Congratulations to the winner: Eddie! He wrote:

“Ten years ago I had been working out of town. I was on my way home. My plane landed February 13th at 11:00 pm. I was traveling with my boss. His car was at the airport so he gave me a ride home. My wife was going to surprise me that night with my Valentines present since it was minutes from February 14th. I asked my boss in for a beer to wind down from the flight. When we walked in my wife was on the other side of the door wearing nothing but a red bow! I opened the door and we both walked in. She started screaming and took off running and my boss ran back down the sidewalk!”

I hope your wife enjoys this gift set. She deserves it after that embarrrassing moment!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

I think Valentine’s Day gets taken way too seriously. You hear stories about single people hating the date and couples going overboard on lavish gifts and dinners. So how about we take this moment to laugh a little bit — and possibly win a prize?

Some of the most memorable holiday moments for me have been the goofiest. Last year, my date got me a Clemson Snuggie. He had the best of intentions and thought he was buying me a nice fleece blanket — which he did, but this blanket also had sleeves. Fast forward to later in the evening, after a glass or two of wine, and we were having a blast modeling my gift. I’ve also used that gift to keep toasty during multiple evenings of online shopping — that’s something a box of chocolates can’t do for ‘ya.

So, what have some of your Valentine’s goofs been? Did a flaming dessert at a restaurant go rogue? Did your romantic date night turn into a crazy adventure?

Share some of your laughable experiences below and you could win a MAC gift set.

The new “Archie’s Girls” line just became available and I’ve got a nice sampling to share.
This gift set includes: a mirror, mascara, lip gloss, lip stick, nail polish, powder and eye shadow set.
Also, it’s all worth a grand total of over $160.

Ladies, enter for yourself, a friend, your mom — whoever you’d like to share the wealth with. Gentlemen, this is a great opportunity to impress your Valentine.

Enter between now and 10 a.m. Monday to be eligible. I’ll pick a winner at random and make the announcement by 11 a.m. Monday. If win and would like your gift set by Valentine’s Day you can come pick it up at the paper, otherwise it will be mailed to you.

This week’s prize on the Best of Holiday Shopping blog is lunch with your favorite Roanoke Times blogger. Just leave a comment on the Best of blog telling us who you voted for in the best restaurant category.

You have all week to enter and then a winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

Note: Any comments left on this blog will not be eligible, you must comment on the Best of blog.

Now through Sunday, when you leave a comment on our Best of Holiday Shopping blog you’ll be entered to win a $45 Sheetz gift card.

There will be a new topic and new prizes each week, so keep checking back!

This week’s topic is: Hitting the Road

In the comment, say where you would go on a day trip for out of town shopping. Charlottesville? Richmond? Lynchburg? Just name the destination!

Be sure you comment on the Best of Holiday Shopping blog. Any comments left here will note be entered to win.

Congrats to Andrea Daniels! I had Arts blogger Mike Allen pick a number at random, and your hilarious comment about anniversary cards was the winner.
Andrea said: “

My hubby and I do not exchange gifts to celebrate our wedding anniversary, but we do like to exchange anniversary cards. However, the price of greeting cards (the really nice, sentimental Hallmark-like cards) is really outrageous. So for last 20 years or so on our 8/16 anniversary, we have made our annual trip to Walmart where we each search diligently to find the perfect card with the exact sentiment we wish to convey. My hubby’s goal is to bring tears to my eyes, which he has on more than one occasion. After we read one another’s chosen card, we simply put the cards back on the rack and walk away. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HONEY!!”

Bargain hunters are always looking to save a buck. They cut corners, shop sales and often have their own unconventional ways to pinch pennies.

For example, I’m so cheap that I save any extra condiment packets and crackers from restaurants. Now, I’m not emptying a basket of crackers into my purse, but if any wrapped packets on my plate don’t get eaten, they’re coming home with me. Those fancy ketchup packets that allow you to dip or squeeze out the contents are also hot commodities for me.

Like my editor Kathy Lu, I also hoard unused napkins in my car’s glove box. You won’t catch me throwing away a holey sock either — that makes a perfectly good dust rag. Lu, on the other hand, adds water to the remnants of a dish detergent bottle to stretch its shelf life.

Botetourt View columnist Cathy Benson refuses to buy meat that’s not on clearance, and purchases permanent markers at Happy’s Flea Market. “They are called Sharpei instead of the name brand and look the same except the strategic change of i and e. They cost less than half,” she said.

Editorial assistant Danielle Dunaway hasn’t paid full price for anything at Staples in years. She turns in her used ink cartridges for $3 in Staples Rewards.

Columnist Lindsey Nair can’t bring herself to throw away an empty condiment jar. “I figure I can use it to make refrigerator pickles or something. Most of them are in a box in the basement,” she said. She also extends the life of Ziploc bags by rinsing and reusing them.

Book giveaway!

It seems everyone has their own level of cheapness and there’s no shame in it.

In fact, if you’re willing to share your “I’m so cheap … ” story below, you might be rewarded.

Submit your quirky habit and you may be selected to win a copy of “How to Shop for Free” by Kathy Spencer with Samantha Rose. This book is full of tips to help you get the most for your money.

I’ll pick a winner at random by noon on Aug. 20.

Don’t forget to submit a photo of your mom for our special Mother’s Day Photo Contest byThursday!

Send us a digital copy of a photo showing off the special relationship between you and your mother here , and then check back Friday through May 3 to start voting for your favorites.

There are three chances to win gift cards to Kroger: third place will receive $200, second place will receive $300 and the grand prize winner will receive $1,000.

Good luck!

UPDATE:

Congratulations to Jamie and Maria, the two winners of MAC gift packs.
Jamie said, “I’m with Jordan on the hair.. Looking back at my formal pictures, I look like I got my hair done by the women from Toddlers and Tiaras.. I would’ve been happier and richer if I’d just done it myself!”

Maria added, “I’ve been making shoe clips for awhile now. Its easy, and fairly inexpensive to customize them to go with all kinds of outfits, from formal to casual.”

It’s that time of year. Department stores are filled with beautiful gowns and the windows of tuxedo shops feature bright, spring-colored ties and vests. Prom season is here.

Not only can formals be expensive, but everyone also wants to stand out and make a statement — you never want to be seen wearing the same thing as someone else.

That’s where a little bit of do-it-yourself initiative can come in handy. With a few minor details, you can have a prom ensemble unlike any other and even save a little money.

Snazz your shoes

For many girls, shoes are just as important as the dress. If you don’t want to invest in another pair of formal shoes that may never get worn again, consider adding a little glitter to glam up a pair from your closet.

Mix Mod Podge and fine glitter of any color together in a disposable bowl and apply to the heel and/or exposed sole (not the part you walk on) of your shoes with a sponge brush. Once dry, apply a light coat of Mod Podge over the glitter to seal it.

When I tried this project, I was able to pick up all the supplies at Jo-Ann Fabric for about $5.80 (I had one 50 percent off coupon).

Also consider painting a pair of flats or heels with spray paint or fabric paint. Just fill the inside of your shoes with newspaper and wrap the heels in painting tape to keep them paint-free, and then spray the outside in long, even strokes. I wouldn’t suggest this method for shoes you expect to wear often, as the paint usually will crack where the shoes bend after a period of time.

Shoe clips are another easy way to liven up a pair of plain shoes.

I picked up a strip of stretchy gold sequined fabric for $3.11 and bias tape for $2.29 at Jo-Ann Fabric for this project. Just cut a 4-inch strip of fabric and glue it into a loop. Fold the loop in half and tie a strip of bias tape around the center to create the bow shape. Then attach the bows to small paper clips (you may want to wrap these in the bias tape as well if the bows don’t cover them completely) and slide the paper clips onto the back or toe of your shoes. This is an excellent temporary solution for shoes.

In the future, I probably would choose regular ribbon instead of bias tape for this project. Bias tape is more fragile than ribbon and more expensive.

Fabric flowers

Fresh-flower corsages and boutonnieres are big expenses that have a short shelf life. It also can be difficult to find just the right piece to match your look.

Fabric corsages are a great, long-lasting alternative. You can pick from a wide range of fabrics and colors for your flower pieces and add your own bits of flare (such as rhinestones or tulle) to make the piece even more personalized.

For my examples, I bought remnant pieces from Jo-Ann Fabric. These pieces are always marked down to 50 percent off their original price, so it only cost me about $3.70 for almost two yards of satin fabric. In the wedding section of craft stores, you should be able to find prefabricated wristlets for corsages (about $2), or you could attach your flowers to a bracelet or other elastic band. The boutonnieres can be pinned to a tuxedo lapel with a simple straight pin.

The process to make a flower is a bit complicated, so you can find the detailed directions for these corsages on the blog.

Hair and nail bling

Brooches and pins aren’t an everyday accessory for many young ladies these days, but attaching these items to hair clips can give them new life.

I picked up two pins from the clearance bin at Jo-Ann Fabric for $1.97 each and hot-glued them to hair clips I already owned. They also could be glued or pinned to a shiny belt, shoes or a necklace. Another great place to look for pins is antique malls and thrift shops; just be aware that not all of them will be so affordable.

You also can spice up the average manicure with bright colors and glittery polish. Instead of white tips with your French manicure, try a color that goes with your dress. Or try glittery tips that fade into your nail beds. By picking up a manicure kit at the drugstore — for as low as $5 — you can skip the salon price.

Another MAC giveaway!

What is your favorite DIY project for formalwear, or which of these are you dying to try?

Leave a comment belowand you’ll be entered to winone of two MAC makeup gift bags, including lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow, nail polish and eyeliner.

I’ll choose two winners at random on April 16 at 10 a.m.

A day at the spa is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your time, but that relaxation can be immediately offset when it comes time to pay the bill. With your basic manicure running at least $20 these days, most of us are treating ourselves less and less.

Luckily, at-home manicures, pedicures, facials and hair treatments are easier than ever. Most of us have the ingredients for these remedies in our pantries, and drugstore aisles are stocked with products that have greatly improved over the years.

A co-worker of mine has incorporated a French manicure kit into her beauty routine, and it only runs about $6 per box. These plastic nails glue directly to your nail and last about a week before they need replacing. You can choose to file down nails that are too long for your liking, but she pointed out that Broadway now makes “petite” nails with no filing required. Try a few different brands to see which fits your nail bed the best.

I’ve personally had great luck with the Sally Hansen French Manicure Kit, which you can find anywhere between $5 and $10, depending on which kit you purchase. These kits include stickers that can be used as stencils to get a crisp line on your tips, plus your basic white and pink, or clear, coats for painting. The process is surprisingly easy if you follow the directions and allow plenty of drying time (which is the biggest challenge for me).

The Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips have also worked for me in the past. These strips run about $8 and last about two weeks. They’re great for someone who wants to liven up their nails, as many of the strips have designs printed on them (which would cost extra in a nail salon). A benefit: These strips also don’t require any drying time.

Sally Hansen often has coupons available both online in print, too, making these two products even more of a bargain.

Masks, oils and scrubs are also much more affordable when you apply them yourself instead of making a trip to the spa. Pick up any of these treatments in the beauty aisles of the drugstore, or consider making them yourself. The ingredients for these products, such as honey, yogurt, milk, cucumbers, oats, lavender, sugar, salt, almonds and various oils (including coconut and tea tree, as well as olive oil), are affordable, and possibly in your kitchen right now.

A quick Google search provides endless recipes for treatments that are great for your scalp, dry skin on elbows, knees and feet, removing unwanted facial oil and other side effects of dry, winter air.

A basic mixture of one part oil (baby oil or coconut oil are my favorites) and two parts sugar or sea salt can be an easy solution for troubling dry skin areas. Salt can be harsher on the skin and can cause more dryness if you don’t moisturize afterward, so consider using sugar if you have sensitive skin.

What do you do to pamper yourself at home?

Share your own tips, tricks and recipes and you’ll be entered to win an Ecotools gift set.

To win the gift set, which includes a bath brush, bath & shower gloves and a hanging travel bag, just leave your tips and/or recipes by Friday at 4 p.m. A winner will be announced that afternoon.

Now, give these beauty treatments a try next time you’re in need of some pampering:

These recipes are courtesy of Erika Katz, author of “Bonding Over Beauty.”

Strawberry Scrub

The strawberry exfoliating scrub smells sweet and truly exfoliates dry flaky skin. Strawberries are also rich in salicylic acid and will help prevent breakouts.
4 pureed strawberries
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
4 Tbsp. sugar
Mix all the ingredients and store in an air-tight jar.

Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom Salts
1⁄4 cup Cake Mate Red Sugar Crystals (the kind you use to decorate cupcakes)
8 drops essential oil (like lavender, orange or grapefruit)
Place the salt into a bowl. Add the sugar crystals and mix well. Add the essential oil and mix well with a fork. Place the salts in a jar with a tight fitting lid to keep the oils intact. (Canning jars work beautifully.) After a day, mix well again to ensure that the oils have blended.

Banana Hair Mask
1 mashed banana
1 egg
3 Tbsp. milk
5 Tbsp. olive oil
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Using a wide-toothed comb to apply the mask to your hair from the roots to the ends. Let the mask soak into your hair for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse out the mask with cold water, then shampoo and condition hair as usual.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for your awesome tips. Hopefully a few readers will benefit from the column that will result from them.

Now, I have TWO winners, chosen at random, to announce…

Congrats to Nicole and Melody!

Nicole said: ”I love to recycle dresses by borrowing or swapping with friends from other schools or scope out TJMaxx or Marshalls since they have some cocktail dresses that fit the semi-formal needs of homecoming. They also have reasonably prices jewelry and some great clearance finds, I am convinced that you can find pretty much anything you need from those two stores and usually for super cheap if you have a good eye. ”

Melody’s advice was: “You should not spend full price for a dress. Always shop at a consignment shop my fav is Hidden Treasures. They have a huge selection of beautiful dresses to choose from at great prices. Shoes, purses and jewlery also. Have a Makeup party with everyone getting together to do each other’s makeup. Not only is it great fun but you can learn alot from each other.”

Happy Friday, everyone!