Category Archives: Fun

Treasure the Vacation with Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance

14 Monday Jul 2014

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Today’s post is sponsored by the Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.

A vacation for a family of 6 requires at least a month of planning and strategizing- and that’s just for the packing. I first start with a list in my head, which quickly has to get transferred to paper because I’m 39 now, and I forget. Lists then get separated by kid, then by general family needs. As I walk around the house and see things in closets and cupboards, I pull them out and start piles so I don’t forget to add those items to the lists. From lists, I go into laundry, which could take an entire week to get everyone caught up in my house. After laundry, any trips to the mall or drug store for last minute items I wouldn’t be able to find at our destination, or don’t want to be bothered with having to look for when we get there. I even have a strategy behind how I actually pack the bags and how the items belonging to who goes where. In the back of my mind I know exactly how much can fit in suitcase before it reaches the magic 50lb weight, and exactly how many carry-ons my family can handle without losing one. Every person’s identification and ticket or seat is accounted for, rooms are confirmed and re-confirmed, tickets for attractions pre-purchased and reservations for meals are set. Now if I could just have someone pack and organize for me personally while I do it all for everyone else. That would be awesome.

family travel collage

You know what else would be awesome? Knowing someone was looking out for me the way I look out for my family’s most precious items: blankies, special sipppy cups, superhero toys, iPads, headphones, American Girl Dolls the list goes on and on. Of course, my number one concern is their safety and happiness, so often times I forget about me and mine.

Family Travel Pic

With all the commotion of getting our large party from one place to the next and ensuring we leave with what we came with, it is so easy for me to forget something little like my Tiffany’s silver band my husband gave me on our 10th wedding anniversary that I wear every day. Or my diamond earrings I wear daily, but take out every night before I go to bed. My husband always seems a little more relaxed and absentminded on vacation, and sometimes haphazardly puts his Rolex somewhere, then blames the twins on its temporary loss.

tiffanys necklace

When we are at home, we have a routine, we have places for things and habits about where we put them. When traveling, things can get a bit confused and lost in the change of environment. I have started being very particular about the jewelry I carry with me on trips no matter if we are going to a 5-star resort or a roadtrip to the mountains. I do my best to whittle it down to the absolute necessities: my earrings, wedding ring, Tiffany’s band, and watch. That amount right there, though may look simple on, costs about the amount of what one year of college tuition for one of my kids at a private university. Even some of my costume jewelry would sicken me if it was stolen. Good costume, every day jewelry is not cheap! Nor is it easy to replace when the pieces are the exact fit or really finish off the outfit. It also not possible to replicate sentiment.

alex and ani bangles kate spade earrings

All of the above is a big reason why I started taking the idea of traveling with my jewelry more seriously. Up until a few months ago, I would shove my necklaces, bracelets and earrings into one big jewelry bag. And, it was usually one that the store gave me; not at all the appropriate way to handle items I just described above. Occasionally, I would lose or forget something at the hotel. Honestly, the way I took care of it, I wouldn’t even know if someone stole something from me. Then I would get home and the items would still stay a tangled mess in the bag until I needed it for the next occasion- if I was lucky enough to remember where I left it.

I was given a Vera Bradley Travel Jewelry Organizer that has the perfect amount of pouches and pockets and zippers for me to carry exactly what I need. My necklaces don’t get tangled, my earrings don’t get left behind, and my rings have a secure place to live until the next time. It’s totally great, don’t get me wrong, but now I have the “What if” factor looming. What if someone steals my whole bag? What if one of my kids gets into the bag and something gets accidentally removed or falls out? What if I forget the bag in the safe in my room?

vera bradley travel jewelry organizer

This is where a personal  jewelry insurance policy, like one from Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company becomes my back up plan, aka: the one who is looking out for me. With a jewelry insurance policy through Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance from Mutual Insurance Company, traveling with some of your favorite pieces offers a peace of mind and less stress to enjoy the journey and the destination. Some benefits of a Perfect Circle personal jewelry insurance policy include:

  • Comprehensive Worldwide Coverage
  • Same Kind and Quality
  • Use Your Preferred Jeweler
  • No Deductible Required
  • Automatic Coverage
  • Exceptional Customer Service

Applying for a Perfect Circle personal jewelry insurance plan is super simple and free. Just visit www.TreasuretheVacation.com where you can get a free quote and purchase a policy on-line in 10 minutes. Super fast, and now your jewelry is super secure. Get more info on Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance by connecting with them on Facebook or follow @PerectCircleJM on Twitter.

Tips for Traveling with Jewelry:

    1. Only bring the pieces you absolutely need or must have with you.
    2. Be sure to keep them organized in a jewelry bag specifically made for travel.
    3. Lock up your jewelry in your in-room safe, or ask your hotel’s front desk if they have an on-site safe for securing extremely valuable items.
    4. Purchase a personal jewelry insurance policy, like Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company to cover any accidental loss or theft.

OK, got it covered? Now mosey on over to TravelingMom and RSVP for the #TreasuretheVacation twitter party on Monday, July 1st 9m EST (6pm PST) to discuss bringing along your fave jewelry on your trips, and for the chance to win more beautiful pieces to add to your collection. Check out these fabulous hammered 14k eco yellow gold, oval hoop earrings from TobyPomeroy.com, with a suggested retail value of $1010. Tweet you there!

toby pomeroy oval gold hoops

Thank you Perfect Circle Jewelry Insurance from Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company for sponsoring the informative content in today’s post.  

Night Out on the Town at The Cromwell Las Vegas

28 Saturday Jun 2014

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It finally happened. I turned 39. The week leading up to and the weekend after my birthday were filled with fun celebrations almost every night. Starting with a ride on The High Roller Las Vegas with my husband and two older kids, having a stay-cation on the Las Vegas Strip with the family, and enjoying The Book of Mormon at the illustrious Smith Center. All followed by a night of revelry with the girls at the hottest new hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, The Cromwell.

Thisis39

The Cromwell is a boutique hotel and part of the Caesar’s Entertainment family. Formerly known as The Barbary Coast, then Bill’s Gambling Hall, The Cromwell has made a welcomed addition to the latest trend of hip boutiques to grace the Las Vegas Strip. Though difficult to entirely rid of the stale stench of cigarette smoke from years past, the updated decor gives the old hotel a new feeling. Smaller than most of its neighbors, The Cromwell creates an intimate, yet fun and upbeat atmosphere. I loved the dark lounge that runs through the middle of the hotel. A great spot to have a cocktail.

TheCromwellLounge

Drinks at The Cromwell Las Vegas

What brings a radiant light to dimly lit Cromwell? The opening of the much anticipated Giada – The Restaurant. An escalator carries you off to a bright, white entrance where everything looks clean and sleek and smells so delicious, you can’t wait to get inside. Except that if you don’t have a much coveted reservation, you will have to wait, possibly for months before you get the chance to sit amongst the lucky ones dining inside. It’s well worth the wait, my friends. My 6 girlfriends and I opted out of the Chef’s Tasting Menu, and instead opted in for tasting as much as we could off the menu. We ordered 15 dishes, which if you are familiar with the Italian style of eating, are separated into courses: bread, antipasto, cheese, vegetables, pizzette, pasta, fish, meats and more. Everything we ordered was delicious. Not one complaint. Desserts, even better.

GiadasRestaurantLasVegas

Here’s what we loved most: Chicken Marsala Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Citrus Marinated Calamari, Burrata, Fresh Ricotta Crostini, Lobster Ravioli and the Branzini. For dessert, I highly recommend the Strawberry Polenta Cake, the Trio of Tiramisu, and the Espresso Nocciolato. Warning, the Espresso Nocciolato is a delectable concoction of espresso with nutella and whipped cream. It could be a dessert on all its own.

Giadas The Restaurant Las Vegas

What is also so lovely about Giada- the Restaurant, is the way the room is set up. A small lounge on the side, open kitchen with fresh food items on display, and a large, open dining room with magnificent views of the Las Vegas Strip, most significantly, the Bellagio and the water show. You can also take selfies in the photo booth, which we forgot to do…always next time!

GiadaVegas

Following dinner, we put on our dancing shoes and headed to the newly renovated Drai’s Nightclub, which also serves as the Beach Club (or Day Club). Back in my Vegas partying days, Drai’s was one of the hottest places to be in Las Vegas. During the construction of The Cromwell, Drai’s closed, and re-opened with an alluring new venue with both indoor and outdoor seating. Indoor faces a large dance floor with an eye appealing laser and light show like none other. Outdoor creates a more relaxed ambiance centering the pool and looking out over the Strip. The set-up was like being in a smaller, boutique club with the elements of a larger nightclub. DJ line up changes nightly. The music was the one thing that definitely made me feel my age that night. All my girlfriend’s and I were wondering what happened to all the rap and hip hop. Not a huge fan of house music, and the night we were at Drai’s the music was so-so. I am confident, however, that other nights are better than some, and that Drai’s is still one of the hottest venues on the Strip to be seen at right now.

Drais Las Vegas

The 39th birthday celebration was a success! 4-0 is gonna have some big shoes to fill…but I hear there’s talk about a European vacation in the works.

RockStarMom Recommends :: Free Family Friendly Attractions in Las Vegas

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

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Enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip without busting your travel budget. As a local mom of four under the age of 10, I am often asked about exploring the Strip with my kids. We are down there quite a bit, too, and they ask to do the same stuff over and over again. Here is a list of free family friendly attractions in Las Vegas.

1. Blue Man Group Procession This energetic and intellectually stimulating show is right on the mark for family entertainment in Las Vegas. If you are undecided on whether or not to splurge for the tickets, take advantage of the Blue Man Group Procession that happens daily throughout the casino floor of the Monte Carlo. All ages welcome, and encouraged – and so is audience participation! The procession takes place at 6:15pm, except for when the show is dark.

2. City Center Fine Art Collection Art Tour Download the App (it’s free!) by the same name: City Center Fine Art Collection Art Tour, and begin a self-guided tour of the 20 different public art pieces throughout City Center and Aria Las Vegas. The tour will guide you through both indoor and outdoor areas, so don’t forget your sunglasses and hats. The app itself is remarkable in the sense that it gives detailed description of each work of art, materials used, the meaning behind it, and why it was selected for the City Center Fine Art Collection. The app will also locate the the pieces on a GPS map.Ride the Aria Express

3. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden and Chihuly Fiori di Como No matter how many times you see it or the slight differences in display each quarter, it is hard to ignore the beauty of the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Did you know that between 10:30 – 11:30am daily inside the Conservatory, Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb are available to provide tips and answer questions about gardening? In case you are like me, and were born without a green thumb, step over to the lobby where world reknown Italian artist, Dale Chihuly, created the magnificent Fiori di Como piece with over 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers.

Free Family Friendly Attractions In Vegas

4. Downtown Container Park The latest and greatest project occurring in Las Vegas is the revitalization of the Downtown area. And, the center of it all, Downtown Container Park. A public space created with the vision of community colliding and collaborating, the park is made up entirely of old shipping containers. Inside those containers is a unique business ran by locals. The center of the park contains the Tree House, a gigantic play space for kids of all ages. Slightly beyond that is the common grassy area where life-sized legos, building blocks and huge bouncy balls inspire creativity. Parents can lounge on the couches or bring a blanket and enjoy the sounds of local musicians who play daily on the main stage.

5. Take a Ride on the Aria Express For some reason, this is one of my children’s favorite things to do. Could be the neon lights, or the scenic views of City Center below. Either way, it keeps them occupied for about 15 minutes. Grab the tram at any stop inside the Monte Carlo, Bellagio or at City Center. It is also a great way to get around without having to fight the crowds on the ground.

6. Visit the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain Located at the Bellagio between the tram stop and the Bellagio Conservatory is the French bakery, Jean-Philippe. In no way is that free, but it is free to window shop. The inside walls of the bakery are lined with impressively decorated cakes, many of recognizable character themes your kids will love to see. Look above the center work station to view the latest creation representing the season, all made of chocolate, and all made by hand. Over to the right is the World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain a la Willy Wonka, churning and mixing over 2100 lbs of milk, white and dark chocolate all day long.