Rockin' in Cali!

Beautiful photos of California and other places..

2011-03-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

Some of my former PreK students took these photos-- I got them off of their FB page and would like to give credit to Spenser and Lydia for these incredible shots...

Join me in Costa Rica...

2011-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here I am in Costa Rica----- COSTA RICA HERE I COME- the blog that escapes the cold winter in France....

Rockin' at Scripps in La Jolla...

2010-12-30T23:24:00.001-08:00

At first glance, I thought he was walking on snow! Hehe- that's because it's the middle of winter here in France... Not in Cali, though!!

It's all in a day's work, you know!

**Photos courtesy of my friend, Bob!

Goin' to Costa Rica..

2010-12-30T23:12:00.001-08:00

Next week, Alex and I will be visiting my dad and stepmom in Costa Rica.. You can follow me on my travels HERE.

I miss my bird SOOOOO much!!!

2010-12-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

I had two cockateils- Punani and Blanco...

The bird in the video is exactly like Punani!!!

Bird sign Happy Birthday song

Fresh Air Fund

2010-12-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

The holidays are right around the corner and The Fresh Air Fund needs your help!

One of my favourite associations is the Fresh Air Fund. This non-profit in association in NY gives children from low income families a chance to participate in activities that they may not have the chance do in their daily lives. To learn more about what the Fresh Air Fund is all about please ready HERE. Becoming a host family or donating to the FAF is a very rewarding this to do. Think about making a donation during the holidays to help these children fulfill their dreams! You can't go wrong and just knowing that you are able to help in some way is a great feeling!

Who are the 'Fresh Air" children? Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.

The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open, outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.

Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community
organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program.

What do Fresh Air children enjoy?

Playing in the backyard
Laughing in the sunshine
Catching fireflies
Riding bicycles
Learning to swim
Running barefoot through the grass
Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
Building sandcastles
Making new friends
Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city

Summer may seem far away, but NYC children are currently participating in Fresh Air programs, from weekly tutoring sessions to job shadowings to weekend retreats at Fund camps in upstate New York! Our Career Awareness Program serves more than 300 youngsters in middle and high school. We also have new leadership programs for young women to develop their “can-do” attitudes!
No matter the season, Fresh Air children remain involved, excited and forward-thinking. We need loyal friends like you to continue serving thousands of New York City children throughout the year. Thank you!

To make a donation, please click here.

Every year, The Fresh Air Fund gives thousands of inner-city children the priceless gift of fun – and opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.

Whether it's a two-week trip to the country to visit a volunteer host family, or a fun-filled and educational stay at one of our fund camps, our programs make for unforgettable memories – and open a world of new friendships and fresh possibilities.

Just $10 will send one child on a bus ride to his or her Friendly Town host family.

$24 provides a child with a week of swimming lessons.

$42 provides a day of Career Awareness classes.

A gift of $50 can fund a camp counselor for a day.

If you can give as much as $91, you provide a child at camp with meals for a week.

We are a not-for-profit agency and depend on tax-deductible donations from people like you to keep our vital programs flourishing.

Little Italy... My old stomping ground!

2010-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

Gary sent me this picture yesterday... Ohhhh how I miss Little Italy!

My vacation blog has just been updated!

2010-11-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Come have a look at my new posts....

Our Vacation Photos

We stayed at the lovely Alamo Guest House. See here for more info about this charming place.

Fresh Air Fund- NEEDS your SUPPORT!

2010-06-29T23:50:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have already written about this WONDERFUL organization, the "FRESH AIR FUND" and now I'm writing because they need our help....

Today is the last day for supporter's donations for the kids to "double!" If you can please go to their website HERE to find out more info about their program, giving inner city kids in NY a chance to live with host families in the suburbs over the summer, I'm sure you be amazed at what they do! It's a life changing experience for these kids and we can help by being a host family or by donated to their program to help make things happen!

If anyone is interested in become a host family, please contact Fresh Air Fund directly! Here's the link: Fresh Air Fund Host Families wanted.

Thanks so much for your support and have a GREAT summer!!!

More about the Fresh Air Fund (FAF):

THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.

**Pictures and some text taken from the FAF website.

Bed and Breakfast near Mont Saint Michel

2010-04-24T23:37:00.001-07:00

Important contact info:

French gîte / Bed and Breakfast

Route du Mont-Saint-Michel - 50170 Moidrey

Manche (Basse-Normandie, France)

(0033) 02 33 58 77 16

Website: http://monsite.wanadoo.fr/labastidedumoulin/

This charming and quaint B&B was just minutes from Mont Saint Michel and I HIGHLY recommend it to ALL travelers to the area and those who are visiting areas near St. Malo, as well.

*Note - this price is "off season" price... Prices range from 32 - 34 euros per room/2 people.

Delphine and her husband are the owners of this lovely place, and her English is impeccable. The rooms are adorable, squeaky clean and the price is definitely right (the price was 34 euros per night plus 5 euros for breakfast).

*A gem of a find!

Travel Time...

2010-04-24T23:32:00.001-07:00

Please check out my travel blog for our latest adventures!

Click on the blog title: OUR VACATION PHOTOS

7th ANNUAL CARNAVALE in Little Italy, San Diego

2010-02-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

Wish I was going to this! It looks like a lot of fun! If anyone goes, let me know how it was!!

Fresh Air Fund Needs Host Families!

2010-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by Sara Wilson, who works with the Fresh Air Fund, a wonderful organization which places city kids from New York with "host" families during the summer months. The majority of these kids come from low-income communities and so spending time away from their home communities with participating families gives them an opportunity to have new and enriching experiences in the suburbs or small town communities...

Sara is very dedicated to her work at the Fresh Air Fund, and I am always happy to do a write up about it on my blog in the hopes that more people will learn about it and hopefully become host families, if they so desire. If you are interested or if you know of someone who may be interested, please do not hesitate to find out more about the Host Family Program HERE. In any case, have a loot at their website to see what they are all about. Such a wonderful cause and a way to give a lot to the children. It's very "refreshing" to know that there are programs like The Fresh Air Fund out there...

Here's a little more about Program:

In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund's Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

Fresh Air Fund Host Families

"It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child's face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted..."

Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!

Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!

Brasil Carnaval in San Diego... 4th and B!

2010-01-22T21:37:00.001-08:00

18th Annual SAN DIEGO BRAZIL CARNIVAL Sat Feb 13th, 2010 @ 4th & B, Downtown San Diego Doors Open at 7pm - Show from 8pm-2am. This spectacular Brazilian Mardi Gras Ball will feature the Stunning Brazilian Singer Dandara, Beautiful & Sexy Samba Dancers, Electrifying Capoeira Performances, and Nonstop Brazilian Music. There will be fun, feathers, fantasy and much, much more... So come have the time of your life at one of the best Brazilian Carnivals on the West Coast! Enter into a Free Raffle to Win a Round Trip to Brazil!! Courtesy of Copa Airlines. Free Entry to Win 1 of 50 Free Tax Return Preparations! Courtesy of Liberty Tax Service. EVENT GUARANTEED TO SELL OUT! GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TICKETS NOW @ BRAZILCARNIVAL.COM - Info: (619)224-4684 VIP Reserved Seating: Contact Brittany @ 619.850.6349 - brittany_cook@hotmail.com Tickets Also Available at Açai Boutique - 1570 Garnet Ave.

Where:

4th&B San Diego, 345 B St. San Diego, CA 92101 8pm – 12am 21 & up

How to help Haiti

2010-01-17T14:44:00.001-08:00

Everything and anything will help at this point... Helping gives us a sense of hope and unity, even when we are not there physically to provide support. I know that Haiti really needs our help, NOW more than ever before. Natural disasters of this magnitude bring strife and suffering to people, but it can also serve to unite them and make them stronger. I cannot imagine at any level what the people of Haiti are suffering which such a level of loss of friends, family and loved ones- their homes, their city, their everything. Please put yourselves in their places for a few moments, just to imagine what you would be feeling if you were there, one of them... and losing everything in just a moment' time. I can't really imagine that, I've never gone through something that horrible. But, seeing the pictures on tv and blogs makes me terribly sad and puts a whole in my heart...

I want to help, as you all want to help... but we might not know who to give our money to... because we want it to go to the people, and to insure it gets to where it needs to go.. and isn't put into someone's pocket or spent on something else.

Pedro, from Pedro's Island posted something incredible about Haiti and it's people in this disaster time and if you go to his website HERE, you will find a variety of organizations to donate money to for help... Here is the post in French... HERE

I implore you, to find it in your hearts, to offer help in any way you can.. whether it's by giving money, praying, contacting people you know who can help, going there and helping.. whatever it takes... We can all help and ease the pain/suffering if we work together!

Happy New Year 2010!!

2009-12-31T00:11:00.001-08:00

Helllllll o Everyone!

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and families and VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! May it be one that shines the year through... filled with LoVe, PeAcE, PrOsPeRiTy, HaRmOnY and BrIgHtNeSs....

All my best,

Leesa

The Fresh Air Fund

2009-12-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard about the Fresh Air Fund, I suggest you take a look at their website HERE and learn what they are about. I first learned of them last year, when I was contacted by Sara Wilson, the Outreach Coordinator, to ask if I was interested in sharing The Fresh Air Fund with my readers. I did a blog post about this wonderful program and now I am posting again to let people out there know what a amazing program this is! The program is set up to provide New York City children from low-income communities with fun and memorable summertime experiences. It reaches out to the most needy families to give them a chance to discover new sights and scenes, to make new friends and to experience something new while having fun!

The Fresh Air Fund is an independent not-for-profit agency which has been providing free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children since 1877! Their numbers have soared up to almost 10,000 children annually! This is AWESOME!!

In 2009, close to 5,000 children visited host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 States from Virginia to Maine and Canada. Three thousand children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York.

Contact information:

Angela Pender-Fox, Friendly Town Director APenderfox@freshair.org Jenny Morgenthau, Executive Director (212) 897-8898 jmorgenthau@freshair.org Kate Brinkerhoff, Public Relations Director (212) 897-8890 kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org Sara Wilson, Outreach Coordinator sara@freshair.org

*Picture taken from The Fresh Air Fund's website.

The Vampire Diaries EXTENDED PREVIEW

2009-10-19T13:53:00.001-07:00

My new favourite show!! LOVEEEEEE Paul Wesley!

We will NEVER forget.... 9/11

2009-09-12T04:34:00.001-07:00

On September 11th we woke to a normal morning and got ready for the day. We never expected the tragedy that was headed our way. We got ready for school and work; we didn't want to be late, Not knowing we'd never forget this horrifying date.

We started our routines, and planned for a busy time, Until we got the call through the telephone line. We turned on the TV just as we were told, And watched as our hands started to grow very cold.

New York was full of smoke like a very foggy morning, Because a plane had struck a building without a single warning. We all watched in silence as the second building was hit, I could not believe it, NO not one bit!

As we watched the first tower collapse and saw the people jumping, We had to look away for our hearts were surely pumping. When the second tower collapsed, tears fell from my eyes, I thought of all those people that lost their lives.

From Wikipedia:

Mark Kendall Bingham (May 22, 1970 in Phoenix, Arizona – September 11, 2001 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania) was an American public relations executive who founded his own company, the Bingham Group. He died at age 31 in theSeptember 11, 2001 terrorist attack on board United Airlines Flight 93.

Thank you to all the firefighters, police, paramedics, security guards, city workers, and people who the worked to help others during this tragic event.

Viking River Cruises

2009-08-31T13:58:00.001-07:00

How many of you out there has ever been on a "cruise?" I have never done it myself, but over the past few years, the idea of taking a cruise has become a very appealing one to me! I have several friends here in Paris who have been on several different European cruises, and they all come back and talk about how wonderful the experience was! I sold!!!

So, I searched the internet and found this company, Viking River Cruises who offer a wide variety of cruises throughout Europe and even in Egypt, China, and Russia!! Here's their link, Viking River Cruises, and you can check it out and see what they have to offer. They have so many choices listed on their website that it's really hard to decide! One that I would really love to take is a cruise along the Danube! It sounds so enchanting, so relaxing and such a great way to see the sights and scenes of different countries and cultures!

Et voilà, you have it... Or, maybe I have it! A cruise on the Danube awaits... I must go!

OOPS! ONE LAST POST...Ch

2009-08-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

from California with LOVE and pizza crust!!!! BJ's Chicago Pizza in La Jolla! The best darn pizza in San Diego!!! YEEEE HAAAAA!!!! Frances and I went to dinner together on my second to last night n SD! Ohhhhhhh YUMMMMM!!!!!

This is for you, ALEX!!!

re-LAX Lounge at LAX

2009-08-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is the best thing at LAX... and I found it purely by chance!! It's easy to miss but if you are lucky enough to stumble upon it, it's worth it's weight in GOLD!!! I spend only $20 for 2 hours of pure bliss at LAX... It was sooo calm, peaceful and comfortable in this lounge. I didn't even feel as though I was at the airport!!! Free internet connection, free food and drink, spacious and roomy and most importantly... comfy chairs with a GREAT view of passing planes!!!

BON VOYAGE!!! See ya back in France!!!! I'm outta this place!

REALLY leaving L.A. --- at L.A.X.UP

2009-08-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

A SUPER HUGE THANK YOU to Travis for helping me to "Get out of this place." We met at Peets in Venise in the morning and helped me return the car and then dropped me at the airport!! Thanks sooo much, T!!!!
What the heck is in all of those bags?!!

GOOD BYE L.A.

2009-08-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Whole Foods in Venice, California

2009-08-27T08:44:00.001-07:00

WOW!!! CHEESE.... imported from France and all over the cheese world... EXPENSIVE!

Travis!

Coffee! Why is coffee so much better in France?

HUGE aisles

Mission Hills Nursery, San Diego

2009-08-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

This is my ALL TIME FAV nursery! So many choices await!!!

Windnsea Beach, La Jolla

2009-08-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

A beach front apartment facing the ocean! Ahhhhhhh!!!! Quelle vie!

La Jolla Mansions in Birdrock and Windnsea

2009-08-27T08:12:00.001-07:00

Purple passion flower

2009-08-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Native California plants adorn the front of this house...

2009-08-23T07:58:00.001-07:00

Walking through the neighbourhood in Normal Heights

2009-08-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Pretty houses and streets lined with palm trees...

Y Friends at East Mission Bay!

2009-08-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well, though it was just Me, Jen, Sue, Roy and their kids, we had a great time "catching up" and just enjoying a beautiful day! It was so gorgeous out...

Target FIX!!!

2009-08-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

In the three years I've lived abroad, one of the things I have missed the most is TARGET!! I remember the Friday/Saturday nights of nothing to do, so I'd just UP and go to "browse" the aisles at the nearby Target!! It was a lot of fun! This trip, Target made a lot of money off of me!!!

The good ol' Pannikan Gang! 20 some years later...

2009-08-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Me, Shell and baby Z.
Gabe, Marie Claude, and Mattias
Here we all are... The Pannikan crowd... 20 some years later...

Paul was visiting from NZ at the same time I was in SD... That was great 'cuz we got to hang out and chat about the cultural differences of the Kiwis, Americans, and the French...
Sleeping Beauty!

Comes equipped with his own poop bag.

Vehicle DeLUX in La Jolla, of course!

2009-08-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

My office at Peets...

2009-08-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

Great coffee, free internet and friends!! What more could a gal ask for to set herself down for awhile?!

Boudin Bakery and Peets...

2009-08-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

Fisherman's Wharf

2009-08-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

San Remo - A lovely place to stay in San Francisco!

2009-08-22T04:48:00.001-07:00

We changed our lodgings on the last day to the very charming St. Remo Hotel on Mason St. It was only several blocks from the Wharf and was such an adorable place! We were very happy to have found it!

*Picture taken from the St. Remo website

Search Results

My photos from the hotel

San Remo Hotel
www.san remo hotel .com
2237 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 776-8688

Crossing the Golden Gate...

2009-08-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

Gotta LOVE this bridge!!!

Fishing for Sting rays....

2009-08-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

We watched some guy try to pull up his catch and the line kept pulling back like it had something really heavy on it... When he brought up his catch... everyone saw what it was-- a sting ray... The guy couldn't pull it up and the line snapped before he was able to get the hook out.. Poor sting ray... Pierced lip, as Josh said!

On the boardwalk in Tiburon...

2009-08-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Me, Josh, Teresa and Linds after enjoying a nice and relaxing lunch at Sam's... a coffee at the Italian cafe, and a stroll on the small boardwalk.... GREAT VIEW and a very beautiful day! It was bright and sunny and about 80F!!!

Tiburon, California....

2009-08-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

Is a little gem nestled along the San Francisco Bay. I think it's one of the nicest spots in SF and a must see for tourists. It's quite and charming and gives a lovely view of the city from a distance!

Josh, Teresa, Lindsey and had a nice lunch at Sam's, a very popular local spot to have a meal on the wooden deck that overlooks the Bay. It's a great place on a warm and sunny weekend afternoon, but don't forget to apply your sunscreen!

Here's a little info about Tiburon:

The town of Tiburon is a wonderful place to live and a tourist's delight, just a short drive or ferry ride from San Francisco. The town is home to a number of great restaurants and some of the best sailors in the world. Angel Island, a historic landmark and a fun place to visit, looms large to the east of downtown, as Belvedere rises above to the west, just a bit closer than the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you'd like to learn more about this lovely town, please check out their official website: TiburonCalifornia.com

Police car with fake cop... Slowing down drivers...

2009-08-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

And, it works!! This cop car was strategically parked in the street and had a dummy inside! No, I'm not insulting the cops, I mean a "dummy" mannequin... a faux policier... to scare people into making a full stop at the stop sign on the opposing side of the street... I really think this is a great idea on the part of the police dept!!

Kennedy's Irish Pub and Indian Curry House, San Fran

2009-08-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that an Irish pub and an Indian resto would go hand in hand! Well, at Kennedy's, it does! I cannot believe how good and "authentic" this food was... I felt like I was eating in the house of a typical Indian family. The resto serves a wide variety of choices from both north, south, east and west Indian cuisine... So, there's something for everyone! All of the serveurs and cooks were Indian, too!! That's a good sign! I ordered my food "spicy/hot" and it was PERFECT!! This is a great place to have a good beer-- my brother and sis-in-law had Camy (Belg) and there are over 200 hundred beers and wines on the menu...

Check it out if you're in the area:

Kennedy's Irish Pub and India Curry House

(415) 441-8855

1040 Columbus Ave San Francisco, CA 94133

Kara's Cupcakes, San Franciso...

2009-08-21T05:38:00.001-07:00

Had to take a peek in this cute cupcake boutique. Didn't try one so I don't know if they are good or not, but you are welcome to stop by and try one for yourself.... Apparently, they get good reviews on the internet... See their website: Kara's Cupcakes for more info.

Ghiradelli Sqauare...

2009-08-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Home of one of the finest chocolates in the U.S.

Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset

2009-08-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

Lucky day for a good sunset picture of the Golden Gate Bridge! Look Ma, no fog!!! That's gotta be a first... Our 4 days in Frisco were beautiful in terms of perfect weather!

The Palace of Legion and Honor, San Francisco

2009-08-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Situated on the hill overlooking the Bay, is the Palace of Legion and Honor. In fact, the words "Honneur et Patrie" were inscribed in the wall on the building. There was the famous statue by Rodin (the Thinker) and a mini Louvre like pyramid... To top it off was a beautiful resemblance of an Arc... one similar to what we have here in France... A nice tribute, I'd say... and a very popular place to hold a wedding... See the official website of the Palace of Legion and Honor for more info.
Josh, Teresa and Lindsey next to the mini pyramid!
A copy of Rodin's, "le penseur."
Rearside of the statue and the "arc."
Top view of the arc.

Lunch at the Cliffhouse

2009-08-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

We went with Josh and Teresa to a resto with one of the best views in SF, the Cliffhouse. It was a nice time spent together and the food was pretty good, too...

Locals at the Pier...

2009-08-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

2009-08-19T22:18:00.001-07:00

Another Zoltar fortune teller, same as in Vegas.. He gets around!
Alcatraz on a clear day....

Flowers from the farmer's market

2009-08-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Fresh produce at the Farmer's Market....

2009-08-19T01:52:00.001-07:00

And some dried peppers!

Mushrooms galour at the Farmer's Market

2009-08-19T01:32:00.000-07:00

Plus, some expensive truffles....

2009-08-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building, Embarcadero

2009-08-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Saturday morning and a beautiful view!

SF architechture

2009-08-19T01:11:00.003-07:00

This really reminded me of Paris....

Full moon shining bright

2009-08-19T01:11:00.001-07:00

The Stinking Rose Restaurant, San Francisco

2009-08-19T01:03:00.001-07:00

A first! Both a first for Linds and I... We dinner at this famous stinky resto!! We reached a point of garlic saturation after a while and took a short break from the deliciously stinky rose! We had an appetizer of garlic sauteed in olive oil served up with bread and a HOT garlic spread- basic and fresh garlic (which was VERY addictive). For dinner, we both had salads (we were sooo full already that we couldn't eat anything other than salad). We even had to pass up the garlic ice cream at the end... Oh... what a shame!

Out and about in SF

2009-08-19T00:56:00.001-07:00

Something Sexy (no we didn't go).
Something French, mais oui!!
Something Chinese

Arriving at SFO

2009-08-19T00:51:00.001-07:00

Here's Linds in front of the CLOSED Peets cafe! Well, at least it's NOT a Starbucks! Peets is my cafe of choice!!!
I thought this warning was pretty cool to warn tourists about not taking rides from unauthorized cab and limo drivers... Something we learn when traveling abroad by friends and locals but who would have thought this in the U.S. Isn't EVERYONE legal here???!!!!!
I thought this sign was funny, because I could just imagine people taking their pets to this area to let them relief themselves after a flight.... Doggie/kitty potty area! hehehe

More YUMMY cupcakes

2009-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

YUMMY CUPCAKES in Santa Monica.

Here are the two that Travis and I tried... YUM!

More YUMMY cupcakes- Hawaiian Style!

2009-08-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

Yummy Cupcakes, Santa Monica Part ll

2009-08-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

Yummy Cupcakes, Santa Monica

2009-08-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Travis and I went to check out this VERY CUTE cupcakery in Santa Monica on Wilshire Blvd. yesterday. The girls who worked there were very nice and the cupcakes were DELISH!!!!

Mirage Volcano erupting... by night

2009-08-10T08:57:00.003-07:00

LOVE

2009-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

LOVE - Cirque de Soleil and the music of the BEATLES

2009-08-10T08:43:00.001-07:00

Inside the Wynn

2009-08-09T18:32:00.001-07:00

bazooka bubble gum...

2009-08-09T18:29:00.001-07:00

More at the Palazzo

2009-08-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Travis, just happened to be in Vegas at the same time as me, and so we got to hang out together and explore some new casinos.... Here is the Palazzo, which was a beautiful hotel following the theme of Venice, Italy....

Inside the Palazzo

2009-08-09T07:20:00.001-07:00

Outside the Mirage

2009-08-09T07:15:00.001-07:00

This is where we saw Cirque's, "LOVE," show (music by the Beatles).... This was a STELLAR show and I recommend it to anyone and everyone who loves music from the Beatles!

American cakes...

2009-08-09T07:12:00.001-07:00

Then there was a deli in the Mirage with some HUGE cheesecakes (I've NEVER seen a cheesecake soooo tall) and some other kind of cake that looked like a mountain!

Looking a LOT like French patisseries!

2009-08-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

WOW... These cakes came the closest that I've seen yet so far to the pieces of art I've seen in France.. I didn't try one, but they all sure looked delish!!! This was in a bakery in the Bellagio...

Inside the Bellagio gardens

2009-08-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Bellagio does a fantastic job with it's flower garden. There is always and theme and it's pretty elaborately done. This time, it was a large ferris wheel and and lots of huge glass poppies, with hot air ballons hanging from the ceiling. My favorite were the huge glass crystal balls spinning with water... I also liked giant water cans...

More on City Centre

2009-08-07T06:44:00.001-07:00

Ongoing construction to build Las Vegas' newest structures... a small city within the city, changing the classic skyline of the Strip, and making way for multi-million dollar residences... WOW!

The Strip by night...

2009-08-07T06:39:00.001-07:00

Even McDo is all dressed up in shimmering lights!

Paris by night..

2009-08-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

No, you're not seeing things... This is Paris... well, America's version, at least!

The beautiful Bellagio

2009-08-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Strip by dusk

2009-08-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

NY NY

2009-08-06T07:24:00.001-07:00

Einstein Bagels for breakfast with Felipa, Nicole and the kids

2009-08-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

M&Ms World and a giant Coke!

2009-08-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

Paris walking in the "streets"

2009-08-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Wow!! It's a HUGE cupcake... Supersize me!
Looking pretty like French patisseries...
Looking like American pastries...
My fav creperie in Vegas... but it doesn't come CLOSE to French crepes!

And of course, the "token" French word....

Paris from the inside

2009-08-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Paris from the outside

2009-08-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Monte Carlo side of the strip...

2009-07-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas by night...

2009-07-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

The view of the strip from our hotel window.

The Reef Encouter at Mandalay Bay

2009-07-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

City Center - the latest construction site on the strip

2009-07-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Strip

2009-07-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

and some new building!

Fast food galour!

2009-07-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

I chose Rubio's because it's a local San Diego Mexican resto that has pretty healthy stuff! I had a burrito (mahi mahi, black beans and rice).

Fast food galour!

2009-07-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Fast food galour

I chose Rubio's because it's a local San Diego Mexican resto that has pretty healthy stuff! I had a burrito (mahi mahi, black beans and rice).

Monte Carlo -- Pool side....

2009-07-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

New buildings going up-- Town Center

M&M World..

2009-07-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

What a yummy store!