December 30th, 2010

Have I told you how much I love my new Kindle?  No?  Well, it is a great item.  Especially if you love to read, as I do. 

I just finished reading a book called After Life.  It was quite good.  I hope you like Zombies, because it is a Zombie book.  The book follows Alex and his friend Morgan as they survive the Zombie Apocalypse. 

The ending is what made this book great, in my opinion.  It didn't end like other Zombie books where everyone dies and or is about to be eaten and the book ends.  It ends quite differently. 

If you get a chance and like Zombie books, check it out. 

December 29th, 2010

I watched some really great tv last night.  I watched the Kennedy Center Honors where they inducted Oprah Winfrey, Merle Haggard, Jerry Herman, Bill T Jones, and Paul McCartney. 
Growing up within 30 minutes or less from Washington DC, I have been to the Kennedy Center many times, and it really is a great place.  I’ve seen quite a few performances there. 
I really tuned in to see No Doubt, play tribute to Paul McCartney, but enjoyed the tribute to the other Honorees as well.  Especially the one for Jerry Herman, who wrote the play Hello Dolly and Mame.  I remember when my older brother and I went to the Kennedy Center to see the play Hello, Dolly with Carol Channing.  What a great performance that was, and we walked out singing the songs from the play when the night was over.  We sang them all the way home. 

Yes, I took a picture of the tv!  ha ha.  I love Carol Channing (in red), she is amazing.  And that is Angela Lansbury next to her. I rarely say this, but what a fun night on tv that was!

December 28th, 2010

Today Mark heads out for his winter trip.  He is heading to Hong Kong, Thailand (hang with some of his family), Vietnam, and Cambodia.  I'm going to miss him, but the day after he gets back we are going to Mexico.  He will be in Hong Kong for New Years (not to be confused with the Chinese New Year) and I cannot wait to see what video he sends back of the fireworks there.  He bought a helmet camera that shoots HD video and is completely waterproof!

Here is a pic of the two of us he took with it.

Pretty good picture quality huh?  It's got a bubble lense, and it gives pictures and video a fish eye effect, but still cool.

Here is a test video he shot with the camera.



That is his roommates boxer, Lottie.  Cute huh?

And last but not least, and I think this falls into the super cool category of things.  After I finished reading Of Love and Evil by Anne Rice, I visited her website.  There was an email there saying you could contact her that way.  So I typed up a short email saying the books Angel Time and Of Love and Evil are great and I can't wait to see what happens next.  Well.... I wasn't expecting a response, but I got one.  And it wasn't some automatically generated Thank You, that is very impersonally and has nothing to do with whatever the content of your email is.  Oh no!  In fact, it was quite a surprise to me that 15 minutes after I sent that email, Anne Rice responded back.  Here is what she said.

"Thanks, Marie.  I have a very large third novel in mind.  I'm working on something 

else right now, and then will do the third Angel novel.  Your feedback is wonderful. 

Glad you're enjoying the books.  Have a Merry Christmas.  Anne."

What a wonderful woman she is.  I know she is busy writing books, but she still took the time to write back.  That speaks volumes to me about how truly awesome she is.  

Well that is it for today, I have some job hunting to take care of.  Hopefully I get back into the workforce soon.  I like the extra time I have had here, but I also like to work.  If that makes any sense.

Have a great day everyone!

December 27th, 2010

I just finished reading Of Love and Evil by Anne Rice. It is the book that follows Angel Time, and Toby O'Dare the assassin as he tries to repent for all the killing he has done.

Just like Angel Time, I loved this book. The story line is amazing to me. Toby travels back in time and helps people to repent for what he has done. Add in to this book the addition of his high school crush and 10 year old son,and you get a great story.

I have so many questions, and hopefully in the next book some of them will get answered.

Oh, and here is a fun fact about this blog post. I wrote it usimg the web browser on my Kindle. Pretty cool!

December 23rd, 2010

I love the holiday season.  It can be so much fun to get caught up in doing fun things.  Like this week, I made a Gingerbread House.  Well, it came in a kit, so I did not have to do any baking. 

It was pretty fun, except when I realized I had put the roof pieces as the walls, and had to take it apart to reassemble.  I still laughed at that though. 

December 21st, 2010

I just added 3 new items to my Etsy shop, so swing on by and check them.  This includes another pair of the blue flower earrings.  The last pair went so quickly, it was amazing!




Also is a pair of earrings I like to call Rock n' Roll.  They are made with some jewelry chain, and I adore them.  And lastly, a matching set of earrings and a bracelet that would be great for New Year's Eve. 

Check them out!!!

December 20th, 2010

I just finished reading on my Kindle The Paradise War by Stephen R. Lawhead.  It's book one of a 3 book trilogy, and it was pretty good.  I really liked that it was kind of like a time travel book.  The main character ends up traveling back in time to a place long forgotten.  He has to learn to speak Celt, and learn their ways. 

Check it out and see if you like it.  I know I did, and I cannot wait to download books 2 and 3.

December 19th, 2010

Mmmmm...chocolate drizzled, toffee covered popcorn!

December 16th, 2010

Christmas came a little early for me.

Mark got me a kindle. I also got a skin for it and a knit case.

December 15th, 2010

A good way to stay motivated while unemployed....

Work out!

If I can motivate myself to werk it at the gym, I can do anything!

December 12th, 2010

After finally finding a pan to do the water bath for the cheese cake, it turned out a success… Woooo!!

December 11th, 2010

Mark and I made this cheese cake, and water got into the pan during the baking process. 

The top should not look like this!

So Mark and I re-purchased the ingredients to make the cheese cake again.

His oven died. It won't bake ....

So I take the new mixture home determined to bake it tonight.....

I don't have a roasting pan large enough to give this cake a water bath. 

I texted Mark and let him know my issue, and so in the AM I am taking the contents back to his house to try to bake.  

Normally this would be no big deal, but Sat is the annual O'Malley non-denominations Holiday Potluck and Gift exchange.  I want to make a dessert everyone will enjoy.... fingers crossed.

Here is the recipe for the cheese cake if you want to give it a whirl yourself.  Hopefully you will have better luck than me.

Honey Ricotta Cheesecake

8 oz purchased biscotti
6 tblsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
12 oz container fresh whole milk ricotta, drained
2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange blossom or clover honey
1 tblsp orange zest
4 large eggs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind the biscotti in a food processor. Add the melted butter & process until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom (not the sides) of the prepared pan. Bake until the crust is golden, about 15 minutes. Cool the crust completely on a cooling rack.

Blend the ricotta in a clean food processor until smooth. Add the cream cheese & sugar & blend well, stopping the machine occasionally & scraping down the sides of the work bowl. Blend in the honey & orange zest. Add the eggs & pulse just until blended.

Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the cheesecake is golden & the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour & 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold).

Transfer the cake to a rack & cool 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days. Cut the cake into wedges and serve.

December 10th, 2010

I just added 4 new pairs of earrings to my Etsy shop. I have a pair of blue flowers that I absolutely love.  I also have a pair that look like crazy hands and I think they are so whimsical and fun. 

Check them out!!

December 9th, 2010

Wooo.... book review time. 

I just finished yesterday the book Dark Possesion by Christine Feehan.  Great book.  It is vampire, meets shape shifter, romance.  Does that make sense?  Probably not.  I will say this, it was choc full of sex!  I don't mind if there is sex in a book, but this was a bit over the top with it.  I did like the story line though.  So despite the never ending sex that ran rampant  in this story, that story line kept me interested. 

I know I read another book by Christine Feehan, and that was Dark Celebration.  I can't find the review for it.... maybe I didn't write one.  In fact I think that book was the pre-quill to this book, so it's good to know I am right on track.  Ha ha

Here is the exert from the leaflet on the inside of the book. 

"Manolito De La Cruz knew he was dangerously close to turning into a vampire.  The last thing he expected after being called back to his Carpathian homeland by Prince Mikhail was to catch the scent of his destined lifemate in MaryAnn Delaney.  MaryAnn is human but she knows all to well the overwhelmingly aggressive instincts of the Carpathian males.  And they're not the sort of men she's prefer to be bound to for life.


A dedicated couselor for battered women, MaryAnn has a fulfilling life with no room for someone like Manolito, born and bred in the Carpathian Mountains, a law unto himself.  But when MaryAnn agrees to go to South America to offer guidance to a brutalized young woman, she's oblivious of the trap that awaits her in the sweltering thick of the jungle.  She has been lured there by Manolito himself, who has seductive plans for the unaware, irresistibly human female.


Once there, she will be his.  Once his, she will never be released.  He is her lover, her predator, her lifemate.  She is his dark possession..."

Over all it was a good read.  A little less sex, and a little more story and it would have been a great read.  I will probably pick up another Christine Feehan book in the future, should I see it floating around the mark down section in Borders Books. 

December 8th, 2010

Today is a sad day, and a happy day.  The Radio station that I have been working at for over 5 years is closing, they will be going off the air tomorrow.  They are transferring the signal (1190 am) to Leesburg's, WAGE.  It will still be owned by the same company, but I will not be able to travel there to work.  Which means I will be jobless.  After much thinking and consideration, I have decided it's time to change paths.  I have been trying to move forward in radio for a couple years and for whatever reason, I have not been able to get a new job in radio.  So I have decided that I want to be a dog groomer. 

I'm sad to see the radio station I worked at for so long closing, but I am happy to start a new path in life. 

You know what they say, when one door closes, another one opens.  Here's to new paths in life!

December 5th, 2010

Check out my latest pair of earrings I put up in my Etsy shop.  The shop name is Marie’s Trinkets. 

I remember trying to figure out what my shop name would be, and I thought about how some people refer to jewelry as trinkets.  I only make earrings, mostly because I love earrings.  I have a few more pairs to post, and then I will try to make a pair that will be a little more difficult.  Maybe from pieces of jewelry chains, all different lengths.  I will also look into get some different types of feathers to make more feather earrings out of.  I’m also going to get some different posts for variety. 

I usually use the camera on my cell phone to take pictures of the earrings.  It doesn’t have a flash, so there is no reflecting light hiding my creation. 

I decided to start making earrings after I made myself a pair of Peacock Feather earrings.  (There are still two pairs left, so check them out.)  I have a vase full of Peacock Feathers, and really wanted to do something with them.  Why not earrings?  That’s how this got started.  Well that and I was laid off from my Radio station job when the company decided to close it.  I really thought long and hard about what I wanted to do.  I’m making a few changes in my work life.  I will stay in radio part time, learn how to become a dog groomer, and make earrings as a hobby to sell on Etsy. 

Getting laid off from my job was upsetting, but at the same time relieving.  It gave me an opportunity to try something new.  You know what they say: when one door closes, another one opens. 

December 4th, 2010

I just got done reading this book this week, and I absolutely loved it!  The main character Josey, is living an uneventful life when out of no where her family secrets make themselves known.

My favorite part about this book was the chapter titles, they were the names of candy.  I also loved how Josey hid candy in her closet, but and how she would race to the door everyday when the mailman would come because she was in love with him.  Even now as someone who is approaching 30, I know how that feels.  In fact anyone who has ever liked anyone will know how that feels.  Very relate-able. 

The ending I was not expecting, but was really awesome!  I'm not going to spoil it for you, so you are just going to have to read it yourself.

December 2nd, 2010

I'm off to Kentucky for a few days for my Boyfriend's Dad's Retirement Celebration from the Army.  I'm excited and I'm nervous!  I tried so hard to find a really nice outfit to wear, and it didn't help that I really had no idea how dressy of an event this will be.  I still have no clue.  I'm hoping the outfit I have packed is good enough, and if I'm not happy I have a back up outfit too.

I always stress myself out when seeing Mark's family.  I take my appearance really seriously.  I want to look good, and feel good.  And I want him to feel good about how I look...... Does that make sense?  See, I'm all worked up ...probably over nothing.  I like making good impressions and even though I have met his family before, I don't want them to see me in a poor manner.

Fingers crossed, and see you in a few days!!

P.S. When I get back I have some new earrings to go up in my Etsy shop I am going to tell you about. A few of them are really cute!

December 1st, 2010

Today I proudly show my support to help rid the world of AIDS.  I don't know anyone who is affected by it, but I feel like I should support this.  I'm 29, and try to take great care of myself.  AIDS and HIV are fully preventable, and the medicine needed to treat those who have is super expensive.  Which is why I like Product (red ) items.  I like that my purchase, is a way of doing something good for someone I don't know.

You can learn more on Facebook, and by going to Join(Red).com.

November 30th, 2010

Well we have officially started to put up Christmas Decorations.  Since I am going to Kentucky Thursday and won’t be back until Saturday, I decided I should probably get a start on it. 

Growing up Christmas was always a big deal in our house.  Mom would set everything up.  She can’t do as much now because she has Multiple Sclerosis, and has limited mobility.  She shuffles around the house still, so we are glad that as of right now she can still kind of walk.  But she can’t go up the steps into the attic to get Christmas down.  She still enjoys Christmas, but we have considerably less decorations than before. 

November 29th, 2010

I really had to laugh the other night when I was up late watching tv.  Peanut, my miniature schnauzer who exudes more personality than someone on tv, was sleeping next to me.  I was sitting on my bed, watching Titanic.  He looks up, and then looks at me and sighs.  After that he moved over so that he could lay his head on my pillow.  It was as if he was like, “well if you aren’t going to use this pillow…. I will.”

 

Also really quick before you go.  Don’t forget to stop by my Etsy Shop and take a look at the earrings I have for sale.  If you enter the code Turkey20 at checkout you can take an additional 20% off.  Hurry, because that code won’t last long!

Have a wonderful day!!

November 25th, 2010

Hey everyone, now through December 1st, enter the code Turkey20 at checkout on my Etsy Shop and you can get 20% off your order.  There is always free shipping in the US, so be sure to pick up a pair of earrings for a friend, girlfriend, mom, sister, aunt, or cousin. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and eat lots of delish food. 

XOXO

November 23rd, 2010

 

I'm getting ready to patch another pair of jeans... this pair has two large holes.  One in each leg.  No worries, I have enough material to get the job done.  

Pic to come when the patching is complete. 

November 22nd, 2010

November 18th, 2010

One pair of jeans fixed......

One more pair to go.

November 17th, 2010

My best friend gave me some jeans a while back. They have huge holes in the thighs, which never bothered her because she is a runner.

It took me a while but I found some fabric I like and I'm going to patch these holes. I will let you know how it goes.

November 14th, 2010

Fall can be a super pretty time of the year. In fact I got a little inspired by the falling leaves. I added a few new pairs of earrings to my Etsy store. Check it out!

 Marie's Trinkets on Etsy 

November 10th, 2010

Amazing. I completely forgot that I had this awesome product.  It is the Too Faced Liquif-Eye, and it turns any eye shadow into an eye liner.  So this morning I was trying to use the liquid liner I already had, and was hating.  After a little digging I pulled this out of my make-up drawer, and used it with Laura Geller's Eye Rimz.

November 9th, 2010

I just got done reading a really great book.  It was pretty cool.  It was about this college student who is has to work on this super important paper.  During the summer she goes to her Grandmother's house to start cleaning it out so that her mom can sell it.  After that it starts getting really interesting.  The main character is on the hunt for a book that belonged to someone that was hung during the Salem Witch Trials, and discovers some amazing things about herself and her family along the way. 

This book is a definite must read and will be staying put on my bookshelf!  Also, a neat little tidbit about the author.  She is a decent of Elizabeth Howe, who was one of the accused during the Salem witch trials.  She was found guilty and hung in 1692. 

November 8th, 2010

Creepy elvis statue at Nacho Mama's in Canton, Baltimore, MD.

November 6th, 2010

It's the little things that make me smile.

November 3rd, 2010

For some reason I thought I would definately be able to finish reading the Zombie Survival Guide.  I thought it would be humorous and witty.  Well, it was the opposite.  It was dull and read more like a boring intruction manual. 

I guess this means I will not survive the Zombie Apocalypse.  Well.... maybe I will.  I did read half.

November 1st, 2010

Do you remember how last week I bought a pair of earrings, and then I said I bought a earring making kit to make a pair of Peacock feather earrings for myself.  Well... the kit made 5 pairs.   I made one for me, and gave a pair to my best friend.  The remaining 3 have been listed on Etsy, and are currently up for sale.  Check it out!!

My Etsy Listing-Pecock Feather Earrings

Hope you like them!!

October 29th, 2010

October 28th, 2010

I love this song right now.

October 27th, 2010

Last week I had for lunch the Healthy Choice Lobster Ravioli, and was severely disappointed by it.  The pasta was hard and chewy, and the filling tasted old.  I couldn't even finish eating it, it tasted so bad.  I sent an email telling the company about how disappointed I was and it took a week, but I got a reply.

"October 26, 2010

Dear Ms. Gibbs,

Thank you for your email concerning our Healthy Choice® All Natural Entrées Lobster & Cheese Ravioli, a product of ConAgra Foods.

We sincerely apologize for your experience.  We stand by the quality of our products, and want you to know that this matter has been taken seriously.

We will also be sending you a replacement coupon via regular mail that is valid for nine months.  Please allow 1-2 weeks for receipt.

Thanks again for your feedback.  We're listening!"

 I may try that one again, but not for a while.  I will say the next day I had the Pot stickers for lunch by healthy choice and those were phenomenal.

October 26th, 2010

I love earring with feathers, and I bought this pair at Target last night. But what I really want is a pair with Peacock feathers in them. So, I bought a earring making kit for $5. I have a vase full of peacock feathers. I am going to try to make my own.

And since the kit makes 5 pairs, I will have extras. I think I might sell the extra pairs, so keep your eyes open. I will let you know when they are ready.

October 22nd, 2010

I took this last night. I thought it was really pretty. The pink sky with a full moon.

October 21st, 2010

Taken with my phone using the Vignette Photo App.

October 20th, 2010

I have a little tip for you.  As the weather gets colder our skin becomes drier, this is especial true of our lips.  Chapped lips are gross, and they can hurt too.  So if you find yourself out of your favorite lip balm or whatever you use to keep your kisser kissable, give this a whirl. (Guys can use this too!)

Get a stick of 100% coco butter and apply liberally to your lips.  Your kisser will thank you for it!

October 19th, 2010

This is what happens when I run out of allergy meds. Thanks to my dairy allergy, I have small zits all over my face. Booo!

October 15th, 2010

This is one of the few things I like about fall. The pretty sunsets. The cold temps can take a hike!

October 10th, 2010

Today is 10/10/10. Wow.

Earlier this week mom passed out and bumped her head. She spent two days in the hospital, and finally came home yesterday.

We also started working on the kitchen.  The pic I  posted is of the new lights, and we took out the drop ceiling. We have also started painting. More pics to come later.

October 7th, 2010

Taken with the vignette photo app on my phone.

October 6th, 2010

I should change the dude who is a douche cannon's computer desktop to this. 

October 5th, 2010

Last week I ordered something really cute.  It wasn't just the pink bluetooth headset for while I am driving (Thanks Maryland for enforcing hands free cell phone use in cars.).  I got a new bookmark for when I am reading. This is really helpful because I often loose the little piece of paper I usually use. 
 

I got this crafty looking bookmark from TangerineKitty.com.   And look how well it holds my place for me. I may pick up a few more as Christmas gifts.

This is my second purchase from them and I love it!  My first was the zebra print purse.  I still have it, and love it.  I look forward to buying more stuff from Diane, and if you need a gift for a gal in your life (wife, mother, girlfriend, daughter, neice, aunt, or cousin) check out her site.  You might find something totally unique for them. 

October 1st, 2010

Gee thanks tropical storm whatever-your-name-was!

September 27th, 2010

Today I tried something new. I tried Dark Chocolate Almond Milk by Silk. It was ok. But I'm not sure I would by it again. Mom bought it for me, so I kind of have to drink it.

I think it may be the almond after taste that I don't quite like.  

September 26th, 2010

Mark and I went to a local dog show this weekend. It was pretty cool, but it was also rainy, so there wasn't a big turn out.

September 19th, 2010

Today was a really nice day, so I decided to take Peanut to the dog park. We haven't been in a while, but he seemed to have a good time. I think he gets along better with small dogs, than dogs that are bigger than him.

The picture was taken after we came home from the dog park.