Tuesday, February 17, 2015

"Year Of The Goat" Celebration Coming Up At The Venetian & The Palazzo

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are commemorating Chinese New Year and the “Year of the Goat” in spectacular fashion with festive celebrations and stunning décor throughout the award-winning resorts. The resorts will welcome the “Year of the Goat” with a ceremonial lion dance on February 19, featuring an eye ceremony and festive firecrackers. The vibrant event will also feature a parade of dancers and drummers dressed in authentic costumes as they make their way throughout the properties, starting at The Venetian porte cochere, circling its way through the casino to The Waterfall Atrium & Gardens of The Palazzo, and continuing through The Palazzo.   

Other celebratory visuals include a “Year of the Goat” display inside The Waterfall Atrium & Gardens of The Palazzo.  To commemorate the “Year of the Goat” the resort’s floral and horticulture department partnered with a team of artisans, and consulted with a feng shui master, to produce the massive “Year of the Goat” art installation. Because the “Year of the Goat” also celebrates sheep and ram, the art display features beautifully sculpted figures of each. Guests are encouraged to revel in the enchanting beauty of this display when strolling through The Waterfall Atrium & Gardens of The Palazzo. In addition, guests can also marvel at the 58 traditional I Ching coins, representing fortune and wealth, which sit among the mountain of the main art installation. The Chinese symbols on the coins read, “may your happiness be according to your wishes,” and the reverse of the coin reads, “live as long as the tortoise and the crane.” According to custom, it is suggested that guests walk clockwise around the feature display three times to bring blessings of heaven, earth, and mankind upon them.

This year’s “Year of the Goat” art installation features:

·       3 unique hand-sculpted, life-size rams

·       8 hand-sculpted sheep adorned with fleece of fresh carnations

·       6-foot hand-loomed brocade silk and jade and red and gold lanterns

·       58 I Ching coins

·       8 Bamboo Trees

·       28 Tangerine Trees

·       2,400 selected plants including

o   Phalaenopsis orchids

o   Cymbidium orchids

o   Kalanchoe

o   Hyacinth

Thursday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m.                                                                                      
The Venetian Las Vegas, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd South 

For additional information, visit The Palazzo website at palazzo.com, follow on Twitter @palazzovegas and interact on Facebook at facebook.com/palazzolasvegas.  

Motley Brew Great Vegas Beer Festival Tix Now On Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Motley Brews’ 2015 Great Vegas Beer Festival (GVFB), Nevada’s largest craft beer event, on Saturday, April 11, 2015. During  the fifth annual GVFB, beer enthusiasts, brewers and culinary masterminds will join together to celebrate the lifestyle surrounding the craft beer movement in the streets of Downtown Las Vegas.

After a record turnout in 2014, Motley Brews will once again host GVFB near Fremont East Entertainment District, returning with more beer and vastly expanded culinary options. In addition, the festival offers enhanced programming with revamped BrewLogic educational sessions and a full afternoon of live music. The 2015 festival’s beer list will offer guests the choice of more than 300 brews from over 100 different breweries. In addition, the culinary menus, located in the signature Gastropub, will draw from the talent of more than one dozen prominent Las Vegas chefs.

“We’re doing more this year to evolve the festival experience beyond a traditional beer sampling,” said Brian Chapin, founder of Motley Brews. “There was a great response from guests during the debut of the Gastropub and BrewLogic at last year’s festival. We want to continue to explore the diversity of craft beer through innovative ideas to keep the festival fresh and exciting for beer lovers and novices alike.”

Early Bird tickets are available for General Admission (GA) for $30; Early Entry for $40; and VIP for $75 through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. Tickets holders that purchase Early Bird tickets receive the best value to experience the festival. Regular ticket pricing will take effect on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.

Saturday, April 11, 2015
3-7 p.m.*
* Open to Early Entry & VIP ticketholders at 2 p.m.

COST/TICKETS:
General Admission:        $30 and up
Early Entry:                         $40 and up
Brewers Lounge VIP:      $75 and up
*Fees and taxes are not included

Motley Brews is once again proud to partner with the Nevada Craft Brewers Association (NCBA), a nonprofit advocacy group, to support local craftsmen and prominently feature great Nevada beers at the festival. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the NCBA and the participating brewers will introduce rare specialty beers brewed exclusively for the fifth annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer.

More information can be found at the event  at greatvegasbeer.com/ , on www.facebook.com/GreatVegasBeer  or on twitter.com/motleybrews

Fremont East in Downtown Las Vegas

It's National Pancake Week! Celebrate At Hash House A Go Go!

Brown Sugar Banana Pancake
Giving back through flapjacks! That’s how Hash House A Go Go will celebrate National Pancake Week next Monday, Feb. 16 through Friday, Feb. 20 with $1 of every pancake sold during the week (any flavor) being donated to Hope for Prisoners. Hope for Prisoners is a local non-profit organization working to empower returning ex-offenders and their families to create a successful future built on strategic leadership and character development.

National Pancake Week also marks the one-year anniversary of the Hash House A Go Go’s location inside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Celebrate National Pancake Week with any of their delicious oversized pancakes including Apple Cinnamon, Blackberry Granola, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Banana, traditional Buttermilk, Pumpkin and Snickers, as well as their Tractor Driver Combo.

All four valley locations will be offering their famous flapjacks during breakfast, brunch and lunch. Hash House A Go Go’s fifth location in Henderson opens on Mon., Feb. 23.

About Hash House A Go Go
Hash House A Go Go brings farm-fresh food with a funky, modern twist to the locals and visitors of Las Vegas. The well-known restaurant is famous for its unusual décor and enormous portions. Recently placing 8th overall for “Best Burger in the World” at the World Food Championships, the restaurant has garnered dozens of local and national accolades and has been featured on the Food Network, “Martha Stewart,” “Dr. Phil” and most recently, the popular Travel Channel program, “Man v. Food.” For reservations or inquiries, please call the Sahara location at (702) 804-4646, the LINQ Hotel & Casino location at (702) 254-4646, the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino location at (702) 777-2761 or the Plaza Hotel & Casino at (702) 384-4646 or visit www.hashhouseagogo.com/vegas. 

Photo: Brown Sugar Banana Pancake, courtesy of Hash House A Go Go

Monday, February 16, 2015

Sweet Stop! Go By Sweet Ruby Jane's Confections & Prepare To Be WOWED


Real Candy Centerpiece

Have a serious sweet tooth? If you do then you need to stop here! All your sweet dreams and desires will be truly answered. This delightful shop if filled to the brim with homemade one of kind sweet delicious confections. Every batch is made fresh every day and you will find some of the most mouthwatering confection combination's imaginable…. there’s Pure Caramel Corn, Chocolate Covered Marshmallows, Cookies, Fudges, Creamy Brittle, Toffees, Barks, and more.

This shop is so family oriented that in keeping with the family theme, each of the confections is named for a family member including their pups. From Natalie's Nut Crunchies named for her nutty nickname to Paige's Cookie Pops because she likes things on a stick, each sweet has a bit of each personality wrapped inside. It was also the family that supported their opening the shop. From Sister-In-Law Eryn's photography, background fabrics from Sister Barbara and nieces and nephews who worked hard as taste testers every item in the shop has a whimsical story. The name Sweet Ruby Jane Confections celebrates the love and effort that Susan and Patty Grandmother’s Ruby Jane’s love of cooking and the delectable treats that came out of her oven.  

Supporting local businesses keep our economy growing and there could not be friendlier down to earth owners than these two sisters Susan and Patty. Everything that I tried in the shop was a confectioners dream!  Standouts that I tasted include:

Grandma Katie's Coconut Bark  -a Toasted coconut layered into rich chocolate topped with more toasted coconut and drizzled with creamy caramel.

Linda Sue's Snickerdoodle Cookies – light and crispy but decadently chewy they are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Wyatt’s Wacky Pretzel Love - twists or our peanut butter slather pretzel rods in white, milk or dark chocolate.  These come in a variety box of sprinkles, pink drizzle. (I LOVED the white chocolate pretzels with the pink drizzle.)

While the three mentioned above were standouts there is not an item in this store that is not delicious.  Plus want a different type of night out try the Fun Night Out:

90 minutes reserved kitchen time
Party game
Includes snack/water/coffee (or you can bring your own BYOB and other food)
Materials for project-take home what you make (while there I made a very cute fun Valentine cookie with a special message).
The parties start at $20 per person depending upon project

DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED by ME!  (And get some home made treats for the pups/pooches while you are there!)

Sweet Ruby Jane's Confections
info@sweetrubyjane.com
9550 S. Eastern Ave. #110
Las Vegas NV 89123
702-648-1000

Grand Opening! Grand Bazar Shops Open With Swarvoski Crystal Starburst Light Show

World’s First Swarvoski Crystal Starburst Light Show Spectacular Debuts On Thursday Night
FEB. 26, 2015, At Midnight

Swarovski Pavilion and Starburst at Grand Bazaar Shops will open to the public on Feb. 26, 2015.  The custom pavilion and Starburst were designed to be the centerpiece of the Grand Bazaar Shops and will provide a unique retail experience as well as a new outdoor entertainment destination.
SWAROVSKI Stardust Bracelets

The much anticipated Grand Bazaar Shops will deliver big brand names, intimate boutiques and international flavors, all packed into a two-acre outdoor shopping promenade. The immersive retail experience, located adjacent to Bally’s Las Vegas, will feature exclusive first-to-market brands and unique international retailers at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

At midnight that night, the Swarovski Crystal Starburst that towers above Grand Bazaar Shops and the Las Vegas Strip will be illuminated for the Midnight Celebration for the first time. This Starburst serves as the focal point for Swarovski’s nightly light-and-sound extravaganza inspired by the exotic tradition of world bazaars.

The Swarovski Midnight Celebration at Grand Bazaar Shops is a dazzling 3-minute-long light-and-sound show designed to mark the discovery of a new day. The spectacle was envisioned as a way to bring New Year’s Eve-style excitement to the Strip every night of the year. The production incorporates both the Starburst and a large video screen embedded into the multi-faceted façade of the Swarovski boutique. Evocative scenes from exotic bazaars, as well as the Starburst’s more than 1,800 points of LED light, will be choreographed to a dramatic original score featuring the enchanting beats of world music.  The one-of-a-kind Swarovski Crystal Starburst is 14-foot-diameter structure and composed of 924 custom-cut Swarovski crystal spheres.

Swarovski Boutique
Grand Bazaar Shops Las Vegas
Located in front of Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, Nev. 89109

Networking & Cocktails! Perfect! This Wednesday At Blue Martini

Yvette Auger's Cosmopolitan Connections Presents "The Sharnel Guy Swimwear ~ Bikini Model & Networking Event!" 2/18

You're invited to join this Free Networking Event on Wednesday, February 18 '15 from 7pm-9pm, at "Blue Martini Lounge," (located at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89119.)

Featuring Sharnel Guy Swimwear & Bikini Models! Come & meet them & have your photo taken with them by our event photographer Roger Bennett.

Special Gift Bags from Sharnel Guy for the first 15 guests to arrive!

Also featuring XIS Productions ~ Red Carpet & Live Interviews with the Actors from the Movie "Contingent Plan" during the event!

Free Admission, Complimentary Tray Passed Appetizers & Happy Hour Pricing on Food & Drinks from 7pm-9pm.

Space is limited, so RSVP is required!
www.facebook.com/events/935560339811451/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

The Week-End Puts On Quite A Show At Drai's Nightclub




Abel Tesfaye, known by his stage name The Weeknd performed at Drai's Beach Club Nightclub at The Cromwell in Las vegas, NV on February 13, 2015.


Credit: © Chase Stevens/ Kabik Photo Group

Try Out TAO Nightclub At Worship Thursdays!


Dining At La Cave...Who??

Dallas Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo and Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders were spotted separately at Michael and Jenna Morton’s La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway (www.lacavelv.com) inside Wynn Las Vegas Friday night.

Rondo and his wife sat in the beautiful garden lounge and enjoyed the patio view while snacking on many small plate items, including jumbo lump crab lettuce cups, “the classic” slider trio and a chicken flatbread, which they accompanied with wine flights.


Saunders, who serves as head coach, part-owner and president of basketball operations for Minnesota, was with his wife as they noshed on jumbo lump crab lettuce cups, diver sea scallops and a chicken flatbread while watching the NBA all-star rookie game.

Getting A Good Blowout Just Got Easier! Mine Was Fantastic W/Viva Blowout!

Getting a good blow out is a treat that some of us deny ourselves because:

To busy to go sit at the hairdressers and of course don’t want to make the drive.
Who makes house calls? Who to call? Who to trust?
Who will do your hair exactly the way you want it to be done or who will try a new “do that you have wanted to try but have not had the courage to try it?

Well ladies your dreams have been answered:  “ Viva Blowout provides affordable, professional hair blowout services all in the comfort of your home, hotel or office. Perfect for anyone who loves to get pampered and values their time. All Blowouts are $60 (which includes the gratuity for stylist, this is a cashless experience) when booked 4 hours in advance.  You can even set up a "standing blowout" we will come to you each week or whatever your schedule allows. “

My hair before
I had the opportunity to try Viva Blowout services’ and I was so very happy and absolutely loved my hair style. Now I am the type of girl that will and gladly spend hours on her make-up trying out new looks, different eye shadows and lipsticks, but when it comes to hair, I have a whole different set of rules.  Suffice to say hair has never been my strong suit, even as a teenager I would do the front of my hair and  “conveniently” forget the back! Hey it was enough that the front looked good! I know short sighted but that’s the way it was. Some habits never change and this is a habit that has followed me throughout my entire life. Right now I have a bob which I wash and damp dry and flat iron. Ten minutes tops! Recently I was invited to a FUN great event at The Palazzo and had a room. So why not try a new service as well?

My hair after

My hair after
Viva Blowout was amazing! They came to my room right on time and the stylist was very knowledgeable and gave me exactly the hair style that I was looking for!  The products that she used on my hair were all natural and they smelled terrific! All of my colleagues were blown away by the “NEW” stylish me!  Would I recommend Viva Blowout? In a heartbeat…YES!

The brain behind Viva Blowout Mickey Norton had a moment to spend some time chatting with me and answered the following questions:

Why did you start the business?  Because we are all busy I would call my hair dresser last minute for a blowout, sometimes she did not have time or if she did it wasn't the right time of day for me.  So I started thinking it would be so fantastic to have someone come to me without trying to have another errand to run too.

What is your background?  I have been in sales, I have so many last minute events that require me to attend, but I just didn't know what to do with my hair and love to have some different looks.

What about Vegas have you found challenging for Viva Blowout? Our female clients think a blowout is just left for that special day, however, it's really made for anyone that wants the salon look anytime of the week without going to the salon.  It's just not for those special days, it can be for just because you don't want to style your hair plus the benefit is that it lasts for days. 

Any funny stories?  Since we are in the privacy of client personal space, anything goes and our stylist know that what happens there stays there... It is Vegas at the end of the day, so they have seen a lot! Lol...Our stylist also sign confidentially agreements to not discuss clients encounters.

What have you found fulfilling about running and owning your own business? How many women have thought this concept was what they needed.  How it takes the stress away from finding a sitter, running across town, not to mention how many things happen on every day of the week in our town, from conventions to opening parties down to date night.  This town is endless and women want to look their best for them all.

What is something that you learned while running your business that you have no idea that would ever come up? I have learned so much, women allow so much on their plate for a day that everything is possible, we have everything mapped down to the precise time, we are all A type personalities. That is why our stylist have to stay on track and make sure that our clients blowout is completed in 30/40 minutes.  

Also, because our hours are 7 AM- 10 PM, that allows for more flexibility for clients.  We can be there before the kids get up, before you head to the day pool, or if you are a night owl we got those times available too and the best part it is a cashless experience one less errand to run to get cash.

What's next for your business? We would love to focus on Concierge industry. We all want to be pampered, but at the same time have convenience of someone coming to me and that's what we do!

What do you do in your down-time...if you have any! Lol, mother of 2 I don't know the meaning of down time.  I help various So. NV charities and have been so appreciative of time constraints.  When all my "to-do" list is completed, I am a movie junkie, love supporting a good flick some buttery popcorn and an  Icee. That's my guilty pleasure.

What has been the single accomplishment that stands out in your mind with Viva Blowout? I am so very proud of having this idea for the last 2 years to finally just pulling the trigger and believing. I have put together great stylist that truly know hair and truly know the meaning of blowing and going.

I have placed myself into every woman’s shoe or stiletto (lol), by offering a time saver, without having to carry cash.

Any other items that you would like to add? Support local businesses, support women!! All that good stuff!
Another great client 
So listen up local ladies and ladies that are coming to Vegas if you are looking for a wonderfully pampering experience call Viva Blowout and book now!

A customized experience, tailored to perfection with personal attention.

Regular Blowout- 4 or more hours of notice - $60 (tip included)
Express Blowout- Less than 4 hours of notice - $100 (tip included)
Ask about the different Viva Blowout styles.  

Las Vegas, Nevada
844-214-VIVA (8482)
info@vivablowout.com

Friday, February 13, 2015

FREE For LV Locals! Tower Pass At The Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower

The view from the iconic Stratosphere Tower, the tallest freestanding tower West of the Mississippi River, is something everyman and everywoman should experience. That’s why for a limited time, every Nevada local can experience the view near the top of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower at no cost.

Beginning Sunday, February 22, 2015 and continuing through Saturday, February 28, 2015, bring a Nevada ID to the Stratosphere Ticket Center located on the casino level near Roxy’s Diner and receive a Tower Pass for free. Each adult will receive one free Tower pass. Tower admission will also be free for children under 18 years of age who are accompanied by an adult. (That’s a $56 value for a family of four!)

The Tower pass provides free access to Stratosphere’s Indoor and Outdoor Observation decks, each offering unmatched panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley, mountain ranges and world famous Las Vegas Strip. 

The Indoor Observation deck, located on Level 108, provides an incredible view from behind floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring helpful signs and facts about Las Vegas’ points of interest. The Outdoor Observation deck, on Level 109, is the highest viewing area in Las Vegas, allowing guests to soak in the spectacular sights in the open-air.

Those who wish to also experience the thrill rides on top of Stratosphere Tower, X-Scream, Insanity, and Big Shot, will need to purchase tickets. Rides are $15 each, or $28 for a wristband allowing unlimited rides per day.

“The Stratosphere Tower is known around the world.  In fact, it is often used by television, newspaper and magazines to represent Las Vegas,” said Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower general manager Paul Hobson. “We take pride in the Tower’s international iconic status and want the locals who live and work in and around our city to experience the million dollar views for free.”

The Basics of the Free Tower Week for Nevada Locals:
Sunday, February 22 to Saturday, February 28, 2015.
Free Tower Pass available to anyone with Nevada ID, 21 years of age and older.
Bring ID to Stratosphere Ticket Center, adjacent to Roxy’s Diner on the casino floor level.
Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Thrill Rides are not free but available for $15 per ride or an unlimited wristband pass for $28.
Stratosphere Tower is open from 10 a.m. - 1 a.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The week long free Tower access for Nevada locals is another example of the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower’s commitment to “Take Vegas Back,” a fun, faux movement that embraces Las Vegas’ founding philosophies providing real fun for real people without all the pretense. Visitors who join the “Take Vegas Back” movement receive access to Stratosphere’s best room rates and a number of special values. Additional information can be found at www.TakeVegasBack.com

The free week of access for locals kicks off the property’s Random Acts of Rewards™ , a series of surprise benefits bringing value and fun back to Las Vegas for those who play and stay at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower.  Many employees, from the property’s general manager on down, will be surprising Stratosphere guests with on-the-spot Random Acts of Rewards™, offering guests the kind of “freebies” you won’t find anywhere else on the Strip. Surprises could include one or more of the following: a “comped” meal, free drinks, tickets to see PIN UP™ featuring Claire Sinclair, free Thrill Rides, free hotel stays and more.

Professional or commercial equipment of any type (including tripods, monopods, large lenses and lighting gear) are prohibited without advance approval by the Stratosphere Marketing Department.  Small, personal cameras and camcorders are allowed. 

For more information, visit StratosphereHotel.com, call 702-380-7777 or 800-99-TOWER (998-6937).


RHUMBAR Has A Refreshing Redesign! Stop On By! At The Mirage

New Patio

New Bar

One of the most popular cocktail bars in Las Vegas has unveiled a refreshing redesign.  RHUMBAR, located in a tropical outdoor oasis at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, has reimagined its relaxing outdoor patio and indoor lounge space with an array of new design features including a new green and teal palette, adding excitement to its Caribbean-meets-Las Vegas vibe.

Outside, oversized furniture and lush cushions lend to a relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by new state-of-the-art heaters, misters and four patio covers to keep guests cool in the infamous desert heat. Mood lighting softens the bright Vegas lights, making RHUMBAR an ideal spot to enjoy a fun, relaxing night while enjoying the views of The Strip. Inside, the 2,600-square-foot lounge flaunts bold splashes of color against a white background for a vibrant, modern design. New interior bench seating provides a soft, colorful area to lounge as visitors sip on their favorite frozen drinks.

The lounge and patio are open from noon until 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and noon until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more information about RHUMBAR, visit www.rhumbarlv.com. Follow RHUMBAR on Twitter @RHUMBAR and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhumbarLV. 

Item 7: Who's ready for a night of laughs and a clean, happy pup? Value $365

Item 7: Who's ready for a night of laughs and a clean, happy pup? Value $365 We're giving you the chance to win a fantastic "Cl...