If you love shoes, and what girl doesn’t, you should definitely check out the Manolo Blahnik store at the Wynn in Las Vegas. For those of you who don’t know what Manolo Blahniks are, you should watch a few episodes of Sex and the City. Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie, is a huge fan of the brand on the show. Anyhow, the store in Las Vegas is one of only 2 Manolo Blahnik stores in the United States. Sure, you can buy these shoes at Nordstrom and other high-end department stores, but these are the flagship stores that showcase the new items. I have been to this store a few times now to look at some really gorgeous shoes. It is located on the Wynn Esplanade near Dior, Rolex Louis Vuitton… you get the point. The shoes in here are gorgeous; there are alligator, ostrich, Italian leather, and even fur ones.

The ones I would buy if I could, would be the alligator print red sling-back heels for $2200. And of course, I would need the matching purse for a mere $8000. Or maybe the ostrich flip-flops… But my husband just may explode if I spent $700 on flip-flops…

Last time I was in Vegas, a couple of weeks ago, I went with a friend, who is also a huge Manolo Blahnik fan. She splurged and bought herself the most amazing vixen-red stiletto Mary-Janes that I have ever laid eyes on. If you have the self-control, or lucky you, the budget for these shoes, go to Vegas and check them out. If you can’t find anything that floats your boat, head over to the Jimmy Choo store at Caesar’s Palace. They have the cutest little pair of indigo blue strappy heels with and matching purse…

Have you ever wondered how chocolate would taste with bacon? OK, I know, that sounds nasty at first. Though, if you ever did wonder, you could try it in Vegas. My husband and I found this small chocolate shop in the mall at Caesar’s Palace, called Vosges Haut Chocolat. From the outside it just looked like it might have some high-end dark chocolate that we both enjoy. So we went inside. They have chocolate with some really weird crap inside. Think cheese, hot pepper, lavender, fennel, wasabi, paprika… you get the point. And yes, bacon. There are also “normal” fillings, such as Madagascar vanilla bean, organic peanut butter, caramel, praline, kirsch… So of course, we bought some.

The definite strangest taste was what was called “roosters”. They are conical chocolates that are meant to be eaten in 3 bites. Each bite has a different ingredient, so that as you eat it you have an “experience”. These roosters are found in the Collezion Italiano, a $56 box of 16 truffles and roosters. They tasted OK, but you have to be ready for the cheese. It’s kind of different. Our favorite kind of chocolate ended up being the Goji Bar. It is a regular candy bar with milk chocolate, sea salt, and goji berries, which are actually supposed to be really good for you. Woo Hoo! Healthy chocolate! The only downside is that each bar is $8. Not bad for a treat, but if you are a chocoholic, it could get expensive.

After trying various yummies, I determined that I love the taste of salt with chocolate. It really seems to bring out the flavor. Which gets me back to the bacon…. I have not tried the bacon chocolate, but I am ready. When I go back to Vegas in October, I am going to go to Vosges and get me some. I also might have to pick up some of those new “organic” peanut butter bon bons….