Monday, November 30, 2009

The Blind Side

What an incredible story! Hubby and I went and saw this movie last night, and it is now on our Top 5 Fave Movies list. Sandra Bullock is truly amazing in this heart-warming film. I absolutely adore her character (I swear I am a southern girl at heart), and I am in awe of of the self-less love that this family had for Michael Oher. Based on a true story, this is one movie you must see!


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tis The Season

The holidays are upon us - my favorite time of year! My 'Dear Santa' letter will be up next week, and this weekend I will gobble 'til I wobble (a little turkey humor). I am already ahead of the shopping game for the gift-giving festivities, and I am so excited to get the house decorated for Christmas!

I am also enjoying the red cups at Starbucks filled with the oh-so-yummy Caramel Brulee Latte (a grande, non-fat, no whip is only 310 calories). I am so not a coffee fan, but these little babies perk me right up when I need 'em the most!

Hubby and I took our boys to see the Jim Carrey movie A Christmas Carol. I thought for sure that this would be a fun start to the holidays, but for a Disney movie, it was scary!! My 3-year-old and 5-year-old didn't lose any sleep after seeing this, but there were some moments in this movie that had them gripping their chairs and hiding their faces! The graphics and animation were incredible in this movie, but I do not recommend this for small children.
I will not be doing the early-crazy-bird Black Friday shopping, but I will definitely be hittin' up the Midnight Madness sales (so meant for insomniacs like myself). Hopefully I will snag some awesome deals and burn off the 5 pounds I will gain at dinner!! Ha!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Giveaways Galore!

All giveaways are now closed. All but one prize was claimed. I had so much fun hosting my holiday giveaway event and hope you all found some holiday gift ideas! I am so grateful for all of the awesome comments and re-posts! I will be hosting another sweet holiday giveaway in just a couple weeks, and when I reach 200 Followers, I will have a fun, girly giveaway! So keep spreading the word and sharing my blog ... you are all the best!! xoxo

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Team Edward

Holy Hotness!! I saw New Moon TWICE in its opening weekend, and I will probably see it a few more times before I own it on DVD.
You all read my title correctly ... I am in love with that vampire. There are a lot of you who are all for the sexy werewolf Jacob (yes, he is gorgeous), but I am a traditional girl like Bella and my heart will always belong to one man.
Yes, Edward left Bella (only to try to protect her!), and yes, Jacob kept her safe while he was away (what a guy!), but I heart that Bella is loyal to her one true love (no rock hard abs and chiseled bod can change her mind!).
I cannot wait to dive into Eclipse ... I was trying not to get ahead of the movies, but I am too weak. I'll be reading Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, then starting the series all over again. I am a sucker for a good love story.
The Eclipse countdown is now at the bottom of my blog (woot woot!!) and I am leaving you with some pics to drool over. What did you all think of the movie??




Time's Up!

There have been 4 giveaways that have not been claimed in the (more than) 24-hours given, so here are 4 new lucky winners!!

Herbn' Development
Hannah

Kidoodles
Jen
JSGM

MAC and E.L.F.
Sara @ Domestically Challenged

Okay girls ... a new 24 hour window has opened. Be sure to contact me (aprilbaker23@yahoo.com) with your shipping info, or new winners will be posted!! Congrats!!


Monday, November 23, 2009

The New Me


Who is in love with my new blog design?!? I am still squealing about it ... I big puffy heart my new look!! Wanna know who the oh-so-talented designer is behind this? She has the best prices in blog land, you can pick and choose your own package, and you get to work with a very sweet chica who shares my name ... April Showers Blog Design. I came across April's blog one day, and fell in love with her designs. I immediately put myself on the waiting list and paid my deposit, then gathered all my ideas. How totally exciting and fun!!
April Showers will be opening up her waiting list again in January, so hurry on over with your ideas and peek around her blog.
A HUGE THANK YOU to April for my new blog design!! I am so excited and proud to have such a fun and flirty look ... and owe this gorgeous-ness to you!! Woot Woot!!!
Now for all my girlies on here ... tell me what you think!! Do ya love the new look of dot...dot...dot...?


Sunday, November 22, 2009

Drumroll, Please ....

I can't thank you all enough for showing so much love and support for my big giveaway event!! I am sure the Etsy shops loved having you all visit and leaving such great comments on their products. Here are the winners from this event ...

Hot Mama Glassware
Amanda

Craft Junkie 28
Shelby

Wire Wrapped Designs
Lindsey Carver

Pet Elegance
Krissa

Stilettos and Diapers
Meagan

Fancy Fortune Cookies
Sprinkles

Sweet & Simple
A Real Housewife

Herbn' Development
Vanilla

ToweLocs
Adie

Lacey In The Sky
TERRi:)

Tea For All Reasons
Suburban Prep

Anderson Soap Company
Nina

Shabby Straps
Pink Polka Dot Strap - Yankee Wife
Blue and Brown Argyle - Tiffany and the Munchkins

Made For You Gifts
Ang

Red Clover Clutch
hotpants

MjLeonard Photography
Moya

Cards by April Kuther
Mindy

Kidoodles
Clare
Halifax

MAC and E.L.F.
Amber

Almay Lip Gloss
Jenni
Tabitha Michelle
Jules

Nordstrom Purse Hanger
Katie

Coach Coin Purse
Sara Christine

Congrats to all the winners!! You must contact me (aprilbaker23@yahoo.com) within 24 hours and give me your mailing address, as well as which prize you have won. If I don't hear from you within the time frame, I will re-post a new winner. Thanks so much!!
For all of you who are bummed about not winning, I will be hosting ONE more holiday giveaway in just a few weeks, so please stay tuned!!


Memo ...

All giveaways are now CLOSED ... winners will be announced at 10pm!!


Friday, November 20, 2009

Time is ticking ...

WOW!! 183 Followers ... so awesome!! Thanks so much to all you lovely peeps for spreading the word on this oh-so-fabulous (if I do say so myself) giveaway event!! If you haven't entered yet, you still have a couple days! Giveaways close on Sunday night at 8pm pst, so be sure to spread the news and get those entries in!! Have a great weekend! Muah!! xoxo

Monday, November 16, 2009

Welcome to the Event!!


Hello there!! Thanks so much for visiting my blog!! I am so very excited for this HUGE Holiday Giveaway Event!! This event is, by far, the biggest one I have had yet and I am thrilled to be introducing so many new companies and products that will be perfect for this upcoming gift-giving season!!
Here are a couple little rules to play along ... you must be a follower of my blog. Which means you need to add yourself to that fabulous Followers box in my sidebar. Re-posting on Twitter, Facebook, and on your own blog about the giveaways is awesome and so much appreciated!! Plus, it earns you extra entries, too! Just be sure to let me know that you gave a shout-out by leaving an extra comment on the giveaway you posted for. I will then keep tally on my end!
Enjoy this awesome event!! All giveaways end on Sunday, November 22nd at 8pm pst, so there is plenty of time to enter. Winners will be announced that same evening at 10pm pst. All winners will have 24 hours to contact me with shipping information, or a new winner will be posted. Good Luck!!
xoxo,
April

Hot Mama Glassware

My favorite martini glass company on Etsy!! Beth Anne over at Hot Mama Glassware has designed quite a collection for me! I have purchased 6 glasses from her this last year alone, and she is always my go-to girl for fabulous gift ideas! Hot Mama Glassware loves custom orders, so if you have something special in mind, please contact them!! Glasses of all varieties are welcome, margarita, martini, mugs, and wine glasses!! Special offer for dot...dot...dot... readers, Hot Mama Glassware is offering 15% off of a $50 order just by mentioning my blog!!
For this giveaway, one lucky winner is going to win a set of the blue and white 'Let It Snow' balloon glasses! So festive for the upcoming winter season, and they come with a 'Frozen Whoopee' drink recipe on the bottom! Sip your wine or favorite holiday drinks in these adorable glasses!! Check out Hot Mama Glassware and get some gift ideas, then come back here and comment on what theme you would like to design!! Re-post on Facebook, Twitter, and your blog to earn extra entries!!

Craft Junkie 28

Remember the FALL wood letters I mentioned here? Well, this wonderful seller has offered up one of her oh-so-cute holiday decor sets in JOY for one lucky reader! To enter, please visit Craft Junkie 28 on Etsy and browse around her shop. You will find cute decor sets for holidays, and for special gifts. Custom orders are welcome, too!! Come back here to comment on which item(s) you would love to decorate your home with. Extra entries for re-posts on Twitter, Facebook and your own blog!

Wire Wrapped Designs

Wire Wrapped Designs specializes in beautiful handmade jewelry - earrings, pendants, and custom orders! The colors are outstanding, and the intricate details make these pieces special! Check out this shop and pick your favorite pieces, because this seller is offering the winner a pair of earrings of choice!! Comment as to which pair you absolutely love, and you are entered! Re-postings earn you extra entries!!
Bonus offer for dot...dot...dot... readers ... Wire Wrapped Designs is offering FREE SHIPPING to all my friends here on my blog!! When placing your order, be sure to mention my blog for this awesome offer!!

Pet Elegance

Here's a little something for your furry, four-legged friend! Having an 8-year-old Siberian Husky, I am always keeping an eye out for fun and pretty collars for her. Pet Elegance has been in business for 11 years and is selling on Etsy! Based in Seattle, Washington, this company uses durable and washable materials for their custom and designer collars, leashes, id tags and harnesses for dogs and cats. They also back their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Another great attribute to this company is that a portion of every sale is donated to THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION FOR PARKINSONS RESEARCH.


Pet Elegance is offering a collar and personalized tag of the winner's choice!! To get your entry in on this one, go to Pet Elegance's Etsy shop and pick out your favorites, then come back here and let me know what bling you want your pet to be rockin'!! For extra entries, blog, Facebook and/or Twitter this giveaway and earn 5 extra entries each!! Let me know you re-posted so I can keep tally!!

Stilettos and Diapers

One of my fave bloggers, Molly from Stilettos and Diapers, has opened up business on Etsy! This crafty gal designs adorable decor letters and hair bow holders! Personalized and handpainted, these would make the perfect touches to your little one's nursery or room.


Molly is giving away one of her Personalized Initial Bow Holders to a lucky winner here on my blog!! You choose the letter and colors, and Molly will work with you to design the perfect accessory for your little girl! To enter, please check out Stilettos and Diapers on Etsy, then come back here and leave a comment! Super easy! Be sure to re-post for extra entries!!
And good news for all my lovely readers ... mention dot...dot...dot... when ordering and receive 20% off your purchase through the end of November!!

Fancy Fortune Cookies

Aww, the fortune cookie! I heart these yummy little treats, but little did I know that these cookies can be made in different flavors, colors, sizes, and even dipped in oh-so-delicious chocolate! Fancy Fortune Cookies is a family owned and operated manufacturer of fortune cookies! These are hand-baked by a husband and wife team, made to order and are shipped fresh the same day they are made! They have been in business for 20 years, and is excited to work with you for your special event or occassion! Here's another cool note about this awesome company ... celebrities love them!! Oprah, Donald Trump and Jennifer Love Hewitt are a few that have ordered up these cookies! Companies such as Juicy Couture and Victoria's Secret have been clients as well!!

I had the pleasure of receiving one of the Giant Fortune Cookies to sample for this giveaway. First, I have to brag about how cute this GINORMOUS cookie was wrapped up. Very festive and cute!! I was shocked at how big this cookie was! It was the size of a dinner plate! My family and I had smiles on our faces as we enjoyed breaking into the chocolate-dipped, sprinkled treat. It was so yummy!


The generous folks at Fancy Fortune Cookies are offering one lucky reader a Giant Cookie of choice with a personalized message!! This will make such a unique gift!! To enter, check out their website and drool over all the mouth-watering flavors that they offer. Then come back here and leave a comment as to which ones you want to try! Which Giant Cookie would you pick if you win? For 5 extra entries each, re-post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, and/or your blog.

Sweet & Simple

I am always excited to see what Kelly at Sweet & Simple is coming up with next! I adore all her creations! She specializes in necklaces, rings, earrings, and hair clips and has the greatest prices!! Custom orders are welcome, so if you have something special in mind, contact Kelly! She is the sweetest person to chat with and she aims at 100% customer satisfaction!! Shipping is fast and items I have purchased have been delivered in adorable packaging, adding that extra touch!
Check out this Simple Sparrow necklace that Simple & Sweet is giving away to one lucky reader!

To enter, you must have your name over in my followers box off to the right. Head over to Simple & Sweet's Etsy shop and take a look around. Come back here and tell me what you will be putting on your wish list! For extra entries, give a shout-out on Facebook, Twitter, and/or re-post on your blog ... 5 extra entries for each! Just be sure to comment back each time you re-post, so I can keep tally!

Stella and Dot

Alright, Ladies! Boy do I have an awesome announcement for you!! The oh-so-fab Stella & Dot jewelry line is offering you gals an amazing hostess offer!! When I attended my friend's home party a few weeks back, I met jewelry stylist Traci Heagy. Such a sweet person to chat with!! I definitely wanted to showcase her Stella & Dot business here on dot...dot...dot... and brag about what beautiful jewelry this company has to offer.
So here is the incredible news ... Traci and Stella & Dot are offering anyone who wants to book a trunk show between December 15th and December 30th a $95 hostess credit!!! For all you local girls, you can host a party in your home or at your office for a lunch party. For all you gals who live elsewhere, Traci would love to book an online party with you!! With a $95 credit already in the bag for some gorgeous new jewels, you would be crazy to pass this up!!! Visit Traci's Stella & Dot website and drool over all the beautiful items. Jot down a little wish list - you are already guaranteed an item or two for FREE with your hostess bonus!! Then head back here and leave me a comment with your email address. I will then pass on your contact information to Traci and you can get started on your trunk show!!! You will love, love, love this jewelry line!!


Herb'n Development

Handmades By Hands God Made is the motto for Herb'n Development Handmades. Soaps, body butters, scrubs and more, premium ingredients go into their products! The scents sound amazing - Lemon Butter, Green Tea and Cucumber, Creole Coconut, and N'awlins Pecan Candy are among the many!

This giveaway is for a set you are sure to love ... the Warm Sugar Cookie and Oats Body Scrub and Warm Sugar Cookie Bath Bar .... YUM!!! To enter, visit Herb'n Development and take a peek around. If the titles didn't describe the bath bars as soap, you would want to take a bite out of them! Ha ha! Come back here and leave a comment as to which scents sound yummy to you! Facebook, Twitter and blog re-posts earn you extra kudos, so be sure to spread the word!!

ToweLocs

One of my lovely readers, Hannah, recommended this new company of a friend of hers. Let me just say, as a mom to two little boys, this invention is awesome! I can't tell you how many times a day, I am picking up hand towels off the counters and floors throughout the house. And have you ever had company over and forgotten to make a final round through the house to make sure everything is in order, only to be embarassed when showing the bathroom with towels on the floor?

Check out ToweLocs! A functional, yet decorative way to keep your towels on the racks! The creative person behind this clever new product, Cindy, is offering a lucky winner a set of the Star Design ToweLocs! To enter, visit the ToweLocs website and take a look at all the great colors and styles they have to offer. Come back here and leave a comment on which ones you would love to use in your own home! For extra entries, re-post on Facebook, Twitter and/or your blog, earning 5 extra entries each!!

Lacey In The Sky

How many of you have met Miss Lacey from Lacey In Love? If you haven't yet, please go check out her sweet lil' blog! Not only is she adorable and fun, but she is also a very talented chica who has a fab shop on Etsy called Lacey In The Sky. I have my eyes on the Little Man Tee for my 3-year-old for the holiday season! There are so many cute gift ideas for the kiddos in your life and Lacey In The Sky is offering FREE gift wrapping on every purchase this holiday season!!
Lacey is giving away one of her Posh Profile Christmas Silhouettes to one lucky dot...dot...dot... reader! The winner will send in their selected profile picture and receive back this adorable wall art!!
To enter, please visit Lacey In The Sky and peek around. Come back here and tell me some of the items you think would make awesome gifts this holiday season!! Then, be sure to re-post so you get extra entries!!

Tea For All Reasons

You all know how much I love tea! I especially love white and green teas, and love brewing loose leaf varieties. As a treat, I will add a bit of sugar and milk to my teas, but for the most part I do not put anything in my cups. The health benefits to teas are so amazing, including cancer-prevention! When browsing Etsy, I came across this wonderful little tea shop called Tea For All Reasons. I have been chatting with the very sweet, Marsha, and ordered myself up a few of the wonderful flavors they offer.

One lucky winner will receive the Apple Spice Scone Mix and a 2 oz. bag of Auntie's Pumpkin Pie tea. What a perfect combination for this holiday season! To enter, please visit Tea For All Reasons and browse all the yummy flavors, then come back here and comment as to which one(s) you would love to try!! Extra entries are given for re-posting this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, and/or your own blog, 5 extra entries for each!! Be sure to let me know, so I can keep tally!!

Anderson Soap Company


This next giveaway is from a company that is actually from here in Portland, Oregon. Anderson Soap Company has some of the yummiest sounding products and specialize in natural based products. Vegan body butters and perfumes, cream soaps, olive oil soaps, lip balms and more! You are bound to find a delicious flavor that you will fall in love with!!
Anderson Soap Company is offering one lucky winner a $25 shopping spree!! Visit their Etsy shop and start making a list ... come back here and tell me the flavors you wanna get if you win!! Be sure to re-post for those extra entries!!
And a special offer for dot...dot...dot... readers, Anderson Soap Company is offering a 10% discount off ANY purchase from now through December 15th!! Use coupon code SPA10 to get your discount!!

Shabby Straps


I have drooled over these cute camera straps for months!! Shabby Straps offers a fun way to dress up your camera! Whether you have a point and shoot or a slr/dslr, these high-quality straps are sure to get compliments!! Polka dots, paisleys, stripes and more ... you will love these straps!!

Shabby Straps was very generous in sending me 3 adorable straps, and I am giving 2 of them away!!! Oh yeah ... 2 winners!! The third one happened to be one that was on my wish list, so I snagged it for myself (hee, hee)! I heart my new strap and it looks so much better on my dslr than the bulky black one that came with it! The quality is exceptional, right down to the stitching!!
So, for this giveaway, there is one strap for a slr/dslr in a blue and brown argyle pattern, and one strap that is smaller for a point and shoot in a hot pink and white polka dot pattern. To enter, please visit Shabby Straps to check out all the fun styles and patterns. Come back here and comment as to which one you would love to have attached to your own camera! Be sure to re-post for extra entries!!

Made For You Gifts

Need a few holiday gift ideas for teachers, co-workers, coaches, and neighbors? Made For You Gifts sells handmade ornaments, beverage sleeves, lanyards, and kids coloring wallets. The patterns are adorable, can be personalized, and many gifts are under $20! Definitely check out this cute Etsy shop. Special orders are welcome and gift wrapping is available for ornament orders.
In this giveaway, Made For You Gifts is offering the winner the choice of one of the following kids coloring wallets, each holds 16 crayons and a 4x6 doodle pad:



How perfect are these for traveling in the car or on a plane? And the patterns (flowers for girls and a Dig It theme for the boys) are so cute!!
You know how to enter ... visit Made For You Gifts and peek around. Come back here and tell me what gifts you would like to give this holiday season. Facebook, Twitter and blog re-posts earn you 5 extra entries each, so be sure to let me know you have done so!

Red Clover Clutch


Yep, this fabulous clutch shop is back!! Looking for an adorable clutch that your girlfriends will drool over? Better yet, looking for a hot Christmas gift for your besties? Red Clover Clutch is offering the clutch of choice to one lucky girl! My fave one is the Fluer De La Coco and will be on my wish list this year!! You gotta go check out this cute Etsy shop and pick out your faves ... come back and comment as to which one you want to win for yourself, and which one you would love to give to someone this holiday season! Re-post on Facebook, Twitter and your blog for extra entries!!

MjLeonard Photography


The talented Missy, who designs the fab clutches for Red Clover Clutch, is also a photographer!! Her outdoor skills are beautiful and she captures some of the sweetest moments in nature!! This giveaway is for an 8x10 photo of choice, perfect for adding a special and soft touch to any room! Please go check out MjLeonard Photography to view Missy's gorgeous photos. Come back here and tell me which one you want to win!! Re-posting earns you extra entries, so please share with your friends and family!!

A Fond Farewell ...

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. Unfortu...