Bloganuary Day 10 – Has a Book Changed Your Life?

Me, at Cake in NYC, mid-1990s (Book cover by Darlene Foster)

My very first book, “On the Guest List” not only changed my life, but the life of others.

First, let me say, as a person who had a career in journalism almost my entire adult life, I had ZERO interest in writing a book. I loved the satisfaction of writing an article, having it published, and getting paid. And I was so good at it, not only did I make a living as a journalist, I received an award for investigative journalism.

Once I started my own business, Pear Tree Enterprises, in 2008, I had many clients who I helped edit their books and get them to publication. A friend said, “You’re doing this for everyone else, why not do it for yourself?” She planted a seed.

I wrote my first book, “On the Guest List” back in 2013. It was about my adventures as a music journalist.

While writing the book, I blogged about a man who inspired me when I was a teenager. He was an ex-marine and also did the pyrotechnics for The Plasmatics. How does this tie in with my book? Well, the original drummer of the Plasmatics, Stu Deutsche, was the first person to put me “on the guest list.” I met him at a record store and he asked me, “Are you going to our show tonight?”

I told him I was only 17 and couldn’t get in. Back then there were no “all ages” shows. Well, he put me on the guest list, and at age 17, I was in a bar watching the outrageous show The Plasmatics put on.

Anyway, thanks to my blog about this, a young woman contacted me and said the owner of the health food store was her real father. I put them in contact with each other! This story was so heartwarming, it made the local news!

THEN, at my very first book reading/signing, at a local library, I noticed a young girl in the audience who really seemed to connect with what I was saying. We locked eyes several times. I signed her book and we kept in touch.

About a year later, she contacted me and asked if I’d officiate her wedding! It turned at, her date at my book signing was a guy she was interested in. They fell in love and were now engaged.

I became a certified wedding officiant, and their wedding was the best wedding, other than my own, that I ever attended!

It’s amazing how your life can change in a heartbeat. Keep being true to yourself. And if you would like to write your own book, contact me to set up a consultation. My rates are competitive, so serious only need apply! I’m at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Don’t Treat Your Friends Like Fans

Photo by Nicholas Green on Unsplash

When you’re a creative person it’s no coincidence that you attract other creatives in your life. Maybe people you went to high school with, or maybe people you met during your creative career. Whether you’re a singer, actor, writer, or artist, creative people understand each other. We are there for each other. And it’s awesome when we can support each other.

Those who have a certain talent will definitely get the breaks if they stay focused. Sure, there will be ups and downs along the way, but you will accomplish some or many of your goals. You may lose friends because you’re no longer in the same place. They will not understand your drive or passion–and that’s understandable. But what about those whose career paths are similar to yours, yet it goes to their heads?! You begin to realize you’re being treated more like a “fan” than a “friend.” For example, you’ll go to his/her events but you won’t see him/her at yours. You’ll be “liking” their blogs, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram pages, but they ignore yours.

One time I received an email from someone who was trying a new career promoting bands. She asked me if I could “like” her pages to help support. I said, “Sure.” Then I asked if she, in turn, could help support mine too. She said, “I’m too busy.” I immediately unfriended her and stopped supporting her pages because to me, this type of person is a “taker.”

When someone starts being a “taker” it’s a major red flag that the person’s career is either going to their heads, or they are using you. Don’t ever let someone take advantage of you as they try to advance their career. It’s not right.

The thing is, we are all created equal. Any bout with success shouldn’t make someone feel superior. Motivational speaker, Jay Shetty, once said in a YouTube video that people support celebrities, why won’t they support their friends who are trying to get ahead? It really is a shame, but at least I am one friend who is very supportive (unless I feel I’m being used, then I cut ties).

I have to pat myself on the back because I know I am great in this area. I’m nobody special, but I am a good person to know; I’m every friend’s biggest cheerleader!

And, yes, fans do have their place in your world and you can’t get too close to them. You have to set boundaries. But a friend — or associate — is much more than a fan and he/she should never be slighted or not appreciated.

Here is clarification (or hard truths) regarding what a friend/associate is versus what a fan is.

1. They’ve been to your home, that is a friend, not a fan — obviously you invited them!
2. You had a meal with the person. Breaking bread with someone means he/she is a friend or associate, not a fan. (Unless you’re a rock star and they won a prize and dinner was part of it).
3. Someone wrote an article about you or had you on their podcast. That is an associate, not a fan.
4. You put someone on the guest list for one of your events. That is an associate or friend. Fans are not on the guest list unless they’ve won tickets to the event.
5. You dated someone. I don’t care if you’re Mick Jagger, if you choose to date someone, that elevates them to a higher status. They are no longer merely a fan.
6. You’re sending someone a holiday or birthday card in the mail on a regular basis. That is a friend, not a fan.
7. If someone buys your records/books/art and goes to your events and that’s the only time you see them, that is a fan, not a friend.
8. If someone knows more about you than you know about them, that is a fan. (Or a stalker!)
9. If someone “friend requests” you on Facebook and you don’t know who they are, they are either a fan or some egomaniac who is in some industry and wants to jack up their business.
10. If someone calls themselves a “fan” they are most likely a fan, but if they’ve been to your home, that is the best friend you can have because he/she is humble enough to admit you are cool and he/she admires your work.

Like any other relationship, creative relationships have the same rules (or they should). If you feel someone is looking down on you, or not giving you the time of day but expecting you to do things for them, or the only time you hear from them is if they need something, it’s no longer a friendship. It’s not even something that should be on “associate” level. Stop supporting them immediately. They may not even notice you are gone from their lives, but it’s okay. We’re here to support each other, not work for free for someone who doesn’t appreciate it.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

“The Lost Weekend” May Pang Movie at Grammy Museum in Newark, NJ

Dennis Mistretta, May Pang, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

Last night my husband and I saw May Pang’s incredible movie, “The Lost Weekend” at the Grammy Museum, Newark, NJ.

People weren’t allowed to take pictures or record, so I’m not sure if I should review the movie. Instead, I’ll share a little story…

I met May Pang a few times over the years; she’s a real sweetheart (and John Lennon’s true love!) The first time I met her, she helped me clean wine off my dress at a party in NYC. Then she took a bunch of us to another party in her SUV.

Next time I met her, she was selling her hot sauce brand at the Chiller convention. I’m so glad to finally have gotten a photo with her and Dennis. We adore her! Look how happy we are!!

And if you have a chance to see the movie, GO! (And read her book, “Loving John” if you can find a copy. I have the original).

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

Todd Rundgren And Other Rockers Celebrate Bowie at Union County Performing Arts Center

Todd Rundgren (photo by Dennis Mistretta)

It was a rock-star studded magical night!

My husband and I had 4th row, Todd Rundgren “Celebrating Bowie” Tour at the Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, New Jersey. (This beautiful old theatre is where they filmed portions of “School of Rock” and I’m always happy to be there!)

In addition to Todd Rundgren, other musical great included: Adrian Belew (Bowie, NIN, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Talking Heads), and CdB creator, producer, and featured artist Scrote bring Spacehog’s Royston Langdon, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and solo artist Jeffrey Gaines with saxophone great Ron Dziubla (Jon Batiste, Joe Bonamassa), Narada Michael Walden bassist Angeline Saris, and drummer Travis McNabb (Sugarland, Better Than Ezra).

With a cast of such great talent, so many Bowie songs were done to perfection. I loved the way the show flowed from one song into another without any talking, until near the end when the band was introduced. Throughout the show, some songs got me choked up, like Sound & Vision, Starman, and All the Young Dudes; others made me dance in my seat, like DJ, Boys Keep Swinging, and Blue Jean.

But the real magic happened when Let’s Dance got half the audience up from their seats. This was my opportunity to go to the front of the stage, where I remained until the end of the show. The last song before the encore was All the Young Dudes. I turned around to see my husband smiling and waving to me. I motioned him to come to the stage with me. Arm in arm, we experienced the magic. It was a heartfelt moment, that song is the truest Bowie classic.

As an encore, the audience went wild to Suffragette City and Heroes.

Here is the set list and more photos!

Todd Rundgren, and Angeline Saris on bass (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

Adrian Belew (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

Jeffrey Gaines (Photo by Dennis Mistretta)

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

“Hallelujah: A Journey, A Song” – Review

First, let me say, I love the music of Leonard Cohen. And that said, I feel the movie did not do his career justice. The title of the movie was “Hallelujah: A Journey, A Song” but it could have done a lot more “journey” and a little less “song” … well THAT song.

Yes, it’s an epic song. Yes, many musicians covered it. But did we have to spend two hours hearing EVERY SINGLE VERSION of “Hallelujah”? From legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley to acts on “The Voice” and “American Idol” … if you ever, in your lifetime as a musician, performed “Hallelujah” you were probably in this movie.

This type of film makes no sense. I’m a huge Queen fan, but I would not want to watch a film that’s almost three hours long hearing every band imaginable covering “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s just wrong.

Leonard Cohen was a great talent and influenced many artists, but he did have a ton of work to explore. One of my favorite Leonard Cohen songs is “So Long Marianne” and that was excluded. So was “Tower of Song” and anything else you can think of by Leonard Cohen, except “Hallelujah.”

In between all these versions of “Hallelujah” you got a documentary filled with “holes” which is a journalist term for “unanswered questions.” We learn a little bit about Cohen’s background and journey as a musician, and his vast body of work, and who he collaborated with, and how he toured right up until the end, making several albums right before his death. We also get a glimpse of his spiritual life and his quest. But it doesn’t dive too deep.

When you think of indie movies such as this, you must think of the audience. An audience who would go see such a film is not the average Joe who only knows “the hits” (like those who would go see the biopic movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”) A person who would see this film is someone who has a bit more depth to them than the masses.

The best parts of the movie were the snippets of interviews conducted by Rolling Stone magazine music journalist,  Larry “Ratso” Sloman; personal stories shared by Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, John Cale, and photographer Dominique Issermann, who spent some time romantically with Cohen. And there are some clips of Cohen himself talking. It’s all too short though, a mere tease.

When my husband and I walked out of the theatre, we heard an elderly gentleman complaining to his wife that the movie could have been edited by at least 15 minutes. In my opinion, the entire movie EXCEPT for 15 minutes should have been edited, and then you’d have a pretty cool You Tube documentary short.

I’ve Googled “documentaries about Leonard Cohen” and there are other official films and You Tube documentaries which I plan to check out. One movie looks especially good, “Words of Love” about the relationship between Cohen and Marianne, the girl he wrote the song about.

True fans and music lovers always go the extra mile to explore what is out there. We don’t take anything at face value. And I certainly won’t take dozens of remakes of “Hallelujah” sitting down, as I did this afternoon in the movie theatre. No, I’m going the extra mile to explore more Cohen, because he’s an artist that deserves a fan who would like to know more.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Billie Eilish – Prudential Center Newark, NJ

Photo by Mistretta

Last night was a concert dream come true! I took my husband to see Billie Eilish at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ. I waited two years for this show! Back in 2020 it was canceled because we just entered the pandemic. It was a few months prior that I learned of her music. My husband was then working a night shift and Billie Eilish’s music helped me get through the sad, lonely nights.

Now we made it to the show and it was fantastic, including warm-up act, Dora Jar.

I am truly Happier Than Ever!

I’ll let the music speak for itself, via some really cool videos I found on You Tube of the show:

I couldn’t find any footage yet of Dora Jar’s performance from last night, so here’s an official video to support her :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ-e2iRewhU

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Bloganuary Challenge – Day 28 – What is On My Music Playlist? EVERYTHING!!

In front of Queen + Adam Lambert Tour Bus

Music? Did someone say music? I live music and even have a 45-rpm spindle tattooed on my forearm.

This is my favorite topic, and I will not shut up about it. In fact, I’m a music snob, so do not challenge me, I will win any music argument.

I have a vast collection of CDs and albums in the thousands. I was a music journalist most of my life, and interviewed many of my favorite artists. Or I just met them either by chance (easy when you work and hang out in NYC) or at a record signing/book signing. I go see live acts at least once a month, much more in the summer time because you have the outdoor shows.

All my free time is spent listening to music. I can’t even brush my teeth without music on. That said, everything is on my playlist. I like a variety of music from all genres, so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but here’s just a taste of what is in my collection: Queen, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, Cher, Sonny & Cher, Serge Gainsbourg, Ella Fitzgerald, Sierra Ferrell, Lou Christie, The Monkees, ABBA, Gary Numan, David Bowie, The Stranglers, The Sex Pistols, Neurotic Outsiders, Iggy Pop (solo stuff trumps The Stooges, don’t argue), HIM, Mission U.K., Ben Kweller, Amy Winehouse, The Smithereens, Hanoi Rocks, Japan, David Sylvian, Peter Murphy, Bauhaus, Daniel Ash, Mick Karn, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Elvis Costello, Blondie, The B52s, Boomtown Rats, Jim Carroll, early KISS, early Aerosmith, Keith Richards solo, The Stones, Redd Kross, Cocteau Twins, Alabama Shakes, Charles Bradley, The Pixies, The Movies, Jonathan Richman, Culture Club, Coyote Shivers, D-Generation, Dead Boys, Joe Jackson…to name a few. This was all off the top of my head, but I’m probably missing quite a bit that I really love, I’m sure.

Also, if anyone wants to talk to me about music – I don’t do “greatest hits.” If you tell me you like a band and I ask, “What is your favorite album by them?” and you say, “Greatest Hits,” please, do not talk to me about music, ever. I’m a character out of the movie “High Fidelity” and I will shame you for not exploring a band’s history if you say you love them.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

David Jones Fell To Earth

David Jones Fell to Earth

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta (copyright 2021)

David Jones fell to earth

Ch-ch-ch changed to Bowie for the fans

Ground control to Major Tom

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

I am the DJ, I am what I play

We could be heroes, just for one day

Like the Elephant Man and Aladdin Sane

Blue, blue, electric blue

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues

Oh my TVC15

That star man really blew our minds.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

RIP Mick Rock

Mick Rock, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, Lenny Kaye, 2000

RIP Mick Rock – LEGENDARY rock photographer, (David Bowie, Queen, Miley Cyrus).

I interviewed him twice during my writing career, for New York’s Westsider newspaper, but in this photo it was just a fun party at CBGB’s gallery, late 1990s or possibly 2000.

What a great guy! He asked me to get high, but I don’t smoke pot. Now I wish I did.

I first became aware of Mick Rock when I was 12 or 13. He photographed album covers for my favorite band, Queen. But he’s been known for photographing so many legends, as far back as Syd Barrett.

His work with Queen was dark and mysterious. But Rock seemed to be a huge fan of color too. A favorite of mine is the magenta/turquoise theme from Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll” album cover. His use of color has always been genius, with colors that pop out and grab you.

It’s always sad to see an icon from your youth pass away. In this day and age, 72 is not that old.

Did Mick Rock’s work inspire you? Share your stories in the comments section below.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City, NJ

NJ Musicians, promoting one of my favs, Debbie Harry

My husband and I recently stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City. It was so cool I had to give them a big shout out via a blog.

First of all, I’d like to point out that my husband and I are diehard music fans, not “Greatest Hits” types, nor music streaming types. We like to have the actual albums/CDs/tapes. (And I’ve been that way since I was a kid. I wonder how many people had Cher’s “The Way of Love” single who know the flip side “Don’t Put It On Me” was just as great? I was always about both the A-sides and the B-sides.

That said, I went expecting nothing more than a fab time with my husband. We’re a great couple who make our own fun. As we were making our way to our room (we got lost–this place is huge!) I heard Blondie music. The song “X-Offender” which was not a big hit. I was shocked, and immediately got silly and started singing. Followed by that I heard Interpol and Generation X. Bands you don’t hear too often.

I’ve been to the Hard Rock in NYC and Atlanta, and have seen so much rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, but what got me the most excited was a letter Buddy Holly wrote to his family while he was on the road, before he hit it big.

Here, you can also see Elvis’ Rolls Royce, Joan Jett’s hand-written lyrics to “Bad Reputation,” costumes worn on stage from rock and pop stars including Ann and Nancy Wilson, Prince, The Beatles, and Cher, to name a few. There’s also guitars, footwear, and other artifacts. Not to mention lots of shopping. (A side note, the Hard Rock clothing and jewelry line is incredible. Shirts/sweaters/hoodies are form-fitting, cozy, and durable. Jewelry is also well-made).

In the Cafe itself, the food was good. The only issue I had was they were playing more sports videos than music videos. It is the Hard Rock Cafe, right? But that didn’t stop my husband and I from having fun.

There’s also a pool and spa. The room we had offered a super view of the city and water. But most impressive about the room is that they use soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion from a company that doesn’t test on animals! I always bring my own stuff because I’m a cruelty-free supporter, so imagine how thrilled I was to see that!

The Hard Rock Hotel took great precautions due to Covid19. As you entered, your temperature was shown on a screen. There are social distancing Beatles “records” painted on the floor situated 6 feet apart. People stood on them while they waited on lines for restaurants and cafes.

Stores were careful too. You weren’t able to try stuff on, which made clothes shopping impossible. That was the only drawback.

I’m sure people want to know about gambling. I’m not a fan. Not for any moral reason, it just doesn’t amuse me. But, yes, gambling was in full swing.

The hotel staff was the best ever. They truly give the high hospitality. Everyone was so friendly and efficient. Service dogs are allowed inside the hotel and casino.

I highly recommend Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City.

For more information, visit: https://www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. In addition to Love Cats, she is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

Visit Maryanne’s You Tube Channel here: Be YOUnique