The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in Association with UCLA!

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books began in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The festival was an immediate success and has become the largest and most prestigious book festival in the country, attracting more than 130,000 book lovers each year.

This Year my kids and I decided to visit this amazing festival and we had a great time.UCLA Campus, Target and other sponsors were brilliant. These are some of the authors,writers and celebrities that we saw today.

Target Children's Stage:

The Fresh Beat Band
Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, authors of Hank Zipzer:A Brand-New Me! #17
Megan McDonald, author of Judy Moody and Stink series

Los Angeles Times Stage:

Melissa Rivers, author of Red Carpet Ready: Secrets for Making the Most of Any Moment You're in the Spotlight

Cooking Stage:

Lisa Lillien, author of Hungry Girl 1-2-3


http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

Crepes and Nutella -:)

Delicious!

Family Trip to Las Vegas!

Spring break is here....
This year we decided to take the kids to Las Vegas for a few days. Pool time, attractions and family fun, still close to home, without air travel, long lines and rent-a car.
Trip was very successful and I think everybody had a great time:)
So these are few ideas what you can do with kids in Las Vegas:

- Hoover Dam
named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, Hoover Dam continues to draw crowds more than 70 years after its creation.
- Colorado River Bridge
(Under Construction)
- MGM Grand Pool
fun place to be. Tropical oasis,sunbathers paradise. Whatever you call it, the Grand Pool Complex is the most elegant swimming and sunbathing experience in the world. You have your choice from 5 shimmering swimming pools and three relaxing whirlpools. Also there is a lazy river, perfect for kids.
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Admire the essence of every season recreated with exceptionally gorgeous plants, flowers and trees thoughtfully arranged to inspire full splendor.
- Shark Reef Aquarium
here you will come face-to-face with some of the earth’s most fascinating creatures in North America’s only predator-based aquarium and exhibit. See sharks of all kinds, along with sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, moon jellies and the rare golden crocodiles. In all, there are over 2,000 animals in 1.6 million gallons of seawater.
- Food time
so many choices....some healthy but mostly not....The Buffet in Bellagio Hotel and Le Village Buffet‎ in Paris Hotel are good choices for lunch or dinner ( high price, some without discount price for small children) but you can't beat $6.99 breakfast Buffet in The Orleans Hotel. There are also convenient located ABC stores which offer basic supplies that everybody needs, M&M store (little kids magnet store) and so much more....

Spring into Spring Lunch Idea:)

Today is the real Spring day, little showers with little sunshine. That is why I decided to make this healthy lunch with little cup of soup, crunchy veggies and chicken salad to add taste and flavors of Spring. Very delicious, light, healthy and only 375 cal for the whole plate. Try it out, you will love it!

Potatoes and Celery Soup:
Potatoes,Red Onion,Celery, Chicken Stock and Whole Wheat Noodles 1/2 cup - 120cal

Brussels Sprouts,steamed 1/2 cup - 30 cal

Chicken Salad with Currants:
Grilled Chicken Breast (without skin), Organic Light Mayo, Celery, Currants, Red Onion
1/2 cup - 200cal

Whole Grain Light Bread 1/2 slice - 25 cal

Total:
Calories (Food Energy) 375
Fat (Grams) 9
Carbohydrates (Grams) 9
Protein (Grams) 27
Cholesterol (Milligrams) 20
Saturated fat (Grams) 2.4

Hristos Voskrese! Vaistinu Voskrese! Happy Easter!!

Good Morning :)

What a great way to start the day with the "Good for You" breakfast.
Homemade off-course.
Non- Fat Cappuccino, Breakfast Sandwich with Egg and Provolone cheese and one little morning treat dessert - Chocolate Macaroon.
It is real pleasure for the eyes and just perfect balance of flavors and energy that will help run the whole schedule till lunch time. There is nothing like aroma of the fresh ground coffee and tasty breakfast in your own kitchen. The whole family will appreciate it:)