Monthly Diary - November 2025

My monthly diary, a compilation of my meaningful experiences from the past month, will be published on my blog on the first day of each month. Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, the monthly diary may be delayed by a day or two. Let’s delve into my new monthly diary of November 2025, which was set in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Graeter's New Flavor

Friday, November 7 - I visited Graeter's ice cream shop to try a new ice cream flavor, close to my house. Graeter's is a Cincinnati based ice cream shop chain that sells handcrafted French-Pot ice cream as well as chocolates, pastries, and sweets. Graeter's first opened in 1870. They have been selling the best ice cream they ever tasted! The most popular flavor of ice cream is Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip (purple ice cream with chocolate chip) - it's in the heart of the Queen City. At Graeter's, I have loved a welcoming and charming atmosphere. It's like a legendary place to enjoy ice cream!  They recently released a new holiday ice cream flavor called Crème Brulee- a wonderful twist on the classic French dessert which is my favorite dessert. I tried the flavor- Oh my god, it made in heaven and it tasted like a real treat. I really loved it so much. I gave it 10! I highly recommend the place to anyone who loves ice cream! Graeter's legacy will live on forever! 

Me tried Crème Brûlée Ice Cream @ Graeter's - Yummy! 

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant: It's Close to My House 

Saturday, November 8 - I visited Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant close to my house for dinner with my friends. Cooper's Hawk is a nationwide restaurant chain that features an upscale casual dining, a full-service bar, and a wine-tasting room. It's also an excellent gathering restaurant for wine lovers who also enjoy great food! At the restaurant, i thought the atmosphere looks minimalistic and fancy. I drank two glasses of Moscato wine. We shared two appetizers - BBQ Brisket Flatbread and Southwest Chicken Eggrolls - How savory and delicious they were! I had a butternut squash ravioli with seafood- yum! 

I actually have been to Cooper's Hawk before. I went to a location where the popular local shopping mall is near the restaurant, approximately 30 minutes away from my house before Cooper's Hawk opened a new location which is 5 minutes away from my house last month. The new location is much better than the previous location I visited. I love the restaurant very much...they have made me feel a warm welcome! 

Boltz's Adaptive Kitchen: Friendsgiving Cooking Class 

Sunday, November 9 - I attended Boltz Strong's Friendsgiving Cooking Class in Loveland, OH. At the class, we were preparing and cooking thanksgiving dinner- roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans casserole, cornbread, and pies including a chunky pumpkin pie. I cut potatoes and celeries with a mezzaluna knife. I opened a can of green beans independently using a can opener. The chef instructor showed us a clever trick that peels potatoes- Rotato Electric Peeler. The electric peeler instantly peels potatoes and other vegetables at the push of a button. It stops automatically when the peel is finished. The machine holds a vegetable with a small thumb knife as the vegetable is instantly peeled. I gasped "Oh my gosh, that's a clever trick to peel potatoes." It's much easier than the manual peeling. It's such a great tool for anyone who has trouble peeling. 

I ate the thanksgiving dinner- it was good but chunky pumpkin pie tasted a little weird. - I thought it was not like a good pumpkin pie I ate - it looked somewhat unsweet. Lol 😂   I enjoyed the meal and had fun!

 

Me cutting a vegetable with a Mezzaluna knife @ Boltz Strong Adaptive Kitchen 

Lady Fines Adaptive Fashion - Collaboration Reel 

I started following a women's adaptive fashion brand called Lady Fines Adaptive Fashion two years ago - it's exactly what I discovered. The brand create stylish, functional, and comfortable adaptive clothing designs for women with disabilities. It also offers adaptive jewelry. Lady Fines’ mission is to empower women with disabilities by having access to the adaptive fashion and championing inclusion in the fashion industry. I absolutely admire its mission and innovation!

I was offered to be featured on their social media - what a fabulous opportunity! I filmed my reel for Lady Fines on November 15. The reel was posted two days later. Oh my gosh, I can't believe my eyes... it's happening! I was wearing Lady Fines' M silver adaptive necklace which contains magnetic closures. It is very simple and easy to fasten the necklace - I love how it works! The reel got over 1,000 views! I'm just most grateful to receive support and praise from the viewers. And I am so honored and privileged to be featured on Lady Fines!

I reminded you - "Disability doesn't limit my fashion... The world just needs to design with me in mind."  

I keep advocating for adaptive fashion and promoting inclusion in the fashion industry and beyond! 

Me Behind the Scenes for Lady Fines Collaboration Reel 

Wicked: For Good 

Saturday, November 22nd - I went to AMC Theaters Newport on the Levee to see "Wicked: For Good". Before the movie, I rewatched the first Wicked movie and the original Wizard of Oz in preparation for "Wicked: For Good". 

The movie was soooo amazingly spectacular and dazzling! The ending and For Good song made me cry. Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande nailed it! I am also proud of Marissa Bode's performance (Nessarose) - Representation Matters! 

We are all changed for good!  🥹💖💚

Meanwhile, I received a Wicked Xmas gift from my caregiving friend who took me to the movie - Wicked pjs and socks! Oh my gosh, that was a thoughtful gift! I will always treasure it! 

Me seeing Wicked: For Good @ AMC Theaters 

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 27

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day for family and friends to gather, share a meal, and express gratitude for things and people. 

I am so thankful for my parents, family, friends, best friend, and baby niece! They always have supported me and my dreams! They are in my heart forever! ❤️ 

My mom made two whole homemade pumpkin pies with secret ingredients. The best pumpkin pie ever made! I am obsessed with pumpkin lol 😍😍 Pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite pumpkin thing to eat! 

I went to my paternal cousin's house to celebrate Thanksgiving with my parents and my dad's family. We talked a lot about how we have been doing and sharing our experiences. We all enjoyed eating a thanksgiving meal together. We also watched Bengals vs Ravens Primetime Game. During the game, we played a football bingo. Joe Burrow returned to play from his toe injury. The Bengals won 32-14! What a wonderful game! We had a lot of of fun together! 

Final Weekend of November 

I will be in Cincinnati for a few weeks then I'll be back to Florida for the winter and spring season. I can't believe time flies so fast. I am prepared for this busy holiday season! I am gonna share what I did during the final weekend of November. 

Friday, November 28 - Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving). I stayed home all day with my parents. I finally ordered a portable wheelchair ramp from Amazon for Florida. I saw the ramp on Black Friday sale. It was a great deal- $99! I am very happy about it - I can't wait to bring it to my bestie's house so I will see her and her baby daughter soon! I will write a review about the ramp later. 

I ate Thanksgiving dinner my mom cooked with my parents- it was very good! The dinner consisted of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, and jellied cranberry sauce. We would have it annually. 

Saturday, November 29 - I headed to the theater to see Disney's Zootopia 2. Before the movie, I rewatched the first movie. The sequel movie was great and hilarious. I really liked it. 10/10! 

Sunday, November 30 - I went to Kenwood Mall for my mom's errands with my caregiver. We spent two hours shopping at the mall. Afterwards, we headed to The Works Pizzeria for dinner. Before eating dinner, I ate a slice of pumpkin pie with cool whip for breakfast. I skipped lunch because of busy shopping. I felt very hungry. At dinner, we had two appetizers- spinach artichoke dip and mozzarella sticks- yummy. I got a small brick oven veggie pizza- very good. The crust was well baked. 

The past month has been great for me. It was filled with excitement, relaxation, fun, joy, laughter, positivity, and wellbeing. I am grateful for what I did during the past month. 😁🥰  

Thank you for reading my monthly diary. I hope you enjoy reading it. Let me know how you react to my monthly diary in comments below.

🩷 Marisa