Vegas!

I went to Vegas! this weekend -- as part of a merry band of four girls, three of us friends since 14 or 15, from sophomore year of high school.

It was the kind of Saturday night that unites friends through only the most hilarious and interesting circumstances. Where inside jokes are on instant replay and dancing until 4 AM is no biggie.

We stayed at Aria, a sleek, modern hotel that opened a few years ago as part of the CityCenter development, and laughed and danced at the new Cosmopolitan hotel that's next door. The Chandelier bar, it was stunning. The secret cocktail on Level Two has an edible flower that numbs your mouth and then makes the gross drink actually taste good. It was like magic. Thumbs up.

The hotel's nightclub, Marquee, considered the best in Vegas right now, was fun, but I also had moments where I caught myself thinking, "Am I too old for dancing at 4 AM?"

On second thought? Absolutely not!

* Divine desserts at Aria

* High schoool reunion with Molly and Danielle

Beach Run

Few things make me feel more alive and inspired than a really good run -- whether I need a pick-me-up or want to top an already great day, running is something I can always count on.

All this to say I had an awesome beach run today, starting in Venice at the kooky boardwalk, heading north past the Santa Monica Pier and through packs of determined bicyclists, turning around closer to the lush mountainscape of the Palisades.

The sun was brilliant as the afternoon unfolded like a breezy summer day, with sailboats, bikinis, sand volleyball, kids on scooters and tourists (in socks!) setting the beach scene.

Not only was I happy with my pace, but I fit in some quality day-dreaming.

* Photo taken last year along the same beach path

Craftsmanship Is Still Kicking

I read a cool story in The Wall Street Journal that resonated with me, reminding us all that even in 2012 where on-demand rules and easier is better, that the humble values of tradition and craft are still kicking.

Literally!

Click here to read how artisan Lee Miller forgoes the gear and gadgets of today to craft bespoke cowboy boots by hand -- at 40+ hours of labor per pair and with trusty old tools, some from the early 1900s.

There's a four-year waitlist to snag a pair of these bucket-list boots, which are fashioned after the following takes place: Foot measurements and molds, ink impressions of soles, consultations on color, patterns and leather preference, plus custom stitching and embroidery.

Waitlist? Sign me up!

A Red and White Stunner

Last night's Golden Globes delivered some big laughs and gasps, from the raunchy humor of host Ricky Gervais that deflated celebrity egos to Madonna explaining she hadn't kissed a girl in some years, on TV that is.

But for me, one thing cut through the clutter: Angelina Jolie was breathtaking. Stunning! The best dressed by far, in an elegant gown that evoked an era bygone where real glamour trumped flash and trash.

Angelina's red carpet look inspires me to look and feel my best. And with that, I'm most absolutely heading out for a run today...

Midwest Kind Of Mind

I wish I was in the Midwest right now...

To hang with my parents, and my brother and his family who will arrive any minute from Nashville -- and especially to meet my nephew, Toren, who is a teeny-weeny thing just born in December, and to play with my almost two-year-old niece Lena. She is a doll!

That sounds so cozy -- perfect! -- right about now. But since I'm here and not there, I'm thinking of you all, from L.A.

Little Red Corvette

I just heard an incredible version of Prince's iconic '80s song, Little Red Corvette, during my first YogaHop class on Friday.

Since then, I've become a tad obsessed!

You see, the original Little Red Corvette was always one of my favorite Prince tunes, reminding me of rocking out in the safari-style Jeep I had in high school or getting ready to hit the town on a Friday night in college.

Mike Zito's new version transforms this high-octane pop hit into a tender ballad with lots of soul -- he owns it just like Prince did.

Click here to listen to the re-imagined Li-ttle Red Cor-veeeette.