Got creative with my holiday tree.

view from my window

I couldn't decide if I should spend the money on getting a real tree since it would be over $100. It was worth it when the boys were here to hike around the hills and cut a tree down, but it's just me now.  I've been looking for a fake tree too but again the prices are just too high especially since I know after the holidays everything will go on sale. It's the thrifter in me. :)  I saw an old post of what I did when I lived up in the Cupertino hills. I used a tomato cage to make several trees. So I decided why not give it a try here. For the topper I used a dog topiary frame I had. Makes me smile because it looks like the dog is doing her business. Not sure how to fix that issue. :) 

When things make you feel old.

It was one of those surprised moments when you just slap your forehead. When I was going down to the Carmel house a lot, I would take a portable CD player. Had the same old one for years. Then I dropped it while unloading my car and it broke into a thousand pieces. I didn't think finding another one would be so hard. I've been searching for over 2 years now. All that I've picked up (5 and counting) either from the thrift store or friends, the CD part doesn't work. I guess there's a shelf life to the CD part. 

I picked up  what I thought was only a DVD player. I still haven't figure out how to connect my old devices to the big screen TV in my place. I don't watch enough TV to pay for a service which with all these high tech screens you have to do. The ads for everything else are longer than whatever movie I want to watch.  I'm guessing this small player was meant to be used in the car back in the day. As I was cleaning up and I looked at what device this booklet went to. Then I saw it - it was both a DVD AND CD player. Who knew one player could do both! That just makes me feel old. I've had this player for a few months now and never knew. So of course the first thing I did was gave it try and yes it works. :) 

 

My mini Savers haul 2025

I had things to drop off at Savers and of course I had to go in to check things out - market research. :) Tuesday is senior discount day (30% off) so it's always busy. 

A friend was looking for a big French press but none have come into the store and the online auctions have gone way too high. I not only did I find one at Savers but it was also PYREX (all upper case) which was an added bonus. $5 after the senior discount. SCORE!

My impulse buy was these ashtrays that were hanging in a bag on the wall. For small things at Savers, they bag everything. I don't smoke but ashtrays do resell well. The other reason I got them was to use them as pen/paint brush holders. I follow Sandy Allnock an artist (check out her You Tube videos) who does a lot of pen and ink. She has a little crab pen holder which is super cute and made me want one of my own. I was thrilled when my ink pen fit perfectly in these ash trays. I like to think it's a little more up scale with an Asian twist. :)

My version of up-cycling and to justify buying all 12 of them. :) Yes, I will sell off most of them. Set of four was $4.20 after the discount. 

 

Fly By Jing Noodle Kit

There are specialty YouTubers who do reviews on the Asian foods at Costco. With the large Asian population in the Bay Area, it's no surprise what you can find at Costco. My daughter is a big fan of Fly By Jing, so I wanted to give this a try. It's a wheat based noodle so it's not something I can eat all the time. I think it's a little on the expensive side but I grew up with cup of noodles. :) It broke down to $2.00 a packet. Overall it was very good. Add a little protein and it would make a nice side dish. Not enough for a full meal, at least for me. :)  

Now the debate is if I should keep it or ship it off to my son. Because of my gluten issues is the only reason I wouldn't keep it.  

Mini retreat

One of the things I miss about the Carmel house is the gas fireplace. Years ago when I remodeled my big house I decided not to add a fireplace. I knew having a wood burning fireplace would be banned at some point and I would rather have the wall space for art. Now gas fireplaces are a thing but I think I would still choose not to have one. 

I'm hanging out at my friend's house binge watching the Great British Baking show and doing some cooking. They have a lovely gas fireplace, something I think they just converted. Very cozy with the storm that's coming through right now.  Just need to find a good book to read. :)

1950"s Vintage Luggage Set

These 1950's vintage suitcases came into the store this weekend. It was an immediate YES when asked if we took old things like this. Not only are they very cool but the insides are in pristine condition. If I had to guess they never used the big suitcases. No funky odor either. I was so excited that I got them out on the floor asap. This is what makes the store stand out and what collectors are looking for. Because we have almost a complete set (there's a medium size one missing) in excellent condition it should sell fast. 
 

Blooming Chocolate A Thing?

Every morning I make a big mug of coffee. I use the pour over method because it takes a lot less room on my limited counter space. Love the smell of coffee but not so much the taste. Being lactose intolerant I use oat milk.  Trader's Joe chocolate oat milk was my go to but after they discontinued it, I had to make my own. Which is a healthier way to go.  I read that coco powder has to be activated with something warm to get the full flavor. I've been trying it so see if that method is true. I would like to think it's working as I think my coffee is a little more chocolatey tasting but it could be just wishful thinking.