Lucky, lucky girl ...

What an awesome response to the Zoe Hair Care giveaway!! Thank you all so much for grabbing my new button for your blogs, for all the time you took to re-post the giveaway link, and for checking out Zoe Hair Care on Facebook! I really wish every one of you could win these fabulous styling tools - they really are that awesome! Zoe products can be found online through Ulta, Target, and Amazon - please keep them in mind the next time you need to add to your collection!

Now for the exciting announcement!! The winner of the Zoe Professional Styling Iron is .....

love, kate

Congrats, girly!! Please email me your mailing address (aprilbaker23@yahoo.com), and your package will be on it's way! ♥

Thanks again for all the support here on dot...dot...dot... I am always working on fun giveaway opportunities and love to share with all my fabulous followers.

If you or your company would like to offer up your products for review and advertisement, please contact me!

Fashion Friday Vlog!!!

Hi Girls! I thought it was about time for another vlog, so I created a tutorial for the twist I like to do with my hair. Farah, from Faces By Farah, posted about this last week on her blog and I just had to try it. Farah has never steered me wrong with her beauty advice and tips, and this fun little twist adds the perfect touch to a plain ponytail. It's quick and simple and you will love it! I get lots of compliments when I wear my hair like this!

My video is short and to the point because I was having technical difficulties with my camera (boo!), so I only showed how to do the twist on one side. The twists look cute on both sides, too!

If you wanna see more vlogs from me, let me know some topics you want covered!!

Have a great weekend!! ♥

Makeover Fun

Has anyone ever used a makeover program to try out different hairstyles on yourself? I use the InStyle Hollywood Makeover to to play around with different looks, since I am too big of a chicken to change up my current style. The styles are taken straight from the heads of your favorite celebrities ... you simply upload a pic of yourself and try on the looks. It is so much fun creating the new looks and seeing how drastically a hair style and color can change my entire image!
Check out a few I came up with ... I have always debated cutting bangs, and what brunette doesn't wonder what she'd look like as a blonde? Ha ha ... what do you think? Pop on over to InStyle's site using the link above and start playing around. It's free ... just register!
And if you haven't entered my current giveaway for the fabulous Zoe Hair Care Styling Iron, then get to it, girls!! The giveaway ends soon!!

Meet Zoe ... fabulous giveaway!!

I was recently given the awesome opportunity to review Zoe Hair Care styling tools, and I am so excited to share my opinions. Plus, this amazing company is offering the readers of dot...dot...dot... the chance to win the oh-so-adorable Black with White Dots Styling Iron (pictured above)!!

First of all, how cute is this?? Zoe Hair Care offers fun and adorable designs for all their styling tools. Blow dryers, flat irons and hair brushes are this company's specialty, and from the 2 products I now own, I am pretty impressed!

The flat iron is extremely light-weight, which was a nice change from the monster I previously used. It heats up quickly, up to 450 degrees, and has a swivel cord that doesn't get all twisted up when using it. The on/off switch is a convenient feature and the iron comes with a fabulous storage/travel case. The case is great, especially for my bathroom drawers that are already crammed packed! It carries the iron and cord neatly and compact. The heat is distributed evenly on a 1-inch ceramic plate and works quickly to smooth and straighten my hair. A quick fix to frizzy and puffy hair! Love this product!

I also had the opportunity to purchase a hair dryer. I really needed a new one and loved the design of the iron so much that I had to have a matching dryer! Let's just say that I am in love! A cool air feature, styling accessories, 2 speeds and 3 heat settings leaves my hair so soft and shiny. Plus, it probably took about 40 percent off my normal dry time! I have looong hair, and my previous hair dryer took a good 10 minutes to completely dry my hair. It was nice to have such great results in a shorter amount of time.

Bottom line, you girls would LOVE Zoe Hair Care products! The professional quality and affordable prices are awesome! I am not just saying this because they are offering freebies ... I don't lie to kick it, it's just not my thang. I really do like this line of hair care tools and think you will, too! Plus they can be easily found at Ulta, Target and Amazon.

So who wants to win one of the adorable and fabulous Black with White Dots Professional Styling Iron from Zoe Hair Care??

♥ You MUST be a follower of dot...dot...dot... Be sure your cute lil' pic is in that awesome Followers box in my sidebar. I adore all my fans and love to gain more! (Plus, it helps fabulous companies wanna sponsor more giveaways!)

♥ For your first entry, please grab my new button! I am loving my new blog design and would adore if you added my button to your blog's sidebar!

<center><a href="http://aprilbaker23.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq48/aprildurham23/April-B%20dot/AprilBButton.jpg" border="0" alt="dot...dot...dot..." /></a></center>

♥ Next, please visit Zoe Hair Care on Facebook and click on the Like button! Zoe Hair Care has great updates on their product line, hair care tips, reviews and fun surveys they post to get everyone involved!

♥ For even more entries, Facebook and Tweet this giveaway (linking back to dot...dot...dot...). All the shout-outs you give earn you an extra entry! Just leave a comment for each link you post!

The winner will be chosen and announced on Sunday night, February 27th. Good luck girls!! xoxo

Contest is open to US residents only. Thanks so much!!

Fashion Friday pt. 2

Since Friday is devoted to fashion here on dot...dot...dot..., I thought I'd link up with Peace Love & Applesauce for Friday's Shoegasm! Each Friday, blog about your current shoe obsession and link up to share with the rest of us! My hubby might not like me participating in this though ... my Fashion Fridays come from stuff I already have in my closet. Drooling over shoes online is going to make me fall off the 'no shopping' wagon real quick!
I have been debating recently on purchasing a pair of these ...

Converse Chuck Taylor 'Double Tongue' Sneeks, $54.95 at Nordstrom.
So cute and versatile ... wear 'em with jeans, capris, shorts, even with dresses for a flirty casual look! Oh boy ... they are calling my name!

Fashion Friday

A girlfriend and I got together a bunch of clothes we were no longer into and we swapped items ... this jacket was one of my finds!
Earrings were on sale at Old Navy a few weeks ago ... these gold-ish hoops were in a 2 pack and are the smaller of the set. Hard to see in the pic, but they aren't a shiny gold ... more muted and brassy.
Check out what I learned how to do from a fellow blogger!! This little side twist is so easy and literally takes 30 seconds to do! I will show you how next week!

My long sleeve tee is from the Miley Cyrus collection at Walmart. It was $5 and I adore thermal tees.

The tee has these studs on each sleeve ... military inspired, I am sure. My necklace is from Forever 21. I have had this for a couple years, and it was a steal at $4.80! I like how the brown rope is knotted with the gold chain.
♥

Thanks so much for all the love on my new blog design! I heart my blog designer's mad skillz ... she is pretty fabulous to work with. She is a busy gal in high demand, so there will be timing issues on your delivery date, but in the end you will L.O.V.E. your design! Plus, her and I share a name ... we are special like that. She is actually hosting a HUGE design giveaway on her blog ... go check her out!

xoxo

Happy Friday!!

It's Thursday ...

... and I am packing up for a weekend at the beach! Life has been crazy busy the last 2 weeks, so me and my 3 boys are heading off for a long weekend of relaxation! It will probably be gray and raining on the Oregon coast, but it will still be nice to get away for a few days. Of course I will be posting Fashion Friday tomorrow, so be sure to come back for that. And that FAB.U.LOUS giveaway I mentioned in last week's Fashion Friday?? That will be launched on Monday ... you do not want to miss out on this!! Here's a little sneak peek to hold you over until Monday.
I have been working with my blog designer on my new look for dot...dot...dot... - what do you think? Some kinks are still being worked out, but I am really excited with the way it turned out! Fun, flirty, and so me!
Have a great weekend, peeps! Be sure to come show me some outfit love (or hate - I am a big girl and can totally handle it although I would probably never wear the outfit ever again) tomorrow!! ♥

Muah ... Pucker Up for MaC Swatches!!

I have to admit that I am a MAC snob when it comes to my lip colors. I have tried so many brands of lipsticks, and none of them have even compared to the quality of MAC. They are moisturizing, non-sticky, and have gorgeous pigments! I love that you can layer them for different effects, and that MAC glosses can completely change the look, or enhance the shade with sparkles and shine! Here are the colors I have in my make-up bag and wear every day ...

From Left to Right ...

Angel (Frost, Classic Collection)

Blooming Lovely (Amplified, Liberty of London Collection)

Shy Girl (Creamsheen, Classic Collection)

Sandy B (Frost, Classic Collection)

English Accents (LipGlass, Liberty of London Collection)

Girl's Delight (DazzleGlass, Classic Collection)

One of my favorite balms for a base is this one from Victoria's Secret ... not too sticky, but fills the lips nicely, giving a smoother canvas


Angel

Blooming Lovely

Shy Girl with Girl's Delight

Sandy B

I am really looking forward to checking out the new Wonder Woman Collection, although once I get around to it, I probably won't have any luck with colors being in stock. New collections tend to sell out quickly.

What are your favorite lip colors and brands?

It's a good thing I love him so much ...

Hubby says if he can get one of these ...

Then I can get a pair of these ...

Unfortunately for him, no pair of Louboutin's can persuade me to let the love of my life ride around on a bike with no impact protection. Plus, it didn't help that when I was searching for a motorcycle image for this post, hundreds of horrific accident photos came flashing at me. Even if most of the gory images were photoshop'd for the web, they were enough to send me into a panic attack!
Sorry, babe - the shoes just aren't worth it. ♥

Fashion Friday !!!

SPRING IS HERE!!

Well, the sun is shining anyways. It is still super chilly, but I ain't complaining! Jeans are still my main staple, as well as the Uggs, but the vitamin D boost from the bright orb in the sky has me in the mood to dress up a bit. I am bringing back my Fashion Fridays!! Of course, I am still a part-time working, stay-at-home momma, so there won't be any designer ensembles here. Just me and what I wear on a day-to-day basis.

Enjoy!

My fave MAC lipstick in Angel ... it's a frost and I adore how it makes my lips all girly and pink!

Rockin' a little Juicy Couture ... shades and necklace.

Hooded jacket from Charlotte Russe.

Thumb ring from Target and my beloved Nelle & Lizzy ring.

Zebra striped hoop earrings by Lia Sophia
(I know a wonderful rep if you are interested in their jewelry.)

Yay for sunshine!!

Oh ... I almost forgot to mention ... next week I will be hosting a FAB.U.LOUS giveaway!! You will not want to miss out, so be sure to check back in!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Blog Shout-Out to my Birthday Boy !!

Today, our little man Maddox turns 7 years old! His daddy is meeting him for lunch at school, he has treats for his friends, and we are picking up his Star Wars cake after school. He picked out an awesome dinner menu of chicken strips and mozzarella sticks, and is just glowing that today is his own special day!

♥

Happy Birthday, Bubba!!

xoxo

Try It Tuesday ...

{Click on recipe card to view larger}

A friend of mine made this dip at a recent get-together, and let's just say it is amazing! You definitely need to add this to your recipe box ... it was a huge hit!! I loved it with Wheat Thins crackers, but it could also be served with bread, tortilla chips and veggies.

She found the recipe online ... click on the link below to find even more yummy goodness!

Meet My New Nephew!!

My newest nephew was born this morning! Hayden Thomas weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces! We are so blessed to have him in our family ... he and his momma are doing great!!

♥

Fist Pump Friday

The oh-so-beautiful Nicole Scherzinger ... she's been doing work away from The Pussycat Dolls for a while ... here's her newest single. Happy Friday!!

Mini Mall Haul

I put my blinders on yesterday to steer clear from all the cute Spring styles that are popping up in my favorite stores ... boy was that tough! I kept my budget in my head though and bought myself a few goodies to hold me over for a little while. Here's what got ...

Earrings at Forever 21 ... $1.50

Seriously the cutest accessories for the cheapest prices. L.O.V.E.

Bath and Body Works mini lotions ... $6.67

The minis are all on sale right now, 3 for $10. My girlfriend and I both went in on this deal and I got Apricot Vanilla (a light and yummy scent) and Dark Kiss. Has anyone smelled Dark Kiss? Oh my! Such a sexy scent ... kinda like berries and vanilla getting it on in the dark!

MAC Lipstick in Angel ... $14.50

My absolute fave lipstick and I seemed to have misplaced the tube I had. I went over a tad bit with my budget, but this was a MUST-HAVE!!

Overall, I spent $22.67 on goodies for myself, plus I spent $4.99 on my tea. That sounds like a lot for a cup of tea, and it probably is, but the tea was a loose-leaf mix from Teavana. More on that later, plus a post dedicated to my MAC lip colors!! A morning spent at the mall with only $27.66 leaving my wallet was a pretty big accomplishment for me. Not too shabby!

The Sun Is Shining !!

It is absolutely freezing outside, but the sun is shining here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! That makes any Oregonian smile! I hope that little groundhog will be correct with his early Spring prediction!
Soaking in the extra vitamin D definitely lifts my spirit ... and so does a trip to the mall for a coffee date with a girlfriend!! I may even buy myself a lil' something. I have been so very good on not spending this year, but this sunshine is getting me excited for warmer weather and brighter colors ... which means I may need a new accessory or scent to wear. I will be going with a $20 budget, so tune in tomorrow to see what I find!
Happy Wednesday!!