Decisions, decisions & arm candy

So as a newbie blogger, I like to roam the interwebs to see what similar blogs are out there and what is connected to my blog name. On just such a trawl, I discovered that The Big Stripe is a name associated with a certain life-long type of inmate at prisons. Hmmm. This required further research. Remote in hand, cup of tea in the other, I watched Lockdown last night. One look at the sea of big black and white stripes definitely made my heart sink.
I am therefore considering - while my readership is (still) negligible lol - switching my blog name in favor of something with less errr criminal connotations.

While I ponder this move, here is a bit of arm candy I was sporting today:

Left to right: Ring - David Yurman
Silver bangle 1 - bangle made from an antique silverware handles and received from a family friend for Confirmation.
Silver bangle 2 is also made from an antique spoon or fork handle and this was a gift from my mother, who purchased it off the Grande Place in Brussels, Belgium.
Suede with studs wrist band - Charlotte Russe
Silver simple bangle - a hand-me-down from my cousin.

I wore a grey Rugby ruffle button down with a chunky navy sweater, so I needed to toughen up the look a little.

 Of course, Sherman had to give final approval.

Do you stack your bracelets?

Introductions

Let me introduce my sidekick, Sherman.

Sherman, aged 1.

We are a package deal. My husband, DEC, and I had just reached California in our drive from Washington State to the East Coast, when my birthday came around. Even though my birthday happens every year (shocking, I know), someone was unprepared. Don't get me wrong. Jewelry, fancy clothing and accessories are always nice. As is a spa day. But I always wanted a puppy, and what better time to get one than while you are in a hotel, with about a month of road tripping still ahead of you, with your life packed up and being moved cross-country? Ahem.
Let's just say we took the house-training crash course. I'm sure the dog whisperer would not approve.

You'll be pleased to hear it all turned out just fine, thank you very much. Why? Because Sherman's not just any ole' cute pup. He's a trooper. He's a pleaser. And he's the best, most cuddly, lifelong gift I've ever gotten.

He is a piebald miniature Dachshund, who loves to dance....

... wear goggles...

.... play fetch...

... and recover for tomorrow's exhausting adventures by sleeping like a true weiner in his human bun.

Bonne nuit!