My Memories Suite Giveaway!

Today I am super excited to host my first giveaway!

One lucky reader will have the chance to win a copy of My Memories Suite 2 (a $40 value) for free!

"My Memories Suite Version 2.0 digital scrapbooking software is a fun and creative way to keep and share memories, whether you have a Mac or PC. The software's design tools will help you to build entire albums effortlessly using one of the many installed templates, or designing your very own pages from scratch." -MyMemories.com

My Memories Suite also comes with a code for $10 towards their kits and extras online! Information on how to enter below... way below. Muwahahaa.

However, since only one person can win I also have a little gift for everyone! Use the code STMMMS96755

 at http://www.mymemories.com/ to receive $10 off when you purchase My Memories Suite!

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I was asked the test and review the program and since I've never done any scrap booking before I was the perfect beginner candidate for a digital scrap booking program! (I could never convince myself to pay for the start up costs for traditional and honestly, I dreaded the mess I knew I would make--you should see me near the end of an amigurumi.)

Below I have posted the first five digital scrap booking experiments I have ever done using My Memories Suite.

Alright, easing into it. I started with one of the basic templates and just added a few touches.

That's a little better! I went with another template, but played around with more options.

Whoa, there that's enough. I went all out and built this one from the ground up, and up...and up. Guess I like them busy.

Alright so after pillaging through pictures of us I needed a change, and what is my go-to source?

Um, may I say "duh?"

I'm actually really glad I stopped using our vacation pictures, because these really helped me determine the ups and downs of the program, especially it's limited selection for male oriented embelishments and themes.

My Memories Suite Review:

The basic program is rather limited in options, most of which are very girly. However, on the plus side there is always room for expansion by purchasing the designer packs and kits that contain several different pages/embellishments online. The perfect solution when you’re bored with just the base software. The web site also has a great selection of free downloads as well as a dollar section for more extras. Their kits are well varied and contain lots of new items for an average of $5 each (as low as $1, as high as $10). When you buy the program you receive a $10 coupon code to use on the site. I bought an Alice in Wonderland themed kit, and an autumn kit.

In the end the program itself is very user friendly (reminded me a little bit of using old photoshop 7) and has a fun assortment of basic options to wet your appetite. The real fun comes from buying the various options online. I think if you are interested in digital scrap booking that this is an excellent program to use, it is simple, but can be used for more complex results. However, this program is also an investment: $40 initial cost (Only $30 with the code STMMMS96755) plus the additional online kits. That being said, you also don’t have to constantly replenish your supplies, once you buy their online options they are yours to use as long as you have the program (no running out of the right color or having to run out to get that perfect button).

Cost: It’s there, but you’ll probably spend less in the long run going digital than constantly buying scrapbook supplies at overpriced craft stores.

Ease of Use: Pretty darn good. Not only is the program very direct, but if you want something new you can buy it right from the computer. It’s easy enough to change items around after they’ve been placed, and clean up is as simple as shutting everything down.

Time: Oh boy, be careful here! This program will suck you in. The different options are numbing online, and the ability to quickly place photos and create albums is addicting. I sat down to just “test” a few things and ended up still playing three hours later.

Main Complaint: Basic program is a little too basic! The templates and embellishments become very tiresome after only a few experiments. Download times for the software and the extras are slower than expected (we have FiOS with excellent download speeds). I’m also concerned that if someone were going to use this program without a background in another art program that they may experience some frustration learning all the different bells and whistles. Having previously used Photoshop I found it quite comfortable.

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely would recommend to a friend with the small stipulation to be prepared to spend more than the initial cost. However, with the $10 off code (STMMMS96755) , and the $10 towards expanding that comes with the purchase, start up costs are not too bad!

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OK now what you've all been waiting for!

HOW TO ENTER:

Everyone may enter up to three times, please comment separately for each entry. Please leave your email address with each entry.

1. Follow my blog and say so in the comments below!

2. Go to http://www.mymemories.com/ and tell me which kit you like the best in the comments below!

3. Either like Mostly Nerdy Crochet or My Memories Suite on Facebook and say so in the comments below! (You may of course like us both, but you only get one entry for it!)

Winner will be chosen (by random number generator) September 18th.

The winner will have until 3pm September 20th to respond. If they do not respond I will draw a new winner.

Remember if you don't win you can still use the code STMMMS96755 for $10 off on My Memories Suite when purchased from mymemories.com!

Good luck!