reading is sexy ...

Rory Gilmore says so.

 

This is one resolution that I think I will enjoy! My goal this year is to read a book a month. That may not seem like a lot to some of you bookworms, but I haven't picked up a novel since June! Yikes!

In fact, I haven't even started January's book!

Looking through my small collection at home, I have decided to give this one a shot. Lipstick Jungle, by Candace Bushnell. I loved this TV series when it aired for a brief time, before getting cancelled. In fact, I was mad when they cancelled it mid-season. Who does that?!? Anyway, I found this at The Dollar Tree last year sometime. A book for a buck - sign me up!

These next 2 books actually have movies releasing next month ... has anyone read these yet? Are they worth the time? I have been debating on snagging these ... thoughts?

 

Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Ethan longs to escape his small Southern town. He meets a mysterious new girl, Lena. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.

 

Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

 

 Eventually, I will finish The Hunger Games Trilogy ... I have only read the first one so far. I am thinking I will read them right before Catching Fire hits the theaters. That book I read in June? It was 50 Shades of Grey. I was not impressed enough to continue on to books 2 and 3.

What's on your reading list this year? Have any suggestions for must-reads?

Plump It Up ... Norwegian Style!

As many of you already know, I am a BzzAgent. I am part of a community that receives products to test out and review. Pretty rad, huh?

Currently, I am trying out Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. They say a little goes a long way ... over 200 applications per 2 oz. bottle! Thick and creamy, formulated for the toughest dry skin ... and recommended to use on your lips, too.

Say what?!?

Hand cream on my lips?!?

Let's give it a shot ... I'm game!

 

My lips definitely go through some nastiness in the winter ... dryness, cracking, peeling, and bleeding! Yikes! I usually use medicated Chapstick - the cooling sensation alone helps to soothe, but not necessarily heal. I have been using Neutrogena's Hand Cream on my lips for 2 weeks now.

THIS.STUFF.WORKS!

My lips have never felt better! The clear lotion goes on smoothly and absorbs almost instantly. If I put too much on, my lips feel a bit tacky, but nothing too annoying. Once absorbed, you forget you have anything on. In the first hour or so, if your lips are moistened at all, the lotion is sorta re-activated, causing a slippery feeling on your lips. When dry again, your lips feel natural. The cracking is gone, no more peeling, and my lips are hydrated! I also love that I can wear this to bed, and not have break-out on my chin. Most lip balms I use at night cause my chin to break out when the balm rubs off my lips. I have not had this problem with Neutrogena.

Now this last little perk may only be in my head, but I feel like my lips look a little plumper since using this product! Obviously, there is no special lip-enhancing ingredients in this HAND cream, but my lips seem to be a little fuller ... maybe because they are being so well hydrated. I am loving this!

This Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is definitely da bomb in my book! My dry, winter-bitten palms, knuckles, and cuticles are so soft and moisturized. I even apply this cream to my elbows! My hands have never looked or felt so nourished, and the added lip balm bonus makes this a product I will never be without!

Who wants to try a sample size? I have 3 available with coupons to purchase the full size bottle if you love it as much as I do! First three peeps to message me your address will get to experience Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream!

Whoop!

I tried it ... SodaStream

Hubby received a SodaStream for Christmas, and let me tell ya, girls ... it is so blog-worthy! Make your own pop at home ... genius! This system is super easy to use ... fill the bottle with water, lock it in the Soda Stream, push the button for desired carbonation, watch the bubbles get added to your water, and mix in your favorite soda, tea, juice, italian soda or water flavor. Voila! The end results taste amazing! I am obsessed with the Root Beer right now!!
And guess what a big perk is with this do-it-yourself little product? The beverages are way better for you than all other soda pops! Check out this little chart from the SodaStream website ...

We are so happy with our SodaStream and use it every day! The up-keep costs are pretty minimal ... the carbonators need to be replaced when they get low ($14.99), and the soda /juice syrups are $5 per bottle (averaging 33 cans of pop). Go get yourself one!!

Resolutions for the Twenty~Thirteen

Happy Monday!!

It sure feels good to be back! Oh, how I have missed blogging! Thank you so much to those of you have popped in to say hello ... you girls are the reason I keep coming back!

I know that we are already half way through January, but what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't share my new year resolutions with the peeps that I adore so much?  

Goal #1 ... Keep on bloggin'. Sometimes blogs get neglected to the point of no return. We all have our days/weeks/months where we just aren't inspired to entertain. I have contemplated closing up shop many times, for many different reasons. But the friends I have met throughout the years, and the things that we all share through our blogs, really mean a lot to me. So a goal of mine this year is to make my blog a priority, and to also make sure I am making others know how much I appreciate their blogs as well.

Goal Numero Dos ... Read More! The last book I read was back in June. Seriously. Sad, huh? This year, I wanna read at least a book a month. I haven't started one for January yet. Any suggestions? Shout out your favorite must-reads!

Goal Three ... spelled out clearly above. I can't tell you just how freeing this is! I am over the food drama! This year I will not diet. I will eat what I feel like, but in moderation. Plain and simple. Throw in a little more activity, and weight should not be a problem.

My final goal to work on ... GET MORE SLEEP!!! It is actually 2:53 AM as I am writing this blog post. My kids need to be out the door for school at 7:30am ... in 4 1/2 hours! My day today is packed with appointments, then I am scheduled for an all-nighter (9pm to 5am) to work on inventory at that big department store I am currently working at. I really need to work on this internal sleep clock of mine.

So there you have it ... my official resolutions for 2013! Nothing crazy or stressful. Just a few things to make me happier and feel a little more content in this fun and busy life I have been so blessed with! I hope y'all are off to a great start ... what are some goals that you set for yourself this year?

2.0.1.3.

Happy 2013!!

I have been trying to recover from this holiday hangover, so the bliggity-blog has been suffering! Ya see, this crazy girl decided it would be a great idea to pick up a job the week before Thanksgiving at one of the biggest and busiest department stores in all the land.
Was I drinking?
No. In fact, at this said time, I was on a little cleanse/challenge to see if I could make it 60 days through the holidays without hittin' the bottle. I figured I was already eating enough extra calories, and cutting out wine and vodka would make the resolutions start off a little easier.
I lasted 30 days. Don't judge.
So here I am, post Black Friday/Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year Sale Events, gettin' back into the swing of things.
Whew!
While I was away though, I have been keepin' tabs on blog post ideas! I can't wait to show y'all what I have been up to ... I Tried It (product reviews), Mani of the Week, and Fashion Fridays will be returning, plus a few new weekly features will be popping up, too!
All the fun starts on Monday, January 14th ... pinky-swear!! Until then, hit me up in the comments and say hi ... let me know if there is anything you want to see here on dot...dot...dot... this year. Check out the sponsors highlighted in the menu bar above ... they are pretty awesome! If you want your shop to be featured, it's pretty darn simple. Just let me know and we'll chat about the details!
I hope everyone is off to a great new year!
xoxo

And the winners are ......

 What an awesome week of giveaways!!

THANK YOU so very much to all of you that participated this year and for showing your love and support for dot...dot...dot... throughout the year! If y'all are new here, I hope you will stay a while! This blog o' mine is a little place where I get to talk about all the girly things in life that my 3 boys (hubby and 2 kiddos) just don't understand. Whether it is fashion finds and beauty tips, favorite books and TV shows, or recipes and favorite websites ... you will always find me chatting about something! I also ADORE my followers and host random giveaways throughout the year to show my appreciation for all the comments and support I receive. 

And of course, a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the participating shops that were so generous to give away all of these amazing gifts. Without their support, this annual holiday shin-dig would not be possible! I greatly appreciate their time and extra money donated to make this such a fabulous event!!

 

Now ... without further delay ... the winners are ...

 

 Little Blue Olive ... a chiffon floral headband in your choice of color ...

#145 Michelle C.H.

 Grace and Lace Co ... one pair of Lacey Lou Leg Warmers ...

#123 Kate M.

 

It's Your Party ... $15 gift credit ... TWO winners ...

#57 Sprinkles

#76 Misty 

 Jewls215 ... Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas sign ...

#47 Karen B.

 

 Love ♥ Kate ... Cowl in Winter White ...

#97 Kristin B.

 

 Origami Owl ... $25 gift credit with consultant, Wendy Korfel ...

#185 Angela F.

 

 Sharee Boutique ... 1 hair chalk and nail caviar set (color of your choice) ...

#74 Christina M.

 

 Portland Pie Co ... a dozen cookies each ... TWO winners ...

#42 Kelsey S.

#160 Demaris C.

 

Sophistifunk ... silver sideways cross bracelet ...

#27 Candace H.

 

 

If you are a lucky winner, please email me at aprilbaker23 @ yahoo dot com and include the following information:

 

- Full Name and Shipping Address

- Color / Flavor Choice (if applicable)

- Best Contact Email

- Optional: Phone Number, in case company needs further information.

 

I will be passing along this information to the shop, and they will contact you shortly. Please let me know if you have any questions!

xoxo



Grace and Lace

Grace and Lace ... made with His grace and a little lace. Not only do I love that business motto, but these leg warmers are a need in any girl's closet! The buttons and bows ... the lace and patterns ... swoon!! No wonder Grace and Lace was featured on The Today Show!!

One lucky winner will be rockin' her boots this winter with a girly touch!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Portland Pie Co.

Another returning favorite this year ... Portland Pie!! Carla makes her award-winning desserts from scratch, handed down from family recipes. Homemade treats delivered locally and enjoyed by so many!
While her delicious pies can not be shipped outside of the area (booo ... y'all are missing out!!), Portland Pie will be sending TWO winners each a dozen homemade cookies!! Get your entries in ... these treats are amazing!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Your Party

It's Your Party is back again this year celebrating another round of dot...dot...dot...'s holiday giveaway event!! This is definitely the shop you wanna check out for all your custom party decor! I have trusted It's Your Party with several of my party and special event needs, and they certainly do not disappoint! From banners to cupcake toppers, party favors to tumblers, let It's Your Party make your special occasion so much sweeter!

It's Your Party is offering a $15 gift credit to TWO winners! Entering the giveaway is simple through the box below!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Origami Owl

 

This company is one that has found a special place in my world. Origami Owl ... a place to create your life story in a locket! Gorgeous pendants, adorable charms, and all custom-created by you! You pick each detail that goes into your necklace, from the color and size of the locket, to the chain that it hangs from. Charms fill the inside and represent the important things in your life, from children and birthstones, to travel and hobbies, causes and foods to sports and faith! The consultant who introduced this to me is Wendy Korfel, and she is such a sweet person to work with! You will love putting together your very own locket with Wendy's help and a $25 gift credit to shop in her store!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharee Boutique

For those of you who have been around here a while, y'all know my passion for color ... in my hair and on my nails! I have had purple and blue hair extensions, experimented with an ombre look, and have weekly mani sessions that I post about. This event just wouldn't be complete without a little bit of fun trendy styles that I enjoy so much! Sharee Boutique ... your one-stop shop where you can get the latest in hair chalks (see the color streaks above ^ ... temporary hair color applied with chalk and washes out when you are over it) and nail caviar beads ... you know, the little sprinkles that look yummy enough to eat, but look fabulous as a mani?

One lucky girl (wish it was me!) will win a color chalk in their choice of color and a set of caviar beads for that trendy manicure! Enter in the box below!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sophistifunk - The Shop

Miss Brie, over at Sophistifunk, has opened up a new shop full of cute bracelets to add to your accessories! Bright colors, chains, crosses, skulls, and more ... the latest trends and must-haves! I have an order on its way to me now, and I can't wait to receive my package in the mail!!

Guess who will also be getting a special delivery? One lucky winner of the sideways cross bracelet in silver! I absolutely love this bracelet, as it can be worn alone and simple, or layered with other arm candy!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jewls215

Don't you just love a cute little sign that makes a room smile? Jewls215 has some adorable wood signs that would make the greatest addition to any room in your home. I absolutely adore the distressed features and fonts used on these plaques and they would add such personality to your decor!

With the holidays upon us, wouldn't you just adore the 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' sign as a part of your Christmas collection? One lucky winner will call it their own ... multiple chances to win below!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Kate ~ The Shop

Love ♥ Kate just opened up shop and I could not be more excited! Kate is a blogger and we have been friends (in my head) for years now (aka, I adore her blog and we are official FB buddies). She has such great style and fitness tips, (not to mention she is gorgeous!!), and she has just debuted how talented and crafty she is!! Cowls, cuffs, headbands and more!! Check out her blog and her shop ... you will not be disappointed! I already have a custom order placed!

For this giveaway, Love ♥ Kate is giving away a cowl style wrap in Winter White (shown above, modeled on her beautiful daughter). Enter in the box below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Blue Olive

 

Little Blue Olive ... an adorable shop found on Etsy, that creates handmade hair accessories using chiffon, wool felt, fabric, ribbon, and various one-of-a-kind and vintage pieces. I am loving the chiffon flower headbands and felt bows! Those blue feather pins above are simply fabulous! I love the classy and girly look that these accessories bring to any outfit.

Little Blue Olive is offering a Chiffon Flower Headband in the color of choice to one lucky winner! Entering has been made simple ... just follow the options in the box below for your opportunities to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The 2012 Holiday Giveaway Event!!

Today is the day!! It's time to kick off this year's holiday giveaway event!! I am so very appreciative of all of my fans and followers and really enjoy hosting this event each year. We have some amazing companies participating this year, all very generous to be offering up such fabulous gifts for you all! Please show them some love and enjoy browsing through their shops, keeping them in mind for your holiday gift-giving this Christmas season!

Have a wonderful week!

xoxo

It's Almost Time ....

This HUGE event kicks off on Monday morning with 10 amazing giveaways!!

 

Grace and Lace

Jewls215

Sharee Boutique

Little Blue Olive

It's Your Party

Origami Owl

Portland Pie

Love ♥ Kate

Sophistifunk: The Shop

dot...dot...dot...

 

You won't want to miss this, so pop on by to see these fabulous shops and enter to win some fabulous gifts!!

Have a great weekend!!

 

Interview with a 1-year-old

Oh my goodness ... this had me laughing!

Hope you all are having a great week!! Monday kicks off the Annual Holiday Giveaway Event here on dot...dot...dot...!!! Amazing goodies from some fabulous companies - you will not want to miss this!! See you Monday!! 

DIY .. Glitter Polish Removal

I adore glitter nail polishes. Bright, shiny bling on my nails ... yes, please! I absolutely loathe trying to get the stuff off my nails though ... I had one removal process take 40 minutes! I will never get that time back on my life. Because of such hassle, I opt to stay away from the glitters. {Insert sad face.}

Then, along came the glitter-polish-removal-fairy, aka Whitney @ I Wore Yoga Pants to Work, with a magic tutorial that has changed lives.

 

Glue.

Yep, the stuff you used as a kid ... now in the form of a base coat!

 Take an empty polish bottle. Of course, no one has a clean, empty bottle. Here's my tidbit of info to obtain this ... empty the contents of a bottle you aren't into anymore (I used an old base coat I no longer used). When liquid no longer pours out, fill the bottle about 1/3 way with nail polish remover. Twist the brush on tightly and shake. The remover will clean up the remaining polish. I did this step twice and then rinsed the brush and bottle with warm water to clear out any acetone residue.

 Next up, add a tiny bit of water to the bottle. Like 5-8 drops - just enough to give Elmer's a little bit of mobility. Then fill the rest of the bottle with glue. Twist on the brush and shake until well blended.

That's it. That is the secret potion that will rid you of tears and unnecessary cussing when removing your glitter mani.

Paint this base coat on your nails and wait until they fully dry before applying your polish. You will know the glue has dried when it turns clear and your nails look like their natural state. Do not use any other base coat on top of this one.

Finish your mani as usual and add your top coat. You may be tempted to try to remove the glitter right away, to see if this little trick actually works. You can, but I recommend enjoying your rocked out nails for a couple days.

 I used China Glaze Pizzazz from their new holiday collection. The fabulous peeps over at China Glaze sent me over bottles of polish love from a couple of their newest collections. I will be sharing my reviews soon! I got so many compliments on this mani ... it is so gorgeous in person! I left the pic a little blurry so y'all can see the colors that make up this polish.

 

So how did the glue base work out?

Quite well!!

Check it out ... the polish PEELS right off when you are ready to remove it! That's right ... no nail polish remover required!! Grab a cuticle stick and lift up on the side of your nail ... the polish comes right up. The glitter only remained on the areas that received the thinnest amount of the glue base. I learned to make sure the glue was evenly distributed, or even paint a second coat after the first layer dried.

Has anyone ever tried this genius trick? Do you have any other tips on how you remove your glitter polishes?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday ... Happy Monday!! ♥

V to the L-O-G !!

Hey Peeps! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!! A BIG thank you to the gorgeous gals who guest posted here on dot...dot...dot... last week!! I hope y'all have been visiting their blogs and showing them some love!! Today I decided to VLOG!! Yup. That's right ... video blog up in here! The video isn't too long ... about 5 minutes of me rambling about what I put on my face every day. Check it out and comment ... let me know I am not a total dork. If y'all wanna see more vlogs, let me know some topics you wanna see me talk about. Make-up tips, polish techniques, how to make microwave popcorn ... I am full of awesomeness. I am not shy ... questions welcome, I will answer! Happy Monday, girls!!