March 31, 2009

March 31st, 2009

Mark = Awesome.

He got me Tulips!

March 30, 2009

March 30th, 2009

I need a bigger closet...

I have very limited space, and that means that I must keep everything in plastic bins. Organized, yes. Practical for small closets, sure. Happy that my precious soles are stuck in a plastic bin, no!

Some people don't understand my need for closet space. Growing up in the house my grandfather built before we moved, my bedroom was HALF of the upstairs and had THREE WALK IN CLOSETS. Seriously! I miss that room. I grew up with lots of space, and now must manage to keep everything in the tiniest of closets. So frustrating.

One day... bigger closet. Possibly the one Carrie Bradshaw had in the Sex and the City Movie in the penthouse? Now that is wishful thinking!

March 29, 2009

March 29th, 2009

This was up on Perez Hilton a couple days back:

Vatican To Boycott Tom Hanks!

Filed under: Film Flickers > Politik > Tom Hanks

angels_and_demons1.jpg

With so many problems in the world, we find it funny the Vatican has time to focus on this nonsense!

Tom Hank's latest flick, Angels & Demons, based on the best-selling novel by Dan Brown, is receiving strong opposition from the Vatican.

According to Avvenire, the Vatican's official newspaper, the church "cannot approve" the film. Another Italian newspaper claims the Vatican will soon call for Catholics worldwide to boycott the flick.

However, Archbishop Velasio De Paolis is worried that boycotting the movie will create a "boomerang effect" by giving it more publicity.

Guess the Pope and his posse are still bothered by the fact that the book and movie suggested Jesus had secretly married that "whore", Mary Magdalene.

Jesus loves all - some more than others!

Even last year, while filming, the Vatican banned filmmakers from entering the Holy City or any church in Rome really. So one of the movie's key scenes, set inside church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, had to be filmed on a soundstage.

According to a Vatican spokesman, Father Marco Fibbi, he said, "Usually we read the script but in this case it wasn't necessary. Just the name Dan Brown was enough."

The flick hits theaters worldwide this May 15th.

We bet the Vatican will be watching it in secret!




So I was raised Catholic and all, but I am not so extreme that I believe the Bible is 100% real or that I will not see a move based on what the Vatican has to say. I have a very open mind....

I read the book the Da Vinci Code, and Angels and Demons, and let me tell you they were excellent books! Literary works of modern art in my opinion, and I am more than thrilled to see this movie!

March 28, 2009

March 28th, 2009

Ocean City, Maryland August 2006

After spring... comes summer!

I think I am more ready for summer than I am spring!

Moving on, the butter cookie quest continues!

This was the recipe I used:

1 Cup of Butter
3/4 Cup of Sugar
1 Egg
1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
2 1/2 cups of flower

preheat oven to 400

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, blend in well. Blend in flour. Chill dough for 45 minutes. Roll dough to a 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to make cookies. ( I did not do this, I used a cookie press.) Bale for 5 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cool cookie sheet between batches.

Ok.... here are some pics...

Mmmm.... cookie dough.

Cookies made from cookie press!

End result! Good yet very flat cookies....with crispy edges. Hmmmmm....... Wonder what I messed up on this time. At least these ones are edible.

March 27, 2009

March 27th, 2009

I thought this was a pretty creative picture...

He was perched on my lap peering out the window sniffing all the great smells of the world.

March 26, 2009

March 26th, 2009

One more flower pic from last year!

Ok, Ok... two more...

So last night I attempted to make butter cookies....

Did not work out as planned! I did not add enough butter, and I had no idea that we have a cookie press. Which would have been so much more easier than making the cookies in the palm of my hand. I will attempt this again Friday so stay tuned as to what recipe I used.

March 25, 2009

March 25th, 2009


Another pic from last year.. flowering tree

March 24, 2009

March 24th, 2009

I haven't really had anything to post the past couple days. I'm waiting for all the flowers to start blooming for spring...

In any case here is a picture I took last year around this time... and then did a little editing with photoshop...

March 21, 2009

March 21st, 2009


This week I sent an email to the company that makes the Mascara I use. It made by Benefit Cosmetics and is called Bad Gal Lash Mascara. I love it. It is the only Mascara I have encountered that doesn't make my eyes itch. I highly recommend this Mascara.

Lately I noticed that if Peanut catches a whiff of the Mascara he will try to pry it out of my hand with his paws, while perching on the edge of my bed. He apparently likes the smell and wants to lick the tube. So I sent an email asking if the ingredients were toxic to animals in any way, just in case. This was the response I got......

"Hello Marie Gibbs,

Thank you for writing to us at Benefit Cosmetics.

We value all feedback from our customers, and we thank you for taking the time to send us your comments about this issue. In addition to a quality line of fun and effective cosmetics, our aim at Benefit Cosmetics is to provide a convenient and efficient service; in this case, we have not met that standard.

We have forwarded your comments on to the appropriate department, and thank you again for letting us know that the service you received was not up to our standards.

Thank you for shopping with Benefit Cosmetics.

Think Pretty,

Kashay Walker
Benefit Cosmetics Customer Service"

I'm confused by this response..... but ok. So does this mean they will make the smell less appealing to my dog's nose? I can't smell it, but his nose is 30o times more powerful than mine, so good luck with that.

March 20, 2009

March 20th, 2009

Before I get to today's post.... Last night when I got home, and was getting ready for bed I noticed something on my leg right around the sock line... A TICK! I have no idea where it came from as I was not trapsing through talls grass or running through a forest. I walk Peanut on the sidewalk.... So strange. I will be watching the spot where the tick was on my leg to see if it get red. If so I will have to go to the doctor!

Now onto today's post!

I was struggling to figure out a post for today... until I got an email from the Solomon's Island Winery! I really enjoy their wine. It's safe to say you may be able to find their wine in your local wine/liquor store as they cover most f the east coast. If not, unless you live in Maryland, you can order wine off their website and have it shipped to you. I highly recommend the Blueberry Pinot Nior. But the wine used for the following drink is really good too!

Enjoy!


Green Apple Melon Twist

4 oz of Island Mist Green Apple Riesling
1 oz of Melon Liqueur
Shake with ice and pour into chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a thin slice of green apple.

March 19, 2009

March 19th, 2009

I bought some new tea for at work. It's Blueberry and Pomegranate White Tea from Lipton. It smells lovely and tastes just as good!

March 18, 2009

March 18th, 2009

So I got an email from my friend Gillian, she has the cutest little boy. Seriously. Anyway, I told I would do what I could to get help her get votes for her baby in a contest online with one of our Baltimore area radio stations. Here is her email with the link... Vote for Owen!!!



"Hi all! We have entered Owen in the cutest baby contest that WPOC is having. Please vote for him! Grand Prize is a trip to Florida, yay Disney! Below are instructions on how to vote.

Go to the link below:

http://www.wpoc.com/cc-common/globalcontestfinder.html?contest=37470

Scroll down until you see the yellow Vote Group 2 Button on the page, then click that button.

Owen’s picture is 11 rows down, the last one on the right. (He is under Owen S) Check the circle with his picture.

Then scroll further down the page to enter your email address. They send you a confirmation email that you have to click a link inside for your vote to count.

Thank you so much for your help all, and please send this to everyone you know!!! There is only one vote allowed per email. Voting is going on now through March 25th! Thank you all!!!!!!

Gillian, Paul, and Owen :)"

March 17, 2009

March 17th, 2009

I wanted something sweet, so I bakes cupcakes!

And now a tribute for St. Patrick's day to the dogs of Ireland.

The Classic Red Irish Setter
Originally bred in Ireland as a hunting dog, the solid colored Red Irish Setter was the result of crossing the Red and White Setter with a solid-colored red dog of an unknown breed. They are widely heralded for their intelligence and stamina.
The Irish Terrier
There are many breeds of Irish Terrier, but the breed most commonly referred to by that name is also arguably the oldest. This boxy-looking red terrier is often lively, with medium-to-high energy, and may excel in agility courses.
The Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a sighthound that derives its name from the purpose for which it was originally bred – hunting wolves. Wolfhounds are traditionally sweet-natured and very loyal, and their thick, rough coat most likely comes from years of breeding in harsh climates.
The Kerry Blue
The Kerry Blue was bred originally as a catcher of rats in Tipperary, rather than in County Kerry as its name would suggest. With its generous and hard-working nature, the Kerry Blue enjoyed some time as the National Dog of Ireland, representing for many a sense of patriotism and national spirit.
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier was bred to do it all! As a farm dog, it had duties herding, guarding, and controlling the pest population. Despite its history and popularity, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier wasn't recognized as an official breed by the IKC until 1937. They are enthusiastic greeters, and their bombastic approach to Hellos has given rise to the term "the Wheaten Welcome."
The Kerry Beagle
The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest hound breeds known to have originated in Ireland. Its name derives from the Celtic word "beag," which means "small." These Beagles were nearly wiped out by starvation during the hunger epidemic in the mid 1800s. They are traditionally good with children and other dogs, and have a strong hunting instinct.

March 16, 2009

March 16th, 2009

Over the weekend I got a letter from Apple in response to my letter to them. You may remember me posting about how I wrote a letter in this blog. Well, here is their response.

"Dear Ms. Gibbs,

Thank you for your recent correspondence to Apple. We appreciate your comments on Apple's selection of AT&T Inc. as the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the United States.

As part of this multi-year partnership, Apple and AT&T Inc. are working together to provide innovative new features to mobile phone users, such as iPhone's pioneering and unique Visual Voicemail, a first on any mobile phone in the world.

AT&T Inc. is the larges test wireless carrier in the United States, serving 58.7 million customers. It also has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation, the Allover Network, and the largest mobile to mobile community of any national wireless carrier. In addition AT&T Inc. is a leader in third-generation wireless technology, featuring the first widely available HSDPA (high speed download packet access) service in the world.

iPod Touch is priced differently from the iPhone because a service contract with AT&T is not required to operate the product.

Apple is committed to providing a positive experience for our customers through the use of our hardware, software and Internet offerings. Feedback such as yours helps us determine areas of opportunity as we continue to grow our business.

Please be assured that Apple values the time and consideration that you invested in your letter. Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Matt
Apple Customer Care"

I'm not sure what to think on this, other than Matt tried to sell me on how great AT&T is.

March 15, 2009

March 15th, 2009

Friday I did a great thing and purchased a reusable bag for when I go to Target. Well... let me refrase that. I intended to purchase it... but for some reason was not charged for it. C'est la vie! Now I just have to remember to keep it in my car for the next time I go to Target!

March 14, 2009

March 14th, 2009

Just a couple of images that tell me spring is on the way. Some Daffodills blooming by a house, and a Forsythia Bush starting to bud!

Spring is just around the corner!

March 13, 2009

March 13th, 2009

Ok I had something totally different planned for today's blog but decided to switch it up! I am uber excited because this week I bought tickets to see No Doubt June 14th at Nissan Pavilion. I bought the cheapy lawn seats that were $10 bucks because well, I'm trying to save and not splurge. (So much harder than it sounds!)

Since I am so excited about seeing them, I have decided to share with you Seven Days of No Doubt. They release one short interview a day until the tix went on sale... here they all are! Enjoy!!













March 12, 2009

March 12th, 2009

I have a lot of great things in my room. Or at least I think so. When I have a particularly rough day, I usually retreat to my room for some peace. My room is actually very peaceful... I think it's because of my Buddha!

March 11, 2009

March 11th, 2009

Just the other day Mark was commenting to me about how we have a wedding reception to go to. It's in a couple weekends and I was pondering my outfit to wear.

I have this lovely halter top I could wear, that is spring like. It' black and has some really pretty looking flowers. I got it from Old Navy last Spring, and just love it!


Now I could pair with it a white skirt, or a pair of black pants... I haven't decided on that yet. But my newly purchased S.M.'s could totally work with the top. Do I dare unveil them at a wedding reception before Vegas in August? I just might!


When ever there is a party or someplace I am going to, I love to be stylish. I love the compliments and head turns I get... it gives me a wonderful ego boost. And believe it or not, I get more compliments on my shoes than anything else!

March 9, 2009

March 9th, 2009

Spring must be on it's way! As you can see from this pic, a baby robbin learning how to fly was pearched on a branch. I took this at the dog park Saturday. It's chirp was different from an older robbin's chirp. He seemed to be calling out for help almost, like "hey... I'm right here.. help!" The 70 degree weather we had this weekend was lovely. I can't wait till it's like that all the time. So pretty!

March 8, 2009

March 8th, 2009


I thought this was really funny.. Above is a picture of my calendar I had made of Peanut pictures and a framed picture of Peanut. I just noticed it the other day, and chuckled to myself.

Yesterday was so nice Peanut and I went to the park. He had a pretty good time. He is more of a "I will watch the other dogs and sniff them" than a " I will play with other dogs." I often find myself joking that we go to the dog park for the people. LOL

I've checked his neck several times after giving him a bath with the medicated shampoo, and it looks like the area that had the abrasion is healing up nicely. It's no longer red-ish colored and what not. I will continue to watch and check it everyday to make sure he doesn't get some sort of infection. But things are looking good, and I think he will be fine.

If I see him itching a lot at the area I will take him into the vet then, to make sure it not some sort of infection. I also have some allergy meds in his drawer, and when I run out of that I can give him benedryl, so that he isn't so itchy. It will be easier to check him and his skin over after next Friday, when Peanut gets a haircut... he's looking a little scruffy!

March 7, 2009

March 7th, 2009

For some reason when it rains, it pours. Thursday night while trying to brush Peanut's unruley coat, I noticed on his neck, under his collar, a bit of matted fur. I unhooked his collar and proceeded to brush the area gently. He was not amused. When I take off his collar, he gets upset, like I'm stealing his identity or something. But then I was also brushing him... the fuzzy little guy hates brushes, he has chewed a few up in retaliation.

As I brushed the junk out of the mat, I noticed some of his fur coming out with it. After I was done brushing I noticed his skin was peeling as well, as if he had some sort of scratch or skin abrasion that had healed. I picked him up and carried him to the kitchen, put him in the sink and gave him a bath with the medicated shampoo I had left over from when he had a skin infection as a puppy. The vet said it was good to use this every once in a while to kill microbes that may cause any kind of skin irritation.


My resolve, I'm not jumping into going to the vet just yet. I'm going to watch the spot and see if it gets any better, or if it gets worse. I'm hoping for the better of the two.... I know he has a mole in the spot where the abrasion is, so maybe it was bothering him and he itched at it too much. I also decided to wait because I just made a $120 car repair and with now, I am feeling really stressed. I have other things to save for as well, and when things hit like this it really weighs on me.

I'm sure everything will be fine....

Here's a little photo I like to call "Where's Peanut?"

March 6, 2009

March 6th, 2009


So after I decided to send back the shadow palette that was too glittery, I felt like I still needed a new color for my lids. So I went on a hunt, and found a lovely shade. It's this brown shadow that when light reflects off it looks like blue. And the brand that makes it is Too Faced... they call the shadow Label Whore. I really like it. And after a test to make sure there were no flecs of glitter, I have decided Label Whore will stay in my ever growing colorful collection.


Well I will be getting some work done on my car, as I will have the left wheel sensor rewired. I found out that the wiring was falling apart on Monday as my dash was lighting up, but only in slushy road conditions. I'm actually pretty glad it was caught early, and that I am not replacing a whole wheel sensor.

March 5, 2009

March 5th, 2009

Just a little pic of some icicles I took a couple days ago. They were hanging from the railing at my work. I think icicles are really pretty, too bad they are temporary.

Also one more note. Today is the last day to be able to Vote for Peanut and help raise money for pets to get spayed and neutered. If you haven't voted and donated visit the link under his picture!! Thanks to everyone who voted and donated, you did a great thing.

March 4, 2009

March 4th, 2009

I decided yesterday I was going to write a letter to Apple. Yes that's right, I took the time to type them a letter. It wasn't a nasty, hate infused letter, it was a "I'm pretty confused about the price of two items that are really similar, and think you might be trying to rip me off" letter. For months now I have wanted a new IPod, and I have been ritualistically staring at the IPod Touch. A friend of mine suggested the IPhone, but I really don't like AT&T, and will not switch cell phone providers.



Out of curiosity one day I checked out the price of the IPhone and it is $30 cheaper than the IPod Touch. These two items are so similar, I can't figure out why! The IPhone has the phone capabilities and a camera... the Touch has pretty much everything but those items.

Well let's see if they respond.... I want answers, and I want them to lower the price!

March 3, 2009

March 3rd, 2009

Recycling at it's best! After consuming all of the cranberry juice I decided to make some pink lemonade. But instead of dirtying a pitcher, I decided to re-use the plastic bottle. It's part of my attempt to be pro-active in trying to save our planet. I do recycle, and try to re-use as much as possible. But it sometimes is not an option as some areas that don't recycle.

Something that i learned recently is that aluminum cans can be recycled over and over, and never break down. Also when you recycle a can, after it goes through the process of recycling, that same can could end up back in your fridge 3 months later. Pretty cool!

Sorry the pic is kind of blurry, I guess I moved my hand too soon after hitting "capture."

March 2, 2009

March 2nd, 2009

Today I took the day off from work... we had 9 inches of snow! Peanut likes the snow... but the amount was a bit much for him.


I took a minute out of my Snow Day to have my car looked at. The lights on my dash were lighting up the same way as when I had my passenger side wheel sensor go bad, and I was fearing the worst. After looking over the car, the mechanics determined that the wiring to the other wheel sensor was starting to fall apart and that they had to order the part. It will be costing me a total of $120.00. I'm kind of bummed by this.... but at least I don't have to pay another $300.00 for a new wheel sensor.

March 1, 2009

March 1st, 2009

The first day of March usually means spring is just around the corner...this is not the case at the moment. This morning I woke up to an icy car, and now as I sit here and type, it's snowing. And we aren't getting an inch.... we are supposed to get between 6-10 inches of snow tonight.

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