Best of the Best in Las Vegas

Ok - I admit it. I LOVE Las Vegas.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that there is ALWAYS something new to see and do when you visit. (I should know, I've been there five times).

So for those who may be "First Timers" or looking for something different, I thought it would be useful to create a list of  the BEST of the BEST in Las Vegas for food and drink (plus one must-try activity!)

Best New Activity to Try:

A visit to the Guns and Ammo Garage is a MUST. As a Canadian, I've never even seen a gun up close - let alone shot one.

After being debriefed on safety issues with the safety officer, Nick Sherrot, I was instructed to take aim with each gun and shoot one or two times at a shadowed target, to get used to their kick.....

I was then encouraged to just to "go for it." I shot an AK47, an UZI and a Glock 9mm.

Yes, I was nervous at first, but was thrilled once I got the hang of each gun. By the end, my arms were shaking but my confidence and adrenaline was at an all-time high. http://gunsandammogarage.com/





Best Bang for Your Buck:

You can eat yourself silly at the Carnival World Buffet inside the Rio Hotel. Here, you can try diverse food from around the globe. The stations are organized by cuisine type including Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Asian-and for those less adventurous -American. There are vegetarian and vegan-friendly options along with made-to-order items such as the delectable soups and noodles at the Asian station. A rookie mistake is filling up your plate before walking through the entire restaurant.

The dinner buffet is $30 (all prices in U.S. dollars) and includes non-alcoholic drinks. I was a bit deterred when I arrived due to the incredibly long line up to get in, however, there is a VIP section along the side I discovered for those who purchase the buffet with their show ticket at the hotel. http://www.riolasvegas.com/restaurants/carnival-world-buffet.html#.UVYVaDez3gU

Best Place to Celebrate

One restaurant with the most imaginative cuisine I've ever eaten is TAO at the Venetian. It's definitely a place for celebrating and a dining experience that won't soon be forgotten. My favourite dishes were the braised short ribs and the yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos.

The giant fortune cookie dessert is a must-try, which is partially dipped in chocolate, filled with white and dark chocolate mousse, and decorated with fruit. The surroundings are dark and luxurious with a giant Buddha fountain in the centre, and rose-petal filled baths adorning the entrance. A booth is ideal if you can snag one to take in the surroundings. The prices are higher (main dishes $30 to $45 range), but definitely worth it. http://taorestaurantlv.com/

Best Place to People Watch

Fat Bar overlooks the busiest street in the world-the Las Vegas strip. And if you've never heard of Fat Bar, think Fat Burger - with a twist. It's the flagship location of Fat Burger and the first to have a full bar. You can eat a burger right out on the strip along with your favourite beverage. The experience is enhanced by the misty water overhead to keep you cool in the Vegas sun. The 200-seat retro-style circular bar with big screen TVs can be accessed from the street and is open 24 hours a day.

Most days, there is a girl out front handing out coupons for the bar. The price is right and will satisfy any appetite, starting at $3.29 for the small burger all the way up to the XXXL burger at $9.69. http://www.examiner.com/article/vegas-strip-fatburger-renovates-opens-fat-bar

Best Place to be Entertained

The Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Hilton) features a unique restaurant called Benihana, where Japanese food is served at the teppan-yaki table (several guests are seated around a steel grill) to enjoy a meal cooked right before them by a chef who is also an entertainer.

From the vegetable fried rice shaped into a heart to the onions lit on fire (on purpose), it makes for a spectacular dining show.

It's also a great way to meet people. I opted for sake (my first time) with my meal. It wasn't my favourite, but I learned later Japanese beer is ideally served with it to make it more palatable.

The pricing is middle of the road (main dishes $30 and under). http://www.thelvh.com/Hotel/dining/finedining/benihana





Best Concept-Dining Experience

The Pampas Brazilian Grille, located inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, is for meat-lovers. The concept is simple: 11 different types of meats are served on a long skewer and brought to your table to be carved tableside.

And trust me when I say, by the time you are done, you are truly done. The pricing is fair ($39.95 for the meat extravaganza) and a tasty way to try Brazilian food. http://www.pampasusa.com/

Best Exotic Drink to Try

The Hyde Bellagio wins hands-down when it comes to a unique drink experience. The lounge (which also serves up tasty appetizers) boasts several beautiful women in short, gold dresses who provide tableside mixology carts to guests (bringing the full bar experience right to the table). 

I was able to try their newest “Liquid Nitrogen Cocktail,” where the mixologist uses a bowl of fresh fruit, juice and liquors, and adds liquid nitrogen to freeze the whole thing together, and serves it with a spoon. Think sorbet with a kick. It was absolutely incredible.  It is a bit pricey at $20.00 per drink, but is a must-try at least once, and a great way to enjoy the spectacular Bellagio fountains right outside the window. http://www.bellagio.com/nightlife-diversions/hyde.aspx

Me, Joe and my mom in Excalibur

Best Vegas Value Deal

And if you are really down on your luck by the end of your stay in Las Vegas, or for those who simply want a cheap deal – visit the Excalibur’s “Sherwood Sports Bar”. 

They feature a hot dog and a beer for $5.00.  It’s a simple hot dog and beer; however, it’s the bartenders who make it fun.  

 I ended up here twice during my time in Las Vegas when the black-jack tables weren’t in my favour. When you’re there, ask for Joe. ;) http://www.excalibur.com/

Me pool-side at the Excalibur

And of course, there's always hanging by the pool, sipping on a pina colada and taking in the beautiful desert sunshine!

 

Living to Inspire

When I started writing, I wanted to inspire more women who were mothers to rethink what they deemed possible in their lives.

I wrote a parenting column about being a stay at home mom. It later evolved in to presentations.  I also founded a website www.thestayathomemother.com which provided information, tips and advice for at-home moms.

The website and concept later evolved  in to a company that taught moms how to go in to business for themselves. The name was Enterprising Moms Inc. We had monthly meetings, great speakers and annual events for women to showcase their businesses.

I did that for five years, and later sold the company after it had grown beyond me (15 chapters across Canada and hundreds of members).

I felt that chapter of my life had been about inspiring and empowering women with the right tools and information to utilize in their lives.

Then, I decided I wanted to break another myth about what we deem possible in our lives. And that is, to live and accomplish our dreams. 

So on my 39th birthday, I chose 40 goals to accomplish before my 40th birthday. They ranged from crazy adventures (skydiving, snowboarding) to traveling to incredible places (Bora Bora, Costa Rica) to meeting dynamic people (Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson).

I managed to accomplish them all before my 40th birthday and prove that what limits we have in our lives are self-imposed. Think you can't do something? Start by telling yourself you can, and you are already half-way there.

What was great about my 40 under 40 column that I wrote for the newspaper was the effect it had on other people. I received countless emails from readers who were also inspired to apply it to their own lives.

One particular good friend, has launched her own 40 Before 40 list and is actively working on knocking each one down. Her name is Eva Hamori and she is a very inspiring person, and I do invite you to keep up with her blog to see where she is on her list :

http://www.thatshamori.com/2012/12/14/40-before-40/

To give you an idea of her ability to reach her goals - last year, her and her family sold everything in South Surrey, BC and moved to the South of France to run a bed and breakfast.

Amazing.

Here is their B & B:

http://lepetitplatane1.fatcow.com/

At the end of the day, inspiring others to achieve their own goals and meeting like-minded individuals along the way, is what makes what I do all the more meaningful.  In the past six months, my 40 under 40 column, evolved in to a travel/adventure column. I write for several publications throughout PostMedia Network Inc, Glacier Media and 24 Hours.

I have been able to "marry" two loves in my life - my writing and my desire to travel.

Next week, I'm off to the Grand Cayman Islands. I've never been, but I understand it is glorious - and I can't wait.

Life is an adventure and is meant to be lived to its fullest.

Here's hoping that today, you take one step towards making a goal in your own life a reality.

Discovering San Francisco by Cable Car



Yes, I love San Francisco!

When I visited San Francisco for a quick two day trip with the family, I tried desperately to plan out every minute; trying to make the most out of our trip.

I wanted us to visit the national historic landmark Alcatraz, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and walk along Fisherman’s Wharf on the waterfront.



Alcatraz from a distance

The children loved learning about Alcatraz and being able to check out the prison cells and the views from the small island.

They marveled over the Golden Gate Bridge and the views from it.

They also enjoyed walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, having some delicious fish and chips from the Fog Harbor Fish House while watching the sea lions in the Bay.



Please don't let me fall off! LOL

However what they think really delighted and surprised us the most, was riding the cable cars on our second day, and discovering interesting places along the way. Visitors can walk down to the turntable at Fisherman’s Wharf to catch one, or can pick it up along the stops by jumping on during its brief stops at various corners. A one-day pass costs $13.00 and children 4 and under are free.

What I liked most was being able to get off when we spotted something of interest and check it out. For instance, we made a stop at one of the crookedest streets in America (Lombard Street) which was also featured in the Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “Vertigo”.

The kids loved seeing the crazy hairpin turns of the road and it has great views from the top.

Our next hop off was at the cable car museum. It’s free to visit and the museum deck overlooks huge engines and the winding wheels that pull the cables. My nine-year-old son was enthralled by it.



Cable Car Adventure

Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street.

There are a few antique cable cars to view and tons of historic pictures line the walls.

A penny machine that costs fifty-one cents, allows children to immortalize their visit by embossing a cable car picture on to their penny.

We later got back on a cable car and took it up a few blocks to China Town, the largest China Town outside of Asia.

 The historic buildings are incredible, as are the bakeries and eateries along the way. The kids were also keen on visiting all the little shops that lined the streets.

 Our last stop of the day was at the Aquarium of the Bay. It's located along the water's edge and has tons of hands-on interactions with the marine life as well as an impressive crystal-clear overhead tunnel, which allows for fish to swim all around you as you walk through. A family rate (2 adults and 2 kids are $50.00).



Although there are many things to see and do in San Francisco that we will have to plan for another visit, the sheer spontaneity of the cable cars made it a fun, inexpensive way to explore and appreciate the city during the short time we had.

Disney Cruise Offers A Relaxing Family Vacation



My 6 year old daughter and I on our deck outside our cabin on the "Disney Wonder"

I’ve never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I think my biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. 

That’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions about taking a cruise.

We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to LA. It was a six-night repositioning cruise - which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-2,400 per person depending on cabin).

When we left the Vancouver port, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. However, I found myself still having some misgivings about leaving land behind.

My 9 year old son taking in the view from our deck as the sun went down

My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.

Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.

My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.

My daughter and her "Mickey" pancakes (notice "Fancy" Minnie ears!)

Each restaurant offers a different selection of food, different attire and different themes.  The food every night was exceptional. For breakfast, we opted for the buffet in the Topsiders restaurant. This was perfect for my children who are notorious for wanting different things in the mornings.

As food is included in our cruise, the children could “help themselves” throughout  the day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).

My next concern was keeping the kids busy.  This was soon dismissed after visiting the Disney clubs onboard, which provide different activities for different age groups. 

The Oceaneer’s Lab offered interactive activities like science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and The Oceaneer’s Club (3-12), which had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring; which was ideal for my daughter.  

My daughter and Sleeping Beauty

Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.

Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child, which is a great security measure. There is also a “wave” phone for parents to take with them, to be contacted by the club at any time, wherever they are on the ship.

The club was great for our children to meet other kids from around the world and spend time doing things they loved. It also was a perfect time for my husband and me to spend a dinner or activity alone (thus able to indulge ourselves as well during the vacation).

"Goofy" photo op

Our room on the cruise had a balcony with a surprisingly large, roomy cabin. We had a queen bed with bunk beds, which were a big hit with the children.

A Disney crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day. The evening service offers turn down service (with special touches like a towel turned in to the shape of an animal and chocolates on the pillows).

There was an itinerary provided each night to use as a reference as to what activities and special events were going on the next day. It was great to know where the Disney characters would be on the ship (which we couldn’t get enough of) and choose which activities we wanted to do as a family (there were dozens to choose from).

If you asked either of my children what their favourite part of the trip was, it would have to be the pool. Both of them could hardly wait to get on the large water slide. They loved swimming in the pool despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco; the children were oblivious to it.  

The entertainment aboard the ship was beyond spectacular. The live-shows each night in the Walt Disney Theatre gave shows on Broadway a run for their money (particularly one show called “Disney Dreams”).  The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our “favourite” parts afterwards.

I was able to run each morning on the top deck of the ship which had a track for walkers and runners. There was also a gym which I enjoyed using and a spa to unwind in for some “me” time.

I also enjoyed being in the cabin and sitting out on my deck. I loved looking out at the water and taking in the breath taking views. 

The Disney Wonder docked in San Francisco

I found peace on a family vacation - who knew that was possible as a parent?

On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.

Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes.

And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYO13uXA

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYNYkCKv

I've never figured myself for a cruising kind of girl. I grew up taking airplanes, long road trips and camping in the woods. So when I had the opportunity to take my two children (aged nine and six) on the Disney Wonder Cruise, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My biggest fear was feeling like I was trapped with nothing to do once I left port. We took the Disney Wonder from Vancouver with a stop over in San Francisco, carrying on to L.A. It was a six-night repositioning cruise, which offers great deals when you can snag one (approximately $830-$2,400 per person depending on cabin).
When we left Vancouver, the kids danced to live music on the pool deck with Disney characters. But I still had misgivings about leaving land behind.
My first concern was food. The Disney Wonder provides several restaurants throughout the ship. One of the great things was that we were given a designated table number and time every night, so we always knew our table (never had to wait) and the kids were happy to stick to their same dinner time each night.
Disney has a rotational dining experience, which allows guests to experience all the restaurants on board during their cruise.
My six-year old daughter was thrilled she could wear her fancy ball gown during some evenings and my nine year old son was content when he could show up in runners and jeans.
As food is included in our cruise, the children could "help themselves" all day with hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps and serve-yourself ice cream on the pool deck (this was a big novelty for the kids).
Another concern was keeping the kids busy. I needn't have worried. The Oceaneer's Lab offers interactive activities such as science experiments, cooking classes and computers (which my son loved) and the Oceaneer's Club (3-12) had crafts, dress up, music, and colouring, which was ideal for my daughter.
Edge is a club for ages 11-14 and Vibe for ages 14-17. There is also a nursery for those with babies.
Each child is provided a GPS wrist band as they enter the club and parents must provide a password for when they pick up their child. A "wave" phone is also distributed to all parents to carry with them and be contacted by the club at any time.
The kids clubs were great for our children to meet other kids and spend time engaged in activities they loved. It also allowed alone time for my husband and I.
Our roomy cabin had a balcony, queen bed and a bunk bed. A crew member made up our beds and cleaned our room twice per day.
A helpful itinerary is provided each night to use as a reference to plan the next day's activities.
But it was the pool that most delighted my children. They could hardly wait to get on the large water slide and go swimming despite the colder weather from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The nightly live-shows in the Walt Disney Theatre certainly give Broadway productions a run for their money (particularly one show called "Disney Dreams"). The children looked forward to the evening shows and we always returned back to our cabin each night to discuss our "favourite" parts.
My exercise included a morning run on the top deck of the ship that had a track for walkers and runners and a visit to the gym and spa for some "me" time.
Life is as busy as you want to make it on a cruise, but I relished sitting on the balcony outside our cabin and simply looking out at the water. I found peace on a family vacation. Who knew that was possible as a parent?
On one particular night, guests were encouraged to dress like pirates and come on the main deck for a show. Once there, we were treated to a pirate dual with lots of music and dancing. We even witnessed Mickey Mouse zip line down from the top of the ship.
Soon after, fireworks shot off over the ocean and I looked down at my children with amazement in their eyes. And with all my misgivings gone, I found myself never wanting the cruise to end.


Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/Disney+cruise+offers+peace+parents/7620704/story.html#ixzz2DYNYkCKv