The bird refers to Thanksgiving (hint: no birds were harmed), and the fat guy refers to Santa (who we are getting ready for). But first, let's see what I have been up to lately.
We made carnitas - we walked to the local Carniceria and got a Mexican coke. This is the secret ingredient, since it's made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup. Then we add lime juice and orange juice to tenderize the meat, and all the spices. We cooked it in the crock pot for hours until it was tender, then shredded it and fried it up on the stove. Very yummy!
On Black Friday, Bath and Body Works had all of their hand soaps for $2.95, so I picked up a bunch of my favorite scents.
On November 24th, we just walked dogs and watched movies - the usual daily rotation. I wore black slacks with silver nail heads down the side from ABS. I also wore a matching hoodie from INC. I finished it off with my Temu black platform sneakers.
On November 26th, we went back to the tenant's condo to finish up a few things. Unfortunately, Mary, the grandma, was rehospitalized and eventually died. She got RSV, then pneumonia, and since she was 86, her lungs couldn't handle it. Now her granddaughter Devin and great-grandson Frank have become my tenants.
I wore a black turtleneck from Ann Taylor with a color-blocked sweater from Spense and grey slacks with black trim from Express. Once again, my black Temu platforms.
Jacki has basically destroyed her engagement boot.
While we were waiting for the carpet cleaner to arrive, we walked over to the local Korean market. The front of the store had individual vendors like a swap meet.
The market was huge.
Lots of frozen seafood.
Lots of rice and noodles.
Lots of premade snacks and rice rolls.
Live Fish!
Sushi and fresh fish.
Dairy and beer.
Next to the store was a food hall with a bakery, a Korean chicken stand, and a noodle shop.
Devin gave me these flowers and a very kind note to thank us for all the help we have given her.
On November 27th, I went to US Bank to get some money that I earned on a CD transferred into my checking account. I wore a black turtleneck, my cashmere Fendi jacket, and black slacks from Mervyns. My deep orange sneakers are from Temu, of course.
My final OTC order from Medicare came in. We will be getting $125 per quarter instead of $95 next year and will be getting a card to buy our stuff at CVS, my favorite store besides the thrift shops. That's exciting!
November 28th was Thanksgiving Day, but we celebrated early with my brother and late with the Holtzmans. I'll show you that later. On TG day, we just hung out at home. I wore navy joggers with a burgundy stripe down the side from Old Navy, a burgundy sweater from Hugo Boss, and my navy platform loafers from Temu.
On Black Friday, I hit the B&BW for the soap, then the Salvation Army for the half-off sale. First, this cute whale plate from Domain. Retails for $24, I paid $2.50.
Then I got these Zora boots from Steve Madden. They retail for $103, and I paid $5.50.
Next, these Hermes Oran dupes from Banana Republic. The Hermes retail for $760, and the BR dupes for $60. I paid $2.99. These will be great for next summer.
Onto some clothes! First, a hot pink blouse from Calvin Klein. It retails for $79, and I paid $2.50.
Next, some ivory dress slacks from White House Black Market. They are slim fit, ankle length, and fit perfectly. They retail for $99, and I paid $4.50.
I had some pale pink slacks, but I destroyed them, so I found a replacement with these NY and Co pants. They retail for $70, and I paid $4.50.
Then I found some burgundy joggers, new with tags. They came from Ross, and the brand is Ebb and Flow. They retail for $24, and I paid $3.50.
Then I found this white T shirt with no tag. The closest thing I could find was Worthington, $15 retail. I paid $2.50. If I see white tops in good shape, I buy them, because I destroy them quickly.
Next, some black cargo joggers from a brand called ADAR. They are actually scrub pants. They retail for $21, and I paid $4.50.
These Reebok running tights were marked as size 18, but they fit me. I wonder if they are children's sized. I got another printed pair in LA that were the same sizing. Anyway, they retail for $37, and I paid $1.50, which is a price commonly used for children's items.
Another white top, this time from White House Black Market, and trimmed with eyelash lace down the sleeves. It retails for $54, and I paid $4.50.
Lastly, I scored four long sleeve T shirts for Doc. They were all $4.50. They are from
Hanes: retail $19
Gap: retail $70
Nautica Competition: retail $30
Nike: Retail $60.
We had our Holtzman Thanksgiving on Saturday the 30th. Doc made a pineapple upside down cake.
I made stuffing:
Green bean casserole:
Candied yams:
This is what I wore. My satin skirt is from Ultra Flirt, and I got the ivory sweater from Sweet Romeo that you saw in my last post especially to go with it. My brown suede boots are from Mootsies Tootsies, and my costume pearl jewelry is mostly from Macy's.
Here is the whole spread from different angles. Luke and Ashley brought baked ham, fried ham, ice cream, and crescent rolls.
They also brought a snow machine! Everyone had fun with that!
On December 1st, I wore harness print slacks from INC with a deep orange sweater from H&M. My black velvet belt is from Ann Taylor, my shoes are from Temu, and my satin baseball jacket is from Black. We went to the library to walk and go to the book sale.
On December 2nd, our housekeeper came, so we went down to downtown Huntington Beach and took a nice long walk. I wore these jeans from Elle, with a metallic striped sweater from J Crew.
On December 3rd, we made one more trip over to Devin's to get everything ready for the reinspection that was scheduled for the 4th. I wore the Reebok cheetah leggings, a grey sweater from Lafayette 148, and my grey Temu sneakers with clear crystals.
The reinspection was a success, and now I am good for another two years. While we were on our walk that day, guess who we saw? Harry our favorite heron! I got some good pictures of my friend.
I wore the ADAR cargo pants, a t-shirt with a bear claw rip detail from Bebe, and a metallic coverup jacket from Chico's. Also, my new Steve Madden booties.
On December 5th, I wore printed slacks from Cynthia Rowley with a slinky knit top from Antthony. on top, a draped cardigan from Old Navy, and my Zella sneakers.
On December 6th, I had lunch at the hospital with my friend Mary. The hospital has the best clam chowder in the world! On the way home, I got our Christmas tree - a blue spruce that we named Bruce!
Here he is all decorated, with the stocking hung from the chimney.
On December 7th, Mimi and I went to a Christmas dinner and party at the Magnolia Ward building. I wore my favorite Christmas dress from Calvin Klein. I wear it every year.
On top, my vintage Karen Lawrence brocade jacket with the fur cuffs. It also appears every year.
Here are some pictures at the event, including Santa Claus!
On Tuesday the 9th, I took my little Mercedes SLK sports car in for her yearly maintenance. We walked home, about two miles. I wore Tommy Hilfiger slacks, a navy and red long hoodie from Target, and my navy slip-on platforms.
Today, we went on a long walk with Jacki and Vinni. I wore my Rachel Zoe joggers, a gemstone trimmed sweater from Joseph A, and my Temu shoes. We took them over to a local school, where people bring their dogs to play on the soccer field.
There was a dog training class going on at the school. A Sherriff's deputy was there with his dog.
Jacki ran around a lot, but she still doesn't fetch like a good Labrador should.
That's all for now! We have a dinner with Doc's sister Tawn and her son Colin who is moving to the Boston area on Saturday, then a choir performance with Mimi on Sunday, then a lunch with old work friends on Tuesday. Then more excitement for Christmas - the Nutcracker ballet, midnight mass, and Nathan, Kim and the kids coming out on the 26th. So, stay tuned!
