Vegas and more: Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers » Shopping

Sex and the Zen of Shopping

Sandra — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:01:11 +0000

Sex and the Zen of Shopping or How to Shop Smart in a Dumb Economy (color edition)

A bit like a small child, a book seems to suck all the creative energy right out of your soul. If you don’t feed it and nurture it all the time, it withers and dies. That’s where I’ve been – creating and rearing my book-child “Sex and the Zen of Shopping” – focusing on it’s well being above all else.

Finally ready to go away to college (publication), we’ve passed so many important milestones – the goal finally does seem just at our fingertips. The experience of creating a book is for yet another article. Here is meant to be an explanation to my readers for my absence from Sandra Off the Strip.

In addition to writing my own book on some of my favorite topics –shopping, philosophy and human need, I have written a piece for an upcoming anthology titled “Life Choices.” Turning Point Publications has scheduled release for Jan 30, 2010. My piece “A True Love Story” is another of my pet subjects.

Because my life is entering a new era, so must Sandra Off the Strip evolve. I loved sniffing that underbelly of Vegas with its hidden treasures to harvest the tidbits that make living and visiting here such an adventure. The changes in the blog are sure to displease and disinterest many of my readers who looked to Off the Strip for updates on all the wild, eclectic happenings in Las Vegas, the world capital of crazies.

So I’m breaking the first rule of a problem-free life – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” More than a fix, the changes are alterations. My life is changing so Sandra Off the Strip has to change too. I don’t believe in boring lives though, so I anticipate new adventures in new territory.

You are most welcome to come along for the ride.

http://www.sexandthezenofshopping.com
http://www.lifechoicesbook.com

Gold Parties are fun, give cash and profit everyone

Sandra — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:50:42 +0000

One of the hottest new ways to cash in on surplus goods that you have around the house is to hawk your gold jewelry, coins and even teeth at home gold parties happening all over the country.

Patterned after every other home party except for the huge twist of selling instead of buying, you go not to purchase more stuff you don’t need just to please a friend or colleague, but actually come home with extra cash. This is one of the few times that your hostess invites you with the expectation that you will sell, rather than buy – and she is going to get a percentage of that deal.

At the party I attended in Henderson, invited guests came with their velvet boxes, silk bags, plastic cases and ziplock bags of rings, broken chains, single earrings, mother-in-law’s watches and any other bit of jewelry or coin they hoped was real gold. Some brought extra bits and pieces to convert to mad money, others to supplement a fixed income. One lady was taking her cash to buy groceries.

A small clear plastic box with gold-backed teeth yielded $300 after the teeth had been smashed with a hammer. The seller was far happier with the hard cash than a cache of her 90-year old mother’s teeth. A tiny bit grotesque, perhaps, but she needed money more than sentimentality. It’s a position a lot of people are finding themselves in today.

Although not the purpose of the party, guests did buy from each other, or trade, as they liked. The value was determined by gold weight, with the merchant pricing at his purchase rate – one that gave him a good profit margin – giving us the chance to buy some beautiful pieces at great discounts. Certainly the buyer would prefer to buy the gold from you, rather than you sell to your friends, but they seemed to have more than enough to buy and were willing to assist any side sales. They wanted us to be happy. They want to book more parties.

The individual cash sales at this gold party ranged from $30 to $3000. The buyers paid the hostess a percentage for holding the party and inviting her friends. My hostess netted a cool $750 for a party of 25 that started at 1pm and ended by 3:30. The snacks, cookies, strawberries and iced tea purchased at Costco cost about $70. The hostess herself sold some of her seldom used jewelry and then purchased a handful of beautiful 14 karat cocktail rings, one with fire opals, from one of her invitees, paying the very discounted price of the gold only.

Our gold buyers were an attractive blonde and her very attractive son, both relaxed, professional and not at all pushy. They set up the dining room table with a laptop, scales, small bowls for sorting each karat class (10, 14, 18) and a flat whetting stone to test the karat of each piece. They used magnets to test first if the piece was gold; gold is not magnetic. Then they scraped an edge of the piece on the stone and used chemical reagents on the minute particles left on the stone to ascertain if the piece was 10, 14 or 18 karat. They weren’t interested in anything less than 10 karat.

The piece was then weighed and the price calculated based on the weight of the object. If there were several pieces, they were grouped in small bowls according to karat weight and weighed en masse. There was no consideration given for craftsmanship, as all pieces were destined to be smelted. There was no value given either to stones. Stones could be removed before weighing, or the weight of the whole piece guesstimated. Single pieces like watches and charm bracelets were dismantled if one part was 10 karat and another 14 karat, or not even gold. It was always your decision at any time to proceed or not.

They had fixed rates for each karat class (10, 14, 18), didn’t really disclose exactly how much they are paying per ounce, and no one seemed to mind. Sellers were happy to have the money for something they didn’t value that much in the first place – or they decided not to sell. Some had done some comparative shopping and believed they were getting a better deal than at the local jewelry store or pawn shop. It might have been possible to bargain for a higher price per gram, but I didn’t see any of that going on and it didn’t seem to be the way it worked. You wouldn’t dicker over wine prices at a wine party.

As it was always a choice to sell or not, no one left feeling “taken.” The whole exchange was fun, exhilarating, fascinating, and profitable – and the ideal win-win. The buyer was getting gold for a price that would give him profit when he resold to the factory and the seller was getting hard cash for something they had decided to let go. The hostess was getting a cut. There were lots of smiles all around.

Soul Food Farmers Market

Sandra — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:05:21 +0000

The last Saturday of each month, lovers of Soul Food delight in the pleasure of a Farmers Market that sells not only the customary fresh produce, but abounds with vendors of wonderful tasty soul food like BBQ, greens, catfish, potato salad and other mouth-watering sides. Couple that with live entertainment from singers, musicians and dancers and you have a sensory late afternnon from 4p-8p. Edmond Town Center Owens Ave & H St Las Vegas NV.

Annual Iris Sale

Sandra — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:58:03 +0000

Irises are every bit as beauitful and exotic as orchids and require very little maintenance. The Las Vegas Iris Society holds its annual sale of rhizomes Jun 23 & 24 with irises of every color and size – tall bearded, Lousiana, spurea etc. For more info call 702-228-0827 or email mybasket@cox.net. Plant World Nursery 5301 W Charleston Av Las Vegas NV

Related LV Iris Society Meets

5th Annual Girls Day Out

Sandra — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:40:22 +0000

The 5th Annual “Girls Day Out” with 100.5 Jack FM and Mix 94.1 at South Point was Sat Jul 7 (the big 7-7-7) from 10 am to 4 pm with free entry to the exhibition hall.

You were invited to get lucky at this bonanza summer women’s event – lucky in love, lucky in shopping finds, lucky in health and wellness and more. There were over 100 businesses on-site with information and merchandise representing health, nutrition, fitness, beauty, fashion, jewelry, home decor, crafts, finance, real estate, travel, spas, technology and that favorite pasttime of all women – shopping! I always say that shopping is to women what sex is to men.

And when you needed a break from shopping, there was entertainment from Australia’s “Thunder from Down Under” male revue and guest appearances from ABC Daytime Soap stars! Check out the website for more details. girlsdayout2007.com

Check South Point website: southpointeventscenter.com. South Point Events Arena South Point Casino & Hotel 9777 Las Vegas Blvd So Las Vegas NV (Las Vegas Blvd at Silverando Ranch).

Reggae in the Desert

Sandra — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:17:45 +0000

Jun 16 from 2pm -10pm is the biggest Reggae event in Las Vegas – not only will you groove to great music and performances, but you will have a chance to savor the true flavors of the Caribbean lifestyle – food, drink and Island arts and crafts. And definitely lots of dancing. Seating is first come-first serve on the lawn. Bring a blanket and only one water bottle. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at ticketweb.com, by phone 1-866-469-3399 or at the gate. Show is rain or shine. Free Parking. BRING CASH – no ATM on site. For more details go to reggaeinthedesert.com. Venue is the base of the Pyramid at Clark County Amphitheatre 500 Grand Central Pkwy Las Vegas NV.

Related Da Kine Reggae Concert

Gem & Jewelery Show

Sandra — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:24:53 +0000

Don’t know about you, but I love sparkles. Marilyn taught us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and, although that just might be a little over the top, I don’t know many women whose eye is not caught by light reflecting off a brilliant stone – real or otherwise. Certainly Vegas is the place to strut your stuff, whether on fingers, belts, sandals or jeans, we love glitter.

The International Gem & Jewlery Show runs Jun 1-Jun 3 at the Cashman Center. Admission is $7 adults/under 16 free – but must be with adult. No strollers please or photography. You can get a $1 coupon by filling out a form on the website InterGem.com. They obviously are out for sales, but it still could be a dazzling event to add more stuff to your materialistic dream list. Cashman Center 850 Las Vegas Blvd No Las Vegas NV

Las Vegas Farmers Markets

Sandra — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:19:00 +0000

Looking for Farmers Markets in the City of Las Vegas? There are 3 scheduled each week, different locations, always from 4p-8p. These seem to be under the auspices of the City of Las Vegas. Call 702-562-CORN (2676). There’s not a lot more info on them, but you can check out their website lasvegasfarmersmarket.com

Tues 4p-8p Gardens Park Farmers Market 10401 Gardens Park Dr Las Vegas NV
Wed 4p-8p Bruce Trent Park Farmers Market 1600 N Rampart Blvd (Rampart & Vegas Dr) Las Vegas NV
Thurs 4p-8p Centennial Hills Park Farmers Market 7101 N Buffalo Las Vegas NV

Mercedes on Main St @ The District

Sandra — Sat, 19 May 2007 15:31:11 +0000

The new models of Mercedes CLK, SLK, E350 and more will be on exhibit on the Main Street at the District @ Green Valley Sun May 20 from 11a-4p. You can also meet Mercedes from Mix 94.1 FM “Mark & Mercedes in the Morning” as she broadcasts live from Main Street noon – 3pm. thedistrictatgvr.com

Gas prices too high? Don’t pump on May 15

Sandra — Tue, 15 May 2007 10:23:50 +0000

There’s an internet action in the works to boycott gas pumps on May 15 in protest over high gas prices. The claim is a national “gas out” in April 1997 in protest of those gas prices (look cheap today) caused gasoline prices to drop 30 cents/gallon overnight.

The program goes like this: There are 73,000,000 American users on the internet. It takes $30-$50 to fill up the average car. If everyone abstained on the 15th, it would take $292,000,000 (that’s almost $300 mil) out of the oil companies’ pockets for just one day. That does assume that every internet user drives his own car. Probably a fair assessment in the USA. A blip might even be felt in the Middle Eastern oil industry.

I could avoid the gas station on May 15th. It certainly is an easy way to protest. Might be fun to try and see what happens.

Origin of Mother’s Day

Sandra — Sun, 13 May 2007 16:36:55 +0000

Ever wonder how we got started with Mother’s Day? Cynics believe it is a huge conspiracy started by Hallmark to promote additional sales of greeting cards, a movement quickly reinforced by the chocolate and florist industires. But truth is, although there has been collosal commercial advantage to the holiday, it has its roots in the efforts of Julia Ward Howe who wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870 to unite women against war. She copied the idea from the Brits who held a similar vision of womanhood and peace. But today even the UK uses their special day to thank their moms for being moms.

Howe never succeeded in getting formal recognition for a Mother’s Day for Peace and her movement coalesced with that of Ann Jarvis, who had attempted Mother’s Work Days in 1858 to improve sanitation. Her daughter Anna Jarvis started the actual crusade for a memorial day for women, the first being celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia on May 10, 1908. The holiday was declared official in some states in 1912 and nationally by Pres. Woodrow Wilson in 1912, following the original concept of peace by naming it a day for citizens to fly the flag in honor of mothers who had lost sons in war. It only took nine years before the commercialization of the holiday caused Anna Jarvis to become a fervent opponent.

Mother’s Day is the number one day to dine out. Champagne brunches, massive buffets, elegant menus – just about every restaurant in town has got something going for Sunday, May 13. Give your mom a great big hug and tell her “you love her” and appreciate all that she has done for you – along with a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates and a work-free day, of course!

High-End Antiques at Wholesale Prices

Sandra — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:31:31 +0000

This seems like a unique opportunity for non-professionals to have a chance to purchase some very high-end antiques at wholesale prices normally reserved for designers, decorators and builders. Market Road is owned by two local UNLV law graduates, who are following their dream of collecting and bringing to the public an eclectic mix of British, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish and Indian antiques rescued from private homes throughout India. Not only is each piece a remarkable work of art and craftsmanship, but has a story flavored by colonial days and the extravagant richess of noble India.

The collection is presented as one-of-a-kind antiques as well as replicas made from antique materials going back to the 14th century. Doors and building details such as mantels and corbels are also included. Private and retail shoppers are welcome. Call 702-567-2440 for more info or email matthew@marketroadimports.com. Venue is Market Road LTD 6012 Topaz # 7 Las Vegas NV (between Patrick & Russell on Topaz). www.marketroad.net

Dates for viewing and purchase:
Wed May 9 6p-9p Reception and Showing
Thurs May 10 8a-7p Open House
Fri May 11 8a-7p Open House
Sat May 12 8a-7p Open House

New Horizons Academy Art Show & Auction

Sandra — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:42:19 +0000

Start with wine and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30p, go to quick draws at 6:00p with live auction at 7:00p on Sat May 12. Featured work is “Villa de Santiago” by Ed Hoag. Hoag is the president of the Nevada Watercolor Society and the associate director for the School of Architecture at UNLV. He paints only subjects and places he has visited and personally experienced. This is the 9th annual event for New Horizons Academy which bills itself as “Las Vegas’ longest running art show & auction.” The New Horizons Academy is a private “alternative school for students with learning differences and academically gifted students.” Admission and Bidding Numbers for the event are Free. New Horizons Academy 6701 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas NV.

Dog-friendly Spring Fling

Sandra — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:07:12 +0000

Three events at once on Sat May 5 & Sun May 6 at the District at Green Valley Ranch – and they are advertised as a “dog-friendly event.”

Art Festival with over 50 painters, sculptors, glass blowers exhibiting and selling their work. There will be live music on the The Courtyard stage.

Spring Fling at the Green is a family affair with art projects for the kids and live entertainment.

It’s a Dog’s Life at the Green will display 15 custom dog houses created by well-known home builders of the area. They will be auctioned on Sunday evening to benefit charity. If you are thinking of a family pet, be there for pet adoptions each day from noon-3pm.

Ethel M Chocolates for Mother’s Day

Sandra — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 01:36:05 +0000

Mother’s Day is coming and as a mom, I can tell you that there is no better chocolate to be found than Ethel M Chocolates, made right here in Sin City. Sinfully delicious, these chocolates beat Godiva any day. I won’t even mention See’s in the same sentence – and I’m from California! Tell your mom to throw caution to the wind, forget about the waistline for “just this one occasion,” and give her a box of pleasure sure to please.

There are many places you can buy here in town, besides their Factory Store 2 Cactus Garden Dr Henderson NV : Fashion Show Mall, Meadows Mall, The District at Green Valley Ranch, California Hotel, Flamingo Hotel and four locations at the airport. For online ordering and shipping go to their website www.ethelschocolate.com.

Note: For those of you who don’t know until it’s too late, this year Mother’s Day is Sunday May 13 .

Related Best Chocolates on the Planet

The District’s Anniversary Weekend

Sandra — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 22:50:09 +0000

This is the anniversary of the The District at Green Valley Ranch and there are events scheduled all weekend for all ages.

Sat noon-6p
Sun noon-4p The Kid’s Carnival Zone at the Green with games, prizes, music

Sat noon-4p Acoustic Music w/ Kevin Baker – the Green, Frank Joseph – The Courtyard
Sun noon-4p Acoustic Music w/ Kevin Baker – the Green, Jarr – The Courtyard

Sat noon-6p
Sun noon-4p Bronze in Motion Living Statues – Main St

Fri 6p-10p Live Music with Island Tyme (Reggae and R&B) – The Courtyard
Sat 6p-10p Live Music with The Fab (Beatles Tribute) – The Courtyard

Fri at Dusk Outdoor Picture Show – the Green “Over the Hedge”
Sat at Dusk Outdoor Picture Show – the Green CineVegas Film Festival presents “Animation Under the Stars”

Events are subject to change. Outdoor Picture Show and Live Music will be ongoing, so check out their website for details on future screenings and music groups www.The District At GVR.com

Related CineVegas Art House Screenings,

Internet Wine Discounts

Sandra — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:40:55 +0000

There are some great savings to be had on wine and spirits at this website. I don’t particularly like to compete with our local merchants, but in the interest of presenting as many avenues to fun and enjoyment in life as possible, I share this site with you. www.internetwines.com

Cactus and Succulent Club

Sandra — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:53:01 +0000

More on plant and flower societies/clubs in Las Vegas. The Cactus and Succulent Society of Southern Nevada meets the 1st Thur @ 7pm. They advertise “friendly folks, tasty treats, cool plants and fascinating presentations – for expert or novice.” For more details call 702-645-2032 or visit www.csssn.org. Nevada Garden Clubs Center Lorenzi Park 3333 W Washington Las Vegas NV.

The society also hosts an annual show and sale (held Apr 07.)

Teen Fashion Show 2007

Sandra — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:47:37 +0000

Nordstrom is sponsoring Teen Fashion Show 2007 at the Fashion Show Mall on Sun Mar 25 starting at 8:30 am. This event is a fundraiser for the Nevada Ballet Theater and will highlight the “latest styles and fashions for teens.” Tickets are $100. Call Jeanne Frederick, Special Events Mgr 702-243-2623 ext 225. Great Hall, Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd So. Las Vegas NV.

Farmers Market Henderson

Sandra — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:25:28 +0000

Coming from California, I love farmers markets. Not only are they a great place to pick up wonderful fruits, veggies and flowers, but often attract an eclectic group of interesting people. I admit that I am used to a vast display of local produce, so need to adjust my expectations here in the desert. The Country Fresh Farmers Market in downtown Henderson starts at 11 am every Thursday. For more info or to become a vendor, call Dave 702-579-9661. Water Street in downtown Henderson NV.

Great Party for Debut of Verge

Sandra — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:18:48 +0000

The upcoming mid-rise condo project in uptown-downtown Las Vegas held a party last night to celebrate the Grand Opening of Verge’s Lifestyle Center. With police directing traffic on Main Street and the huge parking lots full, you knew the minute you arrived that something exciting was going on. A great white tent contained a vodka and wine bar with a menu of exotic and refreshing cocktails – hosted by Verge, thank you very much. Servers circulated with trays of delectable appetizers prepared by the Triple George Grille.

The Golden Nugget supplied a craps table and music was provided by DJ Mike White. We were treated to some live trumpet with a Latin jazz feel to accompany the electronic. The trumpet player, Rico Sanchez, also produced the event through Access West Marketing. A highlight of the evening was the performance of Las Vegas’ own Uncommon Connection, a small group of highly skilled breakdancers. This was their first professional performance. The Downtown Cocktail Room, their own Grand Opening just last week, was represented by lovely young girls in red knit dresses.

The Verge exhibited a Loft model, modern and spacious with floor to ceiling glass. They will begin accepting reservations on Mon Mar 19.

I personally enjoyed watching the crowd – hundreds of beautiful young persons, handsome guys and slim girls in short skirts and wonderful shoes. I could have done a photo album on the amazing footwear. I have no idea if men even notice such things, but feet were definitely the fashion statement of the night.

Compulsive Buying Syndrome

Sandra — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 02:03:15 +0000

The data is startling. Nearly 6% of adults in America are unable to resist shopping binges that leave them depressed, anxious and in debt. The interesting part is that men suffer from “buying gone bad” almost as often as women. I haven’t seen very many “Shop til you drop” in men-sized T-shirts, but apparently the problem is there; it just doesn’t fit our stereotyping. Women are more prone to seek help for their mental and emotional problems, thus our warped perception that this is a “girl thing.”

Mental health workers actually regard the compulsion as an addiction – an addiction to spending, rather than gambling, smoking, eating, sex, pornography, alcohol and drugs – the usual suspects. They have gathered their data from interviews asking about the cardinal signs of compulsive buying:

Senseless impulses to buy
Frequent purchases of unneeded or “unaffordable” items
Shopping for longer periods than intended
Financial problems stemming from overspending
Emotional letdowns after buying sprees

I’d like to add to this list:

Going shopping for something to do
Going shopping because you feel blue

A high score on this tally occurs in 6% of women and 5% of men, regardless of race or ethnic background. The average age is 40 years – which is scary to think that you don’t grow out of it. Sadly a majority had incomes under $50,000/yr, obviously a group with little mad money at their disposition. They tend to have the same number of credit cards as other people, but typically max out their limits and opt for minimum payment each month, regardless of their incomes.

Not yet accepted as a psychiatric disorder, there is a push to have in included as a behavioral addition in the next manual of psychiatric diagnoses coming out in 2011. As depression and anxiety seem to go hand in hand with compulsive buying/spending, some believe that anti-depressants might be helpful as a treatment. We have restricted tobacco advertising and hard alcohol advertising. Will we reach the point when we realize that easy credit and the constant barrage of advertising that fuels our cravings for more are having a significant impact on a segment of society ill-equipped to resist the temptation?

I’m going to think of this article from Science News, Oct 07 2006 when I rummage through Marshall’s next time, uncovering all the wonderfully-priced bargains that I could have lived without before they caught my eye. I recall one afternoon when I chatted with a fellow-shopper. “I love coming here,” she confided. “It’s so therapeutic.” There you have it.

Spring White Elephant Sale

Sandra — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:57:42 +0000

The Woman’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army, known as SAWA, will be holding their Spring White Elephant Sale as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. This is a great event for treasure hunters, garage sale afficionados, and haunters of swap meets. Typical items for sale are custom jewlery, books, household items, and of course, “knick-kncks,” that great catch-all name for those items you don’t need, but can’t resist. Coffee and rolls will be served for $1. Join SAWA on Sat Mar 24 8a-noon at the Salvation Army Corps Bldg. and help support one of the best charitable organizations around. The Salvation Army does great things all year, not just at Christmas, and can always use your support. 2900 Palomino Lane.

Deep Discounts by Listening to Radio

Sandra — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:58:52 +0000

In 1981 The Radio Shopping Show created a revolutionary concept of a barter marketing program by which businesses exchange discounted products and services for radio advertising and publicity. The ENORMOUS savings to the program’s listening audience is attention-getting. There is literally something for everybody. The list is long and includes oil changes, acne treatment, a dozen cupcakes, teeth whitening, ice skating, wedding, self improvement seminar, Korean tofu lunch, DMV registration, 2 tix to Bodies Exhibition, steak at Envy, tax preparation, 1 nite of near-airport parking and more more more! Here’s how it works. You sign up for a FREE Money Save Key Tag on the kshp.com radio site and then you listen to the Radio Shopping Show on KSHP 1400 AM Mon- Fri 7-9 am, 3-6 pm and Sat & Sun 9 am-noon. You can also listen online. The discounts range from 40% up and fill several pages, so it’s recommended that you prepare a list of items that you wish to purchase before you call in. 702-221-SAVE (7283)

Don’t miss the Road Show. You spend $50 with the Radio Shopping Show at the Road Show. You Buy lunch at the Road Show location, which is roving. You get reimbursed for the cost of your lunch for up to $30 in merchandise.

Online Wine, Food & Just About Everything Else Auction

Sandra — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 02:09:16 +0000

The Food Network is sponsoring the South Beach Wine & Food Festival Online Auction. Most items will close this Friday, but apparently some extensions will go until Mar 9. There are trips to South Africa, trips to the Grand Tasting Village, Hummer leases, bottles of champagne, signed copies of “Silence of the Lambs” (??????), Carnival Cruises, Geo Jensen jewelry, KitchenAid paraphenalia, parties in candy stores, Target Gift Cards, “Lifetime Experience with Martha Stewart,” etc. etc. etc. The list goes on and includes some of the most unexpected items you could ever find at a Wine & Food Festival Auction. Check this site out for some mind-bending opportunities.???? www.sobewineandfoodfest.com

Pet Pooch Purses for Your Valentine

Sandra — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 01:45:15 +0000

Ok, tell me you haven’t seen those little purses that look just like small dogs carried on the arms of petite and chic, wanna-be French babes? What started in Paris as a practical substitute for a real live doggie in a sac seen in every Right Bank bistro, has reached Las Vegas and is being offered as the perfect “Oh Honey, I Love you” gift for Valentine’s Day. The best part is that Kiki, who is the cabaret singer at Josette’s Bistro, will personally deliver the gift-wrapped purse at no extra charge. And you can have a romantic French song with that delivery for only $25! Now I can’t see myself with one of these pooches, but I think I can see the allure, especially that romantic serenade part. Call Kiki at 702-466-2650 or check out the 18 breeds at www.kikikalor.com.