Talk about perfection for our first meal in Vegas and to begin the celebrations for 5 years that Sid and I have been together.  The concierge at The Cosmopolitan suggested Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris Hotel, just a short walk from The Cosmopolitan, which was a good thing because the Vegas heat was a little overwhelming for me.  We got a perfect table in the shade on their outdoor terrace, with an unobstructed view of the Bellagio fountain, which could never get old.  Plus, it was the perfect place for people watching, one of my favorite pastimes.   We saw people from every age group, nationality, level of intoxication carrying varying sizes of alcoholic beverages, and in various stages of heat stroke.  

I had mixed feelings about what the reality of Vegas was going to be because of what I heard from friends and family, and of course, what I have seen in movies.  I can say that I was surprised to have enjoyed my time there so much.  The over indulgent, crazy, fake, and over the top place, I imagined, was all those things...but the perfect dose of each, making it the perfect place for a vacation for Sid and I. 

I can't wait to for my Vegas trip!  Sid and I are heading there soon and are looking for advice of the best things to do, see, eat, shop and eat!  

Here are a few things on my list but would love suggestions: 
- In-N-Out Burger 
- Valley of Fire 
- Neon Museum 

Those are the main things I have right now.   

Leave a comment with suggestions and I will share my FIRST experience in Vegas as it happens!  

Best, 

MJ 

On Sunday June 1, 2014, 5 people, including your blogger, participated as Team HI CLASS in the Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival.  What an awesome experience.  During this past year I have become interested in running and have participated in a number of different races.  Nothing major or all that serious yet but I am slowly becoming more experienced.  It is easy for races to quickly become an addiction as there is always such an amazing energy created by being part of such events.  Being surrounded by people with drive, passion and commitment to their health is inspiring and encourages me to continue on my journey to greater health.   

I love farmers' markets.  There is a great energy with a variety of vendors and shoppers. Since 2009, I have been going to the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Saturday morning farmers' market.  

I definitely have my go to foods that I look forward to but there are a lot of new food vendors that I am looking forward to trying.  My two favorite things to eat are served on a stick – sausage and corn.  

In Hawaii, when something new opens, whether it be a restaurant or attraction, everyone is lined up waiting to experience it.  With the addition of a Wind Tunnel at The Groove, opening to public this weekend, people will want to line up to try it out.   

I had the opportunity to see the Wind Tunnel in action at a media preview last week. Now people can get the chance to experience skydiving, without having to jump out of a plane.  

Have you ever had that experience as you are falling asleep and you feel like you are falling off a cliff?  Free Fall!   

I attended the 12th Annual Waikiki SPAM Jam for the first time.  All I knew to expect was a lot of SPAM.  It was exciting to see that there were 20 restaurants and several food trucks participating in this year’s event and celebrating something that is an essential element of living in Hawaii, SPAM. It was a revelation to see what creative and spam-tastic dishes they were serving.  There were over 60 SPAM inspired dishes served.  Definitely something for everyone to indulge in.  

The SPAM Jam started around 4pm and Kalakaua Ave. was already filling with people at 3:30pm.  There was this great energy with people dressed in their SPAM gear.

The weather has not been the best recently in Hawaii.  I mean, rain and wind is what we consider bad weather.  And yes, it does seem cold!  Regardless of this bad weather, Sid and I were determined to get out and do our hike as planned to the Lulumahu Falls.  Our journey on Sunday was much shorter than we had planned.  

It had been a long time since my love and I had a date night and we decided we would experience Chef Chai’s for the first time.  I had heard good things, but the first time I saw the menu, nothing really jumped out at me, until I saw some pictures on Instagram that had me dreaming of Chai’s. 


They brought us chicken satay with a creamy, nutty, peanut sauce.  Great little starter.