Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Frankie Marino

2011-11-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

The hubby and I watched Frankie Marino at the Stratosphere this weekend. My mom thought this was the Frank from the La Cage days at the Rivera, however, this was a 30-something-year-old Frank, his brother Tony, plus a whole band of youthful, talented musicians. No impersonations or fancy dresses were a part of the act, although everyone was well-dressed in the group.

The show was pretty amazing (although at times so loud that I plugged my ears only to hear the show/music with better clarity). Frankie and his crew have great energy, playing a lot of old tunes in a classic way, but also doing some interesting takes on well known favourites (e.g., The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" was techno-fied). Much of the music played was original tunes created by Frankie and his brother.

There were some famous faces highlighted in the crowd. One singer, with long dark hair send up a bottle of whisky to Frankie during the shot. I unfortunately didn't recognize the name when the star made mention of his famous audience member. During the show, the band did several rounds of shots, maybe with that very bottle of booze!

As for the cost: we were comped, but at $19.99 for locals and $29.99 for out-of-town guests, I don't think anyone would be disappointed with the quality and quantity of show you get for the decent prices.

P.S. Prior to the show, one should visit the Level 107 lounge and get some 1/2 appetizers!! Thankfully were were told about this and made the stop. My favourite appetizer was the duck banh mi. And my favourite part of the lounge is the view of the city! 360 degrees. Lovely!

Lovely Las Vegas: Minus 5 Ice Bar, Mandalay Bay

2011-11-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

This summer I had the Minus5 Ice Bar on my wish list of staycation adventures. I am now delighted to report that the Minus5 experience at Mandalay Bay finally has been achieved!

I visited as part of a gathering created to celebrate two great Norwegian historical figures. One hundred years ago (December 1911), Nordic explorer Roald Amundsen made it to the South Pole, while 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of fellow Scandinavian explorer Fridtjof Nansen's birth.

The Minus5 Bar was the perfect local locale to toast these Arctic adventurers. While the actually ice bar is relatively quite tiny (just a bit larger than my kitchen/dining area), the all ice surroundings made me feel like I was transported to one of the poles. At $27 for entrance (with parka, boots, and mittens) plus a drink, it may be a steep price to pay in order to freeze one's extremities (the temperature is actually minus 5 degrees Celsius to prevent all the ice from melting), however, it was a cool experience that I'm glad I finally did partake in.

The major bummer of the evening: no pictures allowed! The ice bar does take professional ones for you... for a hefty fee, so you always have that option to show off your desert ice adventure.

Lovely Las Vegas: Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Race

2011-10-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

The little get-a-way at Loews Las Vegas Resort in Lake Las Vegas (which, technically and ironically, is in Henderson, Nevada), was a spur of the moment decision last weekend. Worried that, left to chaotic predicaments that parenthood can bring (e.g., I can never got out of the house when I need to), I wouldn't be able to attend the Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Races at Lake Las Vegas if I was coming from miles and miles away. There is a little history of craziness on Dragon Boat mornings for me. The first year of St. Rose Dominican Hospital's organization of this event, I was heading into the garage to jump into the car and realized the water heater at burst a leak! And this was years before the bebe arrived! Hence, knowing the past attendance record and aware of how slow I am to do anything now that the little behr is here, I decided the best way to make sure we all attended was to actually stay at the lake over night.

The event occurs annually, and if you want photos to get an idea of the vibe, check out the Rose Regatta link above. There is live music, there are activities (e.g., yoga), and there are teams competing in the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing to race money for breast cancer patients. Plus, you can have a great view of everything for the adorable bistros on the lakefront!

Anyway, long winded explanation to say that the Rose Regatta Dragon Boat Races are a must-attend event: great atmosphere, great cause, and great fun! So if you can, definitely make it next year (apparently it is on Saturday, 13 October 2012).

Lovely Las Vegas: Loews Lake Las Vegas

2011-10-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Images from Loews Resort at Lake Las Vegas (Henderson, NV), taken 10 Oct 2011:

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Latch On America in Las Vegas

2011-08-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Photo from Milk for Thought website

This is a little late notice (I just heard about it tonight!) but I figured better late than never, right?

Milk for Thought's Latch on America tour is heading to Las Vegas tomorrow. Apparently, Milk for Thought/Latch on America is all about educating and informing pregnant and breastfeeding women about resources available to them and also serving as an inspiration and source of encouragement.

The big pink bus (as shown in the photo) will be at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals - San Martin campus tomorrow, August 24th from 11 pm to 2 pm in the Healing Garden outdoor area.

Address: 8280 West Warm Springs, Las Vegas, NV 89113

On the website it says the bus will also be visiting the Las Vegas Strip, too!

Lovely Las Vegas: Vintage Green

2011-08-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty awesome commentary, a la email, source unknown, about being environmentally friendly back in the "old days". Resources were respected much greater than today, whether for economic reasons or environmental reasons, the impact on the earth was gentler for sure. This little story connects with my amazement that every store has created a "reuseable bag" you can purchase. I think that is actually "anti-green", since don't 99% of people already have at least one bag at home they can reuse again and again?

And after posting this, yes, I'll be turning off the computer, bringing in the the laundry from the drying line, turning down the lights and heading to bed with the bebe and dreaming sweet green dreams, ehehe...

The Green Thing

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sis ters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana .

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

If you know the source of this story/commentary, please let me know so it can be credited. Thank you!

Lovely Las Vegas: Lots of Love to Norge

2011-07-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

I did not attend the Las Vegas memorial service for the Norwegian tragedy, unfortunately... I got home late from work and the little one needed lots of attention due to teething and the nighttime doldrums. But, we did light a candle, said some prayers, and sent our positive energy to all those affected by this sad event. Knowing Norway, this will affect all her peoples' hearts, as it is impacting my own... So, it was lovely to see that the new Mayor Goodman took part in acknowledging the unfortunate killing spree and signed the prayer book that is to be sent to the Kingdom of Norge. Another tear-inducing acknowledgement came from the Crown Prince, here via YouTube.

As always dear Norway, I hold you in my thoughts/dreams, my memories, and my heart.

Hilsen fra Jules fra Lovely Las Vegas...

Lovely Las Vegas: Memorial Service for Norwegian Massacre

2011-07-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

I am still shocked, and obviously, saddened by the killing spree that occurred in Oslo and on the island of Utøya on 22nd of July... While Scandinavia is home to brilliant minds in the crime/mystery novel scene, I naively thought of those as just things of Svensk novels... not something that would manifest itself in a real, true blood sort of way.

Unfortunately, my thoughts are forever change. For those similarly saddened and wishing to show suppport for the family and friends of the Norwegian victims, Vegas Viking (the Sons of Norway branch in the Las Vegas valley) has organized a memorial service for the Norwegian tragedy. While I may not be able to attend this event, I will continue to hold Norway in my thoughts and prayers and send positive energy her way...

For those interested, the memorial is Thursday, 28 July 2011 at 7 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 111 N. Torrey Pines Drive. Prior to the event, there will be a book that can be signed (its messages will be send to Norway).

Lovely Las Vegas: Fourth of July and Weekend Projects

2011-07-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!!!

Hope everyone who celebrates has had a great day... when I awoke today, I totally forgot about the holiday... I just kept working on weekend projects, and wha-la it is now already 5 pm! Maybe I can catch some of the fireworks around the valley (I saw that Red Rock Casino will be doing some at 8:45 pm). At least I have a much more organized garage and a cozy, soulful retreat of a bedroom to relax in at the end of today to mark a successful weekend of lingering projects completed.

Photo by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Steamy Kitchen Recipes

2011-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

I first was exposed to professional foodie Jaden Hair on a trip to Fort Lauderdale, via a local TV station. Since then, I've been an admirer of her website Steamy Kitchen.

But I hadn't yet whipped up any of her culinary creations until this weekend...

First up was my take of her Watermelon, Tomato & Feta salad ...

Followed by the simple but delicious Fish with Citrus Caper Sauce...

I was impressed by the simplicity of the preparations and the cooking, and didn't feel too overwhelmed even while alone for the evening with the little behr. When the Papa Bear come home, the meal was [almost] totally complete* - a very rare surprise for him to have dinner prepared and awaiting him. : ) *Well, okay, not totally ready. I did ask him to pick up mint at the Asian market on his way home, hehe.

Photos by Jules @ Lovely

Lovely Las Vegas: Las Vegas Wishlist

2011-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Sake that said "best chilled" - perfect for summer, but I had no clue!

I always thought it should be hot...

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! As the summer hits in to high gear and work keeps me and the familia stationary in town, I'm dreaming of some staycation "get-a-ways". Here are some of the places and experiences on my Las Vegas "to do" list. Are any of these on your list?

1. With triple digits here to stay for a bit of time, the Artic Ice Room at Caesar's QUA Baths & Spa is sounding increasingly fabulous.

2. Dido to the Minus5 Ice Bar at the Monte Carlo (hello little local version of the famous Swedish and Canadian ice hotels...)

3. MOzen Bistro at the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas for a festive multicultural Asian cuisine fix.

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: June Garden Update

2011-06-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

My little Las Vegas garden is growing bit by bit.

The Russian Mammoth sunflower seeds are now turning into mini giants... twisting their face back and forth based on where the sun is during the day.

No blooms yet, though, but how fun to watch their daily East and West dance.

I have little baby tomatoes peeking out, even some that are yellowish-orange.

And little flowers on the tomato plants, too.

Even one huge heirloom tomato...

Which we've already eaten, hehe.

Now that the main portion of the backyard is beginning its bloom, it is about time to figure out what to do with this desolate corridor in the backyard...

It's a bit stark for my taste, but a uber-water-saving xeroscape on a positive note.

Recently I saw a modern design home with a minimalistic backyard that reminded me of the French film Mon Oncle, which I quite like in its quirky ways. However, a little lovely green does my soul much good and I would like to do something to this space...

Any recommendations for making this tiny area a little less pragmatic and a little more beautiful?

Happy Summer and happy gardening to all!

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Days to all the Papas, Babas, Dads, etc. out there!

Photo by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Springs Preserve

2011-06-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

My mum called Monday afternoon to key me into free admission at Springs Preserve.

I convinced the hubby to pack up the bebe and off we headed for a little nature afternoon in Las Vegas.

Here are the solar panels that flank the top of the covered parking.

Love the reflection of them on the ground!

There is also a cafe by Wolfgang Puck... but it was, unfortunately, closed today.

I was pretty bummed about that because rumor has it, the cafe may officially close its doors soon.

Whimsical metal wheat grass art work when we first entered the Preserves...

Beautiful xeroscape all over the place...

A lovely view of greenery and the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino in the distance.

Cool architecture abounds everywhere as well!

This photo just wouldn't save to blogger right-side up! Hehe...

An artichoke in the garden! It was my first time seeing one growing.... beautiful... and making me crave some roasted artichokes with butter...hmmmmm...

Sunrise Mountain in the distance...

Some sweet mushroom seats! Again tilted photo for unknown (to me) reason.

And the rest are just some random photos around the Preserves...

Overall a fun little afternoon excursion. : )

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Snow in May

2011-05-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to have a little picnic in May. A lovely idea for Memorial Day weekend, no?

So, instead of staying in town, the hubby and I packed up the bebe and headed out to Mt. Charleston.

Instead of enjoying an outdoor picnic, we decided to stop early, at the Resort on Mount Charleston, because of snow! Three days before June, and we were witness to lush, white precipitation. Wild.

Both of the previous two images were from the car. We didn't venture outside with the little bear, and I think he was a little upset about that... can you tell?

But we did enjoy our picnic, of Einstein bagels (the pretezel and cheese encrusted varieties), hehe and garden veggie shmear plus some sparkling lingonberry cider.

And we did enjoy our views...

the snow, the mountains, the amazement to be a part of such weather three days from June!

The little one was ready for sunnier skies, though, it did appear, so we packed up the in-car picnic, and returned to Las Vegas, to continue the cozy little picnic at home. As he could snuggle unrestrictedly and also have time in his pack'n'play to kick his legs freely, his forlorn-ness did soon dissipate.

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Shabu Shabu Paradise

2011-05-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

The first time I ate shabu shabu was in Taipei, Taiwan. After that, I've only eaten it at home or at Swish Shabu Shabu on West Sahara in Las Vegas. All my experiences with this hot pot self-cooking meal have been enjoyable and cozy.

As far as eating out goes, I've found Swish to be one of my favourite spots for Japanese food in the Las Vegas valley. Due to my affinity for the tried and the true in this cuisine, I hadn't felt a need to try out any other spots in the valley. However, this weekend, I happy accepted an invite to a night with friends at Shabu Shabu Paradise (Green Valley Ranch area of Henderson, off Valle Verde South).

Upon arrival, as I scanned the little dining area, I found eye candy in the decor. The red counters, with little hints of sparkle, and the gorgeous purple kimono, which hung on the wall, radiated a lovely coziness. While no written menus adorned the walls (as I generally enjoy in my Japanese hot spots), I immediately liked the vibe.

As for the real purpose of the evening, well that was a success as well. Everyone at my table (except the bebe, teehee), ordered shabu shabu. The meal began with a little bowl of mixed-greens salad with a light, but delish, gingery sauce. Much to my delight, one could order multiple rounds of the salad. Then, for the hot pot, the all-you-can-eat veggies included crisp cabbage, green onions/scallions, thinly sliced bamboo shoots, carrot rounds, tofu, and tofu noodles.

As for the meat, I ordered the "Queen" half and half styling of half portion of organic chicken and half portion of shrimp ($19). The sauces were a nice surprise, with the usual peanut sauce and ponzu sauce, flanked by a third option of hot, hot ponzu. Thinly sliced scallions and minced radish were offered for the dipping sauces, however, we had to ask for garlic. While we were given it upon request, we were told that it was only to be placed in our sauces, and not the hot pot, as other customers may not like the smell radiating the air. Hehe, we probably are not very liked at Swish because we always place the garlic in the simmering pot there!

Let's not forget the complimentary desert. I simple bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with green tea powder and adorned with a slice of fruit (mango?) on the side. There was also the option of strawberry or chocolate sauce, but I could not resist the green goodness.

Overall, it was a wonderful meal and I'd love to return to Shabu Shabu Paradise another time.

Lovely Las Vegas: Weird Weather

2011-05-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

Fledgling fruit in Miss T's Las Vegas backyard garden

This has been a strange week. With wintry weather outside, I've been tempted to take out my cold climate boots and scarves when normally this is the time of year I'm transitioning to tank tops and other summery wears. Even though the temperatures are 18 degrees Fahrenheit below the usual ones for this time of year in the Las Vegas valley, this is more of a curiosity and actually is a reprieve I'll gladly take before the triple digits return. For those in the south, though, with the devastating flooding, I continue to hold them in my thoughts and prayers, as I wish for them a better situation.

Photo by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Toto's Mexican Restaurant

2011-05-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Blurred photos courtesy of the "old school" iPhone of Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

(...with lovely bebe, gone are my days of fully charged camera batteries and available memory space, hehe)

My family drove past Toto's Mexican Restaurant many, many, many times growing up, so I don't know why we never dined there (except for the fact that we didn't eat outside of our home very often).

A friend recommended my husband visit Toto's for fresh seafood, so last night we decided to end the work week with dinner there. Located at Tropicana and Spencer (near UNLV), we found Toto's to be a cozy spot for comida deliciosa.

Starting off with the ubiquitous chips and salsa and bean dip, I was incredibly impressed by the red sauce. It was fresh, with perfect burst of flavor from the cilantro and onions. A cadillac margarita was enjoyed while we watched the salsa vanish from the serving bowl. Soon afterwards, we began savoring the shrimp and octopus ceviche. While my husband complained that it wasn't as fresh as ones he has tried in Mexico, we both enjoyed the refreshing mix of seafood, veggies, and lime juice.

For our main courses, I simply went with the tacos mexicanos and mi marido selected the carne asada. We enjoyed these entrees while listening to Celia Cruz (one of my favorites) jam overhead throughout much of our meal. And while I took a break to read a little book to the bebe when he awoke from his sweet slumber. Overall, we enjoyed our meal out with the bebe in tow and look forward to returning to Toto's Mexican Restaurant another time.

Lovely Las Vegas: Garden 2011

2011-04-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

eight.weeks.old

Russian Mammoth sunflower seeds. And green pepper seeds dried from last fall's home garden harvest. As a fledling mommy, my spring 2011 gardening is quite limited this season (thus far), but hopefully it will yield some beautiful & delish bounty, despite the late start!

With learning to balancing work and the addition of a new bebe to the family, I'm thinking of joining a organic produce co-op I read about that is associated with one of the local temples. It's called Teva Organic Co-op. Apparently, part of the proceeds help out the associated preschool/elementary school, so it is a doubly lovely endeavor.

Is anyone else a part of a CSA program? How do you like it? Are there any cons? Any information you could shed or if you have other (related or unrelated) recs for healthy family eating, it would be greatly appreciated!

Lovely Las Vegas: To Japan with Love

2011-03-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

It sounds selfish to say that I have been sort of disconnected from the tragedies that continue to hit Japan. It is not intentional, but having a new baby at home has put my energies toward family and I haven't been connected to the "real world". Still, I feel full of sorrow for all the natural disasters that have recently occurred throughout the world. I even once visited the cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand and watched in disbelief by the earthquake that wrecked havoc there...

Despite the distance and not being well-informed of all that is occurring, I'm holding everyone in my thoughts and prayers. And I'd like to do what I can to help (modestly as it may be). If you'd like to help as well, the lovely Chantale, from the Adventures of Skinny Mini Kiki, shares, in her most recent posts, some wonderful ways of supporting Japan and her people. Please check out her site and help out in whatever way you would like.

Photo by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-15T03:08:00.000-07:00

three-weeks-old

St. Patrick's Day is a special day this year for me and the baby behr. But we'll most likely be staying in, celebrating with a cozy little picnic at home (no green beer for us, hehe).

For those who are going out to embrace some Irish spirit, here are some haute places to get your green on in the Las Vegas valley:

1. Three Angry Wives Pub - 8820 W. Charleston Blvd. #105 (Boca Park)

2. JC Wooloughan Irish Pub - 221 N. Rampart Blvd. (JW Marriott)

3. McMullan's Irish Pub - 4650 W. Tropicana Ave.

4. McCormick & Schmick's - 335 Hughes Center Dr.

5. Ri Ra - 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (Mandalay Place Shoppes)

6. Henderson Events Plaza - 200 S. Water St., Old Henderson for the 45th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival (17 March through 20 March)

What are your plans for the day? And, do you know of other great spots or ways to honour St. Patrick in Las Vegas?

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Chihuly around Las Vegas

2011-03-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Recently, World Traveler requested a listing of places in the Las Vegas valley where Chihuly glass work could be found. Being absorbed with my lovely little neonate the last few weeks, I post this mini list based on Chihuly pieces that quickly come to mind. If anyone knows of other places to see these amazing works of art, please do share! Merci beaucoup (in advance).

1. Bellagio lobby (as pictured above)

2. City Center's Crystals shopping plaza (there is a museum/art store dedicated solely to Chihuly)

3. St. Rose Dominican Hospitals - San Martin campus

Photo by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Bellagio Water Fountain Show

2011-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

View of the Bellagio water show at nighttime (vantage point from the Bellagio):

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: Bellagio Atrium's Chinese New Year

2011-01-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

The atrium at the Bellagio is preparing for Chinese New Year.

All the ceremonial decorations are out to ring in the Year of the Rabbit.

Red lanterns cascading down.

Terra cotta soldier with his team of horses.

Gold coins.

Even the Chinese god of wealth is joining in the festivities.

Happy (early) Chinese New Year to everyone!

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas

Lovely Las Vegas: HK Seafood Garden

2011-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

HK Seafood Garden weekend feast with family:

Photos by Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas