Tasseled

I was in the market for a new Iphone 5 case, and found this case/wallet combination.  It is so cute and practical, and I just love the tassel on the zipper.  I got it in black but thought the light pink was lovely as well.

Do you like my photography skills? :)

Since I have no physical office anywhere (just move from client to client), I carry my mobile office around in this tote everyday.  Given it's pretty heavy, I don't carry an additional purse to work.  In the past, that meant every time I went to lunch, etc., I had to carry around my phones (work and personal) and wallet in my hands. Although I'm proud of the balancing skills I've perfected (wallet on top of Starbucks cup in one hand, phones on top of takeout lunch container in other), my new wristlet has made life so much easier.  Yay!

Mars, steak & booties

Joshua Tree was so fun!  We played board games and drank wine by the firepit at night and hiked through the national park during the day.  It's definitely a landscape that is one of a kind, though I must say parts of it reminded me of the barren, desert-like landscape of West Texas.  If I ever made a movie set on Mars, I'd film it at Joshua Tree.

I would say one of the best things about being on a local study is going to dinner with the hubby during the week!  He had yesterday off for Veterans' Day, so we went out to Flemings for dinner.  It was one of my favorite nights in a while -- a good steak, yummy glass of wine, and handsome husband all to myself for a couple hours :)

My dinner outfit was sweater, gray jeans, and brown booties (wish I'd thought to take a photo!).  Booties are not part of my usual outfit repertoire, but I've been liking them more and more lately.  The only pair I own is a very old pair that's falling apart, so I'm contemplating a new purchase.  I just don't know if I should since I'm always unsure about how boots look on me.  Here are a few of the top contenders right now...

The fringe makes these fun
(click here)

From Old Navy!
(click here)

Simple and elegant
(click here)

Joshua Tree

Who else is excited that Friday's almost here?!  This weekend, hubby and I will be driving out to Joshua Tree National Park and staying in a rented house with a few other friends.  Although I'm not generally an outdoor enthusiast *massive understatement*, I'm looking forward to doing something different and new with a fun group of friends.

Prior to planning this trip, all I knew about Joshua Tree was that awesome U2 album.

This cassette tape was a staple in Mom's car growing up

Some fun facts:

• Joshua Tree national park includes 2 different desert ecosystems -- the Mojave desert (higher elevation) and the Colorado desert (lower elevation)
• Joshua Trees are found all over, both in forests but also as single specimens dotting the desert landscape
• Apparently it's got some of the most unique geological formations -- excited to hike out and take pics!
• It's only a 2 hour drive from Newport Beach, actually only a bit farther out that Palm Springs

I will let y'all know how it is and hopefully share photos when I get back!

A Joshua tree