Viva Las Vegas

For Nel's 30th Birthday, we took a weekend trip to Las Vegas with some of our closest friends.  This was my first time in the city, and we had a blast.  The Strip was hot, lively, and entertaining...never a dull moment.  We wanted to share a few photos of the sights with you...

We stayed at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, which was very elegant and comes highly recommended.

The pools were refreshing on that scorching summer day.  My favorite was the river pool to the bottom right.

We had a spectacular view from our room of the pool area and The Strip.  The city lights at night provided a gorgeous sight.

We spent some time in New York New York.  Inside the casino, the architecture mimicked an outdoor New York City neighborhood.

Here is a glimpse of New York New York from across the street.

The MGM Grand was just that....Very Grand.  Inside, a popular lion exhibit attracted many.  Visitors were able to walk through a glass tunnel and look above to view lions sleeping right over their heads.

We loved Paris Las Vegas as it brought back sweet memories of one of our favorite places on Earth.

The legs of the Eiffel Tower protruded through the interior of the Paris casino.

Happy Birthday to you, Nel, and may the upcoming decade be even more enjoyable than the last!

"I Think That's A Sign"

In the movie, 'Under The Tuscan Sun,' the Contessa wouldn't sell her house to Frances until she got some kind of a "sign" first.   Then, as you know, she got a big sign with bird droppings falling all over Frances' head.  I believe in signs, too.  There has been so many times when something out of the ordinary happened at just the right time, and I took it as a wonderous "sign." 

We are also intrigued with real SIGNS that we come across in our everyday lives.  Here are a few SIGNS that we wanted to share with you.

Have a nice weekend.  This sign is for you...



Insalata Caprese

This Italian salad compliments a number of meals.  It can also be eaten as a snack or used as an appetizer for a fun party.  Insalata Caprese is so simple to make and is absolutely delicious!  

I picked up some tomatoes from my local farmer's market for the recipe.  It's amazing how much better produce tastes from farmers' markets as opposed to most grocery stores.  All you need for this recipe are sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves... and a glass of wine if you please ;-)

The salad is usually topped with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but since I ran out, I splashed on a bit of Tuscan Italian dressing.  

Salt and pepper to taste and Enjoy!

Celebrating Independence Since 1776

The Fourth of July in Huntington Beach is a festive affair!  

 

Downtown cottages are adorned with red, white, and blue decor.  

The parade moves through Main Street entertaining all.  

The scents of charcoal barbecue and sea breeze fill the air.  Tourists take to the beaches, and locals lounge on their decorated porches. 

At night, fireworks are lit off from the pier providing a spectacular show above.  We'll be celebrating here with barbecued carne asada, veggie and smoked sausage kabobs, and Nel's famous macaroni salad.

What are YOU doing for the Fourth of July?  We hope you and your families have a fabulous holiday....

Drive safe ;-)

A Pleasant Surprise

I was in the drive-up line getting coffee at Starbucks, and it was my turn to order.  The lady at the window said to me, "Good Morning, my love."  I just looked at her in surpirse.  Have you ever been called  "my love" when ordering something through drive through?  I know I haven't.  We talked a bit, I got my coffee, smiled, and drove away.  This was one cup of coffee that was especially good.  As I was driving home, I thought about how people can brighten your day with just a few words.  These flowers are for the lady at Starbucks, and for you...

Have a nice day, my love.

Tea Time

Lately, we have been wanting to take time out each day to enjoy a cup  of tea.  We like the English tradition that has been carried on for so many years, and we thought we would enjoy it as well.  I have to say, it is very soothing after a hectic day.  We all have our own favorite blends that we make, and mine is English Breakfast.  I also like the taste of orange in my tea.

Nel has tea time around 4:00 each day, and with her busy schedule, she really appreciates this simple pleasure.  Her favorite is the Chai tea.

Jess enjoys the Green tea with her lovely 'flamingo' cup.

We hope you take time out of your busy day to sip on a hot cup of tea.  You'll be glad you did.

Day at the Beach

"The sun on my face

The sand in my toes

Makes any day a delight.

Hunting for seashells

And surfing the waves

Makes everything seem all right.

Building a castle 

Fit for a king

Makes all my dreams within reach.

Wearing those shades 

And getting a tan

Makes a great day at the beach!"

~Author Unknown