Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Announcing our "Vegas Escape" #travel video #JoysTravelAdventures - see the side of #Vegas only locals know

By Joy A.Kennelly

Very happy to share our completed "Vegas Escape" travel video with everyone. We had so many people help make this a reality and wanted to give them a shout out here, in addition to on our YouTube Channel. 

But first, without further ado, please enjoy a side of Vegas only locals know and that I reveal here in our "Vegas Escape" travel video:

 

I want to first thank Francis Vincent, my cameraman of Production Central Group, for catching my vision and coming alongside me to film all over Las Vegas in the quick five-day shoot we did together. It was great to have his son, Winston, and my good friend, Shawana, participate too.

We worked together so well, I'd love to go back to shoot a longer version whenever we find funding.

And now in no particular order, here are more of the wonderful companies, people and places who helped create this show with their support. Please visit their locations and tell them Joy's Travel Adventures introduced you to their services!

BIG THANK YOU TO:

Las Vegas News Bureau 
Wynn / Encore Las Vegas 
The Smith Center 
MGM Resorts International
Tivoli Village 
Faiss Foley Warren PR 
Fashion Show Mall 
Marc Abelman, Arts B18 District
Las Vegas Canoe & Kayak Club
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
Lake Las Vegas Westin 
Michelle Olds, Lake Las Vegas
The Arts Factory
Happy Panda Toys 
BarBistro 
Big Ern’s BBQ
Sonrisa Grill 
Artist Q – Wang Viva 
Las Vegas Skate Co 
Tesoro Imports
Winky Designs 
Cathay Las Vegas 
Jessica Galindo Fine Art & Leather Couture 
702dtlv
Chill Spot
Megan Barker, Singer/Songwriter 
Downtown Project
Downtown Container Park 
Jana's Red Room 
Island Girls Designs
Chris Builder, The Stratosphere 
City of Las Vegas 
Peace Art Studio 
Mingo Calloso, George Harris, Mingo Kitchen & Lounge

And if you want to visit the people we interviewed, here's their info too. Big thank you to all of them. We were sorry we couldn't include everyone we interviewed and hope to include them in the future:

INTERVIEWEES

Karen Sanders, Tourquoise Door 
Chef Robert Solano, Mingo Kitchen & Lounge & Mundo
Marty Walsh, Trifecta Gallery
Javier Anaya, Pinches Tacos 
Leslie Marroquin, Garden Grill 
Chef Roy Bass, Those Guys Pies

Lastly, big shout out to my Editor, Dustin Elkin, for his patience with all my tweaking and requests to pack in as much as possible to showcase everything I wanted to share with viewers. He took raw footage, b-roll, and captured my vision in his own unique way after I explained what I was going for.

I loved how he was able to get the edits to fit the beats of the songs I chose because I'm not an editor and would never have been able to do this on my own. He also had to work with technical difficulties presented with audio on all my interviews and standups which he overcame with Francis gracefully and without complaint.

We included footage from some of my past shoots and I want to thank and recognize those folks as well:

LOS ANGELES TEAM

Dustin Elkin, Editor
Nelson Brann, Videographer/Editor, Film-Alchemy
Mike Tringe & Sara Akhteh, CreatorUp
Tony Le, Videographer
Steph Belsky, Associate Producer

I hope we thanked everyone and if anyone feels left out, please let me know and I'll include you because we want everyone who helped us to be recognized.

I love the music we included and want to throw out a big thank you to the artists as well. They really helped set the tone, pace and vibe. I have loved their music since first hearing it and couldn't wait to share it with the rest of the world because it's so fun and hip:

MUSIC

"Happy" is a song written, produced, and performed by American singer and producer Pharrell Williams from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album.

"Angel in Blue Jeans" is a song recorded by American rock band Train for their seventh studio album Bulletproof Picasso. The song was written by Pat Monahan, Amund Bjørklund, and Espen Lind, and was produced by the latter two as well as Butch Walker.

"Stolen Dance" is a song by German duo Milky Chance and was released by Lichtdicht Records and Republic Records on 9 May 2014.

"Do I Wanna Know?" is a song by English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys from their fifth studio album AM.

" Rather Be " is track #1 on the album Rather Be by British group Clean Bandit and features vocals from Jess Glynne. It was written by Napier, James John / Patterson, Jack Robert / Marshall, Nicole.

And last, but definitely not least: 

GRATEFUL HEART TO 

My Parents, Pat & Dianne Kennelly, for their loving financial support and belief in me

Here's to the future and creating the website for Joy's Travel Adventures next.

Stay tuned. More to come. The adventure is just beginning!

Watching a Sex & The City Marathon. Perfect time for my Great Love Debate review.

By Joy A. Kennelly

Had a blast in LA and wasn't able to find time to write my follow-up blog until now. Summer Jam TechLA was great and I shared highlights on my Instagram, Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook accounts. Look there or search #TechLA via Twitter.

I'm dictating my Vegas Great Love Debate review so hopefully won't have a lot of corrections to make cause boy sex is kind of funny. See what I mean? I said voice activation, not boy sex. LOL!!!!

The seminar itself was interesting, although it did get dominated by a 20 year old who thought he knew everything after being in one relationship which got a little annoying after awhile and should not have been allowed to speak so much.

I think I had enough when he went to the front, whipped out his cell phone and was actually reading notes he wanted all of us to know. It was all I could do not to start laughing out loud at his audacity and youthful ignorance. Instead left the room to get something to drink.

My friend got a lot out of it while I enjoyed having the books that I've read on relationships confirmed live. Plus, it was fun to hear diverse opinions from the panelists, especially the guys.

I have to admit, I was surprised at the small male turnout being that this is Vegas, but it is a very transit town and perhaps everyone isn't into relationships, more hookups. Or, the women are so easy there are guys who don't think they need help. LOL

I think I enjoyed the one-on-one conversations I had with some of the matchmakers more at the after gathering at The Yard House and hanging out with my friend. 

I am also looking forward to speaking to one on a more personal basis soon since I'm determined to find out what is holding me back from finding love.

Here's some fun pictorial highlights from the event. What I find hilarious is that for some reason, the second batch of solo shots all the matchmakers look sad. They were not though in person. We just caught them thinking I guess. My friend shot a lot of my pix.:)

 

The Great Love Debate is coming to @CityofLasVegas this weekend! #love #dating #relationships

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been reading a lot of relationship advice books since I have the time and have enjoyed telling my girlfriends what I've learned and which books I recommend. We're keeping the library busy! And bookstores too (if you're an author.:)

You can see some of my reading suggestions on my Pinterest board here: http://www.pinterest.com/thejoywriter/books-i-ve-read-and-recommend/

As a result, when I saw this event on Match and then received the press release, I knew it was a fun event to attend and cover. I used to attend "love" seminars and groups while living in Los Angeles under Dr. Pat Allen, but she's so coarse I eventually stopped going. There's only so many F-words I can tolerate, especially coming out of a 60 year old plus woman's mouth! No matter how good her advice is!

So, it will be interesting to see what this show/event reveals. I think I'm beginning to get a handle on what I've been doing wrong all these years and what I also have been doing right which is hopeful.

I believe in love. I believe in soul mates. I also believe when the time is right and you keep putting yourself out there, you will meet "The One." 

I had a good friendship with a guy I  wanted a future with because he's kind, super smart, handsome, successful, yet down-to-earth, humble and generous, but alas and alack, I ruined it which is why I'm now reading the book, It's Not Him, It's You! LOL I want to learn from my mistakes and grow as a person because I also believe it will benefit every aspect of my life, professionally and otherwise as well.

Plus, I don't want to make that mistake again. I really liked him and enjoyed the mental connection we shared which I haven't felt in a long time. Miss that and him, but trying to move on. Hence this event...

I want to meet someone special because traveling is so much more fun when you have someone to share it with which is one of the many reasons I've been working on building Joy's Travel Adventures to help women find travel partners.

If we're single, there's no reason to wait on a guy to have fun!:)

There are so many single women who never travel out of fear of the unknown, fear for their safety, and not knowing what to do and see  when they go somewhere, which is why I'm excited to help them experience the empowerment and self-knowledge that comes when you travel. Also, introduce them to all the fun things there are to do!

Travel opens your mind, your heart, and your soul in ways staying at home will never accomplish. It makes you more flexible, more tolerant, more interesting, and more open which is one of the reasons I love exploring new places. I always come back a better person for the experience, even if negative and difficult. 

This morning I dreamt I was traveling in Europe in August and meeting up with travel friends there. I hope this is one dream that comes true because I'm ready for a new adventure.:) In the meantime, I'll continue working on my travel episode for Las Vegas and introduce my fellow female travelers to the wonderful opportunities to explore Nevada they may not be aware exist. 

And share with them what I learn through attending this love debate. Maybe I'll see you there? All the details follow. Enjoy! Tell 'em Joy sent ya!

LEADING PANEL OF EXPERTS HEADLINES LAS VEGAS EVENT

TO ANSWER QUESTION “WHY IS EVERYONE STILL SINGLE?

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 7^, 2014)  –  Hello Products  in partnership with Match.com, is proud to announce THE GREAT LOVE DEBATE tour will be coming to the Baobab Stage Theatre at Town Square in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 12th. 

This lively, interactive Town hall-style discussion and debate on the current state of the date will be comprised of an audience of 100 of Las Vegas’ most eligible bachelors facing off against 100 of its most dynamic single women to answer the question, “Why is everyone still single?”

‘We are thrilled that this unique, entertaining, and engaging event is coming to Las Vegas,” says the event’s moderator, Kimberly Seltzer, nationally-renowned Therapist, Image Expert, and Dating Coach. “This city’s singles are extremely passionate about love, the evening will be a really fun and exciting way to raise questions - and find answers!”

The July 12^th  show continues the summer leg of a 45-city national tour, and features a panel of the region’s most prominent relationship experts and influential voices including;  Crystal Cardoso, Las Vegas Dating Expert and Relationship Specialist;  Kristine Givas, National Director at the World’s Premier Matchmaker, Kelleher International; Brian Howie, Award-Winning Producer and Author ofHow to Find Love in 60 Seconds; and Arden Leigh, Author, Relationship Strategist, and Women’s Coach.

 

Tickets for this event are $40 and are available online at www.greatlovedebate.com. Doors open at 7pm for cocktails, showtime is at 8pm.  The first 50 people to use promotional code LOVE20 at checkout receive $20 off the ticket price.

 Seating is extremely limited (100 per gender), all attendees receive admission to the “Meet, Greet, Mix, Mingle & Match” party which immediately follows the show at Yard House. 

 For future tour dates and panelist information, please visit www.greatlovedebate.com.

 

My philosophy on life's challenges... courtesy @Notsalmon and @atpministries

 

Joy's Travel Adventures: @threesquareLV @Zappos @DowntownProjLV @GirlsInTechLV @TheMobMuseum @Barrett_Jackson & more! #VegasTech #VegasFun

By Joy A. Kennelly

Long time no chat, howzit going out there?:) Since arriving in Vegas it's been a whirlwind of activity and writing opportunities that always preclude my writing here. 

Now that I've had bronchitis for almost two weeks and feel like I'm finally coming back from the dead, I feel inspired to share all the fun things that have been happening just in case you're curious.:)

I dove head first into getting involved with the tech scene and enjoyed many Downtown Podcasts with my Girls in Tech friends until I started having other events and illness affect my ability to participate. The Downtown Podcast is a fun gathering of tech entreprenuers who live in Vegas and is produced by the founders of Ticketcake.com.

Here's a pic and a link to more if you're curious: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297110938849.1073741830.348417258848&type=1

Girls in Tech is a "global non-profit organization which aims to support the collaboration, promotion, growth and success of women in the local technology sector.

It does this by offering educational workshops and lectures, panel discussions, networking functions, social engagements, and recruitment events."

I was fortunate to arrive just in time to participate in GIT's Computer Education classes for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and really enjoyed helping young girls develop a passion for technology.

Plus, made some new fun girlfriends in the process! You can see Christina Aldan sharing our events during a recent Downtown Podcast. She runs Lucky Girl Designs and is a great person. Connect with her on Linkedin here! http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christina-aldan/8/2/b13

Here's a pic from that experience with a link to more too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297068708849.1073741828.348417258848&type=1

There's a really supportive community for female entreprenuers out here in Vegas and I was able to participate in a recent Women of Influence seminar featuring: Jean Birch, Owner/CEO Birch Company and Former CEO of IHOP Restaurants and Romano's Macaroni Grill; Rose McKinney-James, Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC; Fafie Moore, Owner of Realty Executives of Nevada; Renee West, President/COO Luxor and Excalibur and Dr. Kate Zhong, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Development at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Impressive, eh? Tell me about it! Here's a pic from the event with a link to more if you're curious too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297131378849.1073741831.348417258848&type=1

I crashed Zappos Headquarter move to Downtown Vegas which was really cool too! 

Tony Hseih cutting the Zappos celebratory cake

Also, the Downtown Project tour given by the Pixie of Positivity, HeidyNoelle Stamper, (isn't she great!:) which gives you the overview of the vision for Downtown was interesting too.

I especially enjoyed the last speaker I heard during the Downtown Speaker series too. You can view those pictorial essays here: https://www.facebook.com/JoyKennelly?ref=hl - just scroll down a bit.

I also loved participating in the DISH Las Vegas Three Square Food Bank Charity Fundraiser held at the "Palms Casino Resort (at The Palms Pool & Bungalows) with tastes from Las Vegas’ most acclaimed restaurants, including: N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, TAO Asian Bistro, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Nightclub, rm Seafood, Border Grill and Bar+Bistro @ The Arts Factory." (As written in their press announcement.)

Talk about a feast! It was really fun and for a great cause too. Here's a little facts on Three Square Food Bank and how they help the community. They are partnered with over 650 community program partners including non-profit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites; serve over 100,000 people monthly; and have provided the equivalent of roughly 18 million meals in 2011 alone!

 

What a wonderful event and charity! Click here for more pix: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.444327465687980.1073741830.412260405561353&type=1&l=59d3b5e860

In addition, I've enjoyed the Cowboy BBQ,
hosted by my former employer, O Entertainment, who recently relocated here to Vegas as well!

And for a change of pace, crashed The Las Vegas Biker Fest with another new Vegas BFF, Jamie, with very fun results. We never know what will happen when we hang out which always makes it fun.

Just another Adventure!:) See what I mean?:)

Earlie that day we visited The Mob Museum in Downtown Vegas which is really interesting, but very graphic too. Here's me with the cut-out of the former Mayor of Vegas, Oscar Goodman, recognize him?:) 

His memoir was very good too by the way, although I think he kinda white-washed the criminals he represented in my humble opinion. No offense mobsters who might be reading this, but when you kill and rob people, you're not a family man, no matter how many times you say it out loud or want to believe it.

I worked the amazing Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction which I have always wanted to attend ever since an attorney I was working for years ago helped Micheal Jackson sell his Maybach there. 

Here's a teaser... It was so cool to see Siegfried and Roy on the final day make an appearance. I remember that fateful day 10 years ago when the tiger attacked Roy and was thrilled to see Vegas royalty live at the auction fully recovered and supporting the community.

View more pictures from all my adventures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joystraveladventures/

And for my latest tech adventures with the Vegas Tech scene, check out my Social Media Strategist Facebook fan page here: https://www.facebook.com/JoyKennelly?ref=hl

I still have to share about other adventures including the cool luxury travel show, Rock of Ages, crashing a local Harley Davidson BBQ, exploring the Strip, and much, much more...

I will as soon as I catch up on everything else I need to do! Oh, and if you want to read my latest travel article on traveling to and through Big Sur for C-Suite Magazine, you can do so here: http://pages.cdn.pagesuite.com/4/6/46c0e80c-2401-4055-b495-bb4d11633343/page.pdf

I also wrote an article on social media for a classy, cultured magazine out here in Vegas called BLVDS Las Vegas which I will be able to share soon. I was pleased to include my friend, Social Media Guru, Peter Shankman, and his esteemed colleague, Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, of Hartstein Psychological Services in New York City whom you may recognize as a contributing psychologist for CBS’ The Early Show.

So, needless to say, I've been berry, berry busy.:) Oh, and in addition to all of this, have managed to create my budget and work on more details for Joy's Travel Adventures, despite being too sick to participate in a cool pitching event in front of a bunch of potential investors. Sad face, but there will be other opportunities.

I'm continuing to plan my next travel video now that I'm here in Vegas and reaching out to all the cool casinos for freelance and permanent work because you always create stronger relationships when you work with people.

Funding may take awhile and I'm hustling!

Wish me luck!:)

I'm also still trying to coordinate activities both here and in Los Angeles for my StartupMind group I run with my friend, KP http://www.meetup.com/StartupMind/members/3248131/.

Become a member to stay in touch with what's happening in Silicon Beach, Silicon Valley and Vegas Tech scenes here: http://www.meetup.com/StartupMind/

Now that I'm feeling better I plan to update it more frequently, along with all my other event organizers too.

Okay, I think that's all for now.

Thanks for reading and staying in touch. Love to hear your thoughts.