Author: Francine Brokaw

The Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



I recently discovered a diamond in the rough. The Tuscany Suites & Casino in Las Vegas is a relaxing place to hang your hat when visiting Sin City.

Located just off the strip, Tuscany has all the amenities of the larger resorts without the hustle and bustle. It’s a quiet retreat with the flavor of Las Vegas. Instead of being a huge high rise, this resort is a group of 15 smaller buildings grouped together with easy parking access. After you check in you don’t have to maneuver your way through a large casino to a slow elevator. The atmosphere here is low-key and stress free.

The rooms are enormous. The only choice you have is a single king size bed or two doubles. Whatever you select, there is still a decent size bathroom, kitchenette, and living space with a couch, desk, and chairs. With 650 square feet, these suites are a welcome change from the average hotel rooms. Plus they have a 2-bedroom suite if you need a second bedroom.

There are exercise rooms with weights and treadmills and The Spa offers a nice selection of massage options. And they won’t break the bank. Compared to other resorts, the fees for massages are much less, ranging from $60 for a 50 minute Swedish Massage to $180 for an 80 minute Couples Swedish Massage. These prices are definitely competitive.

There are several options for dining at the resort. Marilyn’s Café is open 24 hours. For a hotel coffee shop, this place has a wide variety of options from which to choose. Plus, there are daily specials and you can’t beat the all you can eat pancakes for $3.99! Pub 365 is the place to grab a small bite or burger. Their variety of craft beers and specialty beers makes this a destination for locals as well as guests. Caffe Bottega is where you can grab a fast cup of coffee or specialty drinks and some pastries and salads. And, fine dining is elevated in Tuscany Gardens, where I personally recommend the Eggplant Lasagna.

Nightly entertainment is offered in the Piazza Lounge. And, for a blast from the past, The Rat Pack is Back plays Monday through Saturday in the Copa Room. Frank, Sammy, and Dean have returned to Las Vegas – in spirit. These 2018 guys sound and move exactly like their 1962 counterparts. This is truly a show from the past.

If you simply must have your slot machines, the casino here is just the right size. It has enough games while not being overwhelming, as in many of the large hotels.

The 715 suites have undergone an extensive “refresh” “We are consistently looking for ways to reinvigorate the guest experience here at Tuscany Suites & Casino,” stated Brett Heers, the owner of the resort. “Over the last few years, we have completed major redevelopment projects to elevate our offerings into Las Vegas’ best.”

And speaking of Las Vegas’ best, the resort won several awards in 2017:

• Best Beer Selection – Gold for PUB 365 by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Coffee House – Gold for Caffé Bottega by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Piano Bar – Gold for Kenny Davidsen Celebrity Piano Bar at Piazza Lounge by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Coffee Shop & Diner – Silver for Marilyn’s Café by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Family-Friendly Hotel – Silver by readers in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “2017 Best of Las Vegas”
• Best Place to Drink Daily – Literally for PUB 365 in Vegas Seven’s “Best of the City 2017”
• Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s “Restaurant Awards” in 2017
• Best Beer Selection for PUB 365 in Desert Companion/KNPR’s “2017 Best of the City”
• Certificate of Excellence for Tuscany Suites & Casino by TripAdvisor in 2017
• Certificate of Excellence for Tuscany Gardens by TripAdvisor in 2017

A lounge, spa, gift shop, restaurants, large rooms, pool, and plenty of areas to sit inside and outside, Tuscany is a little gem. And there is free Wi-Fi and free parking.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘The Rat Pack is Back’ and appearing in Las Vegas

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In 1960 a group of friends got together in Las Vegas to make a little movie. The script for Ocean’s Eleven was brought to Frank Sinatra by his pal Peter Lawford who knew it was a good script and a way for all their friends to work together. Along with Sinatra and Lawford, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop (the 5 members of the group known as “The Rat Pack”), along with an impressive gathering of actors made an iconic film. But what happened when they were not shooting was what has become a Las Vegas legend. “The Summit” as it was referred to, happened at night. The cameras were shut off, the scripts put away, and the five rat pack members took to the stage for plenty of music and antics. Headlining the show were Sinatra, Martin, and Davis, the three singers of the group. And now they are back. Well, not exactly but as close to reality as can be. “The Rat Pack is Back” is a fun show playing at the Copa Room in the Tuscany Suites and Casino resort in Las Vegas, and is just as fun, or almost, as the original shows in 1960.

What guests get when they attend this show (Monday through Saturday nights) is a trip back to the 1960s. PC (Political Correctness) was not in our vocabulary and smoking and drinking were considered the “in” things.

This show features some of the great moments from the three entertainers reincarnated into 2018. The three singers taking the roles of Frank, Dean, and Sammy are all superb. Their mannerisms and vocal inflections are spot-on. It’s truly a blast from the past and audiences in this cozy theater get their money’s worth. The men interact with them and bring back the songs and indeed the atmosphere of the 1960s and definitely the personas of Dean, Sammy, and Frank.

Prior to the show a film is shown looking back in time, and just before the show begins the Sands hotel where the original shows took place but has been demolished, reemerges from the rubble, setting the scene for the singers to come out and take everyone on a trip back in time.

Songs like “Luck be a Lady,” “The Candy Man,” “Volare,” “That’s Amore,” and more combined with on-stage banter make this as close to reliving the original shows as possible.

These cool guys were fun individually, but when they got together, well, the entertainment went through the roof. And today’s audiences get to experience a bit of what it was like in what many people call “the good old days.” When in Las Vegas, definitely check out “The Rat Pack is Back.”

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



From January 26 – February 18, 2018 Disney California Adventure is celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dog. With décor, themed merchandise, and of course entertainment and cuisine commemorating the event, guests will be engrossed in all the festivities with their favorite characters.

Guess who is front and center? Considering it’s the Year of the Dog, it’s none other than Pluto. Along with Mickey and Minnie, and Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto and the gang are all dressed in their special Lunar New Year attire. Make sure to get your photo taken with them when you visit the park.

Besides highlighting Pluto (after all, it is the Year of the Dog), Mulan and Mushu host the “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” all decked out in their “god of Good Fortune” outfits and joined by Goofy. (Did I mention it’s the Year of the Dog?)

Paradise Bay presents a special nighttime water show, “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” with lanterns and Mulan and Mushu before experiencing the celebrated “World of Color” on the water.

There are special Asian performances and entertainment designed for the occasion along with plenty of activities for guests during this celebration. Guests can try their hand at specific arts and crafts (Chinese calligraphy, paper lantern making) and add their own wishes at the Lucky Wishing Wall. Let’s all have good fortune and happiness in the year ahead!

With lanterns and banners in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, Disney California Adventure is even more colorful than ever. Plus, there are Asian-inspired items to purchase to commemorate this special experience. And, if you haven’t had the chance to visit Shanghai Disney Resort, there are items that are only available in China that guests in California can purchase during this event.

Happy New Year, and in case you didn’t already know, it’s the Year of the Dog.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Click below for a glimpse of “Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018”
Hurry Home Lunar New Year 2018

Experience The High Roller in Las Vegas

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In February 2014 The High Roller began taking guests 550 feet high giving them a remarkable view of Las Vegas from the sky. Compared to the famed London Eye, which tops out at 443 feet high, The High Roller is currently the tallest Observation Wheel in the world. It takes approximately 30 minutes to make the journey from the wheelhouse and is virtually motionless. If you get motion sickness, you most likely will not experience any adverse reaction to this ride. If, however, you are afraid of heights, you might want to skip this and wait for your family and friends on the ground.

The High Roller operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., so you get your choice of a daylight view of the strip and the city, or a nighttime view. Those who say Paris is “the city of lights” haven’t experienced The High Roller after dark. Las Vegas is lit up with all colors of lights. In every direction you see lights, lights, lights.

Inside each of the 28 cabins, music plays and an announcer informs the occupants of the progress. Plus, a monitor counts off the feet going up and coming down.

For a different experience, they have a “Happy Half Hour” with an open bar, a “Chocolate Tasting” ride with Ethel M Chocolates, “Yoga in the Sky” hour-long yoga class (2 rotations) with an instructor and up to six guests, and the cabins can also be reserved for special occasions like birthdays, parties, events, and even weddings. Each option is a different price so check with the website for days/hours/prices.

The High Roller is lit up at night with a light show that fits right into the city. From The LINQ Promenade, nightly at 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 the fountains, observation wheel, and surrounding buildings at the LINQ Promenade celebrate the city with syncopated lights/music for everyone on the ground. So, even if you don’t ride the wheel, you can still get in the spirit of this attraction.

Having never experienced an Observation Wheel before, I didn’t know quite what to expect. After all, I get queasy in regular Ferris Wheels. I had no problem with The High Roller. The speed, or lack thereof, is motionless. The only way I knew it was moving was the fact that we kept getting higher, slowly but surely. And oh, what a view!

I know if I ever get to London I will definitely want to go on the London Eye, and most likely the other great Observation Wheels around the world. After experiencing The High Roller, I know that the views from the top are outstanding. The 30 minutes went by too quickly.

The High Roller is definitely a unique experience in Las Vegas and one I highly recommend.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about travel, products, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Downtown Disney is changing and expanding in 2018

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure) as well as Downtown Disney where guests can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, see movies, and enjoy entertainment and nightlife. Walt Disney once said that Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) will never be complete, and as the theme parks are adding their own new attractions and lands, Downtown Disney is also being updated to bring even more fun to guests. And, the best part, this place does not require an admission.

So, what’s going to be changing in 2018? First of all, World of Disney is going to be reimagined into a new Disney shopping experience. Almost any Disney product you can imagine is available in this store. Even if you don’t buy anything, just looking around is an adventure. From jewelry to toys to clothing to artwork, this is the place to find your Disney items.

(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)


Disney Home is taking over where the D-Street store was located. The Disney-themed home goods will change with the seasons, so make sure you check back whenever you are in the area.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great place for families to eat and enjoy a game of bowling. The location in Walt Disney World is always a favorite of mine, so now that there is going to be one in Disneyland, well, you can imagine how excited I am and how much the guests will enjoy this updated twist on the old bowling alleys of the past. This is not your father’s bowling alley. This is a fun, hopping, delicious place for food, activities, and drink.

Ballast Point is coming to Orange County. This popular restaurant pairs good food and drinks. This is Downtown Disney’s first on-site brewery with a tasting room and outdoor beer garden. It’s going to be the busiest place on hot summer days.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is going to be serving up shakes, beer, and burgers all in a modern setting.

Star Wars fans can get completely immersed in the galaxy far, far away courtesy of The VOID, which was opened earlier. And, in Downtown Disney, Jazz fans can enjoy New Orleans food and music at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and good Italian food is served at Naples Ristorante. There are plenty of things to do, see, experience, and a lot of choices to shop, dine and drink in this one locale.

(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)


Downtown Disney doesn’t charge an entry fee, and you get 3-hours of free parking with a $20 minimum purchase. A validation from a table-service restaurant (as opposed to a quick bite take-out like Starbucks) or the AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theaters will get you five hours of free parking.

“Our guests are constantly looking for unique experiences, which is why we’re refreshing familiar spaces and unveiling new locations around every corner of the Disneyland Resort,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “Innovative venues such as Ballast Point, Splitsville and The VOID are just a few great examples of the transformation taking place in Downtown Disney this year.”

So, if you’re in the mood for some fun and food, not to mention Disney related products of all kinds, and you’re not in the mood for a theme park, think of Downtown Disney. And, if you do go to one of the theme parks, why not stop in for some additional fun in Downtown Disney?

(Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)


The Downtown Disney District is over 300,000 square feet of family fun. And whatever you do, don’t forget to stop in to Marceline’s Confectionery for some delicious caramel apples and other sweet treats. That’s my personal favorite!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

More clips from DreamWorks ‘Trolls: The Beat Goes On!’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



It’s Troll time!!!!

Time for all-new stories and music featuring everyone’s favorite TROLLS! Picking up where the cheerful, glitter-filled hit movie DreamWorks Trolls left off, the Netflix original series DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On!, brings back Poppy, Branch, King Peppy, Smidge and the rest of the film’s beloved characters for more whimsical, musical adventures as they go about day-to-day life in Troll Village.

Skylar Astin and Amanda Leighton voice Branch and Poppy.

Music and clips from ‘Trolls: The Beat Goes On!”

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



With original songs in each half-hour episode and immersive hand-drawn 2D animation, Trolls: The Beat Goes On! offers a unique musical and visual treat for all ages. The series features compositions by acclaimed songwriter and producer Alana Da Fonseca (the Pitch Perfect films, Alvin and the Chipmunks) as well as the voice talents of Amanda Leighton, Skylar Astin, Ron Funches, Gary Cole, David Koechner, and others.

Trolls: The Beat Goes On! comes from DreamWorks Animation Television. All six episodes of the animated series’ first season will become available to Netflix users on Friday, January 19, 2018!

Thumper theme for babies

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



These days young moms and dads select specific themes for their nurseries and their babies. Here is an idea that incorporates a cute character an makes your little bundle of joy a little snuggle bunny. Thumper is an ideal character for a nursery theme.

There are plenty of wall stickers to decorate the room. Thumper and Bambi wallpaper and wall stickers are abundant. Just check Amazon for what you need. A soft paint palette and a couple stickers instantly transform your plain nursery into a sweet little bunny patch.

Now, for your own little snuggle bunny, Disney has a large assortment of items to dress your baby and accessorize your new addition to match his nursery!

Baby Shower Gifts

The Thumper Gift Set includes a romper, slippers, hat (with bunny ears), and a plush carrot. This is a great gift for a baby shower even if the nursery isn’t Thumper-themed. The romper features a cute stitched image of Thumper with the words “Hello little bunny.” It comes complete in a box ready for gifting. ($34.95)

Another cute idea is the Thumper Bib Set. This set includes two bibs, one with Thumper hopping around, and one with his adorable little face. ($12.95) And anyone who loves bunnies cannot go wrong getting a Thumper Plush Blankie. This is so sweet with a soft blanket with a soft plush head and arms attached right onto the snuggly blankie. ($12.95) And a Thumper Plush Rattle ($9.95) will not only entertain baby with the adorable soft bunny, but also delight him with the soft jingle jangle.

The Thumper Plush Musical Pull is a cute way to dress up a crib. Under the plush bunny’s head is a plush carrot that can be pulled down. After being pulled, the music box inside softly plays “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” It just might be the perfect way to put baby to sleep. ($19.95) And a set of three Thumper Soft Blocks for Baby each incorporate different sounds: crinkle, bell, and rattle. This set will probably be one of those items that baby holds onto (literally and figuratively) for a long time. ($19.95)

After his/her bath, wrap baby in a soft velour and terry towel with a plush hood. ($24.95) And a larger hooded bathrobe is just what baby needs for evenings before going to sleep. ($29.95) This robe fits over the Thumper Pajama set. Baby will be snuggly and cuddly in the PJs and robe for evening with the family. ($26.96) The robes, like many of the items, can be personalized with baby’s name. And add the Thumper Plush Slippers ($14.95) and baby has the perfect nighttime ensemble.

Dressing Baby

Disney also has plenty of outfits for your little bunny. The Thumper Overall Set includes a cute onesie with screen art images of Thumper and a separate jumper with a plush Thumper applique on the front bib pocket. In a sense, this is two outfits in one. The onesie bodysuit can be worn by itself, and then the overalls can easily be added for this fashion ensemble. After all, why can’t baby be as stylish as his mom? ($29.95)

A simple bodysuit features Thumper peeking out behind a row of stripes. ($14.95) This is a separate item, however it matches perfectly with the jumper set, so you can have two onesies to go with the romper. Add the matching two-pack Thumper Socks ($7.95) and baby will be coordinated from head to toe.

A one-piece Hooded Romper makes dressing baby for a stroll in the park easy and stylish. If it turns a little breezy, simply pull on the hood and baby’s ears will be protected from the wind, not to mention with the ears on the hood he will be your own little bunny. ($19.95)

Playing around the house, baby will be comfy in the Thumper Character Romper, made of soft plush. The hood features little Thumper’s head and with the attached footies baby is as snug as a bug in the rug. ($29.95)

The Thumper Two-Piece Knit Set is a soft and warm outfit for cooler days. Images of Thumper adorn the top and pants of this sweet outfit. ($34.95)

Little Extras

A super soft plush Thumper makes a great first friend ($14.95). And add the cute resin figure to a shelf along with some Thumper themed books ($5.95-$8.95) and your baby is set.

This is just one way to encompass a theme for baby’s first years. Thumper is an adored character that has been loved by generations of fans. If you prefer another character, check out the Disney website for more ideas to make a themed nursery with matching ensemble.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Napping Princess’ on Blu-ray + DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



From Studio Ghibli, Napping Princess is an imaginative Anime film combining magic, mystery, and a little mayhem. It’s also a film about family.

The year is 2020 and Tokyo is preparing for the Olympics. Kokone is supposed to be preparing for her senior year of high school but this adorable and adventurous girl has a secret. She nods off quite frequently, and when she sleeps she enters a mysterious kingdom with a princess who uses her tablet for magic.

Kokone’s father is a mechanic and inventor. He has been caring for his daughter since the death of his wife. As far as Kokone knows, he is her only living relative. But there are secrets that bubble up in real life as well as in her dreams. And when she finally puts the pieces together, her life and her family’s history is revealed.

What this film does is infuse magic into the real world. When Kokone’s dream world meets her real world, things happen – magic happens.

Her father is arrested for stealing technology from a powerful corporation that is one of the largest automobile companies in the country. But Kokone knows her father would never do that. So, with the help of her childhood friend Morio, they set off on a magical adventure to Tokyo to save her father and in doing so, ultimately uncover the family secret that has been kept from her her entire life.

What is behind the stolen technology? This technology is the ultimate blueprint for a true self-driving car. The cars are supposed to be the highlight of the Olympics opening ceremony, but this family’s secrets might put an end to that. By following the clues in her dreams, Kokone merges her dreams with her life and everything unfolds in this somewhat emotional family story.

This imaginative movie also brings up the idea that what we dream might not be all fantasy. Our dreams could be based on reality. Metaphysics might not have been at the forefront in the minds of the filmmakers when the story was written, but it definitely has a part in it.

Napping Princess is a fun fantasy film. Bonus features include backgrounds with the Japanese cast and filmmakers.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Have a Trolls party!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



With the new DreamWorks Animation series Trolls: The Beat Goes On! streaming on Netflix, kids are once again enthralled by the furry haired little guys. And rightly so. They’re adorable and the series is filled with imaginative, musical, and entertaining storylines. So it’s no wonder kids will want Troll-themed parties this year. Here are some great ideas to make your Trolls party unique and fun for all.

Everyone can get in the spirit with his or her own Trolls wig. Pink is of course for Poppy and blue for Branch. (This is also a fun idea for adults going to costume parties.)

Creating a Poppy-inspired headband is a crafting idea that is sure to be popular among young girls. All you need is a plain headband, ribbon, and some felt flowers. Kids can glue on the flowers and ribbon to create their personal Poppy headband. (This is also another fun idea for adult costume parties.)

Poppy loves her scrapbook. Why not let kids create their own scrapbooks? It’s fun and inspires individual creativity. Start with a small blank book, preferably hard covered. Get plenty of Troll stickers, glitter, flat-back crystals, felt pieces, and other fun items. Making sparkly Poppy-like scrapbooks will be a fun and entertaining activity for everyone.

And what party would not be complete without a gift bag? Fill the bag with goodies and a little take-home troll doll and this party will be a memorable one.

A trip to the craft store for the items, some decorating with colorful streamers, and party favors of Troll items combine to make a Troll party the talk of the neighborhood.

Thanks DreamWorks for the free DreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On! Activity Set and Hasbro toys. They are the perfect inspiration for a Trolls-themed party or simply fun activities for a rainy day. Go Trolls!

DreamWorks has more info and ideas. Check out their creative ideas website.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter