Destination: Free Fun in San Antonio - Jazz Concert Series

Mother nature is finally starting to get her act together, and in celebration of the arrival of Spring, DF will be keeping you up to date on FREE activities to do around the city of San Antonio! Yes, FREE.99!!

"Free Jazz Concerts at The Falls" 

 When- 3/1/14 & 3/29/14- Saturday Concerts, with Thursday concerts March 6-27.
What- The Shops at La Cantera,(my favorite mall in the USA!) will kick off their "Free Jazz Concerts at The Falls" this Saturday, March 1st, at 7:30 pm. 
Where- 15900 La Cantera Pkwy #6698, San Antonio, Texas 78256 (By Yard House Restaurant)

According to their website- The schedule and performers are as follows- 

 Saturday, March 1. Slim Man, Jazz Vocalist. Rolling Stone says the Slim Man's style is a near perfect example of how jazz and soul can be combined as pop. 

Thursday, March 6. Joe Posada Tejano Saxophonist. One of Tejano music's most celebrated saxophonists, is also recognized as a timeless vocalist and a well-versed lyricist. 

Thursday, March 13. PM Soul. Pat Carey, Michelle Garibay-Carey and Carl Spann have been performed and written music together for many years making their mark first as Planet Soul. 

Thursday, March 20. Althea Rene, Flautist. Considered a "master of her craft" and one of the world's most exciting solo improvisational flautists. 

Thursday, March 27. Edith Rivera & The Main Event Band. 

Saturday, March 29. Rick Braun, Jazz trumpeter. Rick Braun has backed the likes of Rod Stewart, Sade, War, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole and Tom Petty, before stepping into the spotlight as a vocalist and master of the trumpet and flugelhorn.  

Bring your lawn chairs, and no coolers- (That doesn't mean no Flasks!)

I'm most excited for Althea Rene and Rick Braun! Jazz was in heavy rotation in my childhood, so I'm definitely going to be attending most of these events and connecting with my roots!

 See ya'll there?

Destination: VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Outside of the Mirage

Howdy Folks! So this past June, I spent 4 wonderful days in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. I can honestly say I had the time of my life! I made some some great new friends, (Entry coming soon about NEW FRIENDS, Drake is a joke!) celebrated the union of 2 wonderful people and just had an all around exciting, care free time.

I was invited by my friend Jackie to attend the wedding of her friends Cynthia and Steve. Total, there were about 20 awesome people that attended to celebrate the joyous occasion. We all had an absolute ball. We pretty much partied and acted a fool the entire time! If you have never been, I highly suggest you add this memorable place to your "to visit" list ASAP. Make sure you plan to get extremely intoxicated and have the most fun you could ever imagine! I would suggest going with a group of at least 4 people so expenses can be split, because it can get expensive if you want to "do it big", and the more the merrier. My wonderful friend Jackie is originally from Chicago and all of the people that attended were as well, and when I tell you they know how to party, We showed out! I can't wait until we visit Vegas again next year as we have already planned our voyage. Although we didn't get to do any site seeing due to extreme foolery and party exhaustion, I can suggest some great restaurants and clubs to hit up while you are there. Every event we attended was uniquely extravagant so make sure to check them out when you make the trip. Below I have included links that will have you well on the was to planning your whole vacay!

Hotel- The Venetian Hotel (Rated 5 stars) 

Since this is the only hotel I've stayed at in Vegas I can not compare it to any others, But it was VERY nice, and had many amenities, restaurants, shopping, clubs, YOU NAME IT... Also, compared to other hotels in the vicinity, as far as appearance it was very "luxurious". 1 complaint- It's massive! To get to our room we had to go up 2 different elevators, 2 security checks, zipline, skydive, and then hop a couple of fences.

Restaurants-
Grand Luxe Cafe- Think of Cheesecake Factory on a low dose steroid. Check out the Menu.

Lavo- 1 word- MEATBALLS.

Cravings Buffet- Located inside of the Mirage; this is the first time in my life I had crab legs that were already split open. Hallelujah!  Every dish I tried at this buffet tasted as if Jesus himself prepared it. We also went a 2nd time during Breakfast, which included unlimited mimosas!

Clubs

Partying in the pool at Tao Beach

Tao/Asian Bistro/ Night Club & Beach- This is an actual night club, as well as an outdoor pool party. The club is beautiful. The decor is an Asian theme and its massive. I'd suggest getting VIP because when we had to leave our area to go to the restroom, it was like a mosh pit! As for the pool party; Awesome energy and the music alone makes you feel like you are at MTV spring break. In order to sit at the bar you must continue to buy drinks and food. I only tried the wings which were great! For an actual cabana you have to pay an outrageous astronomical price. Not exactly sure how much.

Tryst- This was the first nightclub we attended of the trip, and this club is simply amazing!
The outdoor area is unbelivably beautiful and dancing on what feels like the lake with a waterfall in front of you gives you an out-of-body-experience feeling. I thought I was Beyonce on the beach
 in the Baby Boy video!

These are only a couple of the hundreds of clubs and restaurants to visit in LV. If you've been before, what are some of you favorite spots?

Weekend Fun Times

Strawberries and pineapple are my favorite fruit, so why not mix them together, throw them in a Tupperware to enjoy poolside on a 104 degree day? Such a perfect Saturday to be outside enjoying the weather while hanging out with my super cute and fun niece Azalea. Whenever we spend time together (any of my nieces and nephews,) my day seems so much more meaningful! Todays adventures included San Pedro Park, which also has a huge pool. It's more like a man made lake designed like a pool because that thing is HUGE. It has to be the size of at least 2 football fields. Since its so large, it is never too crowded to soak up some sun while keeping cool in the pool. My friend Jackie and her adorable little ones joined us and swam the day away before working up an appetite. We decided to cure our hunger with San Antonio's  famous Big Lou's Pizza.  If you are in San Antonio and have never tried this place you must do yourself a favor and go. Even if the line is wrapped around the building, I still suggest you wait. Your tummy and taste buds will be very satisfied.

                                     

An enjoyable Weekend is an integral part of having a "good week overall. It's the only time of the week (if you work a m-f , or are a parent, or both,) that you get to sleep in, even if its only a 10 minutes. For some its a different day of the week but you understand where I'm going with this- you sleep in , are able to make a decent breakfast, can relax all. day. long, get tasks done around the house , and have plans to do something that would be virtually impossible to do on a weekday.  For me it's spending time with my family and friends and making fun memories that I can't wait to share with y'all :-). It is very important you have at least 1 care free, relaxing day a week. I know we are all busy and engulfed in work, parenting, and whatever else may keep you from having a thoroughly enjoyable day. But be sure to make time in order to maintain your sanity, and stay on the road to felicity.