Good on their own but so much better together!
xoxo
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Rolling the dice and shaking the rattle: Vegas with our baby - day 3
What a perfect way to start our morning and end our visit to Las Vegas than a taste of Bouchon Bakery in the Venetian.
We had a long trip ahead of us so we gathered sweets to take for the ride.
A purchase of chocolate bouchons and macarons to go please!
Those darn bouchons would have been the death of me. Thank goodness the bakeries, let alone TK's restaurants, are not in close driving distance. This particular one is four hours away.
On the road now and it was soon nearing lunch time so we stopped at none other than Bakers famous Mad Greek, where truckers stay forever (from the looks of the photo below). We took it to go since we were falling behind on schedule.
Several minutes on the road we were bum rushed with a rainstorm and dust devils. Las Vegas has taken its toil on us and we definitely were able to rest and relax but I'm glad to say it's good to head home to El Lay. Thank you Las Vegas, until next time...
xoxo
Bouchon Bakery
Venetian Hotel and Casino
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-6203
The Mad Greek
72112 Baker Blvd
Baker, CA 92309
(760) 733-4354
We had a long trip ahead of us so we gathered sweets to take for the ride.
A purchase of chocolate bouchons and macarons to go please!
Those darn bouchons would have been the death of me. Thank goodness the bakeries, let alone TK's restaurants, are not in close driving distance. This particular one is four hours away.
On the road now and it was soon nearing lunch time so we stopped at none other than Bakers famous Mad Greek, where truckers stay forever (from the looks of the photo below). We took it to go since we were falling behind on schedule.
Several minutes on the road we were bum rushed with a rainstorm and dust devils. Las Vegas has taken its toil on us and we definitely were able to rest and relax but I'm glad to say it's good to head home to El Lay. Thank you Las Vegas, until next time...
xoxo
Bouchon Bakery
Venetian Hotel and Casino
3355 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-6203
The Mad Greek
72112 Baker Blvd
Baker, CA 92309
(760) 733-4354
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Rolling the dice and shaking the rattle: Vegas with our baby - Day 2
One our last full day in LV we had a day chock full of activities. We started early, much earlier than your average Las Vegas tourist. First up, breakfast-the most important meal of the day. Since I was not able to have steak and eggs for dinner we made it a point to have breakfast downstairs at the coffee shop.
Menu prices have gone up since our last visit and we didn't notice the change until we received the bill. $20 for a measly steak and eggs plate?! Nice buttery eggs and crisp hash browns but the steak was sinewy and rimmed with gristle. I suppose I can't complain too much. At least it would hold us over until lunch.
After breakfast and numerous cups of coffee we jumped in the rental and made our way north toward the speedway to the Carroll Shelby Museum. My husby is a follower/buyer of Ford Automobiles and an admirer of Mr. Shelby. This was a must see for us while we were vacationing in LV.
Our happy faced rental for the week
As you approach the speedway exit you can immediately spot out the Ford buildings in their classic blue and white trim. Upon entering the museum you're overwhelmed with all the beautiful shelby's new and old. We participated in the free museum and factory tour given only once a day at 10:30am. It gave us a rundown of Carroll Shelby's career racing history, his current state of health (the oldest living heart transplant patient), and his philanthropic heart. Our guide took us out back to the garage where the cars were built and photo's prohibited.
The older classic Shelby's (my favorite era) were gorgeous and valued up toward the tens of millions. With less than a dozen guys working on these beauts they whip out about 100 Shelby's per year with wait list's to build-your-own also taking severals years from start to finish. From there we went into an even massive garage where the newer shelby's (husby's fav) were getting their final touches. Unfortunately we were a few weeks short of the unveiling of the 2010's. The tour was informative and interesting for someone like me who doesn't know much about automobile's and their history let alone anything about the Ford corp.
Our next stop was the Mandalay Bay hotel's shark reef aquarium. We were lucky enough to beat the crowd that had grown when we emerged from the aquarium an hour later. Guests are encourage to stay for as long as the exhibit is open that day. For about $16 dollars per adult we were led upstairs greeted by the hostess and green screen photographers. The aquarium portion of the tour had a sunken ship theme equipped with a touch tank. This was my favorite part. I have to give the MB hotel credit for having an extraordinary aquarium and all of the marine creatures and land animals present. It is afterall in the desert and their three green turtles made a long trip out to get here.
baby eater
big eyed bunch
After the aquarium we had a couple of hours to relax, freshen up back at the hotel, chill pool side and get ready for dinner. Husby took the opportunity to take a dip in the pool while I stayed upstairs to feed the little one. At the Wynn, we consumed their buffet complete with split crab legs. Why work at getting to your food especially when it costs you $45 a head? Their fish entrees were delicious but their lamb was a miss. I was disappointed when having their lamb osso buco, the succulent meat had dried underneath their heat lamps and over their steam pans. Our eyes were certainly hungrier than our stomachs could hold and we left feeling full but not satisfied. Until next time, if we still plan on doing this each time we come in to town.
Cholesterol on a plate
Husby did a little gambling while the nugget and I (with a glass of champagne in tow) walked and window shopped throughout the Wynn & Encore Esplanade. Nothing like burning off all of that food/calories and stuffing my eyes with the beauties of Chanel, Cartier, Manolo, Louis, Alexander McQueen, and others. Suddenly I had an intense urge for "dessert" and I knew they could certainly do the trick in my hankering for pretty things. I could do some serious damage to our account as I am sure my husby has already taken the liberty of doing so on the casino floor. I hold myself back.
After an hour or so of browsing and coming in under we make our way back "home" and call it a night. The next day we would check out and make our way over across the street for some tasty treats to send us off on our way and back to reality.
Tomorrow: Farewell, Hello(!!!) Bouchon Bakery & Greece in the Mojave
The Coffee Shop
Treasure Island
3300 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89136
Shelby Museum & Shelby Automotives
6755 Speedway Boulvd
Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702) 942-7375
Shark Reef Aquarium
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-4555
The Buffet at the Wynn
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 770-7000
xoxo
Menu prices have gone up since our last visit and we didn't notice the change until we received the bill. $20 for a measly steak and eggs plate?! Nice buttery eggs and crisp hash browns but the steak was sinewy and rimmed with gristle. I suppose I can't complain too much. At least it would hold us over until lunch.
After breakfast and numerous cups of coffee we jumped in the rental and made our way north toward the speedway to the Carroll Shelby Museum. My husby is a follower/buyer of Ford Automobiles and an admirer of Mr. Shelby. This was a must see for us while we were vacationing in LV.
Our happy faced rental for the week
As you approach the speedway exit you can immediately spot out the Ford buildings in their classic blue and white trim. Upon entering the museum you're overwhelmed with all the beautiful shelby's new and old. We participated in the free museum and factory tour given only once a day at 10:30am. It gave us a rundown of Carroll Shelby's career racing history, his current state of health (the oldest living heart transplant patient), and his philanthropic heart. Our guide took us out back to the garage where the cars were built and photo's prohibited.
The older classic Shelby's (my favorite era) were gorgeous and valued up toward the tens of millions. With less than a dozen guys working on these beauts they whip out about 100 Shelby's per year with wait list's to build-your-own also taking severals years from start to finish. From there we went into an even massive garage where the newer shelby's (husby's fav) were getting their final touches. Unfortunately we were a few weeks short of the unveiling of the 2010's. The tour was informative and interesting for someone like me who doesn't know much about automobile's and their history let alone anything about the Ford corp.
Our next stop was the Mandalay Bay hotel's shark reef aquarium. We were lucky enough to beat the crowd that had grown when we emerged from the aquarium an hour later. Guests are encourage to stay for as long as the exhibit is open that day. For about $16 dollars per adult we were led upstairs greeted by the hostess and green screen photographers. The aquarium portion of the tour had a sunken ship theme equipped with a touch tank. This was my favorite part. I have to give the MB hotel credit for having an extraordinary aquarium and all of the marine creatures and land animals present. It is afterall in the desert and their three green turtles made a long trip out to get here.
baby eater
big eyed bunch
After the aquarium we had a couple of hours to relax, freshen up back at the hotel, chill pool side and get ready for dinner. Husby took the opportunity to take a dip in the pool while I stayed upstairs to feed the little one. At the Wynn, we consumed their buffet complete with split crab legs. Why work at getting to your food especially when it costs you $45 a head? Their fish entrees were delicious but their lamb was a miss. I was disappointed when having their lamb osso buco, the succulent meat had dried underneath their heat lamps and over their steam pans. Our eyes were certainly hungrier than our stomachs could hold and we left feeling full but not satisfied. Until next time, if we still plan on doing this each time we come in to town.
Cholesterol on a plate
Husby did a little gambling while the nugget and I (with a glass of champagne in tow) walked and window shopped throughout the Wynn & Encore Esplanade. Nothing like burning off all of that food/calories and stuffing my eyes with the beauties of Chanel, Cartier, Manolo, Louis, Alexander McQueen, and others. Suddenly I had an intense urge for "dessert" and I knew they could certainly do the trick in my hankering for pretty things. I could do some serious damage to our account as I am sure my husby has already taken the liberty of doing so on the casino floor. I hold myself back.
After an hour or so of browsing and coming in under we make our way back "home" and call it a night. The next day we would check out and make our way over across the street for some tasty treats to send us off on our way and back to reality.
Tomorrow: Farewell, Hello(!!!) Bouchon Bakery & Greece in the Mojave
The Coffee Shop
Treasure Island
3300 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89136
Shelby Museum & Shelby Automotives
6755 Speedway Boulvd
Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702) 942-7375
Shark Reef Aquarium
Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-4555
The Buffet at the Wynn
3131 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 770-7000
xoxo
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Rolling the dice and shaking the rattle: Vegas with our baby - Day 1
Yes, we chose Las Vegas as our mid-week get-a-away. Prices were right in comparison to southern California and northern California locations, there were endless dining choices, and for a city synonymous for its secrets we wanted and were determined to make it work for us- finding family friendly Las Vegas.
Our deluxe room boasted views of the West, of the strip and Mirage's volcano. We also had a great view of the pool below. After putting our feet up, unpacking, feeding my nugget we decided to take it easy this evening by checking out our hotel pool, ordering a drink, walking down the strip, taking in the Mirage hotel's volcano and interior and the Venetian's gondolas before we heading back in to our room.
photo courtesy of mirage
Gin and tonic for daddy at Japonais. Mommy is still babysitting her beer.
Here's husby (cheesing it up), Sigfred, Roy and lion.
View of the stip and its expansive array of casinos.
Swingers or pimp?
We ended our night by staying in and ordering room service; a giant cobb salad for me and hot wings for husby. Tomorrow: the Carroll Shelby museum, Shark Reef Aquarium, hanging out pool side, and defeating the Wynn Buffet.
Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 894-7111
The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 791-7111
Japonais
Mirage Hotel & Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89162
(702) 792-7979
xoxo
Our deluxe room boasted views of the West, of the strip and Mirage's volcano. We also had a great view of the pool below. After putting our feet up, unpacking, feeding my nugget we decided to take it easy this evening by checking out our hotel pool, ordering a drink, walking down the strip, taking in the Mirage hotel's volcano and interior and the Venetian's gondolas before we heading back in to our room.
photo courtesy of mirage
Gin and tonic for daddy at Japonais. Mommy is still babysitting her beer.
Here's husby (cheesing it up), Sigfred, Roy and lion.
View of the stip and its expansive array of casinos.
Swingers or pimp?
We ended our night by staying in and ordering room service; a giant cobb salad for me and hot wings for husby. Tomorrow: the Carroll Shelby museum, Shark Reef Aquarium, hanging out pool side, and defeating the Wynn Buffet.
Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 894-7111
The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 791-7111
Japonais
Mirage Hotel & Casino
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89162
(702) 792-7979
xoxo
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
City of Sin: bringing baby to Las Vegas
This last year has been quite intense. With husby going into the program full time at full speed all while holding down a full time job and full time family his schedule leaves very little time to relax let alone have quality time with fam. Immediate action had to take place. We needed a break from all the monotony that is our life.
San Diego? The few hours drive south looked promising but certainly way out of our price range (go figure!) and with the current swine flu outbreak it was out of the question. Husby's classmate and his family just got back from SD and he contracted the flu. We weren't about to roll the dice on that one.
San Fran? I love the city but Husby wasn't keen on the costs of parking. Santa Barbara? Yes but what would've been ideal was touring the wineries. Next! After scouting hotel recommendations and prices, researching activities and ideas we settled on LV.
I know what you're thinking.
Bringing a baby to Las Vegas? Are you insane? Trust me everyone, and I mean everyone, was giving us grief about our choice. Yeah, Las Vegas really isn't an ideal location for kidlets. Vegas started to make a transformation making it more "Family Friendly" but then reverted back to "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" - it's an adults playground. We were determined to find a different side of Vegas, a family friendly one.
Are there really family friendly options in the city of sin?
Why yes, yes there are on and off the strip despite LV's fizzled attempt of attracting families to the 702. Hoover Damn, Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon are great day trips. Off the strip is the Springs Preserve - great for everyone. Maybe we'll take part of that when our little one is older.
Um, what about all that smoke?
Trust me with an infant in tow I too was concerned about breathing smokey air in the casinos but Las Vegas has been doing it's very best in enforcing and achieving a clean indoor air act. However casino floors, strip bars and standalone bars are exempt. No problem since the three of us we were least likely to be caught at one of those places. To my surprise the air in the hotels that we visited smelled very fresh and clean. Great ventilation!
Costs to stay in Vegas during the week along with hotel ammenities and all the great restaurants sold us and with tyke in tow we made the 4 hours drive.
Our room at Treasure Island offered fantastic views of the west and the strip.
During our stay we certainly utilized room service for nights that our little one just wasn't in the mood to brave through the overwhelming sounds of the casino floor and crowds. We visited and bore witness to ponies being built, splashed in the hotel pool(s), petted fish, saw a different kind of love, and gut busted at the buffets (all to be posted in detail in another post). We enjoyed ourselves and I even think our nugget liked the change of pace and scenery.
With time for research you can certainly find family friendly things to see and do in Vegas (on and off the strip) without having to subject yourself to the over exposure of sex or without having to pass by the flyer clicky clackers on the strip.
Here are some great sources:
www.vegaskids.info
offthestripdining.blogspot.com
Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 894-7111
xoxo
San Diego? The few hours drive south looked promising but certainly way out of our price range (go figure!) and with the current swine flu outbreak it was out of the question. Husby's classmate and his family just got back from SD and he contracted the flu. We weren't about to roll the dice on that one.
San Fran? I love the city but Husby wasn't keen on the costs of parking. Santa Barbara? Yes but what would've been ideal was touring the wineries. Next! After scouting hotel recommendations and prices, researching activities and ideas we settled on LV.
I know what you're thinking.
Bringing a baby to Las Vegas? Are you insane? Trust me everyone, and I mean everyone, was giving us grief about our choice. Yeah, Las Vegas really isn't an ideal location for kidlets. Vegas started to make a transformation making it more "Family Friendly" but then reverted back to "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" - it's an adults playground. We were determined to find a different side of Vegas, a family friendly one.
Are there really family friendly options in the city of sin?
Why yes, yes there are on and off the strip despite LV's fizzled attempt of attracting families to the 702. Hoover Damn, Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon are great day trips. Off the strip is the Springs Preserve - great for everyone. Maybe we'll take part of that when our little one is older.
Um, what about all that smoke?
Trust me with an infant in tow I too was concerned about breathing smokey air in the casinos but Las Vegas has been doing it's very best in enforcing and achieving a clean indoor air act. However casino floors, strip bars and standalone bars are exempt. No problem since the three of us we were least likely to be caught at one of those places. To my surprise the air in the hotels that we visited smelled very fresh and clean. Great ventilation!
Costs to stay in Vegas during the week along with hotel ammenities and all the great restaurants sold us and with tyke in tow we made the 4 hours drive.
Our room at Treasure Island offered fantastic views of the west and the strip.
During our stay we certainly utilized room service for nights that our little one just wasn't in the mood to brave through the overwhelming sounds of the casino floor and crowds. We visited and bore witness to ponies being built, splashed in the hotel pool(s), petted fish, saw a different kind of love, and gut busted at the buffets (all to be posted in detail in another post). We enjoyed ourselves and I even think our nugget liked the change of pace and scenery.
With time for research you can certainly find family friendly things to see and do in Vegas (on and off the strip) without having to subject yourself to the over exposure of sex or without having to pass by the flyer clicky clackers on the strip.
Here are some great sources:
www.vegaskids.info
offthestripdining.blogspot.com
Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas
3300 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 894-7111
xoxo
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