Holo Holo Blog

Stratosphere Tower: Free Ride to the Top

Local Las Vegans (hey, that's me) get to ride the elevator to the observation deck for free this month on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Say it with me "freeeeeeee". That falls within my cheapskate budget. Yippee! A savings of $18.00 x 2. That's $36 for those that are mathematically challenged like myself. Um, it is $36 right?

Wow. I haven't been up to the Stratosphere Observation Deck in 15 years, the last time I had free tickets. I guess I have always been a freebie finder. The view has changed a lot over the years. Less desert and more buildings.

We saw several people lounging about as they drank beers and took in the view.

Lots and lots of views.

This was my favorite view. Las Vegas Boulevard.

We also observed the crazies jumping from a perfectly good building as if it were on fire.

The kid sat back and enjoyed to scenery but was really excited about the jumping junkies.

I liked peeping into backyards. Why? Because I could.

Then I saw this. No! I do not mean the Love Store sign. I am talking about the building below. Always passed it but never stopped. Today was the day to check it out. But first...we were starving and of course there were coupons attached to the free tickets. A 1/4 pizza and drink for $5.50. Not bad.

The largest gift shop in the world. Is it really? I can definitely say, probably one of the not so nicest gift shops in the world. Maybe bordering on scary. Good thing there was daylight. I tried to take a picture of the half nekkid mannequin in th window but there was too much glare. I found him funny with a cowboy-ish hat and boxer briefs.

The only thing site worthy here was this horse with a Mexican themed rump. I heart the butt hat.

Total cost of excursion: $11.00.

Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89104-2597
(702) 380-7777

Tower Tickets (Adult) - $18.00

Bonanza Gifts (a.k.a. World's Largest Gift Shop)
2440 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89104-2597
(702) 385-7359

First Annual Backyard Campout

We are hoping that 2014 kicks butt. 2013 ended badly as we spent New Year's Eve letting our Koatree journey to the Rainbow Bridge. He was our first born and owned us more than we owned him.

In celebration of the new year we are on a major spending diet. In other words, what can we do that costs free-fitty? Let's see...we have a tent, a baby grill (as opposed to the gas grill on the patio) and a few sleeping bags. We have no time to go on a real trip but we have a yard. This is how the first annual backyard campout came to life. Don't ask if there will be a second annual backyard campout because I am not good at follow through.

Also, I just found that there is a Great American Backyard Campout. Oops, I am 5 months too early. I guess this is a trial run for the real thing that takes place on June 28th? Are you crazy! Do you know how hot it's going to be in June. No thanks.

It got dark pretty quickly and so it was time for food. I lit the coals and Kiawetree (lost without his friend) didn't know that fire was dangerous. He's so sheltered and pampered. I wonder how that happened. I spent the next 10 minutes trying to keep him away from the flames. We call him our blonde dog. Not very savvy sometimes but has the cutes to keep him fed.

It's a good thing the crazy dog doesn't have a tail. Otherwise we would literally had a hot dog grilling. He came pretty close to getting singed so we ended up locking him in the house until we were through eating.

Kiawe eventually came out to play and found a convenient leg to prop up his head.

It's shocking what happens when there is not television in the tent. Miracles do happen. The Kid knows how to read? No way!

It got dark. It got darker. Who knew? I got tired and went to bed. Yup, I sacrificed my night out in the "wilderness" to crawl into my warm and comfy bed. Someone has to guard the house right? Besides, there were only two sleeping bags. Darn.

The sun came up and so did I. Dumb dog. He woke me up with his barking. The birds are driving him insane. Little hummingbirds (is that redundant?) flitting about the trees.

Did I mention I hate this tree and all its pinecones? It looks better in the dark.

So tell me, what activities do you do for the enormous budget of free?

Free Fabric Swatch

Spoonflower is giving away a free swatch of silky faille until Friday, January 24, 2014. You can select a design or create your own. I really wanted to create my own but just didn't feel motivated. Instead, I ordered this fun swatch of monsters.