So Close...Yet So Far Away--project update.

Well...it's crunch time.  Who's DONE?  With EVERYTHING?  ANYONE?

Not me.  I still have so much to do.

But...good news... 

I did finish ONE project today.  YEAY FOR ME!

I know you are dying for a peek.

okay...just a little one (disguised...of course.)

used North Pole Express Pack by Connie Prince

This project has been a lot of fun to do (and I'm getting better at learning to accessorize using the My Memories digital scrapbooking software) but...I'm glad it's done.  SO GLAD!  I can take ONE thing off my "to do list".  

(don't forget...if you want the software for yourself, or someone on your list, you can use my code STMMMS10850 and save $10!)

Now I just have to finish this one....

Well...I guess technically it's done.

  I just can't seem to get it hung,

and therefore it is still quite useless.

My entry way still looks like this...

(actually even worse right now...bummer!)

 

and what about this one...

remember this one?

here's how it's coming along...

(It's a cape...with a vest, in case you can't tell)

I'm about 90% done with one, 

70% done with another two, 

and 50% done with the last one.  

Sigh!

But they are coming together.

(I promise I wont forget to share the story behind them either)

AND...I still have to bake goodies, finish shopping for Roberto, plan and shop for Christmas dinner,

and pass these out...

oh...and maybe get a few minutes of sleep in there.

I'm not complaining...just....freaking out!

And yet...I'm on the computer....

hmmmmm....

A girl needs a little time to de-stress and connect with her online buddies...

Right?

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Remedy for Homesickness...the Weepies

Let's go back a few years.

It was my first Christmas away from "home".  We had just moved away (for graduate school) 4 months earlier, I had just had baby #3 (Mini Rob) and I was homesick....terribly homesick.

That's when I heard THE song.  It played over and over again on TV (I think it was on a JC Penney commercial) and it was so bittersweet for me.  I fell in love with it instantly....it reminded me of "home" (who knows why)...but it made me excruciatingly sad at the same time (let's not forget the fact that I was severely chemically imbalanced (PPD) at the time).

I decided I had to have it...I don't remember how I discovered the name of it...but I searched and searched until I found it....and I did...on I-Tunes.

I cried as I wrote my sisters (I have four) an e-mail introducing them to my newest musical find and why it meant so much to me (it reminded me of them).

They all fell in love with it too.

Two days after Christmas, Roberto and I flew our little family "home" to Utah for a visit.  I was so glad to be home.  The warmth, love, and familiarity were just what I needed.  And I soaked it up.

Fast forward a few more days to New Years Eve.  The family is all gathered, enjoying one another's company, exchanging gifts, exchanging laughter (amidst a whole lot of noise).  An announcements is made...my sisters have a special gift for me.

Nat pulls out the guitar...the others gather close...and then she begins to play.

It's THE song.....MY song.  I was completely shocked...but not surprised...my sisters are just the BEST like that (not to mention, incredibly musically talented).  They had learned it....in such a short time....just for me.  To remind me of "home".  To remind me of how much I am loved and missed.  I cried.

I still cry, thinking about it.

My sisters are the BEST.  My family is the BEST.  I am truly blessed to come from such good folks.


This year...I'm not going "home" for the holidays....at all.  We were supposed to go for Thanksgiving.  But we didn't. 

I wish we had. 

I wish we could be there for Christmas, too.  But we can't.

So...to my family (all 37 of you (+2 on the way))....I say...

I LOVE YOU!  I MISS YOU!  THIS YEAR JUST WON'T FEEL THE SAME WITHOUT SEEING YOU!  

But....

for now....

At least we have The Weepies.

(can't tell you how many times I've listened to it already today...sniff, sniff).

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Pause for breath, in the midst of projects...

HOLY MOLY! Is this time of year ever CRAZY!?!? (okay, it hasn't ALL been crazy)

I feel like there is so much to do...and so much to say.  But who has time for both?  I don't.  At least not without forgoing precious goodie devouring time.

I have a lot of things I want to post about...but I'm really busy trying to finish Christmas projects.

I don't know why, at every other time of the year, I am content to be non-crafty and non-artsy and non-anything to do with the word "project"...but then the holidays come and I feel the need to be all of these things....it's crazy....anyway...

here's a peek into the "chaos" that has become my every waking hour...

For the first project (aka Christmas present) I'm using my MyMemories.com software (for discount promo code see sidebar).  I'd love to show you a sample but the people I am giving it to read this blog (darn!).

Okay...maybe a hint of a sample.....

And...this year's "homemade sewing project" for the boys...

It may have a little something to do with this:

and these: 

(There is a story behind it....a good one...I'll explain...later!)

(and I'd show you the sewing projects from years past but I've deleted the posts...that's a whole other story.) 

I've been making some of these (and I'm gonna show you how, too....later):

 and lastly...

a project to remedy this:

 (and, although it is not a "Christmas" project, per se, it is one that NEEDS doing...like, three weeks ago)

So...as you can see...I've got a lot going on.

And...my shopping's not done yet...and I haven't started making "neighbor" treats (but I've been eating plenty of the ones brought to me)...and I haven't decided, yet, if I am going to hold my annual "attempt at fighting off homesickness (knowing that my extended family is all gathered together on Christmas Eve) Christmas Eve soup get together" (something I've done EVERY year (going on 5 now) since we moved away from "home" (my family).  I'm just not sure I can pull it all together this year.

Sigh....

So much to do....and only 10 days left!

Guess I better got off the computer then.  :)

Just one question...are you ready????


Just one easy click!

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!

I've been playin'...

Okay...so I have been a bit busy playin' around with my new found hobby (as in, I was in my flannel jammies until after 4:00PM yesterday. Whoops!) 

I'm quite enjoying myself (although I did tell Roberto LATE last night that, "I don't need a new hobby. I can't keep up with the ones I have." True story.)  But...sigh...it's too late.  I'm hooked.  (I got several Christmas gifts brewing up top.) 

All I need to do now is to exert a little restraint. 

I've been rehearsing some self-given commands..."MELANIE, STOP!"...."TAKE A SHOWER"..."FEED THE CRYING CHILDREN"..."USE THE BATHROOM", etc.  You know...just the basics. 

Sigh....

I'll get a handle on it.

So, for now, let's just forget about my compulsive behavior and self reprimands for a minute....

Look-y what I made.

(Remember...I'm a total novice at this. That's how easy MMS software is.)

Background paper is from North Pole Express Pack
embellishments were included in the My Memories Suite v3 software (Holiday Snows)

All page elements from kit Comfort and Joy, designed by Jenn of Dancing Princess Designs.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS KIT!

Aren't my kiddos so cute (and crazy)?

If you are interested in this digital scrapbook software, first, check out my GIVEAWAY (ends December 10, 2011) or visit you can visit MyMemories.com and check the software out HERE.  Use the code STMMMS10850 at checkout, giving you a $10 discount (making it ONLY $29.97).  Plus the software itself comes with a $10 coupon to use at the MyMemories.com store.  That's like a $20 savings.  Awesome, yes?

"I'm pretty sure we'd better like it!"

This was definitely the case at our house last night...

"What are we having?

We are having the result of the past three hours I've spent in this kitchen slaving over a hot stove in order to provide nourishment for my family!  

Not THAT again! 

Yeah, and I'm pretty sure we'd better like it."

Only I wish my kids were as wise resigned as theirs are (yes, I know it's a comic strip).

I tried a new recipe.   GASP!

Butternut squash soup (recipe found at Our Best Bites...my favorite cooking sight).

It was really good.  (Although IF I made it again, I would probably leave out the brown sugar....it was just a tad bit too sweet.)

Let's just say there were a lot of tears, and gagging...uncultured swine.  :)

At least we got some good use out of our "table manners behavior cards". 

I don't think I've posted about those yet....I will...soon.  

They are genius!

Anyway...for now, unfortunately, I don't think the squash recipe is going into our "go to" recipe pile.  It's too bad....it was cheap...and tasty.  :(

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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. 

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My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software--REVIEW and PROMO CODE (Save $20)

As you may know (or should have guessed by now), I love sharing great things with my friends and family!

And today is no exception.

How many of you are scrapbookers?  Well, I used to be....years ago, until it became too much of a hassle and a mess for me to deal with.  Then I gave up.  My oldest son (who is now 8) has the first year of his life done.  Boy #2 and #3 have one or two pages (ultrasound pictures) and #4 has ZIP, NADA, NOTHING! Poor thing. 

My sister has been trying to sell me on digital scrabooking for years (because she is a fabulous digiscrap designer herself) but I never really took the time to look into it, even though its mess free approach always appealed to me.  It just seemed too complicated and overwhelming.  I couldn't wrap my brain around it.

UNTIL RECENTLY!

I was introduced to My Memories Suite scrapbooking software and asked to give it a try.  I'm not gonna lie...I was hesitant at first (because my past experience was not all that positive)...but was wrong to be so.  After downloading the software and taking a few minutes to "look around", I tried my hand at a little project I had wanted to tackle for some time...

You may recognize THIS baby (if you have visited my page Adventures in Frugalness). Yeah...I designed this that very first night (from scratch) using the software and A-Manda Creations SUPER BOY kit from MyMemories.com.

This was my very first attempt at digital scrapbooking EVER!...and I found the My Memores Suite software so VERY EASY TO USE!  Believe me....if I can use it...than ANYONE can.

It didn't take long before I tried my hand (or computer mouse) again.

Wanna see?

This one was put together just last week.  Here Mr. Golden Locks (and Little Red) are enjoying this years first winter snowfall.  I used a ready made template that comes with the software.  I just added the photo and....TA DA!  Isn't that cute? (and did I mention EASY?!?!)

And (if you have visited since Thanksgiving, you may have already seen this one), I put together this tasty treat on the Eve of Thanksgiving.  It's self designed (as in, by me) using paper and embellishments that came with the software. A little plain but hey, I'm a plain kinda girl....one who is just learning to accessorize.  :)

(AND...of course, it was TOTALLY MESS FREE.  (I heart MESS FREE!).)

So there you have it.

I give My Memories Suite v3 an:
 A for Easy
A+ for Adorable
A++ for AFFORDABLE (especially with the $20 savings promo code I am about to give you)!

This would definitely make for an EXCELLENT Christmas gift for that creative person on your shopping list.

Simply go to http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software, add the software to your shopping cart, and copy and paste my special promo code STMMMS10850 to the promo code box.

Not only will this code give you a $10 discount on the My Memories Suite v3 software (making it only $29.97) but will give you a $10 credit to use at MyMemories.com digital scrapbook store.

That's $20 worth of SAVINGS!

AWESOME!

Stay tuned....you, my lucky readers, are going to have the chance to WIN My Memories Suite v3 software (which also includes $10 to use at MyMemories.com scrap store, too!).

Are you excited or what?
Just one easy click!

Yes...that is a turkey corpse!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

I'm grateful for so many things. Some of which are you people!

Testosterone Overload would be "just another" online journal without you.

I hope you have a fantastic day!

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Super Tasty Refried Beans (without lard)--Adventures in Frugalness

After cooking up your pinto beans, see How To:  Soak, Cook, Measure, and Store Dry Beans, (or if you are a big cheater and choose to open up a few cans of pinto beans instead), drain, saving some of the cooking (or canned) liquid.


Smash beans, using a fork or masher, until they reach desired texture.  Add cooking liquid (or canned liquid for all you cheaters), a little at a time, and stir until beans reach desired consistency.  (I like mine pretty thick and textured.  Some like them very smooth and somewhat liquified...you decide.)

Now for the good stuff.

Although I think this recipe is really a "to taste" kinda recipe, I have put together a general guideline.
(recipe adapted from Cooking with Food Storage Made Easy by Debbie G. Harman)

Super Tasty Refried Beans
1 1b (2 cups) dry pinto beans, cooked and mashed (3 cups if using canned)
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp to 1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp salt  (only add to taste if using canned beans)

(My suggestion would be to start with the lower measurement and add to according to taste)

Mix all ingredients...taste for perfection...and enjoy!


My whole family thought they were SOOOOO good!

As evidence (from G-Mcbabe),  "Wow, these LOOK grosser than the store bought beans but they taste WAY BETTER."

Thanks "G"....and they're cheaper too.

I cooked up 3lbs of beans (6 cups) and got nine 1-1/2 cup portions out of them (or the equivalent of about 9 cans) for around $3.00 (and you can absolutely get them for even cheaper...especially if you shop in bulk).  That is about $.33 cents a can.  NOT BAD!  Tell me the last time you got canned refried beans for $.33 cents a can...even with coupons.  I can't.  Which is why I went this route.  

 

Here I have them portioned out and ready for the freezer. 

See How to:  Soak, Cook, Measure and Store Dry Beans for storing information.

I hope you like this $$ saving, low fat recipe.  I DO!

ENJOY MY BLOG....CLICK BELOW AND PROVE IT!  :)



(this post contains affiliate links)

Zaycon Foods--Ground Beef Event

It's Here.  Zaycon Foods Ground Beef Event Now open!

Head on over to Zayconfoods.com

to see where and when it will be 

available in your area.

  

(current beef event available in AZ, CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, and WA)

FRESH 93/7 Super* Lean Ground Beef

only $2.89 lb

 

   

 • Fresh, Premium, Fine Grind 93/7 Super* Lean Ground Beef

• Comes in a 40-lb case with four 10-lb chubs per case (approximate weight--see note below)

• No chemicals, additives or water added to meat during processing

• Processed at a USDA-inspected, state-of-the-art plant employing strict operating protocols (including HACCP) and the highest in food-safety standards

• Prior to processing, inspectors from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service randomly sample cattle under a monitoring plan and perform testing for antibiotic residues

* USDA nutrition labeling standards defines "extra lean" and "lean" ground beef based on the lean/fat ratio. While not part of these guidelines, the term "super lean" is often used in the grocery sector to describe ground beef at the upper end of the "lean" category (i.e., "Zaycon Foods 93/7 Super Lean Ground Beef"). This ground beef product is 93% lean and 7% fat

[NOTE:  This product is an approximate weight. Some cases will weigh slightly less than 40 lbs. Customers receiving cases less than 40 lbs will receive an exact credit representing this difference in their ZF account.]

Keep it all to yourself...or split it with a friend.  

Hurry on over and order yours today!
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How To: Get melted crayon out of clothes

First of all...let me say that if you are searching out this topic because you have a similar problem...I am sorry.  Very sorry.

Now...where to begin. 

Well...if you recall, last week I was having a peaceful, stress-less morning until I opened up the dryer and found black crayon melted all over an entire extra large load of laundry (see Help!  I need you....Crayon vs Dryer).  JUST GREAT!

A part of me...a very LARGE part of me...wanted to just condemn the clothing and chuck 'em.  But...unfortunately, the more logical and frugal side of me won out.  I decided to try and clean them.  (Boo!)

It's not like I have all the time and money in the world.  I needed something quick and cheap but also wanted to give you, my readers, a true test of options.  So with that in mind, I tried a few different methods (adapted from Crayola.com,  this blog, and my own intellect), modifying them as I saw fit, and am here to give you my recommendations/solutions.

 For cleaning the dryer drum-
I put a few rags in the dryer and turned it on for a few minutes to warm the wax back up.  I then sprayed it with Pro-Tek (a non-toxic all purpose cleaner--safe for fabric) and wiped every inch of the drum clean (Crayola.com recommends using WD-40...my opinion...see below).  I then placed a few clean white rags in the drum and ran it again for a few minutes to test for cleanliness.  It worked.  Everything came out clean.  Also recommended...drying a load of dark clothing (if your crayon was dark) before anything else...."just in case".  After the rags I dried a load of old sheets and towels.  Worked for me.  Whatever you do...just make sure the drum in clean.  You don't want MORE crayon in fabric on your hands.  I'm confident that almost any cleaner would work for this step.  At least any cleaner with any sort of degreasing abilities.

For the clothes-
I tried a lot of different cleaners and methods.  Here's what I recommend.

#1 Fill washer tub with HOT water.  Add 1 to 1-1/2 cup(s) "Homemade Laundry Soap" concentrate (or whatever detergent you have on hand) and a capful of Clorox 2.  Add clothes.  Wash on REGULAR (not casual or delicate) for 3-5 minutes to distribute the soap/color safe bleach throughout.  Then stop the washer and let the clothes sit for 20-60 minutes before continuing the wash cycle.  Be sure to use the longest wash cycle your machine has (mine is called Super Plus and runs about 12 minutes long).  Rinse on WARM.

I found that by doing this I was able to eliminate at least 60 % of the stains right away.  Sweet!....the less scrubbing the better, right?

NOTE:  DO NOT PLACE CLOTHING THAT IS STILL STAINED IN THE DRYER TO DRY!!!!!!  Hang them to dry if you are not going to work on them right away.

#2 Let the scrubbing begin.

Honestly...like I said,  I tried a LOT of products. 

First, I tried this... 

Pro-Tek (a non-toxic all purpose cleaner--safe for laundry) and Clorox 2

This...

Stain Devils-for pen and crayon and Clorox 2

This...

My "homemade laundry soap" concentrate and Clorox 2

and...eventually....I did try this...for the sake of research

Crayola.com's suggested  concoction

Wanna know what worked best and was the cheapest?  The "Homemade Laundry Soap" coupled with the Clorox 2.  TRUE STORY! 

The Pro-Tek and the Stain Devils (specifically made for pen and crayon) worked okay.  I had to spend just as much time scrubbing the clothing as with the laundry soap (maybe even a tad bit longer).  The WD-40....ugh!...did not work any better than anything else I tried.  I was very hesitant to use it (even though it came recommended by several different sources) but did so anyway...for the sake of research.  It added another step to the whole spray and scrub process because after using it you then have to scrub the WD-40 OUT of the fabric with dish soap.  And what did I end up with?  More stains...from the oily lubricant.  So...I can easily say that I personally would not recommend using WD-40.  It was, by far, the most expensive, as well as the most labor intensive process I tried.  That's my take.  Do with it what you will.

So here's what I suggest for remaining stains (after laundering as instructed above):
Take a small amount of  "Homemade Laundry Soap" concentrate and work it into the fabric using your knuckles, fingernails, a soft scrub brush (not a stiff one...I tried it...not so good on the fabric), or by rubbing the fabric together.  Continue scrubbing until stain is completely gone or significantly lighter.

Re-launder according to directions above. 

If stains still remain (I only had two shirts that didn't come completely clean and the stains were very very light)....REMEMBER NOT TO DRY CLOTHES IN THE DRYER...and repeat scrubbing and laundering instructions above until clean.

Remember this light blue shirt that was BY FAR the worst of the bunch and I was ready to just throw away?

PRE-WASH

POST LAUNDERING--PRE-SCRUBBING

WELL...look at it now.

POST LAUNDERING-POST SCRUBBING-POST SECOND LAUNDERING

TA-DA!

There are still a few very faint stains.  I will probably have to put it through the scrub/laundering process one more time before it is fit to wear but a VAST improvement I must say.  

It was Roberto's favorite work shirt.  He almost cried when he first saw it (he he he) but now he is just as hopeful as I am that he will be able to wear it again very soon.  

I hope this helps...and please take the advise given me by my mother.  Work on it slowly...one thing at a time...maybe only one article a day.  Don't let it overwhelm you.  All is not lost.

Happy Laundering y'all!
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