Wow! Is December already upon us? Good golly this year has flown right by!
I have been a busy girl lately, hence the blog break. Unfortunately, blogging takes up a bit of time, and I am finding it easier to update other sites, like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest a whole lot easier than popping in here. Y'all should follow me over on those sites (simply click on each colored link and it will direct you to my pages). You will be in the know when I do things like ...
Cut my hair ... again.
Review the latest products that come my way. China Glaze makes me swoon. Aren't these colors gorgeous for winter?
Post pics of my cute family. These three boys are my world.And my youngest raps.
And we all love finding new bomb-dot-com recipes, like this Chicken and Doritos casserole I found on Pinterest. I pinned it. I made it. I devoured it. And then I put it up on Instagram, cuz it was that good.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, celebrating your loved ones and enjoying the Spirit of Christmas. I am not quite sure if I will be returning here anytime soon, so please come find me on my other social media sites and keep in touch. Thank you all so very much for following me and supporting me here on dot...dot...dot... This blog has been such a joy to me, and I have loved meeting and getting to know such beautiful gals through this world. I started my blog in June of 2008 ... and with well over 1000 posts, it's time to simplify a bit.
I am so not a fan of Halloween, but my boys love the event (as most kids do).
My oldest (age 9 3/4) went as Snake Eyes (G.I. Joe) for a minute. He retired the mask after house #2 claiming poor vision. He told people he was a ninja instead.
My youngest (age 7) went as a skeleton. He didn't like his mask either, so I did his make-up.
My sis-in-law hosted a chili dinner before the 5 kiddos went out trick-or-treating. I made Mummy Dogs, inspired by Pinterest. They were really easy to make: cut arms and legs into the hot dog, wrap with strips of crescent roll dough and pop in the oven for about 10 minutes. The kids devoured them.
The boys collected a ton of candy and said it was the greatest night ever. I came home with blisters on my feet (forgot to change shoes after work), and sore legs and butt this morning from walking all the hills in the neighborhood. At least I got some cardio in, I guess.
I am glad this holiday is over ... now on to my favorites!!
As you may already know, I am a BzzAgent. This means that I get to participate in product review campaigns and share with all my peeps what I think about the products and the companies who represent them. I highly recommend all of my blogger friends to sign up to be a part of this amazing community ... it's free and a lot of fun!
Here's a question for all you coffee drinkers out there ... do you buy Fair Trade Certified coffee?
Most coffee lovers do not know what Fair Trade Certified means, or do not pay attention to this important movement.
Fair Trade certification gives farmers a fair price for their beans with a guaranteed minimum, which means they can invest in their crops, their communities, and their future. Buying Fair Trade coffee can help farmers escape poverty. Most small-scale family farmers live in remote locations and lack access to credit, so they are vulnerable to middlemen who offer cash for their coffee at a fraction of its value. Fair Trade guarantees farmers a minimum price, and links farmers directly with importers, creating long-term sustainability. Through Fair Trade, farmers earn better incomes, allowing them to hold on to their land and invest in quality.
Green Mountain Coffee is a proud partner in this effort, and offers one of the largest selections of Fair Trade Certified coffees in the United States. Kelly Clarkson recently traveled to Peru to experience first hand the operations of a coffee farm community. Read about her trip here.
As a part of the BzzAgent campaign, I was sent several samples of Green Mountain's Fair Trade coffee in K-Cup form. I have a Keurig Brewing System at home that I absolutely love and use every.single.day. The Green Mountain coffee in itself is amazing ... the rich, smooth flavor never disappoints! This brand alone has been my go-to for a couple years now, and they offer amazing flavors and varieties, including the famous Pumpkin Spice edition for the Fall season.
Do y'all have a Keurig at home? Do y'all want one?
I received several promo codes for 50% off any Keurig Brewing System plus Free Shipping on www.keurig.com to share with my friends and family! The codes expire tomorrow, October 31st, so let me know if you want one (or more).
For those of you with a Keurig at home, you already know how fabulous these are ... upgrade the one you have, or use the promo for a birthday, anniversary, housewarming or Christmas gift!
And if you don't already own a Keurig, this is an awesome opportunity to snag one for as little as $50!!!
Many ask me if it is more expensive to own a Keurig. The initial cost may be a splurge (although, not with these promo codes), but your Keurig will pay for itself in a quick period of time! These systems use K-Cups, which are pre-measured, single serve coffee packs. They can cost as little as $0.13 a cup! Think of the $$ you will be saving by skipping out on the corner coffee barista and making your own latte at home! Not a coffee drinker? K-Cups also come in hot chocolate, tea, and cold-brew varieties such as lemonade-tea (Arnold Palmer) flavors.
Let me know asap if you need a code or two ... comment here on this post with an email address for me to send it to.
Fall is officially my new favorite season. It used to be summer, but I think I enjoy family vacations in warm and sunny destinations more than actually having the heat at home. Crisp air, falling leaves, crockpot meals, boots, leggings, sweaters ... the list goes on and on! Heading into the holidays brings a bit of excitement to these next couple of months, and enjoying such beauty in this season is priceless.
Our Husky loves to play in the leaves.
Kicking off the holiday season with our annual
family trip to the pumpkin patch!
During this time of year, a warm drink can always be found in my hands ... so I would like to add some warmth to your days as well!
Follow dot...dot...dot... via Google Friend Connect in the sidebar to be eligible to win a $25 gift card to Starbucks!
I recently signed up to be a part of BrandBacker, a site that gives bloggers opportunities to participate in product testing campaigns.
I was selected to test out this eye cream byResvology. I am all about finding products that will help me combat my lovely dark circles and puffy eyes. My under-eye issues are in my DNA, so simple cover-ups just don't work. I need products that are going to pack a punch ...
Meet Resvology Age Corrective Eye Cream!!
Lightweight, hydrating eye cream formulated with clinically-proven 4-AR Molecule to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet while botanical extracts and replenishing hydrators help combat dark circles and puffiness. Lifts, firms, tightens and refines the skin for eyes that seem to turn back time.
Unprecedented results. An independent consumer use study of 40 women using the Age Corrective Eye Cream twice a day reported that skin is visibly smoother, more hydrated and exhibited fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
100% agree fine lines and wrinkles are minimized
100% agree eye area is firm
100% agree eye area is hydrated
100% experienced smoother skin texture
98% agree skin elasticity is increased
* Self-perception study conducted in December 2011 on 40 subjects for 28 days.
The Perks
- Excites pro-collagen and elastin youth proteins for smooth, firm, youthful skin
- Crow’s feet and fine lines are virtually erased
- Promotes firmness and restores lost elasticity
- Targeted brightening agents visibly fight dark circles
- Deflates puffiness and tightens eye contours
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Not tested on animals
- Safe for contact lens wearers
Key Ingredients
- 4-AR Molecule helps reignite youthful gene expression and boosts presence of collagen and elastin in the skin
- Targeted peptides reduce the depth and complexity of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
- Vitamins A, E and C Ester neutralize damaging free radicals
- Panthenol conditions and hydrates
- Barley, Sandalwood and Olive extracts help soothe skin and renew natural moisture barrier
Let's start by saying that the packaging is quite pretty. It is always nice when a company takes the time to make their bottles look just as beautiful as the product, itself, is intended to make you look and feel.
I have been using the Resvology eye cream twice a day, as directed, for 6 days. I squeeze about a half of a pump of cream onto my finger and pat it over my entire eye area. It is great that you use just a dab each time ... a little goes a long way, which is always nice on the checkbook! The texture is silky smooth and absorbs instantly, which makes this perfect under my concealer. Within just a few minutes, my puffiness is dramatically decreased ... from just woke up, tired eyes to BAM! ready to take on the day alertness! My skin is smooth and noticeably tighter. I still have the dark circles, however, they seem to be getting lighter each day I am using the product. Regardless, my concealer is a force when combined with this de-puffing, eye brightening cream each morning. And at the end of the day, when all my make-up is off and my face is freshly washed, the creamy lotion is quite soothing and refreshing. It feels great going to bed at night knowing that my new eye cream is working some magic while I sleep.
I am really excited to see what results I will continue to benefit from a few more weeks from now. Resvology's Age Corrective Eye Cream has already awakened my eyes to a new softness, brightness and firmness, in just a few short days!
Check out more information on the Resvology brand, including in-depth information on the key ingredients used, plus other amazing products in their skin care line and the celebrities that use them!
Sponsored Post Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for a review. The thoughts and opinions are 100% my own, based on my personal experience with this eye cream.
I am so late to the game. I have heard of the TV show, Sons of Anarchy, for years. I never thought it would interest me though. Motorcycle gangs usually aren't my thang.
I came across a pic on Pinterest of Jax Teller, aka Charlie Hunnam, and thought he looked a little bit like my hubby (only with blonde hair). I showed Tim the pic and he said that he has had a few people say that Jax was his doppleganger. He had never seen the show either.
I was intrigued by this tatted-up, bad ass look-a-like of my man, so we started watching Season 1 of Sons of Anarchy.
Loving that it is the weekend ... hubby and I are taking a quick road trip down to California to surprise my gram for her 90th birthday!! She has no idea, and I am over-the-moon excited to see her!
Have a great weekend, peeps!
What a stormy weekend ... perfect for lazy time at home!
We did get out for a little bit to take the kids to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. It was really cute, and my boys liked all the food characters.
We got hit with a strong rain and wind storm ... caused by a typhoon out in the seas or something like that. I absolutely love storms! Such power and beauty all wrapped up in one! I got to rock the rainboots and puffy coat whenever we left the house. I was a bit giddy with having to bundle up. This feeling will definitely pass come January when the holidays are over and the beautiful fall leaves are gone - usually when the weather-induced depression kicks in. For now though, I embrace the season's change. Plus, I get to pull out the autumn décor and decorate the house!
I also got caught up on The Vampire Diaries. Whoa ... I missed so much last season! I am so glad to be back in the loop and can't wait for Thursday's season premiere!!
And there you have it, folks! Nothing too exciting, but embracing the down time at home, and enjoying the new season!
Linking up with my girl Misty @ Handbags & Handguns. Are y'all playing along, too? ♥ ♥
I also add coffee to the mix if I am dragging throughout the day. Mmmm!!
♥
My email inbox is all caught up for the week ... holla!
♥
Fall TV Premieres ... Parenthood is my favorite. Trying desperately to find the time to watch the entire last season of Vampire Diaries. It used to be my obsession, but I fell off the wagon last season and didn't watch a single episode. I sure do miss those Salvatores.
I just learned of some sad news ... Nina Dobrev is now dating Derek Hough.
Does anyone else love seeing celebs that are in the same movie/TV show paired up off camera, secretly wishing they live happily ever after for ever and ever? Especially when the couple is two gorgeous people that would make beautiful babies together?
I was sad when I heard of Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder's break-up this year. They were a hot item for 3 years, and are my two fave players in The Vampire Diaries. I was hoping they would eventually get back together.
Nope. Dream crushed.
She is now with her bff's brother, Mr. Blondie. Who is so not hotter than Ian.
I am all about cheap, cute shoes. When Payless has their BOGO sale, I always pop in to see what I need to add to my closet. Here's what I snagged to go with my work pants ...
I also picked up socks of all fashions ... over the knee, the ones you wear with flats, and a pair of leg warmers to pair with leggings ... all for under $60. Not too shabby.
I know Misty said she was starting this link-up next week, but her button was too darn cute not to post today! So, y'all play along with her next Friday and enjoy Handbags and Handguns throughout the week. She is one of my fave bloggers and if you aren't already a fan of hers, pop on over and see what you have been missing out on!!
On my lunch break today, I snagged the new iPhone 5c in this adorable yellow color. I don't usually keep up in the techie world, but I have had an iPhone 4 for a couple years now. It was time for an upgrade, and I am loving it!
I have had Brit's new song on repeat this week! I am so excited to see her in Vegas next spring! I have been to several of her concerts and am giddy about her next album coming out in December!
That is all for now ... I hope everyone has a great weekend!!
Y'all know that I am not into working out unless it is fun. By fun, I mean dancing like I am up in da club. The local gyms in my area don't offer hip hop fitness classes, so Zumba has always been my go-to when I am in the mood for a little cardio. While Zumba is fun, and burns up to 800 calories per class (holla!), it isn't hip-hop enough for me.
Browsing on Zulily this morning, as I do every day since new events are featured on the daily, I came across Hoopnotica. Apparently, I don't hang with the cool kids, because I have never heard of this hula-hooping fitness craze. Celebrities have even raved about the hour classes that burn up to 450 calories ... by simply hula-hooping to fun dance music!
Needless to say, I did my online research, complete with YouTube video tutorials, and purchased a kit through Zulily. Retail, these kits start at $60, and I purchased mine for $39.99, which includes a hoop and 2 dvds. I am excited to see if this program tones and tightens like it promises. If anything, I will get back to my childhood roots and refresh my hoopin' skills.
