"See my vest..."

Somethings things out there in the fashion world prompt me to question designer's... um, and consumer's sanity. I'm sure you've seen these Louboutin "beauts".




I get humor & Tongue in Cheek fashion - but this is ridiculous. I mean unless you're going on your dream date with the cowardly lion. It reminds me so much of that Simpson's episode where Mr. Burn's want to make a coat out of Santa's Little Helper's puppies...and he sings that song wearing a monkey vest, and elephant boots made from elephant feet. You can listen to the song here.

I just don't find these shoes at all fun or attractive. And, don't get me started on those fuzzy Yak boots ladies wear in winter. I don't see the appeal. It's a bit gross to be wearing animal parts.

But, maybe I'm wrong. Let me know if you disagree - or if you feel there is a time and place for this kind of thing.

Esqueleto

Over the summer jewelery designer Lauren Wolf opened up shop in the Temescal area of Oakland. Her shop, Esqueleto, is a lovely bright spot off Telegraph - just walking in the door makes me happy ...







So, imagine my surprise when I got this for my birthday...






The hubs remembered my going a bit gaga over this ring when we stopped in to Esqueleto shortly after its opening day. It was a complete surprise. He picked me up after work on my birthday and we set off for Tahoe - about a half hour into the drive he asks me to reach in the drawer under the passengers seat to get something for him and well there was my little package from Esqueleto. It was the perfect Birthday surprise.

I love Lauren's nature inspired designs and the fact that each piece is unique. And, Lauren herself is super sweet. See her other designs here. If you're in Oakland make sure to stop by and see all the wonderful pieces in person.

Tahoe

Another holiday season is upon us and here in northern California the weather has finally turned fall-like. So, luckily for my Birthday weekend (over Halloween) we had sunshine and mild temperatures for our time in Tahoe.



It's a pretty magical place. I can't wait to go back when snow season begins.







We stayed at a Spa that had some pretty funky decor (southwest meets Swiss villa and grandma art on the wall)...



but it had a fireplace and whirlpool tub - what more could you ask for? It was a much needed break after a month of high stress. Work - classes - illness - moving TWICE! It's been crazy. I'm looking forward to the winter break away from classes and I'm hoping to get back to a normal eat-sleep-work out routine.

What do you do to relax when life seems to be off balance?