Holo Holo Blog

Public Libraries Offer Free Books, Music and More

When was the last time you visited your public library? Do you even own a library card? I typically visit the library at least once every two weeks with The Kid. The Las Vegas Clark County Library District not only lets you borrow books, but DVDs and audio books too. I know. That's not news to you. But did you know that some libraries allow you to access their virtual library online?

I love the fact that I can now borrow ebooks, eaudio books or digital magazines online and don't have to worry about late fees since I never have to physically return a book. My time expires and I don't have to do a thing.

A selection of music and videos can also be downloaded to your computer or mobile device for viewing.

What I love best about my public library? Access to Freegal Music which allows me to download 6 free MP3s each week. I went with what was popular this week:

• All of Me - John Legend
• Love Don't Die - The Fray
• Can't Remember to Forget You - Shakira feat. Rihanna
• Waiting for Superman - Daughtry
• Say Something - A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera
• I Need Your Love - Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding

Check out your public library and see what free services they provide. I heart the library (especially since my beloved Borders is no more).

Total cost of 6 MP3s: Free

Las Vegas Clark County Library District
Multiple Locations
(702) 734-READ

Braddah's Island Style - Hawaiian Kine Burritos and Tacos

We were craving Hawaiian food but definitely not the typical plate lunch. That meant only one thing, Braddah's Island Style. I have been driving by this building for a while now and it just so happens that it is located next to Nakata Market where we were doing some shopping. BTW, the photograph above is courtesy of the Las Vegas Informer since I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of the building exterior.

The first thing you notice when you walk up to the building is the smell of Hawaiian barbecue. Is that huli huli chicken I smell? Why yes, it is. So exciting!

The three of us opted for bowls. The Mister got this bowl of Pulehu Steak over seaweed rice with toppings galore.

The Kid got the Huli Huli Chicken with brown rice. Plain. So unadventurous.

I couldn't decide and got half Kalua Pig and half Grilled Fish. Uh, don't ask me why I asked for cheese. Seriously? Cheese and fish? Not one of my best decisions but I was feeling pressured and forgot I wasn't at Chipotle!

I did, however, make the great decision in purchasing a small Box of Coconut Bark. It is definitely broke da mout and then some.

The chocolate, the caramel, the coconut, the cavities...but well worth it.

If you plan to visit Braddha's, be sure to take a picture of your toes in flip flops and post it on their Facebook page. You will receive free chips and guacamole.

Total cost of food binge: $33.02

Braddha's Island Style Burritos, Bowls & Tacos
2330 S Rainbow Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 220-0767

A Trip to Nakata Market

There aren't too many Japanese markets around Las Vegas so I am thankful that we have Nakata Market. It's very small but stocked with the essentials such as furikake, umeboshi and Calpico (can't live without it). What! You don't know what Calpico is? Where have you been! Calpico is a delicious addicting drink that seems to disappear in our house. The Kid chugs it like there is no tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I had other errands to run after my impromptu market visit. I wasn't prepared and didn't have my handy-dandy cooler with me. No perishables today. Bummer. Instead I got a few things that I knew I needed. Also a few things I didn't need but was too tempted by the drink packaging to care about the price. I am all about the visual.

Total cost of visit: $17.33

Nakata Market of Japan
2350 S. Rainbow Blvd, # 6 & 7
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 257-1414

Facebook for the Frugal - 02.07.14

Facebook isn't just for socializing and Candy Crushing. Facebook is a money saving tool that keeps on giving. When I need to make any purchases at a specific store, I immediately head to the store's Facebook page in search of promotions or coupon codes.

Here are a few hot deals on Facebook:

The Body Shop - Take $10 Off Any $20 Purchase

Neuro - Free Bottle Of Neuro Sleep (Printable Coupon)

Chevy's Fresh Mex - Two 2-item Combos For $15 With Purchase Of Any Two Beverages

Joe's Crab Shack - $10 Off Your $20 Purchase

Fukuburger - Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV)

Today was a family outing day. We have been wanting to taste the famous Fukuburger for a while and decided tonight was the night. The downside to the Fukuburger is that it's not a stationary restaurant, it's a food truck. In order to track down the popular burger truck you need to check their weekly schedule on their website or one of their social media sites. If you are jonesing for a Fukuburger lunch, you are out of luck. The truck schedule tends to feed those with the late night or midnight munchies. We waited until 10 pm. Let's hope that a daytime Fukuburger truck is in the works. I am a homebody and like to stay home in the evenings.

We weren't starving so we ordered a number 2 Tamago Burger with a side of Togarashi Garlic Fries. Three drinks too.

A line was forming outside of the truck while our "waitress" took our order. She looked fashionable in her space blanket thingy wrapped around her in a toga-like style as she sat on the fold down ledge. Be ready with a fun and witty nickname when you place your order. We were not prepared and not creative. We used our doggy's name Koatree. It was late for us and no creative juices were flowing. You can tell we weren't the only ones getting tired. Look at the dude yawning in the back. We waited behind "Sweet Cheeks and Tom's Grandson" before we got our grub.

Was it worth the trip late at night? If the location was in a more desirable area, I am sure we would make the drive again. The burger was tasty with the furikake and wasabi mayo giving it extra flavor. And how can you not love egg on your slab of beef? Who would have thought to put Togarashi on french fries and dipping them in a crack sauce. Yeah, I have no idea what crack sauce is but it's yummy. I am stealing that idea too.

Total Cost of Excursion: $15.00 $20.00

Add $5.00 to that total. We got ripped off. For those Hawaii peeps that stay at the California Hotel, be warned. They now charge $5.00 for parking upon entering the structure on weekends unless you are a guest or have a Sapphire club card. Unforseen expense. This is Las Vegas. When did they start charging for hotel parking?

Fukuburger
Location Varies - See Schedule

DTLV
Backstage Bar and Billiards Parking Lot
601 E Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101

Super Bowl Weekend: Gluten-Free Cupcakes

What do you give to the hostess who invites you over for a Super Bowl party? What? She's allergic to gluten? So, what do we buy?

Gluten-free cupcakes. Duh! We discovered this little gluten-free bakery near our house a while ago. Beau Monde Bakery sell breads and other gluten-free baked goods.

Stuff like red velvet cakes and tiramisu cake pops. Mmmmm....delish. We got a 6-pack of assorted gluten-free cupcakes. If you purchase cupcakes on Saturdays in multiples of 6, you get 20% off.

Apparently the green and blue sprinkles represent the Seattle Seahawks. I won't tell anyone at the party just in case they are Broncos fans.

Total Cost of Cupcakes: $18.60 + tax

Beau Monde Bakery
2380 N. Buffalo Drive, Suite 110
Las Vegas, NV 89128
(702) 331-1515

The Fountains of Bellagio

We visited the Bellagio to see the floral display and while we were there we decided to walk outside to view the Fountains of Bellagio show. On the way out, I snapped a picture of the Fiori Di Como, the colorful floral-like chandelier that graces the Bellagio lobby.

I still don't know how they manage to keep these individual glass pieces clean.

It was pretty windy and cold but we managed to wait 15 minutes in the shade while jumping up and down to prevent our fingers from freezing and falling off. I asked The Kid if he had socks and shoes to put on after taekowndo practice. He said yes. He decided that slippers were good nuff. I am sure his little toes were cold.

I asked The Kid where the real Eiffel Tower was located. His answer, "London". Obviously geography is not his forte.

Finally! The show started and Frank's voice took the place of Billy Joel's. Mist rose from the water as Fly Me to the Moon played. How poetic of me, no?

The water danced around...boring. Where is the water cannon blast?

That's a little higher and a little more exciting.

Wahoo! Now we are talking. I love when things go boom.

Total Cost of Excursion: FREE

Fountains of Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 987-6667

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Chinese New Year 2014

Gung hay fat choy (sounds like, come here fat boy...or so I was told)! 2014 is the year of the horsey. I came across a Chinese horoscope website and was extremely confused by all the wood, water and lucky element gibberish. Why can't it be as simple as reading the fortune from a fortune cookie?

The Kid and I played tourist today and hit the Strip. Probably not a good idea during Superbowl weekend when everyone is invading Las Vegas. Then again, the Strip is never a good place to be on any day. Today's excursion was to the Bellagio to see the Chinese New Year's floral display at the Conservatory & Botanical Garden.

Extremely large incense burned in oversized urns at the entrance to the conservatory. Sorry Mr. Urn, I spent my allowance on lunch. No offerings available today.

The money tree was the first thing that really grabbed my attention.

I didn't realize it for a while, but the gold horse rotates on the upper tier as the other horses run circles around him while staying completely stationary. What a feat!

I was surprised that there was a pond at the base of the horse display. Koi swarmed around as children fed the fish. Um, I don't think you are allowed to feed the fish but it wasn't my place to say anything to the kiddos.

The fashionable floral people were displayed throughout the garden. I wonder if the flower pants will become a trend?

Of course, i had to take a picture of the architectural element in the garden. Very zen.

And when you look at architecture you need to look up. Bright red lanterns (I think they are lanterns) and firecrackers filled the airspace of the conservatory to complete this New Year's scene.

Total cost of excursion: FREE

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(888) 987-6667

Next stop, The Fountains of Bellagio.

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?