Tall Buildings in Downtown Las Vegas

I think the best time to go to Vegas is during Fall and Spring time  because it is not too hot.  We made a mistake of going there  in the Summer and the weather was way too hot.  It felt like I was inside the oven whenever the wind would blow.  That is one downside when doing a one minute decision of visiting a place.  I thought our decision of  being spontaneous would  reward us but  it wasn't all that  great.  We did however had fun with our road trip to Grand Canyon.

I would like to share some of the  photos we took of the tall buildings in downtown Vegas.  The Stratosphere  is the most striking one.

If you are into  thrill rides, Stratosphere has it for you.  Rising 1,149 feet into the Vegas skyline, the Stratosphere Tower has the most exciting thrill rides in Las Vegas.  

When we were driving around, we saw how the rides dropped and even seeing that  made me dizzy lol.  I am not a thrill seeker so even if someone would pay me to try it, I would decline.

If you don't believe me, just watch the video below.

We did however got inside the hotel, we ate dinner there  one night while we were in Vegas.  Of all the hotel we went to in Vegas, I think the Bellagio is  the one that I love because you get to   enjoy a display of their conservatory and botanical gardens.  I will  have to post the photos sometimes.

Circus Circus is where we stayed.  

Our hotel was located not far from the Trump tower.  

It's amazing to me that  despite all of these tall buildings and busy streets, you can see the mountains from a distance. 

If New York City is the  city that never sleeps, Las Vegas seem dead in the morning.  It's a great time to  walk around with  the kids except you see some drunk people walking but over all, morning in Vegas is dull especially during summer time.  It might be a different scenario though with different seasons, I don't know.  But if you ask me if I would ever go back there again, I'd say no.  It was nice to see it though.

3 Great Ways To Get Your Baby To Sleep

You'll never regret having a baby, as they bring with them the unbounded joy and love that all parents know. Being a new parent involves some serious adjusting, however, and one thing you'll have to get used to is interrupted sleep, and sometimes little or no sleep at all. Getting your baby to sleep soundly at night is one of the major challenges that parents face, but here are three ways that you can turn the tables in your favor while giving your child the sleep he needs to develop and grow.

Get Your Baby Into A Night Time Routine

It's a fact of life that for the first few months of a baby's life, his sleep patterns will be erratic and his needs when awake great, so parents of a newborn have to learn to take snatches of sleep when they can. From around three months, however, parents can start to get their baby into a night-time routine, and the sooner this is established the better for all concerned. Bathing your baby first and then putting them into their night clothing can help to relax them, and they'll soon come to associate this, subconsciously, with bedtime. Always carry out this routine at the exact same time. For the first six months, a baby should sleep in the same room as you, so be careful not to wake them when coming to bed.

Comforting Baby Hammocks

Cots are traditionally used as a bed for babies, and if you use one try to make it as warm and welcoming as possible. One alternative that can prove highly effective at encouraging a young child to sleep is a baby hammock. These are specifically designed for the first three months of a baby's life and help them to get used to sleeping on their own. They're designed with safety as their first priority and create a snug atmosphere that will make the child think of the comfort of the womb. They also allow the baby to rock themselves gently, which can aid them in getting a good and uninterrupted sleep. There are many models on the market, so check out an online baby hammock guide to find the right one for your child.

Give Your Baby A Night Time Comforter

Babies develop rapidly during their first year, mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. They first become aware of being separated from their parents at around six to eight months old, which can cause distress at bedtime and difficulty in sleeping. At this age, a stuffed toy or security blanket can be a great comfort to a child, especially if it's been kept near to his mother's body for a while beforehand. It's important, however, not to give such objects to any child under six months old to sleep with, for safety reasons.

Helping your baby get a great night's sleep can be one of the most important gifts you give him, so try to get it into a successful bedtime routine as soon as possible once they reach the age of three months, with a baby hammock being a good idea before that time. When your baby sleeps well, you'll sleep well too, so even if it seems difficult at first, keep trying and remember that a restful sleep will eventually be your reward.

6 Reasons You Should Consider a Camping Trip this Summer

Summer is creeping up on us and that means you’ll be starting to think about your summer vacations. Will it be a beach holiday this year, a city break or an epic backpacking trip across Europe?

If none of those appeals or you are looking to holiday on a budget, then why not give camping a go? It’s inexpensive, it will bring your family together, you’ll be miles away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life and you’ll be reconnecting with Mother Nature.

Still not sold? Here are six reasons why you should consider a camping trip this summer

You’ll be living off the grid

Forgetting about your coffee maker, your iPad and whether you’ve replied to that email from Steve from accounts can help us relax and unwind away from the pressures of modern life. Camping takes us off the grid, out of reach and away from the hurly burly of the everyday.

You can learn new outdoor skills

Camping requires so many skills that we might not otherwise get the chance to develop with urban living. Can you pitch a tent? Light a fire? Fish for your dinner? You might find those basics come in handy out in the wild. For the more adventurous, there is navigating by the stars, rock climbing or hunting for your own dinner. Take a look at Bestriflescopereview.Com if you are planning on going hunting.

It’s inexpensive

Once you’ve purchased camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag and any food and drinks you want to take with you, it becomes one of the least expensive vacations you can have. You can do a camping trip foraround $800 all in – Mother Nature costs you nothing to enjoy.

It brings your family together

There is no age limit on who can go camping. Old or young love sitting around the camp fire, singing songs and watching the sun go down. In a day and age where families tend to be less close than they were, a camping vacation can bring everybody back together – there will be nothing but you, your family and the great outdoors.

You’ll get plenty of exercise

Camping is a great way to get exercise. The average hikeburns 500 calories and you can’t go camping without at least one hike. You’ll probably end up backpacking, swimming, kayaking and playing games as well.  All that time moving outside in the fresh air is the perfect way to get some much-needed exercise into you and your family.

You’ll see parts of the world you never knew existed

Camping gives us a reason to visit parts of the world we never thought we would. While a city break to somewhere like New York or Seattle involves going and visiting the Empire State Building or the Space Needle, when you are camping you are free to create your own unique journey and see sights and experiences sounds that none of your friends would. It can be a truly unique experience which creates memories to last a lifetime.

"Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do"

My daughter's volleyball season has been long gone but I am still yet to post these photos I have captured during their first game.  She can't wait  for the next season to start, she definitely love the sport, just like  I did when I was in school.  Volleyball and Tennis are the two sports she like playing.  

During their first game, they were defeated but it's okay.  They did not have much practice prior to the game so it was expected.  Another factor is that,  the SJS team is  now merged to  another  private school so they were still trying to figure out to work  together as a team.  They were  blessed with  a very motivating coach so  that was a plus.

I am  so happy when I go to other schools and see flag display.  Not all schools proudly displays the flag anymore these days, which is sad.

My daughter wishes that she is a bit taller but  my husband always tell her the quote that Mark Twain have said  "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

We told her that she just need to keep practicing and to try to be  stronger so when she serves, it would always get  over  the net.  Most of the times, she  gets the job done but when it doesn't work, she gets frustrated and get so hard on herself.

I told my daughter not to worry about being little.  I told her that  nobody will miss not to see you because you are the littlest one among the bunch lol.

We are planning to  let her attend a volleyball summer camp this year to help strengthen and  improved her skills.

I like the uniform that they have this season, they are comfortable.

She's  very happy when volleyball season starts because she get to see and play with her close friends.

She plan to play volleyball in High School, hopefully she qualifies.  I think that with proper training, she can  improved her  serves and hit  and be able to make it into the team.  We keep telling our kids that anything is possible as long as they put the work into it.  As John C. Maxwell said "Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do"

Four Ideal Destinations for Your Family Honeymoon

A honeymoon with your kids in tow might seem like a crazy idea, but with more couples than ever before now settling down and having children before tying the knot, the family honeymoon is becoming more commonplace. For most newlyweds today, this new step in their relationship is something for the whole family to celebrate. If you’re planning a honeymoon and want to take your little ones with you, here are some of the best destinations to consider.

#1. Orlando, Florida:

Orlando may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of romantic honeymoon destinations, but it is the perfect place for a fun-filled, memorable family trip. Aside from all the kids’ entertainment, theme parks, and Disney, there’s plenty for the happy couple to enjoy. Some of Orlando’s best attractions, including Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Disney World are designed for the whole family to enjoy, with rides, tours and activities to suit all ages. Head to downtown Orlando, where you’ll find an array of galleries, museums, and excellent restaurants to explore. Nearby Daytona, Cocoa and New Smyrna beaches are perfect for laid-back days in the sun, whilst tourist hotspot Miami Beach is just a three-hour drive away. For more information, visit Holidayshub.com.

#2. Dubai:

The glitz and glamor of Dubai makes it a hugely popular honeymoon destination year after year, but there’s plenty to do here as a family, too. Whether you spend your time sliding down the slopes at Ski Dubai, ride the Marina Water Bus or look out for bright pink flamingos at Ras Al Khor, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained inDubai. Find family friendly-accommodation with romantic touches for your honeymoon nestled on the coast close to some of the city’s best shopping and attractions, with perfect views of the sea and sunset.

#3. Vietnam:

If you’re hoping for a cultural trip rather than a standard family vacation for your honeymoon, then look no further than Vietnam. A gorgeous country full of rich heritage, cultural charm and interesting history, Vietnam is the perfect destination for a memorable, eye-opening experience for the whole family, making it an ideal choice for a family honeymoon with teens and older kids. But, even families with younger children can enjoy a trip to Vietnam, with specially designed family tours and activities for anyone above the age of six.

#4. St Lucia:

St. Lucia is an ideal destination for a honeymoon, with the right combination of romance, peace and quiet mixed with fun-filled family activities. Enjoy quality time together basking in the sun on one of the many idyllic beaches, or make memories with your family enjoying some of the many water sports, outdoor activities, and excursions on offer. With many family-friendly resorts where you can leave your kids having fun whilst you spend some time together as a couple, St. Lucia blends a romantic getaway with a fun family break.

With more couples waiting until after having children to get married, family honeymoons are becoming more popular. Which destination would you choose?

Circus Circus Hotel and Resort

We stayed at Circus Circus hotel during our Las Vegas vacation last year.  It is an iconic hotel located on the Las Vegas Strip  which is close to shopping. It is a nice place to stay, a little bit confusing at first because it is huge.   There are  circus acts, a carnival midway, and the adventuredome indoor theme park featuring 25 rides and attractions.  Just like many or most hotels in last vegas, guests also enjoy casinos and nightly entertainment.   The funny thing is, we  stayed there but never ate at their dining outlets.  

I wasn't really impressed with  the  rooms, tome,  it's a bit outdated.  The best part though of the room that we got is the view  especially during at night time.  We always look at the window and see the beautiful Stratosphere hotel which when light up, it's beautiful.

If the view is beautiful during night time, it is even gorgeous when the sun is rising.

One thing that  we noticed during our stay in Las Vegas, people are out in full force during night time but when you  go out early, the city seems dead.  The only ones you see are drunk people or  some  runners.  I think it has to do with the season that we were there.  We went there on summer time so it was  soooo hot, we felt like we were in the oven  all the time.   

We love going out early because it is not crowded and we can eat breakfast  in peace. 

Despite the super hot weather, we had a fun time.  I don't think we will ever come back there during summer not will be staying again at that hotel but maybe we could go back someday  during Fall or Winter.

We  actually had more  fun  on our road trip from Vegas to Grand Canyon than our  Vegas adventure itself.  Here's the lobby of Circus Circus in the morning, it's quiet but when you arrive there  during midday, it is packed!  You can't even find a place to sit while waiting  for your turn to be checked in.  It's overwhelming actually.  I love the feel of  small hotells rather than larger ones like this.

I also didn't like that the casinos  are right in your face when you come in.  To me, it's not really a place to stay when you have children with you  just like  we do.  

See how empty the streets are early in the morning?  

If it wasn't for our plan of going to Grand Canyon, I wouldn't have  agreed to go to Vegas last year but it was nice seeing the city that everyone talks about.  I think Las Vegas is overrated but that's just my opinion.  I am sure  people will disagree but that's just my own preference when it comes to vacation and stuff.  I like  relaxing  getaways, nature-related type of adventure more than the city fun.  I don't drink nor gamble and I  am not a  night life kind of gal so Vegas is okay but not my type of vacation.    How about you, what do you like when  it comes to vacation type of places to visit?

Delhi and Mumbai – Two Cities You Really Must Visit on a Tour of India

Whether traveling for pleasure or business, two cities you really must visit on a tour of India are Delhi and Mumbai. Both are leading financial centers and this is one reason why so many international travelers fly into both cities at any given time of year. This is a side of India you won’t see elsewhere because Mumbai and Delhi, respectively, are the two richest cities in the country. Knowing that each city has a healthy tourist trade may help make planning your itinerary a little easier. Whether you fly from Mumbai to Delhi, or from Delhi to Mumbai, you can feel confident that you will be landing in a city that caters to travelers from around the globe.

India’s Capital – Delhi

As the capital of India, Delhi is home to 18 billionaires and has a GDP estimated at almost $294 billion. The amazing thing about traveling to Delhi is the fact that the service industry contributes at least 75% of the city’s economy and has one of the lowest rates of unemployment in the country. Among the leading sectors are:

• ·         Retail
• ·         Telecommunications
• ·         Information technology (IT)
• ·         Media
• ·         Hotels
• ·         Power
• ·         Banking
• ·         Real estate
• ·         Construction

While there are poor areas of the city, you will find that many of the areas with 5-star hotels cater to tourists, and are unlikely to be in poorer neighborhoods. If you should get out and about in Delhi, don’t be surprised to see areas which are in sharp contrast to the city center where all international finance is commenced. However, those outlying neighborhoods are where you’re likely to get to taste some authentic cuisine from street food vendors and an authentic ‘flavor’ of traditional Indian culture.

Mumbai – Capital of Maharashtra

As the second-most populous of India’s states and the third largest by area, Maharashtra lays claim to India’s wealthiest city, Mumbai. Formerly called Bombay, Mumbai is estimated to have a GDP of just over $310 billion and has made the top ten list of cities with the largest number of billionaires. While there are 18 billionaires in Delhi, Mumbai can boast 28.

As a leading financial epicenter in Asia, Mumbai realizes revenue differently than does Delhi. The GDP of Mumbai is broken down as:

• ·         60 percent from customs duty
• ·         30 percent from the collection of income tax
• ·         10 percent from employment in factories

And, amazingly, 6% of the national GDP is derived from Mumbai’s economy. The banking sector is huge in Mumbai and this is where you’ll find:

• ·         Reserve Bank of India Headquarters
• ·         Bombay Stock Exchange
• ·         National Stock Exchange

It is no wonder that Mumbai (Bombay) is the wealthiest city in India with so much financial trade taking place in this city located on the western coast and easily accessible by water, land and air.

Both cities have a long and rich history which you can learn of in the many museums and cultural centers throughout. With modern infrastructure and a large portion of the population fluent in English, you should have no trouble getting around. Both Mumbai and Delhi are exciting cities to visit and well worth planning to stay a bit longer in so that you have time to really see 21^st Century India.

What to Avoid in Vegas

"What happened in Vegas stays in Vegas... NOT!"   I would like to share this    experience  we had when we were in Las Vegas last year  for those who have not visited LV yet so you will know what to avoid and to spare you from possible headache.  We  love to travel and  all these years, we have never experienced  something like this.   I mean, we were given some offer and options before but we never fell for it till last year.   There's always first  time with everything I guess.

Anyway, here's how it all happened.  Our flight arrived  in Las Vegas very early so we couldn't check in to the hotel yet.  We  went to see Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.  So by the time, we  checked in, we were so tired already.  Circus Circus  is a big hotel and  we had a hard time navigating through our room.  As we were  looking for our way,  this Asian lady offered us assistance.  She  pulled us  to her cubicle and  said that she will give us  complimentary stuff that we can use  while we are in Vegas.  She said that all we have to do is attend a an hour presentation  the next day which we thought an hour is not that long so we said yes.  

That was the first thing that we  went to  the next morning hoping that by ten o'clock, we will be done and do fun stuff.  A  shuttle  will take us to the property where the "presentation" will be held so we waited  at the lobby  after we ate breakfast.

The lady who talked to us initially  said that we would be given $750 worth of freebies at the end of the  presentation.  Too good to be true right?  I know, I was skeptical and  wanted to  just cancel what we  agreed on but my husband wanted to honor our word so we went.

The company's name was Diamond Resort, as you can see in the photos below while my husband was talking to the  ladies.  As we waited for the shuttle bus, we found out that there are so many of us who will be attending.  We said "great, we won't be the only one".

We got bored waiting so  my daughter and I  went inside the souvenir store to kill some time.

We arrived at this beautiful resort.  There were refreshments and some snacks while all of us waited at the reception room.  The people there really made you feel welcome, they served sweets such as donuts, cookies and all that sugary stuff.  Since we  ate breakfast already, we didn't entertained what they  offered us.

When  the presentation  started, all the kids went to the game room with the other kids.  I didn't really want to leave my kids there but they said they were okay as there are some other kids there too.  It was a bit uncomfortable for me but   since they said the presentation  is short that I thought it would be over soon before they know it.

Every group was assigned an agent.  Hubby and I   let the agent know  first hand that we are not interested in  investing into anything.  The agent then showed us the whole  resort and the  amenities that   you can  enjoy if you invest into a time share.  We told him that we have friends and family who have time share and  we know how  it works.

These people are very persistent, no matter how much you said that you are not interested.

It is true that the resort is beautiful and that you can basically use it worldwide but  the thing is, this so-called property you are paying for is not really yours.  There are so many people that owns it too.  What I don't like about it is, you will have to pay the  maintenance for the said "property" (that you don't really own).

We told the agent that we do take the kids for vacation every year  and that we  are happy with our set up.  We don't want  to lock into a financial responsibility.  The agent told us how much money we could save for having a time share.  We told him that what they are not mentioning is that, hotel accomodation is just one part of the travel.  Airfare is lot expensive than the hotels.

As we were talking back and forth, we  told  them we are not interested. They don't want to let you go that easy, they sent  different people  to talk to us and tried to convince us how great having a time share is.  They even  offered the lowest rate with us but we  said NO.

My husband and I were really getting upset with the whole situation as they just keep  coming and trying to sell us  the time share after we repeatedly declined the offer.

Next thing we know, it was noontime already.  I was getting really upset because I know my kids must have been bored already.  We came to Vegas to have fun and this is what we were trapped into the first  day.

This is what it looks like inside.  These are the amenities that you will enjoy when you purchase a timeshare.  I mean everything looks nice and all but  think about it, it's not like you  will be staying in it the whole time you are in vacation.  All you need is a comfortable bed to lay  at night to rest your tired body.

Not all of us wants to cook when on vacation  so a fully furnished kitchen would do us any good.  I mean it is  cheaper to cook your food but  it beats the purpose of trying local food and you are eliminating that experience in your travel.  I mean, if you  will stay there for  a couple of weeks, that might be the  best option, to cook your own food, but a lot of us just go on vacation for a week or less so there's no need for a kitchen.

You are basically maintaining these  properties while the companies  collect the profit.  They said that you can  let family use it for you or let them rent it but who wants to  go through that hassle.

Anyway, as the agent is still trying really hard to sell us  a time share, I just enjoy taking photos.  He can tell that I  wasn't interested and wasn't even listening to his rumbling anymore so he kind of get pissy at me so I asked him different  question:

• Do you have a timeshare yourself?  He said yes.
• How is it working out for you, do you use it all the time?  He said sometimes.
• Is it worth it? He said yes.
• How is it worth the money if you only use it sometimes?  He gave me this elaborate  explanation that sometimes he let his family use it because he can't go for a vation all the time.
• So you're saying, based from your own experience, that you don't really use it all the time, then why on earth you are trying to sell us one?  He laughed at me and said "Well, this is for your family's enjoyment and convenience."

After the series of questions I threw at him, he  got his supervisor and talked to ud.  The supervisor said the same things and we told him we  are not interested then another  person came and offered us  even lower options "the very BEST deal" they said they can offer.  Imagine how many person these people doped into doing this?  If they sign up right away, those deals are out and you got suck into the payment without realizing that  you could have had  a smaller bill, grrr.  

We finally got to go and they gave us the "freebies" they promised.  We got some free tickets to  go see the Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef.  That's what we did  that afternoon.

We had to wait outside for the transportation they arranged to take us back to the hotel.  It was so hot outside that my daughter was really in the bad mood.

Instead of ruining  our mood, I took the opportunity to take some more photos of us while we wait.

Glad our son was a good sport and played along , he wasn't grumpy.  

Aside from the Shark Reef tickets,  the other freebies also include  dinner for four at Stratosphere.

After we  explained  the  situation to our daughter, she was fine.  

We were also given a 3-day vacation package in Virginia which we did not claim because we found out, to use it, you will have to  attend another  presentation again.  It's not really worth the time and hassle and headache.   The moral of the story is to  avoid those   people that offers  freebie in Vegas because there is no such thing as free, really.  They are everywhere you go in Las Vegas especially in the  malls and  hotels.    Those freebies are not worth it, it will take your time and patience.  Never again, we will entertain this kind of  scam.