My Storybook

No Posts

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

I don't know what pulled me to my website this morning. I mean it's been almost two months since I've posted anything in this online journal. In fact I rarely visit facebook anymore either. I've posted a few photos on that account and maybe a few Nature's Silhouette listings, but all in all my internet activity has vastly decreased. I think a lot of it has to do with the holidays that just past, and the future baby coming up.

For some reason for those of you that haven't caught the news yet, as of fall, my husband and I found out we were to be parents. We are all the emotions of newbies - excitied, scared, impatient, etc. I might use this particular online space to cronicle that new part in our life, or it may very well be that this space gradually fades into nothingness. We will see. Like I said, my interest in online posting has been lacking of late, and I'm not sure how I will feel about it when my future becomes filled with the time demands of a tiny life-form.

Till sooner or later...take care folks!

Current Mood: Hungry

Vintage Inspirations at Nature's Silhouette

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Talk about re-purposing! Handcrafted jewelry made with care from vintage and antique finds. Vintage Inspirations can now be found at Nature's Silhouette.

Visit at www.naturessilhouette.com or www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com for more information!

Only One Weekend Left

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

My posts for this journal have been very vacant to say the least. That's because of all that has been going on with the show I am stage managing. There is only one weekend left to catch The Taffetas, playing at DCT on the CCBC Dundalk campus. It's a very nostalgic show. If you've got grandparents and parents that grew up in the 50's era they would enjoy this one. The girls have worked very hard to capture the time.

Right before going into Tech week, my husband and I also found out that we are expecting our first child, which most of you have heard by now. We have a estimate of 5 ¹_^/2 weeks at this point but should find out more on Monday as to an exact due date. But so far everything is good from what they can tell of an ity bity speck. For those of you that didn't catch it and are curious, here is the first evidence of our tiny life form.

And yes family, we will keep you updated, so again please stop bombarding me with the emails.

Current Mood: Inundated

Eco Tee Winner Choosen

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A winner for the free Eco Tee has been choosen! Thanks to everyone who entered the drawing. Continue to check out our News Section at www.naturessilhouette.com for future contests and promotions!

Nature's Silhouette Additions

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Check out reduced prices on some of our paper products, just updated today. You will also find new necklace, bracelet and earring designs amoung our recently listed items for sale.

Visit www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com OR click on the images to take you there!

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE ECO TEE!

You could win an all cotton t-shirt that is decorated with nature heat transfers. Either visit us at www.naturessilhouette.com for details or see below.

Enter for your chance to win an Eco Tee by emailing us at sales@naturessilhouette.com with your contact information (name, shipping address and email). Entries without contact information will be disqualified.

An entry will be drawn at the end of October and the winner will be contacted. Good luck!

Check www.naturessilhouette.com often, in our News Section, for product updates, special promotions, and shop happenings! And don't forget that as always, all orders are delivered with a FREEBIE (except Pay It Forwards). So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping!

Pirate Weekend at Faire

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Took the mother to Renn Fest this Sunday for Pirate Weekend. ArrHH!

There were pirate babies...

....Elephants...

...lots of juggling...

...and Beer Knights!

Plus we got to catch this really cool band, Albannach, who apparently was there last year and I didn't even know it. They drew a huge crowd. Image the Rouges, only these Albannach are real Scottsmen and their music is a cross between battle cries and punk metal.

Current Mood: Sore

Quick and Dirty: Making the WAC Green Room Campaign happen!

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Quick and Dirty: Making the WAC Green Room Campaign happen!

Complete the "Set the Stage Campaign" to name the new Gibson Main stage Green Room for Timothy B. Maloney: educator, theater artist, father, and friend. $11,500 by October 1st!

Donations Go To:	WASHINGTON COLLEGE A 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Positions:

Honor Timothy B. Maloney's contribution to the Washington College community and beyond.
Show that working together, we can make a difference!
http://gibson.washcoll.edu/

Description:

To Our Dearest Washington College Drama and Friends of Drama Alumni:

For forty years Tim Maloney has been the heart of the Washington College Drama Department. In honor of all he's given to every drama major, the new Main Stage Green Room could bear his name. But we need YOU to make this happen.

We need to show WC that small dollar donations are just as landmark as larger ones when put together. If the 2008 Obama campaign taught us anything, it is that. In true “Freaky-Freaky Drama Majors” fashion, today we say “Fuck it, let's do this!” It's time to put our quick-and-dirty drama know-how to use. We need to spread the word wider, make the call louder, and do it NOW!

We are $11,500 short of the $100,000 needed to meet our $200,000 Decker Challenge grant. The new theatre opens with Convocation on October 2nd. This means we have a week before the opening of the new Gibson Performing Arts Center. So we need YOU.

Forward this to your WC friends and family. Forward this to your theatre, artistic, or sympathetic friends and family. Tell them we fought tooth and nail for this center and now we have it. Tell them we want to make sure that a piece of it bears the name of a man who helped shape our lives. Tell them about what TM gave to the college, the drama department, to you.

And in honor of TM, give. $5, $10, $20, $25. More is always welcome. Remember, your donations are tax-deductible. Forgo that cup of coffee for one morning. Take the money you’d use for one happy hour. Help us show the WC fundraisers that not only do the alumni care, but we’re committed. Seven days is not a lot of time. But if we band together, we can walk into the Development Office with a check that will ensure that TM's commitment to his students is known to generations of students to come.

As an added bonus, with every thousand dollars raised there will follow a series of entertaining events! Tamanya will take a pie in the face! (Hint: she prefers apple or cherry). Keeza will kiss a picture of George W. Bush! Our own Drama Mama Lindsay will take a shot for every five hundred dollars raised! And WAC Drama mystic mindy promises a free reading for any who give over $100 dollars!

But if these incredible acts aren't incentive enough, we're certain that we can get even MORE alumni to do crazy stunts if we succeed in getting this green room named for TM. So when you give, don't just give money! In true WAC Drama spirit, give a little of your dignity and get someone to sponsor some crazy antics! We'll get all of them on film and share it with everyone who contributes. (Sadly, your loss of dignity is not tax deductible).

We all know what a special place Washington College was and is to all of us. We all know that the place we called home on campus was the theatre. Many of you have already been generous. But we need ALL of us to make a difference. Click here now and honor a part of our collective history. We can do this by October 1st.

We’re committed. Commit with us. "Y'know what we mean?"

With best wishes,
The Set the Stage Committee

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

***

Join our Facebook cause at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/... and give via major credit card. All donations through this process are secure and still tax deductible! If you have any questions about this process, go to http://apps.facebook.com/causes/...

If you would prefer to give directly, please go http://gibson.washcoll.edu/makea... to make a donation or pledge.

For more information on the Timothy Maloney Green Room project, go to http://magazine.washcoll.edu/200... . For more information on the Gibson project, go to http://gibson.washcoll.edu/

New Updates At Nature's Silhouette

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

New updates at Nature's Silhouette. Updated looks for the Nature Totes and Upcycled Bookmarks!

Check them out at www.naturessilhouette.com or at www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com

Current Mood: Spacey

Sporadic Rain

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

So the rain only managed to dampen two of my events this weekend. It came out mid-grilling on Saturday, and then Monday at faire I was forced to run for shelter. Leather and exposed Nikon cameras don't do well in rain.

Speaking of Faire, here were a few of the shots from yesterday taken before I was forced to seek a covered roof.

Today I've got to make up for the frolicking. I've got orders to drop off at the post office, and we just ran out of milk...boo. And I have no idea what to make for LOF tonight.

Current Mood: Sociable

Labor Day Weekend

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A little to tired for Sunday already, but so far so good on the weekend. I cleaned the inside of the cars on Friday, did some yard work and some NS work (tote construction). Very productive day. Saturday, WCS came out to give us an estimate on the window bump out repairs, spent the morning at the market with Scott, and the rest of the day with Shaun.

We have not seen him in person in about a year which is pretty sad. We've all been too busy. But we are going to try and make up for that in the future. I'd say we made up a little bit for it on Saturday with the 8 hours of visit time, hiking, sushi, and talking over coffee. We really did miss him so it was good to do.

I had plans to see the production Jane is in this weekend, I think that might have to wait till next weekend. I think my time will run out today. There are a lot of shows friends are in that I need to catch. Problem is they all only run over the next few weeks. Looks like my nights will be spent in plenty of different theatres.

Now to muster up the energy to go and make pancakes. I'm allowed some lazy time before I have to clean the house!

Current Mood: Ravenous

Pretties!

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Tons of new jewelry and paper products added today! Get yours before they are gone. If taking advantage of the feedback offer from August 29th, the code must be applied before checking out in order to get the discount!

Visit at www.naturessilhouette.com or www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com

Faire 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The weather on Sunday was great for Faire. No rain, a little sun and even a little breeze at times. Next time I have to remember to bring my Nikon. I went solo Sunday and snapping shots would have been a good idea for that day. I could have focused a lot of time on it with out feeling guilty. It also might have helped to keep some of the advances away. I always forget the reason I hate going to faire alone is I don't like the attention.

I can deal with going somewhere by myself, the alone part isn't what gets me. But women who are on independent adventures are not desperately seeking attention. No matter what you think. I should be able to go to Faire, dress in my garb, and feel safe - not on the market. I can handle being complimented and asked for my picture, even though I don't feel comfortable about it. Beyond that though gets creepy. Can't I smile at passerbys to be friendly, not flirty?

"Yes I am here by myself", "no I don't want to work as your model", "I don't need the anonymous roses", and "yes there is a ring on my finger and it's not there for dress up".

I do have to give props to the various families through out the day who tried to act as my safety outs. Often a fellow faire goer would wander by and see my struggling attempt to lean away from my co-conversationalists. I think the most inventive one was one father who asked for a picture with his family so he could start a conversation. He kept talking until this particular "interested party" saw there was no way to get into the conversation and wandered to our left to watch a show we were standing in front of. Then the father ran a game plan by me as to how once the "interested party" was far enough away, the family was going to break left as a mass diversion while I was to slip to the right behind the pub house.

The next time you yell at your husband for watching too much football, know that one day those field tactics he learns may help save a girl from man-whores.

Current Mood: Amused

New Site!

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The new look for the website has been uploaded! http://naturessilhouette.com/

Go check it out and tells us what you think! Email us at sales@naturessilhouette.com with Feedback in the header. All constructive feedback (good or bad) on the website will earn you a coupon code to receive 10% off your entire order in our Etsy shop!

Current Mood: Cheerful

Mmmm Chai Tea

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I'm typing away enjoying a homemade vanilla chai tea latte. It's been a bit since I have indulged in one of those. It doesn't pair too well with the left over spinach patte from the wine tasting, but when one is hungry and out of cereal in the morning this will do. That and a few slices of Gruyère. I know, very odd when all put together, tasty none the less.

The last day of auditions are tonight. John, the director, could cast the show now if he had to but I heard there are some promising individuals on the roster for this evening. The one down side to staging musicals, well be sides also having to worry about choreography and orchestras, by the time the show starts you get sick of hearing the score. This show is all based around 50's music so luckily I don't get exposed to it that much already.

Scott and I need to find time to work on this website if we are going to make the August deadline. I wanted to get it done before rehearsals begin, because if I wait I know it will be months till I finish. Speaking of the husband, his birthday present should be arriving today. I'm stuck here till UPS shows up because I think I have to sign for it. I guess the Target run will have to wait till tomorrow!

Current Mood: Loved

Finally!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I was finally able to time it that I could make a Treasury list when the numbers got low!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=78117

This Week

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

We broke out the bikes and went to Monkton this weekend. Considering it has been a while my legs felt like jello after the 15 miles on the trail. Sunday we took a day off from running and spent it with one set of the grandparents for dinner. I don't think I could have gone running even if I wanted to.

Scott's birthday is coming up soon and I'm not sure what to do for it yet. Any ideas anyone? I was hoping to have it figured out before i got sucked into Stage Managing and Carpentry for Taffetas. Oh well, don't think i will make that goal.

Still working on the NS website with Scott, made some more progress Sunday. I added some more items to the Etsy site this morning. Check them out and get your Christmas shopping started!

Current Mood: Ravenous

Photos, Freebies and Redos

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

My amateur photography is now available for purchase on Etsy in 8x10, 5x7, and 4x6 prints. I hope you enjoy collecting these moments in Nature as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

Visit the blog site Indie Craft Corner for your chance to win a Nature's Silhouette Butterfly Tee!

GIVEAWAY Contest!
Butterfly Tee
by Nature’s Silhouette

Reworking the official www.naturessilhouette.com website. Look for a new launch in late August to early September, along with specials to promote it!

Current Mood: Tranquil

New Paper Items At NS!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

New items added to Nature's Silhouette!

Visit www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com for details.

Since Last We Spoke

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Too much has been going on. You know what that means....list post!

The Warm the Home party was a hit. Now to plan the first 508 Wine Tasting.
Hubby was gone all last week, but is home now!
The bedroom ceiling is now painted, and a few more curtains have even been hung, the storm door handle is replaced.
Our fixed dining table is supposed to be coming tomorrow whhee!!!
I've been working on the new Nature's Silhouette website with the help of Scott. It won't launch till August but it is coming.
Today some of my earrings are being showcased on the Etsy Jewelry section: http://www.etsy.com/category/jewelry/earrings Scroll through the top bar and see if you can find me!
All parents and grandparents have officially seen the new home.
I have spent the last 48 hours finding any spare time to pour through old hand me down magazines for recipes.
I need to pull my guitar back out. I think I'm going to play around on the junior acoustic today.
Trying to figure out the fall line up for production work.
Harford Glen has become a new favorite place for Scott and I to hike, but we need to get out to Monkton bike trail before we miss another season.

Back to organizing the gift paper and bags, I'm starting to get in gear for Christmas shopping hawk eyes. If I don't start little by little now I will regret it later.

Current Mood Excessive

General Update

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It's 10:30 a.m. and I've been up for several hours, but I don't feel awake yet. I've reposted some of my Nature's Silhouette items with some better photos that I took this morning using the newer camera. I fed the cats and ate something this morning myself. I'm dressed, fueled and fully functioning but still feeling sluggish. Maybe it's because I don't have to be up and at work in the morning like always? I better get used to it, because until summer is over and the theatre season picks up again, it's going to be like that for a little while.

I better brush the dust from my eyes before I go downstairs to make the Sangria for tomorrow. If not I'll end up cutting myself instead of the fruit!

Current Mood: Spacey

Harford Glen

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I should feel pretty lucky being this close to something that beautiful.

The three of us hiked for several miles and then came back to do burgers on the grill. Some after meal coffee and I was ready for a nap.

Current Mood: Lucky

Me No Understand Website

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Was working on the updates for the www.naturessilhouette.com site this morning. I can not tackle this Dreamweaver beast alone. I did what I could for buttons and flash pictures for the home page, but I need the Scottie for the layout. Templates are not going to give me what I need and I am not patient enough to teach this to myself.

In the meantime continue to wet your whistle at www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com

Current Mood: Peeved

Independance Day

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Independance Day celebrations with the family at the new house.

We asked our parents to stop by on July 4th if anyone was interested. Everyone was able to check out the freshly painted dining room while grabbing a buger and beer!

Current Mood: Loopy

Natures Silhouette

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Burnt Embers - Small Beaded Earrings

Beyond beautiful earrings made with light catching beads and ant-silver hook earrings. These earrings measure approximately 1.5 inches in length and are free from lead and nickel.

Twin Embers - Long Beaded Earrings

These earrings measure approximately 2.75 inches in length and are free from lead and nickel.

Twin Embers - Charm Bracelet

Bracelet measures approximately 7 inches in length and is free from lead and nickel. Closes with a lobster clasp.

Yard Work

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The yard is complete for now. Next it is on to the guest room, bedroom and dining room.

Current Mood: Daring

Crackberry

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I renewed my new every two and was going to get the maroon world phone Blackberry, but it was all sold out! So I went with the Blackberry Curve in pink, which was an equal choice for me. I now know why they call them crackberrys.

Current Mood: Lucky

New Summer Items at NS

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

More card styles and new jewelry designs at Nature's Silhouette

Beauty Review - Sephora Order and Marie Claire Freebies!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I won 3 items off the Marie Claire annual Best Beauty Products list back in May! I have not had the chance to try the MAYBELLINE COLOSSAL VOLUM'EXPRESS MASCARA as I am still using my Clinique brand at the moment. I did try the other 2 items from my surprise winning.

L'ORÉAL EVERPURE MOISTURE DEEP RESTORATIVE MASQUE, $8.99: A protein smoothie for your scalp, this intense mask hydrates dry and damaged hair without weighing down fine strands.

My opinion: It does hydrate hair, but for babyfine like mine it will weigh it down. It works great as a restorative treatment for thin hair, but I would not use it more then once a week, maybe even bi-weekly.

SALLY HANSEN QUICK CARE MASSAGING CUTICLE TREATMENT, $9.95: Packed with a blend of sweet almond oil and mango butter, this no-spills precision pen targets dry cuticles and stimulates nail growth.

My opinion: Easy to use and no spill, but the massage bumps actually make it hard to use the device. If you are looking to buy a cuticle quick fix, e.l.f. nurishing cuticle pen works just as well for only $1. In fact that might be even easier to use.

Sephora Order Reviews

DuWop Prime Venom

What it is:
A matte finish plumping lip balm infused with the Lip Venom formula that also works as a lip primer.

Got this deluxe sample size with my online order as a free promo code. Tingles a little when it goes on, guess that's the 'plumping lip balm' working it's magic. It keeps pigments on a little longer, but doesn't help stop those lip creases that can occur. Free of parabens though!

Sephora Brand Happy Birthday Beautiful! - Sephora Brand Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in Precious Pink, Rosy Glow & Bronzed Beauty.

What it is:
An ensemble of high-gloss lip shines.

Birthday Sample! I've used the Pink so far and it's a little tacky but smells like cotton candy!

Korres Wild Rose Concealer

What it is:
A concealer that provides to intense coverage for skin imperfections and dark circles, as well as treating hyperpigmentation and the first signs of aging.

Works very well. Little expensive for the small size, but coverage is good for people with intense dark circles like me. I've always had dark circles and I even eat and sleep well, so coverage is hard for me. It's natural and also has vitamins and antioxidents that will help lighten the skin and be age preventative, that's great!

I've got tons of other samples from Sephora and some other freebies from various locations I still need to go through. Be on the look out more reviews soon.

Current Mood: Vain

Nature's Silhouette June Additions

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Canvas Garden Tote

This durable canvas tote comes in fuchsia and is decorated with a greyscale heat transfer of an old fashioned watering can. Great for the garden!

Measures 13.5” x 13.5” x 3.5” with a 16 inch strap.

Monogrammed Bookmarks

These creative bookmarks made from recycled card-stock might just distract you from your reading. Embellished with scrapbook paper, a dye cut monogram, and topped with orange blend string. Only H, and T remain.

Listing is for one bookmark. Please specify in your order or in conversation if your purchase is for monogram H, or T.

Measures approx. 5.5” in length.

Handmade Upcycled Cards

Current Mood: Adorable

House Progress

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OH MY! This house has consumed me! Between cleaning, yard work, painting, patching and all the repairs, plus saving for future projects we have gotten back into the homeowner land full swing. Holy ba Mollie. Here are some pics of the progress thus far.

The furniture for the bedroom will be coming at the end of the month. I'll be finished mulching the yard this week and next week our trees will be trimmed. Then we will start saving for a dining room set! House party soon!

Current Mood: Fatigued

Taking a Break

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Taking a step back from the blog for a while as we get this house together. The move went fine but now there are still a few more things to get out of the way before a normal routine can settle back in. Another week or so maybe......

Homemade Chicken Stock

Tue, 19 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The weekend caught up with me a little, and as I am slightly under the weather, I decided to use the chicken from last night to make homemade chicken stock. Reciepe to share!

Homemade Chicken Stock

Leftover chicken (approx. 2 lbs. worth)
1 tbsp whole peppercorns
tbsp salt
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dill
1 tsp rosemary
^1/_⁴ cup cooking sherry
^1/_⁴ brandy
Whole red onion peeled and cut in half
Whole garlic head cut in half
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup celery cut in half

Take all ingredients and place in a slow cooker on low. Cover with one inch excess of warm water. Let it slow cook for 6 to 8 hours. Using a mesh strainer, strain all solids from liquid. Place the liquid in a sealed container and let the stock cool over night in the refrigerator. The next day skim the fat from the top, you can use the stock immediately or freeze for up to 3 months.

I plan to remove the bones from the chicken meat and serve the results over the stewed onions, carrots and celery. Throw in a loaf of fresh baked bread and we are in business!

Current Mood: Childish

WAC 2009 Reunion and a Wedding

Sun, 17 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I know, I know, it's been a bit since an entry. What with work, the move, the show and everything else forgive me. Full Monty closes this weekend, and we move in 2 weeks so down time will come soon. This weekend I got a small 'break' going back to C-town on Saturday for Melissa's wedding and the 5 year WAC college reunion. Pictures!

You can go to my facebook for more pictures of the wedding reception and the college campus.

Current Mood: Adorable

My Order Has Arrived

Fri, 01 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

My e.l.f. order arrived in record time yesterday. Under a week, it usually takes them 14 days or longer so this is something to be happy about. I think now that they have grown so has their staffing unit.

The TAKETHETEST coupon code paid off. I got full size samples of mascara duo, natural radiance blusher, hypershine gloss, eyeshadow duo and an eyeshadow brush. I also got my free Candy Shop Liptin, Shine Eraser, Cuticle Pen, Brow Treatment and Light Concealer all for under $14.50 (that's plus S&H too).

Here are my thoughts thus far.

Shine Eraser
Pros : Functional, Effective, Compact, Cheap, Easy To Use
Best Uses : Everyday, Travel

This works just as good as other paper blotters, if not better then some. And it's inexpensive, it doesn't get any better then that. I use these all the time for after work when powder is not handy and it gets rid of the shine and any accumulated oils.

Cuticle Pen
Pros : Easy To Use, Dries Quickly, Goes On Smoothly, Portable Best Uses : Daily

So far so good with this product. It is compact and portable, no added smell, and adds some extra moisture to cuticles!

Eyebrow Treat and Tame
Pros : Smooth, Easy To Apply, Lightweight Best Uses : Everyday

I'm not sure about this product yet. I haven't been using it long enough to know if the TREAT section is doing the trick or not. I've used brands like the Anastasia Brow Regrow before. Expensive products and those don't really work. I'm not an over plucker I just have sparse eyebrows to begin with, so finding a product can be hard.

The TAME section will take some getting used to. I'm fair skinned, my hair is natural dark blond and my eyebrows are actually black, but not thick. So matching a brow shade is next to impossible. I choose the medium thinking dark might be black as mascara. I think I might have been able to get get away with the dark though. The medium shade is a little rust tinted when it first goes on, blends a little more after it dries, but with thiner definition like my brows - too light can cause even sparser looking ridges!

Eyeshadow Crème Duo
Pros : Silky Texture, Highly Pigmented, Blends Easily, Great Color, Long Lasting, Applies Smoothly Cons : Creases Best Uses : Smokey Effect, Going Out, Everyday, Work

I say hit or miss because it has been either way for me with this product. Because the price is so low though it can sometimes be work the gamble. The first time I ever tried a duo from e.l.f. was for the purpose of a base. That's all I have ever used the cream shadows for before.

OLIVE was my first purchase, based on my beauty profile recommendation. The colors worked O.K. for me, but I wouldn't call it a perfect fit. It was a little hard to apply, not as creamy as expected, it did help define my powder shadows when applied underneath. I have to wonder if that first duo experience was an older tin, that might have dried out a little.

I just today got a BUTTER PECAN duo as a freebie with my order. I didn't get to pick my shade but this color happens to be great for blonds/light brunettes with fair to light skin tones! It was much creamier then my first experience and I could even stand to wear this shadow as a stand alone instead of as a base primer!

Current Mood: Vain

Apartment Living

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It's about 4 weeks until we get out of here and it can't happen soon enough! This week after dealing with a broken dryer (now fixed, sort of) and a non-working air conditioner (still doesn't work), we have officially had more things go wrong here then most people do in a life time.

We lived in a town home for 4 years and managed to only deal with a back yard drainage issue, a bamboo growing cranky old neighbor, a seasonal bug issue and a few other very minor things that aren't even worth mentioning.

Here, in less then 9 months, we've got crazy ass people, poor maintenance teams, blinds that snap if you touch them, a water heater, furnace and a.c. unit that all went up, the dryer issue, power glitches or outages, silverfish...it's not even a ghetto apartment, it's Harford County for craps sake!

Current Mood: Crabby

Random Ramblings

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Been tinkering with Adobe Encore lately. Used it to create a menu for the grandparent's anniversary DVD. Was sad that it doesn't do editing of video content though. I think I have to stick to the laptop for that anyway since my fire-wire cord is not compatible with the regular pc port.
Saturday was the adoptation at Petco. Lucky Cat raised a little bit of money and was able to get one cat adopted. I think everyone was outside enjoying BBQ's instead.
Went to the Harford Live! Home and Garden show. The Ripken Stadium for minor league baseball was kinda cool. I might have to see if my dad would ever want to check out a game there one weekend. The expo was meh, we did get some information on solar energy and a a few other eco-friendly budget savers.
I think there is vomit in front of our apartment complex. Not good when your slider is near the entrance. Yay weekends!....30 days until we settle....
I've become obsessed lately with staring at the QVC channel. WHY!? I'm not 60!!!
Our dryer and air conditioner are not working. That's not good. Did I mention we settle in 30 days?
Coffffeeeeee!!! I have been having way too much of you lately.

Current Mood: Spacey

Beauty Review

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

CLINIQUE Lash Doubling Mascara
A mini sample from my Clinique bonus time pack. Very good at lengthening lashes. I don't know if I agree with the doubling volume. Non-clumping formula, easy on and easy off applications.

Walmart Sends You Freebies...For Realz!
If you go to walmart.com and fill out the forms for free samples they actually send you decent mini size samples of new products. Coupons too! My Jergens Natural Glow Facial Moisturizer just showed up this week. So I will have to give it a try and see if it tints well.

Payback! At E.L.F.
I love it when you can place an order somewhere and end up making off with more products then you paid for. Yippie for coupon codes, sales, and playing the system. I looked up the TAKETHETEST coupon code on-line to get the introductory e.l.f. kit and lowered shipping added to my recent e.l.f. order. (Not sure on the sizes but it's mascara duo, natural radiance blusher, hyper-shine gloss, eyeshadow duo, eyeshadow brush all for free & $2 off shipping). I also scooped up a free lip-tin gloss using some emails! Ha!

Current Mood: Devious

60 Years Together

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This past week my Grandfather and GRandmother Lawson made it to their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Scott and I will be only too lucky if we live long enough to make it that far. It's very rare now aday you see marriages last that long, either because everyone waits untill later in life to find a soul mate or it ends in divorce. There were a lot of family members out to celebrate with them on Saturday. They deserved the party, not only for the milestone, but also to celebrate who they are as a couple.

Current Mood: Lucky

Beauty Review

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Of course it would take a comment about not having the items and time to post Beauty Reviews to result in more posts about Beauty. Bah!

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Conditioner

While this might not smell as juicy as the pomegranate scented shampoo, grapefruit and sugar beet are a surprisingly satisfying combination. The sweetness reminds me of summertime candies. It's not the best brand to defend against chemical dryness, however it does result in a stronger shine then other conditioners produce.

Bath and Body Works Volumizing Shampoo

I've never tried B&BW brand hair care before. I believe they are slowly discontinuing their hair care products actually, and I can see why. Just this morning I used the Black Raspberry Vanilla Volumizing Shampoo. Scent was ok, it gave a little bit of volume to this limp set of hair I sport, but it was at the sacrifice of the condition of the hair. The abundance of sodium and sulfate contents will boost limp hair only by drying it out. The texture and the look of the shampoo also reminds me too much of their bath products. It felt like using body wash on my hair and will most likely result in residue build up.

Current Mood: Vain

Yummers

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Does anyone know if it is hard to publish a cookbook or not? I feel like I should be writing one after I took a look at a few of my posted recipe tinkering. It's about only 1 % of the amount I come up with and place in my recipe box! I like to make my own from scratch or deconstruct others and rework them till I find what I feel is the perfect combination of flavors.

Asian Shrimp Appetizers

This recipe requires some refrigeration so make sure you allot time.

1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sushi vinegar
1.5 lbs raw deveined, with shells shrimp
1 tbsp ginger spice
1 tbsp garlic flakes
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp dried chives

In a small bowl add red pepper, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sugar and a dash of salt.
Bring a small saucepan of water to boil and add shrimp. Simmer for 3 minutes or until just pink. Over cooking shrimp will cause them to become tough and rubbery.
Drain shrimp and rinse in cold water. Remove shells and then add shrimp into a large bowl with chives.
Take the Asian mixture and add it to the saucepan, let simmer for 1 minute or until sugar is cooked down. Add mixture to shrimp and toss. Chill for 4 hours.

Thai Beef

Makes 4 servings. Chicken can be used as an alternative main ingredient.

2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Ginger spice
1 tbsp Garlic flakes
1 red pepper cored and sliced thin
1 lb. flank or strip steak sliced thin
^1/4 cup fat free milk
1 tbsp fish sauce
^1/2 tsp sugar
1 cup frozen thawed peas
2 cups steamed white sushi rice

In a large skillet or wok heat oil over high heat. Toss in ginger, garlic and peppers. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add beef and sear for 2 minutes.
Add milk, fish sauce, sugar and peas. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally for 3 minutes.
Spoon mixture over rice and dash with some red pepper flakes for heat.

Beauty Review

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Ok so I haven't done a beauty review in quite some time, (1) because I have not really had the time or money to spend on products for myself and (2) anything that has been remaining in my closet is either same ol' story or samples! Today I had to take a '1 hour for me break' and spend some of my personally earned money. What with taxes being due soon, a pending move on the horizon, and the search for extra jobs after the season is over has gotten me a little bugged out.

It wasn't a completely for me fest, in fact I got a lot of Birthday and Mother's Day gifts for people too. The pride factor comes in knowing that after I used all my bonus times, freebie cards, rewards points, gift cards, and any other card they can make up, I ended up paying very little today. I walked out of Victoria Secret with 6 things for a total bill of $5.30 (yeah you read that right), 60% of what ended up in my bag from Bath & Body Works was FREE, and it was Bonus Time at the Clinique counter! I even knocked $30 off the grocery bill today with coupons.

Enough of the chit chat, at least let me tell you about the one item I used thus far today. I busted out the free VS Parfums Intimes I received today using my samples card. I guess I was intrigued to find out what they felt underwear must smell like. Ok, so scents are inspired by intimates fabrics, but still I had the reaction that most likely everyone had, "Perfume for underwear, what?!". I didn't douse any duds in sensual fragrances, but I did spray the air so I could sample the scents. After inhaling 4 various concoctions into my nasal passages I was forced into a suburb sneezing fit. My feelings are as follows:

Cashmere (Vanilla Jasmine mist scent) - This was my favorite out of the bunch. I however am slightly more swayed by vanilla additives.
Silk (Mandarin Santal mist scent) - A keeper. This came in close 2^nd behind the Cashmere for me and was very original.
Satin (Rose de Mai mist scent) - A little too astringent. The rose tones are pleasing, but there is that subtle aftermath of alcohol.
Lace (Orange Flower mist scent) - Send it back. The rubbing alcohol comes out clear in this one. I don't like perfumes that are reminiscent of antiseptic masked with fruit.

Current Mood: Vain

Nature's Silhouette New Earrings

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Nature's Silhouette Shop Announcement

APRIL UPATE:

The Moving Sale is still on, so don't forget to look in the sale section for some great deals.

The April showers are in full swing this spring. To help keep the smiles up I've added some new earrings styles. At these low prices they are sure to brighten your day!

Pre Move Pictures of the New Digs

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I took some pictures of the future home during the inspection. So granted it won't have this furniture or look quite the same in certain rooms as far as paint goes, but this will give you a sneak peak at what's in store! I hope you are ready for some summer BBQs and those wine tastings again, after you help us move of course!

Current Mood: Lucky

Moving Sale at Nature's Silhouette

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Moving Sale at www.naturessilhouette.etsy.com
I don't want to have to move the whole shop with me come May!

Current Mood: Adorable

6:35pm Update

Check out a few of the new things I added too!

Officially Under Contract

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

As of this morning we are under contract! We picked a later find up in the Country Walk community of Harford County. Now to start the mortgage application, appraisals and inspection. Here is a picture of the house!

In other news, our good friends Andrew and Michelle welcomed Henry Fox Yanek into the world on 3/12/09. Congratulations to you both!

Not so happy news is I got a ticket on the same day. Ugh and in the city too, all because I couldn't stop soon enough going down a hill. That will be fun to deal with.

Current Mood: Ravenous

Home Sweet Home

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Now that the previous house buying adventure is almost over (just waiting on our money back) we are starting all over again. It's about damn time too because we are getting sick of living in this apartment with the trailer park trash above us. It will be nice to own a home again. Although I have not missed the yard work and extra space to clean.

We have given some examples to our realtor and she has also given us some to look at. Starting this weekend we should be out at open houses, first here in Harford County and then working our way outward. Community comes first, neighborhood, schools, all that good stuff. Then we are focusing on number of rooms, lot size, kitchen and bathroom layouts.

Here are some of the front runners so far.

Current Mood: Daring

WTF Mate?

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It seems that when you don't look at a site for a while all these new and strange creations will pop up. Like alchoholic tea...erm...not so sure about that one.

If you want to take a look though it's by Tea Forte. I used their regular teas as some wedding favors and everyone loves those. Not sure about this infusion idea. http://www.teaforte.com/store/cocktail-infusions/

Current Mood: Old

I's Back!

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I survived tech week, Opening Night and the DCT matinée which was like a running blue haired special. Yay! My reward, tons of snow! Wait...I hate snow! And I still had to drive to work in it! By the time I got to Everyman I learned the people that I needed to be there in order to do my work today weren't coming in. Doh.

Current Mood: Devious

Tech Week

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

We have officially entered Tech Week, better known as "hell week". We're also about to restart house hunting now that we are free of the previous contract. Plus my department is restructuring and I have no clue what that could mean for my future employment! Wish me well and here is to hoping that I come back alive.

Current Mood: Inundated

Bliss Wine and Coffee Bar

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Bliss. Go for the Wine and Coffee, do not stay for the food.

We went to Bliss Wine and Coffee Bar last night to try something more low key and near by for Valentine's Day. I heard about Bliss several months ago when it opened and I've always wanted to check it out, so we figured why not?

The inside of the place reminded me of a Starbucks© or other specialized café place. So far to be expected. There was a little area that had a small electric fire place. Which would most likely be fun to have a glass of wine or coffee by in the winter. It was a good thing this 5 by 10 ft "lounge" area was there too, because we and the several others couples with reservations for 5pm would have had to stand in the cold outside or wait in our cars.

Yes people, they booked tables for 5pm and didn't have the door unlocked, and were still setting up. Then the owner came over and started calling out who was first like a cattle call for seating. This was the first not good sign. Since they didn't space the reservations properly or seat individuals in a timed manner for the servers, all staff was automatically weeded right off the bat...while still setting up.

The real kicker is that set up consisted of lots of fire hazard candles on the floor between these crammed tables, and the ones on the table that could set the center pieces on fire.Right away I'm not happy and know this is going to be awkward. The menu was pre-fix, with some odd options for a Vday dinner.

Scott's appetizer, crab fondue, was luke warm and too heavy. My Brie puff pastry was ok, and the first wine pairing (Jardin Chardonnay 2005) was not what I received. Scott's was correct. The amuse-bouche were sorbet balls in champagne. Scott's lemon is a great idea, but my orange turned out to be mango. Mango sorbet has pulp people, it can't go in an alcoholic beverage or it breaks down and will look like vomit. And so it did. Scott's pork chops were over cooked and dry and the balsamic reduction was over reduced that it came out very dark and thick. My scallops were underdone and the risotto was mushy due to over heating.

By the dessert we skipped our third wine pairing and opted for coffee since we were pretty much done by then. Scott's cheesecake was ok, obviously from a box though. My truffles, were not truffles. They took flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, baking soda and powder; mix; heat; then hand roll in walnuts. That is not a truffle, that is cooked batter. So yes, food was sub-standard but the wine and coffee was good. I think they need to stick to that and take the fine dining tag line off the window.

Current Mood: Flirtatious

Sick

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I am sick. The end.

Nature's Silhouette

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Updates readded to the site!

Me No Wanna, Whaaa!

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I am starting to feel a little run down folks. It's to the point where small things are irritating me a little bit. Like the kids that came to the high school matinée yesterday sounded extra loud to me, rehearsal last night felt extra long, every email I've read lately feel like it tests my patience. Juggling all the activities, along with very cold weather and sore muscles makes me cranky.

We have no rehearsal tonight but I still have to drive in for a production meeting. I have to somehow find time to get groceries tomorrow between work and Bart's. Brandie and Laura have birthdays next week and I need to figure out what to do for them. Michelle and Andrew's shower is this weekend. I've also sorely neglected my Etsy store and will need to make some posts this
Sunday.

I want that device that Hermione had in the Potter books, you know the one that lets her travel time back to put more hours in a day.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Winter Wonderland...

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

... which has now turned into a giant land of ice rink slush fest. The day of snow, followed by the day of freezing rain has reeked a small rein of havoc on the state of Maryland. Granted here we tend to freak out over some of the smaller things, but the past few days have warranted some of the closings and delays around the counties.

We had two rehearsals canceled thus far on Tuesday and Wednesday respectfully, there is no reason not to have tonight though. I am sure we will be packing it in too. Freeing my car from it's encrusted ice castle yesterday just to trudge into work and respond to two emails and set up an on line survey was a little disappointing. I've brought the surveys with me today so I can enter them from home during my work hours. It's easy enough when I can also check my email remotely and do any other requests from here too.

I still need to go out this morning to take care of the Lucky Cats at the local Petco. I think Terrance and Wendy are still there from last week.

Current Mood: Parched

Trucking Along

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Things are still slowly moving along in my world. Rehearsals for Little Foxes have slowly been getting longer yet more progressive. The house situation is still in limbo. I've been putting in more hours at Everyman, which means much longer days when you tie everything in.

This weekend Darren has come over to learn a few things from Scott that might help him land a contract at STSI. Or not, the jury is still out on that one. If nothing else he is still picking up skills for his future. I think I am going to head in to town a little for today so I can have a break from the smell of burning computer fans that smell like ozone. Ah boys and toys.

Current Mood: Adorable

Good Ol' USA

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Sarah is happy to have a president that she can be proud of again.

Current Mood: Daring

Relationships

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It's funny, just a few days ago Scott and I were driving home and had a conversation about relationships with friends. We quickly realized we are falling into that time old pattern of as you change, sometimes even your long term friendships will change too. It's true, the older you get the harder it can be to maintain your connections with friends and even some family members. We become adults, get lost in the struggle to start a career or a immediate family, we move to homes away from friends. The relationships either survive the changes or they don't.

For Scott, he says his friendships evolve or devolve based on having similar experiences, viewpoints or wants. He feels that the more similar you and he are, the more he can connect with you. I do tend to lean down the path of similar tiers in life as well. Obviously the more you have in common the more you have to connect on or converse about. But for me, my strongest relationships are based on give and take. Anyone that knows me, knows that it takes a lot to get beyond my barrier of acquaintance and then be accepted as a friend. But once you cross over that line that person knows that I am there for them for anything and through everything. I consider it a two way street though, so whenever I feel as if a friend is doing a lot more of the take then the give, they start to slip past that line again.

The conversation got us to thinking that we miss some of those friends that are slowly slipping back over into that acquaintance category. So I think we are going to make more of an effort as a couple to get back in touch with some people we don't see as often. It's funny because I guess some of them were thinking the same thing, because over this week we suddenly got a lot of phone calls and emails from high school and college friends looking to get together. That was nice though, to think maybe it's not just us that felt that way. Because after all you can't keep up those relationships if the other half has no interest. I guess no one wants to be alone in their old age and go, "What if?" or "I wonder?".

Current Mood: Sociable

Brrrrr....

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Winter has officially begun to rear it's ugly head. It's been in the 20's all day, windy as all get out and it's supposed to snow tonight. Snow is nice to look at...from indoors and by a warm fire. Not fun to drive or walk in. It doesn't help that I'm dead tired from the week already and the freezing temperatures are going to make me even more lethargic.

Good thing I filled a large slow cooker with some homemade beef stew tonight. That will keep me nice and warm for the long day head tomorrow. Well off to rehearsal and if I'm lucky I'll be back in time to catch Top Chef!

Current Mood: Spacey

Stupid Server

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

I'm sure I've said it before but I'll say it again. I officially hate the server we use, DotNetNuke. Since we switched to a smaller package we have gone to the bottom of the "service with a smile" list. I will barely have time to make posts over the next 2 months what with Little Foxes and being at Everyman 5 days a week for a while. I still want to make my posts though! Yet whenever I do grab a quick minute the site is down. All because something is going on over at The Nuke and thus everyone who uses them suffers a dreaded "this site will not load page".

Grrr argh.

Plus I'm in a bad mood coming back from the Giant where every Ravens fan was stocking up on food. Then the self checkout lanes went berserk, followed by the scanners shutting down. Fun.

Current Mood: Crabby

Little Foxes

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Just got back from work. Grabbing a quick dinner and my things before I have to head out to rehearsal tonight. It's the first official one and we have not had production meetings yet so we will see how this goes. Wish me well!

Current Mood: Sociable

Happy 2009!

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year to all! I hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday. Our celebration was at a small gathering with a few of our close friends and some surprising old faces. The next day was spent sleeping in and catching up on stage management duties while in PJ's. We did a little bit of gaming last night and today I have packed all the decorations away.

I didn't have so much luck in the baking front this weekend. I attempted to make homemade caramels from a new recipe. The first attempt the liquid did not heat up enough to caramelize. My second attempt, from this morning, is setting up now. This might be the opposite effect, it worked but appears to be too hard. Toffee anyone? I also tried to make sugar cookies using a mix instead of fresh. You would think the mix route would be fail proof. Not the case when you are using an overly sugary mix. My cookies turned out more like crumbles.

Current Mood: ravenous

Holidays Are Half Way Over

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

We made the second round of holiday visits today. A nice early supper with Scott's father and step-mom. Tomorrow it is back to the grind at work, so to speak. Three days till the new year, thus marking the half-way point trough the holidays.

I'm milking the last of the long weekend by taking a warm shower with this yummy Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo. Smells good, don't know how volume intense my hair can get though. It's the kind that really can't be helped. I lotioned up with some Yes to Carrots C is Smooth that I found in Target and slapped on my winter bootie slippers and robe I got for Christmas. Now it's time to make some tea and watch an old time movie.

Current Mood: Adorable

Weekly Update

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I told you these posts would end up with larger spaces in between them!

I hope everyone has had a good holiday week so far, no matter what you celebrate or how you spend it! It hasn't felt quite like the holidays this year and I'm hearing that sentiment from everyone. A lot of it has to do with the economy and people's moods. For us it also feels odd celebrating in an apartment. Plus we have only made it to one of the parties and only half of the family required stops so far.

The hubby and I decided not to exchange gifts this year what with all the ever-changing circumstances so far. We did write letters to each other about how we give to one an other all year emotionally and figuratively. They have been framed and will now be keepsakes for years to come.

I gave fellow staffers home-made mix on Monday, and family got a lot of food stuff and crafts this year. The odd thing though is that this is how it used to be. Before the hoopla and the hype, holidays were about food, family and friends. Not quantity and how expensive can the gifts I get you be, or will you receive everything you asked for that year. I found it rather refreshing having to worry less about all the marketed side of the season.

I've been enjoying my long weekend off. I've watched a few old movies, done some crafting (thanks to my new stamp kit), caught up on emails, and did some cleaning. I think I'm going to work on some scrap-booking of the holiday pictures today. I do need to brave any traffic that might be out to pick up some daily items we are low on. Get out of my way return and sale shoppers, I'm only hunting for toothpaste and cat food!

Current Mood: Loved

More List-ages

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I guess the trend of using lists will be a re-occurring theme here for a while. What with holidays, the theatre, potential work, living decisions and a thrust back into social life, the blog is hitting the back burner.

Let's do a quick recap of the week:

Monday - Spent a long day at work on posters, programs and printing out hundreds of invites. Interviewed that evening with DCT to stage manage a show.

Tuesday - Caught up on personal and family errands. Did a lot of receipt scanning and taxes prep.

Wednesday - More hours working on programs. Scott and I, and well the market too, have forced us to take a new direction with the house process.

Thursday - Volunteering, Cleaning, and I attempted my first pull apart loaf. I also threw away my first pull apart loaf since the yeast didn't activate correctly. Met with our broker and talked to our lawyer about the house process. Spent all day back and forth on phone calls and emails with people to learn that our gaming was most likely to be canceled.

Friday - Super long day at work, followed by the staff holiday party.

Saturday - Finished all the food stuffs that will be pieces of various holiday gifts for many folks. I still don't think I did the canning quite the way you are supposed to.

Tomorrow is the Single Carrot party and Molly and Boothe's housewarming. I'm not sure if Scott is coming home tonight or tomorrow, so we will see if he participates in either gathering. Oh and happy winter! I guess that means it is time to change the skin again.

Current Mood: Excessive

And Monday Comes

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Long busy weekend, but good!

Friday Scott and I ventured out to swing dance. Unfortunately no one else was there from the group!
I ate way too much food at the diner.
Christmas orders for my shop are steadily coming in.
Saturday was spent seeing Laura in Snow White. Michelle and Mina came, since it was children's theatre after all, and Andrew paled around with Scott.
Sunday morning I woke up to a Christmas tree in our apartment. Scott went out in the wee hours of the morning and dug it from the storage locker, so we spent the morning decorating.
Spent all day lounging around in my PJs.
We watched way too much T.V. Scott is now hooked on the new show Leverage. I stumbled across the most disturbing medical special ever, I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. It reaffirmed that some people should never have the right to conceive.
Sampled a new bottle of wine, Crumbling Rock, from an up and coming Maryland vineyard named Black Ankle.

Now I am ready for a good nights sleep. The weeks ahead are full with not enough hours in them!

Current Mood: Flabby

Swing Swing Swing

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

It's been a little while, but tonight we are finally going out dancing again. In high school we used to go all the time with a group of friends to Friday Night Swing. Heck a whole bunch of us learned how to swing dance for a show and then we all took up ballroom after. I used to dance ballet and tap as a child and it helped fill this missing void.

The Friday Swing tapered off a little in college as did my other dance opportunities, and now a days it's almost a memory for us. Every time we plan to go one of us either gets sick or is too tired. Or we might not have the time, cash or want that night. I was almost too tired from this long week to make it, but darn it I'm pushing through if I have to.

I just have to keep telling myself that after dancing comes the rewards of some Towson Diner times with friends and maybe some hot coco!

Current Mood: Sociable

Please No More

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday between scrambling to finish typing out the Cherry Orchard and then all the ASR alpha testing, I don't want to look at a computer screen for a while, much less a keyboard. Today I'm actually looking forward to cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping. It'll keep me away from computers!

Current Mood: Old

Our Plight With Comcast

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Off and on, connected and not connected, signal no signal, this is what our past week has been like. Our internet is either out in the entire area at times, or something is wrong with our modem or it's the Comcast cable line.

Well we ruled out outages with several phone calls and experiences to collect data all week. We ruled out modem failure by purchasing a new one and then experiencing the same issues. So after spending more hours on the phone with Comcast and returning the 2nd modem we can now deduce it is a line problem.

Scott has deadlines and no one from ASR can reach the server when it is offline. I've got a business that runs solely offline. We also happen to live in an age where people can not function with out email. Oh and our Skype phones are internet dependent to function.

Saturday is the earliest some tech can come to look at the issue. Let's hope that they fix whatever the problem is. Because this people, is getting old. Comcast, I would just like to say, you are poo.

Current Mood: Peeved

Nature's Silhouette Additions for December

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

More updates at Nature's Silhouette!

Monogrammed Bookmarks

These creative bookmarks made from recycled cardstock might just distract you from your reading. Each is embellished with scrapbook paper and a monogrammed letter. All bookmarks are topped with colorful ribbon tassels. Listing is for one bookmark.

Measures approx. 5.5” in length.

Link!

Leafy Charm Bracelet

This fashionable linked bracelet is decorated with glass green leaf charms. Several Blue Moon Natural Elegance charms have also been added.

Link!

Bamboo Necklace-Butterfly Wings

Looking for a more natural and rustic piece of jewelry? Then these beautiful butterfly necklaces may be just the thing for you!

Link! Link!

Current Mood: Ravenous

Greetings From The Land Beyond

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I hope everyone's long weekend was grand. We have one more stop today on the celebration train and then the holiday is officially over for us. Turkey Day was filled with various food items to make me plump and then Friday was spent burning it off finding work clothes for Scott. Really there weren't all that many people out Friday. I think it depends where you went and at want time, but generally the economic state doesn't help much.

Well if you are looking for some inexpensive gifts for people this holiday sent them to Nature's Silhouette because I marked a lot of items down knowing that it is hard for people this year!

Some people have already started!

I apologize if the slowness of the blog is upsetting you, imagine how I feel. We've been experiencing nothing but time outs and alot of offline issues from the company that hosts our web pages. I'm not sure if we are going to be able to do anything about it, so just hold your pants on.

Current Mood: Ravenous

Happy Turkey Day

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

To any of you that celebrate this shindig, Happy Thanksgiving! Try not to get crushed tomorrow during all the Black Friday shopping. We're going to be hunting down some business clothes for Scott. Wish us a trample free day!

Current Mood: Lucky

Found Them

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Found the icon folder that was hiding!

Current Mood: Cheerful

Falafel Dip

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Insert
Icon
Here

Still can't find my icon folder...grrr argh.

So I tried this recipe for Falafel and I could not for the life of me get the mixture to stay formed into balls during frying. So I added it to a humus dip in the refrigerator, and viola! a tasty little confection is born.

Falafel Humus Dip
1 can chickpeas
1 medium onion
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp cumin powder
_^1/2 teaspoon baking powder
vegetable oil

Add chickpeas to a processor and process for 30 seconds till ground. Add onion, garlic, parsley, cayenne, cumin and baking powder to processor and mix till a rough paste is formed. Cover and let set for 30 minutes.
Fill a small saucepan, heavy bottom, with _^1/3 full of veggie oil. Bring to 350 degrees and place mixture in oil. Fry for 4 minutes, until mixture begins to brown on outsides.
Open a can of store bought humus and add it to a clean large bowl. Remove the falafel mixture from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Once drained, mix the falafel mixture into the bowl with the humus. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with crackers or pita bread!

Current Mood: Ravenous

Brush The Dust Off

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Haven't been writing much in here lately, sorry. If it was a physical journal it probably would have collected some dust by now. The new version of the blog module is making me a bit pissy. Still no tags, my icons folder has disappeared (hence no icon in this post), took forever yesterday to get the auto generated summary to work, and make the RSS feeds and Trackbacks go away.

Besides, I haven't had a lot of time for entries. Still interviewing, still working on the house situation, and still dealing with apartment adjustments. Hopefully the holidays will me mean some slowing down, not more added drama.

Current Mood: Flabby

Website Cha-Changes

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Bear with me as I am figuring out the new website module updates!

Beauty Review

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Pear and White Tea soap by Adoration Soaps

I snagged this soap bar on sale at Adoration Soaps. Who doesn't love a sale! It is hard to discern the pear or tea notes from this bar, but it will last for several rounds in the shower or tub.

For more of their products check them out at adorationsoap.etsy.com

Check This Out!

I am slowly becoming obsessed with this site I just now realized existed called Outblush. The website team spends five days a week locating some of the more unique and trendy items to add to your shopping lists.
"Outblush is the new shopping web log for women. Like having your own team of personal shoppers, we dig up the best products for you five days a week. Whether you're looking for that perfect side table or a new summer skirt, we've got you covered."

Check them out at www.outblush.com

Finally, don't forget to head on over to the SoapBox Company's website and enter their giveaway for week two!

Current Mood: Vain

Achy & Icky

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

That is right folks... I'm sick. Seasons change and we all pass around communal diseases to each other. I've been pumping myself full of Vitamin C tablets, green tea, soup, and catching some sleep when I can. I think the draft from the vent directly over our bed is not helping my throat. That is really where my plight lies.

Opening Night is tomorrow at Everyman so I am trying to get myself better for it. We will see what happens tomorrow. It's 4:00 pm now and I've finished everything that needed to be done for today on my "honey do" list. Grabbing some couch time for the rest of the night might be a good idea.

I am off in search of liquids, snuggle cats and a blanket.

Current Mood: Miserable

Presidential Election 2008

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

GO VOTE!

For some reason if you are still on the fence about voting, or you don't think you have time, or "wah" my vote doesn't count, I say to you get out there now while you still have 4 hours left. This is a historical election regardless the outcome.

There are astronauts out at the space station that are still voting for pete sake, so no complaining about lines. Your correct, your vote won't count, if you don't vote! So exercise your rights. If that's still not enough for you then vote and take advantage of the freebies today. Ben and Jerry's is offering free scoops, Starbuck's a cup of coffee, Krispy Kreme a doughnut, the list goes on.

So get out there. Or you'll be sorry you didn't!

Free!

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Soap Box Company is giving away weekly prizes from now to December. Enter to win their weekly giveaway!

This week: Win a Double-Bun Soap Subscription from Bunny Butt Apothecary! It's a total of 12 soaps delivered to your door for 6 months! That's right, two soaps per month for six months. You'll be in Bunny Butt heaven with this generous prize!

This website is in no way affiliated with Soap Box Company. Therefore all inquires should be directed to http://www.thesoapboxco.com/

Ducks and Wine

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Duck feeding days and wine tasting nights. What more could you ask for on such a mild weathered fall weekend?

Except for catching moments like this. That was priceless.

Current Mood:

All Hallows Eve

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Happy Halloween!

Current Mood: Childish

Website

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's Back!

Thump, Thump, Thump

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Oh the joys of apartment living. And to think, I almost completely escaped this part of the "life experience". The children that live above us are either jumping off their beds, training for professional wrestling, or bowling. ALL THE TIME. All I hear at random hours of the day are pounding noises and sometimes there is shaking involved too.

Apparently we aren't the only neighbors to notice the thudding. The person that lives directly above them can hear it too. Above them?! I mean come on. If you can manage to be that annoying and heavy footed that the person above you can hear it and their wall shakes as well, I'm sorry you should just be shot.

The mother, the only parent, doesn't fit the bill as the best role model either. She has shady friends coming over all the time. She also chain smokes out on her balcony. The flicking of the still lit cigarettes off the side is also not cool. I'm ready to go say something to the office. That's what the woman next door told me I should do. She is an elderly widow who has been here 31 years and she mentioned that they won't let crap like that continue.

I just don't want them to take vengeance out on me. But I guess telling the office is anonymous, so it is safer then saying something to her face. Why is it that all the crazy ladies seem to live where we move near? Sure can't wait for that new house to hurry up and get built! Oh yeah, that's right...

Current Mood: Crabby

Tagalongs With Me

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the trend of declining cookies among the Girl Scout cookie box? Every year the boxes seem to increase in expense and decrease in product. Don't get me wrong, I'm still an avid fan, especially of the Tagalongs. My husband Scott adores the Dosi-dos.

Like so many others I was once a Girl Scout too. So I can understand and appreciate all the peddle pushing the little ones do. Although it appears that most don't do the door to door circuit anymore. Either you are accosted outside a grocery store, or you've got to know a parent with a kid in scouts to place an order. The fact of the matter is, no matter how delicious your product might be, screw with the buyers long enough, and you won't have any left.

And during all my time in scouts we never saw the profits from the sales. I think there was a small percent that came back to the troupe, but where did all the rest go? According to the official Girl Scout site, "With every purchase, approximately 70% of the proceeds stays in the local Girl Scout council to provide a portion of the resources needed to support Girl Scouting in that area, including a portion that goes directly to the group selling the cookies. The balance goes directly to the baker to pay for the cookies." Wait a minute...what council!? I never saw a council!

Current Mood: Flabby

Political Poop

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One of my college friends (ortugatay) wrote this latest article on the political low balling of late. I love the link to the foe slandering ads.

On a side note, tons of interviews lined up for the new job hunt. Wish me luck!

Oh, and maintenance has yet to fix the heat in the apartment. Thus we have none.

Current Mood: Ravenous

Second Wave

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A second wave of shop updates has been added:

Link!

Now get to getting!

RePosts!

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Re-posted some old favs and added some sales. Later this week I'll be working on posting some newer things!

Link!

Find these and much more at Nature's Silhouette on Etsy.com!

Visual metaphors

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After coming back from a long house meeting with our loan broker I felt pretty wiped out for today. Things are starting to get a little sticky all around. Scott and I felt like we needed a moment of easy abandonment, so we thought to go feed the ducks at a pond next to the apartments.

We happened upon a very sad scene. One of the white chinese geese did not look like he was doing too well. He was having issues keeping his balance and properly moving his legs. A woman there was calling the wildlife rescue for the county. I hand feed the poor thing while she tried to get someone to come out and procure the fella.

Visually this guy looked how I felt. Stuck. Not able to get out of your current situation no matter what your brain is telling you. Funny how closely I was relating to this sad spectacle.

Current Mood: Anxious

Updates!

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Be on the look out for update tomorrow!

Crap

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap. Things are not looking up.

Current Mood: Peeved

Auction for a Cause

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Recap

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What I learned today:

My hourly rate should include graphic artist fees. Especially when you are creating ads for people not with your company.
I hate glue in spray cans. Clogging!
Parking at meters is turning into a hunting game. I think people park less in the garage now because of price. I mean it, that's why I always used the street. Me thinks the suits across the street caught onto what us poor artisans already knew.
I need to find, in stores, a rack for home canning, stat. I can not have jars busting in my pots and I refuse to buy a canning pot for this small shot at homemade Christmas gifts.
The cats are getting much braver and apartment sneaky. Oberon now knows there is a lobby outside the front door.
Fringe can be watched online sans commercials. Too bad it's Fox.
Leanne Marshall, a fellow Etsian, won Project Runway. I figured about 2 weeks ago that it was going to be her, but I almost switched my guess tonight. Too bad they all seem to drop off the radar after winning though.
Our presidential candidates blink way too much during debates. McCain blinks non stop, and Obama blinks only when McCain is talking. And they keep doing split screen on Obama while his head is turned. This side view is making him look kinda like a monkey. Stop doing that to him!
It is too hot for October.
Anne Rice is not as strong as a writer as I had hoped. I am now on Queen of the Damned and I feel as lost as some of the fledglings.

Current Mood: Sleepies

Betsy Was Found!

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I woke up this morning to a happy email dictating that Betsy has been found!

"Lisa went to PetSmart to Banfield veterinarian to post a flyer. While the woman in front of her made an appointment for her new found kitten and left, Lisa explained to a PetSmart employee that Betsy was stolen from Petco yesterday and the woman sitting in the chair over heard Lisa's conversation and said that the woman in front of Lisa that just left the store said her son found a kitten last night and it fit the description.

Lisa bolted to the parking lot and found the woman who brought the kitty back to Petco. Betsy appears to be healthy and in good condition. What are the chances of Lisa being at PetSmart at the exact time the woman was there too???

Thankfully, the lady's son that "found" Betsy came in to Petco tonight to meet his mother who wanted to adopt her and several Petco employees recognized him because he was there yesterday with a few of his friends. (Apparently the kid concocted some story that he saw someone throw the cat out of a truck in a carrier. But Lucky Cat seems to think the kid was the one that stole the cat. He lied about ever being in the store and was recognized by Petco employees as being there the night Betsy disappeared.) Needless to say Betsy will not be going home with this family."

Yay to the kitten being stumbled upon and boo to that dumb kid for going about wanting a cat in the wrong fashion. Betsy is ok and that is all that matters. Now they need to think about better cages and maybe a better store to partner with.

Current Mood: Adorable

Why People Are Evil

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last night someone stole one of the Lucky Cats from the Bel Air location. The cage door was bent and someone took her and none of the stupid Petco employees noticed anything nor does the store have a camera. Betsy, a little brown tabby, along with her brothers was nursed by a foster volunteer. Here is their story:

Hi there! We are wonderful kittens who were found with our mom in a barn. We were very sick, so was mom. We almost died, our foster mom fought hard with Lucky Cat to save us and we are very grateful. We are now making up for the time we lost being sick. We love to play and cuddle and run and investigate everything. Mom Tina says she is going to help us find forever homes and that means we never have to go outside again and that is just fine with us. Outside is terrible, inside is the way to go for us kittens you know. We do need a few things, YOU for one and feather toys we like them and maybe a few balls to chase or you could just roll up some tissue paper. We're in foster care together but we don't have to be adopted together. Another kitty to play with while you're away would be nice. Did I mention we love to play? We are taking applications now just can click on adopt this Lucky Cat and complete the application then we'll call you right away. Thank You.

Apparently this is the second time a kitten has been stolen from the Bel Air location. In my opinion they shouldn't have a relationship with that store. The employees there are all young kids that don't give a crap about what is going on, nor do they pay attention to customers. I have seen people stand in line up at the register right by the door for several minutes and have to then find an employee to check out. So it doesn't surprise me that someone could break into a cage, steal one of our kittens, and walk right out with them.

Lucky Cat is placing flyers up around the area to see if they can find Betsy, but I have a bad feeling there is no way they are going to locate her with nothing to go on. I just hope that whoever wanted her, wanted to take care of a cat very badly and was afraid they couldn't afford adoption fees. Chances are though, if you'd rather steal a pet then talk to the adoption center about your options, you are not going to be the best owner.

At this time all the cats have been removed from Bel Air Petco. It seems Lucky Cat will still try to work with these people, maybe just keep adults there, since they don't want to lose one of their visible locations. I however think a new partner is in order. Like a pet store that has a separate glass room with the cages in it, like you see in PetSmarts or at SPCA shelters.

Current Mood: Miserable

Apartment Complete

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

All things considered, this is what our life will look like for the next 4 months, give or take.

We agree that almost no one will use the front door since the slider faces the street.

No more double sinks and bathtub time for now!

Moving Day

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The official "moving day" is tomorrow. We've been moving in to the apartment all this week and we will be moving out of the townhouse all next week. So Saturday is not the only move day, but it is the "Get as many people as you can to help move all the big ass furniture" day. I think we've got this locked down thanks to all the people that are supposed to be showing up to help! Here is to not breaking anything!

Current Mood: Fatigued

Busy

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy Busy ......

Saturday was a whirlwind of packing and house crap.

Monday I had a small bit of girl time. Jess had Zelda night at her apartment! (The drink, not a video game character).

Tuesday was lots of address changes on accounts and such. Plus some confusion with the post office.

Yesterday was a big mess picking up apartment keys since we didn't know we needed a certified check or money order for the first payment. After dashing to the bank, signing papers and cleaning the place I was tired and hungry. I am going to hate living in an apartment, even if it is temporary.

Today is kitty care, more house crap, a Shrimp Fest and Ptolus night. I'm not going to want to go to work on Friday...

Current Mood: Inundated

I Have To Do What?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Walked into work on Friday to find out that our theatre needed to be at a booth set up for MICA's community involvement fair. I had 30 minutes to check the email and voice mail, throw marketing material into a box, grab mailing lists, and make a poster. Good thing it's not the first time we've had a "You have 12 seconds to make this work" moment, so I had a few things on file.

The fair was long and slightly under whelming. By the time I got back I was hungry and had to pee very badly. Plus it was my normal time to scoot and I had to then do all the regular work for the day. The program was in a confusing jumble so I had to smooth out a path for how I was going to work on it Monday. Good thing this one is getting a head start well before the due date.

My day was long, and I was more grumpy by the time I got home. But I sold the Teacup feeder and light on Etsy so that cheered me up. Of course I'm not allowed to stay happy for long. The sub pump we just had replaced came on last night as it rained and then would not stop running. We wiggled the floater and it doesn't seem to be stuck. So I wonder if the trigger switch is bad or something. It looks like we will need to call Ernie back out here to look at his work. I think the fact he didn't clean the pit out might have something to do with it too. Anybody have other ideas I'd love to hear them!

BTW: On the house front, let's just say we are looking for some place else to call our second home.

Current Mood: Inundated

Beauty Review

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's been a while since I have posted one of these. Plus it is a nice break from the ever pending house stuff!

Wylde Ivy Brown Sugar Lotion - An olive based lotion where a little goes a long way. At first I didn't care too much for the base but it grew on me. You can smell the sugar but it is not over powering.
Adoration Soaps
- Ginger Fresh - A sample that came with my order. First soap I ever tried from them. Creamy lather but don't smell like anything.
- Vanilla Spice - Scent was a little stronger then the ginger, but not really vanilla like at all. Again another sample that is creamy but lacks scent.
- Pina Colada - Larger sample that came with my order for purchasing five items at once. Now we have an item that smells of something! Very delicate colada scent.

Current Mood: Vain

Bad Luck

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Man seriously, when it rains it pours. Thursday night one of my wedding bands that is sottered onto my engagement band came unattached. That is never supposed to happen, ever. So I went to go get it repaired at the jeweler only to find that Whitehall is going bankrupt and having a liquidation sale. Aw crap. So now I have to send it out on my own to this warranty company and after my plans expire I will never be able to cover my items under a service plan again. Double crap.

Friday morning we were very busy with the plumbers so Scott and I had to go to the apartment complex after I got off work. We both had a hard day at work, came home to the lawn not being smoothed out from the hole the plumbers made, and generally all around grumpy. When we got to the Seasons apartments the unit we wanted had already been rented. So we bit the bullet and had to go with a larger one at a higher cost per month. It gives us more room to place things but that extra money could have gone to other use. So we have a hold down since we still don't know how long to make the lease. We have yet to hear from our lenders to know if we can combat the TBI denial. Crap in a bucket.

Saturday I volunteered with Lucky Cat at some cat show in Timonium. Adopting cats is good, crazy people that go to cat shows are, well crazy. I got stuck working the gate most of the day so I didn't get much snuggly kitty time and duties. I was looking forward to fluffy bodies cheering me up some. Oh well. I had my two terrors to entertain me when I got home. Crap on a stick?

Today Scott and I are going to visit my mother for her birthday which is this week. On the way we will see if any of the houses on the back route are up for sale. For those of you that didn't get the email, we will need all the bodies and trucks we can get for moving day. October 4th 10am!

Current Mood: Crappy Crabby

Oh Just Stop Already

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sick of packing.

Sick of repairs.

Sick of neighbors saying they will miss us when they never talk to us.

Sick of Toll Brothers jerking us around.

Sick of mortgage lenders jerking us around.

Just plan sick of it all.

Current Mood: Old

Weekend You Have Arrived

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Weekends are times for fun activities and relaxing. I feel as though we may just be relaxing this weekend. Scott always seems too pooped to do anything. There is the Harford Wine Festival, the Renn Faire, Farmer's Market, Wee-cycle Mart, biking, birthdays, lots to choose from.

I can probably guess what the day will be like. Whenever the boy feels like getting up, he will read some, play some Spore (a new game Skyler bought for his birthday), help me take items to storage, and do some ASR work. I will be left to my own devices and the grocery store. We need more friends that live nearby so my buddy dates don't always have to be planned in advance.

Current Mood: Sociable

Update: Scratch that! Scott cleaned the fridge while I was at the store. Then I guilted him into going to the wine festival. Then we came home and fell asleep for 2 hours after being sun baked and toastie.

Moving On

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Before I start I would just like to put in a random side comment that I hate the new Facebook format. I tried using it and the layout is horrible and ugly. I couldn't stand to look at it and this will most likely effect my using it.

That being said, house stuff is moving along steady. Estimates for repairs are this week. Next week we will have about 6 main things to take care of that came up from Monday's inspections. Not fun, money spent, but it is required.

People that keep bothering us about the progress, and I do mean bothering, understand that selling a home is a long process and calling or emailing us ever other day will not vet you new information. Either there is no new information to give or we will give up that information upon our choosing. The experience is stressful enough on it's own, we don't need the added piggy backing. Sorry to be blunt, but we are tired of it.

Among repairs, packing will also be at the forefront of the coming weeks. Thanks again to all that have helped supply boxes thus far. We need to secure an apartment but anyone willing to help move for that portion, we hope to aim for an Oct 4th date. Of course this is contingent on when we can start a lease. We do have to be out of here by the 10th though. Having that one week to finish moving and clean this place out and up would be useful.

Work has still been touch and go. They are using me on a weekly basis for scheduling since they are still all over the place with funds. Oh well. I think after we get a final home move settled on I need to think about switching career gears. Or schooling again. That depends on our funds of course too. Damn money and it's sway on life!

Current Mood: Spacey

Inspector Be Kind

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The inspector came on Monday. We have no idea what he said to the buyers and we aren't sure what they are going to come back to us asking for. I guess we will have to wait to find out! Wish us luck!

Been A While

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I disappeared for a bit there. Not that my days have been filled to the brim, I've just been preoccupied. We have a home inspection on Monday so I've been packing many boxes, making small home repairs, lots of trips to storage. My hours at work will start to cut back this coming week. Means less money coming in but more time to devote to the house sale.

We are fairly sure now the original house we had our minds set on is not going to be approved. We looked at some backups on-line to pursue if this is indeed the case. We also lined up apartment choices, all nearby. If our home sale turns out on time then we will be reaching out fairly soon to rent one of those apartments. If you are a friend and have a larger vehicle, be prepared for a phone call from me soon.

I made an other sale on-line from my store. I might have to put a shop discount up to move some of the wares before we relocate. I'd rather they go out of my hands before I have to truck everything around town. The shop will have to go offline when the moving weekend occurs. Either that or I will need to post a note about shipments taking a few extra days to get out.

Uh, it is only 8:30pm and I feel tired already. I might read a book and call it an early night. I know that sounds sad, but it has been a long week.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Well That Was Fast

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Less then 5 days on the market and we got our first offer already. We've countered it, now to see if everything is sound enough to go to contract. If the contract does goes through, after escrow we could be out by October! Holy cow.

Current Mood: Lucky

Many Views

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Our house has only been on the market for three days now and we have already had five showings. It's a good "problem" to have. The pain in the butt part is having to clean all the time and be out of the house. The first showing was right in between my only downtime on Friday, the same day as the production opening at the theatre. I was already stressed from opening and having no boss, so being unable to use my home at that time was the final button.

Luckily it was something I could get over. Yesterday we used the time out of the house to go view temporary apartments. We have two top choices in mind. The issue is timing it all properly. Later this week or next we are hoping to also hear if we need to focus on a different final property for our new home. We've about had it up to here with TBI.

The feedback on the showings has been great so we think we will have no problem getting the house sold quickly. If that is the case we should also get the apartment we are ranking as top choice in the area. The only piece that doesn't sit well is knowing what the step after that will be. Regardless, new location or not, we most likely will be in temporary housing for 5 months. That is due to either waiting on a home to be built or starting the search all over again.

Going from a town home to an apartment in the meantime gives more time to save, but it also is very difficult. You lose space, paying for rent and storage is like burning money, and it can be an all around shock to the comfort zone. I hope everything we are going through will be worth it in the end. If we end up unhappy after all of this it would be a complete joke.

Current Mood: Anxious

And So It Begins

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The house is on the market.

Juggling

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I'm trying to learn how to juggle. It's been very hard for me. I can't stop throwing the third ball out in front, instead of up. Yesterday Scott was juggling....while we ran. He juggled while jogging. Show off.

Current Mood: Devious

Update: I'm up to four passes now!

AHHhh~~~!!!!

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This house is killing me. I swear this place doesn't want us to be able to sell. Saturday night we had a friend over to eat dinner and watch a movie. During a break I went upstairs to get some coffee and our friend went to use the down stairs bathroom. The toilet has given us issues before with continued water drainage. I have replaced the stopper on it once already because it would trickle. Well I guess this time there was a clog and the stopper stayed all the way open. So the bowl kept filling until it flooded over. 3 people, several towels, a shut off value, snake pipe and 30 minutes later the issue was fixed. We need a new stopper so this doesn't happen again.

I ran far far away from the house beast today by going to faire. It was much fun but I was tired by the time I came home. One hot bath and some CI and I was all better. CI or USA network, maybe both is pissing me off. CI has only been back on for about 5 episodes and now it's gone till November again. Plus bringing on Jeff Goldbloom for the new season, gah ack no!

Current Mood: Spacey

Holy Cheezits!

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Oh the drama. So the Marketing Director is no more. Gone, poof! The past few days everyone has been running around like a chicken with their head cut off. Ok maybe not that bad, because that theatre has been through worse, but still scrambling. You would be too if all deadlines were past due and say your opening show of the season was next Friday. I guess my paychecks will be bigger for a while if I have to pull longer days. That is one way to look at it.

Aside from the drama at the theatre, where it well belongs, our house stand still is , well......still still. Riiggghhht. Anyway, we meet with the Realtor today because we have to put the current home we are in on the market. We can't sit around while value prices continue to drop. Again, as we said before, the longer it takes to hear back about the Toll Brother mortgage the more it seems that may be a bust. So we are going to throw our crap in storage and look at some back-ups while we are waiting.

Most likely means we will have a longer apartment life time, especially if new construction is still on the top of the list. Oh wanna hear some good news? I made my first international sale this week! Yay my items are over seas! Cool huh? A daughter in Spain bought a birdhouse for her father in Ireland. Wacky I know.

More good news is my new soaps arrived too. A little smaller then I had thought they would be, and not as pretty as the pictures, but a later review will tell if they serve their true purpose. To clean well, and smell good! Plus Renn Faire opens this weekend, whheeee!!!! Half the Saturday group dropped out last minute, but eh.

Current Mood: Adorable

Frustrations

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My contacts have been bothering me.
My face keeps breaking out.
Work has become frustrating.
The house situation has yet to change for us.
The weather turned humid again...

The list could most likely go on and on, plus there is greater detail behind each example. But we are not going into those on a public forum.

I'm trying to remain positive about many things, really I am. It just seems like the positive thinking isn't bringing solutions this way. Last night I tried to put my mind on other things and joined Scott, Marc and Tom in moving some ASR furniture to Marc's room in Carroll County. Last night showed me there might be a rash of frustrations going around. However, other people sharing in pain is not going to make me feel better. I'm not that kind of girl.

Maybe September will bring a change in the slump.

Current Mood: Peeved

Blissful Day

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Today has been a great day so far. I made another sale, used some great exfoliating soap from MagicHands, went jogging, met some nice neighbors and enjoyed buttermilk waffles. I even bought soaps at a great price from a seller new to me on Etsy.

Last night was great too - for the land of free stuff! Since ASR moved out of the old office there was a lot of things being left behind. So we raided last night. Made off with teas (even Tea Forte teas!), sugar, cleaning products, soap, toilet paper, office supplies, and a rocking coffee maker and grinder. A really nice one. I was very happy.

I apologize if the over abundance of mass linkage annoys you!

Current Mood: Parched

Beauty Review

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Kiss My Face Big Body Conditioner - The chamomile smells overpowering the bottle but it hints out nicely in the hair. Makes strands silky and shiny but does not add body.

Boots Time Dimensions Instant Eye Reviver- I bought this to help with my dark circles under my eyes. Not nearly as good as Clinique's All About Eyes cream. I don't notice a difference and the texture does not allow for easier application.

I also bought a pumice stone again when I went out for these purchases above. I forgot how well those things can work if you use them once a week.

Current Mood: Vain

Ack! What Is That!?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My weekend was good. I got to spend plenty of time with grandparents. Scott and I had a little down time. I even managed to get my butt outside for a night time run again.

However, my face fairs not so well. Starting last week I noticed a small blemish on my face. Best idea is to leave it alone and they tend to do what they need to and then go away. Well as the week wore on this blemish got larger, more red and painful. As of last night it was, tight, more dense then a blemish should be, and I just couldn't bear it anymore. So I pulled out some stronger cleaning gear, peroxide, tweezers, q-tips, and any other thing I thought I might need.

All my efforts did was manage to make said blemish even more red, hard and painful. It felt like it had to be more than one blemish, almost as if a new one started over the other before either could fully surface. This morning I had a tiny layer of scab over the miniature mountain from hell. I tried covering it up with some mineral concealer so as to not irritate it more, but to make it look less like it had it's own zip code.

Then the mother of all odd happens this afternoon. (If you are faint of heart, don't read on, because it is gross). I come home from the grocery store and head upstairs. I go to wash the make-up off my blemish so it can breath and not regress backward on the healing progress it has made. I barely pat my face with the washcloth and when I take it away my little buddy decides to bleed all down my face. It didn't stop for a good minute. Good news is the bump is now smaller. I'm fairly certain that there is still a pimple hiding under there but most of the bump must have been caused by irritation and blood swelling. (Told you it was gross).

Current Mood: Vain

Weekend of Relatives

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This weekend is all about the grandparents. I've got two grandparents that have their birthday one right after the other, both on my parents side. One is Monday, one is Tuesday. So I thought this weekend would be a good time to celebrate by taking them out.

Yesterday was Mussie's outing. I picked her up and after presents brought her back to the house to see the new counters and visit the cats. Then we went to lunch and later met up with Scott to show Mussie the house lot and model. Today we are taking granddad Lawson out to the MD Science Center for lunch and museum time.

Current Mood: Childish

Feeling Nostalgic

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I think I'm going to hearken back to my old days as a child and tune in for the Olympic opening ceremony tonight. Sad thing is Project Runway had a challenge on Wednesday, what they would make if they were chosen to dress the Americans for the ceremony, and that's what made me think to tune in again. The trend has been though that over the years the Olympics has been having a hard time maintaining their ratings. Same is true for the ball drop, or the New York tree lighting. Such is the age we live in.

Current Mood: Childish

And So It Ends

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The newlywed period has officially ended everyone. Scott and I are now an old married couple. After exchanging mushy cards with sentimental notes and tokens of affection we headed downtown to the Inner Harbor for dinner. The food at Ruth's Chris was good, but not the best we have had. It was our first time there and we weren't as impressed with it for all the talk about the place. It was still a pleasant evening.

I'll leave you with pictures of the pretty anniversary flowers Scott bought me.

MIA

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I apologize for dropping off the radar there for a few days. (For the hand full of you that still read this anyway!) I've been very busy with work for the theatre lately. Plus we still have a hold up on the house stuff because of the TBI lender.

Since the data work is done I've been allowed to devote these past few days to relaxing and socializing. Yesterday Scott and I hung out with Skyler for a good portion of the day. I guess we will be seeing a lot of him this weekend, as his pool party is today. After my haircut we all went to the Avenue, caught a drink at Bayou Café and then saw The Mummy 3. It was entertaining, but the special effects are hooky and some of the plot lines and attempted humor made the film low on the rating scale. I mean Yettis...come on.

After coffee we had dinner at our house, showed Skyler the lot and went to the grocery store. Scott and I finished the night with the second half of Tomorrow Never Dies (which also stars Michelle Yeoh) and Samurai Jack.

This morning I am making some chicken goujons to take to the ASR peeps that are moving the office and some salsa for Skyler's party. If the weather holds out this will actually be my first pool time this year. No wet hair though, I don't want chlorine streaks for our anniversary dinner tomorrow.

Current Mood: Sociable

Shepherd's Pie

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

2lbs potatoes peeled and cubed
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 carrot peeled and chopped
3 celery sticks chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 can beef stock
2 tbsp sour cream
1 egg yolk
1 tsp paprika
2tbsp parsley

Boil potatoes in pot with salt till tender.
In the meantime, heat a skillet on medium high with oil. Add turkey, salt and pepper, and brown it.
Add carrot and celery for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl mix butter, flour and 1 cup of broth. Add mix to skillet and stir till thickened.
Drain potatoes and mash in sour cream, yolk and remaining broth.
Fill a small casserole dish with meat mix and top with potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley.
Broil for 3 minutes on high till browned.

Serves 4 and takes less then 30 minutes!

Beauty Review

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This review has been a long time coming and is comprised of several purchases sampled over the past few months.

Wylde Ivy's Brown Sugar Salt Bar & Body Scrub - Again, love the scrubs over the salt bars because you can use them more often. Great scent this brown sugar, very sweet. Very creamy feel as well.
Wylde Ivy's Amber Chai Body Scrub - Also loved this scent. The top layer of the scrub is decorated with a shiny metallic like ingredient. Not 100% sure what it was but no worries, it doesn't hurt your skin.
Wylde Ivy's Ice Princess Lotion - This was a sample that came when I placed my order. Bleck. Their olive lotion coats well but leaves an odd tacky feel, and this scent is horrible. It reminded me of the tin smell that comes from aerosol cans.
Carol's Daughter Hair Butter- Ok this was me having a ditz moment. I know Carol's Daughter is a line designed for African American individuals. But for some reason I wanted to try this on my hair. I just guess I thought it might work out. It's not made for my hair. Good news is I found a way not to waste it. Use a very small amount on the very edges of my hair as a mask for repair once a month. Shampoo after to remove the coating it creates. Also it might work double duty in place of shaving cream for legs.
Magic Hands Workshop's Turkish Mocha Soap - I got a small version of this bar as a sample with my order. Actually it was a fairly good size for a sample. It would make a great size for guest room soaps. Like Wylde Ivy's amber chai scrub, this soap has that metallic topper. Smells like coco and incense, very earthy and relaxing. Not a sudsy soap.

Current Mood: Vain

Check Please

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Things completed this weekend:

I made my site updates. Most of them are repackaged postings and price changes. Nature's Silhouette
The data entry has more of a dent in it but there is no way it is all getting done this weekend. It really is a time consuming beast full of hundreds of names for fund raising.
I managed to work on the yard some and transplant some dead flowers.
Made it back to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and boy oh boy did they have a lot!
We counted about $100 in coins in our little jar.
Didn't make it to any of the original planned shindigs but did find ourselves at a completely unplanned party outing.
Finally saw Dark Knight, creepy creeperson.
Made reservations for 1 yr. wedding anniversary dinner!

Current Mood: Adorable

One Down

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The painting is done, the hardware is hung and the kitchen is now in use again! After consulting the Realtor she said we could stick to the red and just change the hardware out to pull the cabinets into the modern world. It looks fine and should still sell well. I did paint touch ups and made the window sill white per recommendation. It is a lot easier then painting the whole room.

No one warned me though that granite was a pain in the butt to take care of. Apparently it has to be cleaned almost every day and only with a granite safe solution. So like stainless steel and all of the restrictions it has. Scott has been looking into a granite shield for the new house so we don't have to worry about replacing the seal every year. That is an other lovely tidbit about granite, reseal every 6 to 12 months depending on use. Now I understand why people do choose corian or tile over granite sometimes.

Even though the kitchen is complete I now have all the regular things to keep up on like cleaning and yard work. Scott and I are already wiped out like an old couple from the past few days and we have a long group night tonight. Plus I still have theatre data entry... so my week is still pretty full and long. I'm getting to those store updates this weekend even if it kills me. I've got to make time for my work too. That does mean the show and two parties might be out this weekend, we will see. Sorry people.

Current Mood: Old

Not How I Planned

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My weekend was full of bliss and diss. This was my plan as of my last post on Friday:
"But I plan to spend most of my time hanging with friends at Sarah's birthday party, bike riding on the trail, going to a blueberry festival, and finishing my book. Monday I hit the ground running on house and Nature's Silhouette project work."
Yeah didn't quite work that way.

I knew that ET needed some work done, but it took up almost all of my Sunday and it did take all Monday away. I was seriously bummed about that. Needless to say I got no website repostings done nor did I even touch my book. Money will come of the work though, so that is a plus.

We did go biking and hiking for half the day Saturday and then to Sarah's party. The counter top was put in Monday. It looks nice, but now we are having a dilemma about what color to paint the walls. Scott wants to keep the red because he likes the look, but we need to go lighter for selling. So we are looking at light grays. It's really hard to picture it all since those cabinets are staying. I think we need to call the Realtor on this one.

This week is going to be full of priming, painting and cleaning whatever the order. Hopefully by this weekend I will get some time to do the other things I never got to. Scott has promised to help with the painting and some errands this week so that should help!

Current Mood: Inundated

The Weekend Rounds the Corner

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The weekend is upon us and I am ready to enjoy some sunshine. Wednesday night was spent inside with the guys, Thursday night was spent at Lee Anna's launch (check out her site for more info), and today will be spent inside the theatre and combating Artscape traffic.

I picked up a lot of boxes from friends over the past 2 days so I am sure that some packing will occur this weekend. Also there seems to be some data entry that the theatre is in dire need of completing, that might make the list of to dos. But I plan to spend most of my time hanging with friends at Sarah's birthday party, bike riding on the trail, going to a blueberry festival, and finishing my book.

Monday I hit the ground running on house and Nature's Silhouette project work. Looking at the rest of the week I have no doubt the it will be busy, busy, busy.

Current Mood: Excessive

Social Chaos

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I just finished a German chocolate cake with cream cheese and cinnamon icing for the game tonight. It is very hard to walk by it and not feel hungry.

Sitting here I have noticed the social events all seem to be in this month. There are five parties over the next two weeks, a play and some birthdays. All to the point that many overlap and I will have to pick and choose. I hate those situations because I never want someone to get the wrong impression about why I may or may not make it to their event in particular. That is why I tend to go to whatever I heard about first. It seems the most decent thing to do if you do have to choose.

I might be picking up some temp hours at Everyman after all. So add that to the list of things as well. Not to mention we should be putting our house on the market right around the time of our one year wedding anniversary. Ahh! Where the hell did the time go?

Current Mood: Inundated

Island Life

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A few pics as promised.

Pictures of a NASA base on the way down VA. I thought the satellite were enormous.

The island on the way in. Many marshes and water pockets, and TONS of birdies.

To get to the beach you have to cross over to Assateague Island. The horses have not done the yearly swim so they are on that side.

Andrew thought it would be funny to try and replicate this video. However he never caught a bird. Michelle did sit on him though. (And congrats again you two!).

Welcome Home

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Just got back from our weekend at Chincoteague. Eight people, all of them couples, on one small island can make for some times. There was much movie watching, crab eating, checker playing and beach time. A few people got burnt, several hours of sleep are missing and now there is much laundry to be done. We left now knowing alto of people in better ways. One thing I wish there was a little more time for was window browsing.

I guess we picked a good time to get home by, it's now pouring outside. I'm going to prepare a simple dinner and finish this weekend off with some TV and snuggles. I'll post some pictures tomorrow!

Current Mood: Tranquil

Update

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Things have been kinda slow over here on my end. Scott has been putting in several hours at work again with this in-house development project. I'm glad he will have a long weekend to look forward to. He needs it, and I'll get to see him!

Sunday I hung out with the parents for a few hours. We tried this new place for a late lunch/early dinner, China Manor. Not so good. I don't think they will be going back there anytime soon.

Monday our loan finally cleared so I meet Scott at his office and we took care of the house deposit real quick. In money and right back out! Everything else on the house front is moving slowly. The counter top for the townhouse is still back ordered and they won't set an install date until it is in. I've done a little more packing, what I could anyway. I'm not 100% sure what we will need and what they will tell us to put away for staging. Besides most of the packing can't be done till right before hand since when don't know when we would move!

I'm feeling a little sick. My allergies have been playing tag with my sinuses. I'm a little sore and over tired again. It's hard to tell what that means. I think I am fighting something off before it grabs a hold on.

I've been holding off on some Nature's Silhouette stuff other than preparing for renewals. I don't want to create more items when they will need to travel multiple times. I've also been looking into some certifications for higher learning. Not sure if I want to try a new career route or add on to fields similar to preforming arts. I figure I might try some community courses for a feel on certain subjects either in the winter or spring, after the moving is done and gone. That is all the happenings with us at the moment!

Current Mood: Fatigued

Happy 4th

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Happy holiday weekend all! I hope your fourth was fun filled. Scott had to work so I headed down to Frederick to hang out with friends and check out the town festival down there. Good food, good people, good times. It also gave me the opportunity to get to know the group we are going to Chincoteague with better.

Current Mood: Cheerful

More Yummies

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches
Keeps for up to 2 days and are very sweet!

- 1 ^1/4 cup flour
- ^1/2 tsp baking powder
- ^1/8 tsp salt
- 8 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ^1/2 cup peanut butter
Filling:
- ^1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 tbsp milk

Cookies: Whisk flour, powder and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, peanut butter and sugar in medium bowl on high till fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and beat in flour mixture.
Form dough into tbsp size balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased sheet. Press with a fork for crosshatch pattern.
After 15 minutes of bake time @ 350 degrees, remove and cool.
Filling: Beat peanut butter in small bowl on low. Add confectioner's sugar till crumbly. Mix in vanilla and milk for a thick spread.
Sandwich 2 cookies with spread.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Stores for 5 days

- ^1/2cup flour
- ^1/2 tsp baking powder
- ^1/2 tsp salt
- 10 tbsp butter
- ^1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl and set aside. Mix butter and sugar in medium bowl on high till fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla and mix in flour on low. Stir in oatmeal and berries.
Drop tbsp of dough onto ungreased sheets and bake @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Current Mood: Childish

Works, Doesn't It?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I had a nice visit with my grandmother yesterday. It's been about a month since I last saw her so it was nice to catch her up on everything with the house front. And the bank finally got around to closing with us on the equity loan. Finally!

I've still been looking into part time jobs and nothing up here tickles my fancy. I emailed Laura this morning to see if ET might be hiring anytime soon for part time in the Box Office. I love the people there so if they have something it would be great. And part time still let's me focus on the move, the volunteering and the Etsy store. Moving into this house it would be nice to have a part time job to help out some with our spending and what not. We don't need it but I still think it is a good idea.

Eventually I either need to go back to school for higher learning in theatre or psych, or look into certifications or AAS for new careers I've been thinking on. I'm still full of many interests and being young I'm not ready to settle on any of them. When I was little I never thought I'd have this problem. If we have a child or not will end up factoring a lot into the decision of which path I want to take.

Current Mood: Excessive

Fruit & Nuts

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Fruity Granola Bagel Spread
Works great on toast too!

1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup original loose granola mix
2 tbsp confectioner's sugar
Dash of Cinnamon

Soak the cranberries in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes until plumped up. Then drain and pat dry.
Use a rubber spatula to mash the cranberries, cream cheese, granola, sugar and Cinnamon in a medium bowl.

Stays fresh for up to 3 days covered and in the fridge!

Current Mood: Lucky

Firsts of the Season

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Going to the parents' house today for some pool time and maybe some crabs too! Woo-hoo! It's supposed to be nice and sunny today for it.

The whole weekend has been very fun filled. Friday Scott and I had a nice beef stew for dinner and then went to see Wanted. Pretty good, very neat effects. Plot was a little one dimensional, but it had it's good moments to make it a very pleasing film. There was a one nice twist that I did not see coming, and I'm not talking about the ones toward the end.

Saturday we went back to the movies to see Wall-E! That robot is so cute and he is so "Johnny", Number 5 from Short Circuit. I had no idea that it was going to have a giant political message in it either. The whole under plot is about how we are trashing our planet and ruining our lives. The point was made not by bashing it over the heads since this movie was made for young minds. I love how in space (where everyone has to move because our earth looked like a landfill) people don't walk they use hover beds, and all foods are eaten in liquid form out of big gulp cups. Needless to say every human was fat, even the babies. I love you Pixar.

The movie was followed by a quick round of Putt-Putt golf. We had dropped Scott's car off for it's mileage check-up that morning so we were killing more time. The dealership never called us back though, so I don't know if we can get the car today before heading to Carroll County, or if I have to take Scott up Monday morning. It was really odd they didn't call, because they had to have finished. I'm a little disappointed in them actually.

Current Mood: Sociable

Think It Through Next Time

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I wanted to be good today and bike to the library. It's very close to us so it appeared do-able. I did learn some lessons for next time though:

Go closer to closing time. I went at 10 am when they open and the sun almost killed me.
Bring a hand towel. In the summer you will sweat no matter when you go.
Go find a back pack. I thought I had one but alas no. Using a tote bag proved difficult.
There is a hill, a very big hill. You can't do anything about it so stop whining when you see it.
Avoid walkers, especially those with kids, because no matter how much warning you provide that you are coming up on their left and please move over to your right they won't manage to hear you until you almost crush them.

Current Mood: Active

Peach Smoothie

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Peach Smoothie
Serves 2

1/2 cup organic nonfat milk
1 cup organic nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp nectar
2 cups frozen peaches

Place all ingredients in a blender and process till smooth. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner smoothie. Can be substituted with any other frozen fruit!

Natural Markets

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I seem to be having trouble finding a decent natural grocery store near our area. Granted most chains or local stores have gotten better at carrying natural, organic and Eco friendly products. It also helps that the Farmer's Market season is still on. But nothing up this way has as much variety as say a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. There you can get your food, toiletries, cleaning goods, paper products and much more.

I don't mind having to go to several places to get my products if I have to. Or making the occasional trip to the other places to get everything in one stop. It is important enough to me that I will if I must. It would just be nice to have one place near by where I could pick up everything at once and not spend so much time driving to get it all.

Hopefully something will catch on to the area. I could dream that they install a Whole Foods in Bel Air can't I?

Current Mood: Sociable

Must Stave Off Sickness!

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Oh allergies, why must you plague me? It started last night with a dry scratchy throat. This morning I have a case of the swollen glands and what looks like a small fever blister trying to form on my lip. I plan to fortify myself with some Vitamin C and Echinacea. Let us hope that those and some liquids will do it for me. We have the stove delivery and pest control today. I guess today of all days is a good day to be trapped in the house.

Current Mood: Miserable

My Worlde

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Check out this cool thing ortugatay found.
This is what my past month of entries created.

Where Has All The Help Gone?

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The counter top guy is coming to measure our kitchen today. Hopefully he will remember to bring the samples I asked to see. For some reason these people think they could choose what they think will look good for us before even seeing the cabinets, and I said that is not going to fly. The sprinkler man never called us back. I told Scott to try one more time because I think he may be one of those men that only want to deal with other men. Uh-huh.

Hopefully I should also be hearing back from our jeweler about my wedding ring. It's been two weeks now since it first went out. They sent it to have it's rhodium dipping and a repair and they got it back with a diamond missing. So they had to send it out again to replace it. I swear they never do anything right the first time.

Is it just me or does it seem really hard to get quality work done or service from anybody anymore? I feel like every time we try to get some help on something people are either slow, unresponsive or just plan unhelpful. Our other kitchen contract refund, still waiting on that too? Now do you understand why I'm one of those people who would rather do everything myself when I can?

Current Mood: Peeved

Odd Hours

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I just finished the latest book in the Odd Thomas series. It was a let down. I have really enjoyed the past novels. I've enjoyed the character of Odd, the main plots, and the life's revelations the author tries to tie in along the way. The main idea behind the past novels is that Odd, the protagonist, can see dead people and is driven to help them. In reality he always ends up preventing some cataclysmic event that would result in the death of several innocents. In truth he is a "savior" for both sides.

This book was too much of a paranormal and psychic stretch. The book was not as engaging and the open-ending was sloppy. In this novel the town Odd visits, Magic Beach, has several new characters which are hinted to have psychic magnetism in their own ways. More questions are posed then answers and not every plot thread in this journey is necessary or conveyed well. Odd is more violent in this book, because he has to be, not that he wants to. The cataclysmic event you ask, him needing to stop corrupt Magic Beach individuals from ferrying atomic nukes across water coasts. Uh-huh.

See, major stretches. Even the events that can have scientific explanations are too much. I wasn't too surprised though. As I have said before Koontz's writing style can be very hit or miss for me. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that man's brain. One plot can be riveting and fresh, then the next can be unkempt and a rehash of old ideas.

Current Mood: Adorable

Lethargy

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I had an other one of those instances where I fell asleep too early again. I blame my allergies and the place we ate at last night. Denise wanted us to go out to Blue Fins for her mother's birthday. Between the dinner roll, the rice cooked with too much butter, the crab dip and the crab cake with too much bread, my stomach felt carbed out. All that expansion made me drowsy and unhappy.

When I came home and climbed in bed to read I dropped like a stone...again. Sad, I know. This is going to make it hard for me to get going today, and there is a lot on the agenda. Volunteering this morning, placing the order for the stove, picking up hardware, one return, contract signing and then gaming. A long day and a long night ahead. I wish I liked coffee.

Current Mood: Spacey

Bel Air Hop

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There was much on the schedule today. This morning at 8:30 a.m. Scott and I did a walk-through of the lots with the Building Manager. Turns out we are going to switch to lot 12, the one away from the water maintenance system. The view isn't as good, but the trees will fix that when they grow. Plus this lot is bigger and not next to a giant swill.

Scott then headed to work and I picked up some items from Target that we were running low on. While out I decided to look at some shops in downtown Bel Air. I'll need some new ideas for Christmas this year since we are talking budget and gift baskets. Yes people, most persons living in pretty houses are poor for a while not rich. Especially when you are young and growing a nest egg. Don't worry, consider it as an investment you grow into.

There are some cute shops in Bel Air that had some really neat things, Tiny Tots, Bearly Used, Heart Beat, so forth and so on. Varies in price range. You could have a classier consignment shop next to a pricey baby boutique. Then down the street somehow the wine and cheese shop manages to be cheaper than baby footies. It reminds me of Frederick or Chestertown shops in a way.

Today I also managed to get us moving further along on our counter top removal. A measurement appointment is in place and a deposit is down. I think this week I will order the stove since I also need to pick-up doorknob hardware.

I was able to squeeze some time in for the kitties and me today too. The cats got to go outside while I pulled weeds and then I got me time with a book. I'm now working on the latest Odd Thomas novel. There was also bike time this evening.

Not too bad I'd say!

Current Mood: Tranquil

Nature's Silhouette Update

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New updates at Nature's Silhouette!

The site has been updated. Some new recycled cards and jewelry. Next month I'll have to update some of the very first ever posted items. I'll be doing some repackaging and price changes for those.

A little preview of the new items:

Silver Swirl

Woe Is Me

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This week has been, taxing. It seems that every time something goes right for us in the buying process for a new house, something goes wrong at our current house. It's almost like the townhouse knows that we are plotting to move and it wants to do everything it can to stop us from leaving.

For those of you that have not been up to date on the subject, or couldn't access my blog over the past few days (sorry we switched servers and the transfer requires downtime), let me fill you in.

We have been looking at houses. We live in a townhouse now and Scott always wanted a bigger home. I wanted one bigger then a townhouse too, but this was a right move to make when we made it four years ago. Now our house has made a lot of equity, which is great in a poor selling market, because we are bond to still make good. It is prime time for people buying, incentives are out, lenders are desperate to approve certain people, builders are offering lower premiums.

We've been approved for a loan, approved for the mortgage we need, our Realtor said our house should sell well even in this competitive area, and we found a builder and a community we think we can be happy with. There are still a few more steps before a contract occurs, so again I can't say it's all locked in. But we have wanted to progress ahead with some improvements here to help selling the currant house.

We had signed up with Home Depot, before we knew we wanted to move, to have counter tops and cabinets redone. Well there is nothing wrong with our cabinets and our Realtor has a contact that does counter top even cheaper. So in order to recoup any costs we would lose on improvements it is good to only do select upgrades, repairs and within a certain monetary amount. So we canceled with Home Depot and we are still waiting for them to get our deposits back. Ok not too bad, since it hasn't quite yet been 10 business days.

Well I emailed the counter top guy and he has yet to contact me. So I will have to attempt to reach him again Monday. You would think they want your business. Just like the sprinkler guy. We need to make sure our sprinklers are up to code before inspection. This guy said he would look at the schedule and get back to me, he also has yet to. Make that 2 calls for Monday. Nate, Construction Manager for the builder we are looking at buying from (Toll Brothers), had to cancel our lot walk through. This was right at the time we were having reservations about the lot we chose to hold. Luckily the builders agent let us put a hold on a second lot in case we change our mind.

But the cherry on top was last night. That wicked storm that came by caused our drain to overflow. You can guess what that led to my friends. A long night of cleaning. We saved everything because we caught it as it happened. We just had to go through a rigmarole of preventative measures to deter mold, oder, stains, anything that could have developed had 12 hours gone by before we saw it. Good thing I went downstairs last night!

Current Mood: Inundated

Am I Drugged?

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I have no idea if something is wrong with me or not, but I have been sleeping way too much lately. I seem to have more trouble waking up in the mornings then usual, I feel tired by the afternoon and I sometimes fall asleep early enough to get 10 hours. It doesn't feel good or like I need it either. I'm not sure if my allergies have anything to do with it, or stress from the house?

I don't feel stressed, I haven't really changed my diet or my daily habits. I'm not sure if it is something I need to be worried about or not. It may be that I'm not getting enough exercise anymore? We did drop our gym memberships to save money for the move. I guess my body could be going through a transitional period. I'm still active with other things like biking, walking, lifting, etc. Maybe I need to roll my yoga mat back out.

Eh, somehow I don't buy the exercise explanation. I assume if things get worse I'll need to talk to someone about it.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Beauty Review

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've got a lot of items in this beauty review since I have not had the time to post, what with the entire house hunting and such.

Korres Body Milk in Bitter Almond - Love this scent, and love the fact that it is a natural ingredient product. This is thinner than some lotions, but it does not take away from moisturizing abilities.
Green Tea Bath Salts from Target - This isn't a Target brand, it came from one of the Global Bazaar sections. This doesn't do much for me. It makes your legs smooth in the tub but not outside of it. No wonderful aromatherapy action for soaking time.
Southern VT Soap Clean Cotton Soy Candle - No real scent, which is good if you are looking for as unscented. Seems like this should burn for a fairly good amount of time. And of course being soy it is a bonus for the air!
Fresh Currant and Vanilla Citrus Soy Candles by Kobo - Scott bought me these candles for my birthday. Expensive for candles, but again it is because they are soy and it is better for the air anyway. They will last a much longer time because they are soy and very large. They give of faint aromas so as to not over power your sinuses. Love!
Lemon Cream Danish Sugar Body Polish by Wylde Ivy - The scent is a little more sickly sweet then I thought it would be. I can't tell if I am a fan of this Danish business or not...

Current Mood: Vain

My Week In A Nutshell

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

We are still trekking along on the house front. I think we are fairly settled on a location to buy and a Realtor for our sell.
I already started the wee initial phases of staging our house and trying to schedule some repairs to help with the sell.
I finished an other Koontz novel and now have moved on to his Frankenstein series.
Thursday was DnD.
Friday night our deck was attacked by ants.
Wish me many broken legs for my MRF audition today!
Tomorrow is volunteering at the cat show to get some kitties adopted.

All in all, I will be tired by Sunday night.

Current Mood: Inundated

For Sale

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The past few days have been chock full of conversations with mortgage lenders, Realtors, accountants and so on. That is right people, hubby and I are looking to sell our townhouse and buy a real house only a few miles away. Cuts down on moving drive time huh?

About a week ago when we started looking into the process to see if it was even feasible I wanted to run to a corner and cry. Scott has been running many numbers though and every scenario says we'd be in good shape. Able to move, afford the new place, still put away for retirement and savings, plus a have a little left each month. It would be a different life style then we are used to now, but I come from living on a budget.

Of course everything is contingent on our house selling here and selling for at least what we need it to in order to make back equity. We are very lucky that when we bought the townhouse it was for a very low price and it has almost doubled in value in four years. Which is huge for those of you that are going, "what's that mean"? As long as you price your house well, most of the homes here have been selling. There is a lot of competition in a townhouse complex, but it is a buyers market and we do have lots of great features we added over the years.

The one thing that is most likely going to happen, which will stink some, is we will need temporary housing at one point. The house we want to buy is new construction. Even if it does get built in the 6-9 month estimated time, we are still talking some months where we will need a short term apartment lease. I'd rather have that to look forward to though then the scenario of your new house is almost done and you have yet to find a buyer for your current one. That would equal screws-ville. Everyone says we should not have that problem.

There are a few things we still need to tend to here before the house can be put up; different sprinklers, louver doors where the furnace sits, most things are updates for when an inspector would pass through. Nothing too hard or costly. I still won't feel in the safe zone till a contract on this house is closed and we are in the new one. So that is what, almost a year of sour stomach?

The new home also means we will have to hold off on kid land for the time. We are still young so I'm not worried about it. What would be ironic though is that we move into this 4 bedroom house and never add anyone to the equation.

Current Mood: Anxious

Vitamin C, Stat!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My insides do not love me this morning. I think I've been back and forth from bed since 5 a.m. I hope I'm not coming down with anything.

Auditions are this Saturday and I am working with other kitty volunteers this Sunday at a cat show. Not sure if we have plans next week for father's day or not.

So let's hope that whatever this stomach churny feeling is, that it will be gone by week's end.

Current Mood: Miserable

Poop

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Oh yes, it rained. It rained on and off all day yesterday. It was so hard in the beginning in the lower parts of MD, that some people had to bail on the party since they couldn't see while driving. The rest that did make it said it took them forever to get here since they had to drive 20mph. Sorry everyone, but thank you to those that trucked on over anyway.

My dad and I had to take turns grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs right up against the back of the house. It protected us from most of the rain, but it got the grill soaked and greased up the deck. Lovely. Scott and I had sore legs by the end of the day. Not just from the playing host roles, but also because this was one of the messier parties to clean up from. A lot of rain means a lot of mopping. Not to mention the smoke that came off the grill and floated into the house.

There was tons of food left over too. I felt bad that we had to throw a lot of it away, but some of it we had no place to put. Some guests did take a few items home which helped. We still have tons of soda and chips, which we won't eat, so I will see what Scott can pawn off at client sites.

Next time I think we will just go out for dinner and leave the parties to more structured and smaller events. I like being able to sit down and enjoy my function, not work it. Plus this house splits everyone up because of room size. That makes for more running around to check up on people's needs and not ignore someone.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Party Prep

Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've been running around like a maniac prepping for this party tomorrow. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, which sucks a whole lot. I'd prefer not to have 40 people inside our house the whole time. If I get lucky the showers won't be large enough or long enough to keep people from outside. I also would not want to grill in the rain.

The recipes for these healthy desserts I made turned out, interesting. They are from that Jennifer Seinfeld book, Deceptively Delicious. I wanted to have some better options for the kids coming, and this is all about hiding veggies in food. They don't taste bad they are just, different. Her meatloaf recipe I made last night was great though. The drink mix I put together I did not like. I tried to doctor it up by adding a second mix to it. Now it tastes like adult grape juice ... that might not go over so well.

I need a shower now. I'm sweating from yard work and my muscles are sore. I really don't want to make this appearance at swing tonight. I think from all the work today and if I go out tonight, tomorrow I'll have not a lot of pep left in me.

Current Mood: Old

Many Thanks

Thu, 29 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone that sent Birthday wishes and good thoughts my way. And thank you to Scott for the gifts, even though I told you not to do anything since we are having that kitchen work done as my "present". I hope to see most of you on Saturday!

Current Mood: LuRvEd

Warm!

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It is 8 a.m. in the morning and already 72 degrees outside. There is this mugginess permeating through my windows. Can't wait to see if that means rain next week for the party, or the need for the air to come on.

My Memorial weekend was splendid. I hope everyone else enjoyed theirs as well. Chris's party on Saturday night was fairly chill, we left apparently before most of his brother's friends became intoxicated. Which is fine by me! Sunday was a relax day. Lots of gardening, reading and all around laziness. Monday Scott, Skyler and I went back to Monkton and biked 30 miles on the trail. Poor Scott's seat came undone about 10 miles in, but we were lucky enough to find a nice stranger with a Ullman tool who could help us out. We finished out the day by going to Home Depot to look at pricing for cabinet refacing and kitchen counter tops. I have nagged about it for a while so Scott figured that near birthday time would be as good as a time as any!

I've got several party errands to run this week, cleaning, grass cutting, food and liquor runs. If any of you are still planning to come but have yet to RSVP, please let me know before Friday so I get enough sustenance for all.

Current Mood: Old

Beauty Review

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Big mutha of a review!

Purity Made Simple face wash by Philosophy - This was a Sephora sample. Very gentle on my skin and is a highly effective face wash. If it was organic or natural I would switch to it, but alas tis not.
Mint Truffle sugared body polish by Wylde Ivy - I am a fan of their scrubs since they are gentle on the skin but great at exfoliation. The mint side was more pleasing to this scent then the chocolate. Overall though I was happy.
Rich Rose Glitter lipstick by Sephora - I have never tried any products from the actual Sephora line before. This was disappointing. The red is not rich or deep at all. In fact it goes on very much like a gloss instead of a lipstick and this causes the color to look very translucent. The lack of depth causes the color to look orange red instead of a rich red.
Brow Powder Duo by Anastasia - Another Sephora sample from my latest order. Holy cow this stuff works great for me. I have eyebrows that tend to grow thiner on the outer edges of my brow line. From a distance of 10 feet or farther from me you might think my eyebrows only go half way across my eye. This is not due to over plucking, the ends have just always been smaller. I have tried Anastasia's brow serum before, to help with eyebrow growth, and while it stimulates the hairs it won't make hair grow where it never grew before. This powder works great to fill in brows for longer bridges and a fuller look. It is smudge proof and allows you to custom blend your color!
Shea Butter Foot Cream by L'Occitane - Sample again. Good consistency, not too thick, not too thin. Moisturizes feet well but that arnica extract does not smell pleasant.
Pomegranate Cocoa Butter Salt Bar by Wylde Ivy - I have also been a fan of these salt bars when using them in the past. It is not a product you want to use everyday since it is more abrasive to the skin. These are very useful for feet year round, and also for elbow and knees if you use a self tanner. This did not smell anything like pomegranate, that made me sad because I love pomegranates. Smelled more like fading flowers.

More reviews to come as I finish testing some more products from my latest orders and samples!

Current Mood: Vain

Peaceful Journeys

Sat, 24 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The holiday weekend is turning out very well so far. Friday night we went to the opening of Art at the Everyman Theatre. I think Chris, Karl and Bruce all did a very good job. It was one of the tighter productions we have seen in a while at ET. Most of their shows this season have been lacking in the cast department or directional choice.

Today Scott and I went to Monkton trail to break in our new bikes. Last week we picked up new "his and hers" hybrids. The trail was not very crowded today so it allowed for a peaceful journey. Right now is a great time for biking. It is warm but not hot, the trees are lush and vibrant, and the pollen isn't too bad yet. I took a few pictures of the stream and some baby geese along the way. Enjoy!

Now it is off to Chris and his brothers' party!

Current Mood: Adorable

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Fri, 23 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Spielberg has ruined my childhood. WTF! This was the Indy script you guys have been waiting so long for? This is how you think was a good way to end a franchise? I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone who has yet to see it. You can form your own opinion, but I doubt anybody is going to have a happy opinion about it. So sad, it makes me cry inside.

Current Mood: Miserable

An Inconvenient Truth

Wed, 21 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last night Scott brought home the movie An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary presented by Al Gore on his Global Warming slide show. I've wanted to see it for a long time now so I was excited when Scott came home with it. I have to say I was let down. Maybe it was because of the hype - It won an Academy Award, is the 4th highest grossing documentary and most likely was the final spur to help Gore win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The only new things I learned in it were about Al Gore. So maybe that was the main thing that let me down. I was expecting it to teach me new things about the warming process, data, actions and reactions. In a way I know a little more on the subject then "average" American, so maybe I shouldn't be expecting too much from it.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy a film like that was made and opened up many others eyes. I'm glad it helped bring attention back to the environment again and taught people we need to do something, and yes we have the ability to do something about this issue. I just expected something different from the film and when my expectations are not met then a film is hard for me to sit through.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Monday, Monday

Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I'm blogging from my laptop today since our home computer continues to drop the internet connection. It's got to be something with in the computer itself since we have tried fixing all the external options. All I know is that after months of this I am becoming very annoyed.

Congrats to Joe on his Stage Combat test. Surprise I also found out that Julia was in the same combat class! When the test was over the class had to hang back with the teachers to get certificates and feedback. So Jen, Shaun, Skyler, Scott and myself headed to Starbucks to kill some time. When we headed back to the lobby they still weren't done so we waited around for about 2 more hours. Meh. Then all of us including Joe and Russell, minus Skyler, headed to Bateman's for lunch. Then we chilled at the guys apartment for a bit before heading home.

It seems that every person in my family doesn't understand how to take care of themselves in a healthy manner. I've got family that smokes, has thyroid issues, diabetes, artery blocks, etc. None of them eat well and no one exercises. It seems that my Uncle is an other person going on the surgery list today. He is having a triple bypass. I'm not trying to knock on my family per say, but a lot of them could avoid these procedures and medications or at least stave them off till they were older, only if they learned how to live a healthier lifestyle. I say it because I love my family and worry for them, I want them all to wake up!

I am sure the surgery will go as well as can be expected. He will have to be inpatient for a few days. I'll send a get well basket later this week and I should check in when he is more recuperated.

Current Mood: Old

Beauty Review

Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Magic Hands Workshop
Body Polish in Stress Relief - My favorite thus far of their polishes. I do think the scent of mint is always calming and this polish was courser than the others, allowing for a better exfoliation.

Bath Bomb in Vanilla Moo - I didn't realize the size was for half a bomb so I was a little disappointed in that. It did make my legs feel smooth in the water but has no lasting effect, adds no scent to the bath and requires you to clean the tub unless you want a residue ring. I've used better bombs in the past.

Bath & Body Works
Shade to Order bronzer - I have only ever used one other lotion bronzer before and that was the Jergen's brand. So far this brand seems to work better for me. If you exfoliate properly you do not get uneven bronzing or patches. This has a dail so I can gradually increase my shade, which is very useful for ghostly pale like me. As of right now I'm still happy with it!

Current Mood: Vain

Odd Thomas: Next Installment

Sun, 18 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I was very happy to read that the next installment in Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series is coming out this month. Odd Hours drops May 20th. I wish they would stop doing the creepy animated bots of Koontz's and his characters on the website. At least they finally took down the one of his dead dog Trixie. An animated bot of her showed up after she passed away talking about how "safe and happy" she is in doggy heaven....uh huh.

Koontz's is in no way my favorite author or anything. He is of course an other writer that I was introduced to by Scott. I do enjoy the Odd Thomas series though. Most of Koontz's novels use a lot of the same material or ideas and become very repetitive and old. The Thomas series however tends to keep to it's own set of ideas.

So both Scott and I will be looking forward to the release this week!

Current Mood: Tranquil

Saturday Review

Sun, 18 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Scott and I enjoyed a full couples day Saturday. Not that we are deprived of together time or anything. We went to see Prince Caspian at the first showing of the day. Most likely the earliest movie either of us has even been to. I do not agree with people saying this installment was better then the first. The story and the screenplay were stronger for the Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Granted this movie has some very good fight scenes and some of the closer shots for Narnian talking animals were a tad more realistic. But overall not as strong of a screenplay, the Prince had a horrible Spanish accent and even some of the design was lacking.

After the movie we headed out of sushi at Sakura. I had Edamame and a Dragon Roll. Scott settled on a Spicy Crab roll, Spicy Tuna Roll and some tempura seafood combo. We keep forgetting that our Sakura location likes to use hot tea packets that have the rice in them. It always make it taste like the tea is flavored with popcorn. I know my friend Jessica likes that kind, I'm ok with it, Scott would have passed had he remembered.

Following lunch we went to Dick's sporting goods and bought hybrid bikes for street and trail riding. Scott has wanted to get some decent hybrids for a while. I told him that when I finished the walls in the laundry room he could get them since it is the only place we have to store them, aside from squeezing them behind the water heater. We will have to head out to Monkton trail soon and break them in. I told Scott he better use this thing and not let it sit around like his tendancy with other purchases.

We are about to head over to Towson. Our friend Joe has his final stage combat class presentation today. The whole class is preforming for about three hours in the university theatre. If you are interested head on over. Here is the info:
Sunday May 18th
9:30am to 1pm

Towson University
Center for the Arts
Ruth Marder Studio Theater

Stage Combat Proficiency Test!
Swashbuckling, Revenge, Vicious Murder, Deadly Combat!
Free!

Current Mood: Tranquil

Damn you T-Zone!

Sat, 17 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Eck, I'm getting a pimple on my chin. Of course it has to be the kind that hurts too. My face has been acting very bitchy lately. I used to have it pretty good. Very fair, very clear skin. Over the years my dark circles have intensified, my nose is getting red circles again, I have a t-zone that is starting to plague me, and I seem to have veins that are spidering in certain parts.

Anyone else who would look at my skin would say they have no idea what I'm talking about. But trust me, I know my skin, not you. I also know that while I don't wear a lot of make-up it is mineral, and that can do wonders for blending inconsistencies.

I do not fear getting older. I just fear looking haggard one day... is that selfish of me?

Current Mood: Vain

Season Finales

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Many of the shows that Scott and I watch are heading toward their season finales this week and next week. I'm pretty sure that either one or both of Smallville and Supernatural are tonight, House is next week. I guess it is a good thing though what with the weather getting nicer. It forces you to go outside, head to the gym, or be social.

If we get screen deprived there are always the two movies I am looking forward to which are due out any time now. Prince Caspian, the second Narnia movie, comes out this week. The Indiana Jones movie, we all have been waiting on, comes out the following week. Both of which I will go see as fast as I can. I can picture me now bouncing toward the movie theater like a complete dink.

On a completely unrelated note, there are adorable kittens and young cats in the Lucky Cat cages today. I'm sure they will have no problem finding homes, since they are younger and people tend to want to adopt in warmer weather. I just hope they get good homes with good care.

Current Mood: Flabby

Catching Up

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Now that it stopped raining I was able to go outside and catch up on some yard work. It looks like I'm going to have to plant some flowers where I tried to grow some outdoor herbs. My pot of basil was drowned from all the rain, and the mixed seeds in the yard don't seem to be doing so well. We do have some buds on the raspberry plant now. Maybe that means we will get some this year.

Dentist appointment was yesterday. Clean bill of teeth as always. Only have to have braces and wisdom teeth removed has been my bane thus far. Let's hope my luck keeps up.

Last night the episode of House was odd. It's a two parter for their season finale, but it was something different then they have done before. A lot of cut scenes, flash backs, memory loss and hallucinations from Dr. House. Hugh Laurie, the actor who plays House, was even on Ellen yesterday. He does an American accent for the show so well that every time he speaks in real life I'm shocked to remember that he is British. Guess that would be why he has won 2 Golden Globes and been nominated for a bazillion other things.

Current Mood: Flirtatious

Beauty Review

Sun, 11 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More Magic Hands Workshop sample reviews:

Honey & Propolis body lotion - The honey scent comes across very well in this body butter. This is a good warm savory scent.
Ylang ylang & Tangerine body polish - As I stated in other Magic Hands reviews, don't be fooled this is not a scrub, more like a light exfoliator, if that at all. The scent of this polish is much more pleasing then the Tuberose. Very light hints of tangerine zest.

I also tried my Sephora sample of Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer. This won the best of Sephora primer award for 2007 last year. I do not like this primer nearly as much as Bare Escentuals. It is very thick so a little goes a long way. It covers well and allows for a smooth application of powders, but it also leaves a greasy feeling. Throughout the day it will cause your face to feel extremely oily, and if you have bangs it will cause them to look dirty by end of day. Those things are just like blotting sheets, which by the way you will need if you use this primer.

Current Mood: Vain

Rainy Days

Sat, 10 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

You know what these past few dreary days have been good for? Recorded TV shows, On Demand movies, snuggles with the hubby, reading under a warm blanket, naps with cats, feverish spring cleaning and cooking experiments. yay.

Current Mood: Adorable

Recovering Slowly

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I was still very sore when waking up this morning. The more I move around the less the muscles seem to seize up. So I am taking this as a sign of slow recovery. I'll be glad once I can walk normally again. All of the off balance movement keeps causing me to run into things.

Gaming is tonight. I've made some moist brownies from a new recipe. Half are chocolate and half have pecans. They look good. I just hope they aren't too sweet. The chocolate was supposed to be unsweetened but all I could grab at the time was dark cocoa. Which of course still has some sweetness to it, but I did cut back on the white sugar to try and balance it all out.

If you are interested:
Saucepan Brownies
- 8 Tbsp butter, unsalted
- 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
- 1 ^3/4 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup walnuts (I used pecans)

Preheat oven to 350.
Melt butter in saucepan on low. Turn off heat and add chocolate, stirring till melted.
Stir in sugar and salt with wooden spoon. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time mixing well. Stir in flour and fold in nuts if using. Pour mix into 8x8 inch greased on non stick pan.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, then cut into squares when ready to serve.

As a hint, it helps to chop your nuts up coarsely so it is easier to cut and remove the brownies later after baking.

Current Mood: Cheerful

My Body Feels Like It Was Placed On The Rack

Wed, 07 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When we were at Shaun's 2nd dan test a few weeks ago Scott and I were told by an old high school friend about these beginning tumbler/gymnastics classes that she has been taking for fun. Now Jenny made this sound like it was a good workout and a super fun class so Scott really wanted to go check it out last night.

My body hurts in so many places it should not. Between the nausea I experienced from all the rolling and flipping and the bruised knees I have from slamming my legs into each other, I don't think I will be going back. It has the potential to be a fun idea, but when the instructor doesn't even show you how to properly do the techniques so you don't hurt yourself, I get a little worried. I mean I also ready have knees that turn in and a slight curve in my spine thank you. I don't think I need to be jamming my neck into the floor.

I'm not one of those people who learns well by seeing the pro leap into the air and then say, "OK now do just that". I can't do just that, I'm not a gymnast. I didn't start at the tender age of three when I was still rubbery and pliable. I am an in shape person. I hold a black belt in Hapkido, I've taken dance of various forms since kindergarten, I do yoga, I go to the gym. But in no way am I used to round offs and somersault flips.

I think the nausea is really what got to me. I wasn't the only one, because apparently Scott felt sick and I also learned that two of the other girls take Dramamine before coming to the class. Lovely, let's take a class that causes us the need to medicate and provides no safety. Also the place was extremely hot and dirty, which made the vomit feeling doubled.

Again, I do say it is a neat idea, and maybe with a better warm-up and someone actually showing us how to land and tuck properly it could be ok. I just don't think my spine or my stomach could handle it again.

Current Mood: Old...and achy

In The Clear!

Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Since I have been getting seriously burned every year, for the past several years I went to the dermatologist this morning for a just in case check up. I am happy to say that I am free and clear of any skin meanies. I just need to get in the habit of remembering SPF coverage for any outdoor stints.

Current Mood: Lucky

May

Mon, 05 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Wow this month is busy busy. Yesterday we visited Grandmom Lawson for her birthday. We also stopped by to see my other grandmother on the way, since she is 2 minutes up the road from the other house. Dashed home, saw Iron Man, which was again another movie I had no interest in seeing but was pleased with. Then I finished the night filling orders.

Today I have to get those orders to the post office, get more printer ink which I promptly ran out of last night, and pick up groceries. Then here is what the rest of my month has the potential to look like:

May 6th - Derma apt., DMV for renewals
May 8th - Ptolus
May 11th - Mother's Day visits and cookout
May 12th - Dentist, Website overhaul
May 14th - Library run
May 24th - Birthday party
May 31st - Two birthday parties

Not to mention there are 7 birthdays in the month I still need to secure gifts for, plus all the regular stuff like volunteer days, yoga nights, etc.

Current Mood: Inundated

Beauty Review

Sun, 04 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Magic Hands Zen Tea Body Butter - Works just as well as the Vanilla scent but doesn't smell nearly as good. This is a fresh scent not a sweet scent.
Magic Hands Tuberose Body Polish - First time I've tried their body polish. This is not to be confused with a normal scrub, since this would not help with rough skin. The grains are too small and smooth. I did not prefer this scent, it was over powering.
Wylde Ivy Cranberry Currant Oil Perfume - Got this as a free sample in my last order. Very seasonal scent for fall or winter time. Can smell the currant very strongly at first but it dissipates to a good level later on.

Current Mood: Vain

Twiddle My Thumbs

Fri, 02 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

So I am stuck at my parents' house today, and I do mean stuck. I had to bring Obie up to PA to get his teeth cleaned and he also had two teeth removed. Since he was sedated for the whole process he has to be kept at the vet until about 4:30pm. I've been up since 6am. I drove to the hospital and dropped him off at 7:45am. Then I came here and cleaned my parents' house for about 2 hours. I've still got a long day ahead.

My parents are putting in new flooring, painting, etc, so the house has been in disorder. I straightened some of it up for them which killed some time for me. In truth though, there is so much stuff that not all of it has a place to go. Mom, you have got to stop buying things. Seriously it has reached a point where it is enough. Besides, wouldn't you like to save some money so you can retire one day. Or do you want to work when you are 70 years old?

Current Mood: Spacey

May Day!

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Happy May Day. Go do a ribbon dance with a pole. Or be like 40% of the students from my alma-mater and go naked. Ah Washington College and its traditions...

Made some good chicken stew last night. We had roasted a whole chicken the night before, so I took all the bones, left over meat and skins and added it to a pot. Put in some vegetables, spices and oils, shimmer for a few hours and you've got yourself some homemade soup. Or stock if you drain all the goodies out. Came just in time too since Scott is sick yet again. He wears himself thin and therein lays the problem.

Can I just tell you that I am addicted to this Assassin's Creed game for PC. Scott obsessed about it for a year before it was released. I started playing it a few days ago and it is very engrossing. I don't know if it is the getting to kill people in stealth mode, or if it is the story line that hooks me. I think it's the assassination part. Better then doing it in real life right? Don't worry it will not promote some desire in me to go out and waste random people.

Current Mood: Devious

Happy 21st Marc!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Last night a handful of us went out to dinner for Marc's 21st birthday. I think some people also went to pool afterward but we had to bolt by that point. It was fun, but of course none of us remembered to bring a real camera so my phone was the best I could do.

He was a good sport and actually let me put the beads and birthday boy pin on him. There was an other birthday guy there with a candle hat and I was about to tackle him for it.

Marc, Val and Russell ordering some food.

We weren't sure if we were allowed to bring him alcohol into the restaurant, so shot glasses had to do for now.

That is Hot Fuzz the movie. He turned it before I got the click in.

I'm not sure what Russell was doing.

Jim and Val #2!

Not sure why Scott always insists on this face for pictures.

Shaun showed up at the end of dinner and ate everyone's left overs. Free meal!

I've got a video to post of us all singing happy birthday but I have to figure out where I put that condensing program at again...

Current Mood: Old

Shop Update

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I have added some more paper goods to my Etsy shop, along with new jewelry ideas!

Current Mood: Adorable

People + Alcohol + Emotional Forthcomings = Major Suckage

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The weekend was fine. Alternative plans were made for impending rain. There was a picnic, mini golf and a cook-out. All was well, people were happy. Then the next thing I know I am crying for four hours having a conversation with someone and that talk is not really going anywhere.

This morning I feel very drained, embarrassed, sad, confused and unsatisfied. At the same time I also feel like some revelations were made, and maybe some future attempts will be made. I do have to say though, if I could rewind the episode last night, I would. Because I think it effected people who saw the conversation negatively. And also because it wasn't any fun to have that conversation.

Current Mood: Fatigued

It Doesn't Look Like Rain

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A handful of use were supposed to go to Hershey Park today for McCauls' visit/birthdayiness. Very last minute. We learned last night that Hershey isn't open yet for the season. But then we found out Six Flags had their season opener this weekend and seem to be even closer. Thinking this was all settled I went to bed super early last night and got up super early this morning.

After showering and getting ready Scott then woke up. Skyler sent him an email saying it is supposed to rain today and he was canceling that idea. I understand that they are calling for weather this weekend. It isn't supposed to start till later tonight though, it doesn't look like rain right now at all. Besides no one really puts a lot of stock in weather predictions. In fact I bet it doesn't rain at all today.

I get the point though, they don't want to chance walking around in the rain after paying $40 to get into a place. Regardless, I was fully awake with no chance of falling back asleep this morning. I guess that means back to the plan of yard work and mowing. Stupid impending rain scaring people off...

Current Mood: Devious

Love Those Sales

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I snagged a butt load of 50% off items from Wylde Ivy last night. The lady that owns the store has been gone for several months due to the birth of twins. So they had a mega sale when they reopened last night and now I can safely say that all women's birthday gifts are taken care of for a while. And there are a whole bunch of them in May.

I got an inquiry from Canada yesterday about my shop items. We will have to see if anything comes of that. All my purchases from other Etsy shop owners have come delivered safely over the past month. Again more birthday presents for people. I get excited at gift giving and wrapping. I know <~~~~ big dork.

Today I have a date with my oven. We've got gaming tonight so I'll be making peanut butter cookies. I will post the recipe if they are a success. I should also leave the cocoa chocolate cookie recipe for you all. Those were a hit, nice and soft and all dusted with powdered sugar.

Off to feed my kitties before heading to the Lucky Cats. Oh and speaking of all those birthdays in May. Mine is at the end of that month and we are going to hold a BBQ. Just figuring out which day and weekend is best. So try to keep your calendars open. That means no wine tasting that month everyone!

Current Mood: Excessive

EARTH DAY 2008

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Happy Earth Day everyone!

You should take care of your earth and environment everyday, but at least you make sure you really try today. Here are some things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint:

· Plant a tree that will shade your house as well as reduce the need for air conditioning.

· Participate in your community's recycling program and recycle all you can.

· Combine short car trips, or use a bicycle or walk instead.

· Improve your home's energy efficiency by adding insulation and caulking, and regularly cleaning heating and air conditioning filters.

· Compost yard trimmings and food waste in a backyard compost bin. Don't bag grass clippings - either leave them on the lawn or compost them.

· When buying paint, cleaners or other chemicals, buy only what you need and use what you buy.

· Practice water conservation - install a low flow shower head or make an Earth Day pledge to take shorter showers.

· Use compact fluorescent lights to conserve up to 75 percent of the energy consumed by incandescent bulbs.

· Purchase durable goods and choose products made with recycled materials and with minimal or recyclable packaging.

· Shop local and use totes instead of paper or plastic!
Those are just a few of the things you can do to help out.

Did you know?:

· The average American contributes 1,859 pounds of air pollution to the atmosphere each year.

· Running a refrigerator and freezer for one year can produce as much pollution as driving a car from Chicago to Las Vegas.

· Each mile a person travels in an airplane accounts for 1.08 pounds of greenhouse gases.

· Every minute, 37,000 empty soft drink bottles are thrown away in the United States.

"Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet." - Earth911

What A Day

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I'm sitting here right now while the plumber replaces the pipe to our front yard faucet. It did indeed crack and it will be costing us about $300 for this call and repairs. Yippie.

My journal disappeared this morning. Scott got it back. I felt bad bothering him about it because he is at the office from an all nighter he has pulled. It still is acting a little funny but I think the rest I can figure out on my own.

I can't get to any of my emails from my sarahmiddleton.com or my naturessilhouette.com accounts. Something about our certificate expiring either with Outlook or the Microsoft exchange server. That I can't figure out on my own because I don't have the passwords or the understanding needed to fix it. So I may not get emails for a few days.

My body is a little bit sore from the Body Pump class last night. I don't think it is a good class to take for my back issues. Only problem is it is now combined with the Body Flow class on Mondays. You can do one with out the other but then that is going to be only a 30 minute workout. Which is pointless when you don't go often enough as is.

One of those creepy spiders from our back yard was dead in our basement today. That does not sit well with me. I also might get a future wasp or bee problem too. Today when I was showing the cracked pipe to this repair guy we saw those winged beasts trying to borrow into the brick slats. Once this guy is finished the repairs I am going to have to go do some hole patching.

Can you tell we all are a little stressed around here?

Current Mood: Miserable

Check That Off The To Do List

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It is gorge outside, just to die for. Went back to the Bel Air Market this week and picked up flowers for the yard. They still don't have anything else yet other then herbs, greens, flowers, cakes and meats. So no fruits and veggies that could make me a happy girl. I did pick up some hamburger meat, BBQ, sausage and cheese along with the flowers. It's local support, non hormone injected and cruelty free, so it was a semi win day.

I had to stop by and take care of the Bel Air Lucky Cats on the way back. One of the girls needed her shift covered. It appears that one of the older male kitties did get adopted. So yay!

I returned home and spent several hours mowing, weeding, trimming and planting. My Yard = Pretty and Pruned now. I've got some marigolds, pansies, climbing vine flowers, some spiny weird looking plant.... Most of my flowers from last year are coming back so I didn't need too many. Oh and a baby tomato plant. Some of my indoor herbs are starting to sprout but I am worried about the outdoor ones. I have a back up seed box just in case. Lesson to you all, it helps to germinate the seeds if you can, seems to make a difference.

For those of you that were wondering about the hair cut that went a little wrong, here is a picture. I asked for bangs yes, just not so short. I asked for highlights yes, but not so many. That odd angle cut shaping the front of my chin, no that I did not ask for.

I guess it's not the best picture because apparently everyone else thinks it is cute. It is in a modster slash porcelain doll combo kinda way. I don't think that was what I was going for though.

Good news on the beauty front is the fact that I have not bitten or peeled my nails in over 3 weeks. I have nails! I credit Sally Hansen Maximum Growth for getting them there faster. Whenever I do manage to keep my nails away from my mouth this product does make a huge difference.

While we are on this mini beauty review I might as well add that Magic Hands Workshop has a vanilla body butter that is to die for. Smells like cupcake batter, yummmy.

Speaking of yummy, if you are looking for a nice cool drink this summer you should try this tea recipe I just made.
Pomegranate Sun Tea
-Pomegranate tea bag
-Tsp. white sugar
-Lemon wedge
- Ice cubes whole
- Pomegranate seeds
- 1oz. vodka (adults only)

Seep the tea bag in water outside in the sun all day, or on a window sill. You can nuke the water if you are impatient. Add your sugar to the water either during for sun brewing or after for nuking.

In a glass add pomegranate seeds and crush slightly.

Add ice, lemon and vodka to glass.

Add the tea sugar mixture to glass.

Stir and enjoy!

I'm off to get ready for Shaun's belt test tonight. We are all about support yo, but man I am not looking forward to sitting through the test. When I took martial arts at the exact same school it was long doing it, let alone sitting through it. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll be a smaller testing class this month.

Current Mood: Adorable

Can't Seem To Get It Right

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Things are in a slump again.

My shop is at a standstill even after adding new items. I wonder if my pictures need to be better or are my prices not right?
Our front yard water faucet has water coming out of the wall. We have a plumber coming Tuesday, I think the pipe froze and cracked.
Scary spiders are infesting our back yard again. They look like wolf spiders and some other small wood like spider.
Yesterday my haircut did not end up as planned. I asked for long front bangs, a few chunky blond highlights and a trim. I now have several thin blond highlights that I basically don't look like a brunette anymore, the bangs are too short, the layers were trimmed and I have angles... I don't understand. It is kinda cute in a Mod looking way and I guess hair does grow at least.
I am still peeling and I itch everywhere!
I have a lot of yard work on the agenda for this weekend and of course it might rain.

Current Mood: Peeved

Natures Silhouette

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've been making and posting lots of items since I last blogged about the store. So go check them out! Some pendants have been added. I've got more stationary lined up for this week. I also added some PIF items, one of which seems to have been bought already.

If you ever want custom orders, or want to buy something from my Etsy shop with out signing up with Etsy, then let me know!

Nature's Silhouette

Current Mood: Parched

Drive All Night

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Well drive all day really. I just spent most of my day in the car driving Oberon to his vet appointment. It's useful having a father-in-law as a veterinarian, but driving three hours round trip to get there is not fun. Especially when your sunburn is itchy and peeling, plus you have a cat that tends to get car sick. I also have to go back up in about two weeks because he wants to clean Obie's teeth. Blah.

Scott has been gone for over 24 hours. He and two other ASR peeps had to drive to a client in NJ for an overnighter. I'm not sure if he is coming back tonight or not since he has yet to call me about anything. I'm going to assume they are really busy and that nothing is wrong. He tends not to contact me on one jointers.

When I stopped by my parents' house on the way to PA today, I got a look at the floors they redid. Hardwood has replaced the carpet in the living room, hall and bedrooms. Looks nice, I hope it lasts them. Those floors can be tricky sometimes, I should know, we have some.

I feel out of it right now. I wonder if the pollen is starting to get to me? Or maybe the drive made me spacey. I think I might sit in front of the TV for a few minutes until my brain wakes back up. If I read something right now I'd fall asleep, and I already made all the phone calls and appointments I needed to make. So I guess I'm allowed to sit for a moment and be swiss cheese brained.

Current Mood: Spacey

La la la

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

That gorgeous weather is finally sticking! I have a bit of a headache this morning, so I have yet to fully enjoy the bright outdoors.

Scott helped me finish the fence this Sunday so that is done and out of the way. It ended up taking almost three cans of stain. Even though the last can I bought was the same as all the others, it looks more almond colored then cedar. Hopefully over time that will even out some.

My sun burn is fading quickly. The only areas that are still bothersome are the back of my neck and near my tattoo. I'm still going to make an appointment with the doctor for a skin check. I've never had one and I have been burned a few times over the years. It couldn't hurt to have a go see.

Saturday was fun. Andrew, Michelle and Mina stopped by for brunch on their way to visit family. Later that night we went out with a group of friends for dinner and a movie. We saw 21 which was pretty good. It was better then I thought it would be and most likely a better choice then some of the titles out at this moment.

Current Mood: Spacey

Farmers' Market

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I went to the Bel Air Farmers' Market this morning. For opening day I was underwhelmed, looks nothing like the photos. Granted the place opened at 7am and I was there by a little before 8am, so maybe not every seller was there yet...but really for opening day people!? One of the farmers there told me opening day actually draws the least amount of people and what with potential rain in the forecast they don't have as many sellers or buyers that come out today.

I thought that was kinda poop. Well at least I found a few good things. I stayed away from the plants though. I need some plants for the yard but that could take me all day. We have guests coming from an impromptu brunch and I would have meandered right through that.

Current Mood: Ravenous

Owie ow ow

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I am an official moron. I stained half the fence yesterday and I got scorched in the process. You would think after getting sunburned when doing the deck last year I would have remembered to apply sunscreen. I didn't know the damage was done until I felt warm creeping up all over. When I went inside I learned that I was throughly red on my neck, arms and small of my back.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Current Mood: Crabby

Whoo-hoo!

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I made an other sale last night! I need to get this domain website live soon. If not all these business cards I am sending out with both addresses on them is going to seem silly.

The rain is still fickle, so I have yet to touch the fence. I did plant a lot of herbs in pots though!

Current Mood: Lucky

Beauty Review

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter - Received this as my deluxe beauty insider sample on my last order. You can definitely catch the hints of lemon and sage, but they aren't overwhelming. Very effective moisturizer.
Philosophy Margarita Scrub - I have to say I'm confused and slightly disappointed by this. Being a well known brand I guess I had higher expectations for them, but the scent smells more like ice removing snow salt then margarita and salt. Also this warming ability it talks of does not seem to come into play. And you lie people, yes it exfoliates but your product does not also moisturize as you claim or as other brands surely do.
Philosophy Grace Lotion - Yet an other Sephora deluxe sample. This lotion does have a very perfumed scent right out of the bottle. Dissipates some as it wears on the skin.

Current Mood: Vain

Stop Raining!

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It needs to stop raining so I can get my butt outside and stain our fence. My neighbor has already hinted that she'd prefer me to take care of it sooner rather then later since her plants are starting to grow back in. Well you know what dear, I'm in the mood to move on this fence for me, not you. I've got plants coming back in too and I'd also like to start putting my herb seeds in the ground.

The county's Farmers' Market open this Saturday and I'm stoked. Such a dorky little domesticated nerd I am. I actually have a schedule that let's me go to the thing now so I can be happy if I want to. I just hope the setup is as neat as the pictures lead you to believe.

I need to slow down on some of my craft production. I've made a few sales, thanks Molly, my most recent. Yet I need to remember you have to get a certain return in profits before you continue to shell out items. Besides, with the final post I'll put up tomorrow morning I'll now be at over 60 items swimming in the craft closet. Another reason why the weather needs to get outdoor friendly. If I'm occupied with other things I am less likely to over indulge in my creative voyage.

It was super fun visiting with Michelle on Wednesday and it made me realize how proud I am of her. She is working toward a future goal of hers, which I'll not mention because that's her choice to talk about, and I admire her determination. Plus we just love her. And yes M, we do wish we lived closer to you too.

Scott has reached the peak of his swelling and pain this evening. FuN. He has been taking his meds and is now resting and reading. I feel bad for him but I do think he will feel better tomorrow. They do say that the worst pain is in the first 48 hours, this would be day two now. Hopefully he will be able to move off Slimfast® by tomorrow.

Between Scottie care (not that I mind, because I'd want pampering after surgery too), normal weekend house junk, and shop photos and postings, I am now ready for a little me time. Going to go make a fire, and cry over some Extreme Home Makeover and The Big Give. For someone who has done a lot of volunteering over the years, Sunday nights have now found a way to hit my interest button. Who knew charity would be so marketable?

Current Mood: Flabby

Body Overload

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

My mind feels like it's going a mile a minute. I guess I've gotten used to an easier pace over the past few months that weeks crammed full of crafting, visits, errands and projects feel like a lot.

I don't feel half as busy as Scott does. I'm doing what I like while I'm busy, he is too, but his feels more and is more like work then my whole schedule of activities. That didn't make a lot of sense. I'm actually very worried about him. He eats fine, his sleep pattern is horrible though. He has a lot of stress lately and he is overloaded at work. It's caused us to have a little bit of a snag. Really we see each other for dinner sometimes and our us time consists of him falling asleep while we watch T.V. Or him falling asleep anywhere.

I get nervous for his health and sanity during these long intervals of work deadlines and demanding seasons. His wisdom teeth are removed tomorrow. That will at least force him to take R & R time. Granted it won't be the fun kind, but he will get sleep and pampering.

Current Mood: Anxious

Recover

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Busy weekend, so list post:

I've been working on more things to add to the site. I'm going to make a decision soon I think to stick to two basics and then throw in random objects here and there. I think I offer too wide a variety of products that it's confusing people.
My mom has commissioned me to make some garden and grocery totes for her. I have yet to get back to the craft store.
Wanted to go to the Cherry Blossom festival this weekend and didn't. I think I'm the only Marylander that had never been...
The extra room tried to kick my ass but I won. I think I'll hold off on installing a ceiling for now.
Finished the 2nd Koontz book in the Odd Thomas series. Looking forward to the next one and the final that is yet to be released.
Friday, went to Kobe's for dinner and ate too much.
Sunday we spent time with Skyler and ate too much at Holy Frijoles
Had a field trip to Whole Foods, also on Sunday.

Yet to come:

Obie's vet appointment
Scott's oral surgery and recovery
Visit to Michelle in Frederick
Craft store run
Slumber Party
Fence staining
Herb planting

By the by, the thunder here is creeping me out. It sounds like someone is hitting my window.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Not A Selling Virgin Anymore!

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I made my first sale! *Happy dance* Granted it was on my flawed marked down totes but I don't care! I'll at least make a tiny bit or break even on those and they will be out of my house! I just hope the buyer is happy and gives me some good feedback.

I'm waiting to get my items I personally purchased from some other Etsy sellers, so I hope when those come I get good feedback as a buyer. All feedback ratings as a buyer or a seller will help me in the future. Because showing people you pay on time or ship on time is good.

Current Mood: Cheerful

Steady As She Goes

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've got half the walls and all of the flooring done in the laundry room. I need to rent a truck to go back and get the rest of the paneling. The more I look at the ceiling the more I think I might fore go covering it for a little while. It looks like it will give me lots of trouble.

I've got lots of items posted for sale on the Etsy site. Lots of lookers but no buyers. It's all most likely due to no feedback rating since I'm a new member. But I can't build a feedback rating unless I buy from people or they buy from me. So I started buying from people. Mind you it's things I need or gifts for people's birthdays, so it's not like I'm doing it for nothing.

Very tired. Kinda sore too. I think it is time for bed.

Current Mood: Spacey

Sleep Invasion

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I woke up this morning to the sound of my magic box being pushed off my night stand and broken to bits. I don't know which cat did it but if I knew they'd be dead by now. My grandmother gave me that thing. I'm trying to glue together as much of it as I can at the moment.

It's not good to be woken up that way in the morning after a long week. Thursday night neither Scott or myself got much sleep after coming back from the guys' apartment. Then Friday we went to see Gem of the Ocean at Everyman. It's an August Wilson play so it was 3 hours with the intermission. Good, but long. Scott didn't get it though.

I plan to get to work on that room today. Since it's not going to rain outside there is no excuse not to break all the obstacles up and take them to the dump. I'd at least like to have the floor laid by the weekend.

Current Mood: Fatigued

Self Pimpage

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yay I'm on Etsy! Now just to get some sales.

Oh and by the by, my site is being wicked slow today!

Current Mood: Ravenous

Nature's Silhouette

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Just waiting on the Paypal stuff to verify my accounts and I should be able to go live tomorrow. Which means a day full of uploading images and writing descriptions. Well, most likely not a full day since I think I'm only starting with 30 items. Regardless, be sure to check my shop out on Etsy tomorrow evening and tell me what you think of everything! Suggestions and feedback are welcome, orders too! :0)

I finished the personal website. It directs you to Etsy to buy anyway, but having one for the store on my own makes it more legit. You can sometimes get random draws that way too. Scott just wants to fix it so it ends up looking the same on everyone's computers. I forget that not everyone keeps their screen displays on high res and that makes the page look different.

Next week I plan to start work on the final room in the house that needs to be finished. Remember those pictures of the laundry room I posted a while back. The place with no floor, walls and ceiling? I hope to have it finished by end of the month. I think I'm going to wait to start the gardening stuff till April because of all of that.

Current Mood: Daring

Beauty Review

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bathed & Infused's Tea Infused Body Wash - Got this when it was on clearance at Soap Box. The light tea scent combined with a lake shore vibe smelled great, Scott even commented on it. It came out very thin but lathered surprisingly well.

Jonathon Product Serious Volume Shampoo, Conditioner & Thickening Foam - I don't know whether to love it or hate it. When you use all three with your daily routine it felt like it made a difference in the volume of my hair for a little while. I think the foam is really what did it though. If I ever took that out of the equation the hair wash itself has almost no effect. Even when it does give you increased poof the products don't leave your hair as shiny or as smooth as some. Plus being a vegan product you have to wash your hair everyday or there will be next day foam residue and natural hair buildup.

Current Mood: Vain

Spring Skins!

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I know I'm early again with changing the skins. I can never wait till the actual day anymore for the season to get here. Besides, it was depressing looking at a snow driven website when there is no snow here.

I'm excited for the tea day tomorrow. Even though there are literally only a handful of people coming it should still be fun. People will walk out of here with lots of goodies and happy tummies. At least that is my goal. I also hope to get opinions on shop names tomorrow.

I want to have the name picked out by this weekend and grab those profiles and domains. Then I'll crank out some business cards and stickers. All next week will be devoted to some crafting but the main focus is website creation and my Etsy profiles. By the end of next week I hope to upload all these photos and transfer my item descriptions from notebook to keyboard. I really could do it all by Monday but I don't want to put it up before all my packing gear gets here. I'm all about fast turn around people.

I worked on some postcard sets, gift tags and more bookmark pairs using one type of card stock today. All the hard card bases reuse cardboard packing materials from other card stock. I have found a way to reuse anything that comes in contact with my crafts and supplies. Except for cut off scraps or plastic wrapping. My goal is to recycle, reuse and thus reduce. That is going to be my main shop motto. It's all about educating people while also providing goods to them.

Some examples of the reused card stock items:

I started the teacup bird feeder/votive holders today. I don't think I will get back to them till Monday though! Plus I need to find chain hangers to finish them anyway and that is going to be hard. I only need two!

Current Mood: Ravenous

My House Smells Like Hot Glue & Acrylic

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've been good about keeping any spray can use outside, but in general if it wasn't warm enough to keep a window open these fumes might kill me. More goodies below! (I'm not very proud of the bookmarks, in fact if they don't sell they might end up as freebies in order packs, but the garden stones turned out cool).

Part of my days have also been filled with an hour or two of data entry for ASR. Not that I like that part, but they need it done apparently. I have a feeling though it is going to be a lot of compiling and not all of it gets used. It also is going to take forever at the rate I'm moving. Whatever, I'm getting paid for it so meh.

I have a side bar frustration vent for the day: I hate our NetGear phone. We have a special phone since we use the phone internet service Skype. I've yet to have an issue with Skype, but the phones we have are starting to piss me off. They often disconnect and need to be restarted, almost like a computer. Also of late when you go to call someone they might not be able to hear you. And now I can't access the voice mail. I know there is one on there, I can see it and see who it is from, but I can't get to it.

Grrr....

Current Mood: Peeved

More Goodies

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More goodies for when the shop goes live, which I hope will be by the end of the month.

I ordered shipping supplies today and the great thing is it was all free! Yay for USPS and their schemes to get you to use only their services. I've yet to hear any feedback from anyone on the shop name. I will have to pester the girls at tea this weekend for their opinions. I want to make a choice by the weekend so I can register a domain name and start a profile.

Current Mood: Parched

Store Update

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yay! I've completed 5 card sets and one mini bird house in 2 days. I feel productive. I'm also still learning so everything takes more time then it should but I'm still kinda pleased so far. Tomorrow I am going to finish 2 more bird houses and then start on candles. You can see some of my creations thus far. Any feedback would be appreciated, good or bad. I need to know!

The design in my icon is the one I think I will use in my business cards once I finalize a name. I have a similar design to use in my packing stickers. The only hard part in all of this is going to be determining pricing. I'm not sure how high I can price an item and still be fair on both ends. Other then that I'm not too worried. Well unless of course someone orders an item and it ends up damaged or they are unimpressed. Those are the only other things that scare me.

Current Mood: Ravenous

Whoa Nelly

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Our power went out last night while we had people over. It is a darn good thing I learned to like a lot of candles from my mother. Those came in handy being pre-lit when everything went pitch dark at 9pm. We didn't get power back till 6:30 this morning.

I've been burning all of our home videos from the camcorder tapes to DVDs. The program has some neat special effects, sound and titles you can add. It is frustrating when you are first learning how to use it. Let me tell you, I am not a patient person. So learning this all was not easy and I had to walk away from the laptop several times.

I'm also working on name selection for my shop. I am pretty sure setting up in Etsy is going to be my best bet, and creating a personal website that also links there. Most of the products I'll craft will sell better to the market it caters to. I think. We shall see. I need to get started on making some items first before I set any profiles and all up.

In the mean time if you all wouldn't mind giving me some feedback on how these names sound to you I'd appreciate it. "Nature's Silhouette", "Reflections of Nature, "Nature's Footprint". Other suggestions are welcome too. These are names though that I know are not being used on Etsy and they are also not taken as domain names for the web. Keep in mind all of my products I make will have either botanical, nature, earth type items in them, or they can be used in the outdoors. For example, anything from stationary with pressed flowers on them to bird feeders made out of teacups. So either natural elements or usable in nature.

Current Mood: Childish

Self-Made

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I'm toying with the idea of an online business. Ok so it isn't something that you think about lightly, so toy with is not the best description. I want to be able to feel productive in a career sense and I think theatre just might not be doing that for me anymore. I don't like the idea of having to wait till every new season to know if you are going to find work or not.

Starting an online business, especially via a host site like Amazon, Ebay or Etsy, gives you the chance to test the waters in a new creative field of selling your own crafted items. You know me, it might work, it might not, or I could get fickle again. I bought some books on tips for selling online and some others for crafting ideas. I think I want to try a shop with a theme, something environmental/nature related, since that is something I'm big into.

I've been told I make good stationary, so that and card sets is an idea. Totes are popular now, so some of those for fashion or groceries, with trees and earth decaled and painted on the side would sell. Hand painted flower vases, recycled wind chimes. I've got a lot of ideas floating around, I just need to center in on what is realistic to start with.

The reason an online shop appeals to me is you can still work from home at this point. It's a safer starting ground as far as self employment goes. Plus if you want to start a family it is ten times easier to make and sell items via host sites then in store somewhere.

After some research and reading I'll have a better idea where I want to go with this. Then I'll have to gather supplies, create some items, make descriptions and icons, coming up with a shop name is going to be hard. If anyone has any suggestions on that I might need some help.

Current Mood: Anxious

Gardening

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I have just been itching to get outside and do some planting. I know it is not spring yet so starting now would be a very bad idea. The weather has been either warm or clear, or both on good days, that it makes you stir crazy.

I bought some herb seeds to add to my berry bushes this year. I also bought extra to try growing them indoors again. It is just difficult with cats. I'm thinking this year I'll stick with flowers, vines, herbs and berries, and a potted cherry tomato plant. I've started saving scraps for compost and adding them in when it is warmer. I even have my organic plant feed ready to go.

Starting in April the local farmer's market opens back up. I have never been to the one here but I have a feeling I will be a frequent visitor this year. Local grown produce is just so much better. Not to mention cheaper and better for your state funds.

Current Mood: Childish