Let the Hanukkah Countdown Begin

It is hard to believe that it is almost December and it still 80 degrees outside.  It is also hard to believe that Hanukkah is only one week away!  Don’t get me wrong; we are lucky that we get to celebrate for 8 days, but it is sad that most people (and by people I mean students) are not able to celebrate at home with their families.  Hanukkah is too early this year…and even earlier next year.  

But since "tis this season to be jolly," I hope everyone is going to make the best of the Jewish holidays.  One way I plan to do that is by making fun little Hanukkah treats for all of my friends.  Here are a few sweet treats that look pretty delicious (thank you, Martha).  

Monogrammed Hanukkah Cookies

Chocolate Marshmallow Dreidels

Glitter Ball Cookies

Or I could always go for one of my mother's sweet treats!

Cookies and Creme Hanukkah Truffles

Hanukkah Cake with Glitter Accents

Hanukkah Glitter Truffles

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving this year was by far one of the best Thanksgivings our family has ever had.  With over 30 people and enough food to feed a small army, we were all thankful to spend the holiday with our friends and family.  The only thing missing this year was my little brother, Allen.  Allen stayed in New York City to celebrate with his friends, so we set up a laptop and Skyped with him at dinner (the next best thing to actually having him here).

For those of you who know my mother, you know that there is not a holiday she does NOT decorate the house for.  There are decorations on every flat surface and hanging from every ledge.  She really knows how to entertain, and I can only hope that one day I can entertain as well as she does.

The best part was when my mom and I came downstairs wearing the same pants.  This was completely unexpected and unplanned... obviously.  Luckily we styled our outfit in different ways, and most people didn't notice that we were matching.

At our Thanksgiving dinner we devoured a poblano and cream cheese tart, smoked turkey, baked turkey, stuffing, salad, green bean casserole (made by yours truly), and vegetables.  After happy hour, appetizers and dinner I was stuffed, but of course I made room for some dessert.  For dessert we had a strawberry cake with cream cheese icing, chocolate mousse cake, pecan pie and ice cream.  YUM.

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as well!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  Today is a day to be thankful for all of the blessings in your life.  No matter your religion, race or beliefs, everyone has something to be thankful for.

Viva Las Vegas

Before I begin, I would like to know how a place like Las Vegas exists.  This is a city where it feels like anything, and everything, goes.  Is this possible?  If anyone has any insight on this, please let me know.

As I sat on the plane thinking about my amazing weekend in Vegas, I decided that this trip was absolutely worth taking the honor of my first blog post.  I have been fortunate to spend the past three days celebrating with my best friend Courtney and her family.  As my gift for my 21^st birthday, Courtney and her family invited me to join them for four days in Las Vegas.

Here is a little overview of how we spent our time in Sin City.

Thursday: As Courtney and I met up in baggage claim, it took us a while to get over the shock that we were celebrating our 21^st birthdays together in Vegas.  From there we headed to the Venetian Hotel, enjoying the beautifully lit Las Vegas Strip along the way.  Once in our room, we were blown away by how amazing everything was- the room was PHENOMENAL.

The Venetian Hotel 

After enjoying strawberries dipped in chocolate from Courtney’s parents, we went out to explore the hotel.  We started off in The Bourbon Room, and eventually made our way to Tryst at the Wynn.  I have never been so blown away by the décor and ambiance of a venue.  Little did I know, I would continue to be blown away by every bar/club/restaurant that we went to in Las Vegas.

TRYST, The Nightclub at Wynn

Friday: We spent most of the day exploring the different hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.  The best part was watching the water “dance” at the Bellagio.  Friday night was our night of celebrating.  Each equipped with a “Finally 21” sash and tiara, we had an amazing dinner with Courtney’s family at N9ne Steakhouse in the Palms.  After polishing off a few bottles of wine and a tasty filet mignon, we went to The Ghostbar on the roof of the Palms.  WOW, this place was amazing.  We were standing on the roof looking over the entire city of Las Vegas.  The view was breathtaking, and we felt like we were sitting in a scene of “Sex and the City.” 

In front of the Bellagio

First time gambling

"Finally 21"

Nine years later

The view from the Ghostbar at the Palms

Inside the Ghostbar
Photo Credit: Palms Website

We continued our journey at Tao at the Venetian.  Once again, we were in shock that such a place existed.  There was a 30-foot Buddha, crystal chandeliers, and girls in baths covered in nothing but flower petals.  We ended our night back at The Bourbon Room, where we were remembered as the “Houston birthday girls.”

Wish I took better pictures of Tao

Photo Credit: Tao Facebook

Saturday: After sleeping in the next morning (it was much needed), we spent the day exploring the shops at the Venetian and the Palazzo.  We also found ourselves exploring the casino, which did not end well for me.  After dinner at Emeril’s Table 10, we went back to The Wynn to see “La Reve- The Dream.”  The show was unreal, and took place in a giant pool of water in the center of the theatre. 

Sunday: Bye, bye Las Vegas.