Monday, August 16, 2010

What about the Wyndham Grand Desert, Las Vegas, NV?

We were in Las Vegas August 13 - 15 and stayed at the Wyndham Grand Desert.

The hotel is "OK". It's not a 5 star resort but it's not the corner Motel 6. It is set up as a "family-week-long-vacation" hotel. There are full kitchens, wacser and dryer, and living room areas. It was perfect for our use, party of 5 with 2 sets of couples and a single guy - he got the sofa bed. There was a Master bedroom with a hot tub, a second bedroom with 2 full size beds, and a sofa bed in the living room. Two bathrooms in our 2 bedroom suite.
The check-in staff was friendly. They send you over to the "concierge" desk after you check in to get parking passes if applicable, shuttle passes, and a few other goodies.
We tested out the jacuzzi and swimming pool on Friday night. There are technically 3 pools. One is "Adults Only". The other is a family pool with a large replica Chess set, you can really use it! The third is the "Open 24 hours" pool-which the other 2 are not-so that's the one we were able to use.
I got up early Saturday morning and hit the gym. It was well equipped but busy so I had to wait about 10 minutes for a treadmill to become available. There are plenty of weight machines, bicycles, step machines, and free weights.
Room prices are the lower end, which is a good thing! Especially if you are going in big groups and don't mind sharing.
My next post will be reviews on the different places where we ate.
I recommend the Wyndham Grand Desert in Las Vegas, NV.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

What about Eat Pray Love?

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

This was truly an amusing story. I enjoyed reading through the many adventures of Liz.

I must now warn you that the rest of my review may refer to specific stories of the book and may ruin it for you if you haven't read it and want to hold out until you read it (or see the movie coming out August 13th).

EAT - Liz in Italy was a fun, let your hair down, anything goes story. It seems that she was looking for some freedom and "me time" after a grueling divorce and a "it's complicated" type of relationship. I can understand, being married, that sometimes you start to think whether what you are doing is really what YOU want to be doing. Sure, marriage is about compromise, but are you the only one compromising and for what? As Liz mentions she was trying to be a good wife and working on perhaps being a mother because that's what was expected of her, but it didn't feel like what SHE wanted. In Italy, she did what she wanted, when she wanted to do it, and for as long as she wanted to. She went t school to learn Italian, but then dropped out because that was no longer the way she wanted to learn Italian. She ate all the delicious carbs and sweets that dropped in her plate. She traveled up and down the different cities of Italy at her heart's desire.

PRAY - Liz in India was a time of reflection, honesty, and rediscovery (in my opinion). She had to reflect on what she wanted and be honest about what wasn't good for her. In doing so, she rediscovered a whole new person with a whole new outlook and new priorities.

LOVE - Who doesn't want to have LOVE? Liz in Bali, Indonesia is a fun story where she gets a chance to start "practicing" her new lifestyle and beliefs. She is still on the learning curve at this point, but in a more loose environment. It's almost as though she is finally able to enjoy herself fully, unconditionally; and with the added bonus of a new man to love that loves her so whole-heartedly! I must admit that I am looking forward to reading the "sequel" to this book entitled "Committed". It's the continuation of the relationship she started in Bali.

I highly recommend the book and I can't wait to watch the movie.

Monday, August 9, 2010

What about Le Pain Quotidien?

Le Pain Quotidien is a bakery / restaurant - similar to Panera but more wholesome and DELICIOUS! Not to mention they offer organic and vegan options. All of the egg items are made with Organic eggs.

I ordered the asparagus and goat cheese omelette. It was very good. They are generous with the goat cheese. There is enough "extra"cheese oozing out to spread on the 2 pieces of fresh baked bread they give along side the omelet and side salad. Speaking of the bread, make sure your entree comes with bread so that you can spread the delicious jelly and praline spread on it. The mixed berry jelly tastes so natural and "fresh", it's like eating the actual fruits. The praline spread is a lighter, less chocolatey version of Nutella. This praline spread is SO GOOD, a must try, and you may want to go as far as picking up a jar to take home, at $9 it's a worthwhile investment!

My husband ordered the Parmesan and Pesto omelette. He said it was very good. He is not much into the whole organic, healthy, good-for-you eats, but he said this was really good. So much so that I did not get to taste his omelette, he devoured it before I could get a bite in! But it did look equally delicious to mine. I also have to mention the great service we received. Our server was Joel, according to the receipt. They get pretty busy. We were there around 12noon, but they managed to fit everyone in and serve you rather quickly!

Parking is on the side parking structure. The first 90 minutes are free, just enough time!

I totally recommend Le Pain Quotidien in Pasadena, CA.