Bald is beautiful and Kayla Martell, aka: Miss Delaware, is on a mission to prove beauty comes in all forms. Martell was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss, when she was in fifth grade. Although she’s lost all hair on her head, she’s pursuing a dream of becoming Miss America to demonstrate beauty doesn’t have a single definition.

Oh, in case you’re wondering, she won’t be exposing her bald head during the competition in Las Vegas (at least we don’t think so), she’s planning on wearing a lush wig. After all, a gal needs something to hold a crown in place.

Will she capture the hearts of judges and earn Miss America honors? Importantly, will she capture your heart? We say, “Go, Girl!” Reach for the stars!

Want to see the 2011 Miss America Pageant presented by DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse in person? Just travel on over to Las Vegas for the Jan. 15 taking place at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. C’mon. It’s a time to dust off your own tiara to fit right in!

If you travel to Las Vegas to attend the Miss America pageant, there’s a good chance you’ll spy some celebrities such as one of the judges. This year’s judges are an impressive list and are Joy Behar, ABC’s  The View co-host and host of The Joy Behar Show on HLN; Miss America 1990 Dr. Debbye Turner Bell (she’s now a veterinarian and motivational speaker); Marc Cherry, Creator and Executive Producer of ABC’S Desperate Housewives; dancer Tony Dovolani (you’ve probably seen him on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars); actress and New York Times Best-selling author Marilu Henner; Taryn Rose, an orthopedic surgeon who turned shoe designer; and multi-platinum selling country music star Mark Wills.

Think Miss America is just about smiling pretty? In 2010 the Miss America Organization and its local and state organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance and that’s a good thing for America’s future.

Image Source: Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization – Official Facebook Page

Bread isn’t a dirty word in Las Vegas, it’s a culinary art form thanks to the talents of some celebrity chefs who have elevated bread to a new level. Chefs Joël Robuchon, Martin Heierling, Charlie Palmer and Michael Mina are infusing flavorful ingredients as saffron, mustard and caramelized onion into loaves and baguettes. In some cases, bread is taking center stage over the entrees.

When vacationing in Las Vegas, leave Atkins at home and check out these restaurants for their unique selection of breads:

Joël Robuchon’s eponymous restaurant at MGM Grand features a magnificent bread cart. Guests have more than a dozen unique offerings to choose including Bacon and Mustard Bread, Walnut and Raisin Bread, Rosemary Brioche and Saffron Foccacia. The bread is individually heated and presented to each guest along with a gourmet French butter which is shaved into spirals and sprinkled with sea salt.

A slightly chewy, slightly charred, and slightly fluffy Naan bread is served at SENSI at Bellagio, under the direction of Chef Martin Heierling. This bread is cooked in a Tandoor oven and served with a selection of yummy dips and sauces.

Over at Mandalay Bay’s Aureole, under the direction of Charlie Palmer, bread is best for dessert such as Dulche de Leche, a warm bread covered with a milky caramel drizzle, and the sweet Brioche Bread Pudding from Executive Pastry Chef Megan Romano.

Guests of NOBHILL TAVERN by Michael Mina at MGM Grand have the choice of three breads for dinner, Ciabatta, Focaccia and White Cheddar and Black Pepper Biscuit. The eatery integrates breads into its menu items as Parker Bread for lobster rolls and Sourdough for dipping in cheese fondue.

Enjoy Foccaccina, a wood-oven-baked Italian flatbread dusted with grated reggiano cheese at Fiamma Trattoria & Bar at MGM Grand.

A Las Vegas vacation needs a buffet so check out the one at Bellagio which features several breads including a multi-grain roll with cranberry, savory Italian Focaccia with caramelized onions and an Indian Papadum, a crispy and flavorful flatbread.

Now that you know where your tummy will be filled, let Resort Rentals International be your resource for affordable accommodations in Las Vegas.

Image Source: Joël Robuchon Restaurant

Cirque du Soleil fans can earn some serious bragging rights when traveling to Las Vegas for Cirque Week, Nov. 29 – 5, 2010.  This amazing week is serving up seven amazing shows complemented with special behind the scene opportunities, Q&A with crew from some of the shows, and a special opening reception which promises great photo opportunities with characters meaning you can show off on Facebook.

Not sure what Cirque du Soleil is? It’s a Canadian-based entertainment company producing high-energy shows best described as a melding of circus arts and street performances. Performers are uniquely beautiful and a tad mysterious, costumes are vibrant and imaginative, music is dramatic and powerful and overall performances are simply amazing.

During Cirque Week, choose from five ticket packages fitting every Cirque fan’s budget. The “Fan” package is available for $160 which includes tickets to two shows, access to all Cirque Week events, a Cirque du Soleil gift bag and discount on merchandise. The  elite package is the “Aficionado” and includes all seven shows, access to all Cirque Week events, a Cirque du Soleil gift bag, discount on merchandise and autographed programs for a cool price of $445. The other three packages offer three, five and six show options at varying price points. Of course, taxes, etc., apply. Visit the Cirque Week website for details and to reserve your package.

All seven of Cirque du Soleil’s resident Las Vegas shows are participating in Cirque Week. They are “O”, Love, Kà, Viva Elvis, Zumanity, Criss Angel Believe and Mystère. Find out what it takes to put together a Cirque du Soleil show with a Q&A session with performers and crew of Zumanity, hear what the head of wardrobe for Mystère has to say about creating 10,000 costumes and ask questions of the coaches of “O” like, “how do they do that?” The first 100 who book the Wednesday, Dec. 1, Criss Angel: Believe show with one of the packages can meet illusionist Criss Angel.

Better reserve soon because Cirque Week in Las Vegas is one hot ticket. Be sure to check out affordable Las Vegas accommodations offered by Resort Rental International. Save on lodging so you can purchase the “Aficionado” Cirque Week package.