Happy Feet

With winter approaching, we decided to get us some uggs!!

So here's a bit of historical trivia for you, which I found interesting. For ages, the terms Ugg/Ug/Ugh/Uggies have been used as general terms to refer to warm, cozy sheepskin footwear. However, a few years ago the American Deckers Outdoor Corporation trademarked the name "Ugg" (and all derivatives thereof) and started mass producing "UGG Australia" brand boots, which are made in China. The company started going after the numerous small businesses in Australia that made uggs and threatening them with fines and lawsuits. This is a little like someone trademarking the word "chopsticks" and then suing anyone in the world that tries to sell a product called "chopsticks". So the little Aussie manufacturers banded together and fought back, and are now allowed to sell "uggs" again.

These are actually Ben's uggs

So Ben and I bought our uggs (since we can call them that) from a place in Dubbo that makes all their products on-site with all-Aussie sheepskins. There are doors from the shop to the factory, so you can look through and see people working - it seems like a very happy atmosphere. They also employ a number of people with intellectual disabilities, which is great. And they're just so friendly and willing to make whatever you want - I think this was probably one of the happiest shopping experiences I've had! And we're not shoppers, at all.

Tamara also gave me some great socks from Tassie, so my feet are extra happy!!! (...although 2 pairs of wool socks plus uggs was just for the photo - I'm not that pathetic.)