See ya next year!!

It's that time of year when the holidays take over, the kids are home on winter break, and my brain cells just can't seem to cooperate long enough to put together an entertaining blog post - ha! So it is farewell until 2012 ... I will be back with the new year and ready to start fresh again!! THANK YOU so very much for all your love and support here on dot...dot...dot...!! Blessings for a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy new year celebration!!

Muah!! xoxo

A local gem ... Portland Pie

Butter Shortbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ... Chocolate Dipped Butter Shortbread ... Lemon Shortbread ... is your mouth watering yet? Today I would like to introduce you all to a local favorite here in my neck of the woods, Portland Pie. I was just recently introduced to this company by the owner herself and she is happy to share with my wonderful readers the opportunity to win 2 sets of a dozen shortbread cookies!! Yep, TWO WINNERS!! So let's get back to the mouth-watering details of Portland Pie, shall we?

Bourbon Pecan Pie ... Marionberry ... and an award-winning Coconut Cream?!? Sign me up!! Homemade recipes, fresh and local ingredients, and always made fresh to order - you really do have to appreciate when so much love is put into desserts!!
Entering to win is easy, entries count if you are a follower of dot...dot...dot...'s blog and Facebook page (links are in the sidebar to your right).

Next up, hop on over to Portland Pie's website and take a peek around. I know you will want to eat your computer screen, but I don't recommend that. Just come back here and tell me which pie is making you wish that websites had scratch-n-sniff technology!

Need another shot at winning one of those sets of shortbread cookies? Like Portland Pie on Facebook!! There are lots more pictures over there to drool over!

And of course, all your Facebook, Twitter and blog shout-outs are super awesome and loved so dearly! Leave a comment for each post you do!

xoxo

This is on her Christmas list!

I had a few other opportunities arise for the holiday event, so the fun continues!!
I was contacted by a representative for Misikko.com, an online source for your hair styling needs! Flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers and more ... top-rated, professional tools and products marked at unbelievable prices!

For a review opportunity, I was sent a 1-inch Hana Pro flat iron for straightening. Communication from the representative was outstanding! Upon accepting the offer, I received shipping confirmation within the next day and the package arrived within a week!! Awesome delivery time!

Opening the package, I was amazed at how beautifully this set was put together! I would definitely be happy sending this as a gift, knowing the finest details (such as ribbon and flower petals) were taken care of. Extra goodies (nail files, a hair brush, e.l.f. cosmetics and more!!) were included, as well. I am not sure if that is standard, or was a bonus for this product review, but it was very nice to receive such a nice package.

Now, onto the star of the show!!

Quick Facts:

1-inch ceramic plates

Adjustable heat 140 - 450 degrees F

Safe for damp hair

Floating plates self adjust to hair texture

2 year warranty

8 foot swivel cord

Comes with heat pouch, hot pad and tin case

Top rated, 5-star reviews, and featured by Redbook and Marie Claire!

Hair Before

Washed with shampoo and conditioner, blow dryed, no products.

Hair After
Silky smooth, soft, straight and look at all that SHINE!!
I used the hottest setting (450 degrees), and was so impressed at how quickly start to finish was! The iron heated up instantly, the plates glided smoothly through my hair, and was really lightweight! Flyaways disappeared, layers popped, and my hair was so very soft! My straight locks lasted all day and into the next! LOVE!!

Along with my goodies, I was sent the Hana Shine Shield to try as well. This amazing serum is heat resistance for your hair! It goes on very lightly and smells really pretty!

Hana Shine Shield Features:
Lightweight leave-in conditioning therapy.
Designed to protect and restore both hair and scalp from environmental and styling stress.
Jojoba absorbs quickly without a greasy feel for thorough deep conditioning and naturally dissolves soil, removing build-up from other styling products to leave hair clean & supple.
Jojoba naturally excels at thickening keratin layers, bringing out your hair's natural color overtones, highlights and brilliance.
Periodic use over time is proven to advance the quality of your hair & the health of your scalp.

And one of dot...dot...dot...'s lucky followers will receive a full size, 6 oz bottle of Hana Shine Shield!!
As the rules go, you gotta be a follower here and over on dot...dot...dot...'s Facebook page. Links are in the sidebar to your right. I heart new friends and followers, and appreciate the time y'all take to support my blog! xoxo

To get your entries in, let's show Misikko some love for offering such a generous giveaway (did I forget to mention that this is a $50 value?)!! Hop on over and spend some time checking out their website. When you have your wish list ready, come back here and let me know what you will be asking Santa for!

You can Like Misikko Beauty on Facebook for an extra entry as well ... they will keep you updated on the latest products, special offers and giveaways!! Be sure to add another comment to make your entry count!

And of course, the more peeps you tell about dot...dot...dot...'s fabulous holiday event, the more shots you have at winning! Shout-outs on Facebook, Twitter and blogs all count ... link back here!! Drop another line so I can tally all your entries!
xoxo

My Go-To Holiday Recipe ... everyone loves this!!

This dessert is the absolute perfect salty-sweet combo and is a hit at any holiday or event!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

FIRST LAYER
2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted butter

SECOND LAYER
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese
1 cup sugar
{I like to double this layer for extra cream cheese goodness!}

THIRD LAYER
1 lg pkg (6 ounces) strawberry flavored Jello
2 cups boiling pineapple juice
1 (10oz) package FROZEN strawberries

TOPPING
1 tub of Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 400°. Put first layer in a 9x13 -inch pan. Bake 8 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
Second Layer - Beat sugar into cheese until fluffy. Spread over cooled pretzels.
Third Layer - Mix Jello and boiling pineapple juice until dissolved. Add frozen strawberries and set aside 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture. Chill thoroughly until Jello sets.

Top with Cool Whip before serving.

YUM!!

What's your favorite holiday dish?? Please share!