Tuesday, November 30, 2010

'Tis the season to be busy ....

I am hosting this at my house this coming Friday. Crazy girl, right? A friend of mine and I decided to put this together about a month ago and are hoping it will be a fun success. We have so many friends who have their own businesses or crafty hobby, so why not try to earn some extra $$ this holiday season? If we get a good turn out (over 300 people have been invited), we will make this a public event next year (not at my house, of course)!! Wish me luck (and sanity) as I run around this week preparing and finishing up on my projects.
xoxo

Monday, November 29, 2010

Paid To Shop !!

It's Cyber Monday ... the online shopping day of the year!! If you are planning on purchasing, be sure you are getting cash back every time you check out!!
Say what?!?
Yes! Get paid (cash in your pocket!!) to shop online through Ebates!! Never heard of it? {Really?} Sign up for free ... it's easy and takes all of 2.5 minutes ... click on the store you wanna shop at and Ebates takes you to the site while opening up a tracking ticket. Shop as you normally would, checkout, and voila! Ebates then tallies up a percentage of your total and sends you a Big Fat Check in the mail. It is really that simple.
Over 1000 stores ... 400 of them offering DOUBLE cash back for Cyber Monday ... and FREE shipping on most purchases! Plus, when you refer your friends and family, you get bonus cash. Refer 5 people before the end of the year and get $50 added into your check. The more you refer, the bigger the bonus (like an iPad, $1500 shopping spree, or a $4500 vacation)!!
Notice all my colorful Ebates links here??? Click on one to sign-up, and we will both get bonuses after you make your first purchase.
Happy Shopping!!


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Much Thanks !!

I am reminded each and every day of all the amazing blessings in my life. My incredible hubby who has my heart, my two healthy and happy boys, family, friends, and all the necessities needed for a safe and comfortable life. I am never in any want or need and I am loved.
I am thankful for my readers and for the friends I have made through this blog. Your comments mean so much in this bloggy world of mine ... they put smiles on my face and excites me to write the next post. So thank you for taking time out of your busy days to say hi. Thank you for the love and care, and thank you for making this blog a fun outlet for me.
Wishing you all a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!
♥ ♥ ♥

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Recipe Swap ... Pretzel Salad


Whoops! I totally forgot to post this yesterday! So very sorry! Better late than never, right??
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!!


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Dare I ?

Fast Food. Its easy and convenient and quick. Perfect for a momma on the go with 2 crazy-hungry boys who require a lot to eat! Obviously it is not the healthiest food. I can't bust out a full meal in under 3 minutes at home (or I would!!!), so what exactly are we eating when we pull outta the drive-thru?
I have debated reading this book, Fast Food Nation, because fast food is a big part of my family's diet. Now when I say 'big part', I mean we eat out a few times throughout the week. It is what it is ... save your judging for another day.
I, myself, constantly struggle with a stomach bloating issue that my doc can't seem to figure out, and I know that my food choices play a major role in this. I have ignored the chicken nugget video. My boys love their nuggets and would be two of those kids who didn't care how the nugget was formed, just as long as they had the dipping sauces available.
I have heard that once you read this book about the dark side of the fast food world, you will never eat at another burger or taco joint again. Do I really wanna know what Taco Bell is serving behind the counter? Is ignorance really bliss in this yummy little addiction of ours?
What are your thoughts? Have you read this book? Do you eat fast food? Are there other resources that help you make food decisions for you and your family?

Monday, November 22, 2010

Monday ... Monday


I am feeling so much better than I was on Friday, so Monday is making me smile this week (that and the fact that antibiotics R.O.C.K.)!! Also, it is a three day work week, which doesn't mean a whole lot for me being I only work on Mondays, BUT my hubby will be home for a long holiday weekend. Hip hip hooray!! I always love it when my man is home.
And let's all be excited for THANKSGIVING this week!! Yum-oh-yum! What an awesome way to kick off the holiday season!! Woot! Am I annoying anyone yet with all this positive Monday energy??
Did anyone snag the Nordstrom Rack Groupon Deal that ran all weekend? Y'all know I did ... $50 credit for $25?? Heck ya! I'll take 2!! I had my hubby sign up to get one since one per person was the limit. Double woot!!
Tomorrow I will be posting one of my favorite holiday recipes ... Pretzel Salad. It is the perfect salty-sweet side dish that I prefer to eat for dessert. What's your fave recipe? Dig through your cookbooks and come back to play along in my recipe swap! I would love to learn some new dishes that you all love, so grab my button to post on your blog and spread the word!! I will be sure to visit each and every blog that posts a holiday recipe, so let me know you are playing along!!


Photobucket



Happy Monday!!
xoxo

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Nastiness

I have slept 29 of the last 36 hours. I have a lovely throat infection that is being treated with antibiotics. My fevers have spiked to 103.4 and I have been one hot mess the last couple days. I am hoping to be done with this in a few days so my life can continue on its merry little way.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Style & Comfort ... Can I get a woop-woop !?!

Leggings ... oh how I am loving thee!! And forget skinny jeans ... with the jeggings variety, I can rock the look and not have to sacrifice the comfort! The prices are awesome (from Wet Seal to Target, Forever 21 to Walmart), you can score some great deals as low as $5 a pair!! I am loving them with boots this year, especially with my new Hunters. Dress 'em up or down, or even wear them to bed!! Love, love, LOVE!!!
♥ ♥ ♥

Monday, November 15, 2010

Winners x3 !!

A HUGE THANK YOU to the awesome peeps at The Shirt Jerk for giving away not just one, but three!! tees to the fabulous friends of dot...dot...dot...!! Please keep The Shirt Jerk in mind this holiday gift-giving season!!
And the winners are ...

PeaceLoveApplesauce

~Haley~

luckyfinds

CONGRATS!! Please email me your choice of tee, size and shipping address, so I can forward it on to The Shirt Jerk.

More giveaways to come ... keep on coming back!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

What's Up Wednesday ?!?

My shopping blog has finally been updated!! Take a peek if you wanna.
~
And don't forget to enter my current giveaway for your chance to win one of 3 tees from The Shirt Jerk!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Steal of a Deal !!

Last week, I blogged about rain boots ... cuz y'all know it rains here in Oregon. I browsed online at several brands, and one happened to stand out more than others, but they are spendy. Too spendy, in my opinion, for rubber shoes. Walking through Nordstrom a couple days after my boot research, I noticed the cute little display of Hunter boots in the kids department. Hmmm ... remember how I purchased my first pair of Uggs? Could it be the same situation?
I had the sales associate grab me a pair in size 6, which is usually equivalent to a women's size 8 (this is still very puzzling to me, but whatever).
She assured me that this is true with the Hunters as well, because she wears a women's size 7 and just bought herself the boots in a kid's size 5.
So check this out ... Hunters will cost you $125 for their 'Original Tall' boot in the women's department. Hunter boots in the kid's department are $75. If you wear a size 8 or under, you can snag these boots in the kid's department, saving yourself $50!!

There are a couple differences in the 2 size categories. First off, the boot shaft height in the women's sizes (according to the size chart) is 38 cm. The kid's height is 31.5 cm. A bit of a difference, but not enough for me to wanna pay an extra $50 for. The only other difference I have found is that the back of the kid's boots have 2 light gray patches that reflect headlights (for safety). They do not affect the style or overall look of the boots, so again - not worth $50 to worry about.
The height of the boot is actually very comfortable and doesn't hit me too high ... I am 5 foot 6. I haven't actually tried on the women's boot, but I did measure the height with a tape measure, and I actually prefer the shorter version.

Of course, I had to snag the zebra fleece liners. You save a little here too ... in the kid's department, the Welly Socks cost $20 instead of $30. The cable cuff socks are $35 vs. $40. I adore the cable cuffs, but they weren't being offered in the kid's department at the time I had purchased (I now see they are online). I couldn't purchase the women's Welly Socks due to the height difference in the boots, so I opted to go with a leg warmer! These ones were a part of the Half-Yearly Sale, DKNY for $14. Not too shabby!

For picture purposes, I wore rolled up capris to show off the boots better, but these are going to be awesome to wear over skinny jeans and leggings! They are actually really comfortable for a rubber shoe, too! They are pretty soft and aren't too stiff to walk in. We have been having beautiful (sunny) fall weather here in the Pacific Northwest so far and I haven't been able to wear them out and about yet, but be assured you will see them in future Fashion Friday posts!
*Side Note*
Normally, I would think long and hard about spending $75 for a pair of shoes. It definitely helped that I had a $50 gift card to use towards my purchase ($25 for Hunters - oh yeah!!), but if you want to save even more on your purchase, buy them online through Ebates!! You can earn anywhere from 4 to 10 percent CASH BACK on your purchase!! If you aren't already signed up for this money-earning site that PAYS you to shop, then please do so and use me as your reference ( aprilbaker23@yahoo.com ). I will post more about this fabulous site in a couple weeks, but if you must shop now, get signed up and start earning your cash!!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Post 700 ... lets have a GIVEaWaY!!

The Shirt Jerk. A funny little company that rocks hilarious tees! I am totally loving the Jersey Shore inspired tops ... so awesome!! The color selections are great!! I ended up ordering a men's small, because I liked the navy tee and that particular color wasn't being offered in the girl's sizes. It washed well, with little to no shrinking, and the cotton is super soft! Fast shipping and excellent customer service!! Perfect company for your holiday shopping!




Wanna win a tee of your own? The Shirt Jerk is giving away not just one, but THREE tees here on dot...dot...dot...!! If you are a follower of my blog, then you are eligible to win! Here's how to enter ...
~Head on over to The Shirt Jerk and take a peek around. Come back here and comment as to which tee you are laughing about!
~For an extra entry, follow The Shirt Jerk on Facebook. Comment again to let me know you did so.
~They are also on Twitter, so follow them there for another entry and be sure to comment again!
~If you shout-out this giveaway on your bloggy-blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter, add yourself 5 more entries!!

The giveaway ends in a week ... Happy Monday!!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Friday.

Well, the laundry part is right. Today is all about errands and catchin' up at home, so I don't have to worry about anything this weekend. Now, if I could just find some energy somewhere. Ha ha!
Peek in on Monday ... another giveaway will be announced!! And Tuesday's post will be about an awesome purchase I just made and the way I saved big bucks to get it!! I hope everyone has a great weekend ... anyone doing anything fun??

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Pixie Dust

It doesn't come from a cute little fairy, but this drink sure is magical! Pixie Mate (pronounced mah-tay) is packed with antioxidants - 40 times more than broccoli - and is awesome in fighting cancer cell production, aiding in digestion, and giving your brain a boost!

I was first introduced to a Mate Latte at my favorite little coffee drive-thru, The Human Bean, in Seaside, Oregon. I am a big tea drinker and all about antioxidants, so the barista recommended I try this. It has a bit of a bite to it ... kinda like chai. The cinnamon-y drink revs up your metabolism and jump starts your energy levels! With a combination of 3 energy boosters, the pep in your step is way more balanced than your average caffeine kick, and there is no hard crash at the end.

I definitely recommend you try this. If your local coffee shop isn't offering Mate (I know it's not on the Starbucks menu), you can get it at your local health food store in the tea aisle. New Seasons and Trader Joe's have carried this, and I have even seen it in the grocery stores. Mix it up at home and enjoy!
For more information, check out Pixie Mate's website.

Monday, November 1, 2010

It's Raining ... It's Pouring !!

It's rainy season here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Who am I kidding? It is ALWAYS raining here. August is the only month out of the year where we can bet on no rain. I wear my Uggs through June! On a brighter note though, Oregon is gorgeous and green and a pretty great state to live in. We also have no sales tax, which makes rain boot shopping a bit more fun! I am determined to stay dry this year and not water-log my beloved Uggs.

Chooka Classy Classic .. $59.95



BEARPAW Ashland .. $64.99


Burberry .. $195

(so would not pay this much for puddle jumpers, but they sure are cute)


Hunter .. $125

Kamik 'Heidi' .. $44.95



And how cute are these liner inserts???

Hunter .. $30 - $40

So what rubber boots do you rock in the rain? Do you have a favorite brand? Are they comfortable? Can you run around all day in them doing errands and such?

Please share!



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...