Just returned from a day trip to Vegas. I love it there!
First stop, in Henderson actually, was Trader Joe’s. I brought a cooler and ice packs for the frozen items such as the Japanese ice cream the kids are so fond of. I also picked up a bottle of the new Clementine Sparkling Juice. Two thumbs way up!
After filling the cooler half way and securing the non-perishables, I ventured over to the Mandalay Bay hotel & casino. It is the first resort as you enter the strip from the south end, and offers quick access to their parking facilities.
The restaurant formerly situated next to the Burger Bar has been replaced by the new Hussong’s Cantina. It being Cinco de Mayo, I was in the mood for a margarita and Mexican fare. Ok, I’m always in the mood for a margarita and Mexican fare.
Hussong’s was having “The Most Interesting Man” Look-Alike contest. Had I know, I would have tried to bring my husband. He has the beard & mustache!
Well, regardless, I made my way to the entrance and requested a table for one. I was given a nice little table off to the side, a basket of chips & salsas, the menu and time to review it.
Hussong’s offers an Original and a Traditional margarita. I honestly didn’t know the difference, but assumed the original would be loaded with alcohol. When my waitperson approached, she offered me advice on my cocktail selection as well as my lunch choice. The Original uses all fresh ingredients while the Traditional uses a mix. I opted for the Original (both cost $10/ea.) I was torn between the lobster tacos and the avocado shrimp salad, and my server raved about the salad, calling it one of her favorite dishes. I ordered the salad, then sat back, enjoyed my chips, salsa and cocktail while listening to the laughter of fellow diners.
Soon my meal was approaching… an entire avocado, breaded and deep fried, filled with cooked shrimp and served on a bed of lettuce. Interesting! Tasty. Not sure I would order it again. The batter was rather thick on the avocado, but not bad overall. I gave Hussong’s 4 out of 5 stars on Yelp.
After lunch, I went to see my stylist, Brooklyn at ARCs, also in the Mandalay Bay. She gave me a trim and brightened my color (i.e. covered my gray). Her lovely assistant, Little Kelly did an amazing job rinsing & washing my hair and massaging my head & shoulders.
On the way out of dodge, I swung by the Cheesecake Factory for a few slices for my family; original with strawberries, key lime, and red velvet. I can attest the key lime is fantastic!
To view highlights of the day, just push play.
ā¢ What is your favorite day trip destination?
ā¢ What do you do there?
ā¢ Do you Yelp?
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Jean Has Been Shopping 
What a great day trip! I’ve never tried the Mochi – how is it? And the Clementine juice? Just like sweet orange juice or more special? And, I didn’t know they had Red Velvet Cheesecake at the Factory. May have to detour over there…
Wish I could’ve been there with you! This was a FUN trip!
That salad sounded interesting too. Next time you can try the lobster taco’s š
The kids love the Mochi. I can’t recall if I’ve tried it. It is ice cream covered in dough, so it’s really unusual, especially when it is softened from the long drive. LOL!
The Clementine juice was sweet and is “sparkling”/carbonated. I bet it would taste good in a mimosa. It tastes great plain!
The red velvet cake is tall and layered between cheesecake, with a thick white frosting and white chocolate curls. Very rich!
Yep, lobster tacos next time. Wish with all my heart you were here. š Love you!
Nice to see you,
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/family-friday-special-happy-mother-day-family-first-award/
Happy Mother’s Day!
I am excited about your trip,
How nice to unwind and smile!
U Rock!
Oh, I so want a spa day topped off with a margarita and cheesecake. That’ll do just fine, thank you.
It sounds like you had a great time. I wish I could have been there with you too. I’ve never been to Vegas. Boy oh boy, does the clementine juice ever sound delish. I love orange flavor.
I guess for a day trip……I don’t know, I don’t usually do day trips. I like to take a few in a row and drive up the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s beautiful.
Viva Las Vegas. I would’ve went for the Lobster Tacos. How on earth did you resist those???
Hi Jingle – Thank you for the award! Happy Mother’s Day!
Kristin – It doesn’t suck. LOL! Loved your guest blog the other day. I hope my comment(s) showed up.
Joy – Vegas is a fun destination. I hope you can visit some day. I’ll bet the Lake Superior shoreline is gorgeous!!
Hi Tony – I’m kicking myself for not getting the lobster tacos. Next time!
Jean, dig your podcast. Vegas looked so pretty and inviting that day. You seemed to be driving a little too fast in the car. lol
I love Mandalay Bay! As you know from one of my previous blogs…that’s where I discovered my newfound love and aspiration to become a cocktail waitress.
I also love Mexican. As a matter of fact, I’m sipping on Margaritas this very minute and munching on some chip and homemade queso dip. Who knew processed cheese from a shelf could taste soooo yummy!?
Ah, good old Vegas. How fun for you to be able to drive there for the day! I used to live there, and I miss vacationing there. Even got married there, well, in the Mohave Desert- Valley of Fire. Living there was a disaster, but to hang out and soak up the sun on vacation was always a blast.
When did they put up those road blocks next to the Vegas sign? I hate them!
Happy Mother’s Day,my friend!
You look BEAUTIFUL, then and NOW!
You are such a wonderful friend and MOTHER!
May this Mother’s Day be one of the best with more to come in years!
YOU ROCK, MOMMY!
hugs
shakira
Thank you, Shakira!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Oh Jean! I love love your hair! Looks like you had a fun day all to yourself.
Thanks for the Mother’s Day wish. Happy Mother’s Day to you too!
Hi Sherri! Happy Mom’s Day!
Thank you. Yes, it was a great day in Vegas. Temps. have been around 90. I did have the pedal to the metal. LOL!
I love Mandalay Bay too! That’s right! I remember that blog!
Mmmmm… Margaritas! Queso is so good too! Sounds like you were having a grand day!
Hi Girl From The Ghetto. Happy Mom’s Day. I wondered if living in Vegas wouldn’t be all peaches and cream.
I think the road blocks are about a year old. So many people want their pics taken next to the sign that they created parking in front of it. You can only enter that area as you’re going north on the strip.
Hi Tammy. Thank you!! It’s so nice to have a free day. Hubby picked up the kids from school and took care of all their needs.
I hope you are enjoying your special day. ā„
Beautiful place there! š
Thank you for share it with us,dear friend!!
A little gift for you here: http://2a24.wordpress.com/2010/05/08/kindness-card-for-you-all/
Enjoy the moment!! š
It is my pleasure to share bits of Las Vegas, my favorite retreat.
Thank you for the kindness card, Alina!
Jean….you do know how to live. š I love Vegas. Your wonderful video makes me want to get in my car and go. š Happy Mother’s Day. Glad to see that you are celebrating in style. Have a great week! š
Luisa – I’m happy to inspire your desire to return to Vegas! Happy Mom’s Day to you as well. Thank you!
My favorite place is Vegas is the Mandalay! Hands down I think it’s the nicest hotel. š I could eat Mexican food EVERY day, EVERY meal. You should come to Texas! It’s the best.
š
We’ll hit every joint in town. HA.
I wish I would have gone to Trader Joes in Milwaukee. We don’t have one here, but they did. I am so curious about it since everyone talks about going there. Next chance I get, I will take it.
My fav day trip from here is my home town. Ada, OK. Family and memories of childhood. You can’t beat that. š
Angelia – I agree! Mandalay is my fav! I’d love to come to Texas for Mexican food & margaritas!
You will enjoy Trader Joe’s! The first few times, I was overwhelmed, but now I have some favorites to pick up. Ada, OK sounds like a wonderful place!
beautiful photo on the bottom,
lovely experience shared here.
Seems you enjoyed a lot in Vegas . Your kids are really cute ..!
Well I’m also looking forward for a holiday sometime next month .
Zodiac Holidays – Find out your dream holiday according to your zodiac sign.
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Thank you, Tasneem! Enjoy your holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time.
Thank you for the survey link too. š
Hope you all have many smiles today. š
Thank you, Luisa! We are smiling. š
http://itistimetothinkformyself.blogspot.com/2010/05/jingles-may-follower-award-week-3.html
awards,
Nice to see you today!
Red Velvet Cheesecake? I don’t think I’ve seen one….how does it taste?? And those Trader Joe’s ice creams look yummy, I think I’ll have to pop over there and try ’em. Thanks. š
The red velvet cheesecake was delicious! It has layers of red cake and cheesecake, topped with frosting and white chocolate shavings. Beautiful! The ice cream has a pastry coating, which is unusual. It’s a tasty treat in a pinch (they are small serving balls).
Great to see you, Gita!