JenLeoLIVE!

Top 5 things I did in Vegas this week

Here are some recent things that have made me happy:

1. Adventure night: John and I left the house at around 9:30pm, I said it'd be great if we didn't have to go home. We thought about going to a bar, but instead wound up at Kinko's. John book a room on Hotwire, went to the store and got us a party pack of wine, candy and toiletries and the next thing you know I was guessing what hotel we got. At 10 pm at night when you punch in $80 and West side of strip you get the Artisan, not the Rio. I would hardly call it chic or boutique, but it suited our adventure. The entire hotel is covered floor to ceiling with framed prints of famous paintings. The lobby has a slight musty smell but that's probably from all the antiques. More goth than grandma, we were surprised at the flat screen TV, chenille throw blanket and pillows, and pedestal sink. They do try, but it's still a run down freeway hotel underneath. If you are looking for a place where you won't be seen or recognized, this is it. The bar is dark, has many sofas and cubbies, and is perfect for a night of Chinese poker. We'll be back.

2. Area 51s at Cashman Field. It's always a pleasant night out at the ball park.

3. Mermaid bar at the Silverton (pictured). I twisted John's arm into going "way out" to the Silverton. He acquiesced trying to make my grumpy mood better—and left raving that this is his new favorite place for draft beer & apps. He couldn't stop saying how great the flautas were, and I had my standby $4 ceviche with chips. Sooo good. I also had the popcorn shrimp for the first time and won't be having that again. As we start a list of best meals under $25, this definitely makes it.

4. Drinks at Golden Nugget's Dive Bar next to the shark tank. Hanging out by the pool, having a late afternoon drink and watching the sunbathers is exactly the kind of happy hour we'll go back for. Drink specials? A bucket of six 20 oz Buds for $20. Just $4 off but kinda fun if you're wading in the shallow end with friends. Next time I'm getting the souvenir Shark Attack drink that is blue with a side shot of bloody raspberry liquor. Makes me eager for wedding weekend!

5. Fashion Show Mall. Shopping with Leigh has been great. I feel like a late-blooming Sabrina.

I have another big work week, but things should be clear by my birthday on Wednesday. (Let me know if you're in town and I'll give you one of those cards that tells you where we'll be - like a rave)

CURRENT: LAS VEGAS
NEXT: SAN DIEGO, CA (June 9-10)

Gambling Alert Orange-red

I've got a bit of the Gamblor in me. Or, I did on Tuesday.

Today, I'm actually super-focused on work, but earlier this week I couldn't tear myself away from the TI Tourneys. I final tabled again, but bubbled. I think I played Sat, Sun, Mon and then on Tuesday, when I clearly needed a break, John came to me and said he wanted to put me into the Caesars women's tourney as practice for the Ladies WSOP. I rushed over there, still had work on my mind, and went out first. It was so embarrassing. And it's not like I got aces cracked or anything, one bad mistake left me weak and I couldn't get it back.

John and I are going up to San Francisco this weekend for a bit of a pre-wedding John tour. There are still lots of good friends and second families he hasn't met yet. Susan and the Brady's are enthusiastically throwing a cocktail party, I'll show up and the Bay to Breakers and somehow wog to the finish line and then my friend Dana has organized a picnic in the Presidio so we can hang out afterwards.

It comes at a good time. I don't want to spend the wedding fund on more TI tourneys this weekend.

So, I'm not at red. But it did reach a danger alert level earlier this week. I feel ok now, not needing to hit the pawn shop or anything. Last night we went to dinner with our two couples, friends that have also recently moved here.

Oh yeah, I also skipped boot camp yesterday, but that had nothing to do with gambling.

Off to raquetball, maybe I should bet John I'll beat him this time. Bad bet though, I haven't won yet.

CURRENT: Las Vegas
NEXT: San Francisco Fri-Sun
NEXT NEXT: Los Angeles Mon, speaking on a PRSA panel

Lucky You? Lucky Me!

The week has gone by fast my friends...

LUCKY YOU PREMIERE: The Lucky You premiere at Red Rock was fun. Pros were all over the place. Folks were a bit worried because of the harsh reviews that had come out, but it was a good show. As you know, I love Vegas, and the movie showed me parts I hadn't seen before. The poker was great and unlike other TV shows and movies, they didn't put the pros on display like, look, we got a pro to do a cameo in our movie! No, in Lucky You, the pros were there as testament to making the setting as realistic as possible. There were lots of pros playing and in the background. It worked. The worst part of the movie was Drew Barrymore. She was not a good fit for this film, and I enjoy her movies. The relationship cliches took away from the poker story. Instead, a local dancer or cocktail waitress a la Elizabeth Shue would've been a more realistic love interest. I mean, come on, the rest of the movie aimed for authenticity, where was there relationship expert? I was most impressed with Matt Savage. He is incredibly professional and continues to impress me with the projects he gets behind, and the way in which he carries himself at such events.

Eric Lindgren was there with a hot blonde date that I hadn't seen before. She was in a sheer pink dress and had a bod worth showing off. Doyle was taking a snooze in his chair at the head of the red carpet before it got underway. Patrik Antonius was there with his beautiful girlfriend who is ready to deliver. Greg Raymer, who's been discussing his possible vice-presidential candidacy was there in his trademark socks and sandals. Back to couples, Mike Matusow had a date. After the show he walked by Scotty who was seated at the bar. Scotty said, "Hey Baby," to Mike, then looked at his arm-candy and did a Chris Tucker — "Daaaaamn!" The pros went to Cherry after the movie to celebrate, but I went to have drinks with poker hipsters Pauly and the Wicked Chops guys who skipped the movie but were playing in the poker room.

Eric Bana's addictive behavior poker ambition must've worn off on me because I played in three $60 TI tournaments over the weekend. I made it to the final table twice and cashed in the final one, chopping four-ways for $500 each, which somehow turned into $390 net. You know you're a local when the card room manager sees you coming in a hair late, gives you her card, and tells you to call her on your way in next time and she'll save you a seat. I'll see you there at the 11am this weekend.

(photo courtesy of BJ Nemeth who was sitting next to me)

CURRENT: Los Angeles, CA
NEXT: Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas: Downtown and The Griffin

Gambling alert: Orange.

I'm not dying to go gambling every day. And that's a good thing. But, it just so happened that we've hit the tables three times this week. Twice at Tourist Island for a $60 tourney (one at night mid-week, and one Saturday morning), and one night of cheap $5 tables at Binions on our way to check out some new bars downtown.

In case you were concerned, we have friends. You've heard of them before. Leigh and Brian, our awesome rambling Airstream pals. They took a pretty good picture of us on our night out and it couldn't have captured us better. John on the crackberry, and me goofin around. I love it. It's hard to believe, but they're selling their 63 Flying Cloud. I finally got to see it last week and man, oh man, is it to die for. Custom dark wood cabinets, Temperpedic bed, Wi-Fi - and all tricked out. If you have an extra $50,000, I highly recommend it. They might even be talked down to $35,000. Boo, hiss.

We went downtown midweek to hang out on Fremont Street for drinks and gambling. Leigh wanted to check out The Griffin, and John and I had wanted to see "downtown" a new bar/lounge that is right around the corner from The Griffin and Beauty Bar. Sadly the Beauty Bar was closed for our little pub crawl, but we couldn't tear ourselves away from the dark and cavernous Griffin anyway. It used to be a t-shirt shop but they took extra special car in placing the brick, timber, and iron. It would seem that goth types would be comfortable here, but really, anybody could hang out in the indoor fire pits and feel comfortable away from the Neon. On our way to "downtown" around the corner, we did see some amateurs puking against a palm tree. Oh downtown. But this new lounge, with DJ, wasn't even kicking at 10:30. No doubt it's a good after hours spot - but seriously, this could be the best place to have a secret rendezvous. The curtained booths beg for a make-out session. I love that there are three good bars in arms reach of each other. We will definitely be back, and there's no need to wait for the out of town guests.

CURRENT: LAS VEGAS, NV
NEXT: NEW YORK, NY (Thurs - Monday)

We're moving to Las Vegas

Jason is about to come pick me up for another afternoon of organizing at my Grandma's house. I don't have time to express how meaningful it is to be with the Livingston side of our family and to reconnect through past stories and memories—but I can give you an update on our lives from a distance.

John and I are moving to Las Vegas for the short term. At least through the World Series of Poker.

I don't think either of us are thrilled about it. But it's what makes the most sense for the spring. I get home on Sunday, and we'll try and shlep our stuff over on Wednesday. Susan is coming to help me with wedding plans Thursday-Tuesday and I couldn't be more grateful. I can't wait till we pull this rabbit out of the hat.

CURRENT: Grants Pass, OR
NEXT: Pasadena, CA

I Gave Up Romance for Poker

John had a few surprises for me last night. And at 5:25pm he gave me a choice. He said that we could go have some mush time with drinks at (presumably the Peppermill's Fireside Lounge that I've been wanting to go to) or we could play in the 5:30pm $65 Paris poker tourney.

I picked poker.

And, believe it or not, I won the thing! I still can't believe it. Only 11 people showed up including me and John, but it still took almost three hours. I was up early on, then went all the way down to the point where I was all-in several times with not much, then when it got down to four players, I caught cards and pushed my stack around. When it got down to two players, I got all the cards and just pummeled him. They paid three spots, so there wasn't much net profit after tipping the dealers but it was fun. John busted early and went upstairs to work and start my surprises with chilled wine and a mushy card.
He finished his work before I was done playing, but rightly stayed in the room so as not to bring me any bad luck. We agreed later, this was best.

I still didn't know where he was taking me for dinner. And after leading my thought process in several directions all night we ended up in one of my faves—Mon Ami Gabi! I couldn't have been happier. We didn't even have to leave the building. It was fantastic as usual, and we stuffed ourselves stupid on mousse pate, steak frites, garlic spinach, and bread pudding.

The best part about Valentine's Day was that we were already engaged. If he hadn't asked me two weeks ago, I would've really been sweating it today. If you want to read the story about how we met, you'll have to buy Women's Poker Night.

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Here's hoping your guy didn't cop out with the lamest excuse of all times—I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, it's so commercial, it's just a Hallmark Holiday, every day is Valentine's Day. If they did, hold out. Don't put out for at least four dates if not more. Of course that statement is true, but it doesn't mean he still doesn't have to suck it up and make sure his woman saves face at the office. Do you know what women think of men who don't do Valentine's Day? Oy.

And, as I type this, John is doing a dance that he's off the romance hook for two months. Yes, we agreed that this year we would make romantic nights out a new change to our otherwise full and busy schedule. Once a month we take turns doing surprise dates. It was actually my idea. And now it's my turn. I'm pretty sure I can out do him. One of my favorite restaurants and chilled wine with a mushy card? Pishaw. Too easy to top. This year promises to be even more fun than last year!

CURRENT: Las Vegas, NV
NEXT: Pasadena, CA (tomorrow)

Happy Valentine's Day from Vegas, Baby!

My favorite day of the year, in my favorite town! Life is good and filled with a long list of work to-dos. We'll be celebrating V-day at dinner tonight, but the whereabouts is a surprise. The question is, did John plan to go with a standby favorite like Nobu or Fiamma, or did he get creative and plan an outing to a place I haven't tried before like the Charleston Lodge? Either way it's win win win.

As you know, John's nearly impossible to shop for. So, I have one little surprise that I still need to go get. And one thing that we agreed on, a massage. Professional that is. Since we added a night to our stay, we were at  South Point last night. It is a good room, and for only $70, I'd be back here in a heart beat. The next two nights, which were planned, we'll be staying at Paris. That's where I'll book his massage. I can't wait to go to the Creperie tomorrow morning!

Last night I went to Tao. There was a 20 minute line to get into the nightclub. I was there with the beauties from Penny For Your Thoughts, and we decided to hit the lounge first. We must've looked our best because we immediately got stamped for Temple Tuesdays and passed all the right lines to go straight upstairs and into the club where go go dancers and bathing beauties got their groove on in all Tao fashion. I love it there.

Now I just need to find a wedding location. I worry that nothing will make me happy. It's 50k to rent Olives at Bellagio, Mix was taken, now I'm getting creative with the possibility of renting a large vacation home. I'll keep you posted. We have an artists working on our logo, so hopefully the website won't take too long to get up.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope that everyone gets a treat today, even if you think it's a Hallmark Holiday. Remember, staying in can be even more fun than going out! It's all in your attitude.

CURRENT: Las Vegas, NV
NEXT: Pasadena, CA (Friday)

RawVEGAS.tv, Baby!

Finally! A slice of the Vegas street scene worth paying attention to.

rawVEGAS.tv just launched and man, is this going to be the best thing from Vegas or what?! Internet TV is so cool. You think Celine Dion got fans, just wait. My favorite part was Gavin Smith and Joe Sebok's $10,000 prop bet on who could stay on Gilley's Mechanical Bull longer. I won't give away the winner, you have to watch! Susan, Uncle Jon, you're going to love it.

Brand new, this is going to be the definitive entertainment source for Sin City. Sexy, Fast, On it—I can't wait for more prop bets, and interviews from their upcoming “Red Light Interviews” from Vegas's sex industry. I'm hoping that they'll cover the trendy tables, but I know it's the “Weekend Celebrity Recap” that's going to keep the fants panting. John, if you're reading this (or Miguel) I want to someone to track the Wager Wars to see if they're on.

Britney Spears snubbing RawVegas.tv was better comedy than the Rough Cut Comedy Troupe.

All I know is that I'm coming back and I have to get the promo song on my iPod! Ween?!

Oh, and before I forget -- add them to your MySpace.

CURRENT: PASADENA, CA
NEXT: VEGAS! (Feb 14-15) Maybe I'll see RawVegas at the Hoopology Celebrity Party at PURE

Looking for a Las Vegas Junket

Meanwhile back at the ranch, I've got my head down. If I can finish by Saturday I can head over to Vegas and meet up with some friends Sat and Sun. Sean Keener will be there with his guy friends celebrating his bday and Susan and Jeff get there on Sunday. My fave cheap travel to Vegas is to get a Craigslist rideshare.

I also found that Starline Tours does a 3 day/2 night LA to Vegas staying at the Golden Nugget for $270.

The Consumer Electronics Show is in town + it's a holiday weekend, so even the cheap downtown hotels are not as cheap as they usually are. Susan said Excalibur is still kinda cheap, and since John isn't with me I can go divey at the Imperial Palace.

But workwise I'd have to pull a small miracle to go by Saturday. It's not impossible, but the chances are still slim. If you know of any cheap Chinatown to Vegas junkets, please let me know. That just might be the motivational secret.

CURRENT: PASADENA, CA
NEXT: LAS VEGAS, NV?

Jen Having a Bath at the Signature

I can assure you that that bath tubs at the Signature are spot on. I was in such a rush to try them out, I forgot to take off my sunglasses. It was not only great to try out a new Vegas accommodation, but the best part was how surprised we were. The service at MGM's Signature was top notch and a true marker for where Vegas hospitality is headed. When I arrived, the registration desk was filled. I was the first in line, the only one in line. Within moments a uniformed guy from the bell desk came over and offered me a bottled water and apologized for the wait. At the desk, the clerk welcomed me by name - a possible fluke since she had also checked in John, but still, the details. We got an orientation tour of the lobby and facilities, then I was taken up to my room with our bags not long after.

These are residential condo-hotels. Sometimes their owners are ejoying their suites, other times they're renting them out like hotel rooms. It's like THEhotel mated with Caesars Augustus only you can enter your room quickly and without walking through a smoke-filled casino or hearing slot machines. The MGM is a short "moving walkway" away. So gaming tables and celebrity chef restaurants are at the ready.

The rooms come complete with mini-kitchens, living room furniture, plasma flat screens, a blacony, and spa-tubs. Another surprise was the alarm clock radio that we could plug our iPod into. The WiFi was weak on this occasion, and we didn't get to the fitness center- but we heard more than one person raving about it in the elevators.

John says, "If you're looking to party, it's not the joint at all -  but iff you're looking for upscale, it's good value."

I say, keep up the first rate service, and the rates at $200, and I'll be back.

Good work, MGM!

The Signature at MGM Grand
145 East Harmon Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877-727-0007