Memorial Day Ground Hog Day

Hi everyone!!! Last Memorial Day was very weird and sad for me, because my mom was buried that weekend. She lived to be 96, which is awesome, but nevertheless, the weekend was dedicated to the close of an era. This year, however, was the complete opposite. I took off for 5 days, and did my usual Memorial Day routine stuff. There have been years where I was in Oahu or Vegas, but this year was good old down home Huntington Beach. On Saturday, I started with a run through our beautiful Central Park, which never disappoints.

As you can see, that day the weather was gorgeous. It got cloudy and gloomy later in the weekend.
I also made a trip to Hobby Lobby. I had a list of jobs to get done during the weekend, and I did them all. But I did buy a couple of things at Hob Lob that weren't on the repair list.

I found this East Indian mirrored vase in the clearance section. I think it's pretty.

And this blue pot was used to replant the orchid I got at my mom's funeral. It lasted for quite a few months, then shriveled. So I am attempting to give it new life.

Completely frivolous was this gold octopus. He is just too cute to turn down.

Doc eats at least 2 bananas a day. He also snarfs avocados like they are going out of style. He had been keeping his tropical delights in a plastic colander, but I got him a cuter tray for his good fats.

On Sunday, we didn't do much. I went for a nice long bike ride. My legs and rear end were super sore from all the activity, so I cooled it for a day. We did go to the local swap meet to look for junk and treasures. Doc found quite a few books for the grandkids there.

So, on Sunday, we delivered the books. We also brought Pandi, since our grandkids go nuts over the combo of books and tiny dog.

We had to do 2 laps around their condo complex, per request. I assumed the role of leash monitor, so that both Joseph and Benjamin got equal time holding Pandi's leash. Pandi was very happy.

On Monday, my first job was cleaning up an old wicker trunk.

I didn't know what to use, so I used furniture polish. It's all clean now, and holds all of my metallic and lurex clothing items. There are a lot of those!!!


Then I went to a church-associated pile sale. Those are always the best, because the church members bring nice stuff !!!. I got all the things show below for $18.50. Let's see!!



First up, a Talbot's boucle pencil skirt. Every color in the rainbow, and black grosgrain trim at the waist.

Next, a Drapers and Damons warm up jacket. This is a local brand, and very nicely made.

Here's the back.

Here's the detail on the embroidery.

I got this basic INC grey ribbed Henley.

It has crystal buttons.

Then, I found a St John Sport top for $5 !!

Of course, it has lurex and bronze embellishments.

I also found a vintage Castleberry Knits top and pleated skirt set.

I also found this White House Black Market blazer with a pleated portrait collar.

Finally, a brocade jacket from a brand that I have never heard of - Helena Sorel .

It is pretty, and seems very expensively constructed.

This morning, Pandi and I set off for a hike. We tried the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.

There are paths for people, bikes, and horses. Many of them are closed, because we are still recovering form a drought.

Pandi tried to be like her Mexican relatives, and cliff dive. I stopped her.

The river that runs through the park was fairly full. The day was dreary.

In the background, Newport Beach proper and Fashion Island.

We walked for an hour and a half, then Pandi looked exhausted and it was pretty boring anyhow, so we left.

And that was my Memorial Day weekend. So here are today's links:

www.shelbeeontheedge.com, (Happy Birthday !!!) , www.thejpetite.com, www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com, www.northwestblonde.com, www.notdeadyetstyle.com, www.pinksole.com, www.notdressedaslamb.com, www.stylenudge.com, www.finewhateverblog.com, www.clairejustineoxox.com, www.morepiecesofme.com, www.colorandgrace.com, www.bylaurenm.com, www.rachelslookbook.com


I hope you all had a fun or exciting or relaxing weekend, whatever was your pleasure. See you soon!!!!

Blue Moon

I have been on a blue kick this week. And yesterday was no different:

Another day, another Antthony Designs pantsuit.

As I was walking in to work from the parking lot, a lady stopped me and told me that she loved the little twist on the top, and the seaming. The seams are very flattering, and I have never seen anything like the construction. But it works !!

Here's a better look at the gold buckle detail and the twisted fabric.

I wore two necklaces, and both were my mom's. There is a jade and lapis beaded necklace, and a gold herringbone chain.

On my left arm, a diamond/sapphire ring and a opal/lapis watch.

Here's a closer look at the watch. The face is opal, the band is lapis, and the diamond shaped stones are amethyst.

On my right arm, two gold bracelets, and my Montana peridot ring.

 Doc brought some mixed roses for the house this week, and they had a green foxglove-looking stem in the bunch.

And that's it for this weekend, so here are a bunch of links:
www.eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com, www.notdressedaslamb.com, www.jolynneshane.com, www.apocketfulofpolkadots.com, www.highlatitudestyle.com, www.nancysfashionstyle.com, www.shelbeeontheedge.com, www.threadsforthomas.com, www.fashionshouldbefun.com, www.alabouroflife.com, www.goodrandomfun.blogspot.com, www.stylininstlouis.com, www.lifeasweknowitbypaula.com, www.curlycraftymom.com, www.eclecticredbarn.com, www.lizzieinlace.com, www.jaymieashcraft.com, www.graceandloveblog.com, www.munofore.com, www.colorandgrace.com, www.stylelixir.com, www.adrilately.blogspot.com, www.rachelthehat.com, www.theclosetbychristie.com, www.clairejustineoxox.com, www.tinaspinkfriday.blogspot.com

See you all soon !!! I will be checking in over the weekend, because I have 5 days off. Yay !!!

Steelers vs Chargers

It's the game of the team colors!!! Okay, I grew up in San Diego, so we will start with the Chargers:

This is a Forever 21 chiffon dress - gold with white polka dots. On top, a navy blue lace blazer from Mirenda Madrid. Of course, navy suede INC pumps.

Going for the touchdown. Or the fumble.

My necklace is one one of my mom's KJL pieces. It's very sparkly and pretty.

On my right arm, a sapphire/diamond ring and a diamond dust bangle.

On my left arm, a deep blue London Topaz and a plastic stretchy bracelet.

The buttons on the jacket are really nice and heavy. They are navy enamel, and then the edges and the Xs are made of crystals.

Today, a challenge from the Steelers. Both of my parents grew up around the Pittsburgh area.

Once again my Onque sequined T shirt and matching jacket from Stein Mart.

The sequins are clear and reflect whatever color is underneath. The pants have a sequined waistband, also.

I am wearing an ancient necklace from Avon.

On my right arm, a leather cuff and a black/white diamond ring.

On my left arm, my Hermes CDC and a yellow gold diamond band.

Who will win the game ?

Let's link:

www.shoppingmycloset.com, www.thepleatedpoppy.com, www.colorandgrace.com, www.rosyoutlookblog.com, www.pastriespumpsandpi.blogspot.com, www.jerseygirltexanheart.com, www.themummychronicles.com, www.poshclassymom.com, www.pumpsandpushups.com, www.theblendedblog.com, www.clairejustineoxox.com, www.classyyettrendy.com, www.theperfectstormbffs.com, www.tuckerup.blogspot.com


Go Chargers!!!

Pandi, Park and Papas Rellenas

This weekend, I made my first attempt at running after my recent back injury. I took my sweet little Pandi to HB Central Park.

She was mesmerized by the sludgy pond. There were fowl footprints everywhere, so I guess they are super interesting.

It was pretty warm, so we tried to stay in the shade.

She really enjoyed herself, and my back did fine. I am still going to take it slow, because I definitely do not want to re-injure it.

On Sunday, I made an old favorite Mexican dish. They are called Papas Rellenas, and they are delicious. They are sausage stuffed potato balls that are rolled in bread crumbs and then deep fried.
It starts with instant four cheese potatoes, and pork sausage fried with onion, peppers, garlic, and cumin.

You make a ball of potatoes in your hand with a glob of sausage in the middle. Then you roll it in flour, beaten egg and then bread crumbs.

As a special touch, I stuffed a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle.

You then roll it between your hands until it has a nice firm ball shape. If you choose to refrigerate them at this point, they will be restaurant quality. If you proceed at this point, like me, they still taste great but are randomly shaped. You'll see at the end.

Then you roll your potato balls in flour, beaten egg, and finally Italian bread crumbs I had to wash my hands between each one - they are super sticky and it uses raw egg. Gotta be careful.

Then the fun part - deep fry then in olive oil until they are golden brown. I use a wide scalloped metal spatula to poke them around and get them brown on all sides.

I drained them on special paper that I got at Daiso, the Japanese store down the street. They are designed to drain tempura.

Then, I topped my delicious hot potato ball with La Victoria salsa in Medium. I wished I had put sour cream  or yogurt and avocado on top- that would have been perfection. It was extremely tasty as is.

Back to work today for a scheduled inspection at the hospital where I work. I wanted to look polished and professional, but I also wanted some style tossed in.

I started with a very basic look, but each piece had a touch of something. The Peck and Peck top has Venice lace trim and cold shoulders. The Bebe pants lace up the sides about a foot.

Then I added a Maggy London silk jacket that is styled exactly like a regular jean jacket, only in an olive print that is sort of animal in nature.

I rolled the cuffs up three times in order to let my bracelets show. The jacket is completely lined in black silk.

I wore a gorgeous vintage matte gold costume necklace with multi stone cabachons.

In the picture above, you can see the jacket print, and below, you can see the trim on the T shirt.

On my right arm, my Montana peridot, and my Hermes CDC.

On my left arm, my seed bead cuff from the Chakra Shack in Laguna Beach and my creept green Nordstrom ring.


So away we go !!
www.highlatitduestyle.com, www.beauty101bylisa.com, www.stylenudge.com, www.notdressedaslamb.com, www.finewhateverblog.com, www.eleganntlyfashionable.com, www.colorandgrace.com, www.bylaurenm.com, www.pinksole.com, www.notdeadyetstyle.com, www.northwestblonde.com, www.morepiecesofme.com,
www.rachelslookbook.com.

Have a great day - I have planned a great outfit for tomorrow. Let's see how well I execute it.