Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas

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Overlooking the Bellagio fountains stands the new casino on the block, the Cosmopolitan, located strategically in the middle of the strip. The space is high in energy and is home to boutiques like AllSaints,Vitals, Monogram and a few others.

msnbc.com

The Wicked Spoon Buffet is one of the best buffets in town. The entrées are miniature sized portions of chef creations. There are lesser options for the non-meat eaters, as usual. But the chefs are right there in the buffet stands and are more than willing to whip something together with no meat on request.

Vegas and desserts go hand in hand. The selection in the buffet was no less including a wide selection of gelato, chocolates, chocolate covered fruits and plenty of other creative desserts. Again I was glad the portion sizes were small.

The one in the middle is Tiramisu. How Creative!

If you are in the vicinity this New Years Eve, don't forget to join them for their grand opening with live performances by Coldplay and Jay-Z. The casino is loaded with glitz and glamor; the question remains to be answered is whether is it just another casino or does it have the potential to outperform its neighbors?

What ever you do this New Year's Eve, have fun and drive safely.

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Happy Holidays

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and I am back from Las Vegas. I got to spend some time with my brother's family and two of my darling nieces (cousin sister's daughters). It was lot of fun casino hopping, shopping, walking up and down the strip and all the entertaining shows. 

The Christmas decorations were spectacular in the casino Bellagio. A skirt paired with a silk top and a broad belt instantly transforms a skirt to a dress. I love to travel light and the flats is such  a good option for the long walks along the strip.

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Hot Chocolate Recipe

I know its ridiculous, the temperature outside is 75 and all I wanted to drink this evening was a cup mug of hot chocolate, like its snowing outside.

Recipe for my Spiced Hot Chocolate

Add a cup of milk to a sauce pan.
To it add 10 - 15 semi sweet chocolate chips. I use Ghirardelli chips.
Sprinkle 1/4th a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 1/4th a teaspoon of cardamom powder.
Warm the milk on low heat. Continue stirring the ingredients.
Don't bring the milk to a boil but until its very hot.
Garnish with the usual suspects - cinnamon powder and grated chocolate.

Lately I have been watching a lot of TV (hence the MIA), especially those movies that airs a lot during this time of the year like Harry Potter, Miracle on the 34th Street and the likes. This weekend I saw "You've Got Mail"on ACM (American Classic Movies) on tv for the one hundredth time and for the one hundredth time, I felt bad when Meg Ryan closed her book store. Sigh !!!

Its Patty's last Weekend party for the year. Do stop by her virtual party.

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Books Galore

When I am busy I somehow find the time to accomplish a lot.  Ironically, for the days with unstructured time, I seem to have a bigger list of time pass activities. Like aimlessly sit in front of t.v and sift channels or read a chicklit. I am taking a few days off at the end of the year and can't wait to do 'nothing'.

The kids (and grandma a.k.a, my mother-in-law) are asleep, hubby at Mavericks game and I am loving this silence at home. Will probably cuddle up with one of the goodies I ordered from Barnes and Nobles. 

I am a big sucker for women in power or leadership roles. I bought Condoleezza Rice's book for Riya. Its never too early for girls to read about inspiring women or have an active interest in current affairs.

Image Source - barnesandnoble.com

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Carols and More

Its on the radio; you hear it in the grocers, its just about everywhere. But how some carols the old fashioned way? Not exactly though. We went to Riya's school to hear the kids sing Carols and this is what I wore. Her group will be performing for a local television to be aired 5AM on Christmas day. I have been sending myself reminders to record the show.

Riya and I went to the Nutcracker last weekend. Rohan made it clear, there was no way he was going to sit in one spot for a couple of hours. Dad and son happily stayed home assembling supposedly hidden toys meant to be opened Christmas day. 

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Eastern Influence

When I think of 'Japanese Art'; silk, gorgeous reds, amazing brush strokes and beautiful ceramics come to my mind right away. I hear clothes with Eastern influence are seen on the ramps for the 2011 Spring Collections. I would love a silk tunic or a Kimono style top with Japanese cherry blossoms that I can use all year round.

Department stores designers, are you listening to me?

Image Source : here and here

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Fridays

It may not be typical, but its not unusual either for working moms to shuffle from work to a son's/daughter's class room party, lunch with the team at work and wind down at the coffee shop with a friend; all in the same day. Most moms I know would add a few more to the list but I am sure you get the point. Fridays in December are just that way and I am not complaining.

The holiday parties are right around the corner. Whether you are hosting at home, attending your company party or simply visiting the theater to watch 'Nutcracker' all over again, there are numerous occasions in December to dress up.

I usually buy one or two seasonal pieces. With a few wardrobe staples and different accessories, most of my parties are covered. This year the market is flooded with sequins and I am not too sure on how sparkly I like to get. So it's the black lace skirt for me. I know you must be busy with the decor and the menu, but don't forget to pay some attention on what you plan to wear this holiday season.

Source : Barneys.com

I would love to hear from you on how you would dress up a black lace skirt or simply let me know how your holiday parties are coming up.

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