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A Vegas Christmas

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

A Vegas Kind of Christmas


Who goes to Vegas at Christmas? Me for one! I have family in Chicago and Las Vegas, so I split the holiday between the two cities. My Chicago Christmas was celebrated a couple weeks earlier. I spent Christmas in Vegas!

So what do people do for Christmas in Las Vegas? Believe it or not, most people do have traditional celebrations. My family had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner, and then exchanged gifts. Christmas morning was celebrated with the kiddos opening gifts from Santa.

That’s pretty much what most people do right? Well, here’s what I’m guessing most don’t!

Several years ago, bowling somehow made it into a Christmas Day activity for our Las Vegas family! It seems to have stuck, so I guess we can now call it a tradition. None of us are very good at it, but we always have a lot of fun!

I guess a lot of other people have made this part of their Vegas Christmas too.  There was a pretty big line to get a lane and shoes!

Vegas Christmas Bowling
Hey look! They decorated!

They even had Cosmic Bowling! It was quite festive!

cosmic bowling Vegas Christmas
Cosmic Bowling!

If bowling’s not your thing, there’s always ice skating! I know, you’re thinking in Vegas? Yes, actually there are several places to choose from! I like The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan. They transform their Boulevard Pool into an ice rink that overlooks the Vegas Strip! They also have fire pits to sit around where you can enjoy holiday cocktails.

Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan Vegas in the winter
Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan

A new addition to Vegas is The High Roller, a 550 foot tall Ferris wheel. This is fun for kids and adults. If you are going with adults only, I recommend the happy hour ride!

Las Vegas Ferris Wheel
High Roller Ferris Wheel Pod

The views are spectacular!

High Roller view of the strip in Vegas
View of Vegas from The High Roller

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And, if that’s not enough for your Vegas Christmas, you can always head down to Freemont Street to go sledding! Yep! That’s right… Sledding! There is a snow hill! The snow is trucked in daily… And, that my friends is what a Vegas Christmas looks like!

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Filed Under: Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged With: Cosmic Bowling, Freemont Street Experience, High Roller Ferris Wheel, Julie Plevak, Las Vegas at Christmas, Las Vegas Strip, The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan, Travel Blogger and Photographer

Flying Standby

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Flying standby challenges!

Have you ever flown standby? I have once, but only because my original flight was cancelled. It was my only choice, and flying standby was something I ever thought I would choose to do! Yet, one year later, I was choosing just that!

The plan was to catch a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago… Sounded easy enough. I’ve done it many times before, except I had an actual ticket in hand.

The alarm went off at 3:15am… I started my day with 3 hours of sleep! Woo Hoo! Off to a great start!  After making sure I had everything, I headed outside to find my taxi waiting… Yes! The reservation I called in the night before actually worked. I was feeling good now!

I arrived 45 minutes before boarding time. Normally, I wouldn’t cut it that close, but Santa Barbara has a pretty small airport. When I got up to security, nobody was there! I was pretty surprised to find TSA hadn’t even opened yet. Apparently, the magic time for that is 4:45am!

Once, I made it through security, I headed to my gate. I was pleased to see, I was the only one on the flying standby list. I was feeling pretty confident that I was going to make it onto the plane…  And, that’s when I heard they were waiting for fifteen passengers. TSA was moving slowly! Really? Perhaps they should have come earlier! I was there before TSA even opened! Arggg!

All of a sudden there was a group of people running frantically towards the gate. I started counting… Damn! All fifteen had made it. I was not getting on this flight! My next attempt was several hours away, so I went in search of caffeine and something to occupy my time.


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waiting flying standby
Flying Standby Supplies

My next attempt was four hours later. I was more than ready to start traveling. Unfortunately, that next flight was jam packed… No room for me! The customer service agent told me the 2:00pm flight was wide open, however I would most likely end of stuck in LA! Wow! I could have got in my car, and done that myself on any of the freeways there!

Finally, she found room on a flight that had been delayed earlier. It was heading to San Francisco. I would be flying right into the storm known as the “Pineapple Express“! How exciting! Since that was my only chance of getting to Chicago, I said, “YES PLEASE”, and boarded the plane.

Once in the air, the pilot announced we would be flying through moderate turbulence due to the storm… Lovely! Luckily, I was exhausted and fell quickly to sleep. Most of the ride was smooth, and then it hit. Did he say moderate turbulence? I felt like I was at Disneyland up in the sky! And, there was what sounded like rocks pelting the plane. What was it? Rain? Hail? Oh God, maybe we were being attacked by aliens!

After getting a grip, I realized we were flying through the Pineapple Express storm!

Window Seat on plane
My view flying through the Pineapple Express!

Thankful to finally be on the ground in San Francisco, I ran to the next gate hoping to make my connection to Chicago. That went much smoother. There was plenty of room on the plane, and flying standby was not an issue!

Flying into Chicago
Arriving in Chicago!

I arrived five hours later than I originally thought I would. Considering all the delays, that wasn’t too bad. So, would I fly standby again? Sure! I’m ready for the next adventure! I could, however, do without the turbulence and storms!

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Filed Under: Gallery Tagged With: Chicago, flying standby, Julie Plevak, Photographer, Pineapple Express Storm, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Travel Blogger

1st Santa Barbara Art Show

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

1st Art Show on the Beach

The past couple weeks have been insanely busy getting ready for my first art show on the beach in Santa Barbara. I had to figure out what kind of display I wanted to use, and then build it.  Next, I had to cut and sand wood for the photos to be mounted onto.  And, last but not least I had to print the photos and mount them.  This took much more time than I anticipated!  I was still mounting photos at 11:30 pm the night before the show! I finally managed to crawl into bed after midnight.

After lightly caffeinating myself Sunday morning, I headed down to the beach in search of a spot to set up. Show set up starts at 6:00 am… Yes, that’s right, 6:00 in the morning!

I was greeted with a beautiful sunrise as I set up… What a great way to start a day!

Sunrise at the Santa Barbara Art Show

Sunrise at the Art Show

 

Julie Plevak art Santa Barbara Beach show

All set up and ready to go!

Santa Barbara Art Show on the beach

My first sale! Thanks Matt!

My first show went well! If you are in the Santa Barbara area, be sure to stop by the Arts Show on the Beach! I will be there on most Sunday’s!



















Filed Under: Gallery, Santa Barbara Tagged With: Artist, Beach Art Show in Santa Barbara, Julie Plevak, Santa Barbara Photographer

Santa Barbara Art Show

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Santa Barbara Art Show on the Beach

I just was had my art screening and was accepted! I am happy to announce that I will be joining the Santa Barbara Art Show on the beach. It is every Sunday from 10am until dusk. It’s located from Cabrillo Boulevard, East of Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. Make sure to stop by and see me! I will be posting some sneak peaks of art every week, so check back and see what’s new!
My start date is November 23, 2014! See you then!

Art Screening in Santa Barbara

Art being screened.

Photos waiting to be screened for art show

Waiting for photos to be screened.



















Filed Under: Gallery Tagged With: Cabrillo Beach, Julie Plevak, Santa Barbara Art Show, Santa Barbara Artist, Santa Barbara Photographer, Things to do in Santa Barbara

Waterfront Town – Morro Bay, CA

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Charming Waterfront Town – Morro Bay, CA

We arrived in Morro Bay late afternoon.  After settling into our hotel, we headed down to the waterfront to check out the town.  Morro Bay’s most famous landmark, Morro Rock, welcomes you upon arrival.  It sits between the harbor and the beach, and belongs to a series of ancient volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters.  They are situated between the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.

traveling in Morro Bay, Morro Rock, California Travel
Morro Rock – One of the Nine Sisters


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After seeing all the boats out on the bay, we decided we needed to be on one!  We had heard about a Tiki Boat Booze Cruise and went searching for it.

Tiki boat cruise on Morro Bay, Travel in California
We found it!

If you have a chance to ride on the tiki boat, do it! The price can’t be beat, plus it’s a great way to see the Bay, learn some local history, and of course be entertained. This boat has a bar on board, and the Captain mixes your drinks. I recommend the Leaky Tiki! Yum! Once you have your drink in hand, your tour begins with the Captain playing the theme song from Gilligan’s Island! I’m not kidding… I did say it was entertaining!

Travel in Morro Bay Harbor, California
Touring Morro Bay Harbor

After our cruise we were ready for dinner. The Embarcadero is lined with shops and restaurants, so we asked the captain for a recommendation. We were looking for good food, drinks, and more entertainment. The Captain recommended the Otter Rock Café. It did not disappoint! The food and drinks were great, and the entertainment fantastic! We were lucky enough to catch the Phil Friendly Trio. They are a rockabilly band from Los Angeles that frequently plays in the area. Check them out the next time they’re in Morro Bay… Just make sure you have on your dancing shoes!

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Filed Under: California, Morro Bay Tagged With: Bay Cruisers, California Tourism, Day trips from Santa Barbara, Embarcadero in Morro Bay, Julie Plevak, Morro Bay California, Morro Rock, Nine Sisters, Otter Bay Cafe, Santa Barbara Photographer, Tourism in California, Travel Blogger, Travel California, Traveling in California

Gallery Store Is Up!

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

The Gallery Store – It’s Up and Running! I

I finally have the Gallery Store up and running!  There several different galleries.  Be sure to check them all out!  All images are available in a couple different finishes.  The metal prints have the image directly infused into the aluminum, and have a float mount hanger attached to the back.  The Metallic prints are unframed with a glossy finish, and metallic appearance.  
Come on in!
  There are many images to choose from!  Come back often, I am always adding more!

Gallery Store, Panoramic Photographs, Surfers, Julie Plevak

Available in the Panoramic Gallery

Image Gallery, Store Gallery, Prints for Purchase, Julie Plevak

Available in the Image Gallery

Mandala Art, Mandala Gallery, Gallery Store, Julie Plevak

Available in the Mandala Gallery



















Filed Under: Gallery Tagged With: Aluminum Prints, Art, Gallery, Gallery Store, Julie Plevak, Mandala Art, Metal Prints, Metallic appearance, Metallic Prints, Panoramic Prints, Photographs, Photography, Santa Barbara Photographer

Venice Beach Day Trip

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Day Trip to Venice Beach, CA

When my friends suggested a day trip to Venice Beach, I couldn’t resist.  It had been several years since I had last been there, so I packed up the Lensbaby and headed out. Venice Beach is a visual paradise, with no shortage of characters.

We started our day on the boardwalk.  With so many shops, restaurants, and things to check out, you can wander for hours.  And, it’s definitely a great place to people watch!

Next it was time to hit the beach, and bust out the surfboards.  The waves weren’t huge, but they were big enough for the kids.

We finished our day with a Margherita Pizza and Beer at Danny’s on Windward Avenue.  Yum! What a perfect way to end a super fun day!

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Travel, Venice Beach Day Trip, Day Trip from Santa Barbara, Venice Beach Artist
Venice Beach Artist
Venice Beach Day Trip, Venice Beach CA, travel California, Day trips from Santa Barbara, Venice Beach Art
Venice Beach Art Mural
Travel, Venice Beach boardwalk, Venice Beach Day Trip, Venice Beach Ca, Day trip from Santa Barbara California
Dancing with the Devil, Venice Beach
 Day Trips from Santa Barbara
Venice Beach Wall Graffiti Wall
Beach day trip
Venice Beach Surfer

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Filed Under: Lensbaby, Venice Beach Tagged With: Beach, Julie Plevak, Lensbaby, Santa Barbara Photographer, Surfer, travel, Venice Beach, Venice Beach Art, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Beach Day Trip

It’s Solstice Time!

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Celebrating Solstice in Santa Barbara, CA

Solstice is one of my favorite times of  the year in Santa Barbara.  It’s the official launch of summer, and the Solstice celebration goes on for three days.   Alameda Park is where most of the action is.  There’s live music, drum circles, dj’s, dancing, performers, food and all kinds of fun vendors there.  The whole town gets in on the celebration, with both kids and adults dressing up!

If the park isn’t your thing, you can find Solstice Events at many of the bars in town.  There are plenty of private celebrations too.  What better excuse to throw a party?

The highlight of the celebration is the Solstice Parade.  It’s somewhat of a miniature Mardi Gras atmosphere, with floats, giant puppets, and incredible costumes.  Every year there is a different theme.  It starts downtown on State Street, and ends at Alameda Park.  If you want to see it up close, get there early.  A lot of people actually stake out spots along the route the night before.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Travel, Solstice Celebration,Parade, Santa Barbara CA, Day Trip
Santa Chillaxin’ In Santa Barbara
Here are a few from the Solstice Celebration in Santa Barbara.
Travel, Solstice Celebration,Parade, Santa Barbara CA, Day Trip
People In A Bubble
 
Travel, Solstice Celebration,Parade, Santa Barbara CA, Day Trip
Do you like my mustache?
 
Travel, Solstice Celebration,Parade, Santa Barbara CA, Day Trip
Dancer

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Filed Under: Santa Barbara Tagged With: Julie Plevak, Santa Barbara Photographer, Solstice

Vintage Truck at the Museum

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Vintage Truck Under The Trees

I went over to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History this evening in search of my photo of the day, and found this wonderful vintage truck.

Vintage Truck, Santa Barbara California, Travel, Museum of Natural History

“Old Truck”



















Filed Under: 365 Photography Challenge Tagged With: 365 Photography Challenge, Julie Plevak, Santa Barbara California, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara Photographer

Santa Barbara Mission

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Cross At The Santa Barbara Mission Sometimes you just have to have faith…

Santa Barbara Mission, Faith, Religion, Travel, vacation

“Believe”



















Filed Under: 365 Photography Challenge, Santa Barbara Tagged With: 365 Photography Challenge, Faith, Julie Plevak, Santa Barbara California, Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Photographer

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I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, t I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? -Lewis Carroll
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