There are a couple of things going on this weekend in the world of gaming over the Valentine's Day weekend. If I have missed anything. feel free to share it with us via comments!

Game: Sunset Overdrive
System: Xbox One
Reward/Event: D'awwwww achievement, Pink Tutu Outfit
Find all 12 of Ainsley's drawings to snag this achievement. Backstory - This achievement is in celebration of fatherly love of Sunset Overdrive's director Drew Murray and his daughter Ainsley. And just to make sure you all go for this achievement, you will get a pink tutu outfit for your avatar.

Game: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
System: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Steam
Reward/Event: Double XP, Marine Grenadier Gear Drops, One Shot Mosh Pit & Gun Game
Sledgehammer really knows how to make a gal happy. Between the double xp and the new gun game mode...I might cancel other plans!

Game: Dragon Age: Inquisition
System: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Origins
Reward/Event: Matchmaker's Day (chest)
Weekend event is available via the multiplayer. As of this posting there was no other challenges listed.

Game: Destiny
System: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One
Reward/Event: Xur, Doubles Skirmishes
Xur is out and about and has the following items for you to buy:
Helm of Inmost Light (Exotic Titan helmet) @ 13SC; Crest of Alpha Lupi (Exotic Hunter chest armor) @ 13SC; Light Beyond Nemesis (Exotic Warlock helmet) @ 13SC; Ice Breaker (Exotic sniper rifle) @ 17SC; Exotic Shard @ 7SC; Scout Rifle Telemetry @ 1SC; Hand Cannon Telemetry @ 1SC; Fusion Rifle Telemetry @ 1SC; Plasma Drive @ 23SC; Emerald Coil @ 23SC; Urn of Sacrafice @ 1SC (DLC related).

Xur is offering the following upgrades as well this weekend:
Armor – Knucklehead Radar, Crest of Alpha Lupi, Helm of Inmost Light, Crest of Alpha Lupi, Apotheosis Veil, Sunbreakers.
Weapons – The Last Word, Ice Breaker, Patience and Time, Super Good Advice, Gjallarhorn, Truth.

In addition, a couple that games together....that is right! Destiny is celebrating romance gamer style with doubles skirmishes. So grab your best gamer love interest or best gaming friend that rocks and hit up the skirmishes!



*Looking for a clan in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and are 17+ and on the Xbox Platforms? Feel free to hit me up for an invite. I'm on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One and we have members on both systems. :)

How is your weekend shaping up for gaming? Have I missed any online gaming events? Let us know via the comments!

Author: Janna Hall Janna enjoys the thrill of a deal and sharing frugal tips, cooking and her passion, video gaming. When not blogging, Janna can be found on her Xbox 360, cooking, earning some cash or gardening. Share tips, recipes, deals here and follow on Twitter.

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Yes, it is right around the corner. Valentine's Day. Full of red hearts and cherubs. If you are stuck for ideas here are a few to save you some hassle.

1. Indoor romantic picnic. It's inexpensive and weather friendly. Just light up a few tea lights for mucho atmosphere!

2. Print out love coupons. The whole cost is based on the ink, paper and time you invest in putting it all together. Stuck for ideas? Try these free printable love coupons here.

3. Send your better half cute/steamy/loving text messages every hour all day long on Valentine's Day. If you are super busy, check app store for free apps that let you program and send texts.

4. Write a genuine love letter. Remember writing? It involves paper and a pen. Sit down and write a love letter. If you do it today, you can even get it delivered by mail to your Valentine!

5. Who (besides me) doesn't love S'Mores? Cozy up while it's still chilly and enjoy this microwavable S'Mores Maker. It does two at a time. Best part, it's under $12!

I hope these little ideas have helped you stay frugal and romantic.

What will you be doing for Valentine's Day? Let us know what you will be doing and/or additional ideas you have in the Comments.

Author: Janna Hall Janna enjoys the thrill of a deal and sharing frugal tips, cooking and her passion, video gaming. When not blogging, Janna can be found on her Xbox 360, cooking, earning some cash or gardening. Share tips, recipes, deals here and follow on Twitter.

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Image(s) courtesy of VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Happy July 4th everyone! Hope you have a safe and fun day!

 

I'll be enjoying a BBQ and some fireworks. What will you all be doing?

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Last day of Hanukkah.  

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Ahoy yer scurvy dogs! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Fun Facts

• Started in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers, September 19th was chosen for Mark Summers' wife's birthday.
• When I was doing SCA, I ended up leading a pirate ship. But I slyly referred to us as "Entrepreneurs of the High Seas" because piracy is illegal. ;-)
• As a pre-teen, I would pester my Da about pirates. The poor man put up with questions such as, "But Da, how did you not see any pirates when you were in the Navy?" And of course, "But you passed through the Bermuda Triangle! How could you not see any ghost pirates?!?"

So, for the gamer or parent of a gamer or spouse of a gamer, here are some fun pirate type video games to play today.

A Few Pirate-y Games
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game (Xbox, PS3, Wii, PC, PSP, Nintindo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Mac)
Sid Meier's Pirates! (Original Xbox Game, PSP, PC)
Port Royale 3: Pirates & Merchants (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Pirates Vs. Ninja's Dodgeball (Wii)
Pirates: Tides Of Fortune (Facebook)
Battle Pirates (Facebook)

And of course....
The Official Talk Like a Pirate Personality Inventory (Pirate Personality Test).

How are you celebrating International Talk Like A Pirate Day?

Author: Janna Hall Janna enjoys the thrill of a deal and sharing frugal tips, cooking and her passion, video gaming. When not blogging, Janna can be found on her Xbox 360, cooking, earning some cash or gardening. Share tips, recipes, deals here and follow on Twitter.

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It is here, the second holiday celebrating video games. I suppose video games gets two holidays because it is considered the largest entertainment industry in the world. In addition, video game culture has crept into all areas of society from the music to video games being the new "devil made him do it". In addition, video games are used, with positive results, to treat kids with severe ADHD, ADD as well as adults with PTST.

I will be celebrating in my usual fashion by playing video games!

How will you be celebrating today? Let us know via the comments!

Image courtesy of clker.com.

Author: Janna Hall Janna enjoys the thrill of a deal and sharing frugal tips, cooking and her passion, video gaming. When not blogging, Janna can be found on her Xbox 360, cooking, earning some cash or gardening. Share tips, recipes, deals here and follow on Twitter.

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I have no idea whom created this holiday, but kudos to them! Just gotta love a day that celebrates popular and influential video games.

Clever gamers will note that today is one of two video game holidays. So, sit back, and enjoy a marathon session of gaming on your favorite device.

For me, the original Quake, Doom and Elder Scrolls were very influential in my life. Laying a foundation for my deep love of gaming and my style of gaming. What video games were most influential in your life?

Image courtesy of clker.com.

Author: Janna Hall Janna enjoys the thrill of a deal and sharing frugal tips, cooking and her passion, video gaming. When not blogging, Janna can be found on her Xbox 360, cooking, earning some cash or gardening. Share tips, recipes, deals here and follow on Twitter.

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Image(s) courtesy of VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Happy July 4th everyone! Hope you have a safe and fun day!

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Wishing you all a happy and safe Memorial Day!

About
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is set aside in order that all US citizens (and visitors) could honor those that have died in service to the USA.

Memorial Day is a day in which graves of soldiers and others whom gave their lives in service to their country are cleaned up, flowers laid and, if appropriate, a folded flag placed.

All flags should be at half-mast today as well.

So, while we enjoy our BBQs and parades, there is something small everyone in the USA can do to honor this day: At 3p local time, pause for a moment of silence as per the National Moment of Remembrance calls for. After all, founder Carmella LaSpada said it best, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

Clip art copyrighted by Bobbie Peachey, http://webclipart.about.com.
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Image(s) courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.  Then on May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday to be celebrated November 11 of each year, the day the Great War (WWI) ended.

Then on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars via legislature.

Years later, the date of Veterans Day was changed and caused confusion among citizens. So in 1975 the original day of November 11 was reinstated. Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls.

Thanking a veteran can be as simple as saying, "Thank you." or as more indepth as creating a job or home for a returning veteran.

I thanked my Dad and several friends today, whom are all veterans. Whom have you thanked?
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Wishing you all a wonderful and very fun Halloween! 

If you are stuck for a costume idea, check out this post for some frugal ideas.

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Halloween is a magical time of year when...oh...isn't that how Christmas is supposed to be? Actually, Halloween is the second biggest holiday in North America. When I say biggest, I of course am referring to overall, not just the cash we spend.

A very big expense at Halloween is the costumes. While I have a lavish supply of costumes from all my years living in New Orleans, LA, not everyone is so lucky. So, here are a few ideas for easy peasy lemon squeezy costumes that are fairly low cost and appropriate for all age groups.

Mummy - Old TP works well here. But you can upgrade it (read spend more money) and use rolls of streamers made from crinkled tissue paper. Try alternating between white, off-white and light grey for a great effect. (unisex, ageless, low-cost)

Psycho - So easy. Just put on normal cloths and stick one of those "Hello My Name is" stickers on and fill it in with Psycho written as insanely as you can muster. (unisex, ageless, low-cost)

'80s Pop Star - Simply sling on some skinny jeans and ...oh my, today's fashions are '80s fashions. Makes that easier. Then for gals, tease the hair and get it big. Clunky bright colored jewelry is a must. For guys, a fauxlette (fake mullet) is fairly easy to accomplish with some hair gell or slick back to go for the old Yuppie look. (Male/Female, ageless, low-cost)

Greek/Roman - If you are willing to part with a plain, solid colored sheet, you've got a toga! More people will recognize your costume if you go for the white fabric. But all colors were used so go crazy! Here is how to make a toga, just ignore all the frat/sorority references.. (unisex, ageless, inexpensive)

But for those of you trying to score points with me, go with my time-held favorite, the Zombie.

Zombie - Dig out your junky clothes, the ones you save for cleaning or heavy working. Feel free to splatter fake blood and mud on the clothes. This should be done beforehand to get the realistic Zombie feel. Now, muss up your hair. Nice right? Might want to use a bit of hairspray to get it to stay that dead way. Last, but not least is your make-up. Everyone has their own skill with makeup. But the easiest is a bit of the palest face powder you can get liberally applied to all your exposed body bits. Grey eyeshadow is your next best friend here. Experiment by adding little amounts around the eyes using a makeup brush. Now, using a blush brush, create some drama and hollowed out cheeks by sweeping the grey eyeshadow under your cheekbones. The optional grey eyeshadow mixed with some petroleum jelly for the lips is completely optional. For gals, whom are really into the Zombie look, I have found doing my makeup as normal save for the paling myself out and then smudging my eyeliner and lipstick to be very dramatic and Zombie-ish. For the more adventurous, slashing oneself artfully with fake blood really adds to the Zombieness. More adventurous sorts can also secure fake wounds that are adhered to the body. (unisex, ageless, inexpensive)

So, what will you, your kids (if you have any) be dressing up as this Halloween?





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How fun! A day to celebrate and enjoy the gift of music in our lives.Whoho!

How will you celebrate Universal Music Day?

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"A day to celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability."

To learn more about this annual holiday, check out the National Diversity Day website.
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I'm a tad late but, Frugally Fabuloso's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide is now up! More and more will be added as the holidays grow closer. In addition, if gifts are no longer available, their listing will be removed/replaced with something just as fabuloso.

You can access the gift guide at any time by clicking the link to the right hand side of this blog or going here.
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All you video game fans and video game widows and video game parents. Today is Video Game Day! Whoho!

"A day for video game players to give thanks for the great fun video games have brought to their lives."

You will note it is celebrated annually on September 12.

I'm not sure how I will celebrate. I am thinking some video games followed by some video games and then maybe later on afterwards, more video games.

The real question is which video games will I play today?

What are you playing?
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With the winter holidays nearly here, only 120 days left until Xmas, 103 days until Chanukah...you get where I am going with this, Frugally Fabuloso is looking to do our annual holiday guide. This year will be slightly different in that the Holiday Guide will be on static pages on this blog instead of a regular blog post.

In order to make things easier the gift guide will be in a variety of categories:

• Little Ones (Babies-Toddlers)
• Kiddos (5-9 years)
• Tweens (10-12 years)
• Teens (13+ years)
• The Gals
• The Guys
• Everyone
• Home

Plus, just so everything is nice and neat and easy to use, there are sub-categories:

• Video Games
• Movies & Music
• Beauty/Grooming
• Gadgets/Tech
• Toys
• Yummies (Food & Drinks)
• Fashion
• Health & Fitness
• Green
• Other

You can find the gift guide the last week of September right here at Frugally Fabuloso and will be updated often until mid-December.


To have your product(s) included, just fill out the handy form below.

Frugally Fabuloso's Holiday Gift Guide Submission
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4.	Category: * -Little Ones (Babies-Toddlers)Kiddos (5-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13+)The GalsThe GuysEveryoneHome
5.	Sub-category: -Video GamesMovies & MusicBeauty/GroomingGadgets/TechToysYummies (Food & Drinks)FashionHealth & FitnessGreenOther
6.	Brief Product Description: *
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If you are having problems with the form, feel free to leave a comment below. :)
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Just a quick note to wish you all a wonderful and safe Independence Day!

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Do you just love that little play on words for the title of this post? I do! Well, let us get down to the business of dying eggs.

First, a little history lesson. Ancient Persians and Egyptians used to trade decorated eggs the early part of spring annually to celebrate fertility. Neat!

So, this is about the basics of dying eggs with some tips. Nothing fancy. I will leave that to your creative juices. This is just to help anyone that has not dyed eggs before, needs help remembering or just wants the simple elegance of understated decor of simple dyed eggs.

First of all, make sure you protect your work surface unless you are trying to get dye all over the place. Old clothes, aprons, smocks, etc. are also a good idea.

You will need as many hard-boiled eggs as you/your family will eat that have been cooled completely. Try not to go overboard otherwise you will start to look at eggs the same way you look at turkey after Thanksgiving!

Make sure you have some food dye on hand. See below for making your own food dyes, naturally. Any type will do, just follow the directions if using anything fancier than the old-fashioned drop food coloring first. See tips below.

You will also need a cup for each color you are going to create along with vinegar. A tablespoon of vinegar for each cup should do. Plus some metal spoons. We use our coffee cups and everyday soup spoons.

To dry your eggs once they are dyed, try using the egg carton, a wire cooling rack (cookie rack), newspaper or even simple paper towels. Be careful of that dye, it will really dye nearly anything!

Finally, you will need enough water to submerge your egg unless you are planning on doing partial dying for a faded effect on your eggs. If you are doing this, add your water to the cup first and test with an egg to see how much it covers, then remove a tablespoon of water to compensate for the vinegar that will be added. Remove the egg and let dry. Then mix your food coloring and vinegar in.

Some optional additional things you may want for some simple effects are sticky tape, stickers, rubber bands, etc. These can be placed on before dying to leave a non-dyed area which can be left as is for a simple elegance or removed and the egg placed into another dye to make a tie-died/layered effect. As I said, optional.

Everything assembled? Great! Let us get down to the business of dying.

So, your eggs are hard-boiled and cold/cool. Your cups are all in a row with water, vinegar and dye. A spoon for each color. Your drying situation is set up and in reach. Excellent!

Now, this is where you get creative. Start the dying by gently lowering your egg with a spoon into the dye. The longer it rests in the dye, the richer the color will be.

If you are going for an area to be dyed, say half, simply hold the egg on the spoon in cup half-way.

Once you have your egg how you want it, set it to dry. Leave your little masterpiece alone for at least 10 minutes.

Once they are dry, keep refrigerated. I prefer a pretty clear bowl and display them in my refrigerator. It adds a touch of cheer when the door is opened.

Tips

1. Always ensure that you are using food grade dyes, paints, etc. when dealing with hard-boiled eggs. Otherwise your eggs may not be safe to eat and thus wasted.
2. Use round stickers before dying to make cute polka dotted eggs.
3. To make a marbled effect, add about a teaspoon of oil to each cup of prepared dye.
4. You can make your finished eggs shine by gently wiping the dye-set eggs with a bit of veggie oil on a paper towel.
5. If you are a hands-on person, use rubber gloves to keep all those dyes off your fingers.
6. When using natural dyes, it is best to hard-boil the eggs in the dye materials and yes, the teaspoon of vinegar is still needed to set the dye.
7. This is a great activity to do with kids!

Natural Food Dyes

1. Grape juice will make a purple. More juice makes a deeper purple.
2. Red wine will make a reddish-burgundy color. Depends on the color of the wine.
3. Boiled spinach leaves make a green.
4. Boiled yellow apple peels make a greenish yellow.
5. Boiled lemon peels make a yellow.
6. Chamomile tea makes a yellow.
7. Cappuccino makes a brown.
8. Instant coffee makes a brown.
9. Cooked carrots make an orange.
10. Pickled beets juice makes a pink.
11. Pomegranate juice makes a red.

How did you decorate your eggs this year?


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