One Amazing Weekend

A couple of weeks ago Kevin & I went a on LONG date. Carnivale du Vin, which I've wanted to attend for a couple of years, moved to Vegas this year. We decided to go anyway and make a long weekend of it. Oops, Maddie. Okay, a two night event - thanks to great (yes, with both meanings) Aunt Jane and "Unce Bince" for staying with Maddie.

Vegas, here we come. Oops, NOMA's Odyssey Ball is Friday night. Since Mom is the NOMA chair next year, this was important to her so we decided to attend - okay, one night in Vegas will be fun, right?

Mom got me a great dress - at yet another of her events, the Saks Key to the Cure. Thanks, Mom! Being vertically challenged, the dress needed "hemming." It should have been ready on Thursday but wasn't. So, okay, I can pick it up Friday. EXCEPT, when I got there Friday - after having my hair done and spending hours getting Maddie prepped for the weekend - she was CLOSED. And locked up. Kevin had to come and rescue me; he pulled me away from the door as I tried to kick it open - my dress was in there!

Kevin called the building manager, the alterations lady, everyone, but no luck. I flew to Macy's and tried on every dress that might fit. I actually found two - not long ones, and they need a little altering - but they could work. Wow.

We got ready faster than possible, grabbed our bags, kissed Maddie and off to the NOMA ball to surprise my mom. My dress was great, but the shoes were horrible - gorgeous Jimmy Choes that hurt so bad!! We missed all the great food since we were late so we stopped at Dot's Dinner in formal wear on our way to the Airport Hilton. Kevin was oh so pleased.

The flight to Vegas was easy and our room was wonderful. Then we hit the stores to find me some shoes. I got my first pair of red soles Christian Louboutin's! (Thanks, Kevin - I like my birthday present and Christmas present - and oh, yes, the cute little purse is perfect for Valentine's Day!)

Carnivale du Vin was worth every stressful moment. We were seated with our friends, Wendy and George ("Blue Dog Man") Rodrigue and the editor of Wine Enthusiast. Watching the incredible auction with them was so much fun - a one night dinner went for $180,000!! And that was just one of the live auction items!

I met - and talked to - Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Charlie Trotter, Wolfgang Puck and of course, Emeril Lagasse. My cooking heros, all in one place, cooking for me!

If you want to see more, check out www.carnivaleduvin.com/2009.

Seated at the table next to us was Sammy Hagar, formerly of Van Halen. And, he told me that I had a great dress! Then, he said it was because I filled it out well that it was great (did I mention that it needed a little altering - I showed a bit more cleavage than usual!). Usually, I might be offended, but I couldn't wait to tell Kevin!

The next morning I suprised Kevin with breakfast surrounded by exotic cars. We had Eggs Benedict and waffles next to Ferraris and Lamborginis - what a way to say goodbye to Vegas.

The trip ended with our flight home - seated in the row behind James Carville.

Truly a star studded weekend that I will have read about to believe!

My new blog

I have trying to keep up with Maddie's blog - and failing. This is mine. No pressure to add pictures, or even blog on a regular basis. Just my stuff. Hope it works!