Win A Copy Of Chanel Bonfire!

Welcome to my first Blog Giveaway! (For this one anyway)

The name of the book is Chanel Bonfire by Wendy Lawless. (A review I did a while back is below).

This is an amazing book and the author is a wonderful person and very talented.

It will be a SIGNED paperback copy. 

I will also provide a second place prize of an electronic copy of the book or a $15.00 Barnes and Noble eGift Card, whichever the winner picks.

Here is all you have to do :) You get one entry into the contest for each item you participate in. All options below are optional, except leaving a comment. I need to know names to pick a winner!

ANSWER one of (or all if you wish) these questions as a part of your comment:

• What book are you looking forward to in 2014?
• Is there a book that you have read, that impacted your life in a positive or negative way?
• What is your most favorite book of all time?

GET ENTRIES by doing one or all of the below:

FOLLOW my blog on Networked Blogs (on the left hand side of this page) (1 entry)

LIKE my Facebook and leave a message that you did so :) (2 entries)

FOLLOW my Twitter and retweet the blog post (making sure my @amominvegas is attached) :) (2 entries)

LEAVE a comment on this (post that you did these things if you did them) (1 entry) (This is mandatory, so I have names of those that participated!) 

OPTIONAL BONUS #1 RE BLOG this blog post to your blog/Facebook and let me know you did it in the comments (2 entries)

OPTIONAL BONUS #2 LEAVE a comment on at least 2 other blog posts on my blog (2 entries)

There is a possible total of 10 entries into the contest!

Good Luck! Contest ends in one week on January 12!

Chanel Bonfire

Click above for the website, discussion questions and contact information. Wendy may even be available for your book club over Skype. 

Author: Wendy Lawless

Wendy Lawless is an actress who has appeared on television, in regional theater, Off-Broadway in David Ives's Obie-winning play, All in the Timing, and on Broadway, inThe Heidi Chronicles.

Her essays about being a mom in Hollywood, including "Whatever Happened to Musical Chairs?" have appeared in the local Los Angeles press. She lives in California with her screenwriter husband and their two children.

Have you ever read a fictional novel and think “Hey! That’s my life!” Well, the author of Chanel Bonfire, Wendy Lawless, takes it one step further.

Chanel Bonfire is the story of her life growing up with her little sister, Robin and her mom, Georgann.

The story unfolds from Wendy’s childhood into adulthood. A true story of going from heartache to triumph, with a lot of adventure in between. Read like a novel, this autobiography of Wendy’s life will certainly give you a new perspective on many things we all take for granted. After reading this book one will truly understand the meaning of never giving up and over coming everything life tries to throw you, in order to slow you down or make you throw in the towel.

This story truly makes you reflect on your own life and relationships. Many times you will find yourself relating to her or to one of the people in her life, or wanting to reach out and comfort them. You will not be able to put this book down until the end. And even then, you will surely want to go back and read it again and again!

You can follow Wendy on TWITTER check out her WEBSITE and FACEBOOK as well as order her book online, or buy it in person,  at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book retailers. You will NOT be disappointed!

This book has been recommended by many people, including actress Emma Roberts and many best selling authors. A must read!

A Little On Positive Toddler Parenting

Here are a few tips to define success, integrate your parenting goals into your daily activities, and shift your thought process to be more proactive and less reactive:

1. Listen. Listen for understanding. This requires stopping what you are doing and thinking about what your child is saying. In many situations, you are able to stop, get on their level, and look at them. Then tell them,you are listening, and trying to understand what they need or want. Then listen. When your child knows you are listening and care about what they need, you will lessen the chances of temper tantrums.

2. Make an easy plan. Identify ways you can model to your children that value or behavior for each of the most important success factors, while you go about your daily life. Get your children involved in the process. This is your opportunity to be proactive and reinforce positive actions each day.

3. Be Respectful. No matter what, always teach respect by being respectful. Your words and actions are extremely important in interactions with everyone. Treat your child as you want him to treat you and other people. Remember the "Golden Rule."

4. Set an intention to succeed. Set the image of parenting success clearly in your head and act as if it were already accomplished. Make a commitment to make your success image come true.

5. Review at different stages in your child’s life. Find a way to remind yourself of your intention and your action plan. Review it periodically to make sure it is still relevant to you and appropriate to your childrens’ ages and interests. One of the best ways to ensure that you stay on track with any goal is to find an accountability partner – your spouse, a friend, a coach.

6. Be A Playful Parent. When we play with our children we truly get on their level. Play naturally helps children express and understand their feelings and their environment in safe ways. Play encourages imagination and creative tendencies.

7. Use Humor. Having a sense of humor helps your child become less stressed and feel comfortable in communicating with you.

8. Appreciate your child’s unique personality and talents. Children come into the world with their own personality. While we can guide, support, and influence some aspects of their behavior, who they are at the core is pretty well established in utero! That’s part of what makes them unique and precious, and they should be celebrated.

9. Offer Simple Choices. Give your child a "sense" of control--offer them two choices instead of giving orders. Children will be less apt to fight if they feel like they have some control over their own life. Give them some “control” throughout the day and you will notice a big difference in their level of cooperation.

10. Use Time In. Time in helps your child to see what he or she did wrong, and correct the problem, rather than just punishing.

11. Be Consistent. Even the littlest members of the family can learn the "Family Rules". Then stick to them. It's confusing for children when rules are only enforced some of the time. Only set limits you know you can enforce and then be prepared to take a stand.

12. Avoid confrontation by using a "When you do this . . . Then you can do that" approach– Saying yes will always work better than no, when wanting a child to cooperate. Rephrase the situation to start the sentence with a positive. Example: Your child wants a candy bar but it is dinnertime. Don't risk confrontation by saying using a negative...use a positive alternative! “Yes, after you eat your dinner, I will give you your candy.” Stick to it!

13. Decide what parenting success means to you. Imagine a point in your child’s future (college graduation, wedding, etc.) when you will reflect on the adult your child has become. Set the platform to be proud of the wonderful person they have become, respecting their inherent traits as well as the values they hold and how they treat others and make decisions.

When you consciously and intentionally model the traits and behaviors you wish for your child, your opportunities to foster those values grow exponentially. You may never get a formal performance appraisal for your job as a parent, but it’s nice to know that you’ve done everything you can to help your child be the best person they can be. Now that’s a job well done!

New Years In Las Vegas

There are a few things to do here...both with and without kids! (And both on and off the strip!)

Sources: All over Las Vegas :) Just remember to book early (or stay with local friends)!

America's Party: Las Vegas New Year 2014
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, midnight
Price: Free
Where: Las Vegas Strip
Enjoy the spectacular fireworks show fired from seven rooftop locations along the Las Vegas Strip. The firing locations (from the south, heading north) include MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island (TI), The Venetian and the Stratosphere. The fireworks choreography will be set to a soundtrack using Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's "Feel This Moment" as the theme of this year's colorful explosions. The performance will start at 11:59:50 p.m. with 10 seconds of dramatic pyrotechnics rising up as the official countdown from the Stratosphere rooftop firing location. Exactly at the stroke of midnight, the sequences will kick in from the other hotels.

Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve 2014
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
Price: From $40 (must be 21 or older)
Where: Fremont Street Experience
Along with musical performances from Vince Neil, Loverboy, Blues Traveler and Adelitas Way, guests can watch a virtual fireworks display on the Viva Vision canopy, synced up to the live fireworks from the Strip. Then, recap 2013 with a video retrospective before counting down to midnight with mayor Carolyn G. Goodman.

New Year's Everything 2014Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Price: From $175 for the Level 107 Lounge Party
Where: Stratosphere Tower
The Stratosphere is offering four distinct parties to help you ring in the new year. 

• Tower VIP Party: Guests party on three levels of the Stratosphere Tower and enjoy an unlimited four-hour premium brand open bar, DJs, dancers, models, specialty drinks, elaborate food stations including a sushi bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and a chocolate fountain. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a spectacular view of the fireworks. The Tower VIP Party is on Level 103 and Level 104, with access to the Tower Party on Level 108.
• Air Bar Fireworks Tower Party: This is a club-style party on Level 108 with unlimited four-hour premium brand bar, models, dancers, DJ MAC spinning tunes, specialty drinks, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a great view of the fireworks.
• Level 107 Lounge Party: Stratosphere's Level 107 Lounge will offer a three-hour open bar featuring premium brands, a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight and a special New Year's Eve appetizer cash menu from the award-wining Top of the World kitchen. An upbeat, festive lounge atmosphere, accompanied by the popular DJ Dezie. Guests will be treated to party favors and amazing views of the fireworks.  
• After Party: The Stratosphere will also host an After Party with a dance party in the Stratosphere's showroom with DJs, go-go dancers and a light show. Beginning at 1 a.m., the New Year's Eve After Party in the showroom at the Stratosphere has DJs spinning house, Top 40 and dance music. Plus, there will be go-go dancers and a light show.

New Year's Eve at Eiffel Tower Experience
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11 p.m.
Price: From $2000
Where: Paris
The 460-foot observation deck of the Eiffel Tower Experience will give New Year’s Eve revelers an unbeatable view of the midnight fireworks and a birds-eye view of all the action on the Strip. For $200, guests will receive access to the deck, a photograph and endless champagne from 11 p.m. to midnight.

Diablo's Cantina
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Price: From $50
Where: Monte Carlo
Witness the best outdoor party from the Cantina’s balcony and dance the night away. Offering the best view of The Strip, Diablo’s will be the ultimate fiesta-like party atmosphere with DJ Dilemma behind the turntables upstairs and DJ Epic One spinning downstairs. Partygoers will ring in 2014 with a tequila toast at midnight.

New Year's Eve Concert with Kristin Chenoweth
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Price: From $49
Where: Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center
Tony and Emmy Award-winning sensation Kristin Chenoweth will perform a special New Year's Eve concert inside Reynolds Hall. The evening will feature Chenoweth performing an array of her most memorable songs and Broadway show tunes, including music from "Wicked," "Promises, Promises" and "Glee."

Imagine Dragons
Date: Monday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m.
Price: From $74.50
Where: The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
Platinum-selling rock band and Las Vegas’ very own, Imagine Dragons, will be kicking off the New Year’s celebrations in Vegas. The hometown band will rock out The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday, December 30. The band will be joined by special guests The Mowgli’s and Parade of Lights.

Maroon 5
Date: Dec. 30 and 31 at 7 p.m.
Price: From $184.50
Where: Mandalay Bay
Maroon 5 rocks in 2014 with two New Year's shows at Mandalay Bay with special guests A Great Big World and Rozzi Crane.

New Year's Eve with The Alley Cats
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Price: From $19
Where: South Point Hotel & Casino
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the sensational cappella doo-wop group, The Alley Cats. Currently the opening act for Jay Leno’s Las Vegas show, the group has won two awards from the Contemporary A Cappella Society for best album and best song, “What’s Your Name.” Tickets include party favors and a complimentary champagne toast.

New Year's Eve with Tony Orlando and Wes Winters
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Price: From $179
Where: South Point Hotel & Casino
Music sensations Tony Orlando and Wes Winters come together in the Grand Ballroom to present a memorable night this New Year’s Eve beginning at 8 p.m. Guests will begin the evening with smooth vocals and piano pieces from Winters and lead into the New Year with the classic sounds of Orlando. Tickets include dinner, party favors and a champagne toast.

New Year's Eve with The Spazmatics
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
Price: From $69
Where: South Point Hotel & Casino
The Spazmatics will ring in the New Year at South Point Hotel with their skinny ties and classic dance moves. Guests will party through the night while listening to the best of the 1980s. Tickets are available for $69 and include an open bar, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast.

Rockin' Motown New Year's Eve with Greg Austin
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
Price: From $39
Where: South Point Hotel & Casino
Celebrate the New Year with an evening of soulful music as Greg Austin kicks off the countdown with the rich sounds of Motown from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are include two drinks, party favors and a champagne toast.

Rock in 2014 at Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.
Price: From $300
Where: Planet Hollywood
The all-inclusive New Year’s Eve bash will be priced at $300 per person with entry beginning at 9:30 p.m. The main dining room will transform into a nightclub with a dance floor and music. Revelers looking for a more intimate experience will enjoy the upstairs private room to relish in a five-station all-you-can-eat buffet while taking in a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip. Cocktails will be served throughout the venue and beer tubs will be available throughout the cantina. Beer pong tables and a private bar will also be available upstairs. Cabo Wabo will also be offering a raffle throughout the night, awarding cash and prizes every 30 minutes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Raffle tickets may be purchased at $5 each or five tickets for $20. Shots will be offered throughout the evening and guests will receive a glass of champagne at midnight to toast the New Year. Patrons may return the following day to receive a complimentary drink with a purchase of an entrée and an additional 10 percent off of breakfast items.

The Swon Brothers at Gilley's
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Price: From $114
Where: Treasure Island
Featuring a performance by The Swon Brothers, finalists on season four of NBC’s hit show "The Voice," Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que will ring in the New Year with a four hour open bar, party favors and unmatched views of the revelers and fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. Doors open at 8 p.m. Award-winning bar-b-que food will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Admission includes VIP access to the saloon and dance hall, open bar (8 p.m. - midnight), $5 mechanical bull rides, party favors and views of Las Vegas Strip fireworks.

New Year's Eve at Carmine'sDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: The Forum Shops at Caesars
Carmine’s inside the Forum Shops at Caesars will offer a night of food, drinks and dancing as they bid farewell to 2013 and ring in the New Year. For $40 for locals and $50 for non-locals (plus tax and gratuity), the NYE package includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open-bar featuring spirits such as SKYY Vodka, Jack Daniel’s and draft beer, along with a Prosecco toast at midnight. Festivities will take place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. as partygoers dance the night away while a DJ provides the soundtrack for the New Year. The entire Southern-Italian menu, featuring portions that serve four to six, will be available a la carte served in the main dining room, in addition to the NYE package. Large groups looking to celebrate the beginning of 2014 can also reserve one of the restaurant’s nine private dining rooms including the Terreza Room that features a private balcony with a strip view.

New Year’s Eve celebration at The Ice Rink 
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Price: From $99
Where: The Cosmopolitan
This New Year’s Eve The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers revelers the opportunity to ring in 2014 from The Ice Rink at Boulevard Pool. Perched high above Las Vegas Boulevard, for the second year in a row, the memorable New Year’s Eve celebration at The Ice Rink (9 p.m. – 1 a.m.) will feature a live stream on The Cosmopolitan’s 65-foot digital marquee of Grammy Award-winning recording artist Bruno Mars’ concert in the resort’s new performance venue and event space, The Chelsea. Besides watching the concert, guests at the Boulevard Pool will relish a premium open bar, breathtaking views of the midnight fireworks, skating on real ice and seasonal culinary offerings.

New Year’s Eve celebration at Rockhouse
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Price: From $100
Where: Venetian
Rockhouse, located at Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian | The Palazzo, will send off 2013 in style with a live D.J., open bar and New Year’s Eve bottle service packages. From 9 p.m. - midnight, the party spot will offer an open bar stocked full of premium liquor, priced at $100 for pre-paid admission or $200 for admission at the door. Partygoers will greet the New Year with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. For those looking for the ultimate VIP New Year’s Eve, Rockhouse will offer a bottle service package. The VIP package includes full access to venue, access to the plaza for the Strip’s fireworks display, VIP table for up to six people, three bottles of premium liquor, appetizer platter, party favors and midnight champagne toast. Guests who make a reservation before Sunday, Dec. 15 will receive the VIP package for $1,500; reservations made after Dec. 15 will be priced at $3,000.

Sky High New Year’s Eve
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Price: From $150
Where: Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Bar, Tea Lounge and Sky Lobby will host the New Year’s Eve Gala featuring extraordinary décor, live music, a spacious dance floor and multicolored filled floor-to-ceiling windows framing the fireworks across the city skyline. The gala begins at 9 p.m. and general admission is $150 per person; tables in Mandarin Bar and Tea Lounge start at $500. The gala is complimentary to hotel guests and diners at Twist by Pierre Gagnaire.

New Year's Eve East Coast countdown party at T & T
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Luxor
Tacos & Tequila (T&T) at Luxor Hotel and Casino will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an East Coast countdown party featuring the ladies of "Fantasy" Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. When the famous ball drops in Times Square at midnight EST, T&T and the ladies of "Fantasy" will welcome an early 2014 to The Strip. Amanda Avila, "Fantasy" singer, will usher in the New Year with a special rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” and all attendees will receive complimentary shots of Milagro tequila. Guests can enjoy $14 tequila flights including three pours of Milagro Blanco, Reposado and Añejo; $5 Dos Equis bottled beer; and a beer and shot special featuring a Dos Equis bottle and a Milagro shot, priced at $10. To keep the fiesta going, T&T’s resident DJ will spin the hottest beats from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Buck 2013 New Year's Eve at PBR Rock Bar
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: Planet Hollywood
Guests will be able to ring in the New Year at PBR Rock Bar's 3,000-square-foot patio, with prime viewing of the fireworks on the Las Vegas Strip and a televised broadcast of all the action. The bar will offer general admission packages including open bar access from 9 p.m. until midnight, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and access to Rock Bar, located inside PBR Rock Bar, and the Planet Hollywood Strip-side plaza, priced at $100 per person. Patrons will also have the option to enjoy premium open bar specials from 9 p.m. until midnight including complimentary champagne toast, access to Rock Bar and the Strip-side patio, priced at $200 per person. Partygoers will bring in the New Year right with PBR Rock Bar’s Ultimate VIP Bottle Service package for up to six people. The premier package includes full access to the venue, VIP seating on the patio, three bottles of premium alcohol, appetizer platter, complimentary champagne toast, party favors and breathtaking views of the midnight firework show. New Year’s Eve partiers can purchase the VIP package for $1,750 until Sunday, Dec. 15, the package will then be priced at $3,500.

Chucks and Tux Party at Commonwealth
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: 525 E. Fremont St.
Whether partygoers rock high-tops or low-tops, Commonwealth will ring in 2014 in style during the New Year’s Eve Chucks and Tux celebration. The bar will offer pre-sale entrance to the soiree, priced at $50. On New Year’s Eve sneaker-sporting guests will purchase entrance at the door, starting at $75. Partiers who wish to skip the line may purchase expedited entry, two drink tickets and rooftop access, priced at $100 per person. Revelers will also toast to the New Year with various table packages including the all-star package with VIP admission for four and two bottles of champagne, priced at $800. Commonwealth will also offer six VIP admission tickets and two bottles of champagne, priced at $1,000 for downstairs seating, and $1,400 for rooftop seating. Patrons who want to enjoy the ultimate rooftop experience can do so with admission for 15 and four bottles of champagne, priced at $3,100. All bottle service packages include New Year’s Eve swag and his and her top hats.

Legendary New Year's Eve Extravaganza
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: LVH - Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
The LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is throwing its inaugural Legendary New Year's Eve Extravaganza on December 31, 2013. The property is planning four separate parties, all with free admission. Attendees are encouraged to move from party to party, which will include live classic rock band, Big Chrysler, in the Shimmer Cabaret; two island-style bands, Bona Fide and Baba B in The NightClub (formerly SpaceQuest); hot Top 40 music in Tempo lounge with DJ EZ E; and New Year's Across America in the SuperBook where New Year's Eve will be counted down in each time zone. All of the SuperBook''s huge screens will be in full use for the night and the party will also include VDJ Astro and dancing in the middle of the SuperBook. Attendees will also be welcome to head to the 3rd floor pool deck beginning at 11 p.m. for spectacular live viewing of Las Vegas' fireworks show. Cocktails and hot chocolate will be available for sale.

4th Annual New Year's Eve Party
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31
Where: LVH - Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
LVH will have its 4th Annual New Year's Eve Party with partners CAA International and 105.7 The Oasis in the Paradise Event Center. This event includes "old school" music including live appearances by Evelyn “Champagne” King and the R&B group, Next, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

Juicy J at the Joint
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Hotel
Rapper and songwriter Juicy J along with DJ Orator, Audio Push and Casey Veggies will ring in the new year at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The Lon Bronson All-Star Band
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m.
Where: Aliante
Partiers will enjoy a special performance by The Lon Bronson All-Star Band, recognized as Las Vegas’ longest-running band, inside the 650-seat Access Showroom beginning at 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the show will start at $25 in advance and $35 at the door and include a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and drink specials throughout the night.

All that Glitters is Gold
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
Where: Aliante
Guests can enjoy the free ‘All that Glitters is Gold’ party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at ETA Lounge. The party will include a DJ spinning mixes all evening long, go-go dancers, a champagne toast at midnight and special party favors.

Skip the Strip New Year's Eve Bash
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Silverton Casino Hotel
Silverton Casino Hotel invites guests to enjoy New Year’s Eve with an evening of partying as 2014 rolls in! For $20, guests will receive an all-you-can-drink wristband valid at all casino bars from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The wristband gets you access to the DJ Dance Party beginning at 10 p.m. inside Veil Pavilion. Dance the night away to music by various DJs, enjoy a champagne toast at midnight and much more.

Rhumbash 2014
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Silverton Casino Hotel
Rhumbar will welcome 2014 with all-inclusive drink packages sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and Veuve Clicquot, music by Rhumbar's resident DJ and views of the Las Vegas Strip fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Revelers can say goodbye to 2013 with an unlimited bar package featuring well drinks, wine and beer, plus party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, priced at $125 per person plus tax and service charge. Guests looking to reserve the ultimate patio party experience can purchase the VIP package including premium Strip-view seating, bottle service, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight, priced at $250 per person plus tax and service charge.

Senor Frog's NYE
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Treasure Island
Ring in 2014 at Senor Frog's at Treasure Island. The admission price includes passed appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors, an open bar of beers and liquors from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and the best view of Las Vegas' New Year's fireworks!

Dal Toro NYE
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Palazzo
Ring in the New Year with an intimate party at Dal Toro Ristorante's luxury nightclub space in the Palazzo. The restaurant's terrace looks over the Las Vegas Strip, offering a view of the fireworks show at midnight. The New Year's festivities include an open bar from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., a world-renowned DJ and exceptional VIP service.

New Year's Eve on the Strip with DJ Mike Carbonell
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip
Ring in 2014 at Hard Rock Cafe with DJ Mike Carbonell. The end-of-year party features great music and unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. Located steps away from the sidewalk, the Hard Rock Cafe has three stories and an outdoor patio on its top level that offers spectacular views of all the action on the street, including a fireworks display at midnight. A hosted Absolut and Red Bull bar and passed appetizers are available from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and at midnight, revelers can toast with a glass of champagne.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Viewing Party
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Planet Hollywood Restaurant at the Forum Shops at Caesars
Celebrate New Year's Eve and enjoy the fireworks in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip on the outdoor balconies of Planet Hollywood Restaurant at the Caesars Palace Forum Shops.This five-hour party includes music, dancing, food and more, plus a great view of the New Year's Eve fireworks show from the restaurant's balconies.

Mandalay Bay "Paint the Town Gold" New Year's Eve PartyDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 2 p.m.
Where: Mandalay Bay
The celebration, open to the public, will begin at 2 p.m. when the entire resort turns into a glimmering fusion of golden moments, complete with extraordinary gold-themed accents throughout the hotel and beyond. Select lounges and bars at Mandalay Bay will offer delightful gold-themed, spirits-sponsored events featuring themed décor, specialty drink menus, unique bottle service options and prize giveaways. All of Mandalay Bay’s extraordinary restaurants will continue the gold-themed celebration with a variety of festive offerings such as golden flake desserts, golden balloon drops and specialty holiday cocktails.

The Pub's New Year's Eve CelebrationDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Monte Carlo
The Pub’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at Monte Carlo kicks off at 9 p.m. to the driving beats of house, electric and Top 40 club mix mash-up music. The evening’s entertainment will include a live band, DJ and dancers. Admission is priced at $40 per person and includes one drink and a champagne toast at midnight; $100 for an open bar for the duration of the event and a champagne toast at midnight (prices are all inclusive).

Nine Fine Irishmen New Year's EveDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.
Where: New York - New York
Starting at 4 p.m., Nine Fine Irishmen at New York - New York will air the New Year’s Eve broadcast live from Ireland and have musical entertainment until 6 p.m. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. there will be an open bar and performances by the Irish band Rí-Rá. A DJ will keep the party going until 4 a.m. A limited food menu will be available and the patio will be open, giving guests a spectacular view of the Las Vegas fireworks. Tickets are $150 per person.

Bar at Times Square New Year's EveDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: New York - New York
Starting at 9 p.m., New York-New York’s Bar at Times Square will air the New Year’s Eve broadcast live from New York and have musical entertainment courtesy of the world-famous dueling pianos. Tickets start at $25 (all inclusive), include party favors and a midnight champagne toast.

New Year's Eve Countdown at Minus 5 Ice BarDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, beginning at 11 a.m. - midnight
Where: Mandalay Bay or Monte Carlo
Welcoming in the New Year, each Minus5 Ice Bar will celebrate the arrival of 2014 in different cities around the world, offering complimentary champagne toasts to guests enjoying the ice bar. The toasts will be on the hour every hour beginning at 11 a.m., which will mark the new year in Auckland, New Zealand.

New Year's Eve at The Lounge at the Palms with Sin City SinnersDate: Tuesday, Dec. 30 - 31, 10 p.m.
Where: Palms
Former Sin City Sinners lead singer Todd Kerns will join the group on the second night of this New Year’s Eve engagement and of course no New Year’s Eve show would be complete without a countdown leading up to midnight! The Sinners are more than just a band, it’s an experience… What began in 2007 as a weekly ‘just for fun’ jam at a local dive bar, evolved into standing room only shows featuring appearances by some of rocks hottest musicians and celebrities.

New Year's Eve at FizzDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Caesars Palace
Fizz Las Vegas, the newly-opened champagne lounge and bar inside Caesars Palace Las Vegas, will pop the cork on the new year, with a Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve celebration. General admission is $300 per person and includes an open premium bar, featuring specialty champagne cocktails, Dom Pérignon by the glass and passed hors d'oeuvres, from 9 p.m. to midnight. VIP tables, accommodating six guests, are available for $3,000 and include two bottles of Dom Pérignon, two bottles of Belvedere Vodka, Red Bull and water.

New Year's Eve at Sammy's Restaurant, Bar & GrillDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: 1501 N. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson
Sammy’s Restaurant, Bar & Grill will host an evening full of delicious food, wine and music to celebrate New Year’s Eve starting at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. A five-course prix-fixe menu will allow guests to choose from a variety of tasty menu offerings, as they listen to a live band, priced at $60. A champagne toast will occur as the clock strikes midnight.

New Year's Eve with Ryan Lochte at SHe by Morton'sDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Crystals at CityCenter
Olympic Gold Medalists Ryan Lochte and Cullen Jones will ring in 2014 with a festive New Year’s Eve bash in the upstairs nightclub at SHe by Morton’s. The party starts at 8 p.m. with an open bar until 10 p.m., and includes a countdown to midnight with the star swimmers. Guests can dance the night away to the beats of DJ Twisted on the expansive dance floor, surrounded by lush VIP booths. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the waterfalls of ARIA and will provide views of the Strip’s stunning fireworks displays. Tickets are $100 per person, and include an open bar from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets purchased for entry after 10 p.m. are $50 per person. Private VIP tables are also available for purchase.

New Year's Eve party at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: 3717 S. Las Vegas Blvd. (next to Miracle Mile Shops)
Enjoy an open bar with beer, wine and specialty drinks, a full entree buffet and a champagne toast at midnight for $99. Bubba Gump's offers spectacular views of the New Year's Eve fireworks.

New Year's Eve party with Zowie BowieDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
Where: Red Rock Resort
At Rocks Lounge, guests can welcome the New Year with Zowie Bowie, featuring Chris Phillips, beginning at 10 p.m. Cover is $30 and guests must be 21 years or older.

New Year's Eve at Green Valley RanchDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Green Valley Ranch
Guests can head to Lobby Bar, as a live DJ spins into 2014 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older. At Drop Bar, Jeremy James kicks off the party with a performance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party continues, as DJ Andrew B spins into the New Year from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older. Darby O’Gill & The Little People will perform at Quinn’s Irish Pub from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older. Nick Mattera performs at Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. No cover and guests must be 21 years or older.

New Year's Eve with Pia Zadora at Piero'sDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Where: Piero's, 355 Convention Center Dr.
Enjoy an intimate evening of dining, drinking and dancing as Pia Zadora provides the soundtrack to your New Year’s celebration at “Pia’s Place” inside Piero’s. Enjoy hearty Italian cuisine while Zadora, music director Vincent Falcone and her band perform classics and standards from the American Songbook.

Irish New Year at Rí Rá Las VegasDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.
Where: Mandalay Bay
Revelers can kick off their New Year’s Eve celebration early at Rí Rá Las Vegas by toasting to the arrival of the Irish New Year at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. The festivities will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with live Irish music from The Paul Cray Experience. At 4 p.m. Rí Rá will lead a pub-wide toast as Ireland enters 2014. The Paul Cray Experience will keep the party going with live music until 5:30 p.m. before taking a quick break and returning to the stage from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. In addition to ringing in the Irish New Year, the pub will commemorate the Las Vegas New Year at midnight. The pub’s New Year’s Eve party is free and open to the public.

Boulevard Empire New Year's Eve party at Mob MuseumDate: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Mob Museum
CollectiveZOO will host a black tie soirée at The Mob Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 31 beginning at 8 p.m. The celebration will include a top shelf open bar from 8 to 11 p.m. featuring craft beers provided by authentic mob town brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, and premium spirits provided by Ciao Uva Distributors. "Boulevard Empire" will offer three floors of sound with live bands playing hits from Prohibition era and DJs spinning Top 40 hits to keep revelers moving throughout the evening. A televised view of the famed Las Vegas Strip countdown will also be featured. The party will draw inspiration from the setting of a Mob-run Las Vegas and encourages partygoers to embrace the period in their best flapper dresses and mobster outfits. Ticket prices will start at $99 per person. General admission tickets will include a top shelf open bar all night, champagne toast at midnight, New Year’s Eve party favors and access to all three floors of The Mob Museum. VIP tickets will include all general admission benefits with additional access to a private VIP lounge on each floor complete with tray passed hors d’oeuvres including mango blue crab tartlets, pulled pork sliders, chicken fajita stuffed quesadillas, Jim Beam meatballs and more.

My Year In Books

On Christmas day, I will be revealing this blogs first giveaway. I did quite a few on my old blog and I miss it! So, check back in a couple days for details!!

While you are waiting:

Every year I set a goal on Goodreads. Last year it was 100, I got to 75. This year I lowered it to 50, I am at 46! At least it is closer and I have some time to squeeze in 4 more books. I am actually reading one now, so technically 3.

I will admit, I get a lot of my list from one of my favorite actresses, Emma Roberts. She always posts the book she is currently reading and, for the last few months, I have loved each one she has suggested.

I also need to read the past book club books, as they all seem great!

Here is my list (so far) for 2013: (Not in chronological order)

Last Night at the Viper Room: River Phoenix and the Hollywood He Left Behind

Edwards, Gavin

The Actor and the Housewife

Hale, Shannon

True Blood: A Field Guide to Vampires

McMillian, Michael

The Son

Meyer, Philipp

Girlchild

Hassman, Tupelo

The Longest Ride

Sparks, Nicholas

Palo Alto

Franco, James

Entwined with You (Crossfire, #3)

Day, Sylvia

The Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies, #4)

Lore, Pitticus

Allegiant (Divergent, #3)

Roth, Veronica

Gossip Girl (Gossip Girl, #1)

Ziegesar, Cecily von

The Serious Game

Söderberg, Hjalmar

The Fault in Our Stars

Green, John

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)

Clare, Cassandra

One Last Thing Before I Go

Tropper, Jonathan

Bonds of Blood & Spirit: Reclamations (BBS, #3)

Kelly, Wendi Dorchack, Deborah

What Maisie Knew

James, Henry

Hemlock Grove

McGreevy, Brian

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

Krakauer, Jon

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Chbosky, Stephen

The Adults

Espach, Alison

Life As I Blow It: Tales Of Love, Life & Sex . . . Not Necessarily In That Order

Colonna, Sarah

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Brunt, Carol Rifka

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Robbins, Tom

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Kaling, Mindy

Extraordinary Theory of Objects: A Memoir of an Outsider in Paris

LaCava, Stephanie

Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Semple, Maria

Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse, #1)

Harris, Charlaine

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)

Martin, George R.R.

Bared to You (Crossfire, #1)

Day, Sylvia

Delirium Stories: Hana, Annabel, and Raven (Delirium, #0.5, #1.5, #2.5)

Oliver, Lauren

Reflected in You (Crossfire, #2)

Day, Sylvia

The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies, #3)

Lore, Pittacus

Requiem (Delirium, #3)

Oliver, Lauren

Raven (Delirium, #2.5)

Oliver, Lauren

Annabel (Delirium, #0.5)

Oliver, Lauren

Hana (Delirium, #1.5)

Oliver, Lauren

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies, #2)

Lore, Pittacus

Before I Fall

Oliver, Lauren

Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)

Oliver, Lauren

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder(Hannah Swenson #16)

Fluke, Joanne

Cross My Heart, Hope To Die(The Lying Game, #5)

Shepard, Sara

Delirium (Delirium, #1)

Oliver, Lauren

Beautiful Ruins

Walter, Jess

Chanel Bonfire

Lawless, Wendy

Bonds of Blood & Spirit: Uncivil Wars (BBS, #2)

Kelly, Wendi Dorchak, Deborah

Currently Reading: 

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations

Evans, Peter

I still have more on my list! 14 on my Currently Reading List :) Lets hope I can make my goal this year, and raise the bar next year! 

Happy reading!