Homemade Valentines Card

Okay, so I know I'm supposed to be taking a break for a while. But...I couldn't help but post something about this cute homemade Valentines card I made for my better half.

I don't know about you, but I cant STAND paying more than a dollar for a card. In fact, more often than not I gift without cards...because I can't fathom forking more than that...no matter how cute they are.  Call me cheap, if you will.  I prefer the term "practically frugal".

This year I decided to use my My Memories Scrapbooking Software to whip up something simple (and FREE).  Here's what I came up with.

embellishments- MMS software, paper-north pole express pack,

paper-North Pole Express Pack

I printed the first page out on velum and the second on heavy white card stock and then fastened them to another piece of folded card stock.  Simple....cute....and $UPER FRUGAL.

I LOVE FRUGAL!  Don't you?

Melanie

P.S.  If you'd like to order My Memories Suite Scrapbooking Software for yourself, or someone you LOVE,  use promo code STMMMS10850 at checkout and save $10!  (making it only $29.97 plus you'll have $10 to use at the MMS online scrap store). 

AND THE WINNER IS......

Bethany Wolf

CONGRATULATIONS BETHANY!

And thank you everyone else for your participation in the PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES GIVEAWAY!

If you didn't win but are still interested in purchasing some of this $UPER cute product, or if you would like more info on becoming a consultant yourself,

contact Lacy @ paparazzipayson @ gmail . com

 

"No...cuz you're not very stylish"

One of the BEST things about hosting a GIVEAWAY is getting a chance to test out the product.

Aren't these CUTE!?!

It's not very often I get the privilege of enjoying pretty things.

I put one of these fancies on tonight (the one with the gray ribbon) and my oldest, 8 year old G-McBabe, kept looking at me...baffled.

"What?  Don't you like it?"  I said.

Still staring...."uhhhh...," he stammers.

"Not me?" I ask.

He hesitates, "No...(and then...) cuz you're not very stylish." 

I feigned offense....and then laughed.

He's got a point.

I did try the necklace on with my gray Gonzaga hoodie.  Yeah...I'm cool like that.



What I took from the situation was, A. Even my 8 year old thinks these Paparazzi pretties are "stylish"
and B.  I need to wear them more often and change his opinion of ME!

What do you think?

Melanie

If you want to be "stylish" too, be sure and enter the Paparazzi Accessories GIVEAWAY and have a chance to win one of these beauties for yourself.  You have until February 6 so hurry up already.

GIVEAWAY! PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES

 YEAY!  IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME AGAIN (I have been itching to get another one going!).


Oh...and this is a good one...you do NOT want to miss out on it.


Paparazzi Accessories independent consultants offer adorable, stylish jewelry and accessories at a fraction of the price of your typical retail store. Everything is just $5!  (YEAH....you heard me right!)

What do you get for $5?

$uper cute necklace/earring sets, rings, bows, headbands, bracelets, and more! They also offer children’s earrings and rings for just $1 (gasp).

Here are some of their products.  Aren't the beautiful?

(See more at www.facebook.com/paparazzijewelry5bylacy)

Well...my friend Lacy just happens to be a consultant for Paparazzi Accessories and has kindly offered to host a GIVEAWAY for you, my readers here at Adventures in Frugalness!

Lacy will be rewarding 1 lucky winner with a 4 piece jewelry set!  The set will include a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring....all handpicked by the fantastic Lacy, herself.

Isn't that AWESOME?!?

To enter, follow the directions on the Rafflecopter widget.


IMPORTANT....IN ORDER FOR YOUR ENTRIES TO BE VALID, YOU MUST FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE "ACTION" DESCRIBED FIRST (ex. click "join this sight" on GFC, click the "like" button on Facebook, etc) BEFORE YOU CLICK THE GREEN "+1 DO IT!" BUTTON ONE THE WIDGET!!!!!  CLICKING THE GREEN BUTTON ALONE WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY FULFILL THE REQUIREMENT FOR YOU.  ALL ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED.

Plus...see below on how you can become a consultant yourself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Are you interested in becoming a consultant yourself?  If so, here's a little not from Lacy.

If you are looking for a fun and rewarding business opportunity Paparazzi Accessories is for you. As a consultant you are free to choose your own schedule. Work as much or as little as you would like. The harder you work the more rewarding it can be. Now is your chance to jump in and join this amazing company! With a 45% retail commission and 5-10% in your down line, Paparazzi has some of the highest percentages in the business. If you have never heard of Paparazzi, that is a good thing! That means you could be the first in your area and have people working under you in no time. I joined Paparazzi Accessories in May 2011 and there were just 200 consultants, now there are over 2,000. http://www.paparazziaccessories.com/compPlan.aspx

You can become a consultant for as little as $40 by paying the enrollment fee. That gives you access to purchase and sell product. Additionally you will be eligible to enroll new consultants. I highly recommend the purchase of a starter kit. The $300 kit is a great way to go. It contains 100 of the most popular pieces. Below is a link to show you the different kits available. http://www.paparazziaccessories.com/starterKit.aspx

If you like what you see, you can enroll online. It only takes a few minutes to complete. My consultant # is 1215. https://extranet.securefreedom.com/paparazzi/Signup/EnrollNew_Ask.asp?ReturnURL&Products

If you have any additional questions, please email Lacy at paparazzipayson@gmail.com I would love to answer any questions for you.

Linking up to:

AND THE WINNER IS.....

REBECCA of A Mess of Musings!

(winner randomly generated by Rafflecopter)

Congratulations Rebecca!  And thanks everyone for entering.

Remember...you can still pick up the My Memories Suite Software for yourself, or someone on your Christmas list, at MyMemories.com ($39.97....except.....wait for it.......)

To make it even sweeter, you can use my special promotional code STMMMS10850 and get $10 off the software, making it ONLY $29.97. 

ALSO, each software download comes with a $10 coupon code to use on kits and other products at mymemories.com.

That's like a savings of $20!

Totally Awesome!  I know!  I can't get over it myself.  

Plus...stay tuned for some freebies!  (Oohh...I LOVE FREE!)

Just one easy click!  VOTE FOR ME!

GIVEAWAY! My Memories Suite FREE software GIVEAWAY!

It's time for another GIVEAWAY here at TESTOSTERONE OVERLOAD (and I expect ALL OF YOU, my readers, OLD FRIENDS and NEW FRIENDS to enter.....OR ELSE!  Even if you aren't sure of YOUR interest, I am sure there is someone on your shopping list who would LOVE to have it!  Just sayin'.)


I'm very excited for this one, A. because it's something creative and pretty (and I deserve pretty things that my children can't break) and B. because it's just so dang AWESOME and EASY to use!


I was recently introduced to My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software (which BTW, is rated #1 on Amazon.com for digital scrapbooking software).  You can read my review here.  I have really enjoyed fiddling around with it and learning to express my "creative" side (and believe you-me...I needed all the help I could get).


I was able to "throw" together a few things in no time at all (see here) and have found several uses for it already (blog decorating, inexpensive Christmas gifts, etc).  I'm really enjoying delving into this new interest.  It's fun.  And what I like about it the most...it's mess and hassle free.....SO EASY TO USE!


AND I WANT YOU TO HAVE A CHANCE to have it too.  How does that sound?


(check out this Rafflecopter giveaway widget...isn't it cool?)








THAT'S 9 POSSIBLE ENTRIES INTO THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY!

So...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR.  ENTER ALREADY!



 This is a sponsored giveaway.  I, Melanie, did receive My Memories Suite software for free, in exchange for this write-up.  However, that being said, the opinions presented here are my own.  No one forced me to like the product and say nice things about it.  (he he he) I do...so I did. 

AND THE WINNER IS......

Announcing the winners of of the BLOGGING CHALLENGE/BIRTHDAY BASH GIVEAWAYS!

I'm SO excited to announce them.....

Winner of the Amazon.com gift card #1:

Lisa

Winner of the Amazon.com gift card #2:

 Mommy with Selective Memory

Winner of the Dancing Princess Designs $10 gift certificate:

 Meg

Jennifer at DPD also threw in a $2 off coupon for Grumpy Grateful Mom who said: "I love the She's Got Moxie set on GDS. :)"  Well, there you have it GGM...now you can go get that "She's Got Moxie" set....It's SUPER SUPER cute!

 Thanks from both Jennifer and I, for your participation in the Giveaways....it was a lot of fun for me to do and I'm glad to have y'all here with me.

Winners....you have 48 hours to email me at testosteroneoverloadXY at gmail dot com to claim your prizes (that would be 6:00PM PST Sunday, October 23rd...to be exact).  So don't delay!

YEAY!  

Now, Roberto and I are headed off to, yet another, bombers football game.  Darn it all, though.  I never did get out to Goodwill to get all decked out in my green and yellow.  Oh well...I will most likely visit the "students section" again.  It was just way too much fun last time!

Can't wait...

Just one easy click!

GIVEAWAY BASH---HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY TESTOSTERONE OVERLOAD

HAPPY HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY TO

TESTOSTERONE OVERLOAD!!!!

HOLY COW!  I can't believe it has been so long.  And I want to CELEBRATE!

Four years ago, today, I posted my very first post here on Testosterone Overload.  I was a lonely, sad mama who had just given birth to her third ...yep, you guessed it...boy, and wanted a place to post pictures and write stories about my boys so that my family, whom I had just moved away from, would have the opportunity to "see them grow up".

It was right about that same time that I began diving into the pits of Postpartum Depression (you can read all about that on my "other" blog Methodical Musings of an Unbalanced Woman).

Let's just say that we have had a lot of ups and downs since this blog was created....including the addition of, yet another, bouncing bundle of baby testosterone.....#4, Mr. Golden Locks.

I've blogged about the good, the bad and the ugly...about boogers and battles, stinky bodies (mine, not theirs), and poop (oh...and keys in toilets too)...about our very first head injury, a growth discovered in my abdomen, and falling off of pedestals.....of twin girl prediction, ingenious parenting moments, and amazing couponing skills and steals.

It really has been an amazing/hard/exciting/excruciating 4 years.  And I could not have gotten through it without you.  I have been comforted and supported more than you can imagine.  Now it's time to give back.

Here's to another 4 years of Testosterone Overload....cheers!  

NOW....LET'S PARTY!  AND, WHAT IS A PARTY WITHOUT FAVORS?!?





Here's what's up for grabs:

A chance to win 2 (count them)  2- $10 Amazon.com gift cards (out of my very own pocket) and a 

$10 gift certificate to be used at Dancing Princess Designs godigitalscrapbooking store (donated by Jennifer at Dancing Princess Designs.)

How do I win?

$10 Amazon Gift Card #1

This giveaway has actually been going on for a week now....head on over to this post, Amazon Gift Card Giveaway [#1], to get the entry specifics.  If you already have entered...no further action needs be taken.  Good luck to you.  (be sure to leave all comments relating to this specific giveaway on the corresponding posts....DO NOT LEAVE THEM HERE!)



$10 Amazon Gift Card #2



#1 "Like" Testosterone Overload on Facebook (or use the Facebook Gadget on the sidebar)
#2 Follow melanie_gill on Twitter
#3 Subscribe to e-mails by inputting your email address in the "T.O. in your inbox" box (on the side bar)
#4 Subscribe to RSS feeds---posts and/or comments (on the sidebar)
#5 Head on over to Dancing Princess Designs and click to "follow" Jennifer's blog (sidebar---bottom right)
#6 Come on over to Methodical Musings of an Unbalanced Woman (my "other" blog) and click to "Join [my] site" (side bar--bottom right)

That's 6 different ways you can enter into the $10 Amazon Gift Card #2 Giveaway.  Just remember that YOU MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ACTION TAKEN ABOVE!  THIS IS IMPORTANT! (only one entry per comment, that's why you want to separate them...more comments...more entries)
$10 Gift Certificate to Dancing Princess Designs GoDigitalScrapbooking Store

#1 Go to Dancing Princess Designs GoDigitalScrapbooking Store and browse around.  Then come back HERE and leave a comment listing a product that caught your eye.
#2 "Like" Dancing Princess Designs on Facebook 
#3  Follow JennCamargo on Twitter
#4 Subscribe to e-mails on DPD (right sidebar)
#5 Subscribe to RSS feeds on DPD (left sidebar)

That's 5 different ways you can enter into the $10 Gift Certificate to DPD's GDS store.

(AGAIN...LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH)

Are you as excited as I am?  He he he....I doubt it....but try, will ya?

REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER....YOU MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT, HERE AT T.O., FOR EACH OF THE "ACTIONS" TAKEN ABOVE.  (IF YOU ALREADY "FOLLOW", "SUBSCRIBE", "TWEET WITH", or have "JOINED" etc JENNIFER OR I, ON TESTOSTERONE OVERLOAD OR DANCING PRINCESS DESIGNS, YOU STILL MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ACTION YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN)!

(for questions you can e-mail me at testosteroneoverloadXY at gmail dot com).

Random winners (for all three giveaways) will be chosen and announced on October 21, 2011 (next Friday).

So...have FUN!

Happy COMMENTING! 

$10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway__CLOSED

Alright...so I think there was a lot of confusion concerning the $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway.

The confusion being that I linked this giveaway to a blogging challenge and only left teeny tiny instructions on how to enter this giveaway without actually doing the blogging challenge (that part is just for those of us who LOVE to write).

No fear, I am here to diffuse the confusion.

You DO NOT have to enter the blogging challenge to be entered into the giveaway (the blogging challenge is just a really fun way to earn even more entries).

So....do you want to know the easiest way to get entered into the giveaway?

You just have to sign up to "follow" Testosterone Overload.

Here's how: 

#1 Click on the gadget on the sidebar that says "Join this site".

#2 THEN....leave a comment telling me you did it (something like this "I now follow T.O., or whatever) or, if you already "follow" T.O. leave a comment that says something like this (I already "follow" T.O.)  Simple as that.



REMEMBER.......YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!



***The winner is picked at random FROM THE COMMENTS THAT ARE LEFT on this post (or the original blogging challenge/giveaway post).  If you do not leave a comment you will not be entered into the giveaway. ***



So don't skip that crucial step.



And now because I am so generous (wink, wink) I am going to give you a way to receive additional entries without entering the blogging challenge as well.  You ready?............



Ta Da....Refer a friend to Testosterone Overload.



That's right.  I will give you additional entries into the giveaway for EVERY friends and/or reader, you refer to my blog, that chooses to "follow" T.O. as well.



Here's your instructions (I work by example...I need everything spelled out for me...hehehe)



#1 You post a link to this giveaway/blogging challenge on your blog.



#2  Go ahead and tell your readers that for every one of them that comes here and "follows" T.O., YOU will get another entry into this giveaway.

#3  Don't forget to tell YOUR readers that they need to mention who "referred" them to T.O.

(for example their post would look something like.  "Hi Melanie, I now follow T.O.   I was referred to this giveaway by ___________.")

So...that comment will count as their "personal" entry as well as a "referral" entry for you.  Does that make sense?  (if not you can e-mail me at testosteroneoverloadXY at gmail dot com)



The possibilities are endless.



Just remember that your "referrals" have to "Join [my] site" in order for the entry to count for either of you.



The winner will be announced Friday, October 21, 2011.



Now....if you actually LIKE to write (like I do) you can earn EVEN MORE entries into the giveaway by

#1 entering "Melanie's Blogging Challenge"

#2 encouraging your friends/readers to enter as well (yes...more "referrals).



See below for details.



There....I hope that cleared up some confusion.  I was really surprised to see so little entries.   I mean, it's a SUPER easy way to win $10 to use at Amazon.com (Christmas is coming)



So DON'T delay.



"Join" me at T.O.  Be prepared from some pretty funny upcoming stories and, hopefully, some useful frugal tips as well.



Original Posted Rules:

Melanie's Blogging Challenge/Giveaway! 

(this giveaway is part of the Happy 4th Birthday T.O. Birthday Bash/Giveaways--which will be announced NEXT Friday (Oct 14th) where you will have a chance to win even MORE stuff).

Choose one of the following topics....FALL, FOOTBALL, DATE NIGHT, THE GOOD OL' DAYS or 30 YEAR OLD WOMAN PARADING AROUND PRETENDING TO BE A TEENAGER (or any other story of you as a "not so acting your age" person)...which ever one tickles your writing fancy... (read MY story entitled:  Date Night brings out the "best" in Melanie)

...and BLOG ABOUT IT.

(story can be a previously posted, yet related, post as long as you re-post it a. with the current date (so it comes up the first post on your blog page) b. with the challenge rules and c. with proper links to this post). 

What can I win?  

The winner of this blog challenge/giveaway will randomly be chosen to win a $10 Amazon.com gift card (provided from my very own pocket lining).  

How can I win?

One entry will be counted for every "valid" comment/entries left on T.O. (Remember to leave a separate comment for each of the "valid" entries).

"Valid" comments include:

#1 a personal story entry (see below)

#2 a referral story entry (see below)

#3 by signing up to "follow" T.O. and leaving a comment to tell me that you did (if you already "follow", just leave a comment stating that you already do.)

What is a "personal" entry?

A personal entry is a single comment left on T.O. by you consisting of a link to your Melanie's Blogging challenge/giveaway entry (aka your posted story).

What is a "referral" entry?

A "referral" entry is a single comment left by one of YOUR READERS listing YOU as their "referral" to Melanie's Blog Challenge/Giveaway.  The more of YOUR readers you can engage in this challenge, the more entries/chance YOU will have to win.

Things to remember:

 

#1  BE SURE to link back to this post (any submitted story NOT linking back to this post will be disqualified from the giveaway) and post the challenge/giveaway rules for your readers (copy and paste from the pink text down).

#2 BE SURE to leave a comment linking me to YOUR challenge/giveaway entry (again, your story) as well as your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win. (your "personal" entry)

#3 BE SURE to tell your readers to A. come back here and post a comment linking me to THEIR story (which will be their "personal" entry) but also leave ANOTHER comment telling me who referred THEM (which would be one of YOUR "referral" entries).

Do you need an example.?  I know I would (if I hadn't thought it up myself...and even that confused me).

"Personal" entry comment example:

Hi, Melanie, that was a great story.  :)

My name is ____________ and here is a link to my Melanie's Blog Challenge/ Giveaway Entry http://_________________. 

I hope I win.

"Referral" entry comment example:

Hi Melanie....I was referred to your Blog Challenge/Giveaway by (insert Name) at (blog name or address you came from).  OR just leave the blog name if you don't know their name personally.

Does that make sense?  If you have any questions please contact me at testosteroneoverloadXY at gmail dot com.

Just one easy click!

Winner!!! announced from the "browse week" giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS....



Andrea L.



For winning the "browse week" giveaway.



Not only did Andrea receive a box full of some of "my favorite things."  But, because I know her personally, we get to hang out together the next time I'm in Spokane.  Lucky girl!   ;)



Don't forget...there are more giveaways to be won. 



Currently: $10 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway.



Check back on Friday for our HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TESTOSTERONE OVERLOAD CELEBRATION/GIVEAWAYS!

Just one easy click!

Giveaway- dinnerRevolution ecookbook...EVERYONE wins!

Since my first giveaway completely flopped (thanks to all three of you who responded) I decided to try it again with something actually worthwhile.  :)

Here goes...Take two...

Chef Jeff Pirtle is about to launch a new e-cookbook, dinneRevolution, and wants YOU, as in, my readers, to try it out first.

Awesome, eh?

I mean, who couldn't use more dinner ideas.  Especially ones that require less than 10 ingredients and take no more than 30 minutes to prepare. 

I've already had a look-see and am really excited. 

I'm especially psyched about the vegetarian dishes (no i am not a vegetarian...I just LOVE a good recipe without meat.  Good for the body..good for the budget).

 The Crispy Black Bean Burrito and the Penne with Pesto and Veggies sound especially yummy!  Don't they?

Just click here to get your FREE copy.

Jackpot.

So...go ahead.  Get it, enjoy it....

Browse week...my first giveaway...THREE LUCKY WINNERS!

I'm taking a vacation from responsibility this week (aka we are in Utah visiting family and friends and... more family). 


Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!


Can you feel that?  It's freedom from housework. 


I love having a break from "reality"...hehehe!


I'm going to try and take a vacation from writing too...(although I must admit an idea (for my other blog) came to me on the drive down and I had to go with it...yeah...notebook and pen which eventually evolved into a borrowed laptop computer...I couldn't help it.  And I'll tell you what...the 11 hour drive has NEVER gone by so quiclkly).


So, I challenge you this week to browse through my blog, read up on what you may have missed. 


Especially if you are new here. 


And then it's GIVEAWAY TIME!


Here is how it will work...you will get one entry every time you leave a comment letting me know you have done one of the following things:


* Browse around this blog and leave a comment telling me about your "favorite" post and why it's your favorite!

*Become a "follower" of Testosterone Overload (click on follow (on the side bar) and add your name).  If you already "follow" this blog (all 14 of you) leave a comment letting me know you already do.

*Subscribe to feeds on Testosterone Overload. (under "subscribe")

*Jot on over to my new(ish) blog (Methodical Musings of an Unbalanced Woman) for a look.  Browse around...let me know what you think about it.

*Become a "follower" of  MMUB.  Same as above...let me know if you do or already did (yeah...the other 14 of you).  :)

*"Like" MMUB on Facebook (click here or see link on sidebar of MMUW blog)

*Follow by e-mail (in other words...put in your e-mail address and receive an e-mail every time I update) on MMUW

*"Subscribe" to feeds on MMUW

*Refer a friend to either blog...or both...leave a comment for each.  The more friends your refer the more entries you get.

*Grab a button for either blog here and post it on your blog...and don't forget to let me know about it. 


The amount of entries are endless. 


Just don't forget to leave a comment for EACH thing you do (or have already done). 


I will then pick 3 random lucky winners (actually my kids will). 


The winners will recieve a box FULL of some of MY favorite things (I'm not gonna lie...it will probably be mostly food...oh how I love it.)


I'm super excited!  Are you?