• My dog Cami

    Cami’s Favorite Things February Edition

    Cami is almost 9 months old now and so far she has been on a raw diet! We are open to letting her try various treats and foods out there as long as they are top notch quality! A lot of people have asked me what my ‘goals’ are and intent in feeding Cami such high quality food. I guess I have a few answers. One, I want to make sure she thrives and not just survives. I want her to be healthy, happy and eating what is BIOLOGICALLY appropriate for her. If I feed a bird Snickers bar instead of seed and worms that it’s suppose to have, you will feel strange right? I think dogs need what they are designed to eat, meat. Yet I know living in urban cities and homes, sometimes you need alternatives. So we have found a bunch of stuff that’s awesome, nutritious and accessible! Hope you enjoy our list for this month!

     

    1. Health Extension has been keeping pets healthy since 1963 by offering nourishing recipes that pet parents can feel good about serving to their pets. Each recipe is crafted with super premium ingredients to help support stronger bones and immune system. Made in the USA, their diets include:
    • Grain Free Dry Dog food varieties offer all the health benefits of the Holistic Health Extension System in a grain-free formula. You won’t find any added hormones – just high-quality meat as the first ingredient – because sensible protein levels are the first step to a healthy life. Available in: Buffalo & Whitefish, Chicken & Turkey, Salmon, Duck, Venison, and Buffalo & Whitefish Little Bites.

    • Grain Free Stews for dogs are a superb source of high-quality protein. The formulas also provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Your dog will enjoy and benefit from the stew due to its lack of growth hormones, steroids, meat by-products, and allergy related fillers. Available in: Chunky Chicken Stew, Tasty Turkey Stew and Savory Beef Stew.

    We recently tried the Savory Beef Stew and I mix in a spoonful along with her breakfast. She loves it!

    We always read the ingredients label so here it is:

    beef broth, chicken, beef, Carrots, dried egg whites, potato starch, dried egg product, peas, Guar gum, salt, added color, Tricalcium Phosphate, dried potatoes, sodium phosphate, beet pulp, ground flaxseed, potassium chloride, natural flavor, Ferrous Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrocloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, folic Acid.

    2. We tried vension from Nature’s Logic! This brand is dedicated to offering diets that are made exclusively with whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. Available for both canines and felines, the diets:

    • Are free of common allergens and include no corn, wheat, rice, soy, potato, tapioca, peas, or sweet potatoes
    • Contain natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables grown in the USA
    • Do not contain any man-made synthetic vitamins, minerals or amino acids, nor any genetically engineered fruits, veggies, nuts, grasses, or seeds
    • Have probiotics and enzymes that help increase nutrient absorption and aid in digestion
    • Are nutrient dense and highly digestible

    This one is more like a pate type of consistency and was easy to scoop out. It is moist and has no ‘gravy’. Cami loves this one too! One of the interesting ingredients in this food is clay. I know it has wonderful minerals and used often in products for detox.  This is probably the easiest way for me to feed and give Cami liver!

    3. Cami graduated from Puppy School! We decided to check out 2 schools in the last few months and I recommend them both! One is more of a formal class with 6-8 students and held at Smarty Paws and the 2nd one is by Tino (Peace Love and Pitbulls) held at a outdoors at Desert Breeze Park. What I liked about taking Cami is learn is that she can be around dogs without always being in ‘play’ mode and she learned a lot! Even though I had Jacob for 11 years, it is always good to get a refresher course for new puppies! Puppies are brand new and need a lot of exposure to various situations.

    4. Toy Store! One of our friends from school told us about the Dog Supplies Outlet store so we went to check it out.  It was filled with toys, treats and the best part was Cami got a chirpy ball from JW and an orange monkey fist knot rope. Very successful and tons of fun.

    5. Treats ++ This brand is so cool. I and Love and You dog treats are Nice Moist Jerky and can be used for training. We used these in school and Cami learned ‘down’. They are easy to tear into small bits and the Chicken and Duck are so yummy and considered a ‘high value’ treat that’s perfect for training. We also trained with their dry kibble… They are heart shaped! Grain free and filled with Probiotics for easy digestion.

    6. Uber for Dogs? No really. This is the first on demand Dog Walking App! I haven’t tried it yet because they don’t service Vegas but I’d love to be a walker. Check out Wag App.

    7. I saw this funny dog tag on BADTAGS.com. This is not Cami but it looks a lot like her! ha ha!

    8. One of the oldest brand of dog treats I recall is the Bil Jac Liver in the milk carton type packaging! I am so happy to see their brand update includes the ORIGINAL recipes still! This one is a fan favorite and Cami loves when I hide these in her toys and Kong! A word from Bil Jac:

    • Because of our unique processing, no fat is added to Bil-Jac Super Premium Dog Food.
    • We use much more REAL CHICKEN and REAL CHICKEN ORGANS than other leading brands.
    • We never use grain gluten meals or grain protein concentrates as a source of protein in our formulas.
    • Our use of carbohydrates is to provide nutritional balance and energy — not as a substitute for protein.
    • Our unique processing method may eliminate the perceived “allergic” symptoms dogs exhibit when carbohydrates in their diet are not properly processed.

  • Las Vegas

    SUSHISAMBA INTRODUCES THE LARGEST JAPANESE WHISKY LIST

     SUSHISAMBA, the internationally acclaimed restaurant on the Strip that blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines into what Zagat calls “inventive” and “incredibly flavorful” is unveiling the largest Japanese Whisky list in Las Vegas, and one of the largest in America.

    “We are constantly seeking things that complement and bring something special to the SUSHISAMBA brand,” said Shimon Bokovza, CEO of Orange Brands Management. “After conquering sake for the past 15 years we are looking forward to expand our offering and introduce Japanese Whisky to our guests in a new and exciting way.”

     

    Thanks to constant refinement and attention to detail, Japanese Whiskies have been in the spotlight in recent years garnering global accolades and gaining in popularity. These delicate tasting Whiskies modeled after the scotch tradition—double distilling malted and/or peated barley before it’s aged in wood barrels – have been shaped by three men commonly referred to as Founding Fathers of Japanese Whisky: Shinjiro Torii of Suntory, Masataka Taketsuru of Nikka and Kiichiro Iwai of Mars.

    The SUSHISAMBA list has been curated around these three Founding Fathers and it features 26 Whiskies without age statements all the way up to Whiskies aged 28 years, in all varieties: Single Malt, Pure Malt, Blended Whisky, Blended Malt Whisky, Sherry Cask Whisky, Whiskies that have been distilled in the Japanese Alps, or Whiskies that have been distilled in the most northern island of Hokkaido where the distillery is nestled between mountains and the Sea of Japan. The impressive collection also includes some rare award-winning selections such as Akashi 5YR Sherry Cask, the Mars 3 & 25, Nikka Taketsuru 17yr Pure Malt – a line dedicated to the founder of Nikka.

     

    In celebration of the launch, starting February 16, SUSHISAMBA will offer a specially curated menu featuring Japanese Whisky. The menu will showcase the versatility of the Whiskies presented with a variety of SUSHISAMBA dishes from Crispy Tempura Minter Sweet Oysters with Butter Lettuce to Whisky-Soy Marinated Robata Pork Ribs. Each dish will highlight the flavor profiles and nuances of the paired Whisky.

     

    “Japanese Whisky is traditionally paired with chocolate, cheese and smoked meats,” said SUSHISAMBA Executive Chef Joel Versola. “The real excitement here is that we’re going much wider with our pairings. There is an element of surprise”

     

    The limited edition Whisky menu was specially curated by SUSHISAMBA Las Vegas Executive Chef Joel Versola, Assistant Corporate Sushi Chef John Um and Executive Pastry Chef Michael Outlaw with expert pairings by Hayes Swope and will include:

     

    WAGYU COCKTAIL

    This classic riff on an Old Fashioned sees Japanese Whisky treated to a wash of the highest grade wagyu before being stirred with maple and salted caramel. Served over ice.

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    CRISPY TEMPURA MINTER SWEET OYSTER WITH BUTTER LETTUCE

    osetra caviar, scallion, spicy sweet and sour mignonette

     

    Passion Fruit Whisky Sour

    Iwai Japanese Whisky, passion fruit shaken hard with yuzu, egg white. Served ‘up’.

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    SMOKED OCEAN TROUT ROE

    plantain chip and wasabi crème

     

    Suntory Hakushu 12 yr Single Malt

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    ROBATA GRILLED HAMACHI KAMA

    sea salt, lime, spicy agave ponzu sauce

     

    Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

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    WHISKY-SOY MARINATED ROBATA PORK RIBS

    pickled vegetable, aji panca barbecue sauce

     

    A5 WAGYU ROLL

    portobello mushroom, avocado, black sesame and sherry bourbon truffle sauce

     

    Akashi Single Malt 5 yr Sherry Cask

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    BRAISED BEEF CHEEKS

    saffron red rice, japanese mushroom, grape seviche, red wine-soy whisky reduction

     

    Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

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    CAFÉ BOM BOM

    dark roasted coffee custard, chocolate hazelnut crumble, sweet cream ice cream, japanese whisky foam

     

    Japanese Cherry Manhattan Granita

    Iwai Japanese Whisky, Antica Formula Carpano vermouth, cherry bitters, maraschino cherry syrup. Served ‘up.’

     

    Whisky connoisseurs will have a chance to pre-order the entire menu with 48-hour notice on ongoing basis and for limited time SUSHISAMBA will offer one featured course with a pairing for guests to experience each week until April 10th.

     

    About SUSHISAMBA

     

    SUSHISAMBA celebrates the culture and cuisine of Japan, Brazil and Peru. The menus are a thrilling mix of new and signature dishes with an emphasis on picante flavors, the finest ingredients and artful presentations. Complementing the cuisine, the restaurant offers specialty cocktails, cultural spirits such as shochu, pisco and sake and a large selection of wine and Champagne. The restaurant is operated by Orange Brands Management, which oversees SUSHISAMBA locations in New York, Las Vegas, Miami and London as well as Duck & Waffle in London. For more information visit www.sushisamba.com .

  • Las Vegas

    Tinder Date Spot Chronic Tacos

    Chronic Tacos, the fast-casual Mexican restaurant, recently opened a new location in Summerlin! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we recommend this to be a cool and fun Tinder date spot!

    No pressure or anything weird when it comes to Tinder dating. You don’t want to have too much pressure so the perfect setting is important. Chronic Tacos has healthy and fun ‘fast food’ and a full bar too!  First dates are all about getting to know each other so avoid clubs and stuffy settings. You can learn a lot about your date by what they order and if they like sauce or not. These are the fun facts you will always remember if the relationship goes further!

    Take your Tinder Date to the new Chronic Tacos

    Address: 9460 W. Flamingo Rd., Suite 125, Las Vegas, NV 89147

     

    http://www.eatchronictacos.com/

  • Las Vegas

    ROMERO BRITTO EXHIBITION

    ROMERO BRITTO EXHIBITION

     

    An impressive collection by world-renowned artist Romero Britto will be on exhibition and available for acquisition at the Gallery of Music & Art at the Forum Shops @ Caesars. With an iconic style, Romero Britto is an international artist that uses vibrant, bold and colorful patterns to reflect his optimistic view of the world around him. His playful themes and hard‐edged compositions, combined with his unique talent, unshakable resolve and belief in his art, have granted him worldwide recognition, with exhibitions in galleries and museums in over 100 countries and counting. The Las Vegas exhibition opens on Tuesday, January 24 with a live Artist Appearance from 6-9 pm.The gallery appearance is free to the public

    GALLERY OF MUSIC & ART

    THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS

    300 SOUTH LAS VEGAS BLVD.  THIRD LEVEL

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89101

     

     

  • Las Vegas

    Ermelinda Manos Celebrates The Release of “Lost in Las Vegas” With a Downtown Fashion Event

    Local fashion designer Ermelinda Manos celebrated the official launch of her book “Lost in Las Vegas” last night with a fashion event at The Metropolitan Gallery Art Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. Manos gave thanks and appreciation to her team, guests, and family for the endless support they have shown her throughout her life, the creation of the book, and her lifelong battle with immigration.

    “I’m so humbled by the outpouring of support for this project,” said Manos. “I couldn’t be happier with the response for this book and how hard everyone worked to make my dream come true.” With her mom and dad by her side, she teared up as she dedicated the evening and book to other young immigrants going through the same process. Francy Johnson, who played an integral role in Manos’ immigration case, traveled 20 hours from Kuwait to celebrate the evening with her.

     

    After walking through the eclectic art in the gallery and snapping photos in the photo booth, guests were treated to a fashion show with designs from Manos’ line featured in the book, modeled by TNG Models and hair and makeup by Kelly Cardenas Salon. Local personality Sancho Van Ryan emceed the event as guests sipped on cocktails from Hug L’Originale and Tequila Chamucos. DJ Douglas Gibbs provided the soundtrack to the evening.

     

    Mayor Carolyn Goodman honored Manos with an official proclamation declaring Dec. 7 as “Ermelinda Manos Day,” recognizing her contributions to the Las Vegas community through fashion and the arts.

     

    Wearing a glittering black and gold backless design of her own, Manos then personally signed copies of her book and posed for photos with guests.

    Lost in Las Vegas is available online for $39.98 at lostinlasvegasbook.com. For more information on Ermelinda Manos and her designs go to ermelindamanos.com.

  • Las Vegas

    The Best Las Vegas Deals

    We’ve all been guilty of letting ourselves consider vacation as a “reward” after eating healthy and working out for weeks, even months! So everyday is considered a “cheat day” right?! During our stay in Las Vegas, we were in Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Fremont and also the Red Rock! It was so nice to check out the Strip and everything else Vegas has to offer. 

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    In a place like Las Vegas it’s easy for that to happen to anyone. The best way to stay healthy while on vacation in Vegas is to sign up for drop in classes and fun recreational activities. You can also hit up the hotel gym, and pool, do exercise right in the hotel room and eat healthy foods/drinks.

    Activities and Fitness options:

    -Touring the Grand Canyon and other attractions outside the strip.

    -Walking the strip can be a great way to explore along with getting in some steps for the day.

    -Swimming around the pool at the Wynn you get a pretty view while getting in a slight workout. This would be perfect to cool down from the hot weather in Las Vegas.

    Healthy Eating options:

    -If you have been eating healthy and working out for your trip to Las Vegas you can’t miss out on the great food this place has to offer. My suggestion would to be smart when ordering. Get the food you want with a smart side such as a salad or veggies.

    -The Westgate is a resort that has many healthy food options even for you Vegans out there.

    Check out our Las Vegas deals page for deals on things to do around the Sin City!