For the next three weeks, this One Busy Bee will Be Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, possibly Toronto, Canada and definitely London. I have just returned from Las Vegas for Independence Day Weekend and honestly haven’t gotten back to my normal gym routine. I have gained 1.5 pounds since my last weigh-in two weeks ago. I need to lose that and make some progress while traveling. It can be done!
Samsonite, Kelty & Michael Kors. And I like blue.
Traveling with coworkers means we will be staying at AirBNBs. They do not have a gym like hotels do. I do not have a 24 Hour Fitness plan that includes all gyms nationwide, plus where I’m going, there isn’t one conveniently located. There are Planet Fitness facilities. The cost for all gyms is $20 per month plus one-time fee of $30. I just might do that since I can cancel anytime. The black card membership also allows you to bring a guest. Maybe a coworker will tag along. Sadly, 24 Hour Fitness locations aren’t open 24 hours. Sorry, Hayward Jackson Street location, had to call you out.
Snap: bappletree – Tank top by Shredz
The half marathon training is going. I just completed another 10K at Mare Island with my running buddy, Nelly. I’ll get the half marathon done at Disneyland Paris. It just won’t be pretty. With the pains in my knees and hips, this will most likely be last half. Then again, I’ve said that before.
Cali Muscle tank – Nelly!
Stretch it out!
We needed this beer
If you’re a traveler like me, you can get a workout in while on the road. Get those steps in, bring a jump rope and bands and knee braces for a run. What do you pack when you travel?
Follow on my personal social media accounts for more fitness posts. You know I’ll be doing yoga poses too! Which reminds me, stretching is a must, especially when traveling.
When your less than 48-hour weekend in Vegas is pretty much packed, you land, drop off your gear at your hotel and head out!
We pre-gamed a bit at home with a homemade chocolate cocktail with Ketal One vodka, Amaz-in Chocolate Cream Liquor from Granada, and milk. A friend was driving us to the airport so no need to be sober!
While at the Oakland International Airport, we stopped at Vino Volo and rang up a bill of wine flights, an additional glass of wine, a cheese and charcuterie plate, salmon crostinis, deviled eggs and a prosciutto sandwich. With weeks of trying to save money, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Eggo waffles and homemade salads, I was enjoying eating more refined items. It even caused us to have our names called over the speaker system at the airport. The doors were already closed. Oh, dear.
As the Travel Agent, I was leading the pack. This was only Nikki’s second time to Vegas and Kim has been here several times like me but we’ve never been together. I of course would ask for their preferences but it was nice that they trusted my judgment. We went to Sushi Samba at the Palazzo Hotel across the street.
Did the real thing in Venice.
Passed the spot where you purchase and board your gondola and the large LOVE artwork, find yourself at Sushi Samba. It is delicious. Parched from our journey and what seemed like a long walk along the waterways of Venice, Italy, we sucked down the waters placed in front of us. Our server sold us on a sake cocktail and we ordered three. Mine was gone in two seconds. It was tasty and refreshing – exactly what I needed. I was also tempted by their Japanese whisky offerings.
Moving on and needing to walk after a delicious meal, we walked thru and out of The Venetian Hotel. We stopped at the Carnival Court where I have had a lot of fun at in the past by myself. This time with two more girls, the band was pretty terrible and the bar tricks were fun. For the experience, I gave the girls cash to get a shot poured into their mouth from the bartender standing on the bar top with some sort of cocktail in the bottle. It was pineapple based and not a lot of liquor. You pay for the experience.
Leaving the smoke and kind of an older crowd behind, we went to check out the piano bar at Harrah’s just next door. Dueling piano bars have kinda been a Roommate kind of thing for us. Our first trip to Los Angeles in February 2018, we went to the one at Universal City and had a great time. Our next one was for Kim’s Reverse Bachelorette Party at Foley’s in San Francisco. That was another great time. On our trip up to Seattle with Nikki for Cinco de Mayo Weekend, it was pretty terrible. The guys just didn’t sound good. One guy was funny and the other was disturbing as a goofy guy trying to be ‘hard.’ I did not enjoy myself. Then in Vegas, you’d think entertainment would be a bit better, right? This was also a disappointment. They just didn’t sound good at all. I know playing the piano is a requirement, but singing capabilities should also be one. We left. Sadly it was so bad I didn’t take a picture of the spot. Sorry. Not sorry.
Continuing down The Strip on a warm Friday night, we found ourselves at Paris. Nikki and I will be heading there for my birthday weekend and my second RunDisney half marathon. This time it will be at Disneyland Paris. Nikki and I had to take a photo near the Vegas Eiffel Tower.
Just before entering the Paris Hotel, we could hear music coming from the Chateau Nightclub above. It’s an outdoor nightclub. Unfortunately, I have never been. We did find the Le Caberet Bar and the good music drew us in. I scoped the area for a table for us to sit at and it was all taken up. We stood near the entrance and a young Latino guy approached. He asked if we wanted a drink. I asked if he worked here. Clearly he didn’t with a drink in his hand but he seemed so hospitable. I chatted with him and the girls danced while we got our complimentary drinks from Danny. He was in Vegas for his cousin’s 21st birthday. The cousin was no where to be found. We continued chatting and rejoined the girls with our glasses of bubbles. We eventually began to dance as the Status Band was great! We eventually made friends with other dancers and they were on the younger side, all Latino. Muy bueno! Just coming back from Mexico, it was nice to be around la gente again. We danced, drank, danced and took photos.
Shots from Danny
“Let’s take a photo,” she said.
“Oh, I thought he was with you?” The best part of traveling is meeting new people. Danny was not mine. Walter, from Honduras, was not mine. He wasn’t theirs either! We all just gravitated towards each other. It was a fun night, sending 26-year-old Danny reluctantly home with his cousins saying “Yes, I’ll text you tomorrow!” as I shoved him towards his family.
We said our goodbyes, exchanged Instagram accounts and invitations were extended to come up to San Francisco Bay Area. Good times.
Our walk home included a stop at McDonald’s. It was approaching 4 AM and sadly they were switching the menu to breakfast. No Big Mac for me. Instead, I ordered an Egg McMuffin, with an extra hash brown and a yogurt parfait. The parfait came in handy Sunday morning when I was starving. Thank goodness for Treasure Island’s mini fridge. And shockingly, Nikki has never had breakfast from McDonald’s. Then again, she rarely eats fast food. Good for her!
And that concludes our Friday night in Las Vegas. It was a good weekend.
Another epic week, another epic trip to Las Vegas. I always tell myself that I have been to Vegas several times, I don’t really need to go back. I want to see the rest of the world. However, every time I go, it is always a great time. July 4th weekend was no different. With so many options of places to stay, eat and play, some things are consistently good. Let me show you some of Sin City and let me help you book your next trip.
TRAVEL
I enjoy Southwest Airlines. They are consistently good and it is a very easy flight from the San Francisco Bay Area to McCarren International Airport. LAS is located so close to the strip that a quick shuttle or Uber (Get $2 off your first 3 rides with my link) from the terminal to your desired hotel is cheap and easy.
The girls and I stayed at the Treasure Island Hotel. When I was last in Vegas in 2017, we stayed here as well. The rooms are consistent and the location is convenient. As an Expedia VIP, I was granted late check out. However, as I didn’t need it, I was able to exchange it for a complimentary bottle of champagne. Let me book you on the same deals you see on Expedia and I can possibly get you extra perks. Do keep in mind that you have options of a non-refundable price or with cancellation deadlines to take advantage of these rates. Plans change so do keep that in mind.
The Venetian and Tao Beach is literally right across the street. If you are interested in a pool party, this is the best place to go for its convenience and one of the lowest minimums for a day bed that comes with an umbrella. The new KAOS at the Palms had a minimum of $1,000. Regardless, trust me, the money adds and up but it’s a good time. Let me connect you with my contact there for a day bed and he hooked me up with complimentary drinks for one hour for my party of three.
One thing all girls must do on a Girls’ Trip to Vegas is see Magic Mike Live. I tell ya, it’ll change your life! I have seen Thunder From Down Under twice and it’s also fun but I enjoy the dancing much better at Magic Mike. And who doesn’t love all these men channeling the newly single Mr. Channing Tatum? I was lucky to have been pulled on on stage and received maybe three lap dances from some well-built men. My hands were full during this show. The host, Jordan, said she picked me as a thank you for chatting with her when we sat down and I noticed she was alone. How very cool. We ladies shouldn’t be in competition with each other for men’s attention. They might be willing to share the love.
EVENT PLANNING
Speaking of love, I loved all of the events we attended. The two pool parties were great even though we missed seeing Sisqo at the Flamingo Go Pool before we had to leave and catch a flight. The shows and even the performance and new friends we made at the Caberet Bar at the Paris Hotel on our first night was great. Every hotel will have a chapel. The Flamingo has a gazebo outside. The chapel at the Mandalay Bay is a bit more modern. Do contact me should you need assistance with a destination wedding. A party is never hard to find in Vegas.
#WEREHUNGRYTOO
For this foodie and #OneBusyBee, I had to revisit Sushi Samba at The Palazzo Hotel. My friend, Courtney, and I went there by ourselves one day in 2016 as the other girls slept. We had a blast eating all the delicious Japanese, Puruvian and Brazilian food and enjoying Japanese whisky, my favorite. With so much change in the restaurant world, I am pleased to know they were still around. Kim and Nikki enjoyed our meal.
One thing I definitely wanted to do was have a nice meal by a Celebrity Chef. Gordon Ramsey had Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s and we walked by Carlo’s Bake Shop in The Palazzo. I opted in for Giada’s at The Cromwell Hotel. The restaurant was very nice and with views of a main intersection with the Bellagio Hotel kitty corner and Caesar’s across the street. We were sat at a large booth and were served by the very friendly and professional, Billy. The girls and I didn’t have too big of an appetite so we skipped on the multi-course brunch option but we all go the the salmon cake benedict. I added an arugula salad for $6 on the side and it was delicious. The salmon cake was thick and flavorful and the poached egg was cooked perfectly. The sauce looked like melted cheese with a dark orange color but oh, man, was it good. The coffee was strong and gave us the caffeine we needed. With a check in on Yelp, I was given a splash of prosecco. Billy said I couldn’t drink alone and brought out two more glasses. What a very nice gesture. If I could have taken a full-size of that salad home with me, I would have. Well done, Giada. Highly recommended! I can’t wait to go back and try more items on the menu, including the dim sum-like dessert trays they have available at dinner.
MOTIVATION
As I sat in the single sofa chair near the window on the 15th floor of our hotel room at the Treasure Island Hotel, I looked out onto the strip wondering if I could make the move and if it would make sense financially. I have played around with the idea of moving somewhere for a year while fulfilling my need to travel and really immerse myself in the area. I was at first thinking that it would be San Diego as I would need to be near the water. I looked at Austin, Texas, Charleston, South Carolina and even Seattle, Washington. However, Las Vegas has it all for me – event planning, hospitality, the warm but sometimes cold weather and an endless amount to blog about. It is truly a destination for so many different kind travelers – party-goers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, golfing, relaxation, foodies and even plenty to do for children. My goal is currently to do as much as I can to reach that Goal by 40 of owning property in Maui. I did want to have that property come September 2020, but technically I can still achieve that goal by September 21, 2021. For the past month, I have added on a second job as a Bartender to my world as #OneBusyBee. Unless I get a raise at my day job, I will probably stick with it until I make some headway. In the mean time, I very much appreciate your visits here to my blog and other social media, referrals of your travel clients and your Stella & Dot sales. Yes, I’m still a Stylist. 🙂
The lobby at the Palazzo Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada
This will have to be a quick one because this One Busy Bee is, well, busy. I have Vegas this weekend, fun events scheduled there, eating at one famous chef’s restaurant and am motivated to take a break and enjoy myself. Working seven days a week and trying to build a business on top of that has taken a toll a bit. And yet, I’m here for another OBB Weekly. Enjoy!
TRAVEL
In preparation of my week-long trip to London next month, I had to spend some money. Wanting to save on luggage fees and attempt to be a minimalist, I made my first Kelty backpack purchase. After research online and visiting Outdoor World Sporting Goods while I was in Santa Cruz to touch and feel the product, I purchased the Kelty 44. It had several compartments, way to collapse it and condense your possessions. I am looking forward to testing it out in this weekend’s quick trip to Las Vegas, even though Southwest Airlines is awesome with their two free bags policy. I successfully traveled very light on a recent trip to Seattle, Washington. I know it can be done.
Enjoyed these vouchers thanks to Southwest on my way to Walt Disney World – January 2019
Are you a light traveler? What are your tips?
EVENT PLANNING
Remember Sisqo? He sang on The Thong Song and is the lead singer of the band Dru Hill. Well, we will be attending a pool party in Las Vegas as the Flamingo Pool where he will be making an appearance. Dru Hill is also touring. I had no idea. The bathing suit will be packed and we’ll have a good time this holiday weekend. Another stop at Tao Beach during the day will also take place. DJ Justin Incredible will spinning. Vegas always has something going on.
Which is your favorite pool in Las Vegas? Which has the best pool parties?
FOOD
On this trip to Vegas, we only have time for one dinner reservation, and it will be at Giada’s for brunch. Giada De Laurantiis is a celebrity chef with nine award-winning cookbooks, TV shows, traveler and even children’s book author. Not only do I love Italy and italian food, I love visiting restaurants by famous chefs. Not only is she beautifully stunning at 48, (may I please look amazing as her when I’m that age!), she seems like a great person. She gives back to the community by highlighting a product in her store and donates a portion to its sales for the month to a particular non-profit. This month, a set of measuring spoons benefits Save Place for Youth. Shop HERE. Stay tuned here and on WereHungryToo on Instagram for photos.
Which celebrity chef do you most admire? Do you make purchases based on it benefiting a non-profit?
MOTIVATION
Sadly, my hits have dropped and I feel June has been crazy busy. I haven’t been promoting my posts as much but moreso creating content and using the photos and videos I have on my phone. I need to get those numbers back up. Since February, it has been a roller coaster in terms of statistics. A good month, then a not-so-good month. With 20 new posts in June, I definitely had something to talk about. Apparently I didn’t do that enough. It is now July and I need to step it up.
Thank you to those that have visited and continue to support me. I like seeing the numbers and appreciate it!
North of Cabo San Lucas, find yourself in a cute town called Todos Santos. It is the home of a Hotel California, art galleries and workshops and the historic The Todos Santos Inn. In the Inn, find La Copa Bar with a beautifully made dark, wooden bar, tall bar stools and deep armchairs. Under the mirror in between two flat-screen televisions, bottle are lined. Also in a line, find jars of infusions. A concoction was the perfect way end to a tour of this beautiful property.
The cocktails matched perfectly and as a bartender myself, a former Co-Owner of a San Francisco restaurant and twenty years in hospitality, these were memorable creations. The time and love it took to create these cocktails, plus the presentation and smoke (Yes, smoke!) was fantastic. I sadly cannot remember the name of our talented bartender but I cannot wait to go back to try more and share this experience and craft with many more.
Oveja Negra – $160 pesos White tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, coc0nut water, cucumber and mint
Aventurera – $150 pesos Vodka infused with ginger and cardamom, lime juice and ginger soda
Chachita – $160 pesos Mezcal infused with tamarind, grapefruit syrup, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, smoke with rosemary
Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a series of speedway events at K1 Speed Track in many different cities. I was lucky to have been invited and participated in the one at the Dublin, California location. Norwegian‘s three new ships have outdoor, multi-level race tracks. Imagine racing in the middle of the sea!
Dining area. Event space.
The evening started out with checking in and getting in line to race. The last time I was on a course like this was in Livermore, California may eight years ago and they used gas. I felt very sick and I had to have my boyfriend at the time pull over while on the way home. I needed fresh air. At this event, the carts are battery operated.
Participants were able to race more than once but the buffet of pizza, sliders, chicken tenders and salad were offered. I had a good time racing and I came in third in my group and was the fastest female. Being a race car driver would be a fun job, on top of being a Travel Agent.
During the presentation, they showed us the new features of the new cruise ships and how to attract different demographics.
Norwegian Joy has been their prime marketing focus. It has a wrap around lounge which would be nice for those in Alaska wanting to stay warm. There are three main dining room and has elevated menus as they have merged with Oceania and Regent.
Activities available will be the race track for a minimal charge, say around $15. There is a height requirement to ride. There is lazer tag and the Galaxy Pavillion where you can create and virtually ride the roller coaster you created.
Millennials like to stay connected. Free wifi minutes is an offer to choose from when you book during certain promotions. This group care about the environment, culture and local experiences. Studies show (How Travel Agencies Avoided Extinction and Became a Luxury Service – Vox 9/21/18) millennials also trust the experts. Call me!
Sixty-two percent of active families are said to choose their vacation based on the ship. They want the bells and whistles the ship offers. Also, cruise ships are best for vacations with multi-generation family travelers. There is something for every body, children can be save in one place and everyone comes together for dinner every night. Babyboomers are active explorers. They prefer luxury and pampering.
One thing that resonates with this Hawaii Certified Travel Agent is that they mentioned the Pride of America cruise ship that tours the Hawaiian islands. It has been voited the best itinerary for 13 years and you can add on overnighters in Maui and Kaua’i to give you more time. Add on extra days before as well. This will give you time to visit the island of Lanai as well, something I have been personally wanting to do.
If your time is flexible, consider making it more of a package deal and add air to your reservation. Flights may be booked 6 months out, they will be direct and not too much of an inconvenience. Costs will most likely vary between $99 – $299 depending on your departure and destination. Unfortunately, no business class is available and your preferred airline is not guaranteed. However, with booking your flight thru the cruise line, you will be guaranteed to make your cruise ship, either at the original departure or at another port, depending on circumstances.
For you solo travelers, Norwegian also has studios. No more double occupancy requirements. The cost is slightly higher than one person but at least it’s available.
Offers galore! Every cruise line has a special offer to book. Norwegian has a Free at Sea. A reservation of a Studio or Inside stateroom allows one free offer such as Free Unlimited Beverages, Free Shore Excursion Credits, Free Speciality Dining, Free WiFi and on some sailings, friends and family sale free.
For fun, the marketing materials included these facts on Alaska. Consider Alaska to be your next cruise!
Denali is the highest peak in North America, towering at 20,320 feet. The weight of one humpback whale is equal to the weight of 8 African elephants. 5% of Alaska (29,000 square miles) is covered by glaciers. As part of the biodiversity program, Norwegian is proud to partner with the Alaska Raport Center in Sitka, Alaska.
In response to how Norwegian is different and their commitment to the environment, see a list HERE of how they are making a difference.
With a new job taking over majority of my weekends when I’m not traveling, this One Busy Bee had to squeeze in my June hike on a Friday morning. My route to this new job keeps me off the busy streets of Downtown Hayward and I pass signs for Greenbelt Trails. A customer of mine confirmed that there were many trails in Hayward to hike. I had no idea! However, my attempt to start this trail didn’t begin. The lack of cars parked near the entrance and the mountain lion territory warning sign deterred me from even beginning.
I was running out of time as I typically start work at 10:30 AM, though I was working from home today. I decided to head to a park I was familiar with, the Lake Chabot Marina. I parked on the street and later found out state parks entrance fees were free today. No big deal. I quickly looked at the map and made a loop along the lake, onto the Cameron Trail, Ten Hills and then down to McGregor.
It made me sad to be there. The last time I was there was with Bevo, my late Boston Terrier. He passed in December. We were there in August 2018 when Bevo and I were helping Kim with her training miles for her second Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Walk. It made me miss him even more. I saw smiles on dogs’ faces that walked by and they were lucky to be out on a beautiful day with their owners. I am glad Bevo had these experiences as well. He deserved them.
My route today was 4.13 miles in 1.25 hours. This was my fastest 3-5 mile hike due to my Runkeeper app. July’s hike should be something similar but who knows!
I am happy to announce that I am Marriott International Certified as a Hotel Sales Specialist! There are so many fantastic properties all over the world I would love to experience. Wouldn’t you? Please contact me for your business and personal travel arrangements. Referrals are always appreciated!
I want to give a shout out to some of my favorite Marriott properties!
Summer is here! In the east bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s already warm before you leave for your commute to work. Posts of families going on vacation, summer weddings, bar-b-ques and cocktails by the pool and efforts to get that summer body are aplenty. What does summer mean to you? Do you have traditions you do around this time of year? What do you look forward to?
TRAVEL
This summer, my clients have visited Phuket, Thailand, the Maldives, Walt Disney World, and even Indiana for work. I was just in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, will be heading to Las Vegas, Nevada, London and possibly a cross country road trip to Maryland. It’s warm and my credit cards with travel benefits are ready.
What vacation plans do you have? Which credit cards do you have to help you travel?
EVENT PLANNING
It has been one year since Susie and Frankie got married at Stable Cafe in San Francisco, California. I am wishing my friend, Bride and Groom and their adorable daughter, Sophia, another amazing year together.
Have the gown but still need assistance with your wedding? LIKE my page here.
My condo complex doesn’t allow barbecue sets to be on our balconies so I don’t have a lot of experience grilling and will be without again this summer. The most memorable dining experience in regards to BBQ is International Smoke in San Francisco. It has been some time since I have been and will need to go back. I also have to try my friend’s BBQ. He does catering now. Follow my friend, Nelly! For now, I enjoy the grilled chicken on top of my salad at The Dormy House at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward.
How many scales have you gone thru? I am in complete denial of what my scale showed me on Sunday’s weigh-in. There was absolutely no way I gained more than I did in two weeks on my Princess Cruise to New Zealand and weigh more than I think I ever have. There is just no way. I just don’t look it or feel it. I’m giving my scale a pass and will revisit the issue next Sunday before a 10K race on Mare Island.
Ok, if that weight gain is legit, it should be a motivator and clearly I’m still at it. I’ll prove you wrong, Scale! As a matter of fact, I’m on the bike right now at the gym as I write this and will log another six miles walking around the restaurant for my second job. Because I’m One Busy Bee.
Follow on Instagram and view my stories of some gym sessions or doing what I can to work out at home on busy days. It counts.
Interested in moving to the San Francisco Bay Area? Prepare to pay quite a bit! I have friends and family moving out of California because it is very expensive. I am fortunate to call it home.
This is in the Hayward Hills at the gated Stonebrae community. If you’re a golfer, the TPC Stonebrae Golf Course is nearby. Come see me at three Members’ Only Lounge. Homes start at nearly $1 million. Ask for Lety at the property. Happy shopping!
As a kid, I used to tour model homes with my father and sister. I would run around the beautiful homes like it was Christmas morning and pretend as to which bedroom would be mine. Funny, I was considering getting my real estate license when I was looking at a career change. I obviously went with Becoming a Certified Travel Agent instead. Perhaps one day…
