going until that next appointment. In fact, it was one of those moments when LAKA Express Manicure invited me to come down and experience first hand what it was like to be in and out and on with my day in 30-minutes or less.

I am always a little weary of the kiosks in the mall. Come on, who isn’t? My confidence wanes with the products ingredients and quality. First things first, LAKA Manicure Express is not a kiosk, even though it does not have a traditional store front. It is set up in the center of the mall for space reasons. Second, the products are quite impressive. Not one technician was wearing a face mask here. The nail polish remover smells like strawberries (not kidding) and it is non-toxic, so I could use it on my daughter. The nail polish itself  is produced by the French company Durlin, achieving highly pigmented lacquers that contain the highest quality ingredients and require only one layer to reach the color’s true tone. That’s no joke.

I opted for the Express Manicure and Pedicure. Another unique fact about a LAKA experience is there is no water used. The nail tech explained to me that water creates a platform for bacteria growth, and no water is just as effective, if not better, for polishing, massaging and a over all healthier look and glow. I had to agree. I felt like the dry scrub and rub polished my skin much better than my regular mani/pedi session. I also loved learning this about the LAKA Skin Care Products:

LAKA’s extensive line of creams, scrubs and soaps are designed to holistically care for the hands and feet. Each product is specifically formulated to refine and brighten the skin and cuticles, soothe and repair dry or cracked skin, protect the skin from free radicals and preserve the natural flexibility of the skin.

Results? The mani/pedi lasted a little over a week. The color of the nail polish I chose remained stunning for just that long. When I visited LAKA I had gelish on my toes, so the nail tech just did a scrub and rub vs an actual pedicure. The skin around my heels and toes remained silky for at least a week, which is hard to do in this dry desert air.

When you visit a LAKA Manicure Express and have a treatment done, you can purchase nail polish and products used during your service- how cool is that for touch ups and such? I felt so confident in the product, I gave my 7 year old daughter a mani/pedi at home. The polish went on so smooth and lasted for a few days, and she normally has other brands peeled off within 24-hours. And, check this out, LAKA Manicure Express has a line of colors just for Las Vegas! Sin City Sparkle adds some fun bling to your style. In fact, LAKA changes out their colors seasonally and stays on trend. Be sure to stop in next time you are at the Fashion Show Mall! No appointment is necessary!

More Info: LAKA Manicure Express launched its first United States location in Las Vegas with its signature boutique-style kiosk at Premium Outlets – South and has recently opened its newest site at Fashion Show Mall. With a focus on the latest trends, LAKA Manicure Express provides a simple, sought after solution for efficient and fashionable nail services— the 15-minute manicure. Currently reaching across multiple continents, LAKA Manicure Express has locations in Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Canada and Panama. Since the launch of its first location in Tel Aviv, LAKA Manicure Express has developed 26 stylish branches that are centrally located within select retail destinations across the globe. By regularly developing new collections of nail lacquers and innovative products to match each season’s hottest looks, LAKA Manicure Express remains on trend with the most fashionable cities in the world.

FTC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT RockStarMom Las Vegas aims to provide unbiased editorials. However, I wish to disclose that from time to time I may receive free products or other compensation from companies for blogger reviews.

*Based on availability

It seems as though my kids have found a new favorite spot to grab a quick lunch or dinner- it’s down the street and even offers a healthy twist. Cafe Zupas, the new soup, salad and sandwich chain from Provo, Utah, has found a home on 9460 South Eastern Avenue, in the same shopping center as Republic Cafe, Yoga Sanctuary and Einstein’s Bagels.

The kids and I were invited to try out Cafe Zupas for dinner, and we couldn’t wait. We had been hearing many great things about it in the community, especially those familiar with the chain in Utah. I am always down to find healthy alternatives when we have to eat on the go. Additionally, light fare is always a popular choice amongst my little entourage,  so we were happy to oblige.

The cafe set up is similar to that of a quick restaurant. You wait in line, order your food, pay and carry it away on your tray to a table. The main difference? The food selections are soups, salads and sandwiches, and everything is made to order. We opted for the White Tuscan Bean soup, the Nuts About Berries salad and the Italian Club. My daughter ordered the chicken fingers and fruit from the Kid’s Menu, which appear to be baked, not fried. My son and I split the soup and salad, and we both couldn’t get over how delicious they both were.

The recommended way to order is the “Try 2 Combo.” That gets you a sandwich and soup, sandwich and salad, or soup and salad for $7.99. And of course, every single meal always comes with a slice of bread and the signature chocolate-dipped strawberry.

Another fun thing is the soda fountain and drink station which allows you to build your own concoction. There are different flavor syrups, all sorts of soda flavors and fresh brewed iced tea options. An informational poster suggests how to make your own flavored iced tea or soda by blending different liquids and syrups together.

We will definitely go back! In fact, I took my grandmother and the twins for lunch one day, and she loved it as well. The staff is super friendly and attentive. Messes picked up, tables clean, assistance to tables and replenishing missing items were handled without thought. Cafe Zupas is quick and easy, fresh and healthy, and easy on the wallet as well! This is the first of two Cafe Zupas locations to open in the Las Vegas Valley. Look for the second Cafe Zupas coming soon to Summerlin!

RSMLV Tips:

• With the grand opening, the crowds were rather large, making the lines long, and out the door.
• My only reservation about going back with the kids during busy times is that you cannot save your seats prior to ordering your food, which means you will walk through the line with the kids and in the crowds. Be patient and be prepared. 
• Each meal comes with a chocolate covered strawberry. Keep this in mind before ordering dessert or if you want to count calories. The strawberry is the perfect sweet ending!

FTC DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT RockStarMom Las Vegas aims to provide unbiased editorials. However, I wish to disclose that from time to time I may receive free products or other compensation from companies for blogger reviews.

Love my daughter. Love how her little mind is constantly working and looking for new and challenging ways to be creative. I do not ever want to impede her from her brilliance, yet, the mess and clean up is a bit much for me to take at times. Admittedly, I have to work at being more laid back about these things. Over the years, I have allowed her to make her own fashion choices, choosing my arguments wisely. I overlook the puddles of glue, the shreds of fabric and the remastering of a tote or backpack. I have even played DJ for the many fashions shows my son and I have been willing audience participants. However, once summer has set in and boredom has become full blown, I can only handle so much. After researching an article for the Desert Companion (One Campy Summer) about Las Vegas summer camps, I came across this fascinating opportunity for my daughter- Fashion Camp LV.