Las Vegas is full of holiday spirit during the month of December. You’ll see ornamented trees lit up with tiny white lights or large multicolored ones. Casino employees are dressed in red outfits, many adorned with white fur. Sin City seems to turn into Santa land for the major holiday season. Everyone even seems to be a bit more jolly in their demeanor. Christmas themed shows, sporting events and enjoying the natural desert are all part of the activities that you’ll enjoy during December in Las Vegas.

Winchester Cultural Center

The Winchester Cultural Center offers an abundance of Christmas cheer in December. Stop in for a show, such as the “So, You Think You Can Dance” winter recital, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” or the City of Lights Barbershop Chorus doing skits, singing and dancing.

Winchester Cultural Center
3130 S. McLeod Drive
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 445-7340

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

Walk through the Winter Lights Festival at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. It’s a 180-acre cultural and historical attraction of indoor and outdoor desert living. Enjoy the preserve, while 500,000 LED lights illuminate your way. There is also plenty of holiday entertainment, carriage rides and seasonal foods and gifts.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve
333 S. Valley Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89193
(702) 822-7700

Fights

The fights are big in Las Vegas. If you’re a fan, you’ll be glad to know there are usually big fights scheduled for December, featuring world-class athletes. The MGM Grand usually offers one and the others are generally scheduled by UFC. You can purchase any of the tickets, in advance, for these events at Stub Hub (see the Resources section for a link).

Hotels

All of the hotels in Las Vegas are decked out in their finest Christmas cheer. If you want to be enveloped in the best of the holiday spirit, The Bellagio is red and silver all over with huge Christmas trees and beautiful ornaments. Paris Las Vegas lights up the sky with its multitude of holiday lights.

The Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 987-6667

Paris Las Vegas
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 966-2949

Half Marathon

The annual Las Vegas Half Marathon is usually scheduled in early December. You can join upwards of 16,000 people, all attempting to finish the half marathon. It all starts with fireworks at the 6 a.m. starting line. It’s true, you never know what you’ll see in Vegas. Expect a few Elvis impersonators and newly weds running along side of you.

Picnics and love — the pair go together as perfectly as Romeo and Juliet, but what’s a couple to do when her idea of romance is wine and brie with linen napkins under a shade tree in LaJolla, while his is a sweaty bike ride around Newport beach? Compromise. Negotiate. Take turns pleasing your significant other by scheduling a series of picnics that celebrate your passion so wonderfully that even if a couple of ants show up, you’ll be more inclined to relocate than squash ’em. There’s plenty to choose from in this article so don’t stop with one idea. Mix and match until your partner falls as hopelessly in love with your ingenuity as he or she does with your culinary prowess.

Things You’ll Need:

• Picnic foods Wine or beverage
• Picnic foods
• Wine or beverage

Step 1

Schedule a Catalina Island getaway and begin the day on the water. The hour’s boat ride offers the opportunity to surprise your sweetie with a small gift; if money’s tight, make it a little toy boat lettered with the date to commemorate your picnic. Bring along a lightweight, nylon bag, then stroll this adorable town and sight-see, stopping to select picnic foods for your feast at local shops. Pop the items into your insulated bag to protect perishables and find a secluded area to enjoy your picnic. Did you remember to get dessert?

Step 2

Head for Coronado if your idea of a romantic picnic doesn’t include an hour on a boat. It’s anybody’s guess why this sandy peninsula came to be called Coronado Island, but perhaps the views of the sand and sea create the illusion. Having found out exactly what your love considers the perfect picnic repast, bring those items along — even if that means packing a small barbeque grill on which you can toast everything from veggies to burgers (hold the onions) to s’mores. Watch the sun go down over Coronado while sipping champagne to end a sumptuous picnic day.

Step 3

Share art from the heart in LaJolla by taking in the town’s galleries before you turn your attention to the main menu. Walk along the cliffs to feast on spectacular views and then bring out a modest array of temptations from your linen-lined picnic basket. If you filled it with fresh fruits, sandwich fixings, chocolates and favorite beverages you’ll have provided plenty of treats without much effort. Play Truth or Dare as you nibble. Bring out crayons and paper so each of you can sketch a favorite fantasy as you sip wine and gather memories of a picture-perfect picnic.

Step 4

Sip your way around Laguna Beach after stopping at Laguna Canyon winery to select a picnic beverage. Head for Crystal Cove and settle into the sand to enjoy the picnic you packed and prepared before leaving home. If Laguna Beach doesn’t offer enough wine for your taste, opt for Temecula’s Sunny Valley, Southern California’s answer to the Napa Valley — but closer. Pair your wine selection with mini-lasagnas made earlier by removing the centers of beefy rolls (save the top) and layering pasta sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and caramelized veggies inside. Replace the top before baking in foil. Share smooth ice cream treats after your picnic and don’t forget to bring home some of that yummy wine for your next get-together.

Step 5

Pack bathing suits and picnic gear and head to Malibu to get in touch with your inner Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon. Pricey real estate abounds, so use this opportunity to fantasize about the kind of luxury homes each of you dream about building some day as you sit on the beach picnicking. Having prepared for the day by marinating chicken breasts overnight, grill them to perfection before packing them with raw veggies, ranch dip and hard or soft lemonade. Wind up your adventurous picnic day by trying your hand at kayaking, a popular Malibu sport. Rumor has it that it’s easier to steer a two-seater rather than individual kayaks, so test that theory before you wrap up your day of fun.

Step 6

Find picnic nirvana at a higher altitude. Drive into the mountains to channel your inner Heidi and Hans at Idyllwild, a little piece of Alpine heaven located a mile above L.A. If Idyllwild isn’t high enough, head for the snow-peaked San Gabriel Mountains or Joshua Tree National Park, a couple of hours from San Diego. Whichever location you choose, make your picnic as memorable as the scenery by filling a cooler with pasta salad made with avocado, chicken and vinaigrette dressing. Open a fruity Riesling (white wine) to go with a dessert of strawberries and whipped cream. If you run out of fruit, be as inventive as possible with the leftover cream.

Step 7

Become environmentally involved by heading to Dana Point to watch the whales and canoodle with your sweetie over a yummy picnic. The harbor is gorgeous and the atmosphere pure old world seafaring, so soak in the views. Bring along ingredients to make veggie wraps from tortillas, cilantro-infused cream cheese, sliced olives, avocado, thinly sliced ham, marinated mushrooms and veggies. Pack a tawdry romance novel and read to each other from the pages. Of course, bringing that bodice ripper as an audio book with a CD player makes just as much sense. That way, your hands are free to eat and do anything else that strikes your fancy.

High mountain peaks, ski slopes and amazing landscapes have made Colorado famous. People come to the Rocky Mountains either for sports or just for admiring the beautiful nature surrounding them. Ever heard of Indian summers? In Colorado, the reverse is actually true: you can expect snow most of the time, even on a hot day. It’s one of the best touristic destinations for those who love snow, if they visit in the spring, the fall or winter. Actually, even on some summer days.

What people don’t know is that Colorado is one of the fittest states, mostly due to the outdoors activities that can be so much fun here. The locals are welcoming and very open-minded. A nasty rumor has it the state is the heaven of hippies, but it seems an on-going dispute for this title with San Francisco. Anyway, don’t get judgmental. Coloradans can be lighthearted and the etiquette doesn’t require much formalities. They love hanging out in big groups. Climbing, suddenly deciding to go on a trip, skiing, shopping or just driving around are some of the few things you might enjoy in Colorado. Another thing you may enjoy is marijuana, as Colorado has the highest consumption per capita.

Some trip ideas: visit the Garden of the Gods on a horseback ride; go see the mountains at the Independence Pass and admire its lakes or waterfalls; explore the mountain peaks, especially Mount Elbert; go skiing in Aspen. If you’re ever tired of its breathtaking nature, try some museums. It has a wide range of open-air, historical, art, natural or technology museums. A currency museum is located in Colorado Springs. The state has one of the 2 mountain zoos residing in the US. There are plenty other tourist attractions, so don’t hesitate and add Colorado on your travel itinerary!

Millions of people today travel with neither families nor mates, but alone — as unattached singles. This segment makes up about one-fourth of the travel market. When traveling as a single, the destination and atmosphere of the destination makes all the difference to your vacation. Here are a few top picks for places that are especially friendly for single travelers.

Go on a Cruise

For a multitude of reasons, cruises are perhaps the number one choice for single travelers — at least those going solo for the first time. On a cruise, there is so much going on and so many organized activities that one can be as social — or as alone — as desired.

The mainstream cruise on a large ship generally offers the most options. Major cruise lines such as Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have jam-packed itineraries for guests that include shows, games, contests, and activities such as rock wall climbing and driving ranges. Many cruises also operate “themed” sailings such as music, cooking, history or sports.

The ships themselves also typically have top-notch pools and lounge areas, casinos and social areas such as libraries or game rooms. For those times when you do want some along time, or perhaps some pampering, world-class spas are found on all large cruise lines. Dining at large tables as part of a group is something that many solo travelers enjoy, as it gives them a chance to meet other travelers and get to know them.

If the idea of a huge floating resort isn’t for you, there are plenty of other smaller cruise options. Canadian Sailing Expeditions in particular is excellent for single travelers. These smaller masted sailing vessels take small groups of thirty or fewer on casual, laid-back trips all over the world. The tall-ship cruise company sets aside three or so Caribbean cruises each year specifically for single travelers, who are matched with a roommate and who pay the regular cruise rate (instead of a single supplement fee). Other small ship cruise lines include SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.

Spa Getaway

Let’s face it — one of the main reasons anyone travels is to relax and get away from work and the normal pressures and to-do lists of everyday life. What better way to unplug than by taking a solo spa vacation — one where you are focusing on nothing but yourself. Spas can be among the greatest places for single travelers — and men, don’t think that spa vacations are only for women. Approximately 25 percent of spa clients are men, and there are numerous spas that cater to men.

The Claremont

The Claremont Resort & Spa in Berkeley, Calif., is perched on a hilltop with astonishing views of San Francisco. The spa offers weekday wellness packages from $99, with treatments such as the Ginseng Herbal Facial and Moor Than Mud Body Wrap. Other packages are available, which the Claremont calls “Journeys,” that include therapeutic massage, scrubs, baths and manicures. For example, the Brazilian Rainforest Journey begins with a soak in a lush botanical bath, followed by the healing properties of noni gel, a natural antioxidant, in a lavish body wrap with healing aloe vera. Complete your journey as warm coconut milk is massaged into your body, feet and scalp. A full menu of men’s services are available. The Claremont also has swimming pools, tennis courts and a fully equipped fitness club. Room rates start at $129, and many packages are available.

The Lakeway

In Austin, Texas check out the Lakeway Resort & Spa on Lake Travis in beautiful Hill Country. Lakeway Resort and Spa captures the elegance of a world-class destination with contemporary resort amenities. Nestled in the heart of Texas, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin’s attractions (but close enough for nightlife or sightseeing if you feel like it), guests of Lakeway Resort and Spa are enjoying the rebirth of a legend. The resort’s San Saba Spa has unique treatments such as the warm Colorado River Rock as well as classic Swedish massage, wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. The beautifully appointed Spa has his and her dry saunas and quiet rooms with mesmerizing views of Lake Travis. In addition, the attached fitness center offers the latest training equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden and infinity edge pool. Rooms start at around $150, but right now they’re running a special: stay two nights and get the third night free!

Adventure Vacation

If you’re looking for more adventure, whether it’s honing a sport or learning a new skill, there are dozens of websites catering to a growing number of single adventure-lovers.

Costa Rica has been an increasingly popular destination for U.S. travelers and transplants for more than a decade. The peaceful nation’s 34 parks and reserves make it a nature-lover’s dream. The landscape from one side of the small country to the other is diverse, with volcanic mountain ranges, rain forests, fertile valleys dotted with coffee plantations; and of course the warm waters of both the Pacific and the Caribbean.

The School of the World in Playa Jaco combines its photography courses with your choice of surfing, yoga or Spanish lessons — its motto is “Educating Travelers in Inspirational Environments.” It opened in 1997 with the goal of taking a creative approach to learning by combining aspects of a language school, surf school, photography workshop and adventure travel, to create an unforgettable travel experience.

About a thousand miles north of Costa Rica lies Veracruz, a port city living the traditional life of old Mexico. The tourists are Mexicans from around the country, and it’s possible not to see another American during your stay. Here, The Language Immersion School prides itself on an accomplished track record of helping its students become conversational in days — while supporting the local culture and giving students the taste of life in Veracruz. Additional learning available includes cooking, ecotourism, folk dancing and guitar making.

Want a little more down time? Check out the annual Women’s Yoga and Journaling Vacation offered by River Soul Journeys. River Soul Journeys are river-based spiritual retreats that combine guided meditation, yoga and river rafting in secluded portions of the American West. Trips are customized to your white-water skill level. Each River Soul Journey offers different levels of whitewater challenge, outdoor activities and spiritual growth paths. No matter which River Soul Journey you choose, one thing is guaranteed — a noticeable shift in your consciousness.

Are social media tactics “upending” the music industry, or are they simply becoming recognized as part of an integrated multi-platform approach to marketing?

Summer’s pretty much over, but the beat, as they say, goes on. Don’t think that those summertime music hits (or earworms, depending on your taste…I’m looking at you Gotye) are going away anytime soon. I’ve talked before about what the music industry gets right when it comes to good content and marketing channels, and a recent NYTimes article brings up some interesting points related to how a hit becomes a hit in the new social media-influenced marketing realm.

If anything though, the story in that article isn’t about how social media and artists like Carly Rae Jepsen have wreaked havoc on the “old model” of music marketing and promotion, it’s about how smart marketers have recognized ways to integrate social media into their mix for a stronger and more flexible program. But before even broaching the question of “how can we try to create viral buzz?” marketers need to ask, “do we even have the right content to promote?” The main takeaway from the NYTimes piece is that “Call Me Maybe” struck a chord with a wide audience because it was a fun, catchy song…not because of a grand marketing scheme.

Here‘s what I think are the three most interesting points from the article:

• Third party endorsement is critical – Bieber is the social media example here…an established artist recommends an up-and-comer and is able to ignite conversation. But marketers note! This is not a recommendation to start recklessly @ mentioning pop stars to promote your product.
• Viral videos have definitively become a driving force in promoting artists – But what really makes a song take off virally is not likely to be the original artist’s video, it’s fan-made copycats or tributes. Through online monitoring that can identify fan videos and commentary, it’s possible to weave unsolicited buzz into a marketing plan…more on that a little later.
• Radio (including emerging online streaming radio) is still important – “The song’s trajectory also demonstrates the continuing power of radio, which record executives say is still essential to turn any song — no matter how much online buzz it has — into a genuine smash.”

What this article actually shows, is that social media tactics aren’t “upending” the music industry, they’re simply becoming recognized as part of a synegrated multi-platform approach. The unpredictable nature of the social community, be it positive or negative, presents a challenge to marketers since plans require flexibility and opportunistic variables. As Carly Rae Jepsen’s manager discusses in regards to her Tumblr page of fan tributes “trying to control the energy wasn’t the point.” They’re successfully reacting to that energy, and therefore able to work with it.

If we can recognize where opportunities are being presented and react within brand guidelines, it’s possible to feed even ancillary tactics (a Tumblr page may not have been on the Jepsen radar from the outset) back into the broader marketing ecosystem. As marketers, sometimes the most we can do is put all the right pieces in place for things to get rolling. The social community will ignore or respond, and we need to be able to test, measure and adjust strategy based on where the music takes us.

Denmark is worldwide famous for being home to author and poet Hans Christian Andersen whose fairy tales have been translated into over 125 languages. His works are popular among children and adults alike, inspiring films, plays, animations and even ballets, a particularity of the fairytales being the moral aspects they contain.

Foreigners usually see the Danes as being a very happy people, according to numerous international studies they are the happiest nation in the world. A high quality of life reflects in the people’s satisfaction with themselves, the Danes arguing that their fulfillment is also due to a realistic view of life, contemplating success as well as failure.

Although the Danish families tend to be small, the people have a high regard for family life and the children are raised to be independent from a young age. Being an evolved society with modern values, the women here are very respected in their chosen fields of work, their egalitarianism is also reflected in the usage of gender – neutral words.

An interesting fact about the Danes is that, even though the people greatly value proper etiquette and politeness, the words “please” and “thank you” are not usually used in conversation or when asking for something. When visiting, it is polite to bring flowers, quality chocolates or a bottle of good wine.

An interesting Danish tradition is to hang the national flag (known as the “Dannebrog”) outside the house’s window on someone’s birthday. Also, the Dannebrog is said to be the oldest flag in the world, its design having not changed over time. Another fun Danish tradition is that if one turns 25 and is not in a relationship, he or she will probably be covered in cinnamon by their friends. Also, the unmarried people who turn 30 will most likely receive a peppershaker among their birthday gifts, the local names for the single 30-year olds meaning “pepper man” and “pepper maid”.

A must-see place in Denmark is Copenhagen, the country’s capital city which has a very long and rich history. Among the popular attractions are the royal family’s four residential palaces, built in the classicist or renaissance architectural styles. Copenhagen also offers tourists the chance to visit world famous art, science or natural history museums, the “Danish National Gallery” containing paintings by Rembrandt, Picasso, or Matisse.

Another famous destination is the town of Ribe, the oldest and best preserved medieval town in the country. Here one can find numerous tales of the Viking population, see the evolution of their civilization and culture in the Ribe Vikings Museum as well as experience their lifestyle inside a reconstructed Viking residence (at the Ribe Viking Centre).

Because Myrtle beach, South Carolina, is a popular vacation and spring break destination, visitors often look for things that they have never done before. Bungee jumping at Air Boingo has become a popular activity here. Air Boingo is the only location in Myrtle Beach that offers bungee jumping. It can be contacted by calling (843) 626-2863.

Types

Although Air Boingo is the only bungee jumping facility in Myrtle Beach, there is also a catapult-type ride that shoots riders upward. Jumpers at Air Boingo are raised to the top in an elevator-type platform, which they then jump off of.

Size

Once the platform is at the top, it is 80 feet in the air. Jumpers, though, claim that the platform looks as if it were higher from the top looking down. Below the platform is a large inflated pad put there just in case something goes wrong during jumps.

Geography

Air Boingo, at 311 Eighth Ave. in Myrtle Beach, is located only a couple of blocks from the ocean.

Misconceptions

Although frightening, bungee jumping is not dangerous. The bungee cords are securely strapped to a harness around the jumper’s midsection. Employees are not permitted to push jumpers, so each jumper must jump of his or her own free will.

Considerations

Before bungee jumping at Air Boingo, jumpers must sign a waiver that removes liability from the company.

Since the Beatles exploded onto the international music scene in the 1960s, Liverpool, England has had the reputation of being the liveliest musical hub in the United Kingdom. Living up to its reputation, Liverpool and the surrounding areas host a number of music festivals each year that vary from world music to jazz to Brit pop.

Southport International Jazz Festival

The Southport International Jazz Festival is a weekend-long jazz music festival held annually near Liverpool, England. Musicians and visitors come from all over the United Kingdom to play and hear jazz, blues and soul music. Admission to most of the performances is free, but some venues in the festival may charge a small admission fee.

The Southport International Jazz Festival
Southport, Merseyside
United Kingdom
(0)1704-533333

Brouhaha International Street Festival

The Brouhaha International Street Festival is an annual music and performance festival that features dancers, acrobats, musicians, stilt-walkers and carnival artists from all cultures and parts of the world. The festival usually features between 10 and 2,000 performers at each festival performance.

Creamfields

Creamfields is a large, annual music festival that features performances by DJs as well as live musical acts. Since 1998, Creamfields has taken place in the Old Airfield in Liverpool on the August bank holiday weekend. Creamfields sister festivals take place all over the world in locations, such as Argentina, Spain, Turkey, Malta, Ireland, Russia and others.

Mathew Street Music Festival

The Mathew Street Music Festival is another Liverpool music festival held over the August bank holiday. Spanning two days and featuring over 80 hours of live performances on six outdoor stages, the Mathew Street Music Festival showcases musicians from countries from the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond. Musical genres vary between Brit pop, diva, soul, country, big band and more.

Mathew Street Music Festival
Liverpool City Center
Liverpool, Merseyside
L2 0XX
(0)151-2332008

Rail Canada provides a carefree way to explore Canada’s countryside. Trains roll from the quaint towns of eastern Canada to the flat expanses of the Canadian prairie, through the Rockies to the Pacific Coast.

History
The first railway was established in Canada in 1836. VIA Rail Canada arose in 1978 following the consolidation of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian National Railway.

Destinations
Popular destinations include Vancouver, Jasper, Montreal and Toronto.

Train Routes
There are routes in the Atlantic region from Halifax to Montreal, routes through Quebec and Ontario, a northern route through Manitoba from Winnipeg to Churchill, and routes through the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Region.

Fares
Young adults can save 25 percent on economy tickets and 10 percent on sleeper tickets by purchasing a youth fare. There are also discounts for children, students and seniors.

Rail Passes
The CanRailpass provides holders with the ability to travel anywhere in Canada for 12 days over a period of 30 days. The Corridor-pass allows holders to travel 10 days in southern Quebec and southern Ontario.

Where to Find More Information
To find up-to-date information on fares and schedules, check out Rail Canada’s website at www.viarail.ca.

When you have a weaving machine that is perfect for tapestry the tapestry will look beautiful and attractive each time. You do not have to put in too much effort to create this tapestry either. One of the best things about creating tapestry using a weaving machine is that you can create wall hanging tapestry grey colour without having to waste too much time and you will never get tired at the end of the process. There are a number of designs that you can create using your weaving machine and it comes in very handy. You should always look for a weaving machine that allows you to have embroidery patterns and designs on your tapestry as this can make your tapestry look a lot more personalized and pretty.

Lastly never compare a tapestry weaving machine based on the price. It is always the reviews that you should read about the machine before you end up investing in it. These reviews are from people who have used the same machines. High priced machine do not necessarily mean a good quality machine. The best part about reading reviews is that it can help you and prevent the risk of investing in a machine that isn’t really good quality.

There are various kinds of weaving machines available in the market but if you are keen on making tapestry for your family then investing in the best weaving machine for tapestry is something you should consider doing. Although there are various kinds of weaving machines available in the market any weaving machine cannot be used to create tapestry and while you may struggle to create one the end result will not be very pretty and you would have to spend many hours trying to get the tapestry completed. There are a number of tapestry weaving machines that are perfect for tapestry and have been created in order for you to take care of heavy materials. If you are not too sure how to find the best quality weaving machine then one of the easiest ways to do so is go online and check the reviews of the latest tapestry machines that have been launched. It is not the price that can determine whether or not the weaving machine is good and this is why it is very essential for you to read the reviews the customers have provided about the machine. This will make it very easy for you to judge which machine is good and which one is not.

It is essential for you to always look for a tapestry machine that comes with a large broad base since it will be easier for you to move the tapestry around. Also when you are investing in a tapestry machine try to look for one that has embroidery and other designs that you can put on the tapestry. This creates a personalized effect on your tapestry and it makes it look very pretty. When you have embroidery and personalized designs that you can put on the tapestry you can also sell the tapestry and make some money out of it.