The city has changed so much since the first day I moved here. I came here with no plan other knowing I wanted to bartend in a nightclub. If I someone would’ve told me I would’ve ended up at a “spy” for the Vegas nightlife scene, I wouldn’t have believed it. I came to Vegas to find myself and what I wanted out of life and as much as the city can be struggle, it has made me stronger and I have learned so much. I was lucky to find an amazing job, lifelong friends and earn respect in the city.

I often get asked how I managed to make it in the city. Las Vegas gives you to options. You can either make it or break it. Some fall to the temptations of the nightlife or get frustrated and give up. Some learn from it, getting ahead in a short time. When I first moved, I couldn’t find a job in nightlife to save my life. I was either overqualified or didn’t have Vegas experience. After two months of endless casting calls, interviews and a lot of rejection, I decided to work at a local Olive Garden, but I never gave up. Persistence is key in getting a job and never stop until you get what you want. After going out five nights a week and networking like a boss, I landed my first nightlife job at Mist Lounge at Treasure Island. I sat in the Light Group office for an hour and 45 minutes until they would interview me. That was after weeks of constant phone calls, e-mails, and approaching the director every time I saw him. I worked for them for two years, bouncing from Mist, Caramel and Jet Nightclub. Crazy to think not one of those properties still exist.

I left Vegas for a year after that, swearing I would never be back but as fate would have it I found my way back. I bartended at Spearmint Rhino, moved to open Encore Beach Club and Surrender, and finished up my bartending career at XS and Tryst. I got into WENDOH Media by interning. I tried to come in every day to prove myself, and created this blog, The Best Man, and was offered a full-time position.  I always respected the nightlife industry, never being demanding or acting like a diva. (Well, maybe on rare occasions.) I followed the golden rule with everyone I met: You never know who are you talking to. I always stood my ground and never showed fear when talking to a top executive. Most importantly, I was always myself. I made sure to never burn a bridge or lie to get what I want.

Despite what most think, it is really the only way to get what you want out of the city. It’s not going to happen overnight. Sure there are other ways to get ahead, but a lot of times those ways won’t allow you last that long. Reputation is key. Be who you want to be, not what others expect from you and you can have whatever you like.

I want to thank all of my readers and supporters. You are what makes me passionate about writing and keeps me engaged. As I am leaving, it doesn’t mean I won’t be back. Vegas will always be a home to me, and you never know how life is going to work out. I will be writing in my new city so you can subscribe to me on Facebook for updates. I will also be having a going away bash this Saturday at gbdc.

You can take the girl out of Las Vegas, but you can take Las Vegas out of the girl.

-Charity Mainville (a.k.a Agent 21 @ SPYONvegas.com)

1. If you want to keep up with the trends look to the movies. Avengers and Hunger Games were the biggest hits of the year so you can expect to see multiple copycats of each. On a side note, if you choose Hunger Games, don’t plan on setting yourself on fire. They don’t allow sparklers anymore in the clubs so they probably won’t let you in either.
2. Vegas is the one city where less is more for girls and guys alike. I’m not against any skin showing. If you got it, flaunt it. Just make sure what you wearing fits. There is nothing worse seeing someone in a tight costume where a muffin top is not part of it.
3. Think outside the box. If you do want to win the cash prizes, a sexy kitty isn’t going to cut it. Past winners have been replicas of Transformers, full-size Avatars, and The Big Bad Wolf, and I mean big. I’ve seen The Addams Family, Grim Reaper, and a Silver Surfer that was cover from head to in silver glitter.
4. EDM is huge in Vegas so I assume there will be plenty of Deadmau5 heads bobbing around. He is spinning at XS on Halloween night for his 20^th appearance in the city. You can wear a Deadmau5 head anytime he’s here, so be something else for holiday.
5. Wear a costume. Putting a plaid shirt isn’t going to make you a lumberjack, wearing sunglasses in the club isn’t going to make you Michael Jackson, and spiking your hair doesn’t make you Pauly D. If you’re going out in Las Vegas, everyone will be in a costume so don’t be the odd man out.
6. If you decide to choose something that covers your face have patience when getting your I.D. checked. Even if you’re dressed as an elderly person, they will still ask so don’t be a douche as your costume.
7. Lastly, just because you’re dressed as a creep doesn’t mean you have to be one. Enough said.

If you want to know what’s going down for Halloween weekend, all the events are listed at SPYONvegas.com

Decked in neon orange tank tops, glowing bracelets, neon bandanas and glow-in-the-dark paint, Jerrica, Zach and I got downtown at 6 p.m. We weren’t planning on running so we decided to wear jeans. After seeing thousands of people wearing Party Rock gear, head-to-toe space suit, and superhero costumes, we decided to join the crowd.

My favorite team was this group that had tube balloons that looked like tentacles coming out of their back. There were around 10 of them, so when they ran passed it was almost like an alien invasion. There were dedicated racers, even ones pushing their baby in a stroller. Then there were ones like my group, who just walked with beverages in hand. We did get yelled at by one runner for wearing jeans. Why judge us? We could have been promoting a jeans company “so comfortable that you can do a 5K in them.”  We finished the whole route in less than an hour.

The real treat came after the event. Hanging out in the Bacardi VIP area we got a front row seat to the shows. I heard a lot good things of Capital Cities and Girl Talk, but had never seen them perform. I had no idea what I had been missing. Both of the performances knocked my socks off. Capital Cities kicked off the show with an electro-pop remix of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Sitting on the bleachers observing the crowd dancing in the retro gear made me feel like I was at an ‘80s prom straight out of Pretty in Pink.

When Girl Talk came on we couldn’t help but get up and dance. When I heard Girl Talk was a DJ, I was thinking just another DJ that you hear in Vegas all the time. I was wrong. His mash-ups are almost indescribable. He amps up the crowd with a mixture of music, graphics and a wild-man persona that saw him jumping on the speakers. There was a large group of people on stage with him dancing to every beat. Girl Talk doesn’t play in clubs, which keeps him from being overplayed. With completing the race and dancing more than I have in a long time, my body wasn’t too happy with me the next day, but it was totally worth it.

Check out the galleries from the night:

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Gallery 7

Last week a new survey by SeekingArrangements.com came out and had Vegas ranked as the third-most promiscuous city — for sugar daddies. No wonder everyone thinks women in Vegas are automatic hookers. I actually heard about the site a couple of months ago. It is a website for sugar daddies and mommas who want to provide “financial relationship support.” Members’ profiles put a monthly dollar figure on sex, or, as it claims, “companionship.” Budgets range from negotiable up to $20,000 per month. If you are a sugar baby, you put a budget on what you desire. I’m not judging. I understand wealthy people are busy and may not have time to go out scouting. I actually have a couple of friends that are babies on it. They say it’s not as bad as it seems. Both found a consistent relationship with men they would have dated anyway without the money factor; it’s just a nice bonus.

It’s no secret in Vegas that a lot of the nightlife women here take gifts and financial bonuses from clients they meet.  It is the point in the nightlife to have returning clients that are willing to spend thousands of dollars on liquor. To make sure that happens, women establish relationships by going to dinner, shopping, and even vacation with clients. Those sugar daddies spoil the girls with Louis Vuitton purses, Louboutin shoes, and Tiffany jewelry. Can you really blame them? It can go both ways. I have a male friend here that has a sugar momma. She pays for everything and showers him with gifts.

I say to each their own. I personally couldn’t do it. I’m too independent. I can hardly have a guy buy me a drink much less a $1,000 purse. Don’t think, though, the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. It would make life a lot easier, but let’s face it: I’m way too picky in who I give it up to and grandpa isn’t my type.

The FDA has approved two body contouring techniques to tighten skin by applying radio frequency to heat the deep layers under your skin to stimulate collagen. Accent XL and Thermage is both offered in Las Vegas. The process is supposed to be painless, but due to the heat and radio waves, you can experience a slight burn similar to sunburn for an hour or so after the procedure. There are other companies that incorporate ultrasonic waves that are supposed to “melt” fat. The process isn’t a one-time deal and is recommended to do once or twice a week until you hit your desired results. It is also very expensive ranging from $100 to $500 a session. I have tried the procedure before where the sessions were around $100 each. It did work, but once you stop it does come back a few weeks later. If you want to try it for a good deal, watch Groupon or LivingSocial.

How nice would be to have the results of an hour long hard cardio session in the gym lying in bed? Well Madame Et Monsieur in Henderson gives you that option through electrotherapy. Ria and Robey Taute developed electro-slim that sends variable pulse wave repetitions to specific areas using electrodes. The waves contract the muscle as if you are working out. Electrotherapy has been used for muscle rehabilitation with physical therapists, but combing it a specific nutritional plan allows for weight loss in the trouble areas. The Electro-Slim Technology has been FDA approved and claims to have no side effects. The procedure can also be expensive as it is recommended to do two to four sessions per week. I haven’t tried this personally, but it was featured on the local news.

If you are looking a cheaper way that works the same way as the products above, then all you need to is wrap it in the comfort of your home. The “skinny wraps” are cloth wraps with botanically-based formula that is supposed to tighten, tone, and firm in 45 minutes available online. I tried it myself and it was a little difficult to keep on, so I wrapped plastic wrap around it (which also helped prevent a mess from that botanical formula). You will definitely feel it working. It was cool and tingly until I took the wrap off. The important part is you have to drink water, a lot of it. You are releasing toxins from your body so you want to make sure to flush it out.  I noticed a difference the minute I took it off. You should take before and after pictures as well as your measurements so you can notice the difference. The product lasts for 72 hours or longer depending on how many toxins you put in your body. Some may be skeptical, but for only $25 a wrap, it doesn’t break the bank.

The Goretorium is located across from The Cosmopolitan, so the easiest way to get there is to park there and walk to your doom across the bridge. Jerrica, Kerri, and I arrived to the entrance where a one-eyed ghoul stood freaking people out. Jerrica said, “He really only has one eye. I saw him reach his finger through his mouth and bring up through the hole.” I looked over to confirm this and saw a girl sticking her tongue in the empty socket for a picture with him. I have no words.

Once the rope was pulled back the tour of Delmont Casino & Hotel began. As we grabbed our tickets, Bloody Mary, a showgirl with only half a body, came out to greet us cracking jokes. We were guided up a dark staircase and my anxiety set in. The tours are conducted in small groups and it begins with a guide telling the story of the abandoned hotel. Then you are left on your own to walk through. Somehow we started at the back of the group but ended up as the first in line. There was no way I was going first so Jerrica and Kerri went ahead of me. It helped as a buffer because I could wait for someone to scream.

I don’t want to give away the tour – it’s an experience you’ll have to have for yourself. My overall impression was good, but our group went through way too fast. It was hard to slow down and take in everything in when people are freaking out. The decor is amazing, and some things you have to wonder “how in the hell did they do that?” The actors play their role to a “T.” I think it would be way more terrifying if they made you go by yourself. I would have had a heart attack.

The Goretorium will definitely draw a crowd. On opening night the line stretched from Planet Hollywood to MGM to get in. It’s about time Hell opened in Sin City. You can check out the gallery from the night on SPYONvegas.com.

Border Grill
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$29.99; $5 bottomless mimosas

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay offers the best restaurant trip I’ve ever had in Vegas. Service was beyond superior, food was awesome, and the unlimited mimosas came in various flavors. If you are local and sign up for their VIP club, you receive 15 percent off your bill every time you eat there. The menu items are small plates that you can share with everyone. The chef, Mike Minor, came out to greet us and told us if you follow him on Twitter (@chefmikelv), he creates secret recipes not on the menu to ask for when you go in.

Republic Kitchen & Bar
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$8.99 – $18.99; $15 bottomless mimosas, $12 bottomless Bloody Marys

Republic Kitchen & Bar located off Eastern Avenue and Richmar Avenue offers three different options for its Jazz Brunch. The basic option is pastries and breads of homemade baked goods along with fresh fruit and yogurt. The Pecan Sticky Buns are amazing and a must-try. The second tier includes hot dishes such as omelets and pancakes. The third tier includes their specialties items of Republic Surf and Turf Benedict and Wild Smoked Salmon. The atmosphere is relaxing with a couple performing live jazz music. Once you get done eating you can go upstairs to the loft that offers board games, a pool table, and televisions for all you football fans.

Double Helix – Town Square
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$15 for a three-course meal; $15 bottomless mimosas

Double Helix offers an affordable brunch with three different courses to satisfy but not overstuff. I could only finish through course two, but the last course is a pastry so I got to take it home and enjoy it later. Only available at its Town Square location, the meals vary from sweet to traditional. It offers a la carte options of eggs, home fries and bacon for an additional $5 more. I recommend sitting outside on the patio, weather permitting. It is great spot to people watch and the weekend mornings are pretty chill, making it nice atmosphere to spend time with friends.

Now I can to relieve that day at The Boulevard Pool. Blink 182 is performing Friday and Saturday at The Cosmopolitan. Since I didn’t get my full experience of Travis Barker, I can also go to Haze Nightclub where he’s doing an afterparty Saturday night. I’m certainly out of my grunge/hippie phase, but Blink 182 is a timeless punk band that I can still remember the lyrics to 90 percent of their songs.

The Cosmopolitan has delivered some great concerts this past summer including Florence & The Machine, Snow Patrol, Childish Gambino, and my favorite of the summer, Fun. As the year is slowly coming to end, there are still quite a few that are worth seeing. The SPYONvegas BLVD Social Club has two shows left with open bar from 7 to 8 p.m. On Thursday Seattle indie electronic act Barcelona plays, and the last show of the season will be Oct. 4, with Grouplove doing their hit “Tongue Tied.”

There are still few bigger acts left such The Offspring with Neon Trees on Oct. 6 and Morrissey Nov. 23. The Cosmopolitan definitely saved the best for last with The Killers for New Year’s weekend and The Red Hot Chili Peppers for New Year’s Eve. Tickets for the Killers are still available, but if you were hoping to see The Red Hot Chili Peppers, you might need a Christmas miracle. The concert is already sold out. If you are a die-hard fan you can always watch the show from below from the large marquee above. Don’t worry  – the Strip closes for a while that night, so you won’t get hit by a car.

With the traditional venue for weekend day-drinking – the pools — closed in the winter months, white knight Ghostbar Dayclub rides to the rescue Oct. 20^th. The day party is hands down the best, craziest time you can have not at a pool. It has high energy DJs, costumes of every sort, confetti flying through the air, and piñatas breaking. Food isn’t served except for chocolate covered strawberries and other mini desserts, but who needs food when you can buy a 40 or down a beer bong? Last year at the launch Adrian Grenier from Entourage came strolling through and Sexy Sax Man Sergio Flores showed up to riff on “Careless Whisper.” If you didn’t get to experience last year or still need a visual, check out the teaser video from Shoot to Kill Media.

Lavo offers its Champagne Brunch, returning Oct. 13. You’ll be served by a hot staffrocking glowsticks and funky glasses. Take the energy your meal will give and join the crowd on top of the tables dancing to resident DJ Jason Lema. After a bit Lavo will close the curtains to darken the room, giving the illusion you are partying at night. Don’t be surprised if you get doused by the random champagne showers – it’s a champagne brunch after all. Maybe they’ll let you rinse off in the rosé champagne tub the ladies of Lavo bathe in.

A new daytime party breaking into the scene is Bagatelle Las Vegas at Tropicana. The venue is currently open for private parties only, but it’s currently scheduled to open with a Halloween Grand Opening, depending on construction. Taking over the space formerly known Nikki Beach and RPM, the third time could be the charm, as Bagatelle pioneered the party brunch party concept in New York City in 2008. The all-day affair features a DJ to kick off the party, a Mediterranean and American menu, and of course, bottles and bottles of champagne. The main party will be on Saturday, but will also have one focusing on locals on Sunday.

Having that many options taking over your Saturday plans it may be difficult to choose your favorite. At least one thing is consistent — all guarantee a good time and lots of champagne.

Wednesday kicked off SPYONvegas The Best Man with the launch event at Lily Bar and Lounge. All contestants meet their competition and I meet the men for the first time. This year we have expanded the competition with more events where the single ladies of the city can spend time with their favorite one. In addition, the contestants got to choose their own charities where as last year we chose them. It gives them more motivation to fight for what they believe in, and voters can also donate online to help support. With each Best Man event, Bombay Sapphire created specialty cocktails based off the contestant categories. This round was The Capitalist and The Rebel, and each drink had a kick of spice to them. I guess they were a hit because we ran out in the first hour. The next event is at Blue Martini Oct. 1, where on top of the hanging out with great looking men, Blue is giving out Tiffany jewelry. It’s like a single girl’s heaven.

Thursday was the celebration of the Vegas/Rated one-year anniversary. Where does time go? It feels like yesterday when I attended the launch party. Throughout the year, Vegas/Rated interviewed some amazing celebrities like John Legend, Katy Perry, and Mike Tyson. Each issue focused on a specific topic such as the Men’s Issue that the winners of The Best Man last year and will do so again this year. The party was held at The Boulevard with a performance by The Hives, and it was packed. It was my first time seeing The Hives. The lead singer was dressed in a penguin tail tux along and top hat. I’m surprised he didn’t pass out from heat stroke, but that could explain why he jumped in the pool at the end of the show.

Friday, Las Vegas celebrated Mexican Independence Day. I went to meet some friends in town down at Haze and walked into a crazy fiesta. My friends had a table right behind the DJ booth. Every single person was wearing ponchos, sombreros, and fake stashes. At the peak of night, a mariachi band and El Nacho Libre came marching out on the stage. The band members weren’t playing instruments, but instead were shooting confetti into the air as Nacho as showing off his guns. After the third round of tequila shots came around I decided it was best to leave before I would need a siesta.