I am a self-professed beauty product-a-holic!!!

HI. MY NAME IS ROSE. AND I'M A BEAUTY PRODUCT-A-HOLIC. *Sighs* There....I've said it. Out loud, via text message to my bestie Michelle, and to the internet universe. How many of us are there out there who buy in to the marketing of these beauty products and think that everything they try and sell us is new and improved? I'm not the girl who will spend hundreds of dollars on botox (ewww...can we say botulism?), or skin peels, or anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin firming product. Nope...I'm the girl with a draw full of nail polish....and alot of nail polish in the same shade yet different catchy names. YEAH...I'm 'that girl.' Thanks OPI *cough cough*.
   A friend of mine and I recently had a girl's night, which consisted of visiting a beauty store and dinner because she needed to look at the new OPI nail polish color line for the MUPPET'S. Until she mentioned it, I was oblivious to there being such a color line. (Yeah, I thought my polish buying was under control.) And then I saw it...a bevvy of nail polishes with names like: 'Warm & Fozzie', 'Rainbow Connection', and 'Gettin Miss Piggy With It!' And I knew. I knew what was coming....I wanted them. I 'needed' them. I had to have them! So I indulged, and added to my nail polish collection. But it didn't stop there....oh no. I had to buy other items as well...stuff for gifts, stuff for myself.....stuff just because I'm a girl. So take a gander at some of the items this self-professed beauty product-a-holic purchased.

'Fresh Frog of Bel Air'.....in fact I think I'm going to do this color for Christmas!

'Gone Gonzo' may be the color to go see the new Muppet movie when it comes out later this month.

'Animal-istic' because you know.....Tommy Lee & I share a love for Animal.

Big Bang Lip Gloss by Lipstick Queen in the color 'Creation'. This I just had to have because of my love for the TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory. (But I have to say...I do love how it makes my lips look and feel!)
 Halloween anti-bac packs for the little carrier you tie on to your purse. Never mind it's November...and Christmas will be here before we know it. But because of the witty names like 'Batty' and 'Vampire Blood'....this brown-eyed girl just needed to own them...because that's how I roll.

 And of course...because I am a complete nerd, and a total makeup junky when I found out that Tarte had a whole color line and look book dedicated to one of my favorite shows, and TVs sexiest vampires, TRUEBLOOD...this makeup pallet just happened to end up in my makeup collection.

And everyone needs their skin to be supple and soft, especially in the winter time. So per my friend Lisa's high recommendation, I turned to Philosophy and have the green tea body scrub to keep rough skin at bay.

There you have it...my beauty splurges and spoils of a wild beauty shopping spree. Because this beauty product shop-a-holic can never have too many products to play with.

A Pirate's Life's For Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ever since I was a wee lass, there has been two consistent loves in my life. (1) pirates, and (2) vampires. My pirate love I believe stems from seeing Gilbert & Sullivan operetta Pirates of Penzance, and having the pirate kings sash brush me as he rushed through the seats of the theater.Then when I was 11 years old my mom took me to Disney World for my first visit, and I fell head over heals in love with the Disney ride Pirates of the Caribbean!What made it even more cool was before they revamped the ride to incorporate Captain Jack Sparrow in to the ride, there was actually a pirate lass statue which resembled me! Yep I was hooked on anything and everything Pirates of the Caribbean. If I wasn't so covered in tattoos ( and solemnly swore to my mom that I wouldn't get another tattoo) would probably get a pirate inspired inking.

Which brings us to the terrific-and-35 birthday bash which is Pirates of the Caribbean themed and a mere three weeks away! Today we placed I finalized the cake and menu for this auspicious occasion. But what's even more cooler...is that my piratical paraphenalia for my outfit has been coming in. Is piratical even a word? Anywho...here are some of the items in my possession for making me piratey perfect!

Jack Sparrow's Dragon ring. This is supper cool for me to own, as not only do I love dragons (and Jack Sparrow)...but I was born in the year of the dragon!

This Jack Sparrow ring I actually bought when mum and I were in Disney World, several years ago. Who'da thunk it would have come in handy???

 Not exactly my favorite of Jack's rings...but the price was right.
Jack Sparrow beads. Becuz, you know...I need 'em for me head!

 Ok, so maybe the real Captain Jack Sparrow won't be at the party. But I will be having an impersonator there!

Captain Morgan rum....because every pirate knows that the only way a party ends is when the rum is all gone!

 Pirate coins...because there's no sense in being a pirate if there's no booty to be had!
 Pirate napkins to be neat scally-wags!
 And some loot to decorate the tables.

Of course there is so, so, so much more. But I have to leave some of it as a surprise don't I? Plus in juust a few hours I am off to sail Stranger Tides with the Captain Jack Sparrow, in search of the fountain of youth, at midnight!

Movie review: 'The Rite' Critiqued by a Catholic Paranormal Investigator

Ask anyone what kind of movies I enjoy...and they'll answer 'I honestly don't know.' However the correct answer to that question is that I LOVE ALL KINDS OF MOVIES. If it is well done or that it is of something of interest to me, I will gladly watch it. Oh who am I kidding...I like poorly done movies that have gotten bad reviews as well. {I do own Spice World: The Spice Girls movie, after all}One of my favorite genre of movies however are horror movies. Blood and guts splashing across the screen does not bother me. What does make me cover my eyes, and jump instead is that which is more psychological or has to deal with the paranormal....or more importantly...evil spirits.
     Funny, right? This revelation coming from someone who partakes in paranormal investigating. A woman who knows that there is such a thing as life after death, and has even experienced and interacted with those who are no longer of the living. But with the good (spirits) there are bad...ask anyone who has been in the field of paranormal research, and is a seasoned veteran. Regardless of what your religious belief is you will find stories about those who are not of the light, who seek to mislead and harm the living, and even like to torment those who are not living. For those of us who are paranormal researchers, when we partake in an investigation, we put up protection for ourselves and our team members. There are various methods and ways to do this: offering up prayer, wearing blessed medals, carrying crystals, the use of sage before and after an investigation...the methods of protecting yourself are countless, and vary on your beliefs. The most important thing in investigating is putting up your protection so you do not fall under attack by a (not necessarily evil) spirit, but also protect you from having it follow you home.
     I've swayed from the topic of this blog tonight, but just wanted to drive home how important it is to protect yourself when dealing actively with the spirit realm. Even if you do not participate in paranormal investigating, should try and offer up a prayer. (I don't mean to come off as a holy roller) but just remember that the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled off was to have man forget the he exists.Which brings us (finally) to my review of the movie 'The Rite' starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. New Line Cinema released this film on January 28, 2011 and it closed the weekend in the # 1 slot. I have to say that it is now ranked among my favorite movies. Not because of it being a horror movie, or because (the awesome) Sir Anthony Hopkins is in it. But because I believe that this film is one made with integrity, hard work, and is the most truth-based film which is about possession I have ever seen. I am not sure what the mass public will make of it, or will understand the truth to it.I fear that it will become a movie which is swept under the carpet and overlooked by film critics and snobs because it isn't a thrill-a-minute film or a mockumentry such as 'Paranormal Entity'.
     Colin O'Donoghue plays the young seminarian Michael Kovak who is not quite sure of his place in the world. Should he do the right thing, and stay in the family business, or 'escape' by the only means he has and join the seminary. As a seminarian, he questions his actions, questions his faith, and seems even more unsure of his place in the world. Although critics berated Mr. O'Donoghue's performance in this film, I believe he played the roll perectly. Yes, he did not eat up his scenes with Anthony Hopkins (but then again who could?) He was very subdued, and I think that a person in his position would not be very verbose and larger than life. The scenes where 'Michael Kovak' is very nearly beaten and has to dig deep in himself not to lose his battle, you can really see and sense the emotions rolling off  Colin O'Donoghue. You want to cheer and give him a hug. And other times when he will not admit to what his eys see, and he denies what he expierences you just want to slap hm. Knowing several gentlemen who have gone through the seminary and have become fine priest's...I know what their school work is like, and the psychological evaluations and strain they are put under. Between the script and the performance of Colin O'Donoghue I thought they captured it very well.
     SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS is simply genius, as usual. His emotions are all over the place, from quiet and scholarly to pompous and arrogant to out right scary, to very humbling. There is nothing you can give this man that he can not pull off...so I will not go in to rantings on how superb he was. I will say that for those of you who do love 'Dr Hannibal Lector', there is a scene in the end which is just as delicious as our old friend 'Dr. Lector'. I believe Hopkin's portrayal of Father Lucas Trevant in 'The Rite' was spot on, for those who have seen the evil and had to battle it. People who perform exorcisms and banishing, I have found are both eccentric and strong. They have seen the ugliness which exists, and fight it...and after awhile it wears them down. Once again, the script and Hopkins performance nail this on the head.
     For someone who goes in to the theater to see 'The Rite' and expect to see pea soup spewing actors, and people crawling across ceilings, you're going to be disappointed. The special effects in the film do not quite go to that extent. But do not be fooled. Bodies are twisted and contorted in to unnatural angles, and there is several special effects makeup scenes. The film which is based on true events is outright horrifying. Because it shoes you how the Devil can wear someone down, and plays on your weaknesses and insecurities. This film is scary because it makes you face the truth that evil does indeed exist. It is equally frightening on a visual and psychological level.
     What was even more frightening to me was the fact that a a set of parents brought their small children to see the film. And when I say small children, I am talking ages 6-10 years old. Before the film started the mother was saying to the kids 'this isn't going to be scary.' and then when the movie ended she asked them 'see you weren't scared, right?' Dude, I am almost 35 years old and I was scared in scenes! But I was scared for these kids. Why the hell would their parents bring them to a rated R movie...and one which is based on demonic possesson? And what the heck was going through this woman's head, to think that the possibility of this happening was not scary? I had wanted to catch up with her, to ask her..but they left the theater before I could have gotten the chance to. Perhaps that was for the better. Either way...go see this film. You will not be disappointed.

Attack of the cats.....or 'did you ever think you'd know someone who had to get rabie shots?'

     Ok, I've been gone for awhile but it's not exactly my fault. I've missed checking in and blogging. I've missed following all of you who blog too. But I had a slight bloody and painful mishap which had prevented me from being able to type, as well as having my energy zapped from me. They say the the road to hell is paved with good intentions and over the course of my life...found that to be true from time to time. However it has never rung more true or closer to home, than it had last Saturday.
     Anyone who knows me knows I love animals. Almost all kinds of animals. And my heart breaks for those whom are mistreated or homeless. My family has always rescued our pets from shelters, and my newest kitten was brought in from a feral litter at only six weeks old...and a ball of joy and love. Of course my mom cringes any time I see an animal and squeal...as she thinks and knows that I do want to love it and adopt it. But finally...with one crazy puggle and three cats, I know there is no more room in my house or my heart to give.
     This past summer, a pregnant cat took up residence in our back yard and gave birth to two kittens. I fondly nicknamed them 'the interlopers' and named each of them. The mother is a meanie, one kitten was a lovie, and the other a scardy-cat. Just before Christmas I was able to place the beautiful, nice kitten in a home...but we worried about the mamma and remaining kitten. Mind you the 'kitten' is now about eight months old. I have gotten no where with the mother cat, with her allowing me to pet her. But the kitten I have been able to pet when she is inside the shelter I've constructed for them to protect them from snow. And this is where the horror began.

     On Saturday, January 15th I decided to take the 'kitten' and put her in a carrier and turn her over to an animal rescue place with the store Petco. I had my cat carrier ready to go, inside my house, near the back door. I waited until she was in her cubby, and attempted to extract her. BIG mistake. Big. HUGE! Because this kitten went wacko! Granted I can now admit that she was scared....but at the time it was 'an attempt to kill me...the person who was feeding her.' She scratched my hands and my wrists with her nails. I got her out of the cubby and she lept from my grasp and scratched my neck and face...and FLEW into my dining room where I heard glass shatter. I went after her, not wanting her to get hurt...and found her behind a curio cabinet where once again (stupid me) grasped her and she set about BITING my left index finger viciously...to the point where blood was literally spurting from my hand (no exaggeration.) I figured that I was going to need stitches. Again she escaped my grasp and FLEW back to the family room, and hid behind the sewing machine until my mom could move it enough for her to get past and outside to freedom.
     My hand in excruciating pain, already swollen and still bleeding, I told my mom I was going to probably need stitches and off to the urgent care we went. The urgent care doctor told me we were going to need to go to the Emergency Room at the hospital as animal attacks need to be reported by law...and I would need to be started on the anti-rabies vaccine. He prescribe an oral antibiotic of augmentin, which I have to take 875mg TWICE a day, for ten days. Plus he gave me a tetanus shot. So off the the Emergency Room we go and have to go through the whole horrid details again. I had to speak to someone in the CDC department who informed me that I would indeed need the series of anti-rabies shots. Several of which would be injected IN THE BITE SITES and would be extremely painful. Also I'd need three follow-up shots on certain days.

     Contrary to popular belief...they do NOT inject the rabies shots in your stomach. You get a shot in each arm, and then into the animal bites. They DO NOT numb the area. They DO NOT knock you out for this. The needle which they use is the size of the needle for an epidoral or the amniosantesis test. It is THE WORST pain I have ever felt in my life...and trust me...I've been through some nasty injuries. I tried holding in my screams....and mom had to push my shoulder down to keep me still. Tears streamed from my eyes and the nurse was so upset to have to put me through this (the nurse was really, really great with her treatment of me.) Eight shots later, a xanex for my nerves and an ice pack with follow-up shot dates I was sent home. This past Tuesday I had my first follow-up shot which was a breeze, like getting a flu-shot in the arm. The only thing is it makes you very sleepy for a day or so. I have two more rounds to go and are then finished (thank God).
     However my problem is still not solved. The psycho cats are still in my backyard. They sit at my back door and try to coax me in to trusting them. I know they really want another taste of me. I have no assistance in having these cats removed. Apparently by NY State law, cats are free animals, so the town and pounds are not allowed to trap them and remove them. ALL the shelters are overran with strays, so even if I did catch them, they will not take them. NOW last night another cat showed up in my backyard. I'm not sure if it's a male or female...but not only is this another unwanted cat...but the two original interlopers are not neutered....so this poses the problem of a kitten explosion.
     In all my life I never thought I'd be someone to say 'Hi....my name is Rose....and I've had the rabies vaccine.' Did you ever think you'd know someone who had to get vaccinated?

Pirate party birthday cake.....which route should I go?

I was trying not to think about it. But I am so very excited about this party that I can't help it and am thinking about all the things I need to do and have for my Pirates of the Caribbean themed Terrific-and-35 birthday. Everyone knows that I love to cook...and even more so love to bake, and I've been pondering the idea of the birthday cake for some time now. Do I go to a bakery and pay to have it made...saving me time? Or do I go the route of fondant tiered cake baked by me? Should I just go to Costco and purchase a sheet cake (because they're cakes are yummy)? Or do I invest and have a professional cake created?

I was surfing the net tonight, trying to get some ideas and found these photos of pirate inspired cakes which looked interesting, and somewhat reproducable (if I opted to make my own.) Which one looks the best to you? Time to vote!

http://www.artisancakes.com.au/new-win/gallery/gallery-images-large/gallery_babieschildrens/pirate-birthday-cake/

http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/pirate-birthday.html#c12

http://simplysweetsaz.blogspot.com/2009/07/pirate-skull-upcake-cake-for-5th.html

Birthday-palooza 2011-A Pirate's Life's for Meeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

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So it is written, so it shall be done! I have decided to throw myself a birthday party! That's right! Me. Throwing myself a birthday party. Granted my birthday isn't until June....but it is a big one, as far as I'm concerned. I'll be turning the BIG 3-5!Now for those of you who do not know me....you have no idea what it was like for me to face the big 3-0. I was a monster, not wanting to even acknowledge that I was turning 30. It is now 5 years later, and I am ready to celebrate my birthday. And aside from wanting to party the night away with my friends whom I adore...but what also is awesome is that the 4th installment of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will be released in June of 2011. Not to mention that Johnny Depp's birthday is on June 9th...and he is a fellow gemini.

Being that I have been a pirate freak since I was a small child....my favorite ride in Disney World is Pirates of the Caribbean, and I am a POTC junky....I've decided to throw myself a theme birthday party. And you've guessed it...it will be Pirates of the Caribbean themed! However I am not exactly sure how to go about this without making it seem too childish. What should I serve, how carried away should I go with the decor? Shall I have people dress as though they're pirates or just leave it casual themed? Any ideas and suggestions will very gladly be welcome.


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