Maroon 5

Las Vegas has the best concerts/entertainment hands down compared to anywhere in the U.S. Last night I was at the Mandalay Bay to see Maroon 5 and boy was that a good concert. They sang a lot of their older stuff but mostly stuck to the new stuff. I listen to this album in the morning on my walks, it's just so upbeat and keeps me going with some great tunes. They are going to be in concert tonight for New Year's Eve, not sure if they are sold out but wouldn't doubt it based on how packed it was last night.

American Country Awards

Last night I was out at the Mandalay Bay,  first for a quick run through the the Country Market Place and then to attend the 2013 American Country Awards. What a line up and treat to see Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick host the award show. The night was packed with some of country's biggest names- can you believe I saw all of these people in one night? Gotta love that country music:

Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, jake owen, Brad paisle, Kellie Pickler, Sheryl Crow, Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, LeAnn Rimes, Justin Moore, Randy Houser, Luke Bryan, Jewel, Dwight Yoakam, Sara Evans, Cowboy Troy, Scotty McCreery, Thompson Square, Chris Young, Olivia Newton-John, Clay Walker, Joe Nichols and parmalee.

                    

Bluesy Kinda Night with Wynonna

Concert night last night was in the Orleans show room, last time I was in that show room was to see LeeAnne Wormack and boy is that a nice intimate little room to see anybody in. Who doesn't love Wynonna's bluesy, raw, beautiful voice? I have loved her music for years and last night was a treat but ….. what I didn't like and did not expect is how ungracious she was to her audience almost to the point of being kinda mean. She played for about an hour and half and when she finished she left the stage and never came back for an encore ….hmmmmm maybe she was having a bad night? don't know but it really rubbed me the wrong way. But …love that earthy sound she has. Wynonna ….it's the holiday season, BE NICE.

Shania ….AGAIN

Yup that's right last week I was able to take in the Shania Twain show at Caesars Palace for the 2nd time. So glad I was able to catch the show again Shaina doesn't disappoint, the show was just as good if not better the second time around. Had a great evening with lots of friends. If you love good country music and a beautiful production you will love this show.

Garth Brooks …WOW, WOW & WOW

Last night was an ultimate best for me when Greg and I went to the Garth Brooks show, you know the one that aired LIVE on TV last night? It was a full 2 plus hours of great music and lots and lots of laughter. Who knew this guy was such a great story teller and funny? I think if he must have been a comic in his other life. He started telling his story of how he got started and who influenced him in his music. He took you through the 60's all the way up to the present time. His wife Trisha Yearwood was also there and came on stage to sing a few songs too. We had seen her in concert in Laughlin some years ago …big fan of both. After the TV taping was over Garth and Trisha stayed a put on another mini 40 min concert for us. The show was great and the Encore show room was nice and intimate. Our seats were perfect…dead center about 15 rows in. Love you guys at House Seats and wow…hand delivering my tickets to my house was a big big plus.

Rod Stewart… Yikes!!

Can you say Score??? yup I scored 4 tickets last Sunday night to go see Rod Stewart at Caesars  Palace. There were a total of 8 of us who went and oh what a show. He stayed true to the Rod I grew up listening to. He sang all his old classics and boy did he put on one great show. You just can't beat a show in the Colosseum, it's just so beautiful. If you live in Vegas ….get there before he ends his show. If you a coming to Vegas ….get there, you will be so happy you did.

Such a loss

Can't believe 3 years have pasted since we lost our dear friend Patty. Everyone who knew her loved her. She always had such joy in her life and her heart. For those of you who did not know her you missed out on one special soul and for those of us who were lucky enough to know her we all miss that funny, beautiful person who arrived at every party, class or event singing. We miss you "Patty cakes" hope you are singing your heart out up there….I hear you.

Just call me Martha

Really? 2 days in a row I'm in the kitchen whipping up something fabulous? Today I made chicken Pot pies and used my fancy little pot pie tin that my friend Tanya bought me. It sure is handy and makes the nicest little pies, great for Greg and I, eat 2 tonight and freeze the other 2 for another night.
Love it Tanya ...thanks so much I know it will get alot of oven time now that the weather is about to change.

OH Yum

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

(1) 15 oz pumpkin
(1) Box Vanilla pudding
(1) block cream cheese
(1) container Cool Whip
Sugar to taste
Cinnamon on top

Serve with Graham crackers - and all I can say is "Yum". I made this simple pumpkin dip for my class today and Regina made the most delicious Weight Watcher Pumpkin spice muffins and what a feast.
Great class today ladies, loved all the Viking Knit colors and embellishments but most of all the energy in class today was amazing.

Too cute

Cats Stealing Dog Beds

Clark County Shooting Range

Last week we met some friends at the Clark County Shooting range for a morning of shooting and then lunch. Fun morning with George and Petya and I think I have improved since the last time we went shooting. Between my kickboxing and shooting I am becoming one "bad ass" ....NOT. Thanks guys for joining us!!

Another great year

Just wanted to drop a quick post to thank everyone for all the beautiful cards,thoughts, wishes and gifts I received for my birthday. It was a very special day and what makes it more special is that I have all of you as family and friends....thanks everyone.

Congratulations Ronna

Last night Greg and I were invited to help our friend Ronna celebrate her graduation from The Dale Carnegie 12 week Human Resource  Leadership program. We really didn't know what to expect we just knew we wanted to be there to support her. The graduation was at the Metro Headquarters and of course Ronna showed us where "bad boys, bad boys" do their training sessions. When the program started all the students had to introduce themselves and their guest and then address each guest individually by using one of the many Dale Carnegie principals, which is to give honest and sincere appreciation for that person with intention to tell him or her what and why they admired about them and give a specific example. Ronna said the nicest things to Greg and I and I have to admit she did bring a tear to my eye. After all the guests had been addressed then all the students had to get up and give a 3 min. speech ... Ronna is an excellent speaker. Shortly after there were a few special awards and one award is only given to the ONE person in the class that was the most outstanding achiever during the 12 weeks ....yup you got it, Ronna took that award along with a few others. Congratulations Ronna, thank you for including Greg and I in your special evening we really enjoyed it ...yes even the group sessions we had to participate in, that took me back to my corporate days.

I hope you dance

Today would have been my dear friends 70th birthday and I can't believe she is gone I miss her like crazy. Pat fought the bravest battle with cancer several times and finally lost that fight in 2010. We all loved her and miss her but I know for a fact she is singing and dancing up there looking down on us and thinking ...I had a great ride. Miss you so much Patty Cakes.

Home Sweet Home

Just back from California and had a wonderful visit with my kids and grand kids, I can't believe what farmers they have all become. My son and his chickens, turtles, dogs and dragon lizard (yuk) and my daughters garden with pumpkins, flowers and beautiful plants. Had a great time but OMG am I exhausted. Was able to spend an evening with all my favorite Orange County friends and we all got caught up on our lives ....friends like that are forever seems like I have never been away from them.

She did not want us to pick that egg up

Every morning I would hear this sweet little girl yell "Egg Alert, Egg Alert" and it was our time to go on a daily "Easter Egg Hunt" she is just the sweetest little girl in the world.

Kaleb's first day of school ...7th grade!!! can't believe it

 Grandma's evening out with Kaleb ...Dinner and a movie, "Kick Ass 2" Well Boys will be Boys.

Earth Wind and Fire

Yup the guys were at the Venetian last night and tore up the house. Wow! they were so great and boy they really had everybody dancing all night, don't think we sat down more than 5 min. The concert was filmed last night for HSN who now partners with the Venetian with some of the concerts. One big treat last night is when they rolled in a grand piano and David Foster took the stage with the guys to play a few songs he had a hand in. Great night, great music and a whole lotta fun.

Tuacahn Center for the Arts Presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Exp...

Just home from our annual trip to Tuachan just outside St. George Utah,If you have never been try to go next year. Tuachan is just 20 min. from St. George and the Tuachan theater puts on some of the greatest productions ever. The setting is outdoors with the red rocks as a backdrop to the shows. This year we caught Andrew Lloyd Weber's Starlight Express.

One Wild and Crazy Lady

Margaret walked into my class the other day wearing her new "Dexter" rubber apron ....you Dexter fans can appreciate this. What a hoot! You made my day Margaret. If you haven't seen the Dexter Series you can catch it on Netflix streaming it is in it's last season now. Great show but not for the faint of heart.

New stuff on my Etsy shop

Surprise ...Happy Birthday Margaret

Shhhhh ....don't tell anyone but Margaret just had one of those milestone birthdays and her kids and husband threw her a super surprise party at their country club Saturday night and then had a really nice brunch on Sunday at the Paris Hotel. She has some great friends, a few that she grew up with flew in from Wisconsin and lots and lots of family and friends flew in from all over. It was great to meet them all ...Thanks Nina, Cornelius, Alex and of course Peter for including Greg and I we had such a nice time. Happy Birthday Margaret

Good JuJu

I can't believe how many of my friend are either in the hospital or getting ready to go into the hospital for serious medical procedures or illnesses. I just wanted to post this to let you all know I wish you all well and only good JuJu.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert

Last night I was out with friends to see Priscilla Queen Of The Desert at the Venetian. I had forgotten how beautiful that theater is; I guess the last time I was in that venue was to see The Phantom Of The Opera. The show was fabulous, funny, colorful and so entertaining throw in great music and that makes for one hell of a good night. If you get the chance this is a "must see" feel good show, you just can't help but smile,laugh and sing all night.

Wanna save some money and still have your favorite coffee?

Wolfgang Puck coffee pods from Amazon

How cool is this? make your own pods

I love to have a great cup of coffee or even a Latte each morning before I start the day. I love my Cuisinart espresso maker, first of all because it just makes such great coffee and because it's so easy to use and secondly because it takes coffee pods or the ground coffee from beans.
On work days I really like the ease of using the pods and so I used to buy the coffee pods from the Internet and take my chances on getting good fresh coffee. You never really know how old the coffee is or if it's in stock and then you have to wait for it to be shipped.

I think I must have died and gone to Latte heaven. I just bought these empty pods and this nifty little sealer to make my own pods. Love this idea Do you know how cheap the BIG bag of Starbucks coffee beans are when you get them at Sam's Club? Of course you have to start with good beans and a great coffee grinder is a must (a burr grinder, I have had mine for a few years now). Check it out, I made about a dozen pods in just under 10 min. Woo-hoo, no more stale coffee and no more waiting for the postman to bring the pods

Tangled up in blues? ....more like red

I really hate "man movies" but I just couldn't resist this logo is perfect for Zentangle

Zentangle

Last month I was looking around on Pintrest and saw some black and white images that I loved. I have always been drawn to these types of images and thought how cool would it be to be able to draw them and then etch them onto copper for jewelry. Who knew there is a name for this fancy doodling? It's called Zentangle and I am obsessed with it, I am trying to do a "tangle" a night, here are a few of my  latest tangles.

So you think you can dance? watch this to the end

My friend Pat sent me this and I just had to share it. Thanks Pat it really made my day

Shania ...Wow

What a night last night was ...all I can say is WOW! went to the Shania Twain show at Ceasers Palace.
Her sets, costumes, lighting, dancers and band were out of this world, and oh did I mention the beautiful white horse she was riding on stage? She is back and better than ever, her show was outstanding and the way she interacts with the audience you can just feel she loves every minute of it.
What a great show, if you get a chance you have to get over to see her. Thanks House Seats for another great show with the best seats in town.

Poor Little Rizzo

Friday after my class Greg noticed a big bump on Rizzo's left shoulder that wasn't there the day before so we rushed him over to Dr. George and he said it looked like cancer and needed to take it off ASAP.
Lucky for Rizzo we caught it in time and it hadn't attached to any other organs and Dr. George was able to get it all out. Rizzo stayed 2 nights in the Dr. office and is now home recovering. Thanks Dr. George you are the best vet in town.

Aloha

Last week our son (Ben) and his girlfriend Julie had planned to come for a visit. They are both from Hawaii but Julie's job took her to San Francisco about 1.5 years ago. Now they have decided to move back to Hawaii and that means we unfortunately we won't be able to see them as often. On Mother's day our daughter (Vickey) called to wish me a happy Mother's Day and I told her Greg was on the phone with her brother making plans for him to come that following Wed. Vickey decided she would get a flight out so we could all be together. What a great visit we had, I can't believe how old our children are now....I guess it is bound to happen. Thanks Ben, Julie and Vickey for the best visit ever.

(L-R) Greg, Vickey, Julie, Ben

I'm on Fire

What a fun day I had at one of our local glass blowing studios. I was really there just to check the place out while on a tour and they volunteered me to take a quick lesson. They taught me how to make a twisted glass leaf and it was pretty easy and lots of fun. If you have a chance check them out: http://studioroyal.com

Who Knew?

Who the heck knew we have the ONLY distillery in Nevada? I went on a tour today of the Las Vegas Distillery where they make vodka, bourbon, rum & Gin using local products. The distillery is small in comparison to the distillery I visited while I was in Scotland but hey...WE GOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE STATE. These guys were so nice and spent so much time with us and have huge plans for their passion.
 To find out more about our local distillery go to:
http://www.vegas4locals.com/freelasvegasdistillery.html

Billy Elliot

Yesterday was another great day out at the Smith Center to see Billy Elliot. I'd seen the movie several years ago and really enjoyed it and so when I saw it was part of the 2013 Broadway series at the Smith Center I was thrilled. What made it even better was that I met a new friend there...actually she is a good friend of a friend. Jerry B has known Susan for years and for whatever reason we had never met so I asked Jerry, "does she have 3 eyes or something"? from then on we have referred to her as "3-eyed Susan" and before you get all up in arms about it she knew it and thought it was funny. Jerry decided it was time we meet so she generously gave up her ticket to Susan. I was already in the theater when she arrived and when we finally met the first thing I said was.... oh wow you must have just had some major surgery done and you look great, and she replied "yes" I just had that 3rd eye removed. We had a great time and she is a wonderful person and I am so glad we finally met. Thanks Jerry for bringing yet another wonderful person into my world.

Happy Earth Day

Every year I make sure not to plan any classes on Earth Day because I look forward to going to see the special "Earth Day" movies that Disney puts out that are shown on Earth Day. Up until this year they have been so great, full of information and very uplifting...kinda feel good movies. It's a day that I take just for myself, no work, no stress  only a relaxing La-Dee-Dah Day. This year I was a little bummed out because Disney didn't get the movie together in time so they are holding it for next year. So here I am with no special day & no movie, instead I made an appointment to get my annual mammogram done (fun fun fun) and then I decided to go to the hospital to see my friend Carol (she has been moved way the heck out south on Lake Meade just past Warm Springs to a place called Clearview). I spent about 2 hours with her just filling her in on what everyone is up to and what is going on in the Jodi Aries trial and then gave her the foot massage I do for her each time I visit. So I leave there and head home and because I started my morning so darn early it was only 11 when I got back home. I told Greg I was missing the Earth Day Movie so we decided to go see a movie at the New Henderson Galaxy theater. We decided on the new Tom Cruise movie Oblivion and as it turned out was a movie about saving our planet Earth ...whaaaa? how the heck can that be? It was no Disney movie but it was such a nice place to see a movie I didn't really mind that it was a "Man Movie". The screen is HUGE and all the seats are recliners so no more moving when someone comes to the movies late and....you get to pick your seats and they are assigned to you so you don't have to go early to find a good seat. I highly recommend going to see a movie there,  if you go in the evening you might just want to have a glass of wine with that popcorn...yup they serve it up there too.

The Smith Center comes through once again

Just got home from the Smith Center, Las Vegas's somewhat new performing Arts Center. The performance today was Disney Beauty and the Beast. I normally don't like the whole Disney thing but this show was exceptional. I must have seen it at least once on stage because I always buy a coffee mug from the plays I attend and I already have one in my cabinet. The stage, the sets and costume were all so colorful it just puts you in a good mood. I have seen several plays and other types of shows at The Smith Center over the past  months and I can honestly say I haven't seen a bad performance yet. If you haven't been there ...go, it's so nice to have that venue virtually just down the street, great seats good friends and perfect day.... LOVE IT

What a great concert

 I have had a busy but fun month and just when I think It can't get any better I went to the Arlo Guthrie concert last night at the Smith center. I can't be live how awesome he still sounds, he has always been known for his great ability to tell a story that pulls you in and boy do his songs do just that. Who doesn't love Alice's Restaurant? He didn't do that one last night but sitting in that concert hearing his voice brought me back to one night in 1968 when I lived at the beach.

American Country Music Awards

Boy did I ever score when I got tickets from House Seats to attend the CMA awards Sunday. They were to be televised from 2 locations. The main location was the MGM hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan and the remote site was at the Orleans hosted by Brad Paisley. I was 19th in line for the Brad Paisley event and had great seats. The show was fantastic, we saw all the stuff going on at the MGM plus our own entertainment. At the very beginning of the show Blake and Luke came by our location to say "Hey" and then the show started. Perfect evening out with my sister, who wouldn't love a show where you get to see Brad P. Dirks Bentley, Jewel, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, John Mayer, Cheryl Crow, LL Cool J, John Fogerty and so many more I can't remember.
Just when you think It can't get any better they announce that Brad Paisley, Cheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood and John Fogerty were going to do a 2 hour concert for us....Yikes!! it was so fantastic! What a perfect way to end a great 3 week visit with my sister. Thanks Dennie for all you did while you were here and for a great visit.

This show definitely made up for the Bon Jovi

concert I got tickets to last week...(standing room show only) Was really looking forward to that one but we had the guys with us and they were not into that so we gave our tickets up.

Bling Bling and more Bling

Today was the last day of the ASD gift and merchandise show in Las Vegas and there was so much fun and so much bling. A full day of walking around looking at all the newest styles in jewelry, then a great lunch at the Venetian ...love the Grand Lux Cafe. These are some of the bracelets my sister and I brought home ....can you say bling???

Love It

Got a very nice surprise in the mail the other day when I got home from my Line Dance class. Couldn't imagine what the heck my friend Tanya was sending me...but look how cute.Tanya has always called me "The Boss" ever since I have known her and the mug is just perfect to keep all my class scissors at hand. If you look really close to the right of the mug you will see the sweetest little girl...yup that's my grand daughter Kaitlyn, Tanya must have pulled that photo off my blog and created this beautiful soldered necklace for me, the other side has a copy of an Icart, my favorite artist. Thanks so much Tanya for the very thoughtful gifts and I am so sorry it has been so hard to get together these past few months ...Do I have to say "see you in September?" again?

West Side Story

Another great show at the Smith Center this afternoon, who hasn't seen and loved West Side Story?
My friend Ardith had NEVER seen it even on TV. What a treat for both of us, I have seen this a million times on TV but  I hadn't seen on stage. Every song, every dance is so memorable .....Maria ...I just met a girl name Maria, that song will be stuck in my brain for days. For those of you who were around me after I went to Barbara Streisand concert will be happy that I am off of .....People, people who need people and now on to ....Maria! Great show and so glad I got to share it with one of my very special friends.

Missing my Dad

It was 3 years ago today that my father died. He was a person who loved life and people, I miss you dad.

Circus Oz ...a very unconventional circus

Circus Oz is a very interesting &  unconventional circus that is originally from Australia performing for over 30 years and is now touring here in America to share their talent ....yes I did say talent. I watched their video before going and knew what to expect from this circus which was going to be animal free & not a normal circus show or a Cirque de Soleil show. I figured since they were an Australian Troupe the humor was going to be very different from an American circus.  It was a little bit traditional old school circus blended with some physical comedy & a little jazz and rock and roll. The performers were trained in China for their acrobatics and were all very skilled.
I was pretty lucky to be able grab 4 tickets from House Seats and even luckier to sit in the Box seats at the Smith Center where they delivery your champagne and wine right to you. Very fun afternoon with lots of laughs with friends ...if this was a regular circus I wouldn't have bothered but with this show I totally enjoyed the day.

Girl Scout Thin Mint Cupcakes

Tomorrow in class we will be celebrating Lory's birthday and I had just bought  some yummy Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies so I'm thinking....Cupcakes? They might be the best chocolate cupcakes I have made to date. Made the chocolate batter from scratch and thew in a sleeve of crushed up cookies and frosted them with Mint Butter Cream Frosting. Happy Birthday Lory

Friends are so important

Most of you know about my friend Carol, some of you may have been in classes with her. Carol has been in the hospital since Oct. 2nd when she had surgery for a ruptured aneurysm. She has had a really rough road and still has a long long way to go. Today I went over to see her and I met June and Jerry at the hospital. She was so happy to see us all that the nurse said she cried when we left. She has an appointment with her Neurosurgeon this Thursday to schedule another big surgery so if any of you have plans to visit please try to go before then to give her a little extra moral support.

Southern Nevada Rehab Center

2945 Casa Vegas

735-7179 visiting 9-9pm

Room 206

A little birdie told me

Okay so I have been home in bed for 3 days with a really bad cold so what's a girl suppose to do but surf the web? I have been all over the web just lookie looing as they say. I am truly addicted to Pintrest and might have to start going to PA meetings in the near future. You can find the most unusual and useless gadgets but really ....how cute is this little crystal bird speaker for Ipods? I might have to put it in my "might have to get" basket ...I just love it!

@Beadmetaler#Las Vegas#2013#Happy New Year