Vacationing With Kids! Top 10 Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids!

Well I was wondering....Can you take kids to Vegas?

The answer is YES YOU CAN! There is a dark side to Vegas but there are so many things to do and see with the kids the good outweighs the bad. We had a GREAT time in Las Vegas. The kids LOVED it and were BLOWN away. My kids are 7 and 9:)

Here's my TOP 10 Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas!

1) SEE MYSTERE-

The first Cirque Du Soleil show and definitely the best. The kids were blown away. We sat up close but any seat in the Treasure Island theater is worth it because the show is ALL AROUND you. It's gorgeous, breath taking, sweet, heart warming and FUN. Worth every penny but look for my next post on discounts in Vegas and how to get a great price on tickets!!

2) PET A DOLPHIN-

And get a picture of it to boot! The Mirage Hotel has Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden. It's a little oasis where you can see Dolphins, White Tigers, Jaguars, Leopards and Lions UP CLOSE. Well manicured and cared for this is a GREAT experience for kids. It's small enough that you aren't exhausted walking around. Get there when it opens at 10am so you can see the first Dolphin training with less of a crowd. This is FREE. They do many Dolphin trainings throughout the day. The Mirage offers many different levels of Dolphin experiences. You can be Dolphin trainer for the day, have a Dolphin meet and greet, have a Dolphin paint you a picture and more. The regular admission price is $17 for kids and $22 for adults and believe me you see a lot just doing that! But if you want to pet and take a picture with the Dolphins don't pay FULL PRICE! Stay tuned for how to save!

I don't love animals in cages BUT the lions and tigers are very well cared for and the property is beautifully maintained. They swap animals out to give them breaks as well. The animals were playing, sleeping, wrestling....it was good to see.

3) GO INSIDE THE EIFFEL TOWER-

Seeing the Paris Hotel Eiffel Tower up close is mind blowing. It's HUGE. You can go up to the top but we decided to have a drink at the restaurant which has a GREAT VIEW and is mid way. Make sure you FIRST take a picture at the base of the Eiffel Tower on the street outside the hotel near the restaurant Mon Ami Gabi.  Get down low and shoot up! Amazing shots!!

Then go inside and take the elevator (not the first one you see, ask for restaurant) to the restaurant. You can sit in the lounge area and watch the sunset or get an afternoon break. Gorgeous and great for pics. Dress the kids up and make it fun. We did this before dinner and went to dinner at Mon Ami Gabi (a much less expensive option) after wards (my review is coming!). You can also eat there but it's $$$$$.

4) TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE-

The Venetian is an enormous place so finding the gondolas is a little bit of a feat! You can do an indoor or outdoor ride weather permitting. We did an indoor ride. Get there early and make a reservation so you don't have to wait long. This was a nice, mellow, fun experience for the kids and US. Ask them to sing. They are well trained and make it fun! Ask questions about Venice too.

5) SEE A VOLCANO ERUPT-

We thought the nightly volcano eruption at The Mirage would be hokey but it was spectacular!!! The music, the drama! We stood inside the circle drive next to the hotel and could feel the heat from the flames! It's very well done. They can't do it if it's too windy and they usually do it once at 8pm and once at 9pm so call the hotel and ask on the evening you want to go! FREE!!!!

6) EAT BREAKFAST AT THE MOST GORGEOUS BUFFET EVER! (and see the gardens too!)

I am NOT a buffet fan but this buffet at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas is MIND BLOWING.

The flowers are beyond belief!!! And the food is to die for! The breakfast is $22 a person but kids are half price! Omlettes made to order, pancakes made to order, bagels and lox, sushi, dumplings, pasta, it had everything you can imagine! Not just breakfast! Great value with all the other more pricey restaurants. The dessert bar was amazing and is open at breakfast too!!!


7) GET YOUR PERSONALIZED M and M's! 

I will admit the M and M World Store (4 stories!!!) is a little chaotic but take the escalators up to the 4th floor and work your way down!! They have a 3D movie that plays every 20 minutes, lots of places for photo opps....

And I think best of all and most fun, make your own personal M and Ms!!

So cool!!!

8) SEE THE BELLAGIO GARDENS AND FOUNTAINS AT NIGHT!

The Bellagio has a garden in the lobby that changes seasonally and is great to take the kids to. We happened to witness the Japanese Spring Celebration and Tea Garden. It was beautiful!

And the gorgeous Bellagio Fountains.

The Bellagio Hotel is gorgeous. Watching the fountains at night is even more spectacular. They go off every 15 minutes at night and you can stand anywhere along the wall to see.  Did I mention it's FREE?

Don't forget to visit the chocolate fountain too! (just past the garden exhibit)

9) RIDE THE MONORAIL- 

 The monorail goes up and down one side of the strip and is nice and fast compared to walking or a cab! The kids really loved it.

10) SEE THE SHARK REEF AT MANDALAY BAY-

In addition to seeing sharks and turtles in the main shipwreck exhibit, you’ll also find crocodiles, Komodo dragons, jellyfish and octopus. Seeing the piranha being fed is a highlight. There’s a chance to get interactive with rays, sharks and fish in the touch pool. Adults pay $18, kids 5-12 $12 and under fours are free!

Stay tuned for how to SAVE BIG IN LAS VEGAS!!!
 

Non Candy Valentines For Kids!

I don't know what comes over me on Valentines Day but I become real CRAFTY.

Those who know me know I am actually NOT crafty, but I am always looking for easy Valentines favors for the kids to make with me. I am a HUGE fan of the heart shaped crayons.

We've done them a few times!! They are easy TRUST ME! See how to make them HERE.

But these HEART SHAPED BIRD FEEDERS by Wine And Glue are the cutest things! I have to try them!

I know I know....


It could be a HUGE Craft Fail. By the way don't you love a good craft fail??!!! LOL

LOL

So anyhoo there they are. Pray to the crafting Gods that this goes well. I'll report back!

An Easy Dinner Party Menu For A Night With Good Friends!

The older I get the more I realize that time is my greatest extravagance. 

It's the most valuable commodity I have. I no longer want to spend time with people that don't care about me, lift me up, make me laugh or make me think. I no longer want to do things that don't make my heart sing.

That's why I was excited to get my first real group of great Mom friends and husbands together for a dinner party at my house. We haven't done this in a while so it was a nice reunion! Here are my girls:)

 

I love everything about a dinner party. From picking the menu, to setting the table (like how it turned out?) to the great conversation at the table.

One thing I don't like is working so much on the food that I don't get to spend time with my friends! Don't get mt wrong, I have girlfriends that jump in and help, but I would rather lounge and chat as much as I can.

I wanted to share my menu with you because it was not only delicious, it was the perfect easy menu. Most of these recipes you can prep way ahead of time so you can truly enjoy your evening!

The appetizers:

Artichoke Bruschetta from The Cookie Rookie- (OH MY LORD THESE WERE INSANE)

Parmesan Tortellini Bites by Damn Delicious- (COULD THIS BE MORE BRILLIANT??)

Main Course:

Pinwheel Steaks by Rachel Ray! (sooooo good and fun to make!!!)

Here they are when we made and tied them:

And then once we sliced them for grilling!

Lemon Parmesan Baked Broccoli by Get Off Your Tush And Cook- (SO YUMMY!!!!!)

Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes by Pioneer Woman (kids loved these too!)

Dessert:

Blackberry Cheesecake Bars by Hugs and Cookies- (aka you've died and gone to heaven bars)

It was a great evening and made even better by some amazing food! What's your go to dinner party recipe?

What Do Your Kids Think Of You As A Parent? Interview them!

I love this idea from Joy In My Kitchen and I think it's brilliant!

Want to know what your kids think of you as a parent?  Or how much they know about you? It's fun to get their perspective.

Now this also may open a bit of a Pandoras Box...try to learn from it and not beat yourself up. After all being a Mom is TOUGH.

I'm going to interview mine and report back. Either way a fun experiment. TRY IT!

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born? - See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

--> 1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?

 Let me know how it goes!!!!

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born? - See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

Mom Interview: Questions for A Fresh Perspective

I do not take credit for coming up with this idea. Apparently the questions have been making rounds within the web, though I only became aware of them recently. Enjoy! A printable copy is included at the end.

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?
- See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

Mom Interview: Questions for A Fresh Perspective

I do not take credit for coming up with this idea. Apparently the questions have been making rounds within the web, though I only became aware of them recently. Enjoy! A printable copy is included at the end.

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?
- See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

Back To School? Back To YOU!

Every Fall, once the kids are back in school and my sanity starts to return, I remember to put myself back on the list.

I start to remember that I MATTER.

And one of the ways I treat myself is.....
 
to treat myself like a well oiled machine and take myself in for maintenance!!
Dentist, gyno, mole check, physical and mammogram all happen in September and October ( just in time for breast cancer awareness month!)

Back to school is a good time to remember to take care of yourself. After all if you weren't here who would do everything!?

Take this time to book all your appointments. Get a TUNE UP.

No excuses.

And throw a Mani/ Pedi and massage in there too.

Why not? You deserve it!!

Happy Back To You!

Who's On Your Board? Why You Need A Personal Board Of Directors

Do you have a personal board of directors? If not YOU NEED ONE!

Whenever I am at a place of change, renewal or just STUCK IN A RUT, I consult my board. Yes I have my own personal board of directors in my life. I may not meet with them all at once, or take all of their advice, but they are guiding, encouraging and inspiring me. They might not even KNOW they're doing it!

I came up with this idea after sharing my ideas with the WRONG people. When you share your ideas and dreams with a NON BOARD MEMBER, you are left unsupported, discouraged and depressed. The negativity will KILL YOUR CREATIVITY and WRECK YOUR FUTURE. Sound dramatic? It is! THIS IS SERIOUS! THIS IS YOUR LIFE!!!

This is why you need a Personal Board Of Directors.

Here's how it works:

You are going to select 10 people to be on your board. The people do not need to know each other, live near by, or talk to you every day. The key is to get 10 diverse people. 10 people who you admire, look up to, and feel understand you deeply. 10 diverse people from different walks of life. These people may not be your best friends. For example, one lady on my board is MY EYEBROW LADY. She is like a Dali Llama of perfect advice and encouragement. Think outside the box!

Get out a piece of paper and start creating your board list. Remember you don't have to TELL ANYONE who is on your board or if they're on your board. This is a list of people you can SHARE YOUR IDEAS with and get positive feedback. They can help you create and achieve a VISION FOR YOUR LIFE.

Usually family members are NOT board members but there are always exceptions to that rule. My sister in law is on my board and always helps me to see the future more clearly. She knows me and knows what would be good for me.

Once your have your list (you can even start with a board of 3 people until you find your full board), keep it in a special place to refer to. When you are having trouble in your life, or are wanting to make a big change or a wonderful opportunity comes your way you can ask a board members advice and weigh your choices. It's great knowing you are supported no matter what!

The board can change, and grow as you do. You can kick someone off the board if you need to! That's why it's best to NOT TELL THEM THEY'RE ON IT! 

Remember this:

AMAZING people—those worthy of being personal board members—tend to be unusually generous with their time. They give of themselves for the development of others. This level of generosity requires that you be highly selective about when to call on them. For daily or noncritical decisions,  do not contact your board members. Keep the list of your board members easily accessible (on the wall, in a wallet, in your nightstand) and make sure when you call on them you are ready to present something or get big advice. Otherwise you can hold imaginary board meetings, envisioning what each board member might say about a given situation.  

Who's worthy enough to be on your board?

Where have I been? I joined the BAND! The Mrs Band #ImEnough Movement

I've been on such a whirl wind the last few months I finally just had to sit down and write this post! It all started with this:




Have you seen this #ImEnough video? It touched my heart! Don't we all feel that? Don't we all want to say: "I'M ENOUGH!" This video has been viewed more than 5 million times across the world! That's when I learned that The Mrs Band was more than a band. It was a movement! An all girl band, a band of WOMEN, who were still dreaming and inspiring. They bring the Magic Mirror across the country changing women's lives and their inner voices!

Low and behold The Mrs was releasing a NEW song for Mother's Day called "You Told Me". The lyrics say it all:

I love this song. It really speaks to the complicated relationship Mothers and Daughters have. The Mrs held an amazing song launch event in NYC and I was THERE! It was at the Top Of The Rock at Rockefeller Center with Jenny McCarthy as our host and benefiting Dress For Success!

Jenny couldn't have been more down to earth and SWEET! Just loved her. The Mrs treated us tired Moms to a fabulous night out with cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka, decor by Red Velvet Events and earrings from Kendra Scott!

And they even brought their Magic Mirror!!!! Quite a magical experience!

The Mrs Band played their new song and everyone loved it! A huge success!

Aren't they gorgeous!!!???

Now I'm a devoted fan of The Mrs. Women who make music for people my age? THANK YOU!!!!! I'm on board! Watch their new video and download their new single!

Valentines Day Favors For Kids!

Are you ready for Valentines Day? You have some time to do some crafty Valentines Day favors for you kids classmates if you start now! Here are some fun ideas:

Valentines Book Marks!

How cute are these? I found them on Party On Purpose!

Fish Bowl Valentines With Swedish Fish from Faboolous!

Will Zoo Be Mine? From Blue Robin Cottage

Baking cup flowers from Skip to My Lou! So cute!!!!

All this and more on my Pinterest Board!

Two Great Christmas Holiday Menus!

How was your Christmas?! Are you still recovering? What was on your menu?

We had two Christmas dinners with two different sides of the family which meant two different Christmas menus!

I think we really outdid ourselves. It was a ton of work but everyone was blown away!

Menu 1: (Italian inspired:)

Appetizers:

Grilled Artichokes- (like these from Foodie Crush)

Paleo Meatballs in Marinara from Paleo Newbie

Cucumber Hummus bites with Tina's Homemade Hummus

Tina's Hummus recipe:
2- 16 ounce cans of chick peas drained- reserve the juice
4-6 garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
3/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
1/2 cup lemon juice

Drain chick peas. Put garlic in food processor and mince. Add chick peas and mince, scraping down the sides. Add salt, tahini and lemon juice. Mix. Taste. Add enough reserve chick pea juice to make a thick creamy consistency. You should be able to make an indentation with the back of a spoon . Check taste again for additional lemon and salt. You can serve also with olive oil drizzled on top and smokey paprika! Divine!

Persimmons and prosciutto (add truffle oil, or honey if you have it!)

Main course:

Caprese wreath from Huffington Post

Shrimp Scampi (also by Huffington Post)

Chicken Cacciatore By Proud Italian Cook

and Italian Peas  (These were amazing)

And for dessert?

Pioneer Womans Cherry Cheesecake Shooters! These were a HUGE hit!!!

Stay tuned for menu number 2!!!