Breaking out the big suitcases...

Doing more packing today. it seems so unreal that its almost time. I think I've bought everything I need to get, except a new battery charger for my camera.  I am so grateful that Southwest Airlines lets us check two bags for free.  I bought a new 29" Samsonite Polycarbonate hard-shell suitcase. It seems so light and thin, but the reviews (and my Tim) assured me that the polycarbonate material is very strong. Ill also take my old, big suitcase.  It's soft sided and pretty ratty, but I think it'll last a couple more trips. I did buy a locking strap for it. Seems like I remember the zipper failed once, but I fixed it.  

I can't wait to get back to Las Vegas. I've only been once this year. I found some interesting things to see this trip.  I'm taking D to a restaurant right off downtownSunday night. Looks very interesting, with a genuine vintage vegas vibe.  It's called the <a href="http://www.triplegeorgegrill.com/">Triple George Grill. </a>. I can't believe I never knew it was there. Ill be reviewing it for this and a couple other blogs, so stop back in in early September for the lowdown on Triple George's. 

I think I've decided to draft an ebook of this trip.   I've been buying others' books and found them interesting.  I know a little bout the area.  I know some things I can share.  

Goofin' around

Thought I'd share the image I created for my capitol one credit card.  They allow  you to upload your own image for  your card, so I decided to give it a go.

It is a compilation of photos that I took in Las Vegas.  In case  you could not tell, Vegas is one of my favorite places to visit.

That is my sister Darlene down in the lower right corner. We were playing nickel slots at the old Fitz, on Fremont street. We like the machines there because they pay out in coins, and it is just so  much more fun to  hear the coins clanging into the tray when  you win.

KA at the MGM Grand - Las Vegas

When we were in Vegas a couple weeks ago we got tickets for the Cirque du Soleil's blockbuster show KA, shown at the MGM Grand Hotel.  The theatre itself is a work of art, with its showpiece being the huge Tatami Deck and Gantry Crane and the Sand/Cliff deck custom built stage.  The crane can travel 70' vertical to high above the audience.  It can rotate to be perpendicular to the floor and also 360 degrees on its axis, regardless of its orientation - horizontal or vertical.

During various acts in the show, the stage/deck becomes a storm tossed sea, an underwater scene, a tall blizzardy mountain, (spitting REAL snow), a  deep dark forest full of wonderful glowing creatures, a prison, a battleground — everything and anything the story demands. It is a spectacular piece of equipment, and almost could steal the stage from the wonderful Cirque acrobats and performers.  But not quite.  True to Cirque du Soleil  form, the artistry of the performers is second to none.  The dance, they fly, they flip  and not once do you see anyone out of step, miss a landing or drop a spear or baton.  This is Cirque du Soleil.  Amateurs need not apply.

This stage show is unequaled, and because of the 19 million dollar specially designed stage and theatre, it will probably never be shown anywhere else.  Do yourself a favor, if you go to Vegas, do not miss a chance to see KA.

Here is a clip of one of the beautiful aerial acts.  Firefly boy rescues then falls in love with the Imperial Twin Sister.   This clip is number nine in a series of twelve.  If you have time, I'd suggest watching the whole series. It is magical.

Las Vegas Home + Gift Market Aug. 2010

Last week I visited the Las Vegas Home + Gift show at the World Market Center Las Vegas.  It was the inaugural Gift show at the Las Vegas World Market Center, and promised lavish displays of fresh new products in the gift and home decor market.

The market offered more than 1500 manufacturers showing their wares in three buildings on their state of the art campus, and offers products in all categories, including furniture, accessories, gifts, lighting, home textiles and rugs, floor coverings and more.

Las Vegas World Market Center hosted three shows concurrently- the Las Vegas Market, which offers mainly furniture and decorative accessories for the home, the Gift + Home show and Vegas Kids.  

 It was my first visit to the Las Vegas World Market Center.  I was excited to see what different vendors were here, vs the ones I visit regularly at the Atlanta Gift mart twice yearly.

Getting to the market was super easy. They offered charter bus service from most area hotels, But if you chose to  drive in, the market offers free parking in their garage right next door.

 I just hopped on the bus at the Mandalay Bay Tour lobby and a few minutes later was climbing off at the bustling Market Center.  It is an impressive sight, three tall buildings overshadowing a courtyard bustling with people.  I started at Bldg C, where I found the Gift Temps on the 5th floor.  I was  happy to run into some people I had spoken with at the Atlanta show in July, it was nice that they remembered me.  I really like their muscle car shelvings and decor.  After walking all of the temps on the 5th floor, I made my way up to the 9th floor where I found many showrooms from vendors I am familiar with - Sylvestri, Demdaco, Midwest, Raz, Transpac and more. I had visited most of these showrooms in July in Atlanta, so a quick breeze through was all I needed.

I didn't get to stay as long as I would  have liked. I had guests  back at the hotel, so after walking most of Bldg C I hopped on the bus and headed back to the hotel.    I had tickets for the 9.30 showing of Cirque du Soliel's KA at the MGM Grand that night, so I thought it best  to get back, get everyone rounded up, polished up then hit the Vegas Strip and sample some of the action that Sin City is famous for.

I love Vegas and I'm sure I'll be back again soon.


http://www.giftandhomelv.com

Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly

Viva Las Vegas!

Posted via web from The Art of Cynthia Pendley

Viva Las Vegas - here we come!

Heading to Vegas this week for the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Show.  Chuck Berry (yes that Chuck Berry) headlines the saturday night car show.    The event is sold out and there are fans from all over the world coming to Vegas for 4 days of music, hot rods, burlesque, pinups and more.

http://vivalasvegas.net

I love las vegas

ever since i went to vegas for work in sept 2008, i've not been able to get it out of my mind. I love the desert, the lights, the glamour, the excitement...and I love the vintage vegas style. I've studied the history of the area and collected a bunch of vintage photos. Vegas' past glitz and style have mesmerized me... I've been back twice on my own since then. I have two more trips in the planning stages - four nights over the new years eve holiday and four more nights in april for the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly 13. my artwork in progress now reflects that obsession. I hope you find it as exciting as I do. I posted a very small sneak peak in my last post.

Just got back from Vegas...

my sister and I just got back from vegas. we went out there to celebrate our birthdays. we stayed at the luxor on the south strip. we played a little, lost a little, won a little, drank a little, shopped a little.

we rode the manhanttan express roller coaster at newyork newyork. it was scary fun. we went to freemont street and gambled in one of the old casinos. I think I like that area better than the strip. I've taken to collecting photos of vintage vegas now, have several posted on my facebook gallery. same name if you wanna go look.

I'll be back to vegas next april for viva 13.